I knew what he meant calling Chairwoman Reia simpleminded; I couldn’t agree with that assessment more. She’d caused me so much grief over the last year with her haphazard way of doing things.
But “sensible”? Was he talking about the same Reia Lasnote? Could he be referring to someone else with the same name? I was baffled by that description of her.
“Taking Black Fist out of the picture will be easy. However, the same can’t be said of you, Allen.” Patriot took a sip of his drink and squinted at me. “Pardon my rudeness, but until two years ago, I had never heard your name.”
“Yeah… I’m sure,” I responded. Up until then, I was still getting bullied at Grand Swordcraft Academy.
“The first time I heard your name was… Yes, it was during last year’s Elite Five Holy Festival. Your infamous rampage during the match against Ice King Academy.”
“That was, uh… Extremely embarrassing.”
“There’s no need to feel that way, young man. We were all once prone to the passions of youth.” Patriot smiled kindly and continued. “Your strength has grown at an absurd rate since then—and you’re still getting stronger. I can’t even begin to imagine what you’ll be like when you reach your peak.”
“Th-thanks.”
“You truly are unpredictable. One day you’re working as a volunteer witchblade during your suspension from school, and the next you’re tied to the Blood Fox and throwing your weight around in the underworld. You become a holy knight trainee, and suddenly, you’ve traveled to a disputed region in Daglio and become the nation’s savior. And just when I think you’ve returned to your ordinary school life, you penetrate the heart of the Holy Empire and save Shii Arkstoria. You never hesitate to rush headlong into perilous situations. Whatever self-defense mechanism ordinary people have that makes them think twice about risking their lives seems not to exist in you.”
He’d clearly done extensive research into my past. I should have expected no less of the leader of the noble faction.
“Your unlimited potential and unfathomable ability to overcome any obstacle make you an unpredictable variable in this conflict. Your allegiance could tip the balance of power entirely. I assume the imperial faction is of the same opinion?”
“Well… Yes,” I admitted. I felt like they had said something similar.
“It has long been believed that in war, nothing should be feared more than the unknown. For that reason, I want you to remain a bystander in the coming conflict. Please refrain from using your powerful darkness and let the war play out as it will.”
Patriot walked toward me, a newfound eloquence in his voice. This request was probably the reason he’d summoned me here.
“The foolish and radical imperial faction is running full speed down the road to war! Yet it is clear as day that fighting the Holy Empire will result in our country being devastated and conquered! That is why the noble faction is aiming to placate it and establish a joint administration! In other words, we are focusing on rebuilding after our inevitable defeat!”
He leaned forward. There was fire in his eyes.
“As wise as you are, you must see why I call the imperial faction a sinking ship! Surely you understand that those of the noble faction are the ones truly concerned for the future of this country! This is not the time to be blinded by patriotism! We must adopt a long-term perspective and pursue the greatest profit for our land! What do you say, Allen? Let’s join hands and build a bright future for Liengard!”
“…”
I said nothing, and Patriot responded by softening his attitude.
“O-of course, I’m not making this request without promising anything in return!”
“…What would you give me?” I asked.
“Whatever you want! A house, land, money, power, women—you name it! Just say the word, and it will be yours! I’ll give it to you right now!” Patriot said, throwing his arms wide. I couldn’t believe my ears.
“I see… I certainly have a lot to gain by joining you,” I responded.
“Oh, I knew you would see the right of it, Allen! You understand our country’s plight!”
I now had a good idea of what Patriot Bolnard had to say, and I could assume he spoke for the noble faction as a whole. I closed my eyes and pondered everything he’d told me, then came to my conclusion.
“Patriot.”
“Yes?!”
“It’s out of the question,” I told him.
“…What do you mean?” he asked, his smile vanishing.
“Unfortunately, it sounds like my ideal future differs greatly from the noble faction’s.”
“That’s absurd! Did your patriotism win out over the profits?!”
“I wouldn’t call it patriotism. It’s just… There are a lot of people I care about in this country. I’m going to give my all to protect them.”
Nothing he had to say could change that.
“…I see.” Patriot sighed softly and smiled as kindly as ever. “Feel free to contact me if you ever change your mind. The noble faction will welcome you with open arms.” He turned to one of the butlers behind him. “Please escort Allen out.”
“Yes, my lord. Right this way, Mr. Allen.”
I followed the butler out of Patriot’s mansion. Hiyobah was waiting outside, and she offered to drive me home in the carriage, but I politely refused. I wanted to get some fresh air.
“Man… That was exhausting,” I said to myself.
Patriot hadn’t always spoken honestly during that meeting. His polite smiles and outward displays of shock and disappointment had all been calculated. He’d spent the whole time feeling out the distance between us, treating each statement like a move in chess or shogi.
I’ve honestly never been fond of people like that.
“All right… I should get back. I’ll worry Lia if I stay out too late.”
I stretched to loosen up, then ran back to the dorm.