Chapter 548
Bertus usually traveled between the Imperial Army and the allied forces.
However, this time was special, so Bertus watched the battle from beginning to end.
Despite the objections of those who insisted that he should return to the Imperial Army due to the danger, Bertus watched everything.
He saw monsters sweeping across the battlefield, numerous spells, and the fallen monsters and humans.
"6 minutes and 47 seconds..."
And he saw the first activation of the Titan.
Standing before Bertus were Archduke Saint Owan, the head researcher, and Adelia, who played a decisive role in the design of the Titan.
Both had not yet heard of the incident that had befallen their classmates.
"Considering the entire war, it's such a short time, but it's amazing how the situation can turn in just that amount of time... No, I wonder if that's what war is all about."
"..."
"I will try to extend the activation time, Your Majesty..."
Adelia spoke anxiously with a pleading voice in front of Bertus.
"I'm not blaming you. It was great. No, it was brilliant. If the Titan is operated for too long and suffers fatal permanent damage, that's a bigger problem. On the contrary, I think it's better to operate it for such a short time."
"Is, is that so..."
"We don't have the resources to make another Titan. If the Titan is destroyed, there won't be a next one."
It was a project that was no different from betting the fate of the empire.
An enormous amount of resources had been invested in creating a war weapon of that level, which would never have been allowed even during the empire's heyday.
Because the fate of humanity was at stake in this war, it was only possible to entrust full authority to a magician who was barely twenty years old, even with great achievements.
Regarding magical materials, the reality was that the empire now lacked the resources to create even a golem half the size of the existing Titan.
That's why, if the Titan was operated for a long time and permanently destroyed, it could not be recreated.
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Adelia, who thought that if the activation time was a little longer, more people could have been saved, couldn't help but be depressed by Bertus's words.
Materials are more important than people.
The Titan is not human.
However, in reality, if they had to exchange a division of the allied forces for the Titan, they would have to do so.
War weapons are more important than humans in reality.
Bertus's words that it was more important to keep the Titan intact until the end of this war than to save people by operating it for a long time implied a cruel logic that was both a harsh reality and undeniable.
Bertus stared at Archduke Saint Owan, not the depressed Adelia.
"What is the damage rate?"
"About 14% of the external frame was damaged."
At those words, Bertus furrowed his brow.
"Is it that much?"
It had only been activated for just under 7 minutes.
No matter how fierce the short battle was, Bertus couldn't help but find it distasteful that the Titan had been damaged so much.
"The Titan was designed to be divided into an inner and outer armor. The Titan is in a state of wearing a kind of buffer frame that covers the core frame with an outer armor. As long as there is no damage to the internal frame, the external frame can be damaged as much as necessary and automatically repaired. You can think of it as wearing a plate armor that can automatically recover."
"...Thank goodness it can be repaired."
The golem was designed for long-term operation rather than short bursts, and due to its immense size, it was at risk of collapsing under its own weight.
This is why the Titan's exoskeleton serves as a practical buffer zone and can automatically repair itself. Upon hearing this, Bertus breathed a sigh of relief.
It was a weapon project that had taken their all, and it would be a loss if it could only be used a few times.
"Anyway, I hope both of you continue to maintain and improve the Titan."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Yes, sir!"
Hearing their replies, Bertus took his seat.
"Your Grace, please have a quick chat with me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Adelia left, and only the Duke of Saint Owan remained in Bertus's tent.
From far away, the howls of monsters could be heard.
The occupation of Serandia was not yet over. It would take about three more days for the troops to have proper rest.
They needed to secure their surroundings, ensure safety, and establish a garrison.
The end of the long march and battle did not come easily.
"..."
"..."
Bertus, who had suggested they talk, remained silent for a while, listening to the sounds outside.
The Duke of Saint Owan was also silent.
"Your Grace, do you think the Titan could have been built better if Harriet were here?"
"..."
"What do you think?"
At the sudden mention of his youngest daughter, the Duke stared at the emperor. 𝒷ℯ𝓭𝓷ℴ𝓋𝓮𝓵.𝒸ℴ𝓶
Neither smiling nor frowning, he maintained a neutral expression.
Harriet de Saint Owan.
It was as sensitive a topic as the Demon King himself, and even more so for the Duke.
The Duke had to bear a lot because of what his youngest daughter had done.
Neither the Emperor nor the Duke showed any emotion at the mention.
The Duke was never very expressive to begin with, but he spoke even less after his daughter disappeared with the Demon King.
The Emperor's question.
The Titan.
And the presence of the youngest daughter.
"I don't know."
That was all the Duke had to say.
"I cannot say what you mean by 'built better.' If you mean that it would have a longer operating time, more weapons, or a sturdier inner and outer skeleton, then perhaps it could be. However, I don't know if we could call it better built if, as you said, it gets damaged after prolonged use."
At the Duke's words, Bertus laughed.
"Perhaps the Titan does not need improvement."
"If you think this is an excuse from an incompetent engineer, there's nothing I can do about it."
"Not at all. I have no reason to think that, do I?"
Bertus leaned back, crossing his arms.
"The reason I bring up such a sensitive matter is that I would like to give you all the medals you deserve."
The Emperor clicked his tongue briefly.
"I can give them to Adelia, but I cannot give them to you, Your Grace, or any of the mages of the dukedom."
"I am aware, Your Majesty."
The sin committed.
Even though they might wonder if it should be considered a sin, people view it as such.
The Titan wasn't made by Adelia alone, but it would be considered as if she did.
Everyone knows that the technology of the Duke and the Dukedom of Saint Owan was involved, but it will be seen as providing technology to repay their sins.
The Duke wasn't resentful or angry about it. He never had any interest in such things in the first place.
"Only after the war is over can we discuss rewards and promotions. What meaning is there in having such a conversation now? But I felt compelled to mention that, even with such contributions, we cannot grant you a medal, and if people knew that one of the keys to this weapon lies in your hands, many would be terrified."
"I see."
At the Archduke's indifferent response, Bertus blankly stared at the tent ceiling.
"Terrified people do strange things. If used and gathered properly, an empire could be formed... But when people know a murderer lives in the neighboring house, they might gather and set fire to it."
"Like how we invaded Darkland, regardless of whether they attacked humanity."
"Whether or not the neighbor is a murderer, isn't it possible they'd set fire?"
"Similarly."
"Whether you are a collaborator of the Demon King or not, people might set fire to your tent, to the Saint Owan Duchy."
"The Allied Forces saw the Titan crush the monster today, and they know one of the keys is in your hands."
"Your Grace."
"Be cautious of terrified people."
"I apologize that this is all I can say."
Terrified people.
Those who once revered the Archduke now fear him.
Terrified humans drove innocent people into the Demon God Cult and slaughtered them during the cult's raid.
The Archduke is resented because the Demon King's whereabouts are unknown, and the whereabouts of his youngest daughter who followed the Demon King are also unknown.
The Archduke had no reason or thoughts to explain the many rumors.
Until now, the Archduke has been a great help in the war. And today, he was a decisive help.
But the weight of that help is too great, and people are now afraid of the Archduke.
Titan.
They will be afraid of what would happen if it were to step on the Allied Forces.
Because the Archduke might have other thoughts.
Terrified people, intoxicated with fear, might say or do strange things.
The Emperor warned of this.
There are no rewards.
In the end, it is only a gathering of criminals.
"You may return to the Duchy if you wish."
"I must leave the key to Titan behind."
"...Yes, it cannot be helped."
The Emperor cannot grant the Archduke a reward but offers him an opportunity.
The opportunity to retreat from this war.
No one recognizes the Archduke's honor anyway.
Now it will even become dangerous. Thus, he offers the chance to retreat to those who would only receive fearful, contemptuous, or hateful gazes from others.
The Allied Forces would rather welcome it.
The Archduke, who created a dangerous weapon, would retreat on his own.
Although this would weaken the power, and other mages would steal the achievements of Titan with their eyes wide open in the Saint Owan Duchy.
What use is everything in the face of death? Material and intellectual gains are secondary.
With a significant accomplishment in history, he can now return home, unable to gain even honor in a life-risking battle.
From the Emperor's perspective, who needs to preserve even a little power, this is a huge concession.
The Archduke's hesitation was brief.
"Your Majesty, I know many people resent me."
"I also know many people fear me."
"Until now, how many countless angers, hatreds, and contemptuous words have I received from such people? I have never refuted, responded to, or explained their words."
But it wasn't as though he admitted to having a sin by not refuting it.
Duke Saint Owan looks at Emperor Bertus.
"I do not serve in the military to pay for my sins, and I have never thought that way."
"..."
Many people talk about the Duke's mistakes, sins, and wrongdoings.
But just because he didn't refute them doesn't mean he admitted to having a sin.
"I don't have even a slight sense of guilt," the Duke says confidently.
"Unjust hatred and blame for sins cannot influence my decisions in the slightest. Honor exists within me, and I alone can judge whether it has been damaged."
"Your Majesty, even if they hate and fear me through some delusion, I only act according to my honor and beliefs. I didn't join the war to repay the sins of my youngest daughter, just as I didn't create the Titans."
"I serve in the military only because I believe it is right."
"As long as the purpose of war is not wrong, I and my soldiers will hold our ground."
"It has been a long-standing family teaching, and although not always, I only follow it."
Walk the righteous path.
Because he has deeply established the concept of righteousness in his heart, Duke Saint Owan says he has no intention of being swayed by the world's words and principles.
The Emperor looks at him quietly, with an attitude that cannot be denied as arrogant.
As long as one doesn't admit to one's own mistakes, they are not wrong, nor are they sins.
No matter what the world's demands, one does not walk the path someone else tells them to walk if they believe it is right.
That is the long-standing teaching of the family.
This war is just.
That is why he serves in the military, holding his ground with no wrongdoing or guilt in his heart.
Because it is right.
Indeed.
No matter how the world looks at him, how it judges his actions. Wasn't Harriet de Saint Owan, who followed Reinhardt, displaying the exact same attitude?
"If that is your decision, I am pleased, but I cannot promise that I will be able to protect you and your soldiers."
"It's fine, Your Majesty."
As if it was something he would take care of himself, the Duke showed no sign of disappointment at the emperor's words.
Bertus gave the Duke a chance, but he threw it away himself.
It was a decision made based on his own beliefs, so if any consequences befall him, the Duke faces the outcome of his choice. Bertus feels there will be no reason for the Duke to blame himself, no matter what happens.
"It seems our conversation has come to an end. I look forward to continuing to work together."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Duke's business is his own.
If one cannot handle their own affairs, they will die blaming their own incompetence.
Should he be called a mallet? Or a person with unwavering faith and pride?
The Emperor no longer offered any other options to this person who deserved to be called stubborn. From the start, he wouldn't listen.
A truly aristocratic attitude.
Bertus found it strangely unfamiliar, having seen it after so long.
"One last thing."
"..."
As the Duke was about to leave, Bertus called him back one last time.
"May I ask one more impertinent question?"
"Yes."
Bertus wanted to ask.
"Do you think you raised your daughter wrong, Your Grace?"
He was a person who did not mix the world's opinions with his own judgments.
Bertus was curious how the Duke thought about his missing daughter.
The Duke claimed he felt no guilt.
Did he think that his daughter's sins were her own and not his?
Did he truly believe that his daughter had not committed any sins?
Bertus was curious.
"..."
The Duke was silent for a while, his back turned.
Finally, in a calm tone, the Duke spoke.
"I might have raised her wrong."
Bertus couldn't help but be slightly surprised by these words, as he hadn't expected the Duke to say that.
"However, she didn't grow up to be a bad person."
But the Duke's following words were even more surprising.
"Ha, haha... Hahaha..."
It was not something one should say in front of the emperor. It was a sensitive statement that could cause significant political problems in many ways. It was no different from saying that his daughter, who had followed the Demon King, was right.
The Duke believed that what he had heard from his daughter was the truth.
She would make the same choice and regret it if she were born again or returned to that moment, just like the day the sky opened.
He believed her words wholeheartedly.
He was convinced that his daughter, who had grown up to be someone who could say such things, could not have been raised wrong.
"In fact... I think so too."
After hearing that bombshell, Bertus laughed emptily and agreed with the Duke's words.