"Your Majesty, the Medea United Kingdom has informed us that further troop support is impossible due to the high casualties on the North Front. I suspect this is a sign that Medea intends to break off the Guiana Western Alliance."
Sitting on a luxurious sofa in the Imperial Conference Hall, Emperor Meyer III of Frogen stroked his chin and smiled at the Foreign Minister's words.
Long ago, the Frogen Empire, the United Kingdom of Medea, and the Duchy of Julius formed an alliance, offering their respective advantages in exchange for cooperation. Each of the three nations' respective allies also participated in the war, sending troops and supplies as part of the Allied Forces.
“This was expected from the moment they refused to cooperate with the search for the traitor.”
The Emperor, who had been mumbling, set down a crystal glass of brandy with a clatter. A brigadier general, one of the operational staff officers present, coughed a few times before continuing.
“Now that the Queen has embraced Noah Rotsilt, it’s safe to assume she’s turned her back on Frogen.”
"That young woman seems to think she's mastered something great. Because of Noah Rotsilt, who betrayed his country, all the plans and secrets here must have been leaked."
The Emperor laughed heartily. The brigadier general pointed to a map on the wall and began to explain.
"Currently, Belford appears to be trying to win over neighboring Federation and neutral nations. This primarily focuses on those nations that broke their peace agreements with Frogen."
"It's because of Mark Rotsilt's useless actions. A peace treaty within a peace agreement? These are places we're going to conquer anyway."
Emperor Meyer expressed his displeasure as he recalled Noah's grandfather, the former Chancellor. Former Foreign Minister Mark Rotsilt, who also served as the Empire's Chancellor, had previously demonstrated exceptional international diplomacy, forging numerous alliances, treaties, and negotiations, ultimately resulting in peace agreements.
The alliance with powerful nations, including Medea, is considered a historical achievement that later led to the unification of the Frogen Empire.
However, upon ascending to the throne, Meyer III began by ruthlessly ousting him from his position, and dismissed and demoting many ministers and military commanders who had advocated for peace. To him, a militaristic ruler who prioritized force and suppression, peace was the most useless element.
His son, the former Duke Noel Rotsilt, also opposed the genocide policy and secretly smuggled the remaining Esatians to the Cynthia Empire, a Medea territory.
The Emperor, reminiscing, tsk tsk, seemingly displeased. Crown Prince Sebastian, who had been sitting quietly in the conference room, cautiously spoke. He didn't show it outwardly, but he secretly admired Noel Rotsilt.
"Your Majesty, I believe it was for the good of the nation to prevent Frogen from turning the entire world into an enemy. A powerful empire, violating international law, committed massacres against the peoples of a weak nation..."
The Emperor's face twisted into a hideous grimace, and a loud roar erupted.
"Shut up! You incompetent thing. You're still short-sighted. If you overwhelm with military might and force, any action you take will be replaced with awe and authority. Powerlessness and weakness are the very reasons and justifications for being ruled. Absurdity is another word for truth."
The Emperor considered the Crown Prince weak and useless.
The war between the two empires has now reached a lull, allowing for a favorable truce negotiation. Meyer III has a grand goal: to seize the Beria Peninsula, take control of the Guiana continent, and stand at the top of the world.
Even though much national power has already been exhausted, the madness of the war maniac, who cannot forget the thrill of victory achieved with blood and iron, cannot be stopped.
“If things continue this way, there is a high possibility that all countries, starting with the neutral countries, will turn into enemies.”
The agitated Emperor abruptly stood up and struck the Crown Prince in the face. The ministers and generals in the conference hall all fell silent. A chilling atmosphere hung in the room.
The angry Emperor's eyes became bloodshot.
"Are you going against your father's words? I don't need your opinion, you incompetent bastard who has achieved nothing, no accomplishments."
The Crown Prince stroked his swollen cheek, recalling the words of Duke Noel Rotsilt that he had heard as a child.
"Your Highness, Crown Prince. It's up to you whether you will be remembered as a war criminal or a great man who achieved peace. Isn't it a bit horrifying that our children will have to live their entire lives witnessing a world steeped in war? You'll understand when you have children."
He didn't realize it then, but after he became an adult, married, and the Crown Princess became pregnant, General Rotsilt's words struck him even harder. A deep furrow formed between Emperor Meyer's brows as he gazed at his son.
If Noah Rotsilt were his son, he would have taken control of the Beria Peninsula long ago. He was his favorite of the Rotsilts.
The Emperor, who had been thinking of Noah, whom he considered a perfect leader due to his competence and insensitivity, spoke again with a displeased expression.
“Remember, all of this is a great diplomatic tool.”
“...It is nothing but merciless violence and a crime.”
"I'm using that violence appropriately. Only a world governed by a powerful nation that flaunts its might can achieve complete peace."
“Your Majesty, the Emperor’s will is the will of the Empire, and I believe His Highness the Crown Prince will understand it in the future.”
As one of the ministers agreed with the Emperor's words, the Crown Prince's face turned pale.
What should I do, General Rotsilt? My father was so mad about the war that he even used your deaths. Everyone in Frogen has gone mad.
The Emperor declared war on the Kingdom of Elvia, a federation of Belford, after framing the deaths of the Duke and Duchess of Rotsilt as an accident.
Belford issued a general mobilization order to aid the kingdom, while Frogen sent an ultimatum declaring it would be considered a war between the two empires. The couple's deaths became the fuse for a global war that continues to this day.
The Emperor leaned back on the sofa again and smiled happily.
"Let's begin our war plans. Our next opponent will be Medea. To do that, we need a brief respite. We'll negotiate with Belford up to point five and reach an armistice."
At 7:00 AM on February 23rd, the two empires of Belford and Frogen entered a state of armistice.
Loganfield Square, where I went with the two men, had a festive atmosphere.
The streets were filled with people, and there were parades and flags commemorating the victory of the Western Alliance and the armistice.
The military band's marching music resonated with joy, and confetti flew. Around the square's large fountain, men and women in finery, soldiers in uniform, danced with women.
“Lady, do you want to dance?”
Daniel bowed to me and escorted me in a gentlemanly manner. Of course, Noah couldn't just sit still.
"Diana agreed to dance only with me. It's a non-aggression pact that no one can violate."
“Where is that?”
“It’s here.”
I'm already exhausted from their fierce battle of wits. I'm stuck between the two men, my hands held together, my face expressionless.
“We can just hold hands and dance like this, the three of us.”
The two men glared at each other, their expressions revealing their displeasure at my casual suggestion. It was like a large cat and a kitten snarling at each other.
“Oh my, you must be a married couple. The young master is really cute.”
A middle-aged woman selling white flowers approached Daniel and smiled. She wore a hood and an apron and had a kindly demeanor. She handed Daniel a single flower in a basket.
“Young Master, I think your mother will like it if you give it to her as a gift.”
"How much is this?"
“I’m just giving it to you. It’s a good day.”
I quickly got out, waved my hand, and took out my coin purse.
“No, I’ll pay.”
"I'm saying this because it reminds me of the past. When my husband, who was a soldier, was still alive, we used to go on outings like this with our son. I'm giving this to you because I'm so happy that the war seems to be finally over."
Seeing the woman's sad smile, I felt a pang of pity. This was a ceasefire, not a peace treaty. For now, it's only a temporary peace.
If the flow of history is similar to the world I lived in, this war will not end even for our next generation.
"Thank you."
At Daniel's cute greeting, the woman filled her basket with flowers and smiled kindly as she left. Daniel, who held out the flowers to me, blushed shyly. The slight crease in his nose as he smiled was beautiful.
“Please accept it.”
Why are they so cute? I'm not particularly fond of children, but this makes me smile like a proud mother.
“Thank you, Young Master.”
At my thanks, Daniel blushed and rubbed his jet-black hair. Noah's eyes widened as he saw me kiss Daniel's flushed cheek.
He quickly walked up to the flower seller, seemed to be saying something, then handed her some money and brought her a flower basket.
Noah, who had been looking at Daniel with a proud expression, handed me a flower basket and smiled.
“Yes. Do it for me too, quickly.”
"T-this is too much! Thank you. But what should I do quickly?"
He pointed to his cheek with a look of anticipation on his face. "You want a kiss?"
“You’ll give me as many as the number of flowers.”
I don't even know how many there are. Instead of a cheek, I lightly kissed his lips. Noah nodded in satisfaction.
“If we calculate it by unit, this would be correct.”
When Noah gave Daniel a look that said, 'You can't beat me, you brat,' the young Prince sniffed.
We headed to a restaurant in the center of the square. Even at a young age, Daniel not only ate alone but also had perfect table manners.
He used the cutlery in the correct order and even wrapped his napkin beautifully himself. His manner of tapping his glass with a spoon to summon the waiter was clearly the image of a noble young master.
“I’d like a glass of warm milk, please. And just one sugar cube.”
He had a well-educated, polite tone. I thought he was a remarkable child, possessing both maturity and childlike qualities.
I suddenly asked Daniel.
“Princess, did you ask me out on a date because I resemble the Duchess?”
"I've long vowed to marry someone like my mother. Now that she's gone, Diana is the most beautiful person in the world."
It's amazing how long a six-year-old has been making promises, and how he can come up with such skillful lines.
Noah, holding a wine glass, tilted his head sadly with a displeased expression.
“It’s too late. She's already engaged to me?”
“I didn’t know before I went into the restaurant.”
"Where did you learn that? Kids these days just don't get it."
He continued, thinking that Noah's childhood must have been even more difficult than that.
“We promised to get married before we were born.”
“Before you were born?”
"Yeah. I already had her in my hands before Diana was even born. Be a man and give it up."
Daniel's small lips twitched.
"I'm confident I can do better. I'll give you flowers and kisses every day."
"Diana already likes you. Isn't it too much to wait ten years to marry her? If you want a car, listen to me."
Trying to lure a six-year-old into a life of capital. It was like handing over a check and urging them to break up. I just laughed in disbelief.
“...Then let’s be friends, Diana.”
What the heck? Did you just give up on me because I offered you a car? It's a little disappointing how easily you change your mind.
I pretended to be sad and asked, as six-year-old Daniel smiled sadly, having fallen for the temptation of material things.
“Hey, Prince. Did you give up on me because of the car?”
"That's not it! I'm saying let's start with friends."
“Haha, I’m just kidding. Yes.”
“Be friendly with me, Diana.”
Noah, elbows resting on the table and fingers interlocked, wore a displeased expression. Daniel and Noah stared at each other in silence, exchanging a sharp gaze.
“Brother, is it okay to be friends?”
“What, brother? I’m twenty-four. There’s not much of an age difference between me and your father.”
“My father doesn’t speak rudely like my brother.”
The two were still bickering.
When we entered the cafe Noah had mentioned earlier, the female employee immediately broke all the cups she was serving us as soon as she saw us.
“He’s a married man... I guess so...”
The employee muttered with a disappointed look on her face, then removed the broken cup and quickly brought it back.
Daniel, who was drinking warm milk tea, took my finger and made a gentle rabbit-like expression.
“I think I’ll stay at Tempshire Palace for the time being. My father is stopping by the palace next week.”
He stopped talking and lowered his head sadly.
"Father hasn't wanted to see me since Mother passed away. I think he hates me. I'll try to sneak a peek at him when he comes next week."
"No way. Prince is so kind and gentle. How could your father hate him? I'm sure he'd be happy if you went to see him."
At my words, Daniel's long eyelashes fell heavily. His red eyes had a lonely glow, a look that, at the age of six, had already begun to understand sadness.
“I will arrange for you to meet the Duke of Hessen.”
For some reason, Noah, Daniel's arch-enemy, readily offered to help Daniel.
Sitting on a luxurious sofa in the Imperial Conference Hall, Emperor Meyer III of Frogen stroked his chin and smiled at the Foreign Minister's words.
Long ago, the Frogen Empire, the United Kingdom of Medea, and the Duchy of Julius formed an alliance, offering their respective advantages in exchange for cooperation. Each of the three nations' respective allies also participated in the war, sending troops and supplies as part of the Allied Forces.
“This was expected from the moment they refused to cooperate with the search for the traitor.”
The Emperor, who had been mumbling, set down a crystal glass of brandy with a clatter. A brigadier general, one of the operational staff officers present, coughed a few times before continuing.
“Now that the Queen has embraced Noah Rotsilt, it’s safe to assume she’s turned her back on Frogen.”
"That young woman seems to think she's mastered something great. Because of Noah Rotsilt, who betrayed his country, all the plans and secrets here must have been leaked."
The Emperor laughed heartily. The brigadier general pointed to a map on the wall and began to explain.
"Currently, Belford appears to be trying to win over neighboring Federation and neutral nations. This primarily focuses on those nations that broke their peace agreements with Frogen."
"It's because of Mark Rotsilt's useless actions. A peace treaty within a peace agreement? These are places we're going to conquer anyway."
Emperor Meyer expressed his displeasure as he recalled Noah's grandfather, the former Chancellor. Former Foreign Minister Mark Rotsilt, who also served as the Empire's Chancellor, had previously demonstrated exceptional international diplomacy, forging numerous alliances, treaties, and negotiations, ultimately resulting in peace agreements.
The alliance with powerful nations, including Medea, is considered a historical achievement that later led to the unification of the Frogen Empire.
However, upon ascending to the throne, Meyer III began by ruthlessly ousting him from his position, and dismissed and demoting many ministers and military commanders who had advocated for peace. To him, a militaristic ruler who prioritized force and suppression, peace was the most useless element.
His son, the former Duke Noel Rotsilt, also opposed the genocide policy and secretly smuggled the remaining Esatians to the Cynthia Empire, a Medea territory.
The Emperor, reminiscing, tsk tsk, seemingly displeased. Crown Prince Sebastian, who had been sitting quietly in the conference room, cautiously spoke. He didn't show it outwardly, but he secretly admired Noel Rotsilt.
"Your Majesty, I believe it was for the good of the nation to prevent Frogen from turning the entire world into an enemy. A powerful empire, violating international law, committed massacres against the peoples of a weak nation..."
The Emperor's face twisted into a hideous grimace, and a loud roar erupted.
"Shut up! You incompetent thing. You're still short-sighted. If you overwhelm with military might and force, any action you take will be replaced with awe and authority. Powerlessness and weakness are the very reasons and justifications for being ruled. Absurdity is another word for truth."
The Emperor considered the Crown Prince weak and useless.
The war between the two empires has now reached a lull, allowing for a favorable truce negotiation. Meyer III has a grand goal: to seize the Beria Peninsula, take control of the Guiana continent, and stand at the top of the world.
Even though much national power has already been exhausted, the madness of the war maniac, who cannot forget the thrill of victory achieved with blood and iron, cannot be stopped.
“If things continue this way, there is a high possibility that all countries, starting with the neutral countries, will turn into enemies.”
The agitated Emperor abruptly stood up and struck the Crown Prince in the face. The ministers and generals in the conference hall all fell silent. A chilling atmosphere hung in the room.
The angry Emperor's eyes became bloodshot.
"Are you going against your father's words? I don't need your opinion, you incompetent bastard who has achieved nothing, no accomplishments."
The Crown Prince stroked his swollen cheek, recalling the words of Duke Noel Rotsilt that he had heard as a child.
"Your Highness, Crown Prince. It's up to you whether you will be remembered as a war criminal or a great man who achieved peace. Isn't it a bit horrifying that our children will have to live their entire lives witnessing a world steeped in war? You'll understand when you have children."
He didn't realize it then, but after he became an adult, married, and the Crown Princess became pregnant, General Rotsilt's words struck him even harder. A deep furrow formed between Emperor Meyer's brows as he gazed at his son.
If Noah Rotsilt were his son, he would have taken control of the Beria Peninsula long ago. He was his favorite of the Rotsilts.
The Emperor, who had been thinking of Noah, whom he considered a perfect leader due to his competence and insensitivity, spoke again with a displeased expression.
“Remember, all of this is a great diplomatic tool.”
“...It is nothing but merciless violence and a crime.”
"I'm using that violence appropriately. Only a world governed by a powerful nation that flaunts its might can achieve complete peace."
“Your Majesty, the Emperor’s will is the will of the Empire, and I believe His Highness the Crown Prince will understand it in the future.”
As one of the ministers agreed with the Emperor's words, the Crown Prince's face turned pale.
What should I do, General Rotsilt? My father was so mad about the war that he even used your deaths. Everyone in Frogen has gone mad.
The Emperor declared war on the Kingdom of Elvia, a federation of Belford, after framing the deaths of the Duke and Duchess of Rotsilt as an accident.
Belford issued a general mobilization order to aid the kingdom, while Frogen sent an ultimatum declaring it would be considered a war between the two empires. The couple's deaths became the fuse for a global war that continues to this day.
The Emperor leaned back on the sofa again and smiled happily.
"Let's begin our war plans. Our next opponent will be Medea. To do that, we need a brief respite. We'll negotiate with Belford up to point five and reach an armistice."
At 7:00 AM on February 23rd, the two empires of Belford and Frogen entered a state of armistice.
***
Loganfield Square, where I went with the two men, had a festive atmosphere.
The streets were filled with people, and there were parades and flags commemorating the victory of the Western Alliance and the armistice.
The military band's marching music resonated with joy, and confetti flew. Around the square's large fountain, men and women in finery, soldiers in uniform, danced with women.
“Lady, do you want to dance?”
Daniel bowed to me and escorted me in a gentlemanly manner. Of course, Noah couldn't just sit still.
"Diana agreed to dance only with me. It's a non-aggression pact that no one can violate."
“Where is that?”
“It’s here.”
I'm already exhausted from their fierce battle of wits. I'm stuck between the two men, my hands held together, my face expressionless.
“We can just hold hands and dance like this, the three of us.”
The two men glared at each other, their expressions revealing their displeasure at my casual suggestion. It was like a large cat and a kitten snarling at each other.
“Oh my, you must be a married couple. The young master is really cute.”
A middle-aged woman selling white flowers approached Daniel and smiled. She wore a hood and an apron and had a kindly demeanor. She handed Daniel a single flower in a basket.
“Young Master, I think your mother will like it if you give it to her as a gift.”
"How much is this?"
“I’m just giving it to you. It’s a good day.”
I quickly got out, waved my hand, and took out my coin purse.
“No, I’ll pay.”
"I'm saying this because it reminds me of the past. When my husband, who was a soldier, was still alive, we used to go on outings like this with our son. I'm giving this to you because I'm so happy that the war seems to be finally over."
Seeing the woman's sad smile, I felt a pang of pity. This was a ceasefire, not a peace treaty. For now, it's only a temporary peace.
If the flow of history is similar to the world I lived in, this war will not end even for our next generation.
"Thank you."
At Daniel's cute greeting, the woman filled her basket with flowers and smiled kindly as she left. Daniel, who held out the flowers to me, blushed shyly. The slight crease in his nose as he smiled was beautiful.
“Please accept it.”
Why are they so cute? I'm not particularly fond of children, but this makes me smile like a proud mother.
“Thank you, Young Master.”
At my thanks, Daniel blushed and rubbed his jet-black hair. Noah's eyes widened as he saw me kiss Daniel's flushed cheek.
He quickly walked up to the flower seller, seemed to be saying something, then handed her some money and brought her a flower basket.
Noah, who had been looking at Daniel with a proud expression, handed me a flower basket and smiled.
“Yes. Do it for me too, quickly.”
"T-this is too much! Thank you. But what should I do quickly?"
He pointed to his cheek with a look of anticipation on his face. "You want a kiss?"
“You’ll give me as many as the number of flowers.”
I don't even know how many there are. Instead of a cheek, I lightly kissed his lips. Noah nodded in satisfaction.
“If we calculate it by unit, this would be correct.”
When Noah gave Daniel a look that said, 'You can't beat me, you brat,' the young Prince sniffed.
We headed to a restaurant in the center of the square. Even at a young age, Daniel not only ate alone but also had perfect table manners.
He used the cutlery in the correct order and even wrapped his napkin beautifully himself. His manner of tapping his glass with a spoon to summon the waiter was clearly the image of a noble young master.
“I’d like a glass of warm milk, please. And just one sugar cube.”
He had a well-educated, polite tone. I thought he was a remarkable child, possessing both maturity and childlike qualities.
I suddenly asked Daniel.
“Princess, did you ask me out on a date because I resemble the Duchess?”
"I've long vowed to marry someone like my mother. Now that she's gone, Diana is the most beautiful person in the world."
It's amazing how long a six-year-old has been making promises, and how he can come up with such skillful lines.
Noah, holding a wine glass, tilted his head sadly with a displeased expression.
“It’s too late. She's already engaged to me?”
“I didn’t know before I went into the restaurant.”
"Where did you learn that? Kids these days just don't get it."
He continued, thinking that Noah's childhood must have been even more difficult than that.
“We promised to get married before we were born.”
“Before you were born?”
"Yeah. I already had her in my hands before Diana was even born. Be a man and give it up."
Daniel's small lips twitched.
"I'm confident I can do better. I'll give you flowers and kisses every day."
"Diana already likes you. Isn't it too much to wait ten years to marry her? If you want a car, listen to me."
Trying to lure a six-year-old into a life of capital. It was like handing over a check and urging them to break up. I just laughed in disbelief.
“...Then let’s be friends, Diana.”
What the heck? Did you just give up on me because I offered you a car? It's a little disappointing how easily you change your mind.
I pretended to be sad and asked, as six-year-old Daniel smiled sadly, having fallen for the temptation of material things.
“Hey, Prince. Did you give up on me because of the car?”
"That's not it! I'm saying let's start with friends."
“Haha, I’m just kidding. Yes.”
“Be friendly with me, Diana.”
Noah, elbows resting on the table and fingers interlocked, wore a displeased expression. Daniel and Noah stared at each other in silence, exchanging a sharp gaze.
“Brother, is it okay to be friends?”
“What, brother? I’m twenty-four. There’s not much of an age difference between me and your father.”
“My father doesn’t speak rudely like my brother.”
The two were still bickering.
When we entered the cafe Noah had mentioned earlier, the female employee immediately broke all the cups she was serving us as soon as she saw us.
“He’s a married man... I guess so...”
The employee muttered with a disappointed look on her face, then removed the broken cup and quickly brought it back.
Daniel, who was drinking warm milk tea, took my finger and made a gentle rabbit-like expression.
“I think I’ll stay at Tempshire Palace for the time being. My father is stopping by the palace next week.”
He stopped talking and lowered his head sadly.
"Father hasn't wanted to see me since Mother passed away. I think he hates me. I'll try to sneak a peek at him when he comes next week."
"No way. Prince is so kind and gentle. How could your father hate him? I'm sure he'd be happy if you went to see him."
At my words, Daniel's long eyelashes fell heavily. His red eyes had a lonely glow, a look that, at the age of six, had already begun to understand sadness.
“I will arrange for you to meet the Duke of Hessen.”
For some reason, Noah, Daniel's arch-enemy, readily offered to help Daniel.
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