Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 141

T/N: The first ten use Japanese kanji, while the second ten use numerals. The 10th Division in the entire story have always been written in numerals, while other divisions have always been written in Japanese kanji

?

“That kind of thing. Is it okay for me to hear it?”

It was Prince Zeland who asked, somewhat bewildered.

The Prince was referring to the truth of the relationship between the 1st and the 10th Division.

The two divisions dislike each other.

I’ve had an inkling of this because we strangely have little contact with the 1st Division despite them also being stationed in the palace, but this was the first time I got a clear confirmation, so just like Prince Zeland I also started to wonder. This kind of sensitive information, was it fine for me to know it?

“I don’t think there will be any problem. After all, it will be best for you, Prince, to be aware of the relationship between the different divisions. Besides, it was them who one-sidedly decided to be hostile toward us.”

“Is that so…” Prince Zeland seemed like he wanted to say something else, but he refrained.

“Everyone, anything else you want to discuss? No? Then I’ll end the meeting here.”

With Rays-sama’s words, the meeting came to an end. Just as we were about to leave, Rays-sama stopped us.

“I’d like to ask Roa and the others for help to arrange the schedule for the joint training. Stay a bit longer.”

As a former civil official, I was skilled in this kind of work. But the fact that Rays-sama asked not only me but other members of the brigade to stay meant he must have something he needed my brigade for help.

I’ve somewhat expected this. Thus, while others returned to their posts, we, the Roa Brigade returned to our seats. After all, this was a major event involving 6 Divisions. Coordination with all parties involved was essential. I have confidence that I was the second most outstanding member of the 10th Division in this kind of work after Rays-sama.

Rays-sama and I  would be playing a central role, assigning tasks to everyone. Since Nelifa was also here, I’d have her also help.

After a detailed discussion over lunch, each person’s role has finally been decided to a certain extent. I was about to relax, when suddenly Prince Zeland spoke, “Rays-dono”

“Yes?”

“May I ask you to explain the relationship between the 1st and 10th Division in more detail? Both divisions are pillars of our country, so I’d like to know the details.”

“Of course.”

After thinking for a moment, Rays-sama back at Prince Zeland, “What do you want to ask?”

“Is it true that the knights of the 1st Division are one-sidedly hostile toward the knights of the 10th Division?”

“In a sense that we had no animosity toward them, yet they are reluctant to acknowledge our existence from time to time, then yes.”

“Lapilia-dono also mentioned them being hostile toward your division, but can you explain to me how are they hostile?”

“There are many examples…hm… Prince, do you know why the 10th Division used the 10 instead of Ten (?)?”

“No, I don’t know.”

There weren’t that many differences between ten (?) and 10, but Ten (?), which has been used in Rudek for a long time was generally used for governmental documents while 10, which was also used in the southern continent, was used for non-governmental documents and business transaction.

“It was because of the 1st Division’s strong opposition. They kept saying that it was improper for a temporary Knight Division to use the number ten (?). It’s true that the 10th Division was first created as a temporary division, but even now when we have become an official division, they keep insisting that we are just a temporary division.”

“I never knew that…”

As I listened next to the Prince, I was also surprised inside. The animosity between the two divisions started from the creation of the 10th Division? That long ago?

“Since then, there’s this deep-rooted belief in them that we are inferior to the 1st Division. For example, they said that the weapons we created are ‘a bunch of trash that soiled the solemn atmosphere of the capital. Such weapons are not meant to be used by knights’ That’s why I had those weapons stored in my residence. Should I give you another example?”

“No, I understand…But, to think that the 1st Division…”

At Prince Zeland’s complicated expression, Rays-sama continued calmly, “To be honest, I can understand their feelings. The 1st Division is the King’s guard, and they took pride in their position. Yet, the King took the trouble to create his own division. They must have felt as if they were being disrespected.”

“But that–!”

“Yes, it couldn’t be helped. The King has no intention to disrespect them. The 1st Division is the King’s guard who protects the capital, so they can’t be sent to the frontline easily,” Rays-sama interrupted Prince Zeland’s words and explained.

“Does the 1st Division also understand that?”

“They probably understood in their head, but in a short amount of time, the 10th Division has grown. Now, we have the most number of knights in Rudek and we also have many achievements. As a result, the support of people toward us continues to grow. If I were in their position, it would also be difficult for me to control my feelings.”

“…I understand. Thank you for telling me.”

“Anytime. Even though they acted hostile toward the 10th Division, it doesn’t mean the 1st Division is evil. Please keep that in mind.”

“Yes.”

I instinctively tried to deny that, but I swallowed my words.

I feel like I finally know one of the reasons behind the 1st Division’s betrayal.

“Well, then, let’s end our discussion here. Roa, I’ll leave the arrangements for the joint training to you.”

“Understood.”

“…One more thing. I’d like to keep this between us, understood?”

After he saw everyone nod, Rays-sama’s expression turned serious.

Was it…the time?

“Once the recruitment is finished and the snow melted, things may get a bit busy. I hope everyone is prepared.”

Although Rays-sama didn’t say anything else, I knew that probably that was going to happen.

In the future I knew, there was another battle as big as the battle at the Zetta Plain.

Quietly, the battle dubbed as Rudek’s final glorious battle was getting close.