[FMMIKA] Chapter 252: The Uneasy Chaldea

Jeanne's words surprised everyone, especially those who weren't well-versed in history and preferred learning about historical events through video games and anime—yes, that's you, Fujimaru Ritsuka.

Originally, they had assumed that even though Jeanne was a good person, a saint, and had no complaints against her ruler, she would, at most, maintain a neutral stance.

However, they didn't expect Jeanne's evaluation of her ruler to be unexpectedly high.

"It's like the feeling of a foolish girlfriend who defends her scumbag boyfriend, right?"

Beside Jeanne, Ritsuka began whispering to Marie. Apparently, this gossip piqued the queen's interest quite a bit.

"Although I expected Miss Jeanne to be flawless, this kind of devoted girl seems appealing too."

"Senpai, talking behind someone's back is bad—she can hear you, you know." Mash scolded Ritsuka.

"More than an unhealthy relationship, it's more about mutual trust between a ruler and a subject. After all, not just anyone would willingly entrust a country's military power to a woman who appeared out of nowhere, especially in the Middle Ages."

Finally, Da Vinci, as the most reliable figure in all of Chaldea, spoke up.

Some conspiracy theorists suggested that Jeanne had caught Charles VII in a compromising situation. They also proposed other theories, such as her being Charles VII's long-lost sister, secret daughter, or having some undisclosed connection with him.

However, after actually meeting and conversing with Jeanne, everyone realized that none of those speculations were true. There was no such thing or connection.

So, when all other options were eliminated, there was only one reason left.

Charles VII trusted Jeanne. And Jeanne was grateful for Charles VII's recognition—at least, that was the case before Charles VII confirmed that he would use Jeanne as a bargaining chip to secure more political advantages.

The following events also proved Charles VII's judgment to be correct.

Just as Jeanne had said, France's ultimate victory came after her death. Whether it was the end of the Hundred Years' War or the liberation of Paris, it all came afterward.

In the 'Hundred Years' War', she was just a brief, fleeting moment, a shooting star. Her active period was barely over a year. Despite achieving several victories under her leadership and instilling a sense of spirit among the French, it wouldn't be fair to attribute the entire credit for war victories to Jeanne, completely erasing Charles VII's contributions, would it?

Da Vinci continued her reasoning:

"However, that's not the main point."

"If Charles VII is truly a wise king, it might not be a bad thing for Chaldea."

"Of course, the condition is that the person currently ruling Orleans is indeed Charles VII."

===

After the discussion, the group of Chaldea couldn't help but feel uneasy.

This was because the actions of Charles VII had gone beyond what one would expect from a European feudal king.

For rulers in Europe, they had only two primary goals—to rule and maintain their dynasties, and to hold steadfast to the faith of the Catholic Church.

Concern for the welfare of the people, their interests, and their well-being were not concepts held dear in the minds of traditional European rulers; they did not consider it their duty or responsibility.

This might come as a surprise to those from the East. In the East, they've held onto the ancient belief that 'the heavens listen to the people, and the heavens watch as the people watch.'

They believed that just like water could carry a boat, it could also capsize it. No matter what one's real intentions were, it was essential to always put the people's well-being first, rule for the people, and be like a father and mother to them.

In Europe, especially in the West, there was absolutely no such thing, no basis for this kind of public opinion. This situation had to wait until the modern era to change.

However, it would still take several more decades, perhaps even less than a century, to truly complete a series of transformations. And the vast majority of it still remained superficial.

"This is what baffles me." While the group of Chaldea was taking a breather, Da Vinci turned to Romani and said, "The way Charles VII behaves doesn't align with the morals one would expect from a king of a feudal era."

"Yeah, it's quite strange... so, you think that this Charles VII is a fake, an impostor, or..."

"We'll have to wait and see how things unfold."

"Right..."

Unlike the laid-back Romani, the rest of the Chaldea felt uneasy about this mission. In fact, they were very worried.

If their opponent were merely a Dark Jeanne that had gone mad, the situation might be a bit better. Evil Dragons, Skeletons, Zombies, Wyverns, and Servants—everything could be dealt with using known strategies.

But in the current circumstances, Da Vinci and Romani sensed a certain flavor in the air.

A flavor of conspiracy.

'Let's hope everything goes smoothly. Let's hope...'

However, the more they thought this way, the more worried they became. The more they thought about it, the more they feared that this mission might take an unexpected turn.

===

Meanwhile, the Chaldea had no idea that their march was being closely monitored by magecraft. Every move they made was under the watchful gaze of the Dragon Emperor.

'She's a funny woman.'

Artorius remarked inwardly, referring to the most boisterous of the group, Fujimaru Ritsuka.

'Nice to see you again, Mash. I wonder how much progress you've made.'

His gaze towards Mash was filled with warmth and affection as if he were looking at a hardworking and adorable junior.

'As for the Queen of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette... isn't she just a character included for filler? In a way, she's not much different from that executioner, Sanson.'

His assessment of Marie was rather harsh.

Although what this queen did during the reign of Louis XVI could be considered 'passable', by the standards of the entire proper human history—no, even by the standards of France, this queen was quite underwhelming.

'If you truly wish to save this Singularity, then provide me with some capable soldiers.'

Although Artorius acted as Chaldea's enemy at the moment, Counter Force as the helper of Chaldea should at least summon some competent warriors.

'France obviously has plenty of them...'

'Napoleon, Murat, Ney, Lannes—aren't they more than mere figureheads like Marie?'

'Even if we don't mention Napoleon, at least summon Marshal Vaubran for me. Heck, I'd even take Dugommier, even Lafayette.'

"If we're discussing literary, artistic, and scientific Servants, France has plenty of them. From Rousseau to Voltaire, from Hugo to Balzac, from Descartes to Lagrange, they were all pillars of the nation and renowned figures. Why, out of all people, did you choose Marie Antoinette? Do you honestly believe an Austrian woman can save France?"

'Oh, I understand now. I get it.'

'You think I'll be nicer to a girl, be more gentle, and go easier on her, so you're trying to use her to seduce me, huh?'

'Well played, Counter Force, well played...'

The Dragon Emperor Artorius pondered and came to a conclusion as he observed the group of Chaldea.