Chapter 4 – The course of the civil war

One of the things that surprised me when I came to the Amatsuki Empire is how close the distance is between the nobility, who are warriors and the common people.

Warriors casually walk into town to have a meal and they even take baths in the public bathhouses. The townsfolk don’t seem to be particularly bothered by it. It’s a sight you wouldn’t often see in the Empire or other countries.

Well, there are some warriors who come from common backgrounds and the high-ranking warriors who really need to be cautious don’t often show themselves in public. They’re always working on the front lines. They’re probably the most familiar nobility to the common folks.

Among the nobility in the Empire, there are not only warriors but also civil officials and some high-ranking bureaucrats. Those from such backgrounds are closer to the nobility I imagine.

So, I was at a public bathhouse with my master and we were sweating it out before coming to this high-end restaurant. It’s a completely private room, and it seems quite expensive.

“Come to think of it, when I was still over there, you used to say that the Amatsuki Empire is a country with delicious fish and sake.”

“Did I say that? Well, it’s actually true.”

He said with a grin. At first, I was sceptical about raw fish and such, but now I’ve developed a taste for the Empire’s cuisine.

“It’s been quite a while since the two of us had a meal together like this.”

“Yeah…Vyril is already 22.”

As he said that, my master narrowed his eyes as if recalling something.

“Do you remember what I said back then?”

“Yes. When I turn 20, I can choose my own path…”

It seemed like a vow he made with my mother to protect my life. Master would protect me until I turned 20. 

My master was determined to train me rigorously and make me strong enough to protect myself. On the other hand, I was destined to become a noble born in the Empire. 

Moreover, on that day, my mother and I were planning to go to our birthplace, the Linzent Territory. We knew it would be dangerous to stay in the imperial palace. 

If you want to know about the Empire and if you want to visit your mother’s hometown, you can do it but it has to be after you turn 20.

“Well, you were naturally talented to begin with, but Vyril, you’ve become strong. Now, you could probably handle a small group of bandits on your own and if you go all out, you’d be on par with high-ranking warriors in the Empire.”

“That’s… quite an overestimation.”

I couldn’t help but think that it was too much praise. I’ve spent a long time as a warrior, so I know the abilities of those higher up.

“Not being able to remove that left eye is unfortunate.”

“………….”

Certainly, having a handicap due to the loss of one eye is a challenge but there’s no way around it. It’s something I absolutely cannot remove if I want to live as a warrior in the Amatsuki Empire.

“Two years ago, you said you didn’t know what you wanted to do and had no information to make that judgement. How about now?”

“Well… I still don’t have the information I need to make a judgement, but as for what I want… I’ve started to see some things.”

“Oh?”

My master’s interest was piqued, and he didn’t hide it as he emptied his cup of sake. I poured myself another glass and continued.

“I want to live as a warrior in the Amatsuki Empire.”

“Don’t you have any feelings towards the Zeltreich Empire?”

“Well, of course I do. I still can’t forgive myself for taking my mother’s life and I hate the person I was back then when I had no power. Anger and hatred are always smouldering in my heart. But… the reason I can live in this country is also thanks to my master and the comrades I’ve trained with as a warrior. I do feel a connection to the Empire, being my birthplace, but… I’m going to continue to let time gradually fade away that hatred and live on. I think that’s the best course of action for everyone.”

So, I will keep my eyepatch on and continue to live as Vyril.

I won’t remove the eyepatch no matter what challenges lie ahead or no matter how formidable the enemy may be. If I die, the mark will disappear and the fact that there was a member of the royal family named Vilgard will be erased.

‘If my survival becomes known, I can’t involve this country and my master in troublesome situations.’

Having spent all this time up to today, I’ve come to value the Amatsuki Empire.

This country doesn’t have conflicts with the Empire, and even though it’s busy, I can continue to live as a warrior.

‘……………’

A dark premonition suddenly swept over me. Even when I was at the imperial palace, I used to think that I could spend the same day every day. But reality was far from that.

However, the circumstances and environment are different now. Moreover, I have the power to live as a warrior like this.

“If you were in the capital, you wouldn’t receive much information from the outside. It’s cruel to decide on your way of life without knowing anything. I’ll tell you what I’ve seen and heard until I return to the capital.”

Perhaps my master was concerned about what I had said about not having enough information to decide on my way of life. My master began to tell me about the current state of the continent.

“The Zeltreich Empire is currently divided into three major factions. You’ve heard about it, but do you know the details?”

“Yes…I have the impression of the new emperor and nobles who don’t accept him.”

“Yes. In addition to that, there are factions composed of former soldiers and criminals from other countries.”

Ten years ago, the then Emperor…my father, apparently made peace with a certain country during the war. But the reality was that the empire, which seemed to be losing, paid reparations.

“Is that so!?”

“Yes. At that time, the Empire had made quite a few enemies.”

The name of the country the Empire was fighting was the Ferlog Kingdom. It was a country located on an island called Rogue Island.

Being an island nation, the Ferlog Kingdom had a highly developed naval force. They were advanced in shipbuilding technology, and especially in naval battles, they had an unrivalled strength.

The Empire had begun invading that island but they couldn’t even land. And at the point where they lost a significant number of troops in naval battles, the Ferlog Kingdom invaded the continent in retaliation.

During that time, the Empire suffered heavy casualties among the powerful nobles. Moreover, the Ferlog Kingdom had established a bridgehead on the continent. It was clear that they would use that position to launch further invasions into imperial territory in the future.

Fearing the situation, the imperial government proposed peace to the Ferlog Kingdom.

Originally, the Ferlog Kingdom, being an island nation, had a strong naval force but lacked significant land-based military power. Invading the mainland would be difficult for them in the short term. There was room for negotiation.

However, the Empire wanted its lost territories back, and having the Ferlog Kingdom maintain a bridgehead on the continent posed an ongoing threat. The Ferlog Kingdom was aware of this and wanted to sell that position at a high price.

As a result, the Empire ended up paying a substantial amount of reparations, relinquishing certain rights and marrying off a princess of the royal family.

“The princess who was married off at that time is the current Emperor’s sister.”

“What…?”

Due to this reparations payment, the Empire couldn’t afford to continue fighting with other countries. There was also the task of rebuilding and compensating for the territories that had been invaded by the Ferlog Kingdom.

As a result, the already shaky finances were further burdened and taxes were imposed on the citizens.

However, it wasn’t just the citizens who were suffering; the lords governing those lands were as well.

But the high-ranking nobles, especially those residing in the capital, wanted to maintain their current lifestyles. Furthermore, given the weakened financial state of the nation, they didn’t want other lords in the provinces to gain too much power.

When I lived in the imperial palace, the division among the nobility was already progressing and power struggles were underway.

“And finally, one prince took action. He requested an increase in taxes from specific high lords who had been relatively successful in managing their territories, with fewer war-related troubles. He argued that they could enjoy their profits because other nobles were shedding blood and sweat. The burden should be shared equally…”

“That’s…complicated. To prioritise the empire, to overcome the country’s crisis together, it sounds good in theory. But the lords also bear the responsibility for the livelihoods of their subjects.”

Choosing between prioritising the nation or their own territories was not an easy decision. It was certainly not the only factor, and it was unlikely that everyone would be satisfied.

“The lords had their own arguments. After all, they had paid enough in taxes until now and perhaps the need for these increased taxes was due to the central nobility’s negligence.”

While they referred to the central nobility, it was likely criticism against the royal family. And some had begun to question whether the current members of the royal family were truly worthy of the imperial throne…

This caused anxiety or indignation among the central nobility, including the princes, and the lords closely connected to them.

But the Emperor, my father, recognized the valid points raised by the high lords and was considering a conciliatory solution.

“And then, at that moment, the Emperor passed away.”

“…………..”

A death from illness at that timing…

“As for the next Emperor, he gained the support of many nobles, knightly orders, and others, and the prince I mentioned earlier ascended to the throne. He intended to reduce the power of the major lords…The new Emperor immediately imposed increased taxes on some of the lords, and then…”

“This led to a rebellion, didn’t it?”

My master nodded. Essentially, it was a conflict between local nobles and central nobles.

The new Emperor began considering charging those defiant lords who refused to pay taxes with treason. The idea was that if he went this far, the surrounding lords would understand that the Emperor meant business.

“However, some of the lords formed alliances and decided to confront the Empire head-on.”

“Linzent territory was one of the regions that rebelled against the Emperor. That’s why at that time…”

“That’s right. Among the princes, there were many who couldn’t kill those of their own bloodline. They had various uses for the new Emperor. On the other hand, those whose bloodlines were clearly involved in plotting rebellion couldn’t be forgiven.”

So, on that day, my mother and I were attacked. But there’s still something that concerns me.

“That means the Empire is divided into two factions, right? What about the other one?”

“In a way, you could say that’s the cause of why orphans, refugees and those who turn to banditry still exist on this continent.”