ASAHI NO NISHISEI - Rising Sun Goes West (1)

The Madness of a Loyal Retainer

"...There is no end to the number of citizens of Zion who are asking for our help. In particular, there are many pleas to save those who were taken as slaves to the Altian Empire, and we are having a hard time dealing with them."

"Well... to be honest, I can't really take care of them that well, or so to speak..."

Hasegawa scratching his head, fed up with the demands of the Zion citizens. The purpose of the SDF and the USFJ is to lead Japan to victory, and taking care of the Seirennians is something that should be done by the Seiren Kingdom's military.

"...Well, in the capital and major cities, we can at least talk to the Seirennians who want to return home."

Hasegawa thought about what he would do after they seized the capital of the Altian Empire. At that moment, another soldier knocked on the door of the command center. At his permission, he came in carrying a folded piece of paper.

"I have just received a letter from Queen Helenas from the Royal Palace, that she is holding a small banquet to celebrate the recapture of the motherland, and would like the general of the Japanese army, Makoto Hasegawa, and his men to attend."

"...Oh?"

When Hasegawa learned the contents of the letter delivered by the royal family, he made an incredulous hum. The queen herself wanted to invite them to dinner.

"Right... contact Rear Admiral Suzuki, Captain Rodriguez, and Captain Akiyama."

"Yes, sir!"

After receiving the order from the fleet commander, the soldier saluted and listened to the order. A few hours later, a two-horse dispatched from the royal palace came to the command center to pick them up. Hasegawa and the other four dressed in the formal attire required to attend a public banquet, rode in the carriage to old Lord of Zion's mansion where Queen Helenas resided.

. . .

Night of the same day

Temporary Royal Palace (former residence of the Lord of Zion) Front Gate, Zion

The carriage carrying the two generals, Rear Admiral Hasegawa and Rear Admiral Suzuki, as well as the representatives of the JGSDF, Colonel Takeshi Akiyama, and the USFJ Navy Captain Anthony Rodriguez, was about to arrive at the royal palace. One of the young Royal Guard, who had been ordered by Commander Simov Lacrimal, to escort them to the banquet hall, was standing in front of the gate of the palace. A man approaches him. Knowing that it was his superior officer, the young Royal Guard saluted the man.

"G-General Cecily! What brings you to this place?"

The one who visited the young guard was Cecily Limbus, a former partisan leader who had now been reinstated as a general in the Seiren Royal Army. The young guard questioned why a man like him would come to this place. However, he did not answer the question, but gave the young guard an order.

"I'll take the Japanese people, you go to Prince Menelas."

"Y-yes...?"

After receiving the general's order, the young Royal Guard left his post, tilting his head. Shortly thereafter, the carriage carrying Hasegawa and the others arrived at the gate of the mansion. Seeing them dressed in formal attire that was different from their usual uniforms, Cecily's face was filled with hatred for a moment, but he quickly regained his expression and smiled at them.

"Gentlemen from Japanese army... welcome to the party."

"You are... Cecily-dono, I believe? I was not expecting to be greeted by a general of your station."