Akatsuki Translations

“This child shall herald a new era to the world”  

Once upon a time, it was said that magic existed in the world. The remnants of that magic were said to reside in prophecies. Prince Nicholas of Dalmor, who was bestowed with a prophecy at the time of his birth, was known as the “World Changer.” 

Whether this prophecy was true or not remains uncertain. However, future historians would undoubtedly claim that his prophecy was indeed real. Nicholas, for he did indeed alter the course of the world. 

Nicholas of Dalmor was a figure who seemed unlikely to have been bestowed with the prophecy of the “World Changer.” 

He possessed golden hair and violet eyes, a beauty that was more androgynous than traditionally handsome, sometimes even appearing feminine. With a gentle countenance and a slender figure, he was not particularly tall nor physically strong. 

Nonetheless, following the customs of the royal family, he took to the battlefield at the age of fifteen, where he blossomed with his talents. 

The opponent was the neighboring kingdom of Soliya, which had long been in dispute over territorial waters with Dalmor. No one held any expectations for the weak and unskilled Crown Prince. 

However, he defied the expectations of many and emerged victorious. It was likely due to Nicholas’ strategic triumph. Though physically weak, he possessed a sharp mind. 

And so, he gradually made a name for himself in the world. However, that alone did not fulfill the prophecy. 

“…I wonder if there is some way to utilize this firearm.” -Nicholas 

Nicholas held in his hand the latest model of a firearm. It would eventually become a weapon that his daughter and granddaughter would also become involved with, but this particular firearm was longer than half of Nicholas’ own height. 

During this era, firearms were not primarily used for precise targeting but rather to intimidate opponents. Hitting the mark was a bonus. Although they had been significantly improved, both in power and accuracy, they were still unfit as a primary armament. The weight of battle still rested on swords and bows. 

Nevertheless, Nicholas put into action what he had murmured. He was the first to use firearms as a main weapon on the battlefield, despite their primary purpose being intimidation. He was said to have created the role of the “sniper.” 

His tactics were simple. He equipped his soldiers with both swords and guns. Guns held greater power than swords, and Nicholas himself was more skilled with firearms than swords. 

By introducing a large quantity of firearms and similar weaponry, he achieved victory after victory in wars, eventually earning the title of the “Harbinger of Change through Slaughter.” 

It remains questionable whether he truly was a slaughterer. He did not kill unnecessarily and possessed a gentle and compassionate nature. 

He protected domestic industries and gradually increased technological prowess, although not to the extent of the Kingdom of Laurier. He established a system of educating the population in reading, writing, and arithmetic, aiming to enhance national strength. This policy continued even after his son ascended to the throne. 

Furthermore, he provided support for the families of fallen soldiers, establishing what is now known as a pension system for bereaved families. He was also responsible for the establishment of a parliamentary system. Although a parliament had existed previously, there were instances where the king would overturn the decisions of the parliament. 

Consequently, Crown Prince Nicholas was popular among the people. Despite all his efforts, however, Nicholas was not the king. Nonetheless, his father, the king, seemed to rely on him. 

By the way, Crown Prince Nicholas entered into a marriage of love. At the age of 20, he married Lady Rebecca, the daughter of a count two years his junior. The couple had a son when Nicholas was 21 and a daughter when he was 25. 

“Welcome back, Father!” -Beatrice 

“Ah, I’m home, Bea.” -Nicholas 

Nicholas, who had returned from his diplomatic mission, was immediately greeted by his daughter Beatrice. He lifted his 5-year-old daughter in his arms and then turned his attention to Rebecca, who had arrived shortly after, and his 9-year-old son Edward. 

“Rebecca, Eddie, I see you haven’t changed much.” -Nicholas 

“No, not really. Bea cried her eyes out saying, ‘Daddy’s not here!’” – Edward 

“…Hahaha.” -Nicholas 

Nicholas chuckled wryly. Beatrice was always attached to her father. 

“And how about you, Eddie? Have you changed?” -Nicholas 

“Yes! Welcome back, Father!” – Edward 

“Ah, I’m home.” -Nicholas 

Nicholas patted his son’s head, who was behaving formally, and although he said, “I’m not a child anymore!” he had a happy expression on his face. 

“How was it over there?” – Edward 

“Not so good, I’m afraid.” -Nicholas 

Nicholas had gone for negotiations in the Heinzel Empire. While the empire was the largest country on the continent, the current emperor had territorial expansion ambitions. As a result, neighboring countries were concerned. It was a conference that would determine whether or not it would lead to war. 

“But as long as Nicholas is there, there won’t be a war, right?” – Edward 

“Yeah, well, can’t deny that it’s a precarious situation.” -Nicholas 

By this time, Nicholas had already been called the ” Harbinger of Change through Slaughter.” I think it’s because he continued to win in wars. However, recently, the situation had become quite calm, so Nicholas probably wouldn’t have a role to play. Probably. 

“Father, please tell us stories about foreign lands!” -Beatrice 

Beatrice, who was still being carried by Nicholas, pleaded. Nicholas replied, “Ah, sure,” and Nicholas allowed the children to do whatever they wanted. There was one incident where he let them touch a gun, and he was scolded by Rebecca. 

It may be Nicholas’ fault if Beatrice develops an interest in guns in the future. 

Although there were concerns about the possibility of war, it did not happen at that time. Perhaps, as Rebecca had mentioned, they feared that Nicholas would side with the enemy country. 

However, Nicholas was frequently called upon to deal with political affairs and suppress rebellions within the country, and his originally frail body became prone to illness. 

During such times, war finally broke out. It started between the Heinzel Empire and the Kingdom of Loire, and the neighboring countries that bordered the empire began to establish their own battle lines against the empire. 

And it eventually spread to Dalmor. 

“I don’t think you should go anywhere.” -Rebecca 

Rebecca spoke to Nicholas, who was about to depart. Nicholas, who was turning forty, was physically weakened and not in a condition to go to war. He smiled with a tired face. 

“Even so, it’s not me who will be fighting. It’s Eddie.” -Nicholas 

“…” -Rebecca 

Rebecca addressed Nicholas, who was preparing for his first battle. Edward, who was 19 years old, stood behind Nicholas with a tense expression. When your parents are well-known, unnecessary expectations are placed upon you. 

Nicholas patted his son’s shoulder, who had grown taller than himself. 

“Don’t worry. It’s a defensive line, so all you need to do is keep an eye out to ensure we’re not being invaded,” Nicholas said with a smile. 

“…I don’t think it’s that easy,” Edward replied. 

“If it comes to that, I’ll go too.” -Nicholas 

With Nicholas’s reassuring words, Edward inexplicably found a sudden surge of determination.  

Currently, the Laurier Army was heading towards Dalmor. While not as intense as before, there was still a fundamental discord between Laurier and Dalmor. Minor skirmishes would frequently occur. Perhaps hearing that Nicholas was weakened, they had decided to crush him while they had the chance. 

“Take care, Nicholas, Eddie,” Rebecca said, kissing each of their cheeks. Beatrice, who had been looking down, raised her head and spoke. 

“Father, please don’t push yourself too hard. Brother, do your best. Take care.” -Beatrice 

Saying this, Beatrice also kissed both of their cheeks. Nicholas and Edward bid farewell to Rebecca and Beatrice, and set off. 

For Rebecca and Beatrice, this marked their eternal parting from Nicholas. 

In the end, Dalmor succeeded in defending itself. The frontlines with the Empire had become precarious, but it was the retreat of the Laurier army that brought relief. Dalmor was overjoyed by this turn of events, but the celebratory atmosphere quickly dissipated. 

The Dalmor army returned from the battlefield to the palace. There, Edward was present, but Nicholas was nowhere to be seen. The presence of numerous soldiers carrying a coffin added a somber air. 

Inside the coffin lay the body of Nicholas. He had ventured to the forefront at the fortress, but his already frail health deteriorated, and he passed away without witnessing the retreat of the Laurier army. 

Nicholas departed from this world without becoming king. 

Nevertheless, his reputation remained high and his name would later be recorded in history books. However, for those living in the present, it mattered little. 

Nicholas’ death brought about various changes. 

First and foremost, it fueled the ambitions of nations such as the Laurier Kingdom. Those who had been terrified and unable to take action seized the opportunity to provoke Dalmor. Nevertheless, King Dalmor, Nicholas’ father, managed to deflect their demands. 

It also mentally tormented Rebecca, who had lost her beloved husband. She became increasingly withdrawn and faded away two years after his death. Around six months later, King Dalmor also passed away, and the throne was inherited by Edward, Nicholas’ eldest son. 

With no father, no mother, and their grandfather, who had held the throne for an extended period, also gone, there remained only a king who was unfamiliar with wielding power and his scholarly-minded sister. 

Still, they did their best. 

Yet, things don’t always go smoothly. The absence of the once-absolute figures of King Dalmor and Crown Prince Nicholas left Dalmor in turmoil. Eventually, it reached a point where Beatrice had to enter into a political marriage for a peace treaty with the Laurier Kingdom. That’s how much Dalmor had declined. 

Nicholas’ prophecy had come true. Indeed, he had heralded a transformation in the world. However… 

He left behind significant scars on Dalmor.