Empire of Ice

by Hyougetsu

  Kite’s got a point. Just then, Monza came by with another sheaf of documents. Since she was already here, I asked her to get Ryucco out from behind the curtains.

  “He’s got a soft spot for women. Treat him gently, though.”

  “Ahaha, sure. Come here, little bunny.”

  Seeing Monza’s face, Ryucco breathed a sigh of relief and hopped over.

  “Ah, alright, I give up. I was planning to greet you with my ultimate fatal ambush, but it wouldn’t do to brutalize someone in front of a woman.”

  You shouldn’t have said that, Ryucco. Monza lifted Ryucco into her arms and grinned.

  “I love brutalizing people though.”

  Monza transformed into her werewolf form and Ryucco screamed so loudly the windows shook.

  “You werewolves are a barbaric race. You could stand to learn a thing or two from us delicate, intellectual lagomorphus.”

  Ryucco was sitting on Airia’s lap with a towel wrapped around himself. Judging by the fact that he was still trembling, Monza’s transformation had scared him good. Airia, who’d come running when she’d heard Ryucco scream, patted the tiny lagomorphus kindly and smiled.

  “Is this the skilled artificer Her Highness the Demon Lord spoke of?”

  “He’s so timid that he’s always running, but he’s also a really cautious, detail-oriented craftsman. You can put your trust in any magic tool Ryucco makes.”

  Ryucco’s tail wagged back and forth excitedly; he was clearly enjoying the praise.

  “Indeed. You can count on me. I’ll analyze those Blast Canes or whatever and upgrade them into the ultimate weapon.”

  No one asked you to upgrade them too. But now that I think about it, that might not be a bad idea. I placed one of the Blast Canes I’d confiscated on top of my desk. Every time I saw one I was struck by how eerily similar they looked to matchlock muskets. Ryucco hopped off of Airia’s lap and appraised the Blast Cane with a practiced eye. He then sniffed it and said, “Oho. Ohohoho... Now this is interesting.”

  Ryucco slung off his oversized—well, oversized for him—backpack and rifled through it. He pulled out a few tools and puffed his chest out proudly.

  “Watch. If I do this here and take this part off here, and fiddle with this bit here, then clamp this in place so it doesn’t come off when I do this... You get this.”

  He disassembled the Blast Cane with the same finesse a sushi chef might fillet a tuna. Even though it was his first time seeing this weapon, he didn’t hesitate at all.

  “This is a pretty easy weapon to understand. Taking it apart was a piece of cake. Tinkering with this is gonna be so much fun.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. This weapon’s been simplified to the extreme. The magic circles it uses are all textbook. Plus...”

  Ryucco pulled out a lustrous purple rod and hefted it in both hands. I recognized that rare metal.

  “This magesteel has a lot of capacity. Which is why it’s got a twofold emission magic crest engraved onto it. It’s also got a redundant failsafe in case... Hey, do you even understand what I’m saying, Veight?”

  I’d heard similar words in a less fantasy setting back on Earth, so I could more or less follow along.

  “If you didn’t have all those spare crests it’d be more likely to break down right? That’d be fatal in the middle of a battle.”

  “Tch,” Ryucco spat, irritated. “Yeah, that’s right. How the hell are you following along though? This ain’t your specialty.”

  I smiled awkwardly and brushed him off. Ryucco continued giving me an explanation as he analyzed the various parts of the Blast Cane. Put simply, it was a water pistol that shot mana instead of water. It was charged with mana instead of pressure, so to wield it you needed to be able to manipulate mana. The more mana you charged it with, the stronger the shot and the more shots you could fire. Increasing the mana input also increased range.

  “So only mages can use these?”

  “Yep. Well, anyone can learn to manipulate mana with a bit of training, but you’ve gotta have as much mana as a mage to get any firepower outta this guy.”

  The fact that you needed specialized skills to use one meant Blast Canes were inferior to gunpowder muskets. They were closer to bows. It seemed I’d misunderstood how the Blast Canes functioned. Fortunately, Ryucco loved messing with magical tools.

  “Do you think you could remodel them so that anyone can use one? I only need 60 or so, even that’ll be enough to make things easier.”

  “Hmm... I’m not sure that’s...” Ryucco trailed off, realizing what he’d been about to say. “Of course! Who the hell do you think I am!? I’m the greatest artificer to have ever studied under Gomoviroa, the great Ryucco! Upgrading weapons is even easier than killing a few shitty werewolves!”

  Ryucco stretched his back, his nose twitching. No duh, it’s easier than killing a few werewolves. Anyway, looks like you can do it at least.

  I left remodeling the Blast Canes to Ryucco. Meanwhile, I decided to put the information he’d given me from analyzing one to use elsewhere. Both the Blast Canes and the Blast Grimoire had been developed by Eleora. From what members of the mage corps had told me, Eleora had done her best to stay out of the succession scuffle.

  “From a young age, Princess Eleora was more focused on her studies than anything else.”

  I’d gathered all the important people in Southern Meraldia for a meeting. There were a mixture of councilors and demon army generals present. We all sipped on some tea as I explained what I’d learned. Since she was a toddler, Eleora had been studying at Rolmund’s imperial university. She’d started out in the branch meant for children, but once she graduated, she moved to the adult branch. Part of the reason she’d been so devoted to research was that she’d wanted to show to others that she had no interest in the succession and just wanted to be left alone. Assassins still made attempts on her life, but not with nearly as much frequency as they did the other princes and princesses.

  “Unfortunately, she was too smart for her own good.”

  “What do you mean?” Kurtz asked, picking up one of the communication devices I’d confiscated from the soldiers.

  I flipped through my notes and explained, “She developed too many useful things.”

  Such as communication devices that utilized mana resonance theory or night vision goggles that used light-gathering magic. She’d even invented optical camouflage. Everything she’d made was to keep herself safe from assassination, but the military took a vested interest in her inventions. Anything developed by Rolmund’s imperial university was considered property of the state.

  “Things got a lot worse once she invented Blast Canes. It was that invention that got the Rolmund army to mobilize.”

  “Why did she make something like that?”

  Kurtz’s question was a valid one.

  “Eleora’s specialty, destruction magic, is extremely difficult to utilize in actual combat. That’s why neither Rolmund nor Meraldia care that much about destruction mages.”

  Parker nodded in agreement.

  “If you summon up flames or a lightning bolt, they’ll hit you. In order to strike a specific target, you need a lot of complicated support spells that specify coordinates and the like. But because it’s normally such a pain, our friend Veight here—”

  Before he could finish, I shoved a rusk into Parker’s mouth.

  “Eat up, fellow disciple.”

  “Hoh heeh hoo he sho shy!”

  I have no idea what you’re saying. Having successfully concealed my dark past, I continued my explanation, “Eleora wanted to improve the standing of destruction mages, so she tried to create a weapon that effectively utilized destruction magic’s firepower. And thus, the Blast Canes were born.”

  From what Ryucco had told me, the weapon itself was as simple in design as a water pistol. But it was clear that a lot of research had gone into making it as powerful and safe as possible while also keeping it simple enough that it could be mass
produced.

  “Rolmund’s destruction mages quickly mastered this new weapon, and their standing in the military rose considerably. Destruction mages tend to have more mana than those who study other fields, they just have trouble utilizing it for anything other than destruction magic.”

  When I stopped for breath Parker once again interrupted, “However, the Blast Canes are able to channel a destruction mage’s vast mana pool effectively, making them the ideal soldiers!”

  Wondering what had happened to the rusk I’d shoved into Parker’s mouth, I glanced around. I saw Kite making a troubled face and looked down to see it on his tea saucer. Sorry. After Parker finished his explanation, Kurtz nodded in understanding.

  “So that’s why the military couldn’t afford to leave Eleora alone. As a result, she was forced back into the world of politics.”

  “Yeah. Once she’d been given military authority, she had no choice but to participate in politics.”

  This was something Eleora’s soldiers likely didn’t know, but she’d told me that the military had a lot of authority over the imperial university. Something had likely gone on behind the scenes that had forced Eleora to leave the university and become an officer. After quelling several rebellions, she was given permission to form the mage corps.

  “Sadly for Eleora, she was skilled at both research and strategy. And because she valued her men’s lives, she also grew popular.”

  Everyone present sighed sympathetically.

  “I can see why the other members of the royal family would be wary of her,” Baltze muttered, and the others nodded.

  Munching despondently on the rusk Parker had left for him, Kite said, “Not only was she an exemplary tactician, but she was also a genius researcher and popular with the people? It’s a wonder they didn’t lynch her.”

  “Ah, but if I’d been one of those nobles, I would have respected her,” Lacy said, trying to cover for Eleora.

  Unfortunately, good people like you aren’t the people who survive in the world of politics. Airia looked up and muttered, “Normally a skilled person with no ambition can seek protection from one faction or another, but when that person also has the right to ascend the throne...”

  “They’re nothing but a nuisance to most factions. If one side decided to take Eleora under their wing and something happened to her, they’d suffer the consequences too. Worse, if Eleora suddenly decided she did want power, they’d be in a precarious position. So naturally, no faction took her in.”

  As a result, she’d had no choice but to build her own faction. Students, military engineers, and mages ended up being the core of her base. They were all intellectual types with little connection to religion. Plus, antisocial as she was, Eleora had little standing with her older cousins and the people at court. Which was why she was saddled with the troublesome task of conquering Meraldia. Not only was the mission difficult, but there was little glory waiting for her if she succeeded. Unfortunately, she’d had no choice but to accept or she and her subordinates would all be executed. In the end, all her plans failed.

  “The rest is as you know. She fought us and lost, and now she’s our prisoner.”

  Everyone present smiled sadly. I was reminded of something I’d read in a manga back in my old life. “If I get serious, I could reach S-class. But I don’t want to stand out, so I’m staying C-class.” Those might have been words of wisdom. Had Eleora spent her life inventing useless junk, she might still have been enjoying a quiet life at the imperial university.

  I then called a council meeting and told the viceroys what I’d told everyone else. They’d all suffered under the tyrannical rule of the Senate, so they could empathize with Eleora’s plight.

  “That lass doesn’t have it in her to just sit back and do a half-assed job. No wonder she had such a hard time of it. Aram, ya should learn from her example.”

  Petore smiled wryly at Aram.

  “Wh-Why me!?”

  “Cause you take everything far too seriously too.”

  The other viceroys grinned. However, I came to Aram’s defense.

  “It’s thanks to Aram’s quick-witted thinking that we were able to drive away the enemies at the eastern gate without a fight. I’d say he knows what he’s doing. Thanks for that, by the way.”

  “Oh, I’m just glad to have finally been of use.”

  Aram smiled in relief, and Petore sighed.

  “Thanks to that clever trick of yers, our army didn’t even get a chance to do anything. I’m leaving a hundred of my soldiers here in Ryunheit. I can’t keep getting shown up by you youngsters.”

  Hearing that, Garsh shrugged dismissively.

  “Only a hundred, geezer? You’ll just get in the way of my landing force with that few.”

  “Pah, this is why you’re still a brat. Just having Lotz’s flag flying from Ryunheit’s walls will mean no mercenaries will attack.”

  That certainly is true. That was the scary thing about Petore, he had influence all over the continent. However, Beluza’s landing force had put their lives on the line to protect us demons. For the first time in history, humans had fought for us. I said as much to Garsh, thanking him and his men. Blushing, Garsh shrugged his shoulders and said, “What’s the point in promising friendship if we don’t back those words up with actions? Besides, you erected an entire monument for the louts that died. Thank you.”

  “I only did what was natural.”

  The discussion then moved on to how the Commonwealth would assimilate the north. None of us held any grudges against the northern viceroys, so we decided to let them join the council. It was clear Rolmund still intended to conquer Meraldia, and the citizens of Northern Meraldia seemed to already be sick of Rolmund rule. Exhausted from the constant strife that had plagued the region, Northern Meraldia’s only option was to join hands with us.

  The Meraldian Federation of 17 cities may have collapsed, but now we were about to become a Meraldian Commonwealth of 17 cities. Students who learned about this period generations later would probably hate our naming sense.

  “In the end, we’re basically the same thing as before, just without the Senate,” Shatina said. Firnir poked her cheek indignantly and replied, “Aren’t you forgetting something? Now that we’re a demon-human alliance, we’re way bigger than before.”

  Melaine nodded and muttered, “The Senate has existed since the time I was human. It’s strange to think it’s gone now. Well, no one will miss them at least.”

  I nodded as well, “Indeed. The true Senate served its purpose centuries ago. These guys were just a historical relic.”

  Since they were fleeing a feudal empire, it made sense that the escaped slaves turned to a republic. But before long, the Senate turned just as corrupt as the emperors they’d been fleeing. Their one saving grace had been that even in the end, they hadn’t reinstated slavery. Though they’d treated the south almost as bad as slaves, so perhaps they couldn’t really be praised for that.

  Tired of the gloomy atmosphere, Forne clapped his hands loudly and said, “I think that’s enough discussion for one day. Come, let us watch a play and unwind. I’d like to show you all the latest installment in the Black Werewolf King series, ‘Ageless Girl.’”

  “You’re still making more?”

  We don’t need propaganda anymore. Wait a second, is this play about Master? Forne smiled and said, “Well you see, the plays did so well that people are raving for more. And a lot of demons have been clamoring for one starring the Demon Lord. By the way, the one after this is going to be one focused on Shatina. I’ve already figured out the title. ‘Guardians of the Labyrinth.’”

  You’re gonna make those events into a play too? Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I looked away.

  “Sir Forne, don’t you think you’re indulging in your hobbies a little too much?”

  “Well, I’m only doing this because it’s making me money... The plays themselves aren’t that profitable but selling art and other merchandise brings in a lot of revenue. Bus
iness is booming for Veira’s artists and craftsmen.”

  Ah, I totally get that. You just feel compelled to buy merch of series you like. As always, Forne was a shrewd viceroy.

  * * * *

  —Eleora’s Walk—

  I feel as though I have woken from a long dream, and yet am also still inside that dream. This is the first time in my life that I have tasted defeat. Yet despite having failed, I am still alive. Even though I’m a prisoner, the Black Werewolf King allowed Natalia to remain by my side to nurse me. He’s more thoughtful than he appears.

  “Princess, we have permission to go out into the old district as long as there’s someone to chaperone us. How about we go out for a walk? It might be a nice change of pace.”

  That doesn’t sound like a bad idea. We can inspect the city’s layout. We may even obtain some valuable information. Just as I’m thinking that, Natalia says, “Oh yes. They’re showing the Black Werewolf King plays in Ryunheit as well. Do you want to come see one with me?”

  “What Black Werewolf King plays?”

  Now that I think about it, I did promise Natalia I would go see a play with her. But what on earth are these Black Werewolf King plays? Natalia turns to me and replies, “They’re a series of plays that showcase the Black Werewolf King’s life. They cover a variety of events and all have a different focus, but they’re all very well made.”

  “...Tell me more.”

  After hearing her explanation, I finally come to understand one of the reasons why I lost. By cleverly fusing fact and fiction, the Black Werewolf King managed to change the people’s perception of him. Without putting in any effort at all, he increased his own popularity and that of other key members of the demon army. The Demon Ambassador Airia was portrayed as a wise, rational, yet passionate beauty who led with a capable hand. Viceroy Melaine was portrayed as a tragic vampire queen, forced to fight against her will for the survival of her species. Viceroy Firnir was portrayed as a valiant hero, always fighting at the front lines to protect her people’s honor and way of life. And lastly the Vice-Commander of the Demon Lord, Black Werewolf King Veight was portrayed as a gentle yet powerful man who supported the demon army from the shadows but was heralded as the werewolves’ Champion.