Chapter 7: A Name
“We cannot leave this land.”
Bonaparte’s expression changed instantly at Berthier’s report.
“What do you mean? Explain.”
“Yes, sir. According to Admiral Brueys, the compass and other instruments are still completely unusable. He sent out several frigates, but all of them were pushed back.”
“Pushed back?”
“Yes. Once they sail far enough that land is no longer visible, the wind suddenly dies, and a powerful current forces them back toward shore.”
“…………”
Bonaparte lowered her gaze and crossed her arms.
Berthier bent slightly, watching his shorter superior’s face.
“What is Kléber doing? He’s in charge of the forces left at the beach.”
“General Kléber is cutting down nearby trees and preparing a proper encampment.”
“Good. As expected of him.”
“Sir, what should we do? At this rate, we won’t even be able to return to France, let alone reach Egypt.”
“I know.”
Bonaparte thought.
They could not leave this land.
She did not understand why, but if Admiral Brueys, an expert of the sea, said so, then it must be true.
“We need more information. We don’t even know if this is Europe or Africa, a continent or an island. Without that, we cannot act.”
“Yes.”
“For now, keep this from the soldiers. We are not stranded. We have arrived at our destination as planned.”
“Understood.”
Bonaparte turned back to Krumil.
“My apologies. It was just a minor report.”
“You seemed rather flustered.”
“No, nothing serious. I have instructed Berthier to report even the smallest matters, so he tends to exaggerate trivial things. It is truly nothing to worry about.”
Bonaparte spoke quickly.
“If that is the case, then that is good. Bonaparte, to continue our discussion, I would like you to keep cooperating with us. Will you?”
“Ah…”
“With your strength, I believe I can reclaim the throne, unify the land, and bring peace and prosperity to my people.”
“About that… could you tell me more about this world first? As I said before, we came from France, beyond the Great River where the sun resides. We do not yet understand the circumstances of this land.”
“…That is true. Then I will explain again. I am Krumil, daughter of the great King Gulbas. My father unified the people of this land, surrounded on all sides by the Great River where the sun resides. After his death, the land was divided among my brother, my sister, and myself. I was given the Country of Kusanaga. My father’s final words were, ‘Live in harmony and rule the people.’ However, my brother Dahad, who was given the Axe-Striking Country, did not follow those words and attacked our lands. We resisted, but his army was strong, and we could not withstand it. I was defeated and fled to this place, where I met you. You know the rest.”
“So this land is in the midst of a war for unification among divided kingdoms.”
“That is correct.”
“How many times have you been defeated?”
“I have lost twenty-six battles.”
“Twenty-six?”
Bonaparte was surprised.
Despite losing that many times, she had neither been killed nor captured, and had continued to fight.
To lose once or twice was one thing, but to lose that many times meant she had continued to fight that many times.
Even after twenty-five defeats, she still had the resources, support, and organization to gather an army for a twenty-sixth battle.
That was extraordinary.
And above all, her will.
Most people would have given up long before that.
Or perhaps she was simply a fool who never learned.
“Bonaparte, I ask you once more. Please lend me your strength. Help me unify this land and bring peace to my people.”
Krumil knelt before Bonaparte.
Abidod, standing nearby, gasped.
“And what do I receive in return?”
“Whatever I can give, I will grant what you desire.”
What I desire.
Bonaparte thought.
What I want.
My ambition.
She longed for it.
Behind Krumil stood her retainers, including Abidod, looking at Bonaparte with suspicion.
Bonaparte knew those eyes well.
The eyes that looked at outsiders.
The same eyes she had faced since entering the French military academy as someone born on Corsica, conquered by France.
“You are not one of us. You are an outsider.”
She had lived under those looks of distrust, ridicule, and contempt.
She would make them acknowledge her.
That was what she had intended to achieve in Egypt and beyond.
But before that, she would make these people acknowledge her.
Her bluish-gray eyes, like ashes after a fire had burned out, reflected the candlelight.
“Queen Krumil, please rise. I understand your feelings for your people. I will once again promise to assist you.”
“Truly? Truly?”
“Yes. Truly. I promise.”
“Thank you!”
Krumil embraced Bonaparte tightly.
“Ugh—”
For a moment, Bonaparte could not breathe from the force of the hug.
“I shall grant you a title. Friend of Krumil, daughter of the great King Gulbas, friend of the king of the Country of Kusanaga, one who comes from beyond the Great River where the sun resides, wielder of flame and thunder, the victor—”
“That’s too long. If someone asks who I am, I’ll just say I am a friend of the king.”
“Yes, that is acceptable. I grant you permission to call me ‘my friend’ in public.”
“Can I continue to call you Queen Krumil as before?”
“In private, call me Krumil.”
“…Understood. By the way, ‘my friend’—”
“Yes, what is it, ‘Friend of the King’ Bonaparte?”
“Does this world have baths?”