EIS V5 C4 -- The world's peaceful as well today!

Translated from the CN here: https://www.wenku8.net/novel/2/2542/139400.htm 
Checked against the JP here: https://files.catbox.moe/s1owqo.epub 

JP > CN > EN by Sleepy Erofu Mengele

V5 C0: https://files.catbox.moe/vj6luo.txt 
V5 C1: https://files.catbox.moe/0didm4.txt 
V5 C2: https://files.catbox.moe/g0y0yc.txt
V5 C3: https://files.catbox.moe/x3yzfz.txt

"So they've gotten into the deepest reaches, then..."

Fenrir muttered to himself amidst the white mist.

There was a puddle of blood and two sets of footprints in front of the intact device.

"They should have been able to destroy it. Did they realize that there wasn't enough mana... No, even if they had, they should have destroyed it anyway."

The bloody footprints led past the room containing the device to the door in the depths.

"The door won't open as long as the seal isn't opened. In that case, why did they break in..."

Fenrir approached the door which sealed the Right Arm of Diablos.

And then, he noticed that the defense mechanism had been activated.

"Did Lily fight them off?"

That was the only reason that came to mind.

In any case, Shadow Garden would probably show up again. There was very little time left for them.

"...You seem quite vexed."

Just then, a voice spoke from within the mists.

Fenrir immediately drew his sword. The mists were split apart by the force of his sword's pressure.

A priest stood there.

"Oh my, how scary."

There was a thin smile on his face."

"Petos, is it... You should have said something. I nearly killed you."

"It's been a while, Fenrir-sama, Fifth Seat of the Knights of the Round Table. Indeed, I'd expect nothing less of your swordsmanship. It sent a chill down my spine."

"...Hmph."

Fenrir had delivered that strike just now with the intent to kill. Petos should not have been able to defend against it with his original strength.

However, Petos had not been hurt. What an unpleasant man.

"I couldn't have won in a serious fight."

"Are you really a man who fights seriously, Petos-kun of the Tenth Seat?"

Fenrir delivered that line like he was mocking him.

"So, is something the matter?"

"You seem to be in quite the pickle. Therefore, I came to lend you a hand."

"Do you think I'd accept the aid of a fiend like you?"

Fenrir snorted at him.

"My, what a surprise, to think you'd call me a heretic. I am simply loyal to the Cult."

Petos said this was a smile.

"...I'll ask you again. Why are you here, Petos? We aren't close enough to be chatting casually."

Petos smile vanished in the face of Fenrir's murderous intent.

"The repeated blunders of the Fenrir faction have become problematic for the Round Table. The release of the Right Arm has also been delayed."

Petos glanced over to the cylindrical pillar-like mechanisms.

"You're only about 60% or so through, right?"

"60%... I guess you know that the Left Arm was released due to the destruction of the Sanctuary. It's plain to see that the amount of Drops produced this year will decrease further."

"Aurora's resisting us, isn't she?"

"Oh yes, more than in previous years. She's always been resisting us. And her ego is recovering, probably because she's been released."

"This is troublesome... So, how many can we make?"

"Nine... Or at least, that's what I want to say. Currently, it looks like we might only be able to expect eight. Fortunately, the number of people at the Round Table have also decreased thanks to Shadow Garden... Oh dear, it seems I let my tongue get away from me."

Petos sniggered, as though he had thought of something amusing.

"If the number of Drops decreases below expectation... Or rather, if a new Seat is appointed... Then you won't be getting your Drop this year, Fenrir-sama."

"It seems you've become quite full of yourself, Petos."

Fenrir levied a stroke that was full of killing intent.

It sliced through Petos' tunic and left a thin trail of blood on his neck.

"Oh my..."

"You're merely a newcomer; did you think you could address me as an equal?"

"That's the decision of the Round Table. I'm simply here to relay it. That's just how gravely the Round Table views the Fenrir Faction's mistakes."

Fenrir quietly clicked his tongue and damped down his bloodlust.

"...Did Loki instigate this?"

Loki was the leader of the faction that had long been at odds with Fenrir.

"Loki-sama... was present at the meeting."

"And you approved of it too, didn't you, Petos? After all, you might have lost your Drop too."

"Oh no, I've always been a friend of yours, Fenrir-sama."

Fenrir could not help but laugh as he heard Petos' words.

"Ultimately, it was the fault of the Cult for underestimating Shadow Garden. We received our first reports about them around five years ago, when caravans containing victims of demonic possession were attacked by an unknown organization. If we had dealt with them appropriately at the time, they would not have grown to this extent."

"...Indeed, something like that took place."

"After gaining eternal life and becoming content with the present circumstances, the Cult has become as slow and dimwitted as fattened pigs. Other than the 12th Seat, which was originally vacant, Nilsson and Mordred have fallen as well. Honestly, the quality of the Round Table really has declined greatly. You are nothing more than the substitute for the Tenth Seat, who was killed by Shadow two years ago. Normally, the likes of you would never have been able to ascend to the Round Table."

"To some extent, it is thanks to Shadow Garden that I managed to reach the Round Table. I am most grateful to them."

Petos said this in a mocking tone.

"Pardon me, that was a slip of the tongue... But the Round Table has to deal with this now. This time, they are serious."

"That plan... "Shadow-Hunting Fangs", I believe it was called?"

"I wonder how well it will go?"

"While it greatly displeases me to have Loki be our leader, this might end up becoming an excellent opportunity. We must see if Shadow's strength is the real deal..."

"...You believe he is a fake?"

"I never said that. However, if he truly is that strong, then it would be far too unrealistic. Is he using some kind of legendary artifact, or is he from the Demon World, or does he use the same technology as the Cult..."

"And what if he was an ordinary human being?"

"Then he would truly stand at the pinnacle of martial skill. If that really is the case, I'd like to take a look for myself. After all, this is the first time the Cult has joined forces in centuries. You'll understand the meaning of that sooner or later--"

Fenrir smiled fearlessly.

"I see... In that case, I should obey quietly, as a newcomer. After all, I bear responsibility for part of the plan."

"Don't get careless, Petos-kun."

"You too, Fenrir-sama. If the unsealing of the Right Arm fails and the relic site falls into the hands of Shadow Garden..."

Petos cut himself off and took a fighting stance.

Malevolent mana erupted from Fenrir.

"Who do you think you're talking to, Petos? I am Fenrir, and I have long held the Fifth Seat of the Round Table. It is a matter of pride for me. I WILL unseal the Right Arm of Diablos."

"...That's the Fenrir-sama I know."

"I will resurrect and restore Diablos to complete health. I will stop at nothing to do it. Even if it means this nation should be destroyed..."

"...The ends justify the means. I came here to help you, Fenrir-sama."

"I believe I told you before. I don't need your help."

"This is the decision of the Round Table. Please, use this artifact as you see fit."

It was a twisted-looking collar with what looked like a clock attached to it.

"...And this is?"

"This is the latest artifact developed by the Cult. You seem to have trouble gathering mana, Fenrir-sama. I believe this will be useful."

".. I'll use it when I have to. Speaking of which, I didn't expect you to actually come all the way here. What manner of ill wind brought you over?"

"I was simply following orders. After all, I am a loyal servant of the Cult. On another note... It seems a gold-furred beastkin visited this relic site."

Petos let that slip out in a casual tone.

However, Fenrir surmised from his voice that this was what he had actually come here for.

"A gold-furred beastkin, hm. Who knows..."

The memory of that golden member of the Seven Shades remained in Fenrir's memory.

However, he had no intention of personally informing the other party about it.

Fenrir's gaze met Petos'.

"Please let me know if you run into her."

Petos was the first to avert his eyes.

"What business do you have with that beastkin?"

"Oh no, it's nothing important. Pardon me."

After saying that, he vanished into the mists."

"A gold-furred beastkin... Petos once exterminated the entire Golden Leopard Tribe to obtain a sample. That was why he was promoted to the Round Table. Could she be... a survivor of the Golden Leopard Tribe?"

Before him was the cylindrical  pillar-shaped device that was 60% full. By any means necessary; an interesting turn of phrase.

"It seems I overheard something interesting."

Fenrir bared his canines in a smile.

[SCENEBREAK]

The Kingdom of Oriana which had been despoiled by the black beasts was recovering swiftly with the help of Shadow Garden.

Alpha stood in the royal castle and her eyes narrowed as she looked upon the setting sun.

"Have you prepared yourself, then?"

She addressed this question to the girl behind her.

The girl in question was lovely, with fine blonde hair. She was Rose Oriana.

"Will I be forgiven?"

Rose's eyes wavered as she asked that question.

"Probably not. Many of the people hate you."

":As I thought... I can't be Queen. That would only bring chaos to this country."

"Normally, you would be correct. However, things are different now. If you knew what would become of this nation, you would know that you have no other choice."

Alpha looked back and glared sternly at Rose.

"You probably know that the alliance between the Kingdoms of Midgar and Oriana has been annulled. The Church has officially designated the Kingdom of Oriana as heretics. Trade with Oriana has been severely curtailed and will soon be cut off entirely. Eventually the surrounding countries will give the order to conquer Oriana. Although we can't tell how many countries will take part in that, a country with no proper fighting strength is powerless and will be destroyed."

"Heretics... How did things end up like this."

Rose clenched her fists and lowered her head.

"The Cult fears us. This country..."

"Why do they fear such a small country?"

"They are merely a bunch of frightened sheep. That is why they fear the sunlight."

"What does that mean?"

"Eternal life is a symbol of mankind's desire. Those who have it fear losing it more than anything else. Anyone who rules this world openly will surely attract those who wish to take it from them. That is why they hide. In order to ensure others do not gang up on them, they have hidden the secret of eternal life and use the Church to control the world behind the scenes. That is why they fear the light."

"Frightened sheep..."

"But now that the Kingdom of Oriana is at odds with the Cult of Diablos, the light and dark sides of the world have been connected. If Oriana is left alone, the Cult of Diablos will eventually be brought into the light. The thought of it terrifies them."

"...And Shadow Garden intends to take advantage of that, then."

Rose looks at Alpha with a stern expression in her eyes.

"Indeed. We are using Oriana. That is also why we are helping you."

"Shadow Garden ought to be able to defeat the Cult with its power. In that case, why are you still helping Oriana..."

"If we did that, we could not ensure that the Cult of Diablos was thoroughly annihilated."

"...Huh?"

"People will die. Countries will fall. But religions will never be destroyed. Things will not end even if we defeat the Cult. That's what religions are. They will exist forever as long as someone believes in them."

"But how..."

"Do not underestimate the cult. Anyone who opposes the cult will be stabbed in the back by the people. The commoners who believe in the Church and even most of the clergy are good-hearted folk. The Cult uses the Church to incite the people to kill their enemies. However large Shadow Garden might become, they cannot massacre every last believer in the Church. That is why Oriana is necessary, in order to bring the wicked entity known as the Cult under the spotlight and to sever the link between the Church and the Cult."

"But how will we sever the connection?"

""We must have the Church cast off and abandon the Cult. The people believe in the Church and not the Cult of Diablos. As long as we make this clear, we can turn the Cult of Diablos into a common enemy of the world. Therefore, we must win. Someday, the neighboring countries will come to conquer Oriana. At that time, we will win. We will win, and then announce to the world that their enemy is the Cult of Diablos."

"And you need me to be Queen for that, is that it?"

"In order to wipe out the cult, we require a country that will stand on the light side of the world in place of us. The war between Oriana and the Church will be a proxy for the war between Shadow Garden and the Cult of Diablos. If you are prepared to become Queen, we will aid you from the shadows."

"...But can I truly become a good Queen?"

Rose lowered her head and forced those words out.

"You are not a peacetime Queen, but one in special circumstances. A monarch in times of peace needs the kindness to win the admiration of the people and to bring the prosperity of the nation. This is not true in times of emergency. What is needed is strength. Even if you must suffer, even if you must sacrifice, even if the people hate you, you must be strong enough to reach your goals--"

Alpha looked at Rose with her beautiful eyes.

"Rose Oriana. You must become a mighty Queen."

"A mighty Queen..."

Rose carefully savored the taste of those words.

She did not speak, merely mouthed it and got the feel of it. After that, all she saw was her own weakness.

"But I am weak..."

"Only those who know their own weakness can become strong."

A hot tear flowed down Rose's cheek."

"For the sake of the Kingdom of Oriana and the people that Otou-sana left behind, if there is anything I can do... I wish to protect this country, no matter how it may cause me to be reviled. I..."

Rose wiped her tears away and raised her head.

Right after that, she drew her slender blade and touched it to her thick, rich curls.

"I... I no longer wish to meet my end while I am still so weak."

Saying so, she moved the blade.

The severed strands of her flaxen hair danced in the wind.

"I will become a mighty Queen."

Rose's hair was shortened to the length of her shoulder."

"As long as you are so determined, Shadow Garden will never betray you."

Alpha smiled kindly.

Then she called over No. 664 and No. 665. They were both dressed as maids for some reason.

"I will leave these two by your side. It's better to have familiar people around, no?"

"Thank you very much."

"There's no need to stand on ceremony. We are equal entities. You WILL become a mighty Queen, will you not?"

"Yes... Ah, yes, I will become a mighty Queen."

Rose seemed a little unfamiliar with the words that she spoke.

"Pffft... No.666-chan is so cute."

"Hey, isn't that a good thing? If she had consulted with us first, things would have been wrapped up sooner."

No. 664 and 665 whispered to each other.

"Thank you to the both of you as well."

"Aw, it's nothing~"

"I, I'm still your squad leader, you know. Don't forget that."

"Understood, Leader."

Rose smiled kindly at them.

"No. 664 and 665 will relay the plan from now on. Prepare cover identities and jobs for them. It is better to hide the relationship between Oriana and Shadow Garden for the time being."

"I will take them on as their maids and arrange for family registers to be drawn up."
 
"Do so, then... Alright, it seems we have a visitor."

Just then the door to the room opened and a blue-haired girl entered.

It was the Third Seat of the Seven Shades, Gamma.

For some reason, she was dragging another girl behind her."

"Oh, were you here, Alpha-sama?"

"Oh my, I didn't expect you to come to Oriana too, Gamma."

"After considering the circumstances, we have shut down the Mitsugoshi branch in Oriana. In its place, we have prepared to establish a complete base for Shadow Garden."

Gamma said this in a quiet voice.

"Well done, Gamma. Your quick work is a great help to us all."

"What about Rose-hime?"

Gamma glanced aside at Rose.

"She has resolved herself to stand and fall with us."

Alpha looked at Rose while saying this.

"I will be in your care."

Gamme bowed her head in response to Rose.

"Alpha-sama, I have two things to report; may I do so here?"

Gamma seemed bothered by the fact that Rose was present.

Rose had also realized that she did not yet have their full trust.

"I will prepare another room--"

"--Never mind."
  
Alpha interrupted Rose.

"Is it really alright?"

"Yes. I don't mind."

Alpha looked at Rose and Gamma.

I am alright with this. What about you?

Alpha seemed to be asking them that.

"...I'm fine too."

"So am I."

Gamma and Rose answered thus.

"The first matter concerns the items that Beta recovered from the Demon World."

"By which you mean the "Notebook Computer" and the "Tablet", is that right?"

"Eta has taken a look at them. Eta, please explain."

After saying this, Gamma called out to the girl she had dragged over.

"Zzzzzz."


The girl snored in a very adorable way.

"I say, Eta, wake up already!"

Gamma grabbed Eta's shoulders and shook her hard.

Eta's head bobbed back and forth and hit Gamma on the nose.

"Pegyah!"

Eta woke up from the impact.

"Hm?"

This was Eta, the seventh of the Seven Shades. She was primarily responsible for researching Shadow Wisdom.

"...Where are we?"

Eta lazily looked around herself.

She was a petite elf.

Her dark-colored hair was sticking up in places due to her poor sleeping posture.

"Come, report on that matter to Alpha-sama!"

Gamma was pressing her nosebleed as she said this.

"Report? ...Ah yeah, about the notebook."

"That, that's right."

"Ah, here's my report."

Eta was still a little sleepy-eyed as she looked over at Alpha.

"The Notebook Computer and the other items that need electricity are all broken. I took them apart to investigate and it's probably because they were affected by electromagnetic radiation while passing through the Gate."

"Can you fix them?"

"Not at the moment. But I'll be able to figure it out soon enough."

"Is that so... It can't be helped then. We'll just have to wait patiently. After all, all the things Beta brought back need electricity to work."

"All isn't lost. These things use pretty advanced technology. Even if we can't get them to work, we can learn a lot from them."

"Is that so? Very well, then. But I guess Beta must have been very sad."

"Oh, she was bawling."

"Was it really worth crying over?"

"No, because she was so depressed, I mixed some happy pills into her tea."

"...And then?"

"She suddenly tore her clothes off and started wailing. The reason is unclear, but it was very interesting."

The corner of Eta's mouth turned up in amusement.

Alpha sighed heavily.

"...There will be major cuts in your research budget next month."

"Eh!? But why!"

"I told you, didn't I? You are NOT to conduct human experimentation without permission. Reflect on what you've done."


"Ehhhhh~ But sacrifices are necessary to develop Shadow Wisdom."

"Don't ehhhh~ me. Also, report to me again when you figure out some way to apply that technology in this world."

"Kay~"

"Also, there's the other thing she brought back, right?"

Alpha narrowed her eyes.

"The other thing... Ah, if you mean that otherworlder, she just woke up. She doesn't know the language, so Beta is talking to her now. Her name is Akane."

"Akane... What else have you learned about her?"

"I think her bodily makeup should be the same as a human's, but I don't know the details yet. I could clear that up right away if I were allowed to perform human experimentation, though."

"Let Beta handle her until she calms down. Don't do anything weird to her. I absolutely forbid it."

"Ehhhh~"

Eta nodded reluctantly.

"I know what's happening on Eta's side now. What about the second matter?"

Alpha addressed Gamma.

"The second thing concerns Zeta in the Kingdom of Midgar. Has Zeta reported in?"

"No. Honestly... That girl hasn't made any reports at all."

Alpha sighed again.

"I saw some things before I came to the Kingdom of Oriana, so I'll report to you."

"You're a great help, Gamma."

"The Fenrir Faction has made their move. They seem to have kidnapped students from Midgar Academy. Since we've recovered pretty much all the victims of demonic possession, they seem to be having a pretty hard time undoing the seal."

"What about Zeta, then?"

"As for her... She hasn't started working yet."

"She hasn't made a move?"

"Yes. She ought to be aware of the Fenrir Faction's movements, though.

"That girl is always doing her own thing, but she's always been very capable. Did something happen?"

Alpha sounded quite surprised as she said this.

"The Fenrir Faction has withered, but he has always been pulling the strings of the Kingdom of Midgar behind the scenes. Also, Fenrir was one of the earliest members of the Round Table. We must not underestimate him."

"The credit crash should have caused severe losses to the Fenrir Faction. I thought they would be out of manpower and funds by now... Are these the reserves left over from the first generation of the Round Table?"

"Should we send some help over? Delta is also in Midgar, but I don't think the two of them will work together."

"You have a point..."

Alpha spoke vaguely as she looked at the scenery outside.

"I'm busy with preparing the base and Eta can't leave because of her research. Beta needs to handle the otherworlder and take care of business... Which leaves Epsilon free, along with some of the Numbers..."

"There's no need for that."

Alpha looked into the distance as she said those words.

"But... Is it really alright?"

"There's no need to worry. She'll be fine. She's always been like this."

Gamma felt that this optimistic point of view was uncharacteristic of Alpha.

"I just have a bad feeling about this."

"...I remember the first time I met that girl. I had never seen someone with eyes as sad as hers that hated the world so much. I welcomed Zeta as a member of the family to help mend the wounds in her heart... And she has changed."

Alpha turns back and looks at Gamme with her blue eyes.

"So it's fine... We're family, after all."

Alpha smiled. It was a gentle smile, one that seemed like it could encompass everything.