Chapter 36
  “…So, about the enemy Clawsolas we recovered.”
  “Yeah, from a quick look, it seems to be equivalent to the second generation.”
  
  “Claude-dono, I’d like to hear your opinion as someone who actually fought it.”
  “Even if you say that…”
  
  The only impression he had was of being bombarded with magic. After breaking through the barrage, he cut down the enemy alongside Aynst’s Clawsolas with ease, so there wasn’t much he could offer as useful feedback.
  
  “I don’t really pay attention to the enemy’s Clawsolas performance during battle.”
  
  “Hmm, Aynst?”
  “Same as Knight King-dono.”
  
  Thinking back, the attackers avoided using wide-range magic in the city, so he could at least assume they had a minimum level of common sense.
  
  “Ugh, you two are useless.”
  
  Seeing Nina slightly sulking, Claude realized the difference in perception between an engineer and a pilot. When he asked her about the characteristics of the enemy Clawsolas, she explained that, similar to the Begalta, attempts had been made to reduce its weight and increase its power output.
  
  “I won’t know the details until we dismantle it, but it must have been built with a considerable level of skill.”
  
  She had previously made the Clawsolas manufacturing technology widely available, including to other countries, before the higher-ups in the Aius Empire could stop her. This was done with an eye towards independent development, so… the existence of the captured Clawsolas was within her expectations.
  
  “It’s really sad that such a fine Clawsolas was used so quickly in an internal conflict.”
  “That’s true. They’re aiming their spears at the wrong enemy.”
  
  Still, the active transfer of Clawsolas technology was probably a necessity to address the “Hour of Ruin” beyond national borders, considering the danger of only a few powerful individuals possessing such exceptional military strength.
  
  As a result, they were all gathered together, trying to figure out how to respond.
  
  Infiltrating other territories for covert operations and attacks generally requires thorough preparation. While the current situation, with no second wave, could be considered an opportune moment, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
  
  “Anyway, I’ve agreed to extend my stay for a while.”
  “Thank you. I’ll count on you.”
  
  “Then, I’ll send a cavalry unit to Lizel as messengers.”
  “Please do, Raizes.”
  
  Claude felt a little bad for Izana, who he had promised to take around the capital city of Asia, because his return would be delayed. But after seeing the victims, he couldn’t bring himself to pretend he wasn’t involved.
  
  ‘Especially after seeing the casualties.’
  
  Since he was mindful of not interfering in the affairs of another country, he quietly watched as Nina, the lord, and Aynst, the Knight Captain, discussed and decided on matters like the nighttime alert level.
  
  “…Wouldn’t this put too much strain on the scouts?”
  “Of course, we can’t maintain that kind of system all the time. It would be irrational.”
  
  It was clear that if they tried to force it, fatigue would build up, weaknesses would emerge, and the system would become a mere formality. Therefore, strict security measures like this were implemented for a fixed period, depending on the situation.
  
  “At least until the Clawsolas that went to Dimer to put out the fire return, we’ll have to ask them to do their best. It would be extremely troublesome if the enemy Clawsolas were to infiltrate the city… Last night was the worst.”
  
  Aynst glanced at Claude, seeking his agreement, so he nodded with a slightly bitter expression.
  
  “That’s true. They can directly target the castle from the main street with magic attacks, and if that happens, the defending Clawsolas can’t easily dodge. Moreover, considering the potential damage to the surroundings, we can’t even fire back.”
  
  “Ugh, I was planning to prevent them from entering, but… This is the reality. You can laugh if you want.”
  
  Nina slumped over her desk, muttering self-deprecating words. Claude wondered what to do, but then she suddenly sat up and looked at him with a sharp gaze.
  
  “I want to ask you for a favor. It’s not a bad deal for you, Claude-dono.”
  “That tone makes it sound dubious, but I’ll at least hear you out.”
  
  “Aynst… Have the guards in the hallway withdraw. You’ll be in charge of security.”
  “Understood.”
  
  Zephyrus’s Knight Captain nodded briefly and left the room. After a moment, Claude heard him giving instructions to the two guards outside the door. Then, Nina began to speak.
  
  “Why don’t you try developing your own Clawsolas in the Lizel Knight Kingdom?”
  
  Claude felt Raizes shift slightly behind him, but he didn’t jump at the offer, which was exactly what he had hoped for. Instead, he focused on confirming what needed to be clarified.
  
  “Since you call it a deal, it means there’s a price. What are you planning?”
  
  “I think that since the covert attack failed, there’s a chance the enemy will come out into the open. I want to reinforce your country’s military strength and ask for your help when the time comes.”
  
  If you think about it simply, it would be quicker to strengthen your own forces. When Claude pointed this out, Nina’s expression became weary.
  
  “I’m being watched by the Imperial Faction nobles in the imperial capital. If I try to increase the number of Clawsolas I have, who knows what they’ll say… But if it’s another country, they can’t interfere.”
  
  “That’s a tough situation. So, you’re planning to do us a favor and then use us?”
  “I won’t deny it. That’s right.”
  
  She spoke frankly, but this deal would involve the upfront provision of technology and related materials. If Lizel were to break the agreement, they would suffer a pure loss.
  
  Therefore, judging that they had a certain level of trust in him, Claude decided to press the point.
  
  “Depending on the circumstances… We may prioritize our own national interests. Is that okay?”
  
  “You’ve helped us out of a tight spot once before. Besides, I can’t trust a king who ignores his national interests. I’d rather you be honest with me.”
  
  Her smile seemed genuine, filled with a sense of camaraderie towards a fellow Rare Human. Yet, there was something unsettling about it.
  
  ‘I need to make sure I don’t get too influenced.’
  
  As the future king, he couldn’t give special treatment to the Rare Humans and their descendants living in Lizel. He reminded himself to maintain a neutral stance as he turned to Raizes.
  
  “A deal for development support and a guarantee of reinforcements. Should we accept it or not… Tell me your opinion.”
  
  “A domestically produced Clawsolas is our long-cherished dream. However, if our nation faces a crisis and we cannot rush to Zephyrus’s aid when they are in danger, it would be a disgrace for generations to come…”
  
  A samurai may be poor, but he never forgets his pride. It was both admirable and frustrating that he valued righteousness so highly.
  
  ‘So, he’s warning me that if we accept their support, we absolutely must repay their kindness…’
  
  The Knight Captain and Chief Magician back home would probably have similar opinions. Even Izana, with her old-fashioned values, seemed likely to agree.
  
  Thinking calmly, after hearing Nina’s Earth theory about the former Holy Lowell Empire, it now only seemed like the Holy Roman Empire to him… Given the history of the Lizel Knight Kingdom, which gained independence due to disgust with the corruption of the empire, it might actually be a nation of troublesome and stubborn people.