The morning envelops me with the sweet song of birds. I wake up in my study, where I spent the night organizing all the documents in search of clues about the feasibility of a war.
"I'm not convinced it's a good idea," Emilia declares, gracefully yawning.
After discussing with Miklotov and concluding the small celebration, Emilia, Beatrice, and Crusch interrogated me about the events. Upon sharing the situation, both showed their concern and stayed by my side working throughout the night.
"However, if they manage to enter Irlam, they will likely employ some stratagem to incriminate us, linking us to the cult and the revolutionary army," Crusch asserts. "Right now, you are acclaimed as a hero, but emotion can easily turn into hatred. Still, I fail to understand what methods they could use."
Costuul is a city more like Irlam than it appears; it houses most of Lugunica's factories and enjoys financial backing from the kingdom. It stands as one of the most influential cities, and even the prestigious blacksmiths' guild of the capital has factories in Costuul.
They also possess machines like mine.
It is true that they are not factories with such a comprehensive denomination; for the most part, they are modest production centers and blacksmiths that manufacture swords, mining carts, and other products that replace a certain number of workers.
What they lack is process optimization, like batch production, to mention one example.
This optimization allows for cost reduction and offering higher quality products at a better price, and even greater speed.
The optimization of production costs does not imply a reduction in quality; this is just a myth spread in my world to deceive people.
"If they link us to the cult, they will make us scapegoats and take things from Irlam, and who knows what else," Crusch continues.
"And Roswaal?" Emilia asks. "We should discuss these important matters with him."
I shake my head as I gaze out the window, where the sun shines brightly.
"For now, I don't wish to do it; we're still not sure, but we should wait for Roswaal to receive the letter," I tell them both. "When the notification arrives, we'll talk to him."
Emilia still remains unaware of my distrust towards Roswaal; she thinks we maintain a formal relationship and nothing more. Roswaal's plan seems to lead us towards something, and I must uncover it before delving deeper.
Interrupting my musings, someone bursts into the room.
"My apologies for the delay," Otto enters with a forced smile, followed closely by Rem.
I shoot them a look, signaling that they shouldn't comment on anything. They nod, understanding my implicit wish.
At this moment, Rem is someone I can't entrust with the full truth. Not because she's not trustworthy, but because she places absolute faith in Roswaal. I know Rem is my friend, but Roswaal could do something to manipulate her. In the end, no one sees him as an enemy.
However, She will soon cease to be a problem.
Emilia hasn't been under Roswaal's influence for long, and although she holds him in high regard, I know Puck imparted certain reservations to her. They are reservations I planted with the intention of undermining the relationship between Emilia and Roswaal before Puck's contract expires.
Many might deem my attitude dishonest, but I see no other alternative. Emilia tends to be optimistic about people, inclined to trust in the goodness of others, just as she did with me once.
I'm not saying her discernment is the same as before; I know she's much shrewder now than she was at the beginning.
The thing is her ideals surpass that shrewdness. At the end of the day, in history, Roswaal put the entire village at risk, and yet they were willing to forgive him. That's why I can't fully trust them.
If I were to tell Rem everything Roswaal has done...
No, I wouldn't gain anything from that.
"It seems you've been busy," I smile, trying to discern their reactions.
With a slight glance, they both smile and refocus their attention on me.
"The celebrations yesterday were magnificent. My team wanted to commemorate the opening of the new store," Rem, radiant, enters with a stack of documents in her arms.
Emilia looks at Rem with joy.
"You're opening your own store!" Emilia exclaims, advancing towards Rem and seeking to take her hands.
"Yes!" Rem responds with a broad smile of satisfaction.
Rem chose to start a fashion business in Irlam. Since Otto possesses outstanding abilities and has reached a level of excellence in certain areas, he no longer needs to continue working in his current trade.
Rem decided to pursue her dream.
I won't deny it; it saddens me to see her go, but that doesn't mean I won't see her again. She's chasing her dream, freeing herself from her bonds; now, finally, she'll fly as she always should have.
I have no intention of clipping her wings. If her happiness lies in this new path, then my duty as a friend is to support her in whatever she desires.
Without the need for words, she hands me all the documents.
"This is all I have to give," Rem looks into my eyes; that look of resentment and sadness has been replaced by an intense glow, the radiance of following her own path.
It pains me to see her leave, but I'm glad to see her soar. I rise, extend my hand towards her, and give her a smile.
"I hope your life is filled with happiness," she squeezes my hand tenderly, looks at me intently, to which I add, "Don't forget us."
She lets out a soft laugh and looks at all of us.
"I'll still be living in the mansion," Rem releases my hand and bows. "Thank you for allowing me to be by your side, thank you for allowing me to grow, thank you for everything."
"It sounds like we won't see you again if you say it like that," I smile at her curiously.
She takes Emilia and Crusch's hands, bowing to both.
"I'm going on a trip for a while. With the store already opened, I have a team to take care of it. But to improve, I need to explore beyond these borders."
Her explanation takes us by surprise, and she seems somewhat rushed to clarify.
"It'll only be for a few weeks; I'll be back before winter arrives," Rem sighs in relief, palpably excited about the prospect as well.
Emilia approaches Rem and takes her hands with a worried expression.
"Are you going on this journey alone? Wouldn't you like some company? Are you sure this is what you want?" Emilia bombards Rem with a multitude of questions, like a mother concerned for her daughter.
Rem seems overwhelmed by all the questions, not even having the chance to respond. In her final moments, Emilia looks at me as if she wishes I would stop her.
"Rem, take care of yourself. I hope to see you again," My words are clear; no one can stop her. I add at the end, "Chase your dreams."
Rem smiles and squints her eyes.
"Of course! I'll come back with lots of new ideas!" Rem leaves the office without saying more.
Otto and Emilia share a somewhat sorrowful look, but Emilia, without uttering a word, seems to understand Rem's decision.
"I thought you'd chase after her," I smirk mischievously at Otto as I return to my seat.
"Don't think I wouldn't..." Otto covers his mouth before continuing, then he looks at me with a sigh and adds, "Anyway, I thought we'd have a rest today. Is there any reason you need me?"
At this moment, the only person not under Roswaal's influence is Otto Suwen, the only one who, for some reason, doesn't appear in Roswaal's book of wisdom.
That is to say, the only person capable of changing the course of events.
I start by explaining everything to him, except the situation with Roswaal, which is a topic I'll address alone with him.
Otto's expression changes quickly; his sadness turns into seriousness.
"A possible war..." Otto sits on the couch and looks at the ceiling. "When you asked me to come, I didn't expect this at all."
Otto sighs defeatedly.
"In this case, it's hard to agree. Miss Emilia's stance seems the most sensible," Otto reaches out towards the window overlooking the town. "Innocent people will suffer if we opt for war. I know we'll face difficulties if we lose access to the new steel, as well as the steam engine and the typewriter, but we can overcome it."
Otto then looks me in the eyes.
"You've created more innovations, like the loom or the planting machine you built alongside Miss Beatrice; inventions you don't plan to make public."
It's a valid stance; war would obviously entail human losses, but right now, something doesn't add up.
"The council won't stop there. We risk a lot by allowing them to lay their hands on Irlam," Crusch interrupts, looking towards Otto. "They won't stop at accusing us and looting everything. They might imprison Marco and all those involved in production. If they declare us enemies of Lugunica, the whole kingdom will turn against us."
The atmosphere becomes tense again; we all begin to voice our opinions without reaching a conclusion. The line between morality and the common good is extremely difficult to draw.
Otto's and Emilia's opinions differ from Crusch's and mine, but I know both stances are somehow correct.
"If anyone tries to attack Marco, I won't allow it, even if it means renouncing the throne," Emilia asserts, looking at us with determination.
"Calm down, that's not going to happen," I respond quickly. "I'm glad to hear you say that, but it would be very sad to see you give up everything you've worked for."
If we turn Lugunica against us, it will be a problem we won't be able to solve unless we leave the country. I don't want to flee; I don't want the same situation to repeat itself.
I know I have to fight; this time I have the strength; even if it's against the kingdom itself, I can manage. If I have to make bombs, I will; if I have to turn everything upside down, I will.
I know Reinhard wouldn't believe any false accusations they invent and would advocate for me, but if everyone turns against him, I don't know what measures he'll take.
"What if we seek Mr. Frey's advice?" Emilia suggests. "I know he's our adversary, but he's closely related to Costuul being a Karsten."
Crusch and I exchange a glance for a moment; I can see it in her eyes, she disagrees with that idea.
I know there are issues Crusch hasn't shared with me, but I have no intention of probing into it either; if she has remained silent, it's for weighty reasons.
"Frey... No, we shouldn't engage in conversation with him at this time."
I can't place my trust in him, especially in this delicate situation. I'm unaware of Fourier's plans, and at this moment, we are surrounded only by enemies. Establishing relationships is important, but the ones we have forged so far lack significant influence.
"We have modest but secure support, and resources are not an issue. I still believe that war is the best alternative," I affirm, directing my gaze towards Emilia. "If you wish to take time to reflect on this, we will rest and resume the discussion this afternoon."
Emilia looks at me for a moment and then nods. She smiles again before rising from her seat.
"I'm going to check on Betty; she must be waking up," Emilia leaves the room without saying a word.
It must be a dilemma for her to make a decision of this magnitude. She cares about the life of every individual, but this is part of her growth process. She needs to understand that there are decisions that must be made despite inevitable losses.
If Irlam falls, all the inhabitants of the town will suffer the consequences. The guilds under Lugunica's command will take over the factories and gradually ruin Irlam, reverting it to its original state.
Or they might not leave anything standing.
Roswaal wouldn't allow it; it would be an outrage to his name, though such considerations don't affect him. If everyone must perish to fulfill his goal, so be it.
Otto watches me closely, while Crusch stands up and leaves, understanding my desire to speak alone with him.
"I'll wait outside," Crusch says before leaving.
Otto swallows and looks at me cautiously.
"You unsettle me when you say nothing," he says, rubbing his hands, clearly uncomfortable.
I rise and walk towards the window overlooking the town. I place my hand on it and carefully conceive how to change the course of events.
Otto is the only person capable of altering everything; my plan will only succeed with his collaboration.
I must seize this opportunity to disentangle myself from Roswaal. Although this will affect Emilia, I must do it if I wish to have control over my surroundings and free myself from Roswaal's yoke to take action without fear.
Otto's actions are not recorded in the book, which implies that his choices aren't either.
Otto already possessed intelligence and insight beforehand, and now he is fully informed about everything happening in Irlam. Therefore, he is capable of making sound decisions.
The time has come to reveal everything to him; I have waited for this moment since I found him in that cave.
"Have you ever wondered why I have kept you hide from Roswaal's eyes until now?" I inquire, trying to anticipate his response.
Otto ponders for a moment before answering.
"You said I was someone dangerous, but through what I've learned from people, I've realized he's an eccentric and non-aggressive individual," Otto rubs his hands, as if afraid to express his thoughts. "The only thing that comes to mind, especially after what happened recently, is that..."
"Roswaal granted me control over Irlam in secret," I interrupt his words, causing him to open his eyes with surprise.
"Why would he do such a thing!?" Otto exclaims, rising from his seat. "If you have control over Irlam, then you are responsible for what happens. What kept us safe was Mr. Roswaal's possession of Irlam."
"As a Marquis, Roswaal has the right over the properties of a Viscount like me. My elevation to Viscount was one of the recognitions for defeating the whale, achieved through the insistence of the people and allied nobles."
Now, as a Viscount, I have more leeway, even in the political arena. I'm a hero in Lugunica; in many ways, my name has been constantly echoing.
However, the power emanating from my name is highly volatile, capable of shifting from admiration to hatred in the blink of an eye.
"If you're a Viscount, it means Roswaal has no obligation to intervene. Besides, Costuul also has a son, Viscount Erick Costuul Fromm. His father, the Marquis of Costuul, demoted him to Viscount to teach him a lesson. "
He could normally attain the same noble rank as his father.
"Roswaal doesn't represent real support, as you just pointed out. The Marquis of Costuul may strike a deal to instigate the war, claiming that, for fairness' sake, Roswaal shouldn't participate, and neither will he."
They'll send their firstborn into the conflict in hopes of improving their prospects. It's a logical choice, as Roswaal's intervention would mean instant defeat for Costuul. To level the playing field, they're likely to use the Marquis of Costuul.
"Costuul is a city with a rich history; we already have knowledge of their magical machines and their desire to acquire steam-powered ones," Otto observes me determinedly, understanding the direction I'm considering moving towards.
Costuul was the city that amazed me the most. Roswaal managed to develop something resembling a steam engine, devices highly mana-demanding, executing semi-automatic processes.
Besides that, Roswaal's family has been the one who has brought Costuul to where it is.
The operating costs substitute the workers who used to perform these tasks. They've kept this secret over generations, and it's fair to say that Costuul represents one of the biggest growth challenges.
"They crave the steam engine to perfect it, merging both technologies and initiating a new era in production," I press my lips, reflecting on what steps I should take next.
Costuul is a city mostly inhabited by demihumans.
Although the Marquis, owner of Costuul, is human, demihumans enjoy a harmonious coexistence and are valued in the city.
When I discovered the existence of Costuul, I tried to establish friendly relations. I even visited their vast factories, but I didn't perceive any threat. However, they rejected any connection, and I even tried to establish relations with Roswaal, but they claimed our methods were impractical.
Costuul's technological advancements far surpass the early stages of the industrial revolution, but by keeping them secret, they haven't had the opportunity to optimize their efficiency.
Greed has been their obstacle to progress. The Roswaal family enjoys an enviable reputation in Costuul, so it's unusual for them to make such a request. Antagonizing Roswaal wouldn't benefit them.
There's something more to it.
The conditions of the war must be established by those involved, although in this conflict, a portion of territory is being disputed.
"There must be a compelling reason," Otto strokes his chin. "Both Lord Roswaal and the Marquis of Costuul are astute individuals. Despite the Marquis of Costuul's notable greed, he shouldn't take such a precipitate measure."
"That's why I suspect the key lies more with the sages than with the Marquis himself. If I start connecting the dots, I realize that the only beneficiaries in this conflict are the sages."
"Irlam is experiencing growth, and although we've secured some contracts, it's evident that Costuul outpaces us considerably," I gesture towards the mountain that separates us. "Costuul is home to approximately a hundred thousand inhabitants; as one of the five great cities, they've carved out their reputation, while we are just beginning to ascend."
"Yes, we are just beginning our ascent, but that's not the main issue. We are perceived as a threat, a future where we will prevail in the commercial contest."
While they rely on magic, I've been adapting, merging engineering and magic. The third version of the steam engine is already in the testing phase, so sooner or later, we will have a superior device.
"War remains a questionable option, but if you mention the sages, the situation becomes more complicated," Otto takes a sip of water, clearing his throat. "I think I understand now."
His eyes widen as if a revelation has dawned upon him. Then, he smacks his forehead with his hand before looking at me intensely.
"War is a pretext to secure a more favorable position," Otto scrutinizes through Rem's documents, and after a few minutes, he extracts a sheet with a smile. "Several nobles from the capital have started requesting contracts from Irlam, but the problem lies in the conditions of these contracts."
Otto hands me the document, revealing its contents.
They are extremely extensive contracts that establish that they will provide us with a large sum of money in exchange for the acquisition of more than a thousand steam machines.
Of course, at this moment, we cannot meet such demands as we are in the process of expansion. Monthly, we can barely manufacture about twenty steam machines, and even with batch production methods, their assembly is complex and meticulous.
When we launch the second version to the market, we will likely need even more.
The annual contracts with monthly deliveries, something that would normally benefit me, now reveal a clearer hidden agenda. I realize they are not interested in arresting me, but in using my skills for their own ends. I close my eyes, trying to guess what those ends might be. Otto throws out an idea.
"If you win, you'll be able to access Costuul. This suggests they believe in your ability to defeat Costuul," he says cautiously.
I interrupt his thoughts, understanding the stratagem behind all of this.
"They want an excuse to break the contracts with Costuul," I affirm. We both sigh, assimilating the complexity of the sages' plans.
The situation is dangerous. It's evident they are investing on both sides, betting that the losses will be compensated with benefits. Now I have a clear understanding of what I must do. There's no doubt about it. I must win, no matter the cost.
But there's another factor to consider: the situation with the revolutionary army.
The demihuman population in Irlam has grown following Emilia's speeches and the expansion of Irlam's name.
The issue of the revolutionary army seems like a cover-up for something larger. Otto looks at me with a concerning expression and warns me:
"The best way to trap you is by connecting you with the revolutionary army and the witch's cult. The witch's cult is trying to take advantage of the hero fighting against them. The revolutionary army had connections with the witch's cult in the past."
According to their family's history books, the army's downfall and the cult's decline are related to the birth of the Sword Saint. They want to use the cult as a tool for their goal.
At this moment, more than ever, I must be alert and prepared to face this complex situation. The tension in the air is palpable, as if a sinister whisper is circulating the room.
"We need to stop this, and the only one who can do it is Marquis Roswaal, you need to talk to him," Otto asserts with determination, breaking the tense silence surrounding us.
Otto is right about one thing; the only one capable of stopping this situation is him.
However, I know very well that it's not going to happen. His mocking smile said it all back then. The pieces of this grim puzzle are in place, and nothing seems to be able to change it.
This must happen. Both marquises must agree to the war, and Roswaal will undoubtedly do so. Destiny seems to have been sealed in blood and secrets.
"Look, I'm going to tell you the whole story of that bastard," I announce solemnly, determined to unravel the dark mysteries surrounding Roswaal.
Otto nods, an expression of intrigue and horror drawn on his face. So, I begin to narrate to him the macabre story of Roswaal. From Echidna's arrival, everything he lived through with her until her death. His obsession with the book of wisdom and what he did to keep his soul in this world. The darkness of his actions.
"To transport your soul by killing your own generations..." Otto covers his mouth with his hand, trying to assimilate the atrocity of what he just heard. "That's repulsive."
I nod, aware that these revelations are difficult to digest, even for someone as intelligent as Otto.
"He will follow everything in that book, so if he wants war, he will approve it, no matter what we try, it will happen," my words echo with despair in the room, and Otto does not question the truthfulness of the information. He knows that this goes beyond reason and logic, that we are in a twisted and dangerous game.
"Then the actions change. If what he seeks is his awakening, then the actions we will take will lead us directly to that," Otto continues, his mind working at full speed as he tries to understand the magnitude of our situation. "The lives that can be lost are something, but we must also take that into account."
Ethical dilemmas lurk from every angle, and there is no right answer. Any path we choose is plagued with loss and suffering.
"I thought avoiding war was a good option, but now it's the worst option," Otto asserts, clenching his fists tightly. His determination is admirable, and he is willing to do whatever it takes.
War seems to be the only option, and we have reached this inevitable conclusion. We must consider all variables and make difficult decisions. My biggest problem is Roswaal; if I don't have him under control, I will only be able to play on his sinister chessboard. He has been my prison and my executioner, and it's time to confront him.
"We must end Roswaal, for that there are only two possible solutions," I say, my voice firm despite the seriousness of the matter. "Destroying the book of wisdom, or giving him what he wants, making him reunite with his beloved."
"The Witch of Greed..." Otto sighs, a long and heavy sigh. "If what you just told me is true, then this world hides more than I believed."
Shadows loom over us as we face a future already written, where the future only brings shadows and death. A gamble, a move I make to progress in this dark plot.
"There are hidden secrets that we must unveil, that's why, Otto Suwen, I need you," I turn halfway and stride towards him with determination. "Only you can be our lifeline in this abyss of chaos and death."
Otto's eyes widen with intensity, and he begins to tremble slightly. However, instead of the reaction I expected, a smile spreads across his face, though his gaze reflects fear. It seems that an unknown instinct has come to life in him.
"I don't understand why it has to be me, but if I can contribute, it is my duty to do so," Otto extends his fist towards me, a gesture of camaraderie. "After all, we are friends, right?"
I sigh with a smile, aware of the madness involved in embarking on this dangerous path.
"Our friendship has only been six months in the making, but I have no doubts about you, friend," I fist bump his, thus sealing this secret pact.
If this manages to even slightly tip the course of events, Roswaal will begin to move his pieces to restore the balance.