Mobuseka Volume 12 Chapter 19

This is MTL. So, I cannot guarantee that the translation 100% contextually accurate or appropriate.

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Chapter 19 "Assembling"

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Part 1

A fleet of flying battleships came near the royal capital.

A single Royal Army flying battleship approaches the approaching fleet.

The cannon could be fired at any time, and armor was coming out on the deck.

Ready to fight at any time, they are wary of the affiliation of the fleet.

"The family crest of the Duke of Fanose family!? What the hell do you people think you're doing! Why did you come so close to the royal capital!!"

Hertrude on the bridge was fed up with the captain's voice, which was a mixture of impatience and anger.

"How many times have we had this exchange?"

She glanced at Livia, who was sitting on a seat provided for her.

When she receives a microphone from a military member of the Fanose family, she responds with an external microphone.

"I am Livia, the fiancée of the Grand Duke Bartfalt. They have my permission, so please let them go through."

"The Grand Duke's!?"

The startled captain, perhaps forgetting to turn off his microphone, can be heard talking with his men.

Apparently, the order was not conveyed properly.

"I mean, all we've heard is that Livia-sama is coming back?"

"No problem. Please let us through."

"I-I'll check it out."

Stranded in front of the royal capital, Hertrude sighs.

She must have gotten tired of this kind of exchange because it has been going on so many times.

However, there is a reason for this.

Two years ago, there was a war with the former Principality Fanose, and the royal army is on guard due to the bitter experience of that time.

"That's quite a mess. It seems like we could destroy the royal capital by ourselves right now."

Livia turns to face Hertrude, who makes a dangerous statement, and smiles.

Her smile was gentle, very Livia-like, but to Hertrude, it seemed provocative.

"It's impossible because Licorne is there."

Hertrude, assured by Livia, is not amused.

Because she understands that it is true.

"I'm just saying. ——Ara? Well, it looks like we're not the only guests."

Hertrude's gaze turned to an unfamiliar fleet.

It's probably flying battleships from another country.

Looking at the family crest——.

"The Republic of Arzel, isn't it?"

When Livia answered, Hertrude belatedly remembered.

"It's amazing that that country would send a fleet of ships. They must have their hands full just defending their own country now."

Livia puts her fist to her chest.

"Thanks to Noel. She convinced the Republic of Arzel to join us."

Livia was grateful to the Republic of Arzel for assigning their forces in a difficult situation.

Hertrude raises the corners of her mouth.

"I don't think that's all it is."

"Eh?"

As Livia tilted her head, Hertrude didn't answer as payback for what she had just said.

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Part 2

A room in the Royal Palace.

Hearing that a representative from the Republic of Arzel had arrived, Noel hurried into the room.

She opened the door and went inside, and waiting for her was her twin sister [Lelia Jill Lespinas].

Unlike Noel, she has silky hair that is all pink, pulled into a side ponytail on the left side, and green eyes.

She is skinnier than Noel, probably because she is busy every day as a priestess of the sacred tree.

Noel was breathing on her shoulder in front of a slightly emaciated Lelia.

"Lelia!"

When she calls his name, Lelia, who had been sitting on the sofa, stands up with a wry smile.

"Long time no see, Aneki."

Noel hugs Lelia and sheds tears.

"Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it."

Lelia puts her hand around Noel's back, who is crying, and gently hugs her.

Lelia was also a little teary.

"If we lose, it's the end for us, right? It's only natural that we lend our strength."

"I didn't expect you to come."

"If I don't come, we won't be able to control Emile."

"Eh?"

Surprised by the name Emile, the man sitting on the couch, looking a little uncomfortable, clears his throat and then explains.

He's [Alberg Sara Rault].

He is slender and tall, and wears a striped suit.

He has sharp eyes, a well-groomed beard, and a somewhat tough-looking face.

"The Sacred Tree of the Republic is called Emile. It's loaded on the flagship."

Like Noel and the others, they brought in the sacred tree.

Alberg also talks about airships.

"They are the Republic's flying battleships, previously prepared by Ideal. They are few in number, but I can assure you of their performance. I'm sure you know what I mean."

The fleet dispatched by the Republic of Arzel was the elite of the elite that should protect the home country.

Although they are few in number, the presence of Alberg and Lelia shows the seriousness of the situation.

"Thank you so much. It's reassuring to have you both here."

Now this will help Leon. That's what she thought, but Alberg and Lelia looked at each other and smiled wryly.

When Noel tilts her head, Lelia tells her the situation.

"Aneki, we're not the only ones who came here."

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Part 3

"Anegooo!!"

In another room, meeting with Marie was [Loic Leta Barrieri] in a white suit and white cloak.

He has short red hair and bursts into tears as soon as he meets Marie.

"Loic, you came too."

Marie hugs Loic and rubs his back.

Wiping away tears, Loic speaks of the situation in the Republic.

"Of course I would run to anego when you are in a crisis! That Hugues bastard objected, but I beat him to silence him!"

There must have been a dispute within the Republic of Arzel when the fleet was dispatched.

But when Loic says that he forced them to approve the dispatch, Marie smiles wryly.

"That's pretty extreme to do. But thank you. You really helped me out."

"I wouldn't mind doing this for anego! More than that, anego is somewhat more than——"

Loic felt discomfort when he met with Marie for the first time in a long time.

Marie stands up.

"My charms are improving, right? I'm still in the growth stage."

Loic blushes when Marie winks at him.

"Yes! You were beautiful before, but now you are even more beautiful! I was kind of surprised because of the divine atmosphere!"

Marie's smile was momentarily shadowed by the honest Loic.

But she soon regains her bright smile.

"Thank you. And I'm counting on you, too."

"You can count on me. I've been trained in real combat while anego is been away, too."

The Republic is in the process of reconstruction and seems to be being attacked by sky pirates and other countries to take advantage of the opportunity.

It was apparently the role of Loic and his team to deal with the incoming enemy.

With his accumulated experience, Loic looked tougher than before.

Then Loic turned his attention to his surroundings.

"Areh? Those five people who usually interrupt me are not here? I wanted to say hello to the Grand Duke. I have some urgent matters to convey."

Marie was wondering how to respond to Loic's reaction.

But Loic comes up with the answer himself.

He looked out the window and was convinced.

"Aa, I see he just got back. It's been a long time since I've seen Einhorn."

Marie immediately looked out the window and saw Einhorn in the distance.

(Those five guys brought aniki back. I'm so glad)

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Part 4

When I came to the royal palace, it was surprisingly Loic who greeted me.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Unlike when he was stalking Noel, Loic, with his nicer personality, smiles and waves to us.

The five idiots who saw him turned grumpy all at once.

"Why are you here?"

Julius asked in a low voice, and Loic shrugged his shoulders.

"Is that how you treat a man from a friendly country who sent a fleet? I was seeing anego earlier, so I just thought I'd drop by and say hello."

The fact that he was meeting with Marie made the expressions on the faces of the five idiots even more stern.

Brad is closing in on Loic.

"I hope you didn't do something insolent to Marie!"

"I won't be rude to anego. More importantly, there is something I should inform the Grand Duke."

Ignoring Brad, Loic looked impatient when he looked at me.

He looks strange for a greeting.

"To me?"

When I tilt my head back, Loic gives me an indescribable look.

He seems to be choosing his words as his gaze wanders.

"Actually —— Louise is here."

"Louise-san?"

This is the name of a woman I met in the Republic of Arzel.

As I was feeling nostalgic, Loic continued.

"She was escorted to the room where she was to meet the Grand Duke herself. It's just —— well, how should I put it——"

When Loic finds it hard to say, an annoyed Jilk interrupts him.

"We don't have time for this. I wish you would hurry up and tell him. Or is there some kind of problem?"

Loic gets annoyed at Jilk's sarcasm, but he prioritizes talking with me.

"There were other women in the room she was escorted to."

The reaction of Loic, who is breaking out in a cold sweat, bothers me.

"Did they guide her to the wrong room?"

"No, that's not the problem. ——I have received an order that all women wishing to meet the Grand Duke must go through that room."

What's he trying to say? Unlike me, who can't understand, Julius and the others reacted strangely.

Everyone is breaking out in a cold sweat.

Julius looked at Greg.

"Oi, what do you think?"

"What do you think, you ask, that is——"

When Greg is at a loss for an answer, Chris and Brad also begin to discuss something.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"I'm the same way. In the first place, this is Leon's problem, and it's not something we should interfere in."

Then Jilk suggests to Julius.

"Your Highness, it seems that Leon-kun's guests are waiting for him, so why don't we go separately? It would be rude to visit them together —— frankly, I don't want to get involved. In all likelihood, Claris will be there as well."

Jilk, who mentions the name of his former fiancée, Claris-senpai, was somewhat unwell.

Are these guys tired too?

I let out a small sigh and urge Five Idiots to rest.

"You guys can go ahead and rest. Loic, show me the way."

When I asked Loic to guide me, for some reason he turned his face away.

"No, I have an errand to do."

I was refused, but if I want to be guided, I have Luxion, so it's not a problem.

I look at Luxion.

"That's what happened. Can you tell which room Louise is in?"

[Yes. Leave the guiding to me. Just——]

Luxion goes out of his way to ask me for confirmation.

[——Are you sure you want to meet her? Can we postpone the meeting until later?]

I personally don't feel comfortable making Louise-san wait.

Since she had come all the way from the Republic of Arzel, I wanted to meet her.

"There's nothing wrong with that, right. Come on, let's go."

[——Yes, Master.]

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Part 5

Leon and Luxion leave to meet with Louise and the others.

Watching his back, Five Idiots and Loic felt a sense of dependability in Leon.

Greg is apologetic to Leon.

"Sorryy, Leon! I——I can't be of any use to you!"

Comforting Greg was Jilk, who had a bad personality.

But on this occasion, his bad personality is hidden.

He was also sympathetic to Leon.

"We are powerless in these matters. ——Let's pray that Leon-kun will be back safely."

Julius watched Leon's figure walk away.

"His insensitivity is annoying, but at times like this, it's even reassuring."

The five idiots and Loic were reassured by Leon, who was going to the room where the women were waiting for him without realizing what was going on.

——The men were praying that Leon, who would likely face scene of carnage, would return safely.

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Part 6

On the way to the room I was having a conversation with Luxion.

"I knew the Republic of Arzel was here, but I didn't expect Loic to be with them."

[They have dispatched the tiger flying battleships left behind by Ideal. Alberg and Louise must have worked behind the scenes to get it.]

"——I appreciate that"

I didn't think I needed anyone's help.

But it is very reassuring to know that there are people out there who are willing to help.

"There was also a fleet of Fanose."

[I see that the nobles of the kingdom have also dispatched their fleet. ——Bartfalt family's flying battleships have also been confirmed. They will be angry later.]

My dad or big brother or both are probably here.

I don't blame them for being mad at me, considering what I did.

"I won't complain if they hit me. Anyway, are Ange and the others in the room we're going to?"

[No, that's——]

When Luxion was unsure to answer, we came to the destination room and knocked.

I heard a response from inside, so I opened the door and went inside.

"Ara ara, I see you've been very reckless. Aren't you losing some weight?"

Inside the room was Claris-senpai.

"I heard you were missing, but I'm glad you're safe."

The one with the fan open and covering her mouth is Deirdre-senpai.

It doesn't surprise me that they are both in the room.

The reason is that they are the daughters of the kingdom's nobles, so it is not surprising that they would be at the royal palace if they had business to attend to.

However, the other two are unusual.

"As usual, you're getting yourself into a trouble."

"Long time no see, Louise-san. Shall I call you oneechan?"

She's [Louise Sarah Rault].

With shoulder-length yellow-blonde hair and purple eyes —— and a glamorous figure, she is Louise-san, who took care of me in the Republic of Arzel.

When I jokingly called her "Oneechan," she blushed a little.

As she walks up to me, she reaches out her right hand and touches my left cheek.

"If you can tell a joke, you seem to be doing okay. I'm glad you're doing well."

"Of course. I have so much energy that I could sell it."

"I don't think you have enough to sell. And you're still the same liar."

As we are having a friendly conversation, Hertrude-san interrupts the conversation.

"Do you mind if I get a minute? I need to talk to him."

As I tilt my head back, Claris-senpai smiles at me.

It must have been my imagination that the smile seemed to hide her true feelings.

"What a coincidence. I have something important to discuss with Leon-kun, too. So I wonder why there are three insects intruding?"

As Claris-senpai's gaze swept over the other women, Deirdre-senpai closed her fan.

"I should have noticed when there were other people in this room. Angelica——no, is this Milene-sama's arrangement? What a mean thing to do."

Why are Ange and Milene-san's names mentioned?

Not understanding the current situation, Louise-san speaks to me.

"Leon-kun, onee-san has something to say to you, would you mind listening to it?"

"Something to say?"

I glanced at Luxion, and he nodded, as if we still had time before our next appointment.

I nodded, and Louise put her hands together.

"We sent a fleet to the kingdom of Horfalt, but our country is also quite reckless. So we can't convince Hugues and the opposition to come back unless we get something in return. ——Will you cooperate with us?"

Louise-san, who looks down a little and pleads with an upward glance, seems to have become a more mature woman after not seeing her for a while.

The Republic of Alzer seems to be doing something reckless to save the Kingdom of Horfalt.

It is only natural for a country to demand compensation.

I feel a little uncomfortable with Louise-san telling this story.

Even Hertrude-san is jumping on board.

"Fanose family is the same way, we are being reckless. We can't just save the kingdom and that's the end of it."

Their argument is valid.

I look at Luxion and he talks about rewards instead.

[At present, we can provide platinum coins. If you have any other items you would like——]

Claris-senpai is the one who waits for me to say that I will personally prepare a reward.

"You can't just talk about it. This is a matter between countries, isn't it? It is not appropriate to discuss this with Leon-kun."

Deirdre-senpai agrees with her opinion.

"That's right. And when it comes to rewards, we come first. The nobles in the country are working hard for this matter, as well. Of course, the Roseblade family is doing its utmost to cooperate."

Claris-senpai and Deirdre-senpai's parents' house are also moving.

So if I prioritize Louise-san and Hertrude-san, it's not interesting for them.

As I think about it, Luxion whispers in my ear.

[Master, don't you think something is strange?]

"What?"

[Look at the four of them.]

When I turned my gaze to the four of them, they were facing each other and talking with a smile.

Louise-san and Claris-senpai.

"It's your own country's problem, isn't it? I think it's strange to ask for something in return."

"I don't think you are irrelevant either, do you? But if you say it's irrelevant, I wish the foreign princess would stay out of it."

Deirdre-senpai and Hertrude-san.

"Are you plotting to revive the principality? You'll have to wait and hope for a pardon from the new Majesty after the war. I'll put in a good word for you."

"The Fanose family has moved on because you people are disappointing. The kingdom needs to show some sincerity."

I looked at the four of them smiling and I understood.

"It's called nobility talk. They want to get paid more than anyone else."

I am also a person who lives in an aristocratic society, so I can see that the smiles on the faces of the four of them are not sincere.

I guess they're trying to convince me so they can get a bigger reward.

Therefore, the four of them are keeping each other in check.

I seem to have adapted to aristocratic society quite well, to understand aristocratic conversation.

[——Do you really think so?]

"By the way, isn't this room a little cold?"

[Yeah, that's right.]

It feels colder than it was in the hallway.

Luxion informs me that the next business is coming up.

[It's taking longer than I expected. If this continues, it will interfere with our next appointment.]

"I get it."

I look at the four people who are still arguing and clap my hands to get their attention.

The four of them turned to me, so I said this to end this conversation.

"I understand the situation. I will take responsibility for the reward."

Then, Hertrude-san smiles..

Although her height and body shape should be the same as before, she has started to give off a much more mature impression.

Is it the result of being a proxy Duke and having been subjected to noble society?

The way she was forced to grow up, even if she didn't want to, makes me feel a little sympathy for her.

"Will you take responsibility in your name? Can you write one?"

"If that makes you feel better."

I would have enjoyed spending some time reminiscing if I could, but I didn't have much time.

I regret to leave, but I'll just sign the papers and leave the room.

Claris-senpai seemed a little dissatisfied.

"——Well, I guess it can't be helped."

Deirdre-senpai is smiling and covering her mouth with a fan.

"I'm kind of sorry about that. But I can't miss the chance."

Louise-san smiled when she saw my face.

"I think I'll be able to give you a good report to Otou-sama."

That's good to hear.

As Hertrude-san began to prepare the documents here, the other three gave instructions about this and that.

The finished content, in brief, reads, "I promised that I would prepare what the four of them wanted on this occasion."

It is written in more difficult words, but the general content is the same.

Hertrude-san nods.

"Well, it's better than a verbal agreement. I hope you don't break it later."

After signing the papers, I say with a wry smile.

"So you don't trust me —— Look, I signed it properly."

"I confirmed it. Well then, see you next time."

Having said that, this was the end of my discussion with the four of them.

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Part 7

When I arrived at the waiting room of the audience hall, no one had arrived yet.

When I sit down on the chair, Luxion warns me about the matter from earlier.

[You should not have signed such an ambiguous contract. Well, it's unlikely that those four would have signed a contract that would have caused disasters later.]

The reason he did not intervene, despite his reluctance, was probably because he trusts the four of them.

"If it's going to be a problem, just throw it to Creare."

[Could it be —— You were planning to break the agreement from the beginning?]

It seems that Luxion has realized my true intentions.

I feel sorry for them and make my excuses to Luxion.

"The odds of me making it back alive are slim, right? I'm sorry to be so deceitful, but I didn't want to offend anyone by saying I might die out there."

There is no guarantee that I will return back alive.

But I didn't want to create the atmosphere of a lifetime goodbye at that place.

[Is that why you signed the contract so easily?]

"I didn't want to cause them anxiety there."

I'm sorry to the four of them, but if I don't make it back —— then I'll let them call me a liar.

If I have Luxion prepare some money for later and hand it over to them before I leave, will they forgive me?

Just as the conversation ends, Ange bursts into the waiting room.

"Leon!"

"Ange"

When I got up from my seat, I saw Ange standing there, wearing what looked like a red-dyed wedding dress.

Her hair is set and her makeup is done.

Her eyes were moist as she looked at me.

She jumps into my chest with a face that looks like she's about to cry, and she presses her forehead against me just like that.

"I thought you would never come back. I was scared that I would never see you again."

"Sorry."

"Over and over again, you play with my heart. You're really the worst man."

"You can throw me away."

When I said that, Ange looked up.

She had tears in her eyes and a big smile on her face.

"I won't throw you away even if you don't like it. So——don't abandon me."

Ange's words bring tears to my eyes.

I didn't want to see her crying face, so I hugged Ange.

I didn't answer anything, but it seems that my feelings were conveyed to Ange.

Ange continues to inform me of the current situation.

"I have gathered all the forces possible for your sake. Nobles and knights from all over the country, as well as military personnel, have come to the audience chamber. ——They are waiting for your words."

"I'm sure they'll complain."

"I wonder? But I've gone quite reckless to bring them all together. It's going to be heavy burden for Leon. Now is not too late."

I don't feel good about wasting Ange's efforts by refusing to do so now.

Besides, I'm out of options.

It doesn't matter how much burden it is.

—— If I make it back alive, I'll carry the whole burden, even if I have to whine about it.

"I don't mind."

"Are you sure? Because, you——"

I felt like I could shoulder any hardship now.

Because Ange —— she made such a move for this kind of me.

"It's okay. Thank you, Ange. Thank you so much."

"If you want to be thankful, tell Livia and Noel as well. Those two are the ones who got the Fanose family and the Republic moving."

"I'll definitely tell them."

While we were still hugging each other, there was a knock on the door.

Ange moves away from me.

"It's time. Go for it, Leon."

I turned my back to Ange so that she wouldn't see my crying face, and acted funny to make it look normal.

"I'm not good at being in front of large crowds, and I'm not good at making speeches because I'm not a good talker —— Don't laugh at me if I fail."

"If that's the way you're going, it looks like no problem."

Ange was giggling.

Luxion, who is next to me, starts saying unnecessary things.

[Shall I prepare the manuscript?]

"——It bothers me, but I'll stop this time."

[Why?]

"At least, I want to convey it in my own words."

I wanted to face the people who will fight with me from now on in my own way.

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Part 8

When I came to the audience hall, it was packed with a large crowd.

When I entered the room, I was ushered to the highest seat, and it was a strange feeling to see the venue, which had been buzzing with noise just a few minutes before, quiet down.

I am concerned about Roland and Milene-san getting off their high seats and standing in line.

When I spotted my mentor at their side, I calmed down a bit.

Five idiots are also participating in the lineup, and Loic is nearby.

Lelia and Alberg-san were also present.

The nobles are also lined up, waiting for my words —— it feels somewhat strange.

I expected to hear a single curse word, but among them is Count Mottley, who is looking at me with sparkling eyes.

My dad and the others are in the back, nervously watching to make sure I don't make any mistakes.

Moreover —— boys in school uniforms were also participating.

Daniel and Raymond. I am a little surprised that a group of poor Barons came to this place.

When I finish looking around, I open my mouth.

"When I heard there was going to be a formation ceremony, I came and found no one there —— I'm honestly relieved right now that it didn't come to that."

I joked, but the audience room remained silent.

For a moment I thought I had slipped, but everyone's faces were serious.

I continue the story, thinking it has been swept under the rug.

"I will proceed on the assumption that you have heard about the situation. The Holy Magic Empire of Voldenowa has declared war on the Kingdom of Horfalt. I assure you that if we remain silent, they will surely destroy the kingdom."

There is some information that I can't disclose, but it is a fact that the Empire has waged war against the Kingdom.

After that, they came up with conditions that seemed like a recommendation to surrender.

The nobles of the Kingdom of Horfalt are probably outraged.

"The Empire is powerful. They even have a trump card, and they want to destroy us. That's why I decided to fight, but to be honest, I would have preferred to see this country destroyed."

The audience room was buzzing, but I continued talking without regard.

"I have been discouraged many times before. But what about today? Look out there, and you see a huge army of flying battleships. The audience hall is packed with people. Now that made me think that this country isn't going to be abandoned."

I have always thought it was a bad country.

And yet, it seems like a miracle that we were able to come together as one in this most difficult phase.

Ange and others created this view.

When I looked at Ange and the others, I also saw Livia and Noel.

Marie is also nearby, but she has a Saint's equipment.

She was wearing a white one-piece dress and was surrounded by temple officials.

—— I had heard that she had the Temple's forces on her side, but apparently it was true.

"Normally I would curse and kick their asses. But this time is different. The Empire is strong and I can't manage it alone. So——"

I looked up at the ceiling once and then returned my gaze to everyone.

"——Please lend me your strength."

When I bow my head, the noise grows louder, mainly among the nobles.

"It doesn't have to be for me. Please do it for yourself —— for someone you want to protect."

I guess they didn't expect me, who had been so arrogant and overbearing, to bow down to them.

After the audience room has been buzzing for a while, Count Mottley speaks up.

"Please raise your head. I devote my life to Leon-sama. Please use it as you wish."

I raised my head and saw Count Mottley, who had stepped out in front of me, kneeling down and lowering his head.

Vince-san, who was watching the scene, also spoke up.

"We are here because we have already made up our minds. Please don't underestimate us."

Thanks to Count Mottley and Vince-san, the nobles begin to open their mouths.

"Yare yare, I didn't expect that Bartfalt-sama would bow to us."

"You may or may not see it once in your lifetime, right."

"Just seeing this makes me think it's worth a part of it."

Jokes are made and laughter spreads among the audience.

Perhaps unable to see my surprise, my mentor steps forward to offer a helping hand.

"Let me correct you since you seem to have misunderstood. Mr. Leon——we are not in a position to be asked."

"Shishou?"

They all get down on one knee and bow their heads in front of me.

And that Roland stepped forward and had a respectful attitude in front of me.

Even Roland, the king, kneels before me.

"Leon Fou Bartfalt-dono, please lend us your strength once again for the sake of the Kingdom. This is the wish of all of us."

That Roland was not joking, he was speaking for everyone.

Everyone in the audience chamber bowed before me.

They did not curse at me like 'This greenhorn', they did not order me to fight, they only asked me to help them.

Even though I'm the one who should be asking for help.

I want us to fight together, everyone here has wished for it.

"I appreciate it. I'm glad to have you fight alongside me."

This is the only battle that we must win.