Chapter 9 – The appearing thief, the appearing messenger

The governance system of the Amatsuki Empire differs slightly from the Empire.

Lords are selected from educated nobility and the position is not hereditary. Furthermore, they have fixed terms and do not stay in one territory for an extended period.

One might think that individuals not well-acquainted with the affairs of the territory might become the next lords. However, the empire manages well with this system.

Firstly, the transfer of lordship duties is done regularly, ensuring that documentation for a smooth transition is created, enabling any new lord to quickly assume responsibilities. Of course, only individuals with a certain level of education are eligible to be appointed as lords.

Moreover, a change in the lord does not necessarily result in a complete turnover of bureaucratic officials. Therefore, there are many who can support the new lord in their duties at the grassroots level.

Additionally, the fact that each territory is not overly vast plays a significant role. The limited scale of territories reduces the likelihood of corruption and collusion with local merchants or village leaders, given the term limits. The effectiveness of this aspect might have both positive and negative implications.

‘Well, it probably works because it’s the Amatsuki Empire after all.’

People of the empire, who are reluctant to leave their homeland, generally exhibit a strong sense of patriotism. While this sentiment may exist among imperial citizens, considering the prolonged state of decay, the love for the homeland is notably more pronounced among the people of the empire.

In essence, there are fewer individuals seeking power excessively or aiming solely for personal gain. From commoners to nobility, there is a strong sense of dedication to serving the imperial family.

Not all Amatsuki citizens share this mindset and there are certainly heinous criminals among them. However, as a general atmosphere, there is something commendable about it.

‘Not to say one is better or worse… I just personally prefer the Amatsuki Empire.’

The Empire has a long history, and its territories and nobility system have been structured to govern its vast land. Just as each country has unique circumstances, governance methods also possess individual characteristics. Nomadic tribes might be the most extreme example.

“It’s been two days since we arrived in the Ouma territory…So far, there’s been no movement from the bandits.”

“Well…”

Myself, Masaomi and Kiyoka, along with some Amatsuki Empire soldiers, came to the Ouma territory. We collaborated with the local lord and the warriors stationed here and currently, we are positioned at a fortress near the border.

From the Ouma territory to the Imperial territory, there is a road—though it can hardly be called a highway, a simple path has been established.

From the fortress, the continuation of the road is clearly visible. The surroundings of the road are overgrown with vegetation, making visibility poor.

“Come to think of it, it happened in other territories too. Large number of bandits.”

“Seems that way.”

“Bandits have infiltrated the Empire before, but to show such activity… there must be something going on in the Empire after all.”

Well, that’s probably true. After all, they are in the midst of a three-way civil war. Moreover, the western region lacks proper rulers, is in disarray, and is said to be sending bandits to various places. In any case, whether it’s the Emperor’s faction or the Lord’s Union, they need to reunify the Empire soon. Otherwise, peaceful days won’t come anytime soon.

‘Well, both sides probably want to reunify, which is why they’ve been preparing their forces without engaging in major battles for a while…’

However, due to the troublesome individuals in the west, they can’t move on to the decisive battle to determine the outcome. The exhaustion of both factions provides a perfect opportunity for the rogues.

“What’s wrong, Vyril? You look troubled.”

“Huh? …Did I have that expression?”

“You did, you did.”

“We have been together for so long. If Vyril is thinking about something complicated, I can tell.”

What’s that supposed to mean? I wasn’t thinking about anything that complicated…

But it’s true, our association has been long. We’re the same age and became warriors together at the age of 15, having practised together many times. In the truest sense, we can call each other friends.

“So, what were you thinking about? Oh, it’s about Mayo-sama, right!?”

“…Huh?”

“Lucky you, getting to meet Mayo-sama. She’s rumored to be the most beautiful princess among the successive imperial family! Hey hey, what was her voice like!?”

“Haaa…..Don’t compare me to you.”

Mayo-sama…was she really reputed like that? Certainly, she is an exceptionally beautiful girl.

But considering that she, with such beauty, cares about the people, I also feel inclined to serve the empire for the sake of the imperial family. Even someone like me, just a warrior, received some consideration.

Indeed, the unifying force of the imperial family might be what enriches this country.

“…I was thinking about the bandits.”

“Eh? Bandits?”

“Yeah. The story is that the appearing bandits are each in the range of 100 people, right? If that’s true, how did they come all the way here…I mean, each person needs the amount of food for 100 people in a day. And that too, for several days. They have to procure it from somewhere, right?”

“Ah… I see.”

So far, the bandits we’ve encountered were usually around 1 to 20 people, at most. Some of them even had magical abilities, but they were still not a match for us.

However, the story of 100 people was something we hadn’t heard before. It would be challenging for ordinary bandits to secure enough food for such a large group over several days. If we were to speculate, perhaps a village in the Imperial territory was completely plundered.

“Maybe they occupied a village in the Imperial territory because the defence of the Empire is unexpectedly strong.”

“That seems possible. Oh, that’s why those rumoured bandits haven’t shown up here.”

We don’t know for sure. Well, it’s not something for me to ponder. We should just remain vigilant in this fortress as instructed.

If nothing happens, there will probably be orders to return to the imperial capital. And if the bandits show up, it’s just a matter of cutting them down before they enter the imperial territory.

It was at that moment when I was pondering. My ears caught a strange sound, like a ground tremor.

“Hmm…?”

I wasn’t the only one feeling uneasy, and suddenly, they appeared.

“Wha…”

“Ehh…?”

Armed men emerged abruptly from the thickets. And they were not just a group of 50; there were many more.

“It can’t be..…”

“Bandits!”

“Calm down! Look closely at the opponents, they’re amateurs! Don’t let them into the Imperial territory! Kill those who approach with weapons!”

The commander shouted loudly, making it sound like he was addressing the bandits, instructing us.

Don’t get close unless necessary; that seemed to be the message. However, the bandits charged towards us without hesitation.

“Ugh…!”

“We can’t let them enter the Imperial territory! Let’s do it!”

I drew my sword and stood behind the Imperial soldiers, who were the main force. I ruthlessly cut down those who broke through them.

“….!”

In the chaos of battle, wielding weapons becomes challenging. However, we never make the mistake of accidentally striking our allies. None among those called warriors would be so foolish.

“Ha!”

There was no need to activate engraving arts. It seemed none of the bandits had seals.

‘But… they are indeed amateurs…’

Men with emaciated bodies wielding simple weapons. They were the type of bandits relatively common to encounter. Conversely, larger-built bandits tended to have more individuals with seals.

Certainly, they might be struggling to find food due to the impact of the civil war. But I didn’t sympathise. It was just a matter of differing circumstances and environments, similar to my past.

“Seeeii!”

Since they didn’t wear any armour, I aimed not for their blades but directly at their bodies to minimise any pain. When I had cut down quite a few, fleeing bandits started to appear.

“Yaaaah!”

“I-I didn’t want to do this!”

“If we run, my wife will…!”

“I’m getting out of here!”

What… the bandits seem to be in disarray too? Well, whatever. If they want to escape, I won’t pursue. Chasing after them recklessly might lead Imperial warriors into Imperial territory.

■

It seems that on this day, bandits appeared in other territories as well. And on the next day, an envoy carrying the flag of the Empire emerged. Following the diplomatic protocol between nations, we provided guidance to the envoy on their way to the imperial capital.

And a few days later, a directive arrived from the imperial capital to the Ouma territory. It conveyed the preparation for war against the Empire.