136: The “Back Alley” Plaza
This epidemic didn’t have an official name.
Even in [Moonlight Liberium], it was simply called the [Epidemic].
However, it was called different things in different places.
It was often called by the name of a rival nation.
One such name.
A name that was becoming increasingly common.
The “Ruins Flu.”
With personnel from various countries currently involved in the reconstruction efforts, the Duchy of Ruins was an easy target.
It was also a small, weak nation, still recovering from the revolution that had overthrown its royal family.
While various forms of aid had been provided since the suppression of the revolution, with the outbreak of the epidemic, each country was struggling to cope, and the Duchy of Ruins was now heavily reliant on its neighbor, the Kingdom of Eustasia.
That country, which had overthrown its royal family, crippling its own industries in the process, and then overthrown its revolutionary government, becoming even more dependent on other nations, was on shaky ground.
The Kingdom of Eustasia didn’t want to absorb such a volatile region. We would prefer the puppet govern—the new ducal family of Ruins to… stand on their own two feet.
And there was another name.
In our country… especially around the capital, this epidemic was being called something else.
A name that was becoming increasingly common.
The “Back Alley Plague.”
The old town district of the capital—commonly known as the “back alley”—had a disproportionately high number of cases and deaths, even in the Kingdom of Eustasia, which was relatively better off than other nations on the continent.
While the bodies couldn’t be left unattended and were buried in the national cemetery, most couldn’t afford burial fees, so they didn’t even have individual grave markers.
The Royal Medical Corps, led by Chief Physician Louis, was working tirelessly to contain the epidemic, but the situation worsened daily.
It was only natural. That district was officially the ‘old town district’—an area with ‘no residents.’
While there were some newer structures, many of the buildings were dilapidated.
Food was scarce, and medicine was a luxury.
With the arrival of winter, the situation was deteriorating.
It looked like it might snow soon.
If the snow accumulated… there was no telling how many bodies would be buried beneath it.
We needed a fundamental solution.
For example…
――A cure, a medicine that would eradicate the epidemic.
I had come to the “back alley,” accompanied by Ciel—and Leticia.
“Leticia, how are you feeling?”
“I’m fine now.”
Leticia, despite her words, still seemed a little weak.
However, considering she had been near death, ‘fine’ was probably an accurate assessment.
The medicine had been dramatically effective.
The survivors of the clinical trials, while unanimously describing it as “disgustingly bitter,” had mostly recovered.
The researchers at our herb garden, led by Sonia, declared, based on the recovery rate, that it was a cure for this epidemic.
My beloved sister had also been saved by it.
――I finally had it in my hands.
The cure for the epidemic, described vaguely in the scenario of [Moonlight Liberium].
…If used strategically, it could plunge the continent back into an era of war.
It could make the founding king of Eustasia’s dream—the path of conquest abandoned by the second king—a reality.
It would be a simple task to conquer the nations weakened by the epidemic with our unharmed army.
And then there were the possibilities of alliances and coercion, using the cure as leverage—having been trained as the head of the Vanderwaals, I could envision all sorts of… unsavory applications.
However, that was a blood-soaked future.
I didn’t want such a future.
I didn’t want to give my sister such a world.
So, the use of this ‘weapon’ would be… straightforward.
We would liberate the continent from the threat of the epidemic as quickly as possible.
Starting with the capital, then the key distribution centers, and then the rest of the country.
I intended to use this opportunity to gain favor with other nations.
Offering it for free would be the best approach. While its development had been costly, it was a small price to pay for my sister’s reputation.
If their own leaders, who received their taxes, couldn’t find a solution, and they were saved by another nation—I couldn’t help but smirk.
Our nation’s position would be secure for the next decade.
I wanted to use this opportunity to resolve various issues. While diplomacy was the royal family’s domain, not ours, our family’s position would also be strengthened.
Which meant Leticia’s position as the future head of the family would also be secure.
However, to make this a reality, there were several obstacles to overcome.
While the royal family held considerable power in Eustasia, it wasn’t absolute.
The agendas of the noble families were intertwined, and those of other nations even more so.
And then there were the residents of the “back alley,” who, while citizens of our nation… weren’t under our protection.
――How would we deliver this to them?
I had no concrete plan.
It wasn’t even clear if it was our family’s responsibility—dealing with epidemics was the duty of the royal family and the Royal Medical Corps.
While I believed that having the cure would solve everything…
…righteousness alone couldn’t save everyone.
Currently, the key figures of [Moonlight Liberium] were all gathered in the “back alley.”
The [Protagonist].
Leticia von Vanderwaals, the “Saintess Who Saved the Nation” (in the making).
The [Capture Targets].
Konrad von Eustasia, “First Prince of the Kingdom of Eustasia.”
Felix von Ritter, “Knight Commander of the Eustasia Knights.”
Louis, “Chief Physician of the Eustasia Royal Medical Corps.”
The [Villainous Sister].
Adelheid von Vanderwaals, “Head of the Coldhearted Vanderwaals.”
And Ciel, my sister’s and my guard.
First, we would secure the most heavily affected area.
…And while no one would say it out loud, I was sure everyone in the upper echelons of our government felt the same way—I intended to use this as a final clinical trial.
Of course, it was also to save our citizens.
If fate’s gears slipped, I would… make this district… ‘disappear.’
There was a noticeable presence of knights and soldiers. The knights of the Eustasia Knights, in their matching surcoats, were wearing full plate armor, their faces hidden by their visors.
It was also used for ceremonial purposes. Polished to a shine, the armor was a work of art.
However, it also projected an undeniable sense of… menace, along with dignity and solemnity.
While our nation was a powerful one, it was also practical—or rather, perhaps it became a great power because it was practical—and that practicality also fostered a sense of frugality.
In other words, our ceremonial armor and our battle armor were the same.
“…This heavy security… your orders?”
I looked at Felix intently.
He wasn’t in full armor but in the light armor worn by both knights and soldiers for patrols, without a helmet. The only differences were the ornate hilt and pommel of his sword and the red plume attached to the unicorn-horned helmet crest on his surcoat.
“Yes. …With this group… light armor wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“…I suppose that’s understandable.”
I understood his reasoning.
As Knight Commander, he couldn’t risk losing anyone here.
“I can’t tell my men to die. But if it comes to that… it can’t be helped.”
While the crucial part was left unsaid, his grim expression spoke volumes about the orders he would give if necessary.
It was an unpleasant order.
While I had considered it myself, imagining the moment when such an order would be given…
…everyone underestimated—couldn’t help but underestimate—the “back alley.”
But this place would decide the future.
This was the largest square in the “back alley.”
A notice had been issued in advance, under the guise of an informational meeting. A royal herald would stand on a makeshift platform in designated squares throughout the capital and… explain… or rather, announce… the news.
For important announcements, notices were also posted on bulletin boards throughout the city, for those who could read to share with others.
While not everyone would gather, word would spread, and important information would reach almost everyone.
Those who chose to remain ignorant would only suffer the consequences. If they wanted to play hermit, that was their prerogative.
Today’s announcement would first be made throughout the capital.
And here, in the “back alley,” this was the only designated location. A temporary announcement site, usually non-existent.
The heavy security, including the mobilization of the Eustasia Knights under Felix’s command, was probably due to the presence of Konrad and Louis.
And—us, the sisters.
I, the current head of the family, was more important than Leticia, for now.
However, my sister’s name was already spreading within the Royal Palace.
Our positions would soon be reversed.
A herald, in a black official’s uniform, climbed onto the makeshift platform.
His outfit was somewhat similar to Louis’s coat, but instead of white with black trim, it was black with gold trim, and his hat was cylindrical.
His hat and the badge on his chest also bore the unicorn crest of the Kingdom of Eustasia.
He began his announcement.
“—Now then, by order of the Kingdom of Eustasia—”
“Get down from there!”
…I had expected some unrest, but… really? Right from the start?
