Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 118

The Empire’s Turmoil (5) – Reunion

On our way to pick up Prince Tsetsedra, Zachart-sama, who heard of the situation via Rufa’s letter, abandoned his work and rushed over to us.

Rufa immediately scolded him, saying, “You can’t skip your work!”

In the end, Zackhart-sama was forced to just see us off with an extremely pitiful expression as if he was an abandoned puppy on a side road.

When we arrived at the Rudek side’s entrance to the Yolos Corridor, the 5th Division’s Commander, Bekstadt-sama, was waiting for us.

My first impression of him was…how to put it…a ‘perfectionist’? At least that was what I could say judging by how his hair was kept perfectly tidy and there wasn’t even a speck of dust on his clothes.

In the future that I knew of, Bekstadt-sama’s reputation was quite…average. He was someone who didn’t really like to stand out and he was also a rare person who would attribute his own achievement to other people.

However, later on, he, in a way, became a quite important figure in history.

Bekstadt-sama’s achievement was mixed among Rays-sama’s achievement at the war against the Empire.

It was probably something that only someone like me, who spent time thoroughly reading various records could realize. Rather than saying Rays-sama stole the credit, Rays-sama probably thought it was better to also use Bekstadt-sama’s achievement to maintain the morale of people of Rudek, rather than letting those achievements be buried because Bekstadt-sama just prefers to remain silent.

By the way, if we were speaking about a major characteristic of Bekstadt-sama…

“…”

“Bekstadt-sama?”

“Welcome.”

“Ah, yes, sir. Thank you for your warm welcome.”

“No need.”

…He was a man of very few words

This characteristic of him was the main reason why he was so inconspicuous.

There was also one more major characteristic that I knew about him.

“Here.”

After saying that while handing me a letter, he quickly returned to the fortress. I opened the letter before continuing my journey to the Empire.

Thank you for having traveled so far. It must have been tiring to be entrusted with such an important task to receive important personnel from the Empire. Please, relax at the fortress at least today. I also apologize for my lack of courtesy when you visited the Yollos Corridor in the past. In view of the relationship between the Empire and my 5th Division, I hope you will understand. By the way, I heard that the important person we are to receive this time is the companion of the princess from the southern continent that came to our kingdom the other day. I am surprised. I would like to take a look, but it would pose a headache if my knights were to be rude to the important personnel due to their enmity with the Empire, so I will refrain from doing so. In fact, I’m a bit curious. In addition…

There were still several other pages…Yep. Here it was, his famous long letter.

Years after Rudek’s destruction, Bekstadt-sama’s numerous letters were found and were valued by researchers as valuable documents for understanding the inner workings of the Rudek Kingdom. That was how he became an important figure in Rudek’s history.

Well, he wasn’t a bad person. He was great at his work and also quite popular among the people.

We decided to accept Bekstadt-sama’s kindness without hesitation. We stayed and rested in the fortress for a night.

The very next day, we continued our journey to the Empire.

Out of 4000 soldiers, I brought only 1000 to the Empire’s side of Yolos Corridor. I didn’t want to provoke the Empire by bringing too many soldiers after all. Plus, with how narrow Yollos Corridor, it would be impossible to bring a large army.

The remaining 3000 soldiers would be on standby near the entrance. If anything happened, they would be able to rescue us.

Up until this point, we had been in a somewhat relaxed mood, but as we approached the Imperial’s territory, the soldiers began to tense.

In this situation, Rufa’s presence seemed to be making the soldier feel at ease.

“Will Luluria come?”

“I hope she will.”

I could hear Rufa and Lapilia-sama talking in a relaxed manner, so I was also able to relax a little.

“Ah, there they are.”

As Wickharld has said, I saw about 2000 soldiers waiting for us at the exit of the corridor.

As I approached, I could make out the figure of a large general carrying the great sword and two familiar figures beside him.

“Prince Tsetsedra, Princess Luluria, General Gafor, it has been a while. By the order of King Zeurasian, Roa, of the 10th Division is here to welcome Prince Tsetsedra.”

As I kneeled down while greeting them, I heard a voice say, “You don’t have to act like that.”

Of course, it was Luluria’s voice.

“But…” I looked up and with a rather happy expression, Luluria continued, “Oh come one, don’t act like a stranger. You really don’t need to be so formal with us, you know!”

I turned to Prince Tsetsedra and he nodded to me with a gentle smile. I turned to General Gafor and he nodded too, although with a reluctant expression.

Since the two also agreed, I stood up.

“What? Have they finally found out your real personality, Luluria-sama?” I said jokingly

“Drop the -sama. Tsetsie also thinks that you and your friend don’t need to be formal with us. Right, Tsetsie?”

‘Tsetsie’ or rather, the Imperial Prince answered, “Of course. Roa-dono, I’m still alive thanks to you. If I met Brother Philemas without knowing anything, I’m afraid I would already…so, for me, you are a benefactor. Please, just call me Tsetsedra. No need for honorifics.”

“No, no, I can’t do that.”

“Then, how about just calling him Tsetsie in informal settings? That way, people who don’t know us won’t understand who you’re talking about,” Luluria suggested and Tsetsie agreed, “That’s a good idea.”

I don’t think it was a good idea for me to do that but…judging from their expressions, I don’t think I could refuse.

“…Alright then. By the way, Luluria, what’s with your outfit?”

Yeah, why was Luluria wearing clothes that are easy to move…more specifically, although I don’t want to admit it, clothes that look like riding gear? Wasn’t she supposed to wear something like a gown?

“Oh, these clothes? Of course it’s because I’m also coming with you.”

When I turned to Tsetsie for an explanation, General Gafor answered instead.

“This is Luluria-sama’s wish. If possible, I too would like to accompany the Prince and protect him, but since I cannot do that, it puts my mind at ease if someone as quick-witted as Luluria-sama will be accompanying the Prince. After the incident with the 2nd Imperial Prince, I’ve learned a great deal about Luluria-sama’s capability.”

…Luluria, what did you do?

“I see…I thought you will also be coming with us, General.”

Since he was here, although the General will also go to Rudek.

“If we were in an opposite position, do you think our capital would welcome Rays?”

Nah, no way. If Rays-sama entered the Imperial Capital, many would feel uncomfortable and it might even have a bad influence on the negotiation.

“You’re right. Thank you for your consideration.”

“It’s not something worth your gratitude,” he said and turned his head away. I think It wasn’t because he didn’t like my words, it was just because he really wanted to accompany Tsetsie, but couldn’t.

“No other question, right? Then it’s settled! Ah, Rufa, you’re also here! Long time no see! Have you been well?”

Luluria proceeded to run toward Rufa.

“…Is she always like that?”

As I saw Luluria’s back, I talked to Tsetsie.

“Almost always. I never get tired of seeing it,” Tsetsie said with a smile.