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Secrets, Individual Choices – Part 02

The war between the Beastmen and the Knights Templar had reached a momentary ceasefire that neither side initiated. Einbiest’s forces were able to deal with the winged knights dispatched by the Knights Templar, but they were lacking archers, and casualties continued to mount.

The Knights Templars did not have a lot of winged knights either, and their attacks grew less frequent with each passing day. Today, there had been no confrontations, only a tense standoff.

“Hey, is this for real?”

“We’re in luck.”

“You never really know what the future could bring.”

As evening came, the senior officers of the Einbiest army gathered in their leader Gerhardt’s tent to hear about the latest reports.

Gerhardt had received two significant pieces of news.

First, the Quinbrand Empire had, for the first time in history, forged an alliance with the Kingdom of Ponsonia.

Second, the Empire had declared war on the Theocracy of Bios.

A liaison from Hopestadt continued, “The Empire’s envoys, who visited Hopestadt, criticized Bios vehemently. They decried the use of potent toxins in attacks on innocent civilians as inhumane. Furthermore, they argued for an end to the monopoly of soul card-related technology, a boon to all humanity, advocating for its free dissemination to all nations. If Bios refused to disclose the technology to the public, the Empire would.”

So the Empire has made significant progress in their research on soul card tech, Jillarte, the Deputy Leader, mused. They believe that they can separate the Church from Bios.

Until now, no nation dared to oppose the Theocracy of Bios, and Bios by its very nature as a religious state, did not pursue territorial expansion. Since all nations followed the same faith, there was no point in going to war.

However, if the Empire had acquired Bios’s most prized possession, the soul card technology, wouldn’t it be possible that the Empire would dominate the other nations instead?

If that happens, it could spell even greater trouble.

The Empire was ruled by an emperor, and if the emperor harbored aspirations, it might result in territorial expansion.

“A declaration is one thing, but are they actually mobilizing their troops?” Jillarte asked.

The liaison nodded. “Yes, the imperial army has already started advancing.”

“But the Empire and Bios don’t share a border… Ah, I see, that’s why they formed an alliance.”

Gerhardt glanced at the liaison and Jillarte. “Explain yourself.”

“Sir. Ponsonia has granted passage to the imperial army through its territory, demonstrating its intent to support them up to the border with Bios.”

“Your Excellency, it’s possible the Empire joined forces with Ponsonia to swiftly crush Bios,” Jillarte suggested.

“Hmm… They wouldn’t have allied themselves with an arch-enemy without a compelling reason,” Gerhardt said. “If their goal is to crush Bios, then it adds up.”

The other Beastmen rejoiced, believing they could finally return home. Even Bios can’t intercept the Empire and fight Einbiest at the same time.

If the enemy lacked the will, then they would rather turn back. That was how the mind of Beastmen worked. They were prone to getting bored easily. Prolonged wars did not suit them.

But we can’t retreat right now. If the Empire defeats Bios, won’t they rule the continent next?

What would become of Einbiest in such a scenario? Would they be left alone, or would they form an alliance? The answer was unclear. Ultimately, it would hinge on the emperor’s intentions at that moment.

For now, our best course of action is…

“Hey, Jillarte. Get a load of these guys. They can’t wait to go home and suck on their mom’s teats,” Gerhardt joked, eliciting laughter from the Beastmen.

“I don’t know about teats, but we would love to drink like a fish,” one said.

“I’m starting to worry that my wife might be cheating on me,” another added.

They were already thinking about withdrawing.

“Jillarte, what do you think?” Gerhardt asked. “How should we handle the situation?”

Jillarte gave a start. Gerhardt had also picked up on what she was thinking.

All eyes turned to her.

“I…”

Is this really the right course of action? Am I making a mistake?

Tell me, Silver Face.

“I believe we should withdraw,” Jillarte said, and relief washed over the tent. “But it’s going to be a feigned withdrawal.”

“A feigned withdrawal?” Gerhardt asked, his expression tinged with amusement.

Jillarte nodded. Silver Face isn’t here. I need to think for myself and give the proposal.

“If we simulate a retreat, the Knights Templar will assume we’re injured and need rest,” she said firmly. “They’ll leave the battlefield with a false sense of security. However, it’s highly probable that the knights will be dispatched to the front lines to fight the Empire without any rest. In essence…”

“In essence?”

Jillarte moistened her dry lips. “All the towns on the way to the holy city of Agiapole will be nearly defenseless.”

At this point, even the densest among them knew her intent.

“We mustn’t waste this opportunity. We should use this opening to capture Agiapole. It’s the best chance we have to free our enslaved brethren.”

---

The Man Gnome muttered curses too vile for any ear as she descended a long, dark, spiral staircase, holding a magic lamp. It felt like an eternity had passed since she last passed through the iron door. She had securely locked it from the inside, and the reinforcement of a powerful magical seal ensured no one could follow her.

“I’ve got nothing left. Even if I try to flee to another country, no one would want to hire me, and I’m not interested in getting tangled up in more trouble. Let this be… my last research.”

Suddenly, the path ahead of her opened up, revealing an even deeper darkness beyond.

“Heh… I’ve heard rumors, but I never imagined it would be this expansive. Most people probably don’t know about this massive cavern beneath the Tower.” She continued along, talking to herself. “Now… Pope, I’ll complete that task you requested. But I don’t think I can give a detailed report on it.”

With unwavering determination, the Man Gnome ventured deeper into the darkness.

---

Hikaru let out a deep sigh. Lavia’s breathing had finally steadied, and she appeared to be out of immediate danger.

Lavia had been apologizing profusely when she first woke up, but Hikaru continued to reassure her that it wasn’t her fault.

He had poisoned the Pope. Luvain would likely treat him, but he hoped this would make the man understand the cruelty of his actions. If he died, then so be it. As for Ranna, finding her would have to wait until Lavia’s condition stabilized.

Hikaru closed the door to Lavia’s bedroom. The hotel room was surprisingly spacious.

“Unken, why don’t you come in?”

Hikaru addressed the person lurking in the hallway outside. After a brief moment, the door creaked open, admitting Unken.

“You sensed my presence even though I was trying to stay hidden. I must be getting old… Age catches up to us all.”

“Well, don’t just stand there. Come in. I’ll make some tea.”

“Is the young lady doing better?”

“Yeah, I guess…”

Not entirely certain how much Unken knew, Hikaru decided to tell him about the enhanced version of the Accursed Toxin. While they had successfully destroyed the manufacturing facility, Ranna was still at large.

“I see. Sounds like you had your work cut out for you.”

Hikaru served tea, and Unken sipped his delightfully. At this moment, Hikaru looked like a typical young boy, while Unken resembled a kind-hearted old man. Except they were both masters of Stealth.

“So, what did you want at this hour? I thought you were heading back to Pond after wrapping up your business.”

“There were some complications.”

Unken told him about the Empire’s declaration of war. The Adventurers Guild wanted to gather intelligence, so Unken extended his stay in Agiapole.

“You and the guildmaster here sure work old folks hard. Anyway, I assume that Einbiest will retreat, and the conflict between the Empire and Bios will likely drag on. We’ll probably receive orders to return home soon.”

“…I’m not so sure about that.”

Hikaru wondered what Jillarte would do in this situation. But there was no point in discussing that now. Unken was likely more knowledgeable about the world of diplomacy.

“Is that what you came to discuss tonight?”

“Not… exactly.” Unken hesitated briefly, his gaze wandering before fixing on Hikaru’s eyes. “I’ve caused you quite a bit of trouble, and I was uncertain whether to share this with you. However, with the Empire now targeting Bios, I’ve made up my mind. Sooner or later, this secret will become known to many.”

“A secret?… You mean…”

“The Man Gnomes’ secret. The same one Ranna likely shared with the Pope. Are you willing to listen?”

The old man’s clear and profound gaze showed no signs of wavering. Hikaru sensed his own resolve being tested. Should he meddle in this war, or should he turn back? Even after witnessing his precious partner Lavia being harmed, would he still choose to intervene?

“…”

Hikaru’s gaze flickered toward the bedroom where Lavia was sleeping. What kind of dreams was she having behind that door?

“I’m all ears.”

Upon hearing his reply, Unken closed his eyes for a few seconds.

“Very well. But first, I need another cup of tea. It’s going to be a long story.”

As he poured tea, Unken, a Man Gnome who had lived three times as long as humans, his age exceeding 200 years, began to tell a tale.

A story of the Man Gnome race. An account of the birth of the Quinbrand Empire. A history entwined with the past of the religious state known as the Theocracy of Bios.

It was a tale of the secret hidden beneath the Tower. A secret linked to an ancient saint and the Man Gnomes.