The subjugation of Glatt, the cursed land in the western part of the continent, has ended.
However, we still had tasks to solve.
It is, Ratan.
- O King of the Beasts, please give me the following command!
Ratan, who had acquired a taste for smoke, slammed to his knees and spoke.
“...Wait a moment.”
Nike, who had now become the king of the monsters in addition to being a master, spoke while trying hard to hide his embarrassed expression.
"Wow, that's amazing."
"I'm telling you, I still can't believe it, even after looking at it repeatedly."
The soldiers, unaware of anything, are amazed and impressed whenever they see Ratan respectfully obeying Nike.
Furthermore...
Sadly, more onlookers appeared.
And that too, with civilians.
“I, I can’t believe the rumors were true!”
“That’s unbelievable. This is the first time I’ve seen a monster this close!”
"You mean that monster killed all the other monsters?"
Behind the cordon set up by the security forces, nearby villagers who had come to see Ratan bustled about.
“Huh, look at all these people. Are Westerners usually this fearless?”
Ryan was surprised.
"It’s good for us to have lots of eyes watching~."
It was we who spread the word to the surrounding territories in advance, inviting them to come and see when we first arrived in the West!
A tamed beast has joined the battlefield, it is on our side, it obeys humans, I heard it is docile, etc...
Anyway, our current location is right in front of the Cursed Land, at the entrance of the final line of defense territory, 'Kalturas'.
It is a border region of a cursed land with no residents, so to speak, it is like Belzer.
The reason for waiting here?
This is because we now need to carry out Plan B's follow-up—ensuring the safety of Ratan.
"Ugh... The fight with my father has just begun."
By now, Elliott would have told the family about Ratan.
It must be an emergency, right?
The superpowered individuals who will lose their jobs if Ratan joins the battlefield. Half of Wasenberg's power will be lost.
Of course, my father isn't the type to be stupid enough to just sit by and watch.
However, having lived as a father and daughter for a long time, I can predict exactly how he will react.
1. First, wage a public relations campaign.
Spreading rumors like, "Good heavens, using that dangerous trick? The Imperial Family has lost its mind!" to create public fear among the people and lower the Crown Prince's approval rating. We could also deploy disguised protesters chanting, "Oppose Ratan!"
Countermeasures against this.
This is the reason why we deliberately showed the onlookers the image of the obedient, gentle Ratan as soon as the subjugation was over.
Strike first to win! If you know it's obviously going to turn into a war of public opinion? Of course, you have to start first.
“Tsk, I’ll deliver a grand line when there are a lot of people around. Something like, ‘Obey the Ruler of Darkness!’”
Ryan looked at Nike, who was just standing there blankly, and spoke with a look of regret.
[That's too much. Let's not go that far, humanely speaking.]
And the father's expected next move is...
2. Abuse of power!
Mobilize the pro-Wassenberg nobles in the council to propose a motion such as, "Absolutely oppose joining the battlefield of the dangerous monsters! Elimination required!"
If the nobles of the council overwhelm the Crown Prince with their numbers and demand Ratan's removal, even he has no answer.
Therefore, we had to create a 'justification' so that the Crown Prince could dismiss such a proposal without hesitation, even if it were raised.
That is the reason I am waiting here with Ratan right now.
I'm waiting for someone to help me with this.
“...So you’re here. The head of the household worked his butt off, yet you’ve been safely loafing around outside all this time.”
Ryan muttered as he saw the carriage coming in.
The first person to disembark from a luxurious carriage laden with over twenty guards was... a middle-aged man.
“Hmm, is that the guy?”
Ryan and I are seeing this face for the first time, but we know who it is.
Professor of Engineering at the Imperial Academy.
His name is Alman Schultz.
“I went to see a professor named Alman Schultz. It turns out he was the mastermind behind the supernatural ability transplant experiments.”
This was a fact Revan discovered on the day he went to the Academy regarding Alex's admission.
Revan had been convinced for a long time that there must be an Academy 'executive' who colluded with the Imperial Family, established the experimental base, and even helped secure research funding.
Anyway, that was Professor Schultz, that person, but currently he is being blackmailed by Revan.
"I sounded him out as if I knew everything, so he must have been scared because I spilled all sorts of unexpected secrets. I heard the next presidential election is in six months, so he must have been terribly scared."
They say that when they threatened him by asking, "Wouldn't my deceased adoptive parents have left me no evidence at all?", he trembled in fear and volunteered to be a slave.
It would be a huge problem if the fact that he was behind that unethical experiment were revealed right before the presidential election.
No, that's not right. Being a university president is just a total abyss.
"I greet Your Highness, the Third Prince. I am Alman Schultz, Professor of Engineering."
"Right, thank you for coming."
Professor Schultz, having gotten out of the carriage, immediately greeted Nike. He could not make eye contact with Nike and appeared uncomfortable.
Yeah, it couldn't be helped.
The statement that he was behind the supernatural ability transplant experiment means that Professor Schultz knows everything.
The past of four-year-old Nike, who was taken away without knowing why and subjected to all kinds of experiments in Konrad.
He was a more despicable person than I thought, so I'm going to use him to my heart's content. As much as possible. I'm going to shake him dry and strip him to the bone.
In fact, Revan did just that.
He threatened to admit Alex, and while he was at it, he also secured the position of 'Visiting Professor'.
“Visiting professor? What are you going to do with a temporary position like that?”
Ryan was puzzled, but I had noticed Revan's intention.
“Is it because of the Prince, brother?”
"Bingo."
Revan, you had it all planned!
Anyway, the reason I came up with Plan B to expose Ratan to the outside was entirely that I had a backup plan called Revan.
The scoundrel appears.
Ryan muttered. Revan was getting out of the carriage belatedly.
[Wow!]
Revan, with his slender frame and impeccable pitch-black suit. He looked like a young, handsome professor. No, he really is a professor.
As Revan landed, the guards spread out to form a control line. When they gestured for the soldiers nearby to step back, Ryan was pushed back as well.
“What? I’m his older brother!”
“They are professors from the Imperial Academy visiting regarding research on special magical beasts. We must provide a thorough escort to ensure no issues arise, so we ask for your understanding. Please keep your distance.”
“No, wow...”
The escort pushed Ryan away while speaking stiffly, according to the manual.
Standing outside the control line that strictly guarded only the royal family members, Nike, and high-ranking intellectuals, Ryan stared blankly at Revan.
“Ha, you little brat. You’ve made it bigger than me...?”
[Then I'll head over to the more successful one!]
"What?!"
I left the angry Ryan behind and quickly switched to Revan's shadow.
Eyes of the Mirror - Footsteps of Darkness
Revan's vision has started to be shared.
Nike and Professor Schultz are having a conversation.
"Are the other professors arriving late?"
“No. They are following right behind. Ah, there they are coming at that moment.”
Just then, two more carriages arrived, and people began to get off.
'You're here!'
They are professors from the Department of Monster Research at the Imperial Academy.
For reference, half of them are foreigners.
Ratan crisis is not a problem for the Empire alone. The cursed lands are merely Imperial territory, but defense is a concern shared by all nations.
If the empire collapses, would the monsters say, 'We've won! Let's not attack other lands! Of course not.
Therefore, numerous foreign countries paid defense expenses to the empire out of moral obligation, and they did not neglect sending intellectuals to study monsters.
“That’s unbelievable, look at the size!”
"Is it really not running wild?"
Carrying large research bags under their arms, they swarmed over with their eyes shining as soon as they saw Ratan.
Nike took the professors to Ratan's side.
They plan to explain to the professors, using pre-arranged lies, how they captured Ratan, how they made him obey, and so on.
At that time.
“Dr. Nocturne!”
“Ah, Alman!”
The last person to arrive, called Dr. Nocturne, came toward us, unable to take his eyes off Ratan.
Dr. Nocturne was also a foreigner. Moreover, it was obvious at a glance that he was the head of the department, and his eyes were filled with an immense passion for research.
Hehe. Just as planned...
By involving foreign professors in research on Ratan, its harmlessness was proven, and its necessity as a research resource was also secured.
That is our goal.
From the moment foreign professors joined, Ratan's fate was no longer a matter to be decided unilaterally by the Empire.
Renowned professors who have studied Ratan for a long time say that it is harmless and worth researching, so can we simply discard it without question?
If my father persuades the parliamentary nobles to demand the elimination of Ratan, the Crown Prince can simply evade the issue by claiming that he "cannot help but consider diplomatic matters."
“This is Dr. Nocturne Fisher from the Kingdom of Denier.”
"Ah, nice to meet you."
Revan extended his hand. Dr. Nocturne, still looking at Ratan with an excited gaze, roughly grasped Revan's hand for a handshake.
“Dr. Nocturne, this way...”
“Hey, you heard before you came. I heard you were a visiting professor.”
To Dr. Nocturne, who was distracted by Ratan, things like exchanging names didn't seem to be an important matter.
“What is your name? What is your name?”
At least he asked for Revan's name out of politeness.
"It's Revan."
"I see!"
After quickly exchanging names, he ran toward Ratan as if he couldn't wait any longer.
And he greeted loudly.
“Hi, Revan! Is your name Revan?”
"?"
“My name is Nocturne. I wonder if you can really communicate!”
"??"
For a moment... my brain froze.
'Ah! Did you ask for the name of the demon beast earlier? Wait, didn't that person know Ratan?'
...for a moment.
Come to think of it, 'Ratan' was a name humans gave it for convenience to issue a wanted notice after it first appeared.
It’s not like that special monster told me its name with its own mouth, so naturally, it wouldn’t even have a name.
"Hmm, I guess that doctor thought that since it can tame magical beasts and even communicate with them, they might have given it a pretty name."
Revan approached, seemingly having grasped the situation just like I had.
“Doctor, he’s not Revan...”
But then.
I saw the demon beast's eyes roll as it paused at the sound of Dr. Nocturne's question. It quickly scanned its surroundings.
Th-that guy... surely he didn't decide that he shouldn't hesitate so cluelessly?
- Yes! My name is Revan!
He answers immediately.
As Revan approached, his vision widened, and his steps came to a halt.
“...? What.”
Nike turned around in bewilderment. His expression seemed to say, "Is this a plan that wasn't discussed in advance?"
It, it wasn't a plan...!
The professors surrounding Ratan, surprised, began scribbling something on the chart they were holding.
"Good heavens, you really are answering!"
“A magical beast capable of communication!”
“Revan, Eevan! Can you try reaching your arm this way?”
"W-what is this?"
Revan blinked. In the distance, Ryan is visible, covering his mouth as if trying to hold back laughter.
“Ha, damn it...”
Revan muttered while rubbing his face, looking embarrassed.
“Look at that... why is he falling over and answering again...”
However, we still had tasks to solve.
It is, Ratan.
- O King of the Beasts, please give me the following command!
Ratan, who had acquired a taste for smoke, slammed to his knees and spoke.
“...Wait a moment.”
Nike, who had now become the king of the monsters in addition to being a master, spoke while trying hard to hide his embarrassed expression.
"Wow, that's amazing."
"I'm telling you, I still can't believe it, even after looking at it repeatedly."
The soldiers, unaware of anything, are amazed and impressed whenever they see Ratan respectfully obeying Nike.
Furthermore...
Sadly, more onlookers appeared.
And that too, with civilians.
“I, I can’t believe the rumors were true!”
“That’s unbelievable. This is the first time I’ve seen a monster this close!”
"You mean that monster killed all the other monsters?"
Behind the cordon set up by the security forces, nearby villagers who had come to see Ratan bustled about.
“Huh, look at all these people. Are Westerners usually this fearless?”
Ryan was surprised.
"It’s good for us to have lots of eyes watching~."
It was we who spread the word to the surrounding territories in advance, inviting them to come and see when we first arrived in the West!
A tamed beast has joined the battlefield, it is on our side, it obeys humans, I heard it is docile, etc...
Anyway, our current location is right in front of the Cursed Land, at the entrance of the final line of defense territory, 'Kalturas'.
It is a border region of a cursed land with no residents, so to speak, it is like Belzer.
The reason for waiting here?
This is because we now need to carry out Plan B's follow-up—ensuring the safety of Ratan.
"Ugh... The fight with my father has just begun."
By now, Elliott would have told the family about Ratan.
It must be an emergency, right?
The superpowered individuals who will lose their jobs if Ratan joins the battlefield. Half of Wasenberg's power will be lost.
Of course, my father isn't the type to be stupid enough to just sit by and watch.
However, having lived as a father and daughter for a long time, I can predict exactly how he will react.
1. First, wage a public relations campaign.
Spreading rumors like, "Good heavens, using that dangerous trick? The Imperial Family has lost its mind!" to create public fear among the people and lower the Crown Prince's approval rating. We could also deploy disguised protesters chanting, "Oppose Ratan!"
Countermeasures against this.
This is the reason why we deliberately showed the onlookers the image of the obedient, gentle Ratan as soon as the subjugation was over.
Strike first to win! If you know it's obviously going to turn into a war of public opinion? Of course, you have to start first.
“Tsk, I’ll deliver a grand line when there are a lot of people around. Something like, ‘Obey the Ruler of Darkness!’”
Ryan looked at Nike, who was just standing there blankly, and spoke with a look of regret.
[That's too much. Let's not go that far, humanely speaking.]
And the father's expected next move is...
2. Abuse of power!
Mobilize the pro-Wassenberg nobles in the council to propose a motion such as, "Absolutely oppose joining the battlefield of the dangerous monsters! Elimination required!"
If the nobles of the council overwhelm the Crown Prince with their numbers and demand Ratan's removal, even he has no answer.
Therefore, we had to create a 'justification' so that the Crown Prince could dismiss such a proposal without hesitation, even if it were raised.
That is the reason I am waiting here with Ratan right now.
I'm waiting for someone to help me with this.
“...So you’re here. The head of the household worked his butt off, yet you’ve been safely loafing around outside all this time.”
Ryan muttered as he saw the carriage coming in.
The first person to disembark from a luxurious carriage laden with over twenty guards was... a middle-aged man.
“Hmm, is that the guy?”
Ryan and I are seeing this face for the first time, but we know who it is.
Professor of Engineering at the Imperial Academy.
His name is Alman Schultz.
“I went to see a professor named Alman Schultz. It turns out he was the mastermind behind the supernatural ability transplant experiments.”
This was a fact Revan discovered on the day he went to the Academy regarding Alex's admission.
Revan had been convinced for a long time that there must be an Academy 'executive' who colluded with the Imperial Family, established the experimental base, and even helped secure research funding.
Anyway, that was Professor Schultz, that person, but currently he is being blackmailed by Revan.
"I sounded him out as if I knew everything, so he must have been scared because I spilled all sorts of unexpected secrets. I heard the next presidential election is in six months, so he must have been terribly scared."
They say that when they threatened him by asking, "Wouldn't my deceased adoptive parents have left me no evidence at all?", he trembled in fear and volunteered to be a slave.
It would be a huge problem if the fact that he was behind that unethical experiment were revealed right before the presidential election.
No, that's not right. Being a university president is just a total abyss.
"I greet Your Highness, the Third Prince. I am Alman Schultz, Professor of Engineering."
"Right, thank you for coming."
Professor Schultz, having gotten out of the carriage, immediately greeted Nike. He could not make eye contact with Nike and appeared uncomfortable.
Yeah, it couldn't be helped.
The statement that he was behind the supernatural ability transplant experiment means that Professor Schultz knows everything.
The past of four-year-old Nike, who was taken away without knowing why and subjected to all kinds of experiments in Konrad.
He was a more despicable person than I thought, so I'm going to use him to my heart's content. As much as possible. I'm going to shake him dry and strip him to the bone.
In fact, Revan did just that.
He threatened to admit Alex, and while he was at it, he also secured the position of 'Visiting Professor'.
“Visiting professor? What are you going to do with a temporary position like that?”
Ryan was puzzled, but I had noticed Revan's intention.
“Is it because of the Prince, brother?”
"Bingo."
Revan, you had it all planned!
Anyway, the reason I came up with Plan B to expose Ratan to the outside was entirely that I had a backup plan called Revan.
The scoundrel appears.
Ryan muttered. Revan was getting out of the carriage belatedly.
[Wow!]
Revan, with his slender frame and impeccable pitch-black suit. He looked like a young, handsome professor. No, he really is a professor.
As Revan landed, the guards spread out to form a control line. When they gestured for the soldiers nearby to step back, Ryan was pushed back as well.
“What? I’m his older brother!”
“They are professors from the Imperial Academy visiting regarding research on special magical beasts. We must provide a thorough escort to ensure no issues arise, so we ask for your understanding. Please keep your distance.”
“No, wow...”
The escort pushed Ryan away while speaking stiffly, according to the manual.
Standing outside the control line that strictly guarded only the royal family members, Nike, and high-ranking intellectuals, Ryan stared blankly at Revan.
“Ha, you little brat. You’ve made it bigger than me...?”
[Then I'll head over to the more successful one!]
"What?!"
I left the angry Ryan behind and quickly switched to Revan's shadow.
Eyes of the Mirror - Footsteps of Darkness
Revan's vision has started to be shared.
Nike and Professor Schultz are having a conversation.
"Are the other professors arriving late?"
“No. They are following right behind. Ah, there they are coming at that moment.”
Just then, two more carriages arrived, and people began to get off.
'You're here!'
They are professors from the Department of Monster Research at the Imperial Academy.
For reference, half of them are foreigners.
Ratan crisis is not a problem for the Empire alone. The cursed lands are merely Imperial territory, but defense is a concern shared by all nations.
If the empire collapses, would the monsters say, 'We've won! Let's not attack other lands! Of course not.
Therefore, numerous foreign countries paid defense expenses to the empire out of moral obligation, and they did not neglect sending intellectuals to study monsters.
“That’s unbelievable, look at the size!”
"Is it really not running wild?"
Carrying large research bags under their arms, they swarmed over with their eyes shining as soon as they saw Ratan.
Nike took the professors to Ratan's side.
They plan to explain to the professors, using pre-arranged lies, how they captured Ratan, how they made him obey, and so on.
At that time.
“Dr. Nocturne!”
“Ah, Alman!”
The last person to arrive, called Dr. Nocturne, came toward us, unable to take his eyes off Ratan.
Dr. Nocturne was also a foreigner. Moreover, it was obvious at a glance that he was the head of the department, and his eyes were filled with an immense passion for research.
Hehe. Just as planned...
By involving foreign professors in research on Ratan, its harmlessness was proven, and its necessity as a research resource was also secured.
That is our goal.
From the moment foreign professors joined, Ratan's fate was no longer a matter to be decided unilaterally by the Empire.
Renowned professors who have studied Ratan for a long time say that it is harmless and worth researching, so can we simply discard it without question?
If my father persuades the parliamentary nobles to demand the elimination of Ratan, the Crown Prince can simply evade the issue by claiming that he "cannot help but consider diplomatic matters."
“This is Dr. Nocturne Fisher from the Kingdom of Denier.”
"Ah, nice to meet you."
Revan extended his hand. Dr. Nocturne, still looking at Ratan with an excited gaze, roughly grasped Revan's hand for a handshake.
“Dr. Nocturne, this way...”
“Hey, you heard before you came. I heard you were a visiting professor.”
To Dr. Nocturne, who was distracted by Ratan, things like exchanging names didn't seem to be an important matter.
“What is your name? What is your name?”
At least he asked for Revan's name out of politeness.
"It's Revan."
"I see!"
After quickly exchanging names, he ran toward Ratan as if he couldn't wait any longer.
And he greeted loudly.
“Hi, Revan! Is your name Revan?”
"?"
“My name is Nocturne. I wonder if you can really communicate!”
"??"
For a moment... my brain froze.
'Ah! Did you ask for the name of the demon beast earlier? Wait, didn't that person know Ratan?'
...for a moment.
Come to think of it, 'Ratan' was a name humans gave it for convenience to issue a wanted notice after it first appeared.
It’s not like that special monster told me its name with its own mouth, so naturally, it wouldn’t even have a name.
"Hmm, I guess that doctor thought that since it can tame magical beasts and even communicate with them, they might have given it a pretty name."
Revan approached, seemingly having grasped the situation just like I had.
“Doctor, he’s not Revan...”
But then.
I saw the demon beast's eyes roll as it paused at the sound of Dr. Nocturne's question. It quickly scanned its surroundings.
Th-that guy... surely he didn't decide that he shouldn't hesitate so cluelessly?
- Yes! My name is Revan!
He answers immediately.
As Revan approached, his vision widened, and his steps came to a halt.
“...? What.”
Nike turned around in bewilderment. His expression seemed to say, "Is this a plan that wasn't discussed in advance?"
It, it wasn't a plan...!
The professors surrounding Ratan, surprised, began scribbling something on the chart they were holding.
"Good heavens, you really are answering!"
“A magical beast capable of communication!”
“Revan, Eevan! Can you try reaching your arm this way?”
"W-what is this?"
Revan blinked. In the distance, Ryan is visible, covering his mouth as if trying to hold back laughter.
“Ha, damn it...”
Revan muttered while rubbing his face, looking embarrassed.
“Look at that... why is he falling over and answering again...”
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