Akatsuki Translations

Silence enveloped everyone. Gathered around the table, a heavy quiet filled the laboratory. It was a silence borne of success in their experiments—a silence because of the confirmation, not of ambiguous predictions, but of solid data indicating a crisis in the western part of the kingdom.

Images of the tranquil village they had visited just days ago resurfaced. The urge to return to the village immediately and prepare for evacuation was overwhelming.

“Y-yes, we must disclose this fact quickly and start evacuating the villagers…” -Alfina

Alfina stood up abruptly, her desperate expression cooling my head. I took a breath and spoke calmly.

“Please calm down, Alfina-sama.” -Ricardo

“Ricardo-kun!?” -Alfina

The astonishment was evident on Alfina’s face, who had predicted the monster flood. Indeed, our hypothesis of a monster flood occurring in the West had been validated by the experiment.

We had turned the catastrophe Alfina alone could foresee into visible numbers. I hadn’t expected the results to be so conclusively clear. It had gone that well, up to this point.

But the real challenge was just beginning.

Nature is straightforward, at least within the scope it chooses to communicate. Monsters would react predictably to patterns of magical energy, even if there had been no previous instances of a monster flood. But humans, when faced with the same data, how would they react?

“In the East, as soon as the signs are confirmed, a knight order is dispatched, right?”  -Ricardo

“That’s right. The control of the horde requires the elimination of the core superior individuals. If we can eliminate them, the monsters will start to cannibalize each other. We can break up the horde before it floods.” -Fuglsig

“If it comes to dispatching a knight order, it will have to be decided by a cabinet meeting, resulting in an imperial decree, I suppose.” -Alfina

Fuglsig nodded. It meant going through the highest level of national decision-making.

“If this pattern is observed in the East, the dispatch of the knight order will be decided without any issue. But, you see, what’s now taken for granted—the dispatch of the knight order—took two incidents of damage before it was first decided.” -Fuglsig

Fuglsig spoke in an even tone, devoid of any emotion. Yet, his eyes bore the look one gives to a beloved granddaughter.

“In an unprecedented location, with an unprecedented method of prediction, it won’t be evaluated in the same way as in the East, will it?” -Ricardo

“It’s so clear, though. Even without precedent…” -Alfina

The girl, likely to experience the same despair, looked at the old man. The endorsement of Fuglsig, an authority on monster floods, was crucial. Without it, their findings would be dismissed as mere student research. However,

“I promise to vouch for this conclusion as being correct, no matter who it may concern. But to the royal palace, I am nothing more than a retired old man. Even if it were to be brought up at a morning council, the issue is the time formal procedures take. It could take months at the earliest, even if it’s not rejected even once. Furthermore, I might add, the current head of observation and I don’t see eye to eye. They haven’t advanced my method by a single step.” -Fuglsig

To mobilize the national core in time for the disaster was critically insufficient.

Imagine in modern Earth, where science and technology are trusted, that a revolutionary method of earthquake prediction is discovered. The academic world would erupt in excitement, and experts would praise the discoverers. But to get from there to moving legislative and administrative bodies could take much longer than a few months—an overly optimistic estimate.

I looked around at everyone gathered here. Up to the analysis of the prophecy, we were an ideal team. But when it came to implementing countermeasures, we were the worst possible group.

“I-I will advise His Majesty once more.” -Alfina

“That would be counterproductive.” -Mia

Mia stated flatly, and unfortunately, I agree. Alfina is being shunned because of the prophecy.

Besides, if we’re speaking about personal feelings, she has already taken enough risks and played her part sufficiently.

“This is no longer about prophecy. It’s a prediction, one that we all here have worked together to achieve.”  -Ricardo

“Ricardo-kun? Of course, that’s why I must do whatever it takes…” -Alfina

Alfina looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“When a cunning strategist like you says that, it can lead to misunderstandings.” -Mia

“That’s right. What the young man is saying is this: the princess doesn’t have to bear this alone anymore.” -Fuglsig

“Ricardo-kun…” -Alfina

“N-no, that’s not it. Since it’s a prediction, not a prophecy, it can be treated differently. If we’re careful about who we tell and how we tell them, there’s a possibility it can be shared. That’s what I’m trying to say.” -Ricardo

I gestured emphatically with my hands. Being expected to play the role of a knight protecting the princess, no amount of self-preservation is enough.

“We need someone with influence. Ideally, a great noble who owns land in the West. Someone who will at least listen to Alfina-sama. Someone logical and not afraid to overturn precedent.” -Ricardo

I listed the conditions, my face becoming tense. In such cases, one doesn’t expect an ideal candidate; rather, you prioritize and narrow down the options based on the criteria. But this time, the minimum necessary hurdles are too many and too high, elements that are sorely lacking in this country’s establishment.

Fuglsig shook his head, and Mia remained silent. My connections are less than either of theirs.

The bill for everything up until now was coming due at the worst possible time. After all, one of the reasons I joined this was to find someone important who understands numbers. But overlooking Fuglsig’s existence is almost laughable.

Silence spread throughout the room, different from before because it was stagnant.

“Um, I was planning to give this to you after we finished talking.” -Alfina

However, Alfina suddenly placed a sealed letter on the table. It was an official letter, sealed with beeswax. The addressee was… me!?

“My aunt… wants to ask about the previous incident,” -Alfina

“Do you mean when Alfina-sama insisted on accompanying Senpai on his trip?” -Mia

“It wasn’t a trip; it was work. And all I did was guide them from Berthold to Leiria. Jacob was with us the whole way too…” -Ricardo

I hurriedly opened the envelope. The letter inside was surprisingly straightforward, though its content was more of a summons disguised as an invitation.

“The date is set for tomorrow. Aren’t high nobles supposed to have the luxury of time? Rushing someone seems desperate and beneath their dignity…” -Ricardo

Unable to outright refuse, I looked at Alfina, seeking some form of rescue.

“My aunt doesn’t really care about such formalities,” -Alfina

Alfina smiled reassuringly.

“But, I have plans too, you know, dealing with the monster flood…”  -Ricardo

I looked at Mia, hoping for an escape.

“…” -Mia

“The conditions we mentioned earlier. Duchess Berthold would be perfect,” -Fuglsig

Fuglsig noted. Thinking about it, they are ideal for our current objectives. Everything fits. This invitation could be a golden opportunity. But what if we’re just fish on the chopping board, ready to be eaten?

“To present to one of the top nobles with just a day’s preparation is an impossible game.” -Ricardo

“Well, she is a tough one. Now, let’s think about the wording for the recommendation letter…” -Fuglsig

“Don’t worry. She was very interested in you.” -Alfina

Fuglsig said as if it were someone else’s problem. He seemed supportive, but it felt more like passing the buck. Alfina’s hopeful gaze was painful. The interest he mentioned could easily blow a commoner’s fate away depending on its nature.

“Senpai, please instruct me on the necessary data and format for the charts.” -Mia

Mia started organizing data as if it were the most natural thing. Somehow, this mismatched group had become a perfectly coordinated team, excluding me.

“I’m terrible at presentations. Maybe this should be left to someone with more experience…” -Ricardo

“You were the one invited. …Right, I’ll write that you’re one of the most outstanding students in the past decade. Though it’s a phrase so overused it’s practically expected now…” -Fuglsig

“You’ll do just fine, Ricardo-kun,” -Alfina

The highest hurdle yet was set before me. With a forced smile, I reluctantly nodded in agreement.

I had no choice from the start. Cowards decide to be resolute when they have no options. But those who prioritize self-preservation only feel an inescapable terror.

Well, as for tips on presenting, if I recall correctly, one theme per slide, keep the flow of arguments simple, present the conclusion first… Right, and not using too much animation is also important… It’s not like I have PowerPoint or anything.

“In essence, the most important thing is what the information indicates… No, not ‘information.’ Using the word ‘information’ might actually underplay its value… The audience is a duchess, a woman, Alfina’s aunt, which should I assume? Ah, there’s no more time.” -Ricardo

After returning home, I was practicing mentally for tomorrow. Ideally, I should be studying manners too, but I’m hoping for the princess’s support in that regard.

It’s about to be the next day. Not knowing the exact time is inconvenient.

*Knock knock*

“Who could it be at this hour?” -Ricardo

As I turned around, the door opened and Mia entered. I couldn’t make out her complexion in the candlelight, but her usual calmness wasn’t present in her expression. Entering without waiting for a response was unusual in itself.

“Senpai, Jacob has a report.” -Mia

“Jacob? But he should be in Leiria with my father.” -Ricardo

My father was on a business trip to Leiria. Although the experimental results were confirmed today, we had asked for his movement beforehand. Currently, I’m preparing a presentation to move the nation, naturally considering what to do if it doesn’t move.

My father should have finished delivering the evacuation supplies and be on his way back by now.

“Could something have happened to my father?” -Ricardo

I asked Jacob, who followed Mia in.

“No, the chairman is safe. However…” -Jacob

“What is it?” -Ricardo

“One of the village children was almost kidnapped by a stranger. Fortunately, or unfortunately, we were there, so it was resolved. The man seemed to be sniffing around for honey. The supplies we delivered this time were on a scale too large for a village peddler, so it’s likely that’s how the information leaked.” -Jacob

“Drefano, it has to be Drefano.” -Ricardo

I felt my blood boil instantly. I slammed my fist on the desk, causing the quill pen to fly into the air and fall to the floor.

“Please calm down, Senpai.” -Mia

Mia picked it up and handed it back to me.

“Why… although no harm came of it this time… Damn it…” -Ricardo

The village child must be someone Mia knows. She must be far more worried than I am.

I took a deep breath to calm myself.

Though things had been quiet recently, Drefano is the enemy. Being shaken by the enemy’s hostile actions means I can’t protect anything. It’s okay to be angry, but surprise is not an option.

“…How much do we know about the situation? What did my father say?” -Ricardo

First, I sought to confirm the information.

“The chairman decided to stay in Berthold to investigate the route through which the supplies were purchased. The man is likely a former adventurer, given his equipment and skills. Since Berthold was our party’s base, we have various connections there. Remi will likely find something if she investigates along those lines. I’ll take care of the capital.” -Jacob

This is because being scrutinized by a major merchant has hindered the expansion of their business. The profits from honey are mostly invested in people. This includes my and Mia’s schooling. Jacob and the others are too skilled for a small merchant’s hire. Right now, all we can do is trust in that.

“…Prioritize narrowing down the enemy. Drefano is the primary suspect. We can’t spend endlessly, but it’s okay to use up the budget allocated for this year.” -Ricardo

“I thought you’d say that.” -Jacob

“Leave the presentation to me, and Mia, please assist Jacob. However, limit yourself to organizing information and never go out alone.” -Ricardo

“Understood. Jacob-san, please also check the goings-on of Kenwell, who is currently on bad terms with Drefano.” -Mia

“Got it.”  -Jacob

The two of them leave the room as they continue their discussion.

I will never forgive them. It’s not about whether forgiveness is allowed or should be considered; it’s about actually not forgiving. Whether or not actual harm was done is irrelevant. The moment there was a possibility of harm, they crossed a line.

In the world I came from, there’s a saying: Even a worm will turn.