Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

It was an afternoon with clear skies. I was in the governmental affairs office looking over some documents that Hakuya had handed to me. As I read them... I couldnt help but let out a sigh.

...Hes finally taken one.

Yes. It will be vital to pay attention to the situation from now on.

Whats goin on, Darlin? Why the frowny face?

Did something happen?

Because Hakuya and I had difficult expressions on our faces, Roroa and Juna got worried.

Roroa was here to handle financial documents, and Juna was here because, though their heads were more stable and they could sit now, Liscia was still fully occupied by dealing with Cian and Kazuha, so Juna was taking her place as my assistant.

In order to show them there was nothing to fear, I gave a small smile and waved the piece of paper.

I was just reading the regular report from Julius.

From my brother?

Yeah. ...It seems that Fuugas reclaimed a city inside the Demon Lords Domain.

I laid the documents on the table, and rested my chin on my hands as I explained, The Eastern Union of Nations is in an uproar over it. Fuuga was no more than the king of a minor nation, but now his name echoes like thunder.

When I said that, Roroa cocked her head to the side.

Hmm... Sure thats impressive, but its still just one city, right? When the Empire sent their expeditionary force, they mustve gone in deeper, but no one ended up makin that much of a fuss over it...

Yeah. I largely agreed, but the way they interpreted it on the ground was different.

Ever since Madam Maria took the throne, the Empire has been cautious about launching an expedition. If the greatest of mankinds nations will not act, then were all forced to sit quietly and watch. Thats why theyve worked to maintain the status quo and keep the situation from deteriorating further, but if you look at it another way, it meant there was no chance to break out of the situation. Now theyre getting good news for the first time in a long time.

The people are more excited than the accomplishment merits... Is that what youre saying? asked Juna.

I nodded to her as Hakuya spoke up, too, In addition, the Union of Eastern Nations is an amalgamation of many small to medium-sized states. The fear of the demon wave externally, and the haphazard system of alliances and familial ties internally, makes acting with unified purpose difficult. Even if a ruler like Your Majesty, Madam Maria, or Sir Gouran were to try to make their country better, those fetters would get in the way.

Its easy for the nail that sticks up to get pounded down there, I said.

Hmm, Hakuya nodded. Is that a saying from your world, sire? Its quite apt... There are limits to what they can accomplish so long as they remain a country of small to medium sized states. They have no bright outlook, and the nation is enveloped in a feeling of entrapment. That is the current situation in the Union of Eastern Nations.

And that feeling of entrapment is fertile ground for the rise of a great man.

When a society felt trapped, the people would look for a great man who could break through whatever was holding them back. The sort of entity who could use radical means to smash everything and let them stand up anew.

Oda Nobunaga, Cao Cao, Napoleon... These men all held the potential for greatness, but what made them great men was the people of the era they were born into. Their actions, which would have been considered massacres in peacetime, were deemed necessary by their people, and that was the birth of their status as great men.

If I thought about it now, the lack of notable resistance when Sir Albert gave me the throne was a manifestation of the peoples desire to change the plight of their directionless country.

The people placed their hopes in the words, the summoned hero.

With Liscias support and some words from Maria, I was able to pull myself back from the brink, but if I had kept trying to role-play being a king any longer... I might have been forced into the same great man position as Fuuga.

The report from Julius indicates nearly all the refugee soldiers serving under Jirukoma have joined Fuugas forces now as volunteers. With the exception of a small number who, like Jirukoma, married Lastanian women, they all wanted to flock to go to Fuugas side.

Thats a real hit to the ol manpower. Is my big brother and big sisters country gonna be okay?

Roroa looked worried. Her relationship with Julius was mending, and she got on well with his wife, Princess Tia, so she must have felt uneasy.

Theyre fine, I said with a laugh, trying to reassure her. I told them to flee to the Kingdom if they have to.

You told that to Sir Julius, who was once, even if only for a short time, the Prince of Amidonia...? I apologize to Lady Roroa, but I cannot recommend stoking the fires of potential strife like that, Hakuya said, frowning.

Roroa looked like she wanted to say something, but she must have understood Hakuyas point and didnt voice her displeasure.

Its nothing to worry about, I told Hakuya with a shrug. Machiavelli said, People will forget the harm you have done them, but they will never forget the women and the money you stole. Right now, the most important thing Julius has is Princess Tia. For as long as her safety is guaranteed, Julius wont get his priorities out of order. Thats what I felt when I actually met him.

...Very well. Let us trust in your eye for people, then. Hakuya looked me directly in the eye as he backed down.

He must have wanted to be sure I wasnt simply being soft on Julius because he was family. I couldnt have been more grateful to Hakuya for taking on an important role that would only hurt him. If I didnt have someone like him at my side, I wouldnt be able to have confidence in my own decisions.

With that conversation sorted, I decided to change topics.

Now then, partially as a means of preparing for Fuuga, theres a project Id like to push forward.

Oh! Its finally time to get movin on that, huh!

Hee hee, Ive been looking forward to it ever since I heard about it.

Roroa and Juna smiled happily.

Hakuya, meanwhile, shrugged in exasperation. I understand this project is likely important, but is there a need to make it such an overblown affair? Its an experiment for the country, is it not?

Well, sure, but it should make for a fun image. Since we have the opportunity, why not put it on the Jewel Voice Broadcast, and let the people enjoy it, too?

...I have to acknowledge my lack of knowledge in these matters, so I will defer to your decision, sire, but please ensure you do not forget the original purpose of all this.

Yeah, I know, I said, standing up as Hakuya impressed his point on me. All right, now lets make it a big, fun experiment.

Magicium.

This substance was said to be the key to the appearance of magic in this world.

Magic was divided into six elemental types: fire magic, as wielded by Carla and Hal; water magic, as wielded by Liscia and Juna; wind magic, as wielded by Aisha; earth magic, as wielded by Kaede; light magic, which could heal external wounds; and dark magic, which encompassed all the powers, like mine and Tomoes, as they did not fall under one of the other groups.

It was an important element, and yet we knew hardly anything about magicium. Even Doctor Hilde, a member of the three-eyed race, who each bore a shining third eye on their forehead that allowed them to see with the precision of an optical microscope, was apparently unable to see this magicium. I didnt know if that was because it was invisible, or because it was so incredibly small that even the three-eyed race couldnt see it, and we would need an electron microscope.

When things were this unclear, I almost began to doubt the very existence of the stuff, but if I considered the connection Mother Dragon had hinted at of continuity between this world and that world where I had once lived, there had to be some reason for the emergence of magic. There were various feats we could do here that couldnt be done in my former world.

In that world, there was a cause and effect relationship between all things. There had to be a cause that resulted in the effect of magic emerging, so I thought that cause was magicium.

The other point I had learned about magic was that its power was greatly diminished over the ocean. Even water magic, which was less affected than the other elements, was affected to at least some degree near sea water. This was why Excel had once been called, the mage who is unbeatable anywhere there is fresh water.

It had become established as common sense that magic did not work well near the sea. That was also why firearms, which had been ignored for use on land because they were inferior to magic, had still been studied by the Navy.

Because of all this, I had hypothesized that magiciums effects were limited by nearness to the sea. The fact that magic could be used with fresh water, but not with sea water, was interesting. If fresh water was good, but sea water was bad, it was almost like you-know-what, right? If so, perhaps magicium was... No, I didnt have enough to go on just yet. I could go on about my conjecture, but I couldnt be sure of it. It needed to be studied more firmly.

Some months ago, when I was thinking this, a research proposal for a certain experiment came to me from Gingers Vocational School. I was in the midst of preparing for my coronation and wedding ceremony at the time.

The Work Songs Society? I cocked my head to the side as I looked through the report Ginger had brought to me in the governmental affairs office.

Gingers Vocational School did more specialized research, focusing on the kind of things they wouldnt handle at an academic institution like the Royal Academy. That could be skills like cooking and singing, or more esoteric topics that would be wasted on the Royal Academy.

Though, recently, Gingers Vocational School had catalyzed a shift towards supporting more unique research at the Royal Academy. Competition was an important factor for academic development. I wouldnt tolerate them interfering with each other, but surely a close competition between the two was to be welcomed.

The thing that Ginger had brought to me on this occasion was also something that had been wasted on the Royal Academy, and drifted over to Gingers Vocational School instead.

Ginger nodded in response to my question. Yes. The Work Songs Society. The formal name is The Society for the Study of Work Songs.

By work songs, you mean those songs everyone sings while theyre working?

That is correct.

In essence, these were songs that laborers tended to sing in place of shouting as they worked. In terms of ones I would know, there was Asadoya Yunta, which I had learned in elementary school. I seemed to recall that was a work song. Hmm, studying the work songs of this country, huh?

I was a little curious about what there were... but still...

I think its interesting as an object of ethnological study, but was this something you needed to come all the way to the castle about?

Oh, no, this isnt simple ethnology. Ginger hurriedly shook his head.

Hm? What do you mean?

According to the head of the Work Songs Society, some of the songs that the common people sing seem to have the effect of increasing the potency of magic.

Singing makes magic more effective, youre saying?

It sounds like something out of a game, but is it possible? I thought, but on more careful consideration, from the perspective of my old world, wasnt this world of swords and sorcery already kind of like a game?

Madam Tiamat had suggested there was some temporal relationship between that world and this world, so was something so absurd possible? I was only half-convinced, but Ginger shook his head strongly.

No, it seems the effect is gained by listening, not singing. The effect doesnt affect all magic, either. There are songs suited to specific spells. For instance, a work song used in the quarries affects the magic used when extracting stone. It doesnt work on other magic... like, say, the enchantments placed on weapons.

So listening to the woodcutters songs makes you better at magic used for cutting down trees, and so on?

Thats right.

I see. Thats fascinating.

Did that mean if they were listening to the most famous woodcutters song from Japan, their logging magic would get stronger? No, that was an enka song, not a work song, huh.

Hmm... At the current juncture, I couldnt really be sure if this was incredible or not.

Its an interesting thing to focus on, but... I cant decide if its a worthwhile thing to study or not, I said. Id like to get an opinion from Juna, since shes a singer, and from an expert on magic, too.

That makes sense. I think that would be good.

So, could I ask you to come back with the head of this Work Songs Society someday soon? Ill bring together the people who can make a decision.

Understood.

From there we moved on to a discussion of Ginger and Sandrias upcoming wedding. They had apparently been having problems, so I gave Ginger some advice, and arranged behind the scenes for things to be set up for him.

With that done, I went back to thinking about the plan Ginger had brought me again.

Now, who was I going to need other than the loreleis...? Ah, I know of one.

Aisha, I called out to her as she was standing guard by the door.

Yes, sire?

Send a messenger to Genias dungeon workshop. Have them tell Merula, who is involved in the drill research project, to appear at the castle.

Yes, sir. I understand.

Having left the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan and dappled with a variety of magic cultures, primarily enchantment magic, Merula Merlin was an expert in all things relating to magic.

If I showed her this report, how would she react? I was kind of looking forward to it.

I do not believe its impossible, Merula said, not seeming particularly surprised.

It had been some days since then, and a new group of people had been gathered in the meeting room at the castle.

The members other than me included Liscia, who had come to help because the children were having an afternoon nap; Juna, who had been called as an expert on music; the high elf Merula; and Souji, the worldly bishop who had for some reason insisted on accompanying her; as well as the central figures of this gathering, Ginger and the head of the Work Songs Society, Morse Butchy.

I was surprised by how large Morse was. He stood easily over two meters tall, and was pretty thick, too. But, more than that, he had the face of a walrus.

He was a member of one of the five races of the snowy plains, which made up the majority of the population in the Republic of Turgis, the walrus race. His family had apparently immigrated to the Kingdom in his grandfathers time.

This man was more rotund than Poncho, and was wearing an academic uniform, so I couldnt help but think, What fantasy movie did you escape from, buddy?

On top of that, the moment we met...

Ohh, Your Majesty. I am most honored to have received your invitation on this occasion, said Morse. It is an honor beyond anything I deserve that you know about our research.

His low voice overflowed with a dandyism that I would not have expected from his walrus face, so I was quite surprised upon meeting him. It was so good I instantly fell in love with it. From what I heard, he wasnt just a researcher, he was also a bass singer.

From there, I received a thorough explanation of the Work Songs Societys activities from Morse. They had gathered work songs from all over this country, and had been satisfied just to be able to record them. However, when they tried using magic while singing a work song used in the forge, they got the feeling it had increased the power of their flame magic. Did songs have the power to affect magic?

With that thought, ever since then, the Work Songs Society had been studying which songs had what effects. As a result, they began to learn that the mental image was what was important.

If you listened to a song that made you envision roaring flames, it would strengthen your fire-type magic, and if you listened to a song that made you envision a raging gale, it fortified your wind-type magic instead. The key point here was that songs that were about a quietly burning flame, or a gentle breeze would instead lower the power of the associated magic. That was presumably because of the mental image, too.

A strong image will strengthen the magic, while a weak image will weaken it, Merula said, following Morses explanation. And the simplest way to conjure that image in peoples minds must be through song.

Is it possible for a song to affect magic?

Yes. Its pretty commonly said that image is important in magic.

Merula stood up, and began writing on the prepared blackboard.

On this day, there was a massive crowd overflowing from the fountain plazas where people could watch the Jewel Voice Broadcast. That was because word had spread that the young king would be doing something interesting again.

Ever since Souma had begun to use the Jewel Voice Broadcast, the number of fountain plazas had grown, and in turn, the contents popularity as well. The broadcasts drew massive crowds, and so people were gathered in Parnams central fountain plaza, waiting with bated breath for the broadcast to begin.

Whoa! What a crowd. Theres so many people, you could sweep them up and throw them out.

Oh, Yuriga. Dont talk about people like theyre garbage.

Yurigas all-too-frank opinion left Tomoe pursing her lips in dissatisfaction.

The five kids: Tomoe, Ichiha, Yuriga, Velza, and Lucy, were currently on the third floor terrace of the restaurant managed by Lucys family, which was near the central park. Lucy had invited them because they could see the Jewel Voice Broadcast from here without getting caught in the crowds.

What do ya think? Its a pretty good location weve got goin on here, huh?

It is, yes. Its a bit far, but I can see the fountain plaza well, Ichiha said with a small smile as Lucy puffed out her still non-existent chest, with pride.

Velza, who was quietly eating the nut cookies that had been left out, had yet to respond. Unlike Aisha, who devoured her food like a lion, she had more of the look of a small animal desperately stuffing as much into her cheeks as she could.

Lucy looked at Velza and chuckled. Im glad to see youre likin the food.

Munch, munch... Yes. I am quite satisfied with it, Velza said shyly.

Ichiha pointed to the fountain plaza. Oh! Its starting now.

The third primary queen Roroa and the kingdoms first newscaster, the half-elf Chris Tachyon, appeared. Lucy squealed in delight at the sudden appearance of her idol.

Eeek, Lady Roroas super cute today, too!

Munch, munch... Whoa, girl.

While grabbing a cookie and putting it in her mouth with her left hand, Velza tapped Lucy on the shoulder with her right. Then, as the many people watched, the two on screen shouted in unison.

TheThe East and West Song Battlettle.

...Correction. They were not quite in unison.

Hey, Chrisie. We practiced this. Whyre you not matchin my timin?

S-Sorry. Its my first time MCing a program like this.

Whys that? Youre always fine when youre readin the news, arent ya?

The news has a fixed script, but they only gave us a rough outline to go off of for this kind of thing. Why am I the MC anyway? We had other people to do it before now, didnt we?

Theyre more or less all bein used for this event, so there aint much else we can do. Now then, was the next part of the program the one where we make you strip off some of your clothes and strike a sexy pose?

It is not! Seriously, please dont say things that we havent discussed in advance!

The plaza filled with laughter at the sight of Chriss flustered response.

Lucy watched Roroas mischievous snickering with pure ecstasy. Not only is she smart, shes charmin, too. Is Lady Roroa our cute goddess?

Shes our queen, Tomoe, Ichiha, and Velza dutifully pointed out.

Yuriga was the only one to remain silent, apparently having had enough of playing along with their nonsense.

Now then, getting back to it, Im Roroa Amidonia, the third primary queen of Friedonia. Id like everyone to go home at least rememberin my name and face.

I dont think theres a person in this kingdom who doesnt know your name and face... Erm, I am Chris Tachyon. Along with Lady Roroa, I am here to act as the MC for this project. Please, enjoy the show.

Wow, youre actin stiff... Come on, smile.

Fake smiles are my specialty, you know? Chris said with a smile.

Now theres a smile that looks like it was stamped on your face, but its time to introduce the program.

Yes. In regards to the East and West Song Battle that will be held, it is fundamentally the same sort of thing as the Red and White Song Battle held at the end of the year. The loreleis and their male counterparts, the orpheuses, as well as singers of our country will be divided into two teams, and they will take turns singing.

The difference is, unlike with Red and White, the National Defense Forcell be doin a trainin exercise along with it, Roroa added. The National Defense Force will be divided into the East Force and West Force. During this program, well be showin you video as the East Force attacks a certain fortress outside Randel, and the West Force defends it. Basically, the loreleis are gonna be cheerleaders for the opposin sides in the battle. Get a good look at our brave soldiers fightin as loreleis sing in the background.

We hope you will enjoy the show.

...Theyre up to something weird again. It sounds fun, though, Yuriga said in dismay as she sipped her tea after hearing what the program would be about. But are you fine here, Tomoe? If you asked your brother, wouldnt he have taken you to the event site?

Yeah. Well, youre right, but...

Tomoe had been invited to come to the event by Souma, in fact.

However, though this was, on the face of it, just a new broadcast program, behind the scenes it was also an experiment on the connection between music and magic. Because the whole nation was being mobilized for the experiment, they couldnt let exchange students like Yuriga and Ichiha, or a commoner like Lucy, see the full picture. Even if they were her friends, she couldnt bring them.

I wouldnt be any help this time, and besides... Id rather watch here with all of you than alone by myself.

Aw, youre makin me blush, Lucy said, grabbing Tomoe around the shoulders. Go on, have another biscuit. Drink some tea.

I-I will.

Tomoe took one of the sweets with a wry smile. Watching them, Yuriga sighed a little, then turned to look straight at the broadcast. Her eyes were too serious to think she was watching a simple entertainment program.

Meanwhile, around that time.

We were in the fortress outside Randel, the city that housed the castle that once belonged to former General of the Army, Georg Carmine. There were a large number of officers from the National Defense Force gathered here.

This place was where the Forbidden Army and the Army fought during my fake confrontation with Georg Carmine. Though, the most intense fighting was between the Forbidden Army and the personal forces of the corrupt nobles and their Zemish mercenaries, so the Army itself had hardly moved at all.

It was made by reviving a long since destroyed castle using military engineers, and had been used as a training facility for the National Defense Force since the end of the war.

Now then, let us review the rules of this exercise, I said.

Inside the fortress, I was standing in front of the broadcast jewel wearing my military uniform, explaining the outline to the men who would participate in this combined training exercise and experiment. The only ones watching this broadcast were the officers and soldiers gathered in the fortress as well.

In order to maintain secrecy, we used separate jewels so that the people couldnt watch. The rules had, of course, been communicated beforehand, but you can think of this like the announcement before the start of an athletics festival.

In this exercise, you will be split into the attacking team and the defending team. The attacking team will be called the East Force, and will be commanded by Commander-in-Chief of the National Defense Force, Excel Walter. The defending team, meanwhile, will be called the West Force, and I will be their commander-in-chief. But, in actual practice, command will be taken by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the National Defense Force, Ludwin M. Arcs. The attacking team wins if they can break through the fortress wall and reach where I am within the time limit, while the defending team wins if they are able to protect me the whole time. The winning team will receive a bonus to their pay, so give it your all.

The moment I mentioned that bonus, the soldiers cheered so loudly I could hear them in the distance.

Yeesh, what a mercenary lot. Its just bonus pay... Anyway, getting back on track.

In light of the inherent advantage the defending team has, the attacking team will have double the number of members. In addition, there will be a major magical experiment during this exercise. Because we are observing the power of magic, the attacking team will be limited to using the tactic of attacking by force from all sides. There will be no aerial forces involved in the battle. Weve gathered people who are used to magic here, so Id like you to listen to the loreleis, orpheuses, and singers and really let loose with all your power.

Next, I went over the rules for fighting.

I know I am repeating myself, but the objective of this exercise is to observe the power of magic. Because of that, those who fight with weapons must use the arms and equipment provided. The weapons are blunted swords and spears, as well as arrows with rounded tips. You must enchant these with magic as you fight. Throwing them without magic is forbidden. The armor is a suit of breastplate that has been enchanted to slightly resist magic. If this armor is destroyed, or you run out of magical power, you are out. You must leave the battlefield at once.

Incidentally, the one who came up with this equipment was Genia.

While we were discussing the best way to observe magic while also limiting the number of injuries, she proposed these rules and equipment.

When I first heard the rules, I couldnt help but think, Clothing destruction KOs? But only the breastplate would break, so there wouldnt be any particularly sexy results.

Well, ninety percent of the soldiers participating were male anyway. I was relieved to know we wouldnt be showing the people a video where there were half-naked men everywhere. Besides, Aisha was participating as a combatant, too, and I would hate to let others see my wife naked... So, yeah, that about did it for the rule explanation.

This exercise is a combat experience, and an experiment. At the same time, it is also important that you do not forget the people are watching your bravery. Thats why I have an order for you.

I thrust my fist skyward.

Fight hard, and make it flashy! The ones who stand out the most win! If you were especially noticeable, you will receive a special cash prize regardless of if you won or lost! Now give me a heroic display of magic!

Yeahhhhhh!

There was cheering from inside and outside the fortress. It seemed I had them good and motivated.

Once I had checked that the broadcast was terminated, I returned to a table set up in the back of the fortress.

Good job, Liscia said. Here, have some water.

Thanks... Whew.

I took a breath, then loosened the collar on my uniform. I looked at the simple receiver placed in the middle of the room. There I could see Roroa and Chris explaining the plan (the one for public consumption) for this event. They were recording in a separate room, so that their jewel wouldnt pick up the sound of our broadcast.

Did the sound from when I riled the men up end up getting broadcast to the people? I asked.

Roroa did a good job playing it off with a, Sounds like the soldiers are rarin to go!

Well, thats good. Now... we just wait for the report to be done.

For this experiment, the Royal Academy had dispatched a large number of researchers who specialized in magic and related fields, and they were positioned all around the area to report on minute fluctuations in magical power.

What songs would affect which magic? I was looking forward to finding out.

Now then... Liscia smoothly stood up, and put her rapier on her hip.

Hold up, Liscia. You cant be planning to...

Aishas participating, isnt she? I have Mother watching Cian and Kazuha back in the castle, so I want in on this, too. Between the pregnancy and birth, Ive been letting my skills get rusty. If Im going to be a cool mom, Ive got to get my combat instincts back.

Does a mom need combat instincts...?

There had been signs that Liscia would be a tough mom, and that was exactly what she was shaping up to be. Well, there was hardly any danger involved this time, so I guess it was fine. She had been spending all her time looking after our kids lately, so I needed to let her spread her wings occasionally.

Have fun.

Wh-What is that?!

The waters rising?!

The soldiers fighting on the south side of the fortress all gulped, regardless of which side they were fighting on. The water in the river south of the fortress suddenly surged upwards. Then the vast amount of water transformed into a great five-headed snake, its heads all poised to strike the fortress.

I-Is that...?! Theres no mistaking it, its the same as from back then!

Its Duchess Walter! Duchess Walters magic!

I-If we stay here, wont we attackers get caught up in it, too?

The water snake was familiar to those soldiers that participated in the battle in the Union of Eastern Nations to divert the incoming monster assault. However, now, standing at the base of the snake, Excel looked dissatisfied.

I knew it... It looks a little thin. It would be better if it had the volume of water that the Dabicon provided, but I suppose this is the most I can expect from a river like this.

It was true that the serpent she had given birth to was a size smaller than the one from the Dabicon. The river running by the forest was little more than an oversized stream, and it did not have that much volume. Even so, from the point of view of the soldiers, it was no less of a threat.

Excel refocused, and looked towards the fortress. Well, if I try to control too much, my magical power will run dry in no time. This is fine. Now... What will you do, defending team?

As she said that, Excel pointed her fan toward the fortress. When she did, one of the five snake heads rushed towards the fortress like a water cannon.

The song playing at that time came from the most famous kaiju movie in Soumas old country. Hearing music that seemed to stir terror in people, the defenders felt as terrified as if a massive creature were attacking them. However...

Theres not much that needs to be done.

Bwoooooosh...!

Flames suddenly rose from the battlefield to evaporate the snake head in an instant. The next thing she knew, there was a girl in a red scale dress that looked out of place on the battlefield standing in front of Excel with a defiant look in her eyes. Her red hair streamed behind her, and a reptilian tail protruded from her rear.

Excels eyes narrowed as she regarded the girl and said, I believe youre... from the House of Magna, yes?

Yes, Duchess Walter. I am Halbert Magnas wife Ruby. As she introduced herself, Ruby produced flames in the palm of her hand. Sir Ludwin predicted this. Knowing how capricious you are, it seemed likely you would want to come out and play. Thats why I, who have power to rival your own, was ordered to keep you under control.

Hee hee, Lord Ludwin understands me well. But you on your own wont be enough to stop me now. Excel was smiling, but her eyes shone like a raptor that had sighted its prey. Its true that you have considerable magical power as a member of the dragon race. However, under current rules, you must fight in human form. Because using air power is forbidden. And the amount of force you can exert in that form is limited, right?

...You know your stuff.

I am Commander-in-Chief of the National Defense Force, after all. I am well acquainted with this countrys strengths in war. So let me ask you again. Do you truly believe you can stop me in that form?

When she said that, Excel turned the remaining four snake heads towards Ruby and had them lunge. Ruby loosed flames from both her hands as she stepped back, causing two snakes to evaporate.

How naive.

Before Ruby knew it, one of the water snakes had circled around behind her. Then the last snake came from the front, threatening her with a pincer attack. Ruby dug her heels in, spreading her arms wide, and threw fire at both snakes.

Hisssssssssss...!

Urgh...! she grunted.

However, Ruby couldnt fully evaporate them. That was because Excel kept up the supply of water to them. The power of the flames kept things at a stalemate, but Ruby couldnt knock the attack aside.

The steam hung in the air around the two of them. Then...

Do you know they call me, the mage who is unbeatable anywhere there is fresh water? Excel said, creating a new snake head to menace Ruby, who was unable to move. Its lips were upturned in a crescent shape. Thats because, in any place where there is fresh water, I can wield my magic more efficiently. Now, lets have you step aside.

Urgh... To think you can control this much magic when in a human form. Its not fair...

Call it whatever you like. Now, Im going to strike the final blow.

The water snake assaulted Ruby from above, when...

Crack!

Lightning flashed through the sky, and the water snake was blown away.

Huh?!

Excel took a huge jump back in surprise, and two bolts of lightning came down where she had just been standing. This broke Excels magic, and Ruby was finally set free. A black figure who had a tail on her rump and a pair of antlers that were even larger than Excels growing through her glossy black hair landed, then turned to Ruby.

Looks like youre having some trouble. Want help?

...Youre being a busybody, Naden.

Naden already looked ready for battle, her hair standing on end, and sparks crackling around her as she slapped the ground with her tail.

The sudden intrusion of Naden made Excel chuckle. Oh, my. The second secondary queen is joining the fray, too?

For the same reason as Ruby over there. Souma asked me to stop you if you came out to play. You did help me with those lessons of yours, but I wont let you go any further.

Hee hee, now this is interesting. Both of you come at me together.

Excel spread her arms and created more snakes. Eight of them this time. When she witnessed Excels incredible magical power, Naden spun her arms in circles with a resigned sigh.

...This is going to be tough if I cant take ryuu form. Ruby?

I know. Ill take you up on your offer to face her together.

Dont get in my way, stupid Ruby.

I could say the same, dumb Naden.

Even as they argued, they readied themselves for the fight, and then ran towards their joint foe.

Excel sent two water snakes at them, but they nimbly dodged. Ruby launched a great ball of fire toward Excel, who had a water snake coil around her, forming a wall, and blocking the attack. Piercing through the steam created when they canceled each other out, Naden rushed in close to Excel, her body wreathed in electricity.

Excel sent a water snake after Naden and shouted, Come to me, ancestor of the sea serpent race!

Im not as old as your five hundred years!

Their attacks collided, and the splash of water sparkled with electricity. The soldiers who witnessed this battle later reported it was like a fight between three massive beasts. Fortunately, the theme playing at the time was the theme song of a film where three kaiju fight a great war.

The excitement on the battlefield was reaching its peak.

I was in a room deep inside the fortress the defending team was protecting, fighting with the reports delivered by researchers from the Royal Academy and Gingers Vocational School.

Your majesty, reporting from Observation Point 8. Track number 28. Effect witnessed on defending side, said a researcher.

Another followed up with, Report from Observation Point 14. Track number 52. No effect detected.

Observation Point 2! The battle between Duchess Walter, Queen Naden, and Lady Magna has become too loud to hear the music!

Also from Observation Point 2! The aftermath of their battle has caused a large number of casualties!

Dont talk all at once! I can write several things at once, but theres still only one of me! I shouted despite myself. I might have sounded angry, but it was a cry of desperation. I wasnt Prince Shoutoku; if they talked at me at the same time, I wasnt going to be able to hear them all.

If they were talking in front of my note-taking machine, Factory Arm, it would at least be able to think independently. But even if it could do that, it couldnt respond, so I had to do what I could with my main body.

I only need the records, so talk to the Factory Arm, I said. Also, let them do whatever they want over where Excel is. Even if we told her to lay off, she wouldnt listen. Oh! But make sure you get all the data.

Yes, sir. It will be done.

Having sent all matters that didnt require me to talk over to the Factory Arm, the number of people dropped a little, and I was able to catch my breath.

The three simple receivers set up in the room all showed images of the soldiers fighting. They were going all out while listening to the loreleis sing.

I could only smile wryly at the fact that the showiest places were Aisha, Hal and Kuus, and Naden, Excel and Rubys, all people I knew personally.

...Watching this, it does look like the music has an effect.

Listening to music elevated the power of the imagination, which had an effect on magic. When cheerful music that urged the soldiers to fight played, the attackers pushed forward, and when music played that made you imagine a solid defense, the defenders pushed back.

The most impressive was the orchestral showdown between the theme of an action-adventure puzzle-solving game that featured a mark similar to the Hojo Clans family crest vs. the theme that played in the rebel army base in the second installment of a major RPG everyone in Japan would know. These were the pieces that gave me the strongest sense of offense and defense.

I tried having them played together, and I could clearly see that when the former played, the attackers gained momentum, and when the latter played, the defenders rallied. These two themes could probably be used in actual combat.

From the reports Id seen, the presence of lyrics made no real difference. That was likely because, on the battlefield, there was no time to listen to them. However, in a situation where they could hear the lyrics, or where they knew the words in advance, like with the Lunarian Orthodox hymn that strengthened healing magic, the outcome might have been different. I wanted to perform tests under a variety of different conditions, and record lots of results.

Lady Liscia?! Aisha exclaimed.

Whaa?! Bros Wife #1?!

Huh?! The princess... No, the queen?! Why is she here?!

It looks like fun, so I want in, Liscia said with a smile. Aisha, leave the rabbit over there to me. You stop these two.

...Oh! U-Understood!

Having come to her senses, Aisha managed to give that much of a response, and then Liscia was off at a gallop, heading towards Leporina.

Huh? I have to face Queen Liscia?! Master Kuu?!

Kuu heard Leporinas bewildered cries in the distance, but unable to do anything about them, he just gave her an off-handed, Good luck!

Leporina loosed arrows as she fled, but Liscia cut them out of the air as she gave chase. The fleeing Leporina and pursuing Liscia. It was a scene that looked like a rabbit hunt.

Eeek! Stay away from meeee!

Youre fast, and youve got good aim. But a challenge always gets me fired up.

Liscia looked like she was having fun, and she kept chasing the teary-eyed Leporina. As he watched, Kuu couldnt help but mutter, All of Bros wives are a little too energetic...

...Youve got a point.

Halbert could find no words to disagree with him.

Liscias so full of life, I said to myself, sighing as I watched her enjoy her rabbit hunt on the other side of the simple receiver.

She was really in her element. Having to look after the children all the time lately must have left her itching for this. Cian and Kazuha were cute enough that she didnt mind, but she was a warrior trained by Georg, and she must have wanted to really let loose sometimes.

Suddenly, one of the bureaucrats came in and said, Y-Your Majesty! This is big!

What is? What happened?

When I asked him, the bureaucrat caught his breath and gave his report. Theyve breached the walls! Please, head to the hall and prepare to meet them at once!

They broke through... Seriously? I thought it was a stalemate...

I looked to the simple receivers, but all I saw was my wives and companions fighting, the same as before. No matter where I looked, it seemed like the fighting was even.

Yes. The heads of the attacking and defending teams have thrown the major players at one another, so the places that are being recorded are all at a stalemate. However, in the more ordinary spots, the ones not picked up by the broadcast, there was an ordinary fight, fought with ordinary means, and it has broken through the walls in an ordinary way.

Oh... Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Its not like were seeing the whole battlefield.

I was satisfied with their explanation. There was fighting in the places Ludwin and Excel werent concerned with, too, and a result had been decided there.

Its not really a satisfying conclusion, but... I guess that cant be helped. Ill take it on board as something to learn from.

I didnt know if we would be doing this a second time, but if we did, I wouldnt have them fight in a big, chaotic melee like this. There would be proper routes, and the broadcast jewels would be placed along them.

I feel like thatll bring it closer to *******s Castle, though.

Sire, hurry.

Yeah, I know. Im going.

At the bureaucrats urging, I returned to the hall where I gave my initial speech.

...And so, the winners are the attacking team! Also, the special award for the person who did the most to make things the most exciting goes to Miss Dran for blowing away both Silvan and Akki Taitei.

Yayyyyyyy! ? The crowd roaring.

...Th-Thanks. ? Carla wanting to crawl into a hole and die.

Whew, its all done. Lady Roroa was cute as a button, and the whole project was pretty interesting, on the whole, Id say.

Yes. Lady Aisha was as strong and cool as ever.

With the song battle over, Lucy and Velza, who were both at a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the fountain plaza, both gave their opinions.

Tomoe nodded in satisfaction as she sipped her tea. Big Sister Liscia was so brave and wonderful, too. And Naden was cool.

The fighting was incredible, but the loreleis performances were amazing, too. That duet between Madam Juna and Madam Komari was simply enthralling, Ichiha added enthusiastically.

Tomoe noticed that Yuriga was watching the broadcast in silence. There was no enjoyment on her face, only seriousness.

Whats wrong, Yuriga? she asked.

...Hm? Yuriga grunted hesitantly. She inclined her head towards Tomoe as if to say, What?

No, um... its just that you were just staring so intently.

Ohh... I guess I was, huh? I spent the whole time thinking about the purpose of this broadcast. If hes doing something on this large a scale, there must be some reason for it.

P-Purpose...

Tomoe jumped a little at the mention of it. She had heard from Souma that this was all to, Investigate the effect of music on magic. But that information had not been made public. They might figure it out much later, but for now, the people only saw it as another show.

Big Brother is trying to put on broadcasts that will entertain the people. I guess this is part of that, Tomoe said. Look, everyone seems to have enjoyed it, right?

Is that a job for the king? Yuriga said with a sigh. Honestly, your brother isnt regal at all, is he?

Huh? Uh! Well... Yeah.

Tomoe was (only slightly) miffed to hear her speak so disrespectfully about the brother she admired. Still, if it meant Yuriga would be satisfied with that answer, that was for the best, so she didnt push back.

Did you really think Id buy that?

Huh?!

Yuriga stared at Tomoe with eyes that seemed to see everything. As Tomoe shuddered, Yuriga shrugged her shoulders in dismay.

Ive gradually come to understand it, too. The way your brothers politics work, I mean. I know the things he does that look pointless often arent, and the events he seems to have put no thought into have some deeper intent lurking in the shadows. Even if I cant figure out what that is.

.........

As Tomoe sat there, unable to respond, Yuriga stared at the broadcast image of Souma. Hes someone my brother is wary of, after all. I guess you could say that while I may not know what hes thinking, I know hes thinking something, at least.

Yuriga, youre...

Tomoe felt like she saw something in Yurigas eyes that resembled the big sister she admired. Liscia once told Souma, I may not have faith in you, but I do trust you. ...and Tomoe was reminded of that now. Souma did all these crazy, off-the-wall things, but she knew there was a reason he did them.

Maybe Yuriga feels the same, Tomoe thought. Come to think of it... Yurigas personality is similar to Big Sisters, too.

As a princess who was serious, with a strong will that would not bend once she made up her mind, and a willingness to take up the sword to fight herself, it was true she had a lot in common with Liscia. Even more than Tomoe did, though that was to be expected because they were not blood-related sisters.

In that case... I wonder if Yuriga will grow up to be like Big Sister. She admired Liscia, but though her ability to talk to animals was a valuable asset, it was not suited to combat. No matter how hard she tried, she likely couldnt be a brave warrior like Liscia.

But Yuriga had that potential.

Thats... kind of frustrating. Tomoe clenched her fists. This was the first inkling of feminine pride inside Tomoe.

The fact was, though she couldnt touch Yuriga in the realm of physical abilities, in terms of academics, she far exceeded her. This was to be expected, since they each had their own specialties, but Tomoes newfound pride as a woman could not accept the loss when it meant she was somehow less of one.

Im not the same type as Big Sister. I can try all I want, but Yuriga is the one wholl be more like her. Thats why I have to aim to be someone more womanly than Big Sister... The image of her adoptive big brothers blue-haired partner flashed through Tomoes mind.

The first secondary queen, Juna Souma. Though Juna was also a fighter, her true value was in her beautiful appearance and her refined manner. This was a lady that other women strove to emulate, and one who even Liscia felt slightly inferior to as a woman. I want to be like her, too.

Tomoe felt like she could envision the future she wanted for herself. To be a talented and sexy woman who could support her big brother politically.

Ill ask Juna for help when I get back. I need her to teach me to be a more wonderful woman. So I wont lose to Yuriga. Tomoe worked herself up as she clenched her fists.

The other four looked at her mystified.

From this day onward, Tomoe began to learn how to be a woman from Juna, and took her first step towards becoming Tomoe the little devil, who played havoc with the lives of men around her (primarily Souma, Hakuya, and Ichiha), but... thats a story that comes a little later.