The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 95: Confusion

I'm still going!

- ワイアード

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A few days later

Halidom of Alfheim

"The blessing of Suar, the Forest God, has saved us!"

"We, the Elven people, will never submit to the rule of any other race! Not in the past... and not ever!"

"Glory to Alfheim!"

"May hope shine upon Alfheim!"

The capital was in a festive uproar. A massive bonfire erected at the center sent flames soaring as if to reach the heavens, scattering embers that sparkled like stardust as they danced through the air. The people fed branch after branch of the sacred royal tree, Yggdrasil, into the blaze. This act also served as a funeral rite for the departed among the elves. The melodies of flutes, drums, and harps guided the souls of the deceased to Suar, the Forest God, as the people danced, believing that new life would sprout as a part of the forest.

・・・

Audience Hall

The war with the Hardique Empire had ended in a strange but hard-fought victory, leaving the people of Alfheim overjoyed. However, the ministers residing in the Royal Tree Yggdrasil and Exalt Wenduil had no time to revel in triumph, as they were consumed by post-war cleanup. Among the many challenges, the most troublesome was dealing with the traitor, Sigis.

At the center of the audience hall, Sigis knelt, bound tightly with chains. His clothing was tattered, yet his eyes had not lost their light. Though he showed no sign of resistance, the guards kept a firm hold on him as if to prevent any attempt at defiance.

Seated upon the throne, Wenduil observed him.

"...Sigis."

When Wenduil first laid eyes on him, he had feared anger would consume him. Yet, strangely, no such emotion arose. All he felt was profound pity. Why had Sigis betrayed them? Why had he taken such actions? At first, Wenduil couldn't comprehend it, but considering the atrocities the Hardique Empire had committed in other nations and the matter of Sigis' daughter, he could piece together the reasons.

"...Your treachery has inflicted tremendous damage upon our nation and its people, an unforgivable act. If not for the intervention of the Kingdom of Leis and Japan, who knows what might have happened..."

"...Your Majesty, I—"

The moment Sigis opened his mouth to speak, one of the guards shouted.

"Hold your tongue!"

The guard struck Sigis, who bled from his mouth but remained composed, keeping his gaze fixed on Wenduil.

Looking into Sigis' eyes, Wenduil began to speak.

"...Sigis. After this tragic war, our Foreign Affairs Bureau quickly reached out to Japan in secret. It was then I learned what had transpired. Japan is a land governed by its own unique 'laws' that we cannot even begin to comprehend. Yet King Hirose, fearing for the safety of his allied nation, dispatched a covert unit and sought aid from the Kingdom of Leis through the Sahenantis Empire."

"...I see."

"King Hirose even placed himself in considerable danger. His commitment humbled me. He later pledged to send reconstruction aid. Moreover, my daughter will be protected in his land for a while... as will your daughter."