﻿\setgamedatatitle("Kiros: Internal Affairs 1")

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A few days after the fall of Telesneel――
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The northern military nation, Kiros, which had remained
neutral, was finally starting to move.
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\text("Gunther")
...The Demon Lord's army continues to grow in strength, and
they've already conquered Telesneel. It won't be long before
they occupy Hados as well.
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Gunther, Supreme Commander of the Kiros Imperial Army, knelt
down and bowed his head.
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The girl sitting primly on the throne, looking down at him,
was none other than Emperor Glace.
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\text("Glace")
So after Hados, their next target will be Lusario?
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\text("Gunther")
Most likely. The Arda Great Forest is a powerful defensive
stronghold, and it's also rich in resources.
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\text("Gunther")
Without securing it, conquering Kiros or Shuka would be
impossible.
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\text("Glace")
Then, for now, we have peace.
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\text
Gunther felt a bit relieved, thinking he saw the usually
expressionless Glace smile just a little.
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\text("Gunther")
In any case, we should remain observers. If we act rashly,
we'll end up exposing our backs to Shuka.
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Even though they're protected by the Balka Mountains, it's
still wartime.
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Things won't go as peacefully as they have until now.
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\text("Gunther")
We must avoid a war between nations at all costs. We're
already facing food shortages this year, and I can't put any
more burden on our people...
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\text("Glace")
Ah... In that case, we must move up the ritual.
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\text("Gunther")
............
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\text("Glace")
I'll reach out to the church myself. I can't let everyone
suffer any longer.
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\text("Gunther")
But... I heard the 'tribute' has already been prepared.
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\text("Glace")
Apparently, it's not even halfway there yet. In that case,
it's faster if I go myself from the start.
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\text("Glace")
That way, Winga-sama will be pleased. If the weather
improves, our people won't have to suffer from hunger.
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\text("Gunther")
...Are you truly all right with that, Your Majesty?
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\text("Glace")
This life exists for that purpose. If it's to protect the
country and its people, I'll become a sacrifice or anything
else that's needed.
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\text("Glace")
But... if it comes to war with the Demon Lord's army, then
use this life however you see fit.
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\text("Gunther")
But...
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\text("Glace")
Even Winga-sama can't stop a war. But I probably can. So,
when that time comes, I'm counting on you.
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\text("Gunther")
――Yes, Your Majesty!
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Gunther knelt and bowed his head deeply.
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He couldn't allow himself to show even the slightest hint of
sadness.
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Because that would be the same as disregarding his king's
wishes.
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\text("Maid")
――Glace-sama, the priest has arrived.
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\text("Glace")
...I see. Then let's go at once.
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Glace left together with her maid.
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\text
When her eyes met Gunther's, the maid gave him a small nod
as if to say, 'Leave it to me.'
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――She had been strictly ordered never to leave Glace's side,
no matter what, when dealing with anyone from the church.
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The Winga Church. A major religious sect, and a branch of
Rasfa.
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The religious organization that worships Winga, the god of
Kiros, had gradually put down deep, strong roots in Kiros.
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Now, they even meddled in national politics.
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\text("Gunther")
You outsiders―offer up your pure maiden queen before me. Do
so, and I shall quell my wrath... or so they say.
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\text("Subordinate")
...The church folks have been coming around a lot lately.
Will Her Majesty be all right?
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\text("Gunther")
My pupil is guarding her. There's nothing to worry about.
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\text("Subordinate")
...Are you really sure this is okay?
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\text("Gunther")
If I said I'd protect Her Majesty's life no matter what, it
would only trouble her.
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\text("Subordinate")
...
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\text("Gunther")
She'd probably feel like she had no reason to exist
anymore... that's how she'd see it.
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――Because Glace's entire being exists solely for this
country... and for Winga.
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\text("Gunther")
(We're the ones who raised her that way, though.)
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\text("Subordinate")
...Even so, at this rate, Her Majesty will―!
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\text("Gunther")
I know. Say no more.
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I know.
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\text
That's what he told his subordinate, but which choice was
right, and which outcome would truly make Glace happy?
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Gunther still couldn't find an answer.
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――Even so.
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\text("Gunther")
Keep a close eye on the church. Also, send spies to Hados
and keep tabs on the Demon Lord's army.
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\text("Gunther")
Protecting is our duty as soldiers. No matter what happens,
we will protect this country, its people... and Her Majesty.
Understood?
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\text("Subordinate")
...Yes, sir!
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\text
Even if he didn't know what was right, protecting them was
the mission he had been given.















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