A Maiden’s Unwanted Heroic Epic

Chapter 225: The Demon Lord of Alberan

***Arc 10 One Who Doesn't Acknowledge, Chapter 225 The Demon Lord of Alberan***

T/N: Arc 10 start! (You can also read up until the end of Arc 10 on Patron now!)

In a large, magnificently furnished conference room.

“――So how do you propose us, fighting against Alberan!!? The more time we spend, the more give to them. We will not be able to stop this trend if we do not deal a blow to them here and show them our military power!! ”

――At the anti-Alberan coalition meeting, the one who shouted out loud was Alfmarz Gerganik, the warrior king who was the leader of this coalition and ruled over the great powers of the east.

His face was slightly wrinkled and his black tiger's beard was streaked with gray hair.

However, he still possessed the spirit of a great warrior, and there was no hint of aging in his well-trained, muscular body nor in his eyes.

Alfmarz smashed a large desk to pieces and stared at the faces of the men present.

These men were not just ordinary individuals or nobles. They were all either kings who ruled their respective countries, military leaders, or major nobles connected to royal families.

"Calm down, King Gerganik. Everyone understands even if you don't raise your voice."

"No, you don't understand. The clash between Alberan and Elsren, at that point, I conveyed the danger to everyone present. Despite that, everyone moved for their own interests, and as a result, while Alberan swallowed Elsren, we declared a truce and formed an alliance. We just watched Alberan's movements with our fingers on our lips."

Alfmarz replied in anger.

Collisions between Alberan and Elsren were common.

It was a distant story in the continent's west—nothing significant. However, this time, things were clearly different.

Alberan intended to attack and destroy Elsren.

Making Gulshan a vassal state and annexing Elderant

Ever since Alberan won the War of the Five Great Powers in the west, it showed a distinct change in behavior.

Alfmarz understood that they were preparing for it over the past twenty years.

――Preparing to rule this entire continent.

"This is the return of Grabaraine. Why don't you guys learn from history? Do you think Alberan will self-destruct like in the past? In front of Alberan, who has accumulated power like a tsunami? From my point of view, I have to say that all of you lacked a sense of crisis.''

The Alberan invasion in the past――even back then, Alfmarz's ancestors formed an alliance and stood against Alberan.

That's what was passed down, but if one looked at history books, they would understand.

That was a complete lost.

Alberan overwhelmed them in terms of tactics and strategy, military proficiency, and quality of equipment, resulting in defeat after defeat.

If the split with Elsren had not occurred, Alberan would have controlled everything, including the eastern part of the continent.

From there, Alberan to the west, Elsren to the center, and Gerganik to the east.

That maintained a certain balance, but this time Alberan conquered Elsren――regaining most of its former territory.

This time around, with advanced magic technology in hand that overturns common sense.

They were not to be underestimated.

On the contrary, it is doubtful that even the combined power of the East would be able to match it.

This was not the time to question the pros and cons of peace at this conference.

“The question is not how to make peace with Alberan, but how to deal a blow to them. We must unite our will. If we show a weak attitude, they will take advantage of us. We must become a monolith and find out how to fight against our common enemy, Alberan!”

Alfmarz screamed loudly, and there was a moment of silence.

*“――What valiant words. However, there's no need to fight.”*

“!?”

The silence was broken by the sweet, enchanting voice of a girl's voice.

There were no women at the meeting.

Even servants were not allowed to enter here.

And even more so, a girl who hadn’t even yet to become a woman.

Along with the voice, a wave.

Standing on the table was a girl with golden hair shining in red――wearing a black elegant dress, and a childlike, graceful smile that deceived people.

She seemed like she was floating, insubstantial, and her body was somehow transparent.

Among them, only one thing――only her jewel-like purple eyes stood out on the girl's joyful face.

*“Excuse me for being impolite, standing on the table. even though there are so many people here, I feel lonely that Alberan is the only one out of the loop. I hope you will allow me to join you.”*

In front of the men, who were at a loss for words, the girl danced around, lifted the edge of her skirt, and bowed.

The girl's magical beauty was so fairytale like and bewitching that it was hard to believe that she was from this world.

――The girl was known as the ‘Demon Lord of Alberan’.

She was Kreschenta, the queen of Alberan, the center of their agenda.

The men put their hands over their mouths, not being able to say anything.

"...You!!"

Alfmarz stood up and threw the knife that was at his waist.

He aimed a shot at the girl's forehead――but the knife went through Kreschenta forehead and landed on the wall.

Kreschenta shook her shoulders amused and laughed, caressing her forehead knowingly.

*“My. What would you do if it hit me? Assassinating the king of another country is a violation of the Holy Spirit Covenant.”*

“Walking into your enemy meetings and say things like that.”

*“There is no law that can punish that.”*

Kreschenta said as if making fun of them and clapping her hands together.

*“Fufu, let’s stop the idle talk here. I would like to inform everyone of my future plans.”*

"what are you…"

*“The goal is to establish a unified continental federation with Alberan at the top. Therefore, from now on, Alberan will come straight to the end of the east to visit.”*

Ignoring Alfmarz, Crescenta gestures to behind Alfmarz――a simplified map of the continent.

*“No bargaining, no hesitation. If you resist, we will destroy and swallow that country; if you kneel, we will accept you as a member of the United Federation.”*

Then she moved her palm, not her fingers, from west to east, as if painting it over.

*“I have only one request to all of you. There are so many countries in the east that it's a hassle. We will not send a messenger from here, so if you wish to show your obedience, please send a messenger yourself. ...It's simple and easy to understand, right?”*

"What a joke...!"

Not mockingly, but as if a troubled child.

*“I’m not joking. I mean, it's only natural, right?”*

After a beat, Kreschenta, still a girl, smiled.

*“No one wants to lose a lot in a losing battle. I just want you to understand why I went to the trouble of showing myself like this.”*

Her purple eyes scanned the surroundings in an inorganic manner.

It was like a jewel, like a snake watching its prey.

A chill ran down the spines of the men who looked into those eyes.

*“...If we feel like it, it's easy turning everyone in this room into a bloodbath. We just don't do it because of the troublesome things that come after.”*

The girl happily traced her lips, and Alfmarz carved a deep wrinkle between hi eyebrows.

"...Nonsense."

Then he glared at the girl with hatred and spat out those words.

*"I wonder? Hehe, well, if you're foolish enough to challenge Alberan, I'm sure you'll understand right away. ...There won't even be a fight with Alberan anymore.''*

She giggled happily and shook her shoulders, like a little girl.

The Queen of Alberan never grew old.

Just as that rumor, she looked as young.

She looked completely mad, as if she wasn't human.

“At the beginning of next month, We will start filling in this map starting from the west. We hope that you will make wise decisions as soon as possible. ...Excuse me then.”

Just as when she appeared, she spun around and bowed.

The girl's figure disappeared like a thinning mist, and all that was left behind was silence.

The men look at each other, and Alfmarz turns his back on him and slams his fist into the wall, making a roar.

"...This is just nonsense to disrupt our alliance. I want to continue the discussion from earlier."

There was little reaction to his words.

Crescenta, who was supposed to be far to the west, appeared here, causing great turmoil, and even the kings who agreed with Alfmarz were unable to completely recover from it.

The discussion was leaked well.

There was a strong possibility that all the meetings held here were being wiretapped, and even worse, there was a possibility that all of their movements were known to the other party.

In such a situation, there was no enthusiasm for heated discussions, and the meeting was postponed to the next day.

That day, spies from each countries ran away from the royal capital of Gerganik to their respective countries under cover of darkness.

――The Heavenly Pole of Alberan.

The huge tower built on the side of Albeneria was so high that it could almost pierce the clouds, and it was spewing out a blue light of magical power into the sky that could be seen even by those who did not possess magical power.

Alberan had invested an enormous amount of manpower in its construction.

From the perspective of the people of the royal capital, and even the nobles it was incomprehensible.

The tower suddenly appeared on this land one day.

The surrounding area was always surrounded by iron giants――dozens of Jareia Gashea were activated and guarding the place day and night, and only the Queen, Alberinea, and some people with their permission were allowed to enter.

No one knew how or for what purpose this was done, and the Queen never explained anything about it.

Those who were well-informed knew that there was a similar tower rising in the land of ancient dragons, Mount Arbyagel, but they too didn’t understand.

No one knew what this tower is for.

"Fufu, it's over, Onee-sama."

"Ehehe, good girl."

The inside of the heavenly pole could truly be called papier matche.

In the center was a cylindrical structure where blue magical light rose from the earth to the sky.

The Queen――Kreschenta, who as looking at her sister, laughed happily and hugged her, who looked like her twin, in a loving manner.

She has silver hair and beautiful looks.

The girl wearing her apron dress was stroking her younger sister's head, and tracing the magic crystal shaped like an earring with her finger, and said,

"――Daz, the work is finished. The first Kuromimi squad will do the cleanup work as appropriate. You can come back here."

After a moment's pause, a reply come.

"Understood. Finally, our work is finished.”

“Right, Kuromi squad has done a good job so far without causing any damage. When Daz come back, Daz will be retire, so Krische plan to give you the title of honorary Piririn squad leader for life as well as the title of honorary Kuromimi squad leader for life. It's a long trip, so be careful when you get back."

The response this time took longer than before.

Krische tilted her head and Kreschenta looked at her sister exasperated.

“T-thank you for your kind words...”

"Ehehe. The railway has been extended to the Clauzella region west of Elsren, so please go there and get a ride from there. Zatz will be there, so there should be no problem."

“...Yes”

"Then, later. Thank you for your hard work."

She removed her hand away from the magic crystal earring.

It was a communication device using a magic crystal called Ear Pururun (named by Krische).

It transmits information using a dense magical space created by the Heavenly Pole that launches vast amounts of magical power into the sky from far underground――commonly known as Dorofuyo Space (Its common name by: Krische).

It was a magic tool that enabled the transmission and reception of voice.

Kreschenta sent this celestial magical power far to the east and projected her own image, but that she was able to know their situation and the schedule of the meeting every step of the way was thanks to the resonance crystal set up by the intelligence squad of the Black Flag Special Force――commonly known as the Kuromimi Squad (Its common name by: Krische). The resonance crystal was installed by

By pointing it at a window, it was able to read minute vibrations and obtain the sound inside the room. By using a Pururun resonance crystal (basically called a resonance crystal), it was possible to obtain information about other countries almost in real time.

As they feared for information leakage, resonance crystals have been installed not only in allied and vassal states but also in enemy states, and Alberan had gained not only military and temporal superiority but also overwhelming informational superiority.

"There's no problem installing the resonance crystal. We'll conquer the continent this year, and it will take about ten years to get the whole thing in order."

"Muu...Then the real work will start after that. It's a bit too long after all."

“I think it's fine to take our time and spend a hundred or two hundred years on it.”

“...Krische doesn’t like that”

Krische puffed out her cheeks.

Kreschenta looked at her sister intently and put her hands on her cheeks and pressed her lips to hers.

"Making sure there’s no failure is the first priority. I'll do my best, but there are various problems. Please understand."

She caressed her cheek and whispered to her.

Her purple eyes were shining wetly.

Krische looked into those eyes and nodded quietly with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"My, is it already over?"

The voice came from behind Krische.

It was coming from the elevator located near the wall.

Krische looked back to the elevator with a pleased expression on her face.

"Ehehe, is the work over?"

"Yes, that's why I came to check on you two."

A beautiful golden-haired woman in military uniform.

She had a clear yet calm beauty.

Her slender figure exudes elegance, and she exudes the air of a person who stood above others.

She's over forty, and her body has long since resumed growth――the childishness had disappeared from her features, and there was no visible aging, but she could no longer be called a girl.

She was Selene Christand, marshal of the Alberan Kingdom.

Krische leaves Crescenta and pounced on Selene, kissing her.

Selene looked exasperated and sighed, patting her head and saying, ‘Geez’.

"Didn't I tell you to change out of your apron dress when you go out?"

“The only thing Krische had to do today was come here…”

"Don't make excuses."

"Uuni..."

While pinching Krische’s soft cheek, Selene turned to Crescenta.

"I think we're done for now. I'm sure this will unite the war faction to some extent. Now that their pace been disrupted, they will demand results."

To disrupt the unity of the countless countries to the east of the continent and drag them out into a head-on decisive battle.

That was the only reason for the provocation and coercion.

There would be some trouble if all of them become enemies.

Regardless of whether the war was won, the vastness of the land meant that dispersion of military power was essential.

As for Alberan, they wanted to end the war a little more quickly.

However, this provocation disrupted their unity.

In order for them to mobilize their full strength again, a result was needed.

Against Alberan, who had swallowed up the great power of Elsren, must be shown that there was a solid chance of victory on their side, or else the opportunists would not cooperate wholeheartedly with them.

In the end, Alfmarz would have to demonstrate their superiority in a decisive battle in which they muster all of their strength.

Otherwise, there would be no future in which they would come together against Alberan.

If Alberan defeat the enemy's war faction with overwhelming strength in that decisive battle, it would be possible for Alberan to open its doors to many countries without bloodshed.

"I hope so. I want this to be Alberan's last war."

"The leader over there, King Gerganik, seems to be a very hot-blooded man. He'll probably show up in battle no matter what, and once we defeat him, the rest will be a piece of cake. There's not much of a difference――”

"It's a big difference. A person's life is not a number."

Selene let out a quiet sigh.

"I know, that's why we’re taking so much time."

Dissatisfied, Kreschenta put her hands on her hips, pouted and puffed out her lips.

Selene approached her with a wry smile and poked her cheek with her finger, deflating it.

And a weird sound echoed.

“I wonder why this mouth is so being so sour, truthfully I want you to truly understand that.”

"...I, properly understand it."

“Is that so. ...Fufu”

"...Aanihimafuno"

Selene pulled Kreschenta’s cheek with her left hand, and Krische, who was looking at her, pulled the other side.

Her cheeks were pulled tightly, and Kreschenta eyebrows furrowed, and as if she had reached her limit, she grabbed those two hands and peeled them off her cheeks.

Selene and Krische giggled, and only Crescenta glared at them angrily.

Selene said while patting her head to soothe her.

"I hear people say that you're the demon lord of Alberan. But I don't want people to say you're cruel, cruel, evil person. That's why..."

"I've got a callous on my ear hearing that, geez. I didn't have any more time to prepare. It's for the best, and it'll be over soon, and the world will be at peace. ...That’s fine with you?"

“Yes, Your Majesty the Queen.”

Selene kissed her forehead and smiled, while Kreschenta glared at her while touching her forehead.

Krische said.

"Selene, are you ready?"

"It's going well, no problems. I guess it's on schedule."

“Ehehe, then shall we leave next month?”

"Well, I'll leave it to you."

Krische happily took Selene's arm and pulled Kreschenta’s hand.

"Then Krische'll take a break for a while to take care of some small details. I was planning on making a meat pie today. Selene, want to make it together?"

“You...well, it’s fine though”

“...You will only be a hindrance.”

"How ride. I've improved to a certain extent."

"That's right, Kreschenta. Selene can now tell the difference between beef and mutton."

"...I feel like your level of improvement is too low."

"Shut up okay."

“Unyi”

History books left all over the continent all recorded a certain event that took place in this year.

――In the year 485 of the Kingdom's Year, the War of Continental Unification.

The establishment of the Unified Year, which was used for a long time thereafter, was only a year after that.