Oukoku e Tsuzuku Michi-Chapter 517: I am a Thinking 〇 —Preview

Chapter 517: I am a Thinking 〇 —Preview

Goldonia: Capital – Palace Reception Hall.

「Military Commissioner Marquess Radhalde and Margrave Hardlett, enter!!」

A soldier dressed in an elegant uniform yells in a loud voice.

He might look awe-inspiring and dignified, but he’s probably pretty weak in an actual fight compared to a blood-stained soldier on the battlefield.

Nobles are gathered in a line and the king is already seated on the throne.

It is to be expected as today is the day where we declare the end of the war and our victory over the South Yuguria Empire.

We slowly advance forward, bathed in everyone’s gazes……or should I say, we are carried forward.

The nobles visibly show their confusion.

「How pathetic.」

「It can’t be helped, since we can’t stand on our own.」

Erich and I are being pushed in a chair with wheels attached by our adjutants……Celia is pushing me.

Thick bandages are wrapped from my chest to my legs to hide the ugly wounds on my body.

It’s not the coolest way to make an appearance, but it’s pretty relaxing.

After travelling to the front of the king, Erich lifts his body with a pained grimace.

「Your Majesty, please forgive us for making you wait and for arriving in such an unsightly manner. Suffering a wound in the very last moment is due to my carelessness and incompetence. I am burning with shame.」

I also say a similar statement, reading off the memo given to me by Celia.

「I was the one who summoned you when you should be recuperating. It would not be a victory ceremony without you, after all. You should be forgiving me.」

「I am deeply grateful.」

Erich forces his body up and bows his head, and I also do something resembling a bow.

I see two reactions when glancing at the line of nobles.

The first is relief and anticipation……mainly from the new nobles who were granted peerage after the ascension of the current king.

A majority of those who became nobles while following Erich have positions in the military and can be considered part of Erich’s faction.

To them, a serious injury to Erich is a vital matter that affects their course of action.

Their relief comes from seeing him safe, and their anticipation is for a reward.

The second is dissatisfaction and unease……mainly from the traditional nobles who held their status before the current king.

They primarily have positions in domestic affairs and many are also lords who have ruled over domains since long ago.

According to Erich, Kenneth, as the person in charge of all domestic affairs, is the one keeping them together.

Since they are competing with Erich’s group for power, I’m sure they aren’t purely worried about Erich’s injury.

They likely wanted to criticize us for how disrespectful it is to remain seated, but it was overlooked by the king before anyone could complain, resulting in unhappiness, and after the king praised us, it made them feel unease from being further made light of……or so that’s what I think.

After the king nodded slowly at us, he addressed the nobles with his arms spread.

「To all the loyal subjects serving myself and Goldonia――I am here to say that Goldonia has won!」

Seconds later, the kneeling nobles stood up altogether and cheered.

「Praise be to our fatherland!」

「The kingdom of Goldonia is invincible!」

「May His Majesty Alexandro reign forever!」

Their tone is similar to that of war cries on the battlefield, but upon closer inspection, I see a few old men screaming until they are red in the face or staggering from overexerting themselves.

They are likely using their voices in an unaccustomed way, fearful that a lukewarm reaction would affect their relations with the king.

It’s not easy being nobles.

Their cheers continued until the king lowered his hands, telling them to stop.

「The barbarians assuming the name of the South Yuguria Empire plotted to destroy us savagely and despicably so they could seize the Central plains for themselves! Our nation defeated them with courage and justice!」

Additional cheers come from the new nobles this time.

They saw that their fight was being praised by the king.

If we could win with courage and justice, we wouldn’t have had to work so hard.

In the end, it felt like we somehow managed to win against the insects in a ridiculous fashion.

「However, many things were lost. Land was lost, people were lost, some lost loyal subordinates, and some lost family. All of it was brought about by the fiendish empire and its leader!」

The traditional nobles make resentful remarks, cursing South Yuguria and Wilhelmina.

I say nothing and place a hand lightly on top of the box next to me.

「Now, you may be wondering why the leader of the South Yuguria Empire and her co-conspirators are not present.」

I’m guessing the nobles already know the conclusion. They simply wait for the king to tell the story.

A few familiar faces genuinely seem shocked and look around to see if they can find them.

Count Monashi, Viscount Binbo, Baron Gokhin……you three didn’t know?

Well, it’s possible, since I’ve forgotten about you guys before.

The king pauses for dramatic effect and then continues.

「They were cornered and relied on external methods, summoning grotesque monsters to wreak havoc on everything!」

The faces of the new nobles warp in disgust.

They were probably reminded of their life-or-death struggle with the swarms of insects.

Conversely, surprise appears on the faces of the traditional nobles.

It seems some domestic officials are unaware of the details regarding the battle.

「But these two individuals, Radhalde and Hardlett, and the brave royal army led by them thwarted the enemy without contest――」

It was actually unbelievably tough.

To be honest, it was one of the five times in my entire life that I thought I was going to die…… I’ve come close more times than I expected, huh?

「It is the rule of the world to punish those who commit wrongdoings. South Yuguria and its people were devoured by the very monsters they summoned. And thus, the reason why they are not here for us to hand judgement to is because they reside in the bellies of the monsters. How sad.」

Laughter comes from both the traditional nobles and the new nobles.

「Self-destruction is such a foolish way to end!」

「Hahaha! Let this tale of their own undoing be passed down as a joke!」

The traditional nobles laugh mockingly, emphasizing the self-inflicted nature of the incident. Erich makes a sullen expression in contrast.

By focusing on the enemy’s failure contributing to their own demise, the nobles are essentially dismissing Erich’s efforts.

It’s troublesome because trying to say otherwise would imply some kind of personal interest in the matter.

I click my tongue as I stroke the box.

Unlike Erich, I’m not in a foul mood because I particularly want my name attached to achievements.

Then the king turns to me with a smile.

「Hardlett. Bring the head of the leader you vanquished over here.」

Mention of the head elicits a collective gasp.

The new nobles watch with sparkling eyes while the traditional nobles eye me with an annoyed look as if thinking “not this guy again”.

I do my best to erase the emotion on my face as I hand the box to a guard.

Nevertheless, the guard, possibly sensing irritation, trembled as he nervously accepted the box.

The box is passed from the guard to the king and the seal is lifted――revealing Wilhelmina’s severed head.

「Behold. This is the head of the enemy leader, the wicked Wilhelmina!」

I deliberately tune out the king’s speech and the celebration of the nobles.

Wilhelmina’s head, which retains its exquisite beauty, is being held by the hair and dangled for all to see.

Of course, there is no reason to complain.

Emperors of fallen countries are treated like that, besides that is not a human, it is the insect which broke into Wilhelmina’s skin. More importantly, the one who beheaded her was me. If I complained, Wilhelmina would appear as a spirit.

Yet, I can’t help feeling disgusted in spite of understanding the logic.

I won’t have her head held that way, at least use both hands.

I direct my displeasure at Erich.

Back then, I had wanted to bury her head somewhere.

But the half-dead Erich argued against it, and while we were fighting over what to do, information reached the king, who ordered us to carry the head home.

「There’s no way we could have buried it.」

You knew it was going to be used like a prop to humiliate her though.

「……I had an inkling. Bear with it for now, not that we can do much in this state anyway.」

We remain seated and listen to the king.

「War, monsters and natural disasters ravaged the south! Countless calamities hit and people could no longer――」

The contents of the speech are not entering my brain, although I am somewhat relieved to see Wilhelmina’s head returned to the box, albeit messily.

「It is now I who rules these Central plains and you who serves me. Consequently――」

My eyes slowly close from the boring speech.

It’s easier to feel sleepy in a wheelchair after all――

「Therefore you will be rewarded. Domestic Affairs Commissioner.」

My shoulder is tapped when Kenneth gets called.

Woah, that was close. If Celia wasn’t beside me, I’d be snoring.

「Firstly, in recognition of distinguished service of the first class. Military Commissioner Marquess Radhalde, Margrave Hardlett, step forward.」

「Wah, you mustn’t!」

Celia holds me down when I try to stand up normally and instead pushes me in the wheelchair.

Oh right. I forgot I was injured.

「Fool. It won’t be funny if you died in the palace after surviving a mortal combat, be careful.」

The king says as he laughs.

It would have been bad if I stood. Dangerous, dangerous.

「By the way you two, it doesn’t appear like grave wounds have been inflicted to your legs but you can’t walk?」

The king’s words are more so out of concern than condemnation.

「Sire, the wounds of Lord Hardlett and myself have been closed, but the monsters South Yuguria summoned possess powerful poison, resulting in the inability to stand even before Your Majesty……I would like to ask for your patience.」

It turns out what Erich said is true. I collapsed from blood loss and poison and by the time I woke, several days had passed. The aftereffects still lingered.

When the king nodded, something bulged in my crotch area.

「It should have been fixed in place!」

Following Celia’s scream, a fox popped its head out of the blanket.

No wonder my lap felt warm, this little guy was hiding under there.

Guards respond to the sudden situation, but the king holds up his hand to stop them.

「My apologies. It was with us during the battle, I’ll chase it away immediately.」

Chuckling, the king waves his hand.

「It’s fine. Today is the day when the battle for our kingdom’s existence ended. A single fox is nothing to fuss over.」

Nobles eagerly leaning forward to see the king rebuke me also laugh along and withdraw.

The fox cries out uncomfortably and crawls back under the blanket.

I think this little guy is smart enough to understand me.

It’s way cuter than the useless Messerscmitt.

「Speaking of pets, how should I put this……I heard you used an absurd pet in the battle.」

「It’s a lizard I picked up. Recently, he has also found a friend.」

I proudly declare without a shred of doubt in my eyes.

Pochi is a giant lizard with special characteristics, nothing more, nothing less.

「I see, lizard huh? ……very well. It should be alright, for now anyways.」

Phew, I somehow got through that.

「Your Majesty, it’s about time.」

Kenneth whispers, watching me out of the corner of his eye, and the king also nods in agreement.

The tribute for me and Erich is read out loud.

This must not be a fun time for Kenneth――I think to myself as I imitate Erich’s behavior, responding with “how generous” and “it is because of Your Majesty” when appropriate.

「Here is the list of rewards.」

I respectfully accept it and briefly skim through the document, making sure Celia can also see.

「――too little.」

I hear Celia’s voice in my ear as she twitches.

Erich also seems to be scowling when I look over.

「Is something the matter, you two?」

Kenneth poses the question in a tone similar to Leopolt.

Before we can reply, the king addresses everyone in the room.

「Gentlemen――I am sure many will feel this amount of reward is inadequate.」

Oh, he outright said it.

His remark naturally prompted a stir among the nobles.

Those who fought with their lives on the line or spent money from their own pockets rely on the amount of reward to live.

I wonder if the ones who are turning pale are the ones who have completely used up their personal funds.

My own territory was damaged by the flames of war and the scorched earth operation, not to mention I have incurred further debt from war expenses on top of the pile of promissory notes in my treasury, so this sum of money won’t be enough to cover my dick, let alone my feet.

「Having fought the Great war, Goldonia’s national treasury is somewhat limited.」

If I’m doing poorly, the kingdom is probably doing poorly.

You can never have enough money in an all-out war where soldiers need to be enlisted, equipment and supplies need to be provided, and weapons are purchased from the Federation.

「Furthermore, the assets which are normally seized from the enemy nation are gone……」

Celia whispers in my ear.

The South Yuguria Empire fought in an all-out war too and literally disappeared at the end.

We couldn’t even steal their money.

「We have won the war. But our plight is far from being over. The kingdom demands your loyalty and devotion more than ever!」

The bottom line is that the kingdom doesn’t have much gold to give as reward.

He’s basically saying that we should keep up the good work without complaining.

Kenneth and the king look at us.

「I am well aware of the kingdom’s troubles. Therefore, I give you this reward from my precious storage and ask, with all my heart, that you use it for the sake of the kingdom and for the sake of His Majesty.」

Erich lowers his head in his wheelchair.

His expression was stiff though.

It’s not like I don’t feel unhappy, but whining like a child about it won’t increase the reward.

……well, I might actually get a tiny bit more out of pity, but I’d lose something far more valuable in the process.

「Let us put aside the issue of reward money as I am sure the amount of land will meet your expectations. Currently, the entire Central plains belong to our kingdom. I will generously grant the southern territory in particular to those who have distinguished themselves in battle or helped to support the war efforts.」

Erich and I turn to each other.

Is he referring to the south as in the former South Yuguria territory?

「I hear that it is warmer and the land is more fertile than in the north. It is like being promised an abundant harvest.」

Kenneth chimes in.

So we will get vast, fertile pieces of lands with nothing on them?

「Insects have decimated that region. There are also places with absolutely no citizens……」

Land ravaged by insects is not on the level of war-torn land.

If there are no people, forget about collecting harvest or tax.

The land would only be good for picnics or a nice long walk.

A few nobles become excited at the prospect of owning land, but those who know of the circumstances are dumbfounded instead.

The king proceeds without paying attention to the reactions.

「I have also prepared a special medal. With the feat of uniting the Central plains accomplished, Goldonia’s traditional awards are likely not sufficient. Thus, as the first generation holders of the new medals of the highest honor, the two of your names will remain forever as long as this kingdom exists.」

Kenneth hands shiny medals to me and Erich.

Let’s see, Erich’s is a golden double eagle……something.

Mine is a red flame sword assault……it looks like it could catch on fire at any time.

Anyways, the medals aren’t very useful, but they don’t get in the way either.

I’ll gladly accept it.

Both new and traditional nobles respond with a superficial applause.

In the end, I’d rather prefer something practical……Gokhin is staring at it with glittering eyes and clapping enthusiastically. That’s a very pure reaction, but that’s probably the reason he’s poor.

「We also considered giving Hardlett the position of Senior Chief of Staff――but after consulting with the Military Commissioner, we decided not to.」

All the nobles nod in unison.

Erich also temporarily relaxes his stiff face to nod.

Why do I have to be shamed when I’m here to receive rewards?

Did you just want to use me to lighten the mood?

I got so angry that I farted.

The fox in the blanket writhes and suffers. Oops, my bad.

After the unwilling digression, Kenneth and the king silently nod to each other, then step in front of me.

「Hardlett-dono will be granted the rank of Honorary Advisor of the Royal army――and given the right to promote to a Viscount.」

His statement set the room abuzz with excitement.

Traditional nobles hold their heads in their hands, new nobles are astonished, and the eyes of those who seem to be knights become bloodshot.

「That is all. Is there anything else I can do for the both of you?」

Kenneth’s face tells me he isn’t expecting any complaints.

On the other hand, Erich appears to have plenty to say, but is either unable to say it or is gritting his teeth and staying quiet.

What I received was an underwhelming amount of gold, barren land, and medals of the highest honor along with a position in name only and the right to a higher peerage.

As mentioned, nobody achieved more than me or Erich, meaning the other soldiers will get lesser rewards.

How do you see this?

「I believe the new nobles……no, the entire military is getting the cold treatment. Even though we won the war……」

Celia has a conflicted expression on her face.

I wonder what Leopolt and Adolph will make of this.

「Radhalde and Hardlett are permitted to leave. Take care of yourselves.」

The king says to us as the other nobles are being given their rewards by Kenneth.

For how big of a part we were praised to play, that was rather quick.

There is one thing I am curious about before I go back though.

That is when the king gives an order to the guard.

The guard brings me Wilhelmina’s head which had been forgotten during the distribution of rewards.

「I am done with it. Use it well for the stability of your territory.」

Erich whispers to me.

「I said that there may be remnants who don’t believe Wilhelmina’s death, so it will be put up on display in your territory as a warning to them. I won’t allow a funeral or a grave, but bury her in a suitable place.」

I see, Erich noticed I was interested in the head and got it for me.

「We’ve been through a lot, but her face is beautiful like nothing I’ve ever seen. I don’t want it to rot away.」

I bow to Erich, carefully wrap the head and place it in the box.

「In the meantime, my stamina is at its limit. After resting for two days, I want to talk to you again. I’ll visit when I have the energy to spare.」

「Understood.」

I say farewell to Erich and have Celia push me out of the palace.

「Margrave Hardlett sir. I ask that you grant this servant a small portion of your precious time.」

A man stops us before we can leave.

「……what is it?」

The man kneels on the floor, speaking in an extremely humble manner.

It is incredibly unpleasant.

「I heard that your injury was as a consequence of being challenged in the final battle for the sake of the kingdom’s victory.」

「Insolence!!」

Celia raises her voice.

He’s mocking us.

The man presses his forehead to the floor and begs for forgiveness.

This way, the side who is doing the yelling will also be conscious of the eyes of bystanders.

「At least state your name.」

「It is Talger. I am merely a humble servant working under His Excellency, the Commissioner of Domestic Affairs.」

Startled at the mention of Kenneth’s title, Celia backs off, while I give a terse acknowledgement.

「His Excellency has always believed Margrave Hardlett to be a man of great wisdom and ingenuity――」

「Don’t say what is not in your heart! Subordinate of the Domestic Affairs Commissioner or not, I won’t tolerate the disrespect of Aegir-sama!」

Celia stands in front of me in my defense.

「The fact I’m a resourceful general goes without saying.」

「Eh?」

Celia’s bewildered reaction stabs my heart. We’re starting over.

「Enough with the compliments and small talk. State your business if you have any, if not, I’m going home.」

Without waiting for a response, I signal Celia to go.

Talger promptly mutters with his head still lowered.

「Rosario-sama was also very concerned for the well-being of Margrave Hardlett. She was so passionate that His Excellency couldn’t help feeling pressured.」

Celia pauses.

「Well, I’m sorry that I worried her. ……but why are you telling me this?」

When Talger goes silent for a few seconds, Celia resumes pushing me.

「What a mediocre and incompetent person I am for wasting your time with unrelated conversation. His Excellency will accompany me to formally apologize――」

「No need.」

I bluntly declare as we leave the prostrating Talger behind.

「Man, what a disgusting guy. You call those kind of people……cruris?」

「It’s hypocritical courtesy. More importantly……more importantly……」

The rattling of the wheelchair gets louder.

「Celia, you’re going a bit fast.」

「N-not good. A lot of things might be discovered!」

Discovered or not, I don’t remember laying my hands on Rosario, although I want to, since she’s a fine woman.

Like I said, you’re going too fast. You’re practically running.

「Awawa! I have to tell Leopolt-san right away so he can think of a solution! Awawawa!!」

「You’re going too fast! Watch out, there are stairs in front!」

Celia is already sprinting at full speed.

「If I don’t hurry, hurry……ah.」

By the time she realized and skidded to a stop, it was too late and the residual momentum carried the wheelchair off the top step and into the air. The fox under the blanket narrowly escaped in time.

「Guwaaaaah!」

I tumbled down the stairs along with the wheelchair, and the chair ended up wrecked while I rolled painfully to the floor.

This is the first time I wiped out in such a dynamic fashion on the palace stairs.

「Waaaah! Aegir-samaaa――! W-what a horrible thing I have done!」

Celia rushes down the stairs in a panic.

It feels like Celia has been treating me pretty roughly today, but I can forgive her since she’s cute.

My revenge will come at night in bed.

「Well, my chair is broken. I guess I’ll walk home.」

I quickly stood up and brushed the dust off my butt.

The injury was already completely healed.

Erich and I were certainly afflicted by strong poison after the battle.

I heard that Erich was seriously near death and that he survived after three days and three nights of medication and treatment from the full force of the military doctors.

As for me, my memory is a bit hazy after being poisoned, but I remember ejaculating a purple liquid right as Rita took off my underwear in order to treat me.

I came to my senses when Adela and Rafaella, who were beside her, were splattered, and everything seemed fine at the moment, but even though Natia and Yularen told me I’m not going to die, I won’t be unhindered as a human.

It seems that the semen accumulated in my body reacted with the insect poison, turning into the purple juice that squirted out.

The reason why all the poison is collected in my crotch is unclear.

By the way, the purple liquid is non-toxic, however the smell is so bad that the carriage that I released in had to be disposed of due to the stench, and the three whose heads were covered still cannot get rid of the odor despite bathing for three whole days.

That brings us to the reason why I had to ride in a wheelchair.

「If I showed up as the only one who recovered even though both of us collapsed at the same time, Erich would probably be accused of being weak, right?」

「Actually, the true reason is this. You got erect again from the impact of the fall.」

Celia re-ties the string around my waist.

It was a string that wrapped around my body, fixing my dick in place on my stomach.

That’s right, I am suffering from the same aftereffects that Schwartz and Pipi went through.

「It’s even bigger than usual……it can’t be hidden no matter what is done!」

On the night prior to when I was ordered to attend the ceremony, Nonna and the others stayed up all night to tend to me, but my erection would return at the slightest stimulus despite multiple ejaculations.

When I saw Celia stretch and expose her navel in the morning and my dick ripped my ceremonial clothes, it was certain that I couldn’t participate normally.

It would be disastrous if it happened mid-ceremony.

That’s when I heard about Erich attending in a wheelchair and took advantage of the idea.

「Oh, the box is safe too.」

I don’t want to crush the head of Wilhelmina after getting it.

I let out a sigh.

「There is really nothing that can be done. She’s no longer a human.」

Of course she isn’t. It’s impossible to mistake her for a person when I’ve seen tentacles, mandibles, and a sickle rib bone pop out of her body.

Still, I feel a pang of regret when I look at her beautiful face.

「I was hoping I didn’t have to cut you down.」

By the time we met underground, Wilhelmina had already been consumed by the insect and died.

I should have pushed her down way back when we were talking, fucked her, and made her succumb to the pleasure……

「She wasn’t that kind of woman.」

「I know. But there might have been a small chance if I tried……」

I stroke the fox’s tail when it approaches me again, as if sensing how pathetic I was.

It was followed by several baby foxes that came out of nowhere.

What am I whining about?

It’s in the past.

Celia’s pouting, is it because I patted the fox instead of her?

「Well, I’m not going to put her head on display. Maybe I’ll bury her secretly in the corner of the garden……」

「I’m alive though.」

Celia fails to evacuate and trips at the same time I freeze up.

A second later, the fox falls into the ditch and the baby foxes desperately try to pick it back up with their mouths.

「How strange. I thought I heard a voice.」

I open the box and our eyes meet.

「Hey.」

I rub my eyes and take another look.

「Having problems understanding?」

I understand.

「I didn’t think the head would turn into a zombie……it’s an oversight on my part. Sadly, I have to cremate it soon.」

「Calm down, zombies don’t have intelligence. This conversation shouldn’t be possible with a zombie.」

I regain my composure when the severed head admonishes me.

Wait, what did it just say?

「Like I said in the beginning, I’m not dead. Because you sliced the head off so cleanly, my main body――although I don’t know if I should still call it――is kept intact. I have no knowledge in martial arts, but I can tell you are skilled.」

I grab the flustered Celia and the struggling fox and run into the back alley.

There are people watching in front of the palace. Guards will race over if someone sees me talking to a severed head.

After entering the alley and confirming nobody is looking, I take out the head of……Wilhelmina? No, the insect? Whichever it is, I take the talking head out of the box.

A talking head in a dark back alley, what kind of bizarre case is this?

「Please move aside Aegir-sama. I’ll use this to crush it!」

Celia drags a wooden mallet along the ground she found somewhere.

「You’re quite the bloodthirsty girl, aren’t you? As you can see, I am merely a head. What do you think I can do? It won’t hurt if you let me talk a bit before crushing me.」

「Muu……you could spit up bugs from your mouth.」

「I won’t. And even if I did, they would be tiny insects that can’t do more than annoy you. I would not play such games at this point.」

Celia slumps her shoulders as she is calmly admonished.

I mean, it really makes you feel weak when a severed head convinces you, right?

It’s easier to deal with opponents who bare their fangs at you.

「Alright, then confirm one thing for me first. You are the insect that I fought and that I beheaded, right?」

「Undoubtedly so. I ate Wilhelmina, attained her memories and thought patterns to talk with you, fight with you and I was the one who was decapitated by you.」

It troubles me a little when she says it so boldly.

「I still can’t believe you can survive as just a head……」

「My main body apparently exists within the head. Although I can’t confirm it, I am conscious despite being just a head, so that is the only possibility based on the process of elimination.」

We’re getting a bit off track here.

「You can discuss with Tristan where your consciousness resides later for however long you want, more importantly why did you choose this timing to speak up? Are you going to ask us to cooperate in the uniting of the Central plains again?」

「I’m sure she’ll appear as a spirit when we refuse and attack us again! Let’s crush her with haste!」

Head-helmina firstly turns to me.

Oh, she can change directions……

「I was conscious at the time you lopped off my head, but you would have smashed me if I opened my eyes then. I’m not going to willingly choose to die. I opened my mouth here because I’d be buried if I didn’t.」

She turns to Celia right after she finishes her sentence.

Scared, Celia takes three steps back.

「You do not need to be so guarded. I’ve been reduced from a healthy body with insect pawns to this state. How am I supposed to win against the fierce god Hardlett as just a head? Besides, I don’t have the determination to do so.」

Head-helmina turns to me again.

「I’ve been wondering about it this whole time. What will become of me, that is.」

Hmm, this head is talking about philosophy now.

「I have inherited Wilhelmina’s memories, consciousness and thoughts. But even if I have all of those, the life and purpose of that person cannot align unless the person is living it herself. If I were to use an ambiguous expression to describe the entity, it would be the soul.」

I’m not following anymore.

「In that case, I am not Wilhelmina, I am no more than an insect that possesses the same way of thinking as that woman. When I accepted that, I was able to easily resolve the contradictions created by the breakdown of my thoughts.」

I scratch my head cluelessly.

「Ah, I get that you did a lot of thinking. So ultimately, what do you want to do? No, more accurately, what do you want from us?」

If she wants to revive the insects or re-establish South Yuguria, we would unfortunately have to flatten her.

「Right now, I just want time to think. To think quietly……I want to find the reason of my life. What I want from you is a quiet environment where my life is not threatened. I would also like some nourishment, so please share water and flour with me once in a while.」

What a depressing answer.

「We picked up the head of an insect that acts like a philosopher……」

Celia tosses away the mallet when she realizes no ill intent.

Wilhelmina rolls herself back into the box and even closes the lid, then mutters.

「One more thing in return for your kindness. Regarding what just happened at the royal palace, it is only natural that soldiers are treated coldly. For a ruler, the loyalty of subordinates is necessary not for the past, but for the future.」

What does she mean?

「Goldonia has unified the Central plains. There are no more enemies in sight. Then, irrespective of their achievements in battle, what’s the point of gaining the loyalty of the soldiers? Rather, it’s necessary to gain the loyalty of the bureaucrats on the domestic affairs side. That’s what I would do.」

I guess that’s true, now that she mentions it.

It is only when an enemy exists that the military is treated favorably, otherwise there is no job more useless than a soldier.

「Not only are they useless, they are harmful. Particularly in the midst of a great war, an enlarged military organization and regional lords with massive armies can be major obstacles to peacetime governance. I can’t be certain, but Wilhelmina also planned to get rid of her military authorities after the war. Specifically, she was going poison Zaphnes during the victory ceremony, and get the second-in-command and the third-in-command to suspect each other……not like there is any point in talking about it further though.」

If that’s the case, then the cold treatment on this occasion towards Erich and I might not be the only time.

「If there is anything else you want to know, feel free to ask. I just want a place to think and nutrients. Although the memories and thoughts are Wilhelmina’s and not mine, I will be as much help to you as I can.」

Head-helmina returns to the box and begins asking questions like, “what am I?”, “what is life?”, and “what does it mean to live?”

On another note, when I returned to the mansion in the capital, Casie came flying out on high alert as if she sensed a disturbing presence.

The girl, who changed into a 13-head figure without me realizing, shrieked in terror when she saw Wilhelmina rolling out to say hello and turned into a vengeful ghost.

Carla and Mireille, as well as Celia, who came rushing out after hearing the voice, fainted from seeing the 13-head figure Casie screaming with half of her mouth ripped off her face.

Believing there is an enemy attack, Irijina storms out, doesn’t see Casie and steps on her, who after some kneading, returns to her normal proportions.

It will likely cause a fuss if someone finds head-helmina, so I hid her in an ornamental vase in the living room for now.

「Hardlett-sama. Please show me the rewards from the kingdom.」

The next problem is Adolph, who left the supposedly extremely busy Rafen to come to the capital.

He gives the list of rewards a quick glance, slumps his shoulders and then firmly stares at me.

「I have to talk to you about men, land, and money.」

「Not women, food or booze?」

He ignores me.

Oh come on, I was just making a joke to lighten the mood.

Man, why do I have to talk about so many unpleasant subjects.

Right now my only forms of healing are Celia, who I can see changing clothes because she forgot to close the door, and the fluffy fox coiled around my leg.

「Even I know we’re in a tough spot. I’ll listen without running away.」

Protagonist: Aegir Hardlett. 25 years old. Winter.

Status: Goldonia Kingdom Margrave. Great Feudal Lord of Eastern Area. Mountain Legend.

Friend of the Dwarves. Friend of the King of Aless. Dragon Slayer Hero.

Elf Mediator. Sex King of White City. Mad Demon God. Poison Resistance.

Family:

Pipi (super erect nipples), Nonna (legal wife), Carla (concubine), Mel (concubine), Kuu (cleaning), Ruu (laundry)

Leah (waiting for Celia), Melissa (concubine), Miti (concubine), Maria (concubine), Catherine (concubine)

Gretel (concubine), Mireille (lover), Casie (6.5 head figure), Rita (stink), Yoguri (masterpiece)

Mother: Marceline (lover), Daughters: Eldest – Stephanie (lover), Second – Bridget (lover), Youngest – Felicie (lover), Sofia (returning home), Claudia (training), Clara (sigh), Adela (stink), Alice (pure white)

Celestina (reigning queen), Monica (mama attendant), Benel (coma), Dorothea (relief request)

Subordinates:

Celia (adjutant), Myla (commander), Irijina (commander), Luna (commander of bow cavalry), Rafaella (stink)

Marta (returning home), Sally (responsible for explaining), Maruru (returning home)

Natia (resting), Felteris (capital inspection), Altair (world crisis), Remia (seeking salvation)

Leopolt (staff officer), Tristan (staff officer), Yakov (reserve), Gido (recluse), Mack (combat engineer), Christoph (reserve), Guigue (reserve), Adolph (domestic affairs official), Sebastian (butler)

Jim (desperate), Suzy (waiting for consolation money), Solana ( )

Dingus (holiday), Rinuga (probation)

Others:

Sekrit (???), ??? (abduction)

Piris (insane), Baroness Rukino Escaote (release without indictment), Seika (deferment), Visitacion (desertion)

Busco (domestic affairs), Gildress (King of Aless)

Non-humans:

Head-helmina (Is life about seeking purpose or is seeking purpose life?)

Pochi (complications), Yularen (eating virgins), Ijaris (claim), T-99 (headless)

Brynhildr (capital), Lammy (lamia), Alraune (root division), Mirumi (mermaid)

Messerschmitt (sleeping), Tropical Smooth-scaled Monitor Lizard (!!), Schwartz (demon erection)

————————————————————————————————

Battle Ended – Temporary Disbanding of the Army.

Assets: -95 000 gold (lump sum for disbanding army -20 000)

Sexual Partners: 806

Children who have been born: 70 + 567

Current Location: Goldonia, Capital