The Finest Hour

by Carlo Zen

  At that time, everyone had faith. The war would end, and the Empire had won.

  But it wasn't a future they were glad to welcome, which was why various countries, the Commonwealth at the forefront, roared that they would resist to the last in order to avoid that nightmare.

  The remnants of the Republican Army that escaped from the mainland joined the remnants of the Entente Alliance Army, and together they based themselves in the Republic's overseas colonial holdings and declared that they would continue the war against the Empire. They called themselves the Free Republic, and their opposition was already posing a challenge to the military government the Imperial Army was establishing on the mainland.

  And near Mary Sue, people were both hostile toward and frightened by the Empire.

  She was being raised among people who had escaped the Entente Alliance to hope for peace from a safe place. To the majority of the refugees, the fact that even the Republic had dropped out of the fight was a huge disappointment.

  They had anticipated the fall of the Empire. That was why they were so happy to see the Republic's offensive. So when they saw the deadlock, they tasted despair, and everyone was shocked to witness the collapse of the Republican Army.

  Can no one seal away the evil of the Empire?

  But they couldn't accept that. So the refugees immediately rejected their own weak-willed doubts.

  That can't be. Believing that justice wouldn't overlook this wrong, they hoped and prayed. Many refugees joined their voices and protested further expansion of the horrible Empire.

  "We'll fight, too."

  Inspired, or perhaps intoxicated, by that cheer, people began to volunteer for the army. And touched by their passion, the countries began accepting them.

  And it wasn't just the refugees. Young people of each nation raised their voices in a frenzy. We must join the Commonwealth Army confronting the Empire and fight!

  At the same time, newspapers began to print editorials cautioning against the birth of an Empire too large, complete with expert comments, and even in the Unified States, some sounded warning bells that they were not so terribly removed from the situation on the continent.

  Everyone, whether they wanted to or not, had to understand that a period of violent upheaval in the balance of power had arrived. The tone of the debate stemming from that anxiety eventually began to naturally turn to exhorting countries to prepare, for their own safety, against the Empire.

  Hence, everyone's heartfelt cheers for the remaining troops of the Republican Army, who reassuringly declared they would continue to resist the Empire as the Free Republican Army.

  The Commonwealth had also declared that they would resist the Empire to the last, and everyone expected much from its new prime minister, the Duke of Marlborough, and his war leadership. Likewise, they felt they should fight under said leadership and began to join forces.

  She had power.

  That is, she had magic abilities she inherited from her father, Anson. And they were a gift that put her in a league of her own. If there hadn't been a war, her talent wouldn't have been much use to her, so perhaps it would have remained hidden.

  In fact, Anson had always explained to his family that just because they had the aptitude, that didn't mean they had to become mages.

  Mary could still remember the kind voice of her father telling her not to limit her options. He had encouraged her to walk her own path and always said he would support whatever future she chose. That was precisely why she was so determined.

  Meanwhile, the Empire was reluctantly coming to terms with continuation of the war and readying itself to claim another great victory.

  However, perhaps it should be said...

  Unlike with the other countries the Empire had fought, the army couldn't avoid crossing a sea to do battle with the Commonwealth. Of course, this was the Empire that had cut off the Entente Alliance's supply lines by conducting a landing operation in the enemy's rear territory, so it wasn't as if the option of an amphibious operation wasn't on the table.

  But as always, that entailed a caveat: "as long as it could secure command of the sea." And when asked about the prospects of securing command of the sea, Fleet Command only answered that it might be possible if they risked annihilation.

  So the Empire was facing a serious dilemma.

  If it engaged in a naval battle, maybe it could eliminate or check the Commonwealth's resistance for just long enough to get troops onto the mainland.

  But if the Empire's fleet got wiped out, it wouldn't have the wherewithal to take on another naval battle. At that point, no matter how many units landed, it would mean nothing because their supplies would be cut off, and they would be annihilated just like the Republican main forces were.

  That said, leaving the Commonwealth mainland alone would be tantamount to ignoring the enemy's powerful strategic base. Of course, the Commonwealth Army had a limited number of soldiers, so it wasn't a terribly worrisome direct threat, but... At the rate things were going, it would be an endless draw.

  [chapter] V Internal Affairs

  A CERTAIN DIMENSION, A CERTAIN DOMAIN OF EXISTENCE

  The being there trembled with joy.

  "Hoo-hoo-hoo. Wonderful!"

  He was so happy he nearly praised the glory of the Lord in spite of himself. No, he did. To solemnly praise the almighty Being, he raised a pious face to the heavens and shouted hallelujah.

  Of course, no one in this place would reproach him for such an act. Rather, they would join in. After all, they were creatures of that Being as intelligent as the Spaghetti Monster.8

  "Cherub, sir, did something happen?"

  "Oh, Archangel, keep up the good work. I'm just so happy that faith has been growing by leaps and bounds lately." Having finished his exalting prayer, he responded to the address with a smile and praised the Homo sapiens' return to the life-and-death cycle.

  What wonderful news, the cherub's manner all but proclaimed, expressing his relief that order had finally been restored. These beings were charged with leading the creatures known as Homo sapiens, guiding their souls, and this was the first positive report they had received in quite a while.

  And it was only natural that the archangel, upon hearing it, would smile and express his approval. Naturally, he celebrated that things were as they should be. It was a hymn for the Great One, nearly overflowing from his heart and very being.

  O God, Creator, you are great.

  "That is very good, indeed. But that's strange---hold on."

  Yet, doubt appeared on the archangel's fine features. Restored faith and a promised return to the cycle of life and death was wonderful. If their appeals to the people had been effective, then eventually they would be able to guide their souls.

  But something suddenly confused the archangel. He had the feeling that only a short time ago, he had heard something different.

  They were all equal before the One-in-All, and outside the hierarchy of their obligations, rather tolerant. Thus, it was permissible for him to second-guess the words of a superior being. Which is why, perhaps it should be said...

  As long as the archangel was engaged in holy work, he had an obligation to ask the cherub anything he didn't understand.

  "Hmm? Is something wrong?" And the cherub was obliged to answer.

  For them, delays in holy duties were unforgivable, so any and all obstacles had to be overcome.

  Naturally, the cherub politely responded with good intentions, his voice soft. To him, it was proper to work together in the fight for the glory of the Lord.

  Both of them only meant well.

  "I hear evil atheists have infested their world."

  That was why they had to stand up and bravely confront evil.

  It was their sacred duty.

  "What?! Nothing like that is happening in my jurisdiction. Do you know whose it is?"

  But the archangel had raised an issue the cherub hadn't heard of.

  In his area, the people were definitely beginning
to sense the presence of God.

  Yes, they all clung piously to his voice, acted as was right for his creatures to act, and fervently wished for the almighty Father's grace.

  To the cherub, protecting and guiding humble believers was a delight; nothing made him happier. No, it was his raison d'être. He was created for no other purpose but this.

  Which was why he smiled happily.

  These beings had transcended the loathsome habit of sectionalism, but paradoxically, the news that the horrible, well-meaning evil of atheism had filled the little lambs they were meant to protect and guide pained his heart to the point of bursting.

  Just hearing that atheists were running rampant cast a shadow across his beautiful face. For such a thing to happen in one's jurisdiction was a great sorrow indeed.

  Therefore.

  Out of utter kindness and a sense of duty, he had to ask. If such terrible tragedy was occurring...

  "I'd like to do anything I can to assist. Does anyone know whose jurisdiction it is?"

  He felt he had to extend a helping hand.

  "Alas, I'm ashamed to admit it is my own."

  Naturally, rather than conceal this awkward problem, it was better to solve it together. After all, that was their job as guides. No, it was their holy duty as creations of the Lord.

  If they couldn't lead the lost lambs properly, how could they claim to be guides? Ushering lost lambs down the path of righteousness with joy, to be as they were meant to be, was their raison d'être.

  Anyone who neglected it could only be seen as a fallen, evil being beyond all saving.

  So an offer of aid on the path of salvation was always welcome. That said, while these things sometimes happened, the unspoken expectation was that it was relatively inexperienced beings themselves, liable to stray, who would fail in their guidance.

  Which was why all the beings present were shocked to hear that their supervisor wasn't sure how to proceed with his guidance.

  "The ones under your guidance, Sir Seraph? How could such a thing have come to pass?"

  The seraphim served the Father most closely of all.

  Yet, this one's guidance wasn't reaching the people? The guidance of this truly faithful seraph who was trusted just as deeply by God the Father? If a seraph wasn't enough to save them, then it really was a puzzle.

  "Yes, lamentably, the fools have not only abandoned their faith, they even, if you can believe it...blaspheme."

  Blasphemy? How could it be?

  Rather than understanding the sheep, the beings could be described as basically unconcerned. Only rarely did something occur to cause a change in their attitude.

  But this was even rarer than that---it was that shocking. They were up against mass atheism. Not only that, but reports indicated that behavior judged blasphemous was happening on the same scale?

  They were committing the sin of holy sacrilege!

  But if that was true, Why? Would it spread to them all? Those were the questions on their uncomprehending minds.

  "It shouldn't be possible. I heard there is even an outrageous movement to deify their rulers."

  But the seraph spat the reply, as if saying it disgusted him, and removed all doubt from their minds.

  For a moment, all were silent. A beat later, the meaning of what he had said sunk in, and astonishment followed.

  "Have they really so little fear? What sort of person would you have to be to do such things?!"

  "It's revolting to even say, but apparently they lump God in with opium."

  He provided the explanation reluctantly. How could the origin of the world be equated to something so unclean? There were even some recalcitrants aiming to replace God the Father. Even the beings who fell in the past hadn't come up with something so awful. That was why it was so unsettling; they were simply stunned.

  "What...?! Is there no limit to the horror?"

  That was more or less how they all felt.

  There was one thought that didn't get voiced.

  How could this have happened?

  "This just isn't going very well, is it?" the cherub lamented with a sigh, in spite of himself, but it was likewise the unmistakable sentiment of all present.

  His overflowing joy of a moment ago had been replaced with sadness, as if it had never been.

  "But half the world is still filled with pious little lambs seeking salvation."

  They had finally managed to bring the voice of God to the believers. During the war, the humans had finally begun to seek salvation from a transcendental being.

  "I can't believe the other half have fallen to the wickedness of atheism."

  That half the world should have fallen into darkness where the Good News wouldn't reach!

  "...With all due respect, I find that hard to believe. They've received the Good News! How could half the world have descended into the primitive darkness of atheism or what have you? Is that really possible?"

  At the same time, the archangel and other angels sighed their doubts.

  They questioned whether it could really be possible. They agonized over whether it could really become a majority. It was truly unthinkable. No, they were in denial of the impossible phenomenon.

  For something like that should never happen to a group who had been given the Good News.

  Perhaps it could happen to a single person. There were examples in Homo sapiens history of individuals being seized by such insanity. Their policy on those isolated examples was to deemphasize them. Though they were interested in humans as a group, they were nearly indifferent to them as individuals.

  But a group who had received the Good News descending into such darkness was worrisome indeed. It was virtually unheard of. If they searched the past, they could find examples of new forms of faith or reduced faith, so they had experience dealing with such problems.

  But this had never happened before, and neither had they anticipated it.

  "It certainly is strange. Good grief, what came over them?"

  That said, they couldn't simply weep and fail to act. They were tirelessly faithful to their duties, and as such, they scraped together all their wisdom.

  "If we want to restore faith, what about sending in...you know, that one?"

  "The glory of being God's servant is too great a responsibility for just one, and a human at that."

  "I see, yes, it might be too harsh to simply say, 'Know God's will.' In the past, Homo sapiens only managed it after we told them several times and they finally listened."

  "Then how about continuing to call out to them?"

  "No, we can't save them that way. Leaving faithless souls to wander would go against God's will."

  The conclusion they reached out of their utter goodwill was to go with their "usual way" of restoring faith.

  "Then wouldn't the best way be to teach Homo sapiens of his grace through trials?"

  As for the vital how, the cherub suggested a method through which he had had some success, and the others accepted.

  "I see. If we give that one the glory of fighting as a servant of God, we can expect a conversion."

  After all, though they were generally indifferent to individuals, they were already keeping an eye on one of them.

  Since faith had already been growing as a result, it was more than worth trying in this case as well.

  "Please wait. The glory of fighting as God's servant shouldn't be reserved for a single individual. Enlightenment is important, but I think it's vital to respond to the prayers of the deeply faithful as well."

  And they had good intentions. The suggestion of having that one fight for the grace of God was made with utterly good intentions.

  We must convert the lamb who forgot the light of God's protection and glory. And we must save those who pray.

  "Then let's do that. How about specifics?"

  Everyone welcomed the opinion. They were saviors. The protests of an individual meant to deliver his grace were meaningless to them. No, since no one had the ears to hear them, no one
would point out they should listen.

  Well, if anything, perhaps it was a difference of perspective. Even humans are virtually incapable of listening to nonhuman opinions.

  "Shall we ask the throne?"

  "All right. I will mention it to the Lord."

  Thus, it was decided without a single objection.

  AUGUST 22, UNIFIED YEAR 1925

  It was two months after the fall of the mainland Republic. At the time, suffice it to say that everyone living in the Empire believed that the war was over. After all, the Empire had defeated the neighboring Entente Alliance, the Republic, and incidentally, the Principality. The boast We are the Reich, crown of the world had begun to have a ring of truth to it.

  Even the news that the Commonwealth had joined in on the side of the Republic wasn't enough to dampen the euphoria. With no major fighting or naval battles, no one expected the Commonwealth to be an obstacle to the restoration of peace. Everyone murmured as if they knew: "They joined the battle far too late."

  So when it was reported that the Commonwealth had rejected the Empire's invitation to a peace conference, the public sentiment in the Empire was mainly confusion. They couldn't understand what made the war so enjoyable that the Commonwealth was itching to continue it.

  Of course, people in the Empire were aware that the Free Republican Army, made up of Republican troops who howled that they would resist to the end, was putting up a meager fight in some Republican colonies.

  More importantly, it was also reported that the Commonwealth and its kingdoms, having decided to intervene in this war, were cooperating with the Free Republican Army.

  But even knowing all that, everyone had to wonder, Why are they so interested in continuing the war? The outcome had already been decided on the battlefield. The Imperial Army had literally wiped out the Entente Alliance Army, the Principality's army, and the Republican Army, and its power as the conqueror was known far and wide.

  And while the Empire's terms were harsh, the people believed it was fundamentally a treaty that could restore peace, so the resistance of the obstinate Republican remnants and the stubborn Commonwealth was irritating at first, then anger inducing.