Chapter 458: Her Words

The infamous hero, known as the Great Evil Lugis. The way this hero was described by the Great Holy Church was strangely direct, and even surprising, thought Hind.

Hind had certainly heard that Lugis was skilled with words and had a talent for inciting his soldiers, but for most generals, having conversational skill was rare, especially on a battlefield. Even a commander who never ceased to attract his soldiers by his or her charisma and prowess didn’t necessarily excel at negotiations.

After all, diplomacy and eloquence were honed not only by talent but also by training. And so, it was rare for a strong person with military talent to hone his or her diplomacy and eloquence, which could be said to be a weapon of non-military people.

In that respect, one could say Lugis was a person of a very rare nature. He spoke before Filaret, who accompanied him, as if she was the one assisting him. In other words, Lugis was always the one who held the main focus of the conversation.

No, perhaps Filaret had prepared him in advance. Or perhaps she was ready to speak only in dangerous situations. Leaving Hind’s thoughts behind, Lugis spoke, moving his lips sharply.

「…In the Gharast Kingdom, the demonic beings under the command of the Great Demon Zebrililith still remain. The Western Union Roah has also been invaded by the demon Borgon, and the southern nation of Elizard is no different. Wherever you look, each country is like a parcel in a demon’s garden. 」

There was no need to mention the East, Lugis said, before piercing his gaze at Sorcerer General Mastigius.

Mastigius’ large frame swayed slightly, and he stretched his eyes as if to pierce Lugis as well. His eyes seemed to grasp what Lugis was trying to say.

「Indeed. But it’s precisely because our nation is in danger that we need to fulfill our mission. That’s why we are here. 」

The Great Demon Disaster. Mastigius had said implicitly that that alone would never be a reason for nations to join forces.

After all, nations always had flaws somewhere within. Whether it were politics, military, or economy. It was inevitable. A nation where everything ran smoothly only existed in an ideal world. It was proof that humans themselves had flaws.

Even after swallowing their flaws, nations continued to advance at an insane rate. For a nation, stagnation meant death.

Therefore, even if those flaws or obstacles were replaced by great demons or devils alike, it wouldn’t turn into an opportunity for nations to form alliances. It was an issue that nations should overcome with their own strength since every nation believed that they were the only ones who could overcome it.

This consciousness was particularly strong in the magical nation of the Bolvat Dynasty. At their core was the perception that they were the chosen people, and that they were far superior to the barbarians who couldn’t even use magic.

Hind distorted his lips, thinking that the Magic Academy wouldn’t even consider cooperating with other countries, even after the nation itself had been devoured by a Great Demon.

It didn’t matter if that reasoning was correct or not. Because all it mattered was their sense of privilege, a sense that distorted their consciousness. This was one of the flaws of the Bolvat Dinasty.

「That may be true for a nation. But what about the people? 」

Lugis intertwined his fingers and spoke without reluctance to the Sorcerer General.

「Are you saying that for the sake of the nation’s prestige, hundreds of millions of people need to die? The people don’t think about a great nation in dire situations, they think about their lives and survival. They face hardships every day to gain a little happiness. Even now. It is your job, General, to protect their lives. 」

Mastigius narrowed his gaze at Lugis as he said those words. Mastigius wasn’t at a loss for words, he was simply staring at Lugis.

After a moment, Filaret spoke.

「Your Excellency, as you know, we and the Hanging Gardens of Ghazalia, an elven nation, have pledged to cooperate with the southern nation of Elizard in the wake of this demon disaster. We made an agreement with the senior warrior Telsarat Ruwana. Our alliance is by no means a pipe dream. 」

Hind’s eyes widened at her words. A rare look of agitation was visible in his grim expression.

Elizard was a nation that valued ​​martial prowess, and because of their core it was likely that they’d refuse to join forces with other nations. If they were willing to cooperate with other forces, then they must have been quick to sense the demonic threat. Or perhaps there was someone within the Heraldic Order whom they could trust.

In any case, it was clear that this wasn’t an ordinary move. Ignoring Hind’s agitation, Mastigius took a deep breath and spoke.

「…I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to exchange words with you today. More than anything. If I didn’t have all the obligations and responsibilities on my shoulders, I would agree with you. 」

Hind felt that those words were extremely gentle. At the very least, Mastigius wasn’t the type of person to say such things to people who were hostile towards him. He was the type of person who could be endlessly ruthless if necessary.

In fact, the position of Sorcerer General wasn’t something that happened just because he excelled in his skills. He had to steadily build up allies and sometimes use strategies to mercilessly defeat his enemies. Only by walking a path where blood was spilled could he be allowed to sit in that glorious seat.

Still, that didn’t mean that Mastigius was the only one who had walked a pure path.

But from Mastigius’ current state, Hind couldn’t sense any ruthlessness or anything like that. On the other hand, it wasn’t like he was being lenient towards his own daughter.

Hind realized that he spoke such way probably out of respect. But then, Mastigius next words with filled a sour tone.

「But I’m no individual. I am the protector of tens of millions of people of the Bolvat Dynasty. I’m like a sword for the nation. As you all say, I have a duty to save the people of the Bolvat Dynasty from the fear of death! 」

“That’s why I must complete this expedition. No matter how deadly it is.”

The demonic beings who manifested themselves in Bolvat offered the following deal to the monarch after ravaging his nation.

…We’ll destroy everything except you if you aid our cause. If you do that, we’ll let you off the hook today.

It was a rude and insane deal. Mastigius couldn’t believe that such a deal could be made. The demonic beings only thought of humans as tools. They would surely be discarded at some point.

But the monarch accepted that deal, and the Magic Academy nodded in agreement. And so, Vrilligant and his demon vassals stopped their invasion.

Then, Bolvat’s sword, Mastigius, was swung down at their command. Even if it meant being the first in line for the gallows.

There was no way it could bend any longer. The people could only escape the fear of death if they slaughtered their enemies on the battlefield.

Lugis heard those words in silence. Then, after a brief moment, he opened his lips and said the following words.

「Even if, as a result, humans become those demon’s livestock? I didn’t come here to hear a Sorcerer General’s words. I came here to hear your words as a person. 」

「I will never let that happen to my people. That said, I cannot share the same path with you. That’s all. 」

There was a moment of silence. It seemed that this discussion had ended there. Even though they both understood each other’s intentions, they both realized that there was still a gap between them that couldn’t be connected.

And so it wasn’t a man who spoke next, but a woman. Her black eyes opened wide, shining with brightness.

「Then, Your Excellency, I want you to behead me here and now. 」

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Cautious Hero will be released after tomorrow. Please look forward to it.

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