Glenn Van Tranquillo 

Episode 07. Dís forcefully kisses Glenn to snap him out of his depression. It’s a gag and not meant to be serious, but tagged nonetheless because of the age gap. 

The royal capital of Blue Country is a huge fortified city built on ancient ruins. Its sturdy walls sustained no damage even during the previous great war that engulfed the entire continent. 

The Blue Army is a trained military corps that has fought through the great war. 

They are united. There was no way they would lose. 

And yet... The powerful Blue Citadel crumbles away. 

The streets are destroyed by artillery fire from the Imperial Army. 

It was common knowledge that the continent was hardly at peace—but what on earth is the Empire doing? 

They weren't trying to start a war…

The Empire's forces were small, and they brought in a machine through the castle gate under the pretext of a geological survey. However, the Blue Army didn't realize that this machine was a terrifying weapon

This new weapon absorbed ether from within the earth, causing it to crack just by moving. The lightning fired from the weapon's turret instantly reduced the cityscape to charcoal. The people of the city were reduced to ash.

The Blue Citadel was being turned to rubble. 

My father, the king, and my brother, the First Prince, took up their swords and bravely fought back, but they were powerless against the Empire's new weapons. 

Unable to get close, the enemy tore the earth apart. Soldiers and citizens alike were burned by the light and collapsed. 

All I could do was watch! I couldn't even pick up the remains of my family!

I cursed my own pathetic incompetence. 

My father was dead. My brother was dead. Everyone was gone. 

And so I became the heir to the throne of Blue Country… but the country was destroyed. 

The name Prince Blue no longer had any meaning. A throne and a crown don't suit someone like me who can't do anything. 

I want to cry, but no tears will come.

My mentors and vassals who raised and encouraged me are also dead. I've also lost friends who would cry with me. 

And yet, I can't even cry.

I ran away in the face of that terrifying Reaper. 

The grudges of those who died in this country drive the Reaper, demanding more sacrifices and blood. 

Blue Country harbors a secret known only to the royal family. The remains of an ancient civilization are hidden deep beneath the capital's Citadel. 

There, the pinnacle of highly advanced science was collected, different to that found on the current continent of Emerg. It seems the ancient people were able to control the Machine Gods, and some of these methods were inherited by the royal family. 

The power source of the gods is unknown, but my father, the king, taught me that it is the will of the many people that determines the gods' words and actions. And yet... the Blue King had a secret dream. To revive the gods on earth and use that power to rule the continent. 

My brother and I were opposed, but my father's aides hurried to excavate the god. 

However, the seal on the Reaper had already been broken... His close aides were killed by the mad god, and this fact was hidden. 

But the Empire had learned of the Machine Gods’ existence... and came to take him away.

I ran and I ran... and finally I reached an oasis near the border. 

I had never come this far by myself. I just ran—in a frenzy. I didn't want to go back. I didn't look back. 

As fatigue spread, sleepiness came over me—and so I slept defenselessly. 

—I dreamed of the former Blue Country.

The abundant ether obtained from underground makes the soil around the capital fertile, and the warm climate, clean water, and air allow for a stable cultivation of a variety of crops.

The fortified Citadel was prosperous for commerce. There is a large market where specialties and bargains from all over the continent are always gathered—making it lively and energetic

 ...The citizens enjoy shopping, they work hard, and spend precious time with their families.

Everyone in the country is cultured and has an understanding of tradition and trends.

I had been learning to play the Waldhorn, an ancient instrument passed down through the royal family, and one day I performed it with a local orchestra. It was well received and applauded. 

It was a moment when I— usually in the shadows of my father and brother, was thrust into the spotlight.

Eventually, I woke up from my nap in the oasis... 

Instantly,  my heart nearly stopped!

A strange woman was on top of me as I lay there, pressing her body against mine! I couldn't move. 

The woman had a blade in her hand. She’s pointing it at my throat...! 

The woman introduced herself as Dís of the Desert—a bounty hunter with an international license. 

However, it seems that she found me by chance and hadn't been hired by anyone. If that's the case, wouldn't she just leave me alone...?

However, as soon as Dís found out I was the second Blue Prince, she started counting money. I couldn't help but chuckle. 

There's nothing to be gained by threatening me. I have nothing left. 

All I have are some ancient musical instruments that are worth next to nothing.

It seems she was planning to use me as a hostage to get some reward from Blue Country, but it's no use. 

Because who would pay?

I think it's over. 

Maybe it would have been better if I had let the Reaper kill me back then.

Dís dragged me by force into the ruins of the Citadel, where she finally seemed to realize the current reality of Blue Country. 

The assets she seeks are no longer here.

But Dís still wanted to get her hands on the royal assets, so I told her. I knew the dark side of this royal family that seemed to have ruled so well. I knew about the abominations hidden underground.

But even so…

Dís slapped me and forcibly kissed me!

What the hell are you doing?! My chastity is something I should be protecting... 

What on earth is this woman thinking?!

Seeing my confusion, Dís stepped away from me and asked, "Is that gun you're holding just for show? Why are you choosing to lose instead of fighting when you have the power?" 

Dis glared at me with intense anger. 

But... What do you want me to do? 

I just didn't understand. My heart was pounding.

Dís pointed the knife at me and crept up on me. This time, she's really going to kill me. 

Why is Dís so angry… and yet her words were somehow gentle, soft, and warm... 

When I think about it, my breath stops, and my heart aches... 

No, I don't want to...! Stop it! I don't want to die like this! With these incomprehensible feelings...!

Without thinking, I activated the hidden function of the Waldhorn instrument I held in my hand—an ancient music gun—and played the “Melody of Dispute'' passed down through the royal family. Doing so, a fierce barrage of ether bullets would be fired from my horn at Dis… or so I thought.

There are no bullets. Gestopft... I had unconsciously chosen a playing technique that wouldn't send any sound flying.

I just couldn't bring myself to shoot her. Dís put away her blade and grinned. 

I see... so that was her aim, to get me to play this melody.

The “Gestopft of Conflict'' that I played immediately stagnated the flow of ether in the surrounding area. 

A forbidden demonic melody that distorts the laws of nature, secretly passed down by royal families who dreamed of ruling the continent... I would never have been able to play it in front of my father or brother. 

I didn't want to come across as pushy or stubborn. 

But they’re gone now. More than anything…

I didn't want to die. I still wanted to live.

In the ruins of the Citadel, the Imperial Army and the members of the Excavation Brigade were still fighting, but the effects of Gestopft caused all of the Empire's latest mechanical ether weaponry to stop working. 

As a result, the army eventually retreated. 

I went to bow to the members of the Excavation Brigade. 

They were trying their best to protect the Citadel in their own way... and I had ignored their kindness and courage. 

There were a few survivors in Blue Country, but it would be extremely difficult to rebuild.

It would be a long road… but… I am the next king. 

I want to do my best for my country.

Leaving the restoration of the Blue Citadel to the citizens for the time being, I accompanied the Excavation Brigade on their visit to Saint Lumiera of the Mythos church.

Lumiera and I are old friends, and we’re happy to be reunited after a year. Lumiera is aware of the current situation in Blue Country... but the church's situation is also difficult.

The threat of the Empire's mechanical weapons is spreading anxiety among the followers of the Mythos, and disturbance in their minds could threaten the survival of the church. 

Though they have now lost contact, during the previous war the three great nations—Blue Country, the Empire, and the church—had a cooperative relationship.

The alliance of small nations was crushed, and the ether veins were redivided and controlled by the three major nations... But the abnormal fluctuations in the ether continued unabated. 

The Empire seems to be planning to control the ether with mechanical devices, but will that really improve the environment? 

Lumiera has negotiated with the Pope and promised to form an equal alliance with Blue Country. After all, she is reliable. 

I was surprised, however, when even Lumiera said she wanted to join the Brigade... 

There seems to be something mysteriously appealing about the Excavation Brigade.

Before the final battle, I spoke with Shizuma for a bit. 

To be honest, when he first appeared in Blue Country, I thought of him as nothing more than an annoying hero. 

But Shizuma was different from the other self-proclaimed heroes.

He had no place to return to. He had no memories of the past. He didn't seek fame or fortune in the fight.

Even though no one asked him to do so, Shizuma joined the Brigade and continued fighting—both because he was good with swords and because he happened to meet Seele Tact.

He never mentioned iit, but it must take a lot of resolve. 

I couldn't do anything like him. But now... I think I’ll try…

I'm glad I was able to become friends with him. 

He made me realize what is important.

I will restore Blue Country not because I am the next king, but simply because I wish to do it for everyone. I will cast aside my fathers' dreams of continental domination... 

From now on, I will create a true Blue Country.