“Today, I must deliver some sad news.”

The podium where Odin Earthguard stood.

And his clear, resonant voice inexplicably brought a sense of reassurance.

Odin had refined features and a well-honed physique.

Just looking at him made you like him.

He exuded a charisma, an aura, you might say.

He was self-aware as a ruler, possessed the fitting talents, and had the will to wield them.

And before his eyes stood a multitude of military personnel. The so-called “yes-men,” perhaps.

They cheered at his every gesture, hyping up the broadcast.

(Speeches are an essential skill for rulers, they say…)

In the previous world, there was the history of a German dictator who rose to power through the force of his oratory.

In a world where media held sway, a speech that stirred the heart was a vital quality for any ruler.

“My beloved sister, Yumir Earthguard, has been slain. She fell protecting her people from a vile trap.”

“!? …This is…”

Kenya glanced at Road’s expression.

Road had his eyes closed, slowly shaking his head.

Meaning, keep quiet.

Looking around, everyone was shocked by the broadcast. Ms. Reelbelt even clasped her hands in front of her forehead, as if praying to the gods.

It seemed Yumir’s misdeeds weren’t known even to the rank-and-file.

“So first, I want to offer our thoughts to my sister. Let us pray for her peaceful rest. A moment of silence.”

Then everyone stood, and the moment of silence began.

A hush of about three minutes enveloped the Earthguard Empire.

“Thank you. Now my sister can rest in peace. I thank you, my children.”

His voice was gentle, like soothing a child.

But suddenly, it rose powerfully, full of conviction.

“I will never forgive them! The enemies of our nation who committed this卑劣 act! And I know those enemies are the Asia Union!”

(Asia Union? …I see, they’re pinning it on the Asia Union.)

Kenya understood what Odin was aiming for.

“I promise you this: We will crush that union of nations. We will make them regret slaying my sister. Their cries of repentance will be her dirge!”

(Just as I thought… So he’s using his own sister’s death as a pretext for war.)

“Our father emperor lies ill, unlikely to return to rule. So I say it plainly! The time of a new emperor is near! A new era dawns before us!”

“And here, I swear to you all! When I become emperor, we will achieve a feat unmatched in human history—no nation has ever done it! The Earthguard Empire alone will unify the world as the sole nation!!”

“Ooooooh!!!!!”

“Light upon the Earthguard Empire!”

The speech ended amid thunderous cheers.

Glancing around, everyone was applauding.

Everyone except Reina, Road, and Kenya.

The broadcast ended, and normalcy returned.

“Lady Yumir is dead… For royalty to die like this… It’s unprecedented.”

Colonel Star spoke in disbelief.

A collective sigh hung in the air as silence lingered for a while.

Colonel Star broke it first.

“Another war’s brewing. After the fight with the EU, now the Asia Union…”

“Yeah, it’ll be the biggest one yet. So Sword, hurry up and become a Holy Knight. Be my knight, yeah?”

“I’d love to say sure, but… how does one even become a Holy Knight?”

Colonel Star answered the question.

“Ah, there’s a certification exam every six months. You’d pass first try, Sword, but there are practical tests and all sorts of hurdles.”

“…I see.”

“Of course. Strength alone isn’t enough. You need exemplary conduct as a soldier. Uncontrolled power is just violence.”

“Got it. Then Colonel Star, please guide me starting tomorrow.”

“You got it!”

And with that, the day’s class ended.

Not that Class Special A had much in the way of operational lessons—just occasional intelligence gathering or field training in war zones.

Kenya and Reina parted ways with Road and headed home that day.

“Well, good night, Kenya-kun.”

“Yeah, good night.”

(Is there cohabitation this awkward and heart-pounding?)

Zeke’s house was huge, with two showers.

Whether out of consideration for his daughter or not, why two, Dad?!

So as soon as they got back, they retreated to their separate rooms.

Still, they ate dinner together every day, and Reina even laughed at Kenya’s lame jokes sometimes.

That said, Kenya had secretly hoped for some steamy developments—like peeking while she bathed or walking in on her changing.

“I left Kaguya in Road’s hands, so it’ll work out somehow… The Holy Knight exam and the Empire Sword Martial Festival are coming up soon. That’s when it all begins.”

A little earlier.

“Road, I need a favor.”

“Your Highness. Use the honorific. You never know who’s listening.”

After Odin’s speech, Kenya had pulled Road aside, saying he had a request.

Rebuked, he lowered his voice to a whisper.

“Ah, sorry. So, any chance you know where Kaguya is? I just want to at least let her know she’s alive.”

“Kaguya… The resistance fighter who went to the Asia Union? Your beloved? Love makes men weak.”

Road grinned at Kenya.

“N-No big deal, right? So? Any way to reach her?”

“If you’re not picky about methods, maybe. But relations are severed, and enemy military intel isn’t easy to come by. High risk.”

“I see… Tough, huh.”

“…I’ll look into options. Leave it to me. But no reckless moves.”

“Y-Yeah! Thanks!”

Kenya walked off.

Watching his back, Road muttered,

“Sorry, Kenya. But someday you’ll meet again—on the battlefield. …Though by then, she might not”

Road turned away from Kenya.

“…be on your side.”

And so the days passed.

The world enjoyed a fragile peace, nearly half a year slipping by.

No major wars, just everyday life.

Even as the day everything would shift drew near.

Afterword

The story isn’t progressing, so I’ll update one more chapter.