How to Start a War (1.2)
When had I reached that conclusion, I wonder? How many times have I reaffirmed that resolve?
When I first came to lead this country, such thoughts never crossed my mind. I only wished for everyone to live happily together. I had no time to concern myself with foreign nations.
But now, it is different.
That alone is not enough. I was made to realize that ideals alone cannot protect anyone—when the Holy Star Church's Papal Territory denounced us. When Dutone invaded us.
That is why Elfynd must be destroyed.
It is not enough to simply win the war.
—We must destroy them! We must make them part of our country!
Why?
—To respond to public sentiment.
That is part of it.
I could never bring myself to reject all those who came to this country. Even if it made war with Elfynd inevitable.
But that is not the true reason for me.
It must not be.
I would only be using their emotions as an excuse.
That would be cowardly. Unforgivable.
I myself desire Elfynd.
It must be so.
—For myself, and for this country.
In just thirty more years, the Human nations will surpass the abilities of the Demon races with the power of science and technology.
They will create wireless communication that surpasses Kobold magic transmissions, invent airplanes that surpass the flight capabilities of Great Eagles, and gain firepower capable of blowing even an Orc away in one strike.
They will develop refrigeration technology beyond inscribed magic, acquire food preservation on their own, and enhance production with chemical fertilizers and modern agriculture—causing their population to explode in no time.
Our Demon races, on the other hand, do not easily increase in number.
But at the same time, we are ageless and long-lived—nearly immortal as long as we avoid serious injury or illness.
Nearly all of our citizens can be counted as adults, which also means we have a vast number of potential laborers and conscripts. It cannot be simply compared to the Humans—but still...
Thirty years.
Thirty years.
Thirty years.
In only that short time, we must become a nation that no surrounding countries dare to touch—a presence they fear and revere.
The decision of the former Human who likely led the Elves to seclude themselves was correct.
But their method is wrong.
The method Elfynd chose is wrong.
We must not only possess magic, but also acquire scientific capabilities equal to or greater than those of Humans, live together in harmony like a family, and hold the will to rise when needed. At the same time, we must rise to become a people seen by others as never intending to harm Human nations—unless provoked.
Then, we will shut ourselves away.
—That is why I will destroy Elfynd!
We must show those around us, just once, that even Orcsen can rise to its feet if trifled with.
But that alone is not the reason.
For new farmland?
—No! We have already achieved that on our own.
To obtain seafood from the Northern Sea?
—We can still do that now.
Then what do we desire?
—Mineral resources.
I desire them.
Long ago, when I ordered the Dwarves to develop industry—
I was astonished.
The Morim steel they produced in their territory on the Belleriant Peninsula—
I was stunned when I learned its composition.
It wasn’t just a mythical, fantastical material.
—It was chromium-molybdenum steel.
That same mountain blade used by the Dark Elves as a traditional item—it too is the same.
They called it expensive and rare.
Since they had driven out the Dwarves who possessed mining and casting techniques, the technology declined and they lost the ability to mass-produce it. Even in our own country, it took a tremendous amount of time to achieve large-scale casting.
—In other words, that peninsula contains iron ore, chromium, and molybdenum.
In the wars of the future, which will be on a much greater scale and require the use of all possible resources, these minerals are indispensable!
This world bears a subtle resemblance to the one I once lived in.
—In other words, while this country may currently have no shortage, in the future we will find ourselves critically lacking.
—And thanks to the Elves, those resources remain almost entirely untouched.
If only I had that.
If only I had that… then this country could close itself off.
We could prepare for what may come.
Until the time comes when the Human nations grow weary of their own massive wars, are shaken by the heavy toll they’ve taken, and thus mature—so that they no longer war with other countries—at least not the major powers. Until the age comes when they only glare at each other while shaking hands.
That’s why, Elfynd.
—Let yourself be consumed by me.
I feel pity, sympathy, even compassion…
—But for the sake of my country, my people, and above all, myself—be destroyed!
At last, I could convince myself.
If I start a war, all the responsibility falls on me.
No one else—only me.
I alone must bear it.
That is how it must be.
The intent to start this war must, first and foremost, lie within me.
It must be that way.
It *has* to be that way—
“… Gustav.”
A voice came from around my chest.
Lying on top of me as I lay on my back in bed, sleeping in an embrace, was my woman.
The woman who, about half a month ago, began accepting everything about someone like me.
It was the voice of Dineluth Andariel.
She was awake?
Did I wake her?
She looked up at me, fell silent, and then, with a tone of hesitation, she spoke.
“… You, Gustav. Why are you making such a scary face?”
So I was making that kind of face. I see—of course I was. I had been thinking of nothing but how to destroy a single country.
I can’t tell her that.
This is something I must carry alone.
I can’t tell her.
Especially not you—
“Speak. If it will ease your burden, then speak. Don’t try to keep secrets from me. I’m already your woman. I’ll accept everything about you. So talk to me.”
——………
You…
What are you saying?
Stop.
Don’t strip away my mask!
Please, stop!
… But.
But… thank you, Dineluth.
What do you think about this chapter?
