She’s shaken; now’s their chance. Claude darts a glance at Ernst, and the man gasps, straightening. “I…I’m sorry to ask, but do you suppose he could rest at the outpost?”

  “Th-that’s, um…not really… We can’t admit members of the public without permission.”

  “He isn’t a member of the public. I’m sorry, I realize it’s a difficult request, but… Please. You’re the only one we can ask.”

  “When you want to get your way, look straight into the other person’s eyes, act earnest and anguished, and keep telling yourself they’re the only one you can turn to.”

  Ernst has followed Isaac’s instructions faithfully. He probably doesn’t understand why, but the red in the Valkyrie’s cheeks deepens. The combination of a handsome young man in distress and being relied on is thrilling.

  In other words, this is a fiendish method that takes advantage of others’ goodwill, and it only works for people with pretty faces.

  “I-if you’re going to go that far, then…!”

  “I see. That’s incredibly helpful. Come, Master Vica.”

  As Ernst turns to him, Claude deducts a few points. The man’s relief has made him break into a natural, brilliant smile. What’s the point of turning it on Claude? He should show it to the Valkyrie and make her like him more.

  That said, they’re off to a good start.

  As the Valkyrie leads the way, Claude stealthily looks back. In the shadow of the building, he sees Isaac scowl and make a shooing motion with his hand. The man has no intention of recognizing Claude’s efforts. His wife’s lackeys really are careless about their personal safety.

  However, Isaac is scheduled to make contact with Jasper and start working on another angle next. Claude can’t dispose of him yet. Channeling his disappointment to make his acting even more convincing, he walks into the outpost.

  The emperor and the prime minister’s sudden visit sends confusion racing through the personnel. Half the looks they get are suspicious and critical, but no one is bold enough to be openly hostile toward Claude when he seems so weak and vulnerable. The Valkyrie at the gate let her sense of justice win out; that was lucky, too. Most of all, Claude is confident that he could get enough gold, silver, and valuables to build a castle just by acting vulnerable.

  At first, the Valkyries stealthily slip more wood onto the fire, and when he thanks them, they bring him a blanket. Then comes hot herbal tea, a cushion, cookies and fruit-infused water, and white bread soaked in stew, all in the blink of an eye.

  “So this…is the power of a beautiful face…”

  “What are you saying? The Valkyries are being kind, that’s all.”

  “Yes… True… Very educational.”

  Ernst averts his eyes, completely at a loss. This gesture elicits a fresh wave of sympathy from their hosts, and it isn’t long before they offer him sweets as well. Ordinarily, he would have stubbornly refused them, but Isaac has given him strict orders to graciously accept, say thank you, and invite them to spoil him even more if possible.

  After stiffly sharing his painfully serious thoughts, Ernst clumsily asks for tea. Once the Valkyries recover from their surprise, they burst into laughter. The man has plenty of his own assets to work with, and Claude wishes he’d learn to weaponize them already.

  However, the Valkyries aren’t the sort of women who’d let a pretty face fool them completely.

  “I’m impressed that the emperor fell ill with such impeccable timing… While accompanied by the prime minister to boot.”

  A tall woman emerges from the depths of the outpost; the Valkyries must have summoned her. Startled, Ernst gets to his feet. “Irena! What are you doing in the capital, way out here?”

  “Personnel shuffle. The demons are behaving themselves right now, and they don’t need me at the wall.”

  “…Friend of yours?” Claude asks.

  Ernst nods. “She looked after me when I was just starting out. I outrank her, but… People call her a hero. She’s one of the top five Valkyries.”

  “I’ve just been in the service a long time. Take yourselves elsewhere as soon as he’s feeling better, all right? We’re busy.” She’s smiling, but she clearly finds their visit suspicious.

  Ernst lowers his voice. “Is it because of that article this morning?”

  There’s a sharp intake of breath from the Valkyries around them. Hearing this, Irena plops down on a stool in front of Claude. “Yes. That article was a nasty piece of work. Some girls had rocks thrown at them while they were patrolling the capital.”

  The article that set the capital abuzz this morning expressed doubts about the nature of the new empress. It exposed Diana’s autocratic behavior toward guests of state from other nations, the arrogant way she speaks, the fact that she’s neglecting the work of her station—including producing an heir—and the suspicion that she’s been misappropriating military funds.

  In addition, her preferential treatment of some of the Valkyries was also criticized. Many citizens of the empire endure austerity and even poverty for the sake of the fight against the demons, yet there are some Valkyries who live in the lap of luxury.

  “That sort of thing will settle down if we just leave it be for a while.” Irena doesn’t seem too concerned.

  “I see…,” Claude says quietly, adding, “The empress is hastily taking steps to address it as well.”

  “…Well, well. That’s good to hear.” Irena massages her forehead, just above her nose. She clearly doesn’t think it’s good at all.

  As expected, Diana is furious, and she promptly started visiting all the papers to protest. Cattleya has been accompanying her, leaving Claude and the others free to move as they wish. Given Diana’s personality, Claude has little doubt she’ll probably go on a rampage and give the evening papers plenty to write about. And there’s a good chance Irena is imagining the same thing.

  The woman seems like a reasonable type, and Claude sits up. “If you don’t mind, we’d like to hear your side of this.”

  “Ernst, we don’t want trouble. Just take that boy and go home already.”

  “We’d particularly like to hear how you are being treated, and the realities of your rank.”

  This time, clear agitation runs through the listening Valkyries. Irena shifts her gaze from Ernst to Claude. “Those who are competent are promoted. That’s all.”

  “In other words, you were all sent here because of your incompetence?” Claude scans the group around them. One of them starts to loom threateningly, only for Irena to throw out an arm to stop her.

  Diana claims that the Valkyries have been sacrificed for the sake of the nation, so they should be rewarded. However, there are a great many Valkyries, and the group’s interpersonal relationships are every bit as complicated as they are anywhere else in human society. What’s more, rank is ostensibly tied to achievements in battle, which also determine treatment and pay. Inevitably, there are always winners and losers in such a system. This is what Isaac and Jasper have chosen to focus on and exploit.

  Leaning back in his chair, Claude holds up two fingers. “By and large, those who become Valkyries come from one of two situations. Some are sold to the Valkyries by their parents and are drafted into the service against their will. Others volunteer. The empress is the former, and my sister is the latter.”

  “…That’s right. What about it?”

  “The empress feels that Valkyries are victims. From her perspective, the volunteers who chose to protect the empire are inconvenient. She needs them to claim they never volunteered, that they were forced to become Valkyries. Those who refuse to comply are labeled incompetent. Isn’t that how you’re currently being treated?”

  Diana has been favoring Valkyries who agree with her assertion and show her complete loyalty.

  The Valkyries stationed at this lonely outpost are those who failed to side with the winner. These are the ones Diana has deemed unusable.

  “…If she wants to change the Valkyries’ treatment, that type of posturing is probably necessary. Besides, we fight to defend the empire. We’re proud of that.” Irena is calm. She doesn’t take the bait.

  That’s not true of everyone else present, though.

  Personal pride and dignity are important, but the exposé in the paper had revealed quite a lot of details, including salaries. What do the Valkyries think now that they’ve seen that difference spelled out in such concrete terms?

  Numbers are violence. I swear, Aileen’s subordinates fight dirty.

  “I understand. But that article made me think. There will be fewer and fewer Valkyries from this point on, and I’d like to make another path for them. I want to set up a retirement system.”

  Claude seems to have caught Irena by surprise. She blinks in confusion. A stir runs through the group around them.

  “Because the majority of Valkyries die in battle, there has never been a formal path to retirement. Things will be different now, though. First, we’ll recruit more male soldiers. Since there will inevitably be fewer Valkyries, that isn’t something we can avoid. Like you, the men will have to become soldiers in order to protect their country. However, training them will take time.”

  “…Sure. They won’t be like us. We’re able to wield magic lances the moment we undergo that surgery.”

  “That’s where the Valkyries’ retirement system will come in. Some of you can no longer fight on the front lines due to age, while others cannot because of wounds they’ve suffered. I’d like to let those individuals retire from front-line duties and devote themselves to training those who will follow in their footsteps.”

  “So you’re saying to side with you and not Diana, boy?” Irena cuts right to the chase. “Just so you know, we understand Diana better than the imperial family. We just don’t hold a grudge against the imperial family and the nation and men as much as she and her faction do, that’s all. We were also a bit disappointed in Ernst when he became prime minister. We thought, ‘So in the end, even he thinks like an aristocrat. Like a man.’”

  “No need to say it twice. Ernst, let’s move on to the next place.” Uncrossing his legs, Claude stands up.

  Ernst rises as well. “Y-Your Majesty, are you sure?”

  “You give up real easy… Wait, the next place? Are you planning to bring this up with the other groups, too?”

  “It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t. Besides, the empress is undoubtedly busy.” Irena’s eyes widen, and Claude burns his smile onto her retinas. “If you don’t need the lifeline I’ve thrown you, that’s your business. I offered it to you, and that’s all that matters.”

  After this, Diana will be even more suspicious of Valkyries who won’t pledge their loyalty to her. It won’t be long before deep doubts divide the group. Simply by visiting this place, Claude has already achieved his objective.

  “I see. So you didn’t come to make us your allies, hmm?”

  “You’re wrong, Irena. I want to cooperate with you.” Clenching his fists, Ernst sits back down. Claude gives him a reproachful look, but Ernst keeps his eyes fixed on Irena. “I don’t expect you to pretend like nothing ever happened, but I’d like you to think of the future as well. Someday, the Valkyries will be gone… I don’t want you and yours to meet your end as traitors.”

  “You say that, but if the Valkyries rise up, your side won’t stand a chance. I wager it will be remembered as a revolution, not treason. And it’ll serve you people right.”

  “Then let’s say your revolution succeeds. What will you do about other nations? This matter won’t end at our borders. Diana views Hausel and Ellmeyer as enemies.”

  “…If she plans to invade Ellmeyer and spread devastation, then obviously we’ll stop her.”

  “So the Valkyries will eventually fight among themselves? In that case, you’ll end up as traitors either way.”

  Irena falls silent. Ernst goes on without giving her any time to think. “Even if you manage to stop her, what if Ellmeyer invades us? Vica’s already on friendly terms with Ellmeyer’s emperor. That was what the marriage was for.”

  “You can’t mean… Did he invite him to the wedding so he’d come to view Diana’s faction—or even all the Valkyries—as threats? …Did the emperor really think it through that far?”

  “I was ordered to drag Ellmeyer into this,” Ernst declares, before Irena can turn suspicious eyes on Claude.

  Claude is impressed that he has the nerve to lie about something so dramatic, after coming all this way on thin ice. The man is surprisingly bold.

  “Vica—His Majesty isn’t the sort of ruler who only exists to be protected, as Cattleya says he is.”

  Grimacing, Irena rakes her fingers through her hair and sinks into thought. This seems like a good time to back Ernst up. “Ernst, that’s enough. I respect the Valkyries who protect this nation, but I have no respect for those who would mock you.”

  Irena’s head comes up. Once Claude is sure she’s registered his cold smile, he turns on his heel. It’s like watching a wave recede.

  “Wait, boy—I mean, Your Majesty.” His hand is on the door when she calls to him. “All right. I understand… You’re right. You had us in checkmate the moment you came here. Neither Diana nor Cattleya will overlook this. They’ll suspect us. On top of that, if you end up planning to crush the Valkyries instead of winning us over, we’ll really have nowhere to run.”

  When he turns back, Irena is on her feet, watching him.

  “Having that article published was part of your plot all along, wasn’t it?”

  “Perish the thought. I’d never do such a thing,” he tells her, straight-faced, and she bursts out laughing.

  “Aaah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Well, you’ve got me beat. I thought I’d catch you off guard, and you didn’t even blink. You’re quite the actor. I must be losing my touch… I underestimated you. Sorry about that. You’ve chosen a good master, Ernst. Let me apologize.”

  Ernst’s eyes light up.

  Irena nods. “I’m very much in favor of that retirement system. Would a handshake be disrespectful, Your Majesty?”

  Vica would surely take the hand Irena offers, so Claude squeezes her calloused hand in return. “…This is the hand of someone who’s fought for a long time.”

  “It takes a good man to understand that. If we learn anything, I’ll let you know. Oh, and if you need someone to be your shield, make it me. That burden’s too heavy for the other girls to bear. It’s a common story, you know? Middle-aged women getting jealous of younger girls and becoming jaded and conservative.”

  This heroic woman speaks resolutely, with perfect nonchalance, and Claude shifts his grip on her hand. “I’m honored to have earned the support of such a woman.” With gratitude and respect, he lightly kisses the back of her hand. An excited murmur goes up.

  Irena blinks. Then she sighs deeply. “Handsome men have it good, eh? I might end up placing my trust in you. That’s nasty stuff.”

  “I intended it as a demonstration of my sincerity. Didn’t I, Ernst?”

  “No, that was simply the power of good looks,” Ernst says seriously. Stabbed in the back by his ally, Claude grimaces. Planting her hands on her hips, Irena bursts out laughing again, and so do the rest of the Valkyries.

  Well, never mind. Things should go as planned now. This provocation is bound to make the backlash worse, but it will draw attention away from his wife’s group. Catching himself, Claude blinks. As things stand, it would appear he’s volunteered to be a decoy. He can’t tell if he wants to get the better of his wife or rescue her.

  Good grief. What could my wife be up to, and who is she attempting to get the better of?

  Irena responds to Claude’s quiet smile with a wry one. “I was joking. Don’t make that diabolical expression.”

  “—Diabolical?”

  “Yes. You’re the spitting image of the demon king, plotting evil.”

  It must be because I’m trying to pass myself off as Vica, Claude concludes privately. Smiling, he promises to do his best.

  Fifth Act

  The Villainess’s Magnificent Clandestine Maneuver

  Exercise is a must for pregnant women…but only in moderation.

  “Why did you set off the alarm after you said it would be fine, Master Vica?!” Aileen yells.

  “I’m sorry, I’m still not used to my magic. I thought it would go better.”

  “You’re planning to use that excuse for everything, aren’t you?” Keith asks as they run. “Wait, isn’t that it? That dead end! That’s the elevator you mentioned, isn’t it, Lady Aileen?!”

  “Yes, hurry and get inside!”

  The elevator’s door is already open. That’s immensely helpful. Aileen runs in first and immediately hits the button to close the door. Keith dives in right behind her, followed by Vica.

  One of their Valkyrie pursuers shouts, “Stop! That’s… Wait, Emperor Vica?! What’s he doing here?!”

  The pure-white elevator door shuts. Apparently, the elevator has a fixed destination, because it begins to move without any action on their part. From the way gravity noticeably pulls on her shoulders, Aileen thinks they’re probably descending.

  For the moment, they’ve managed to elude the Valkyries, but Vica tsks irritably. “This elevator neutralizes magic.”

  Aileen gently touches the pure-white wall. The elevator is spacious, but its blank whiteness makes it feel oddly oppressive. It gives off the same impression as the floating palace.

  “It must be made of divine stones. It’s being propelled by sacred power… Also, they may have finally realized who we really are.”

  Having learned from their experiences the day before, Vica cast a spell on the Valkyries so that even if he, Keith, and Aileen triggered alarms and could no longer hide, the Valkyries wouldn’t be able to see them properly. However, during their escape into the elevator, Vica’s face had been spotted. Aileen bitterly regrets their slipup.

  Keith speaks up cheerfully. “Assuming we have been found out, what should we do, Lady Aileen? That’s the important part.”

  Drawing a deep breath, Aileen quickly switches gears. “That’s obvious: We claim dastardly Master Vica threatened us and forced us to accompany him. If they catch us, we’ll testify that we know nothing.”