Translation You Must not Die

9: Even During War, Death Only Falls Unreasonably and Unfairly

ā€œThe crown prince of Elda…?ā€

ā€œThatā€™s right. After signing the peace treaty, they wanted to display an amicable relationship to the other countries. We were on the verge of defeat, and had the war continued, weā€™d have surely lost. The power dynamic doesnā€™t allow us to refuse.ā€

The crown prince of Elda visited us.

Despite the peace treaty, Elda was still a former enemy country. To make matters worse, the war was started by our side.

ā€”Isnā€™t the future king being reckless coming to visit us?

Elda had other princes, and even quasi-royalty.

ā€œAs our side failed to acquire Eldaā€™s magic ore, signing the peace treaty is only natural. After all, we donā€™t know when Cleil will attack and steal our territory.ā€

In fact, that was whole reason Paides set its eyes on Eldaā€™s magic ore mines.

Although, as we all knew, it ended in a disaster.

Thankfully, Elda had both common sense and a conscience, otherwise Paides wouldā€™ve been finished.

Hopefully, the royal family of Paides had self-awareness.

Paides had always ridiculed Elda for being a small country with a short history.

ā€œ…Well, it didnā€™t end there.ā€

Eric, whoā€™d been lightly carrying the conversation, suddenly hesitated.

ā€œWhatā€™s the matter?ā€

Eric fell silent. Only at my urging did he finally speak.

ā€œIt seems that they want to visit the Lowenberg territory as well.ā€

I involuntarily clenched my fist.

What am I getting nervous for…?

Wasnā€™t it normal for the victorious country to visit the place where the damage was the heaviest? I shouldnā€™t be offended, he wasnā€™t the one who murder my parents, after all. No, even if he had, who was I to blame him?

Our country, Paides, started the war. In war, killing was inevitable. In war, casualties were to be expected.

ā€”this is inevitable.

ā€œI understand. Iā€™ll see to the people. Some of them may harbor resentment after losing their loved ones, which could lead to trouble.ā€

The spark of war could always be reignited. We were in a critical period right now. I had to move carefully.

ā€œWhat about you? Will you be alright? You lost your parents, too. Unlike me, you went to the battlefield. Surely, nothing could compare to what you witnessed there.ā€

ā€œSo what? You and I both survived the war. We equally share the pain. I canā€™t just blame them for it. Regardless of how many lives were lost, Paides was the one who incited it. Therefore, we have no right to hate or blame Elda.ā€

ā€œā€”No one wanted war!ā€

Eric voiced his frustration.

ā€œIā€™m sure none of us did, and especially not you, Iris…ā€

ā€œIf Paides had won the war, we and the people would have reaped the spoils from them. In that case, would you still say we didnā€™t care, or that we didnā€™t want it?ā€

ā€œI can. Iā€™m not selfish enough to not appreciate the peace given to us by those who fought in the war. But Iris, youā€™re using the war and Paidesā€™ position to suppress your own hatred!ā€

Ericā€™s gaze pierced me. That gazeā€”it was the very same look my beloved family used to give me. I used to love it, but now I couldnā€™t stand it.

ā€œThen, are you saying that I should hate them? What would that achieve? I cannot regain what I lost.ā€

ā€”Why am I the only one who survived?

Why couldnā€™t they kill me as well?

If I have to live with such twisted feelings until I die, then I shouldnā€™t have survived.


***T/N: At this rate I prefer to have no romance in this story hehe

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