Chapter 1: The Alzer Republic

Chapter 1:
The Alzer Republic

 

WE HAD ALMOST REACHED the Alzer Republic. I could see the land in the distance, but more eye-catching than that was the enormous tree that blurrily overshadowed the horizon. It was so vast that I could have sworn it was a mirage.

“Maybe it only looks that big because the land is tiny?”

“It’s a major country,” Luxion replied dryly. “That is by no means a small land mass.”

“Okay, but that tree is waaaay too big. I know they said it was the size of a mountain, but seriously?!”

This world had continents that floated in the air. There was little that could surprise me at this point, but even my jaw dropped at the scale of this so-called Sacred Tree.

“So, we’ve finally reached the Alzer Republic, huh?” I mused.

“You had quite the relaxing ride here. How are your language skills coming along?”

“I can get by in everyday conversation.” I had learned some of the local language in class, but actually speaking it was a different matter. I’d done some studying on the ship, but my skills still left a lot to be desired. Ah well, I can pick up the rest while I’m here.

“Very well,” said Luxion. “And I can fill the holes and help interpret.”

I stared at him. “You can do that?!”

“Quite.”

“Then why didn’t you say so?! I wasted so much time studying!”

“I thought it would be a good way for you to fill your hours on the trip, especially given your penchant for lazing about.”

I guess it had helped me pass the time, even though it had only taken us a few days to reach the republic. We could have made it in a single day if we’d hurried, but I was supposed to contact the kingdom when I got there, so I opted to mosey. If our journey was too fast, the kingdom might get suspicious about my supposed lack of Lost Items.

I stared out across the water toward the republic. “I wonder how the game is proceeding.”

Had the protagonist already met her love interests?

I glanced over at Luxion, but before he could answer, a shadow fell over the Einhorn.

“Clouds?” I peered up to discover the belly of another ship overheard. “Someone’s flying over us? What kind of idiot does that?”

It was considered poor manners to fly over another vessel.

“They claim they are part of the republic’s garrison,” Luxion announced. “And they are closing in on us. Shall I shoot them down?”

“No, don’t even think about it. Although it sure is rude of them to greet us like this.”

“They are being quite haughty. They are demanding we allow them to inspect our ship.”

Haughty, you say?

 

***

 

Marie and the others had gathered in the Einhorn’s dining hall.

“Master, we have finally arrived in the republic,” said Kyle.

“The latest airships sure are impressive,” Carla added. “It’s hard to believe we made it here so quickly.”

In truth, Luxion’s ship was light-years ahead of the other vessels in this world.

“Technology aside, the important thing is we made it here on schedule,” said Marie.

It was certainly a relief. Marie glanced over at her love interests, who seemed like the only passengers who still wanted to complain.

“We finally got to go on a voyage with Marie, and it was a total waste,” Julius grumbled. He had been dead set on enjoying this trip.

Jilk nodded. “I agree. I will never forgive Bartfort for this.”

You guys lost everything we had! Marie thought. I hardly think you have any business treating this like a cruise.

They had caused so many problems in Holfort that they had been practically forced to leave.

Greg stretched his arms. “I’m sick to death of cleaning. Feel like I’ve scrubbed enough to last a lifetime.”

Cleaning is a natural part of everyday life! Marie thought, becoming annoyed. You think a couple days of tidying is worth a lifetime of necessary labor?!

But these were the former heirs of great houses. Most of them had never even picked up a mop before.

Chris turned to Brad. “I haven’t been able to train as much as I would have liked these past few days.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t able to work on my magic much either. Plus, I wanted some time to brush up on my language skills before we arrived.”

Their pampered upbringing had provided them all with personal tutors, so they spoke Alzerian like natives. It made Marie quite jealous.

Meanwhile, I struggled to learn with Kyle and Carla.

Leon had allowed them to take shorter shifts in order to study. When Marie wasn’t cleaning, she was cramming.

I nearly forgot that these guys are all blue-blooded nobles.

Their childhoods had doubtless been remarkably different from hers, but considering how awful they’d grown up to be, Marie didn’t envy them that.

Julius beamed at her. “At least we will be free of this oppression once we reach the republic. We can make up for lost time.”

Marie’s face went blank. Oppression? Uh, I’m actually pretty happy here.

Sure, there was work to do, but Leon ensured she had three square meals a day and a bed to call her own. She even got breaks and extra time to study. No, she had thoroughly enjoyed their voyage. Having Leon around was a great relief, and she had no qualms about how he ran things. If she had any problems, they all started with these guys.

Jilk flashed a smile at her. “Now we can enjoy studying together, Miss Marie.”

Marie wrinkled her nose. Yeah, and where exactly are we going to get money to enjoy ourselves?!

After all the issues her boys had caused back home, Holfort Kingdom had cut their allowance to the bare minimum. They weren’t in a position to afford any luxuries.

Greg grinned. “I sure am lookin’ forward to this. Speaking of, I heard the republic has quite a few dungeons. We could all go adventuring together.”

Granted, if there really were dungeons, Marie wanted to explore them and make as much money as possible.

“A fine idea,” said Chris. “I hear the republic’s dungeons are overflowing with magic stones. I am anxious to explore.”

It seemed like an odd thing to look forward to, but Marie felt a growing affection for the two of them. Greg, Chris… I was right to believe in the two of you. Let’s make a profit this time!

They were flat broke, so if there were dungeons they could plunder for cash, Marie was eager to get started.

“I’m not sure that will be possible,” Brad cut in, taking the wind out of their sails. “I heard that they don’t teach adventurers at this academy. In the republic, the profession is considered little more than grunt work.”

Come to think of it, he’s right. Although it couldn’t hurt to visit a dungeon anyway. Just once, to fill our pockets.

The Alzer Republic didn’t share the same origins as Holfort, where the nobility was descended from adventurers. Here, adventurers were looked down upon. In fact, they were seen as little more than laborers hauling magic stones.

As their group chatted away in the dining hall, the ship trembled slightly.

“What’s going on?” Kyle asked, peering outside. “It’s never done that before.”

Carla nestled close to Marie. “Do you think there’s been an accident?”

Marie remained calm as she approached the window. She trusted Luxion to take care of any issue, no matter how large or small. “I’m sure that’s not it,” she said. “The ship just rocked a little. Oh! It looks like another airship has come to meet us.”

It had drawn up beside the Einhorn.

Julius slid up beside Marie and peeked out. “It’s the Alzer Republic’s way of hazing outsiders.”

“Hazing?” Marie asked.

“Everyone talks about it. The republic makes a fortune from exporting magic stones, and their defenses are unparalleled. All that good fortune has inflated their egos.”

Before he could finish, republic soldiers invaded the ship.

 

***

 

A middle-aged captain in military uniform waltzed into the Einhorn’s cargo hold. A number of medals hung from his chest, although he lacked the gravitas one might have expected of a decorated war hero. His stomach threatened to burst out of the seams of his uniform, and a cigarette jutted out from between his lips, dropping ash everywhere.

“Excuse me, but we maintain a strict no-open-flames policy here,” I warned him gently.

He smiled mockingly. “Why? Are you carrying anything that might ignite? Oil or gunpowder, perhaps? Don’t assume a civilian like yourself knows better than a military man.”

These soldiers claimed they were conducting was a simple inspection, but they were occupying my ship and quibbling about every detail.

Arrogant egotists.

“We apologize for the inconvenience,” the captain’s subordinate said, acting more deferential. “Please try to be patient. We’ll get out of your hair as quickly as possible.”

“Patient?” I scoffed.

As kind as his words were, he was still demanding our obedience. Apparently, respect and consideration were foreign concepts in the republic.

The captain came to a stop in front of Arroganz, and he put his cigarette out on my Armor.

“Hey!” I snapped at him.

“I already told you,” said the subordinate. “We will be finished here shortly.”

This guy was really starting to piss me off. He acted all apologetic, but he was still sneering.

The captain gazed up at Arroganz. “What an unsightly Armor. It has a terrible design. Is this the kind of thing your kingdom is manufacturing nowadays? It must be miserably outdated. I pity you.”

Wow, way to tick off Luxion, I thought. He was typically cool and collected, but he didn’t hesitate to suggest exterminating new humankind, especially when they found a new way to push his buttons. At this rate, I couldn’t guarantee that he wouldn’t lose it and squash the entire Alzer Republic. I’ll have to talk him down later.

“Your ship looks impressive from the outside, but the interior is unnoteworthy.” The captain sniffed. “And apparently your crew is so terrified that they won’t show themselves for inspection. Pathetic. But what else ought I expect from a kingdom of cowards?”

These guys were getting on my last nerve, but I couldn’t exactly admit that the ship operated without any crew. So, I bit my tongue and reminded myself that, if I wanted to, I could turn them all to ash. Still, while I did have Luxion the hyper-powerful cheat item in my pocket, I couldn’t go using him willy-nilly. And besides, I was an adult. I was perfectly capable of keeping my temper in check.

“What a boring ship.” The captain spun around to leave. “We’re leaving.”

“Yes, sir!” The subordinate paused and looked at me. “Please, don’t mind us. The Alzer Republic warmly extends its welcome to those who come to study on our shores.”

As soon as he’d finished speaking, he chased after his superior.

How utterly transparent.

I lingered behind in the cargo hold, gazing at Arroganz. After the conflict with House Fanoss, both Arroganz and the Partner had been destroyed. At least, that was the official story. As far as the kingdom knew, this Armor was a mere replica, and the Partner was still being repaired.

“I’ll put this as nicely as I can,” I said. “My first impression of the republic is garbage.”

If this place hadn’t been the setting for the second game, I’d never even have come here.

Luxion looked down at me from the ceiling. “Master, request to open fire.”

“On the inspection ship? Hey, you know I’d love to do that, but we can’t.”

“Just give the word, and I shall sink the entire country for you. That would be more than sufficient.”

“More than sufficient for what? Knock it off. I mean that, okay? I don’t want you destroying any countries.”

See? I knew he’d come up with some kind of murderous scheme. Meanwhile, my only idea for revenge was to gather some dirt on those two snobs and blackmail them later. “Anyway, this sure is a miserable country.”

“Perhaps they have relied too heavily on the Sacred Tree’s blessings,” said Luxion. “Although they are more powerful than the kingdom.”

“Yeah, Marie said the same thing.”

“However, there is something most unnatural about this.”

I shrugged. “There’s not much about this world that is natural. I mean, it’s got floating countries and trees bigger than mountains. That’s not normal.”

“Yes, I suppose” Luxion said simply. “I will have to look into it further.”

“Can’t believe the fate of the world hangs on whether or not two people get together. This game is absolutely bonkers.”

I could only pray that my time in the republic would pass smoothly.

 

***

 

The port was right at the edge of the continent. One might have been tempted to call it a coastal port, but since the land floated in the air, there weren’t exactly any beaches or coastlines. Still, like any harbor, the place bustled with activity.

“How did it take us so long to get here after crossing the border?” I grumbled.

I strolled down the ramp, enjoying the sensation of solid ground for the first time in what felt like forever.

Marie huffed and puffed as she waddled down the gangway behind me, both arms full of luggage. “It was weird traveling through the air and seeing land above and below us… Ah, I’m pooped.”

We were now on the central continent of the sprawling republic, with its six other regions surrounding us. This area had once been ruled by House Lespinasse, who had produced generations of Holy Priestesses. Now that their house had fallen, the other Six Great Houses populated the country’s ruling assembly.

We’d traveled between floating lands and had finally arrived at the capital—home to the academy where we would study.

Kyle and Carla wandered down behind us, luggage in hand.

“Earl Bartfort, you sure haven’t brought much with you,” said the elf.

“Men never need to bring as much as women,” Carla informed him. “Oh, how I envy that.”

They both eyed my single bag begrudgingly.

“What?” I asked. “Oh, no, Luxion is carrying most of my luggage. This is just the bare essentials.”

Mostly, all I’d brought were daily necessities. But I’d also packed my most prized possession: my tea set. I’d made sure Luxion was extra cautious with that.

Marie set her bags down and rounded on Luxion. “You didn’t tell us that you could carry our baggage!”

“You never asked, so I never volunteered the information,” he said.

“You’re completely insensitive.”

“Indeed, you have figured me out,” Luxion said bluntly. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“Huh? Uh, well…no, I guess not,” Marie stammered, taken aback.

Granted, this was Luxion being nice. If Julius had been the one griping, he would have been much more disdainful.

Speaking of Boss Idiot and his four moronic toadies, they all came strolling down to join us with their enormous bags. Yeesh, they’d brought a lot. As soon as they set their first bags down, they returned to the ship to retrieve more.

“Master, a group has come to welcome us,” Luxion said.

I turned around to see a number of Holfort Kingdom officials waiting for us, all decked out in suits. These had to be the kingdom’s ambassadors to the republic. Every last one of them looked shocked to see Julius and his companions carting their own luggage down the ramp.

 

***

 

The embassy wasn’t far from the port. Several other consulates were nearby, and the neighborhood teemed with people from different countries. There was even a diner serving Holfort cuisine.

It really did feel like we had stepped into another country, though the city was more cramped than I’d expected. There was a top-quality French-type restaurant beside a cheap Chinese-style bistro. People of all different nationalities crowded the streets. It was like everything had been shoved together into this small space.

I gazed out the window of our carriage and made conversation with one of the diplomats.

“There sure are a lot of embassies here.”

“The Alzer Republic exports magic stones to a number of nations. A great many of them maintain consulates in the capital. Over there you will see the Holy Kingdom of Rachel’s embassy, although I recommend you keep your distance.”

The Holy Kingdom of Rachel sat smack-dab between Holfort Kingdom and Miss Mylene’s small home country. Miss Mylene had married into the Holfort royal family to solidify their alliance and keep Rachel in check.

“You’re telling me they give you problems here too?” I asked.

Rachel and Holfort were enemies, so I figured they were probably on bad terms everywhere, but the diplomat just shrugged.

“They can be a hard bunch to stomach, but the true nuisance is the republic itself. How did their garrison treat you?”

“Horribly.”

“Naturally. It’s because they’ve never lost a defensive battle. It’s gone to their heads. And they make an enormous profit from exporting magic stones, so they enjoy great wealth. So long as you keep your head down, you can make a good living here. It turns me green with envy.”

I saw some of the countryside on our way, and he was right. Trees and grass grew in abundance, and their farms were booming. Not only did the republic have an abundance of inorganic resources, they also had rich soil. Any ruler would trip over themselves to gain control of such a territory.

“They’ve been trying out manufacturing lately as well,” said the diplomat. “They’re really finding every imaginable way to flex.”

“Makes sense. The country with all the resources has all the power.”

“I am pleased you grasp the situation, but I would beg you to not start any trouble with them.” The diplomat furrowed his brows anxiously. “I truly mean that. Do be careful.”

I think he’s got the wrong impression. I shook my head. “Please don’t phrase it like that. I don’t pick fights with everyone I come across.”

“Forgive me if I’m reluctant to take you at your word, considering your duels with His Highness.”

“Okay, hold up. Those duels were—”

But before I could explain myself, our carriage pulled up outside my new residence. That was when I realized that the other carriage, the one carrying Marie and the others, was nowhere in sight.

I climbed down and I took in my surroundings. The area had a high-class, urban feel—full of estates with modest gardens. The house in front of me was no less impressive. It had three whole floors, although there wasn’t much distance between it and the neighboring residences.

“This is where I’m staying?” I asked.

“Yes. We would ordinarily provide you with a mansion, but we did not have much advance warning of your visit, so we weren’t able to secure one in time.”

A tram clanked and chugged along its rails nearby, and the diplomat rushed to explain it to me. He clearly assumed I’d never seen one before.

“That small vessel travels over land. The republic generally does not permit air travel, so they have their own bizarre form of transportation.”

“Okay, okay. So where are Marie and the others?”

“Prince Julius and his companions are all from prominent noble houses. We prepared the largest residence we had available for them.”

“What, so I’m the odd man out?” If they were all in some kind of mansion, surely they could have found a spare room for me? Plus, staying in a posh place sounds like fun.

The diplomat frowned and scratched his cheek. “W-well, Lady Marie and the others are very famous, you understand. We would be in terrible trouble if anything were to happen to them.”

So that was why he was acting so nervous! He must have been worried I’d fallen for Marie’s wiles, like the others. I couldn’t rightly explain why that would never, ever happen, but at least I knew where he was coming from. And besides, I was already engaged. Now that I thought about it, it would look bad if I lived with Marie.

“Okay, I get it. You don’t want me shacking up with the rest of them.”

“I am pleased you understand. Also, I must apologize for this, but I am afraid we haven’t yet been able to procure any servants for you.”

I’d only decided to study abroad at the last moment, so they really hadn’t had time to prepare for my arrival. I couldn’t hold that against them. “Don’t worry about it,” I said. “I didn’t give you guys much warning. You can give Julius and the others priority.”

“I greatly appreciate that.”

The diplomat informed me that a guide would shortly arrive and give me a tour of the area. After that, he took his leave. Once he was gone, I strolled up to my new house and paused to gaze up at it.

“I wonder if our second protagonist is ensnaring her love interests like she’s supposed to.”

“The way you worded that was absolutely contemptible,” Luxion remarked, peeking out of my bag.

I’ve landed an AI who treats his master like garbage. Just my luck.

 

***

 

It was spring break, and the republic’s academy was quiet. Each class was broken up by year, and each empty room had enough space for thirty students. If Holfort’s academy was like a university, then Alzer’s was more like a high school. Since commoners and nobles could attend, it had a more welcoming atmosphere.

Some students in school uniforms strolled down the quiet halls. One of them was an ordinary-looking boy named Jean. His parents were peasants, so he didn’t have a surname. He was a second-year student with excellent grades, and he was popular with his peers.

Jean smiled, looking troubled. “I know you want me to look out for the exchange students,” he told the girl beside him, “but this is too much. They’re pretty high-class. Don’t you think they’ll be ticked off having someone like me take care of them?”

The girl smacked him on the back. Her hair was pulled into a side ponytail, her natural blonde fading into pink at the tips. She had the body of a model, with long arms and legs and a tight stomach. There was a gentle strength in her golden eyes that matched her tomboy nature.

“Come on, don’t put yourself down,” she said frankly. “You’re representing us. Hold your head up! And if they take a high and mighty attitude with you, just sock ’em in the face.”

“Uh, you do realize this is a prince we’re talking about?!”

“That’s why you need to have a backbone. Besides, that means they’re representing their entire country, right? They won’t do anything stupid…unlike us.”

Jean thought she might be joking, but her expression was entirely sincere. He didn’t know what to say to that. “Uh, um…”

“You’re a man!” she said, grinning and slapping him on the back again. “Be confident and show a little more oomph!”

Her name was Noelle Beltre and, as far as anyone at the academy knew, she was the daughter of a fallen knight. Noelle stuffed her hands in her pockets. The hallways were normally so raucous. The silence felt quite eerie.

Students from Holfort Kingdom? I just hope they’re better than the republic’s aristocracy. Noelle didn’t exactly have the best impression of them.

“Um, Miss Noelle, you do remember that you’re supposed to look after them too, right?” Jean said, his forehead crinkling with worry. “Please don’t cause a stir like you usually do.”

Noelle’s eyes widened. “What? Am I really that untrustworthy?”

“You’re not untrustworthy. You just don’t pull your punches when you’re dealing with nobility. It’s not good to pick fights, you know.”

Noelle fiddled with her hair as though she was embarrassed. I know what he means, but really, it’s their fault. They’re always the ones who start it.

But Jean did seem legitimately concerned. “We have a lot of students with ties to the Six Great Houses this year, and a number of people who have divine protection.”

“Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I’ll be good.”

Divine protection was granted to those recognized by the Sacred Tree. Because the Six Great Houses possessed this special power, they were able to rule the republic without fear of being ousted. That was also why they allowed the common folk the joys of education. They had no need to fear revolt. Even if the peasants tried to overthrow them, with the tree, the nobles had absolute power.

As Noelle and Jean ambled down the hallway, they ran into a group of girls. Their leader, a third-year girl with purple eyes, stared at Noelle from the center of the group. She was smiling, but her eyes were as cold as ice. Her fluffy, wheat-blonde hair fell to her shoulder blades. She had curves in all the right places, and her breasts were considerably larger than Noelle’s.

Louise Sara Rault seemed kind and welcoming at first, but the moment she spotted Noelle, her lips curled in a chilly smile. “Oh, dear, I never dreamed I would run into you during spring break.”

For a moment, Louise’s flunkies were too stunned to move, but they soon ducked behind their leader. Louise stood there with her arms folded beneath her breasts.

“I’m only here because a prof asked me to come,” Noelle said, keeping her hands in her pockets.

Jean gaped, horrified at how Noelle dared to address this young noblewoman. “Miss Noelle?!”

Louise ignored Jean and pressed a hand over her mouth to hide her mirth. “In trouble again, are we?”

Noelle snorted. “Excuse me? Do you think I’m some kind of delinquent? We’ve got foreign students coming to study here, and the prof asked me to show them around. So, do me a favor? Whenever you see me in the halls from now on, just ignore me.”

Louise Sara Rault was the oldest daughter of the Rault family, one of the Six Great Houses—the same family who had deposed House Lespinasse. After that, the Raults had taken over chairing the assembly. That practically made Louise a princess, and to make matters worse, her house took issue with Noelle’s family.

As Noelle and Jean turned to leave, Louise stepped in their way. She pressed her face close to Noelle’s, grabbing the other girl by her ponytail. “You truly do infuriate me.”

There was nothing Jean could do. Louise and her entourage had ties to the most prominent nobles in the republic. But Noelle didn’t seem to care. She slapped Louise’s hand away without hesitation.

“Enough. You may be older than me, but don’t let it go to your head.”

Louise retreated a few steps and shrugged. “Oh, I’m quaking in my shoes. Although, I would say that you’re the one who is too full of herself.”

She turned to leave, and her toadies followed close behind. The suffocating atmosphere finally started to ease.

When they were gone, Jean sucked down a breath. “I literally just told you not to pick fights,” he said, tears beading in his eyes. “And you have to go piss off the princess of all people.”

Noelle scratched her head. “My bad. I’ll try to be more careful next time.”

“I’ll pray there is no next time,” Jean said, although he didn’t look too hopeful.

As they walked together, Noelle shot him a grin, trying to chase off the awkwardness. “Hey, more importantly—”

But before she could finish her sentence, a second-year boy strode toward them. He had the same golden eyes as Noelle, but his hair was dark red and spiky. He was handsome, but his eyes were narrowed in a permanent glare.

“Just when did the two of you get so chummy?” he asked angrily.

He might have been tall and toned, but his otherwise charming face was contorted in a jealous scowl.

“Uh, um, you see…” stuttered Jean.

Noelle cut him off. “Prof asked us to look after the exchange students. We just left the staff room for orientation, and we’re on our way home.”

That did nothing to soften the boy’s anger. “How can I be sure you’re not pulling my leg?”

His skepticism infuriated Noelle. “What right do you have to grill me about this? Come on, Jean, we’re leaving.”

“M-Miss Noelle?! B-but, he’s—”

“Ask me if I care!”

“Noelle!” the boy bellowed after them as they left. “I haven’t given up! You’re my woman, you hear?!”

“That’s not for you to decide!”

His name was Loic Leta Barielle, and he was heir to House Barielle.

Noelle peered back at Loic and poked her tongue out. “Moron, get over yourself.”

Jean covered his face with both hands in despair.