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-Highland Castle, Grand Meeting Room.
“What is the meaning of this?! Why is the Demon Lord army attacking us first?!”
The Highland Prince was stomping the ground with an angered tone.
Is that…his way of killing his anxiety?
Everyone here had a similar expression.
Everyone is stiffened from the tension.
Receiving a notice of the Demon Lord army’s advance, the Heroes, Oracles, royalty, and nobles from the countries gathered once more.
However, we can’t have Furiae-san be caught in trouble again, so we had her stay at the inn.
Sa-san and Lucy are there with her, so they should be safe.
The worry would be the actions of Oracle Esther, but it seems like she doesn’t have interest in me.
“Esther-san, let me confirm.” (Noel)
“Yes, Noel-sama, what is it?” (Esther)
The nervous voice of Noel resonated.
“The Great Demon Lord hasn’t resurrected yet. Correct?” (Noel)
“There’s no doubt about that. There’s still time before the resurrection of the Great Demon Lord. Their advance this time must be their impatience.” (Esther)
The voice of Oracle Esther was calm as always.
“…I don’t understand. Why are they getting impatient?”
The Great Sage-sama who was absent in the meeting of before was making a displeased expression.
“Who knows. There’s no knowing what the lowly demons are thinking. But this is a chance. The Demon Lord army this time around is dispersing its forces. The Dragon King Astaroth isn’t participating after all.” (Esther)
Oracle Esther was making a composed face.
As if saying the approach of the Demon Lord army isn’t a big deal.
“Dragon King, huh… It is true that it is favorable that it is not present. If that were to get serious, a nation could be destroyed in a night.”
The mutter of the Great Sage-sama made the air in the meeting room even heavier.
“The strongest Demon Lord Astaroth that’s said even the Savior Abel-sama couldn’t defeat…?” (Tariska)
General Tariska says with a serious tone.
“There’s some who said that Astaroth was as strong as the Great Demon Lord… I would have to say that’s an exaggerated story though.”
The one who said that with a joking tone was one of the Five Sacred Nobles.
“Well, that guy is not going to be joining the Demon Lord army this time around. More importantly, is there no good plan against the Beast King and the Sea Monster King?!”
A different Five Sacred Noble complained to the people around with a cracked voice.
“I will be talking about that.” (Esther)
The one who spoke up was Oracle Esther.
…Aren’t the Highland people going to be taking command?
“Esther-dono who couldn’t predict the future of the Demon Lord army’s advance this time?”
The First Prince of Highland provoked Esther with an ill natured tone.
“Prince Gaius, I did see this happening. I simply kept the amount of people I told this to to a minimum in order to reduce unnecessary chaos. I have told the Highland King, the Pope, Great Sage-sama, Princess Noel, and the General of the Sun Knights.” (Esther)
Heeh…that’s why she is so calm.
“Tch. So I wasn’t even worth telling?”
The prince spits those words out with bitterness, and clicks his tongue.
Oracle Esther responded with a smile.
How bold.
“I could predict the advance of the Demon Lord army. Moreover, the Great Demon Lord isn’t among them. Of course, since it hasn’t resurrected. That’s why we should be seeing this as a chance instead to bring down a part of the 3 Demon Lords. I have a grasp of the Demon Lord army’s movements with my Destiny Magic: Clairvoyance. With that as a guide, I would like General Yuwein of the Sun Knights, and General Tariska of the Fire Country to draft a plan.” (Esther)
The people in the meeting room went ‘Oooh’ at the words of Esther.
It is true that a plan made with the assistance of clairvoyance is certainly reliable.
“Now then, I would like General Yuwein to be the one explaining that plan, but first…” (Esther)
Oracle Esther looks at Princess Noel.
“Noel-sama, I will propose this. Please take the Trial of the Holy Maiden at once. If it is your current self, I am sure you will be able to become a Holy Maiden.” (Esther)
“But…I can’t be leaving the capital in a situation like this… Also, I took the trial half a year ago, but I didn’t manage to obtain the oracle of the Sun Goddess.” (Noel)
The sudden statement of Oracle Esther had words I wasn’t familiar with.
“Sofia, what is this ‘Trial of the Holy Maiden’ they are talking about?” (Makoto)
I whisper this question to Princess Sofia at my side.
“You know about the Holy Maiden Anna-sama, who was one of the comrades of Savior Abel 1,000 years ago, right? Anna-sama, who was originally the Sun Oracle, passed the trial of the Sun Goddess, became a Holy Maiden, and helped Savior Abel. Princess Noel has taken that trial several times, but…” (Sofia)
“So she hasn’t cleared it yet.” (Makoto)
Princess Sofia nods lightly.
Princess Noel is the next to the throne of Highland, and also the center of the Goddess Church.
She most likely has an amount of work on the same level as Princess Sofia, or even more than that. And yet, she is even constantly being made to take that trial…?
“Can’t the other Oracles do it as well?” (Makoto)
Instead of the busy Princess Noel, can’t they have Esther do it?
“The Holy Maiden-sama must get together with the Light Hero, you know?” (Sofia)
Princess Sofia shook her head to the sides.
(Aah…then that’s no good.) (Makoto)
The partner of the Light Hero, Sakurai-kun, has been decided to be Princess Noel.
While we were having that conversation, it moved to the next topic.
Looks like the topic about the Trial of the Holy Maiden has been postponed.
“Now then, we will be telling you the compositions of the Alliance Army that will be facing the Demon Lord Army.” (Yuwein)
A low pitch tone that travels well resonates in the meeting room.
The owner of that voice is the General of the Highland Army, Yuwein Bladnoch.
“First, the Light Hero Sakurai-sama and the Great Sage-sama will be heading to the Beck Coast at the north of the Commercial Country of Camelon. The Beast King and the main force of the enemy must be there.” (Yuwein)
General Yuwein reads out the composition.
Important information suddenly began flying out.
I was thinking I should listen properly to this, but someone tapped my shoulder from the side.
“The plan will be briefed with Highland being first, Great Keith next, and Rozes will most likely be last.” (Sofia)
Princess Sofia whispered in my ear.
Looks like Rozes is being treated as an extra since they have the lowest military power.
Then my name is going to be called last, huh.
“Wait wait! Why is there a need for the Light Hero-dono to come out first?! Wouldn’t it be better to have the Hero-dono stay at the capital, and have a forerunning unit weaken the Demon Lord’s power?!”
The one making noise again is the First Prince of Highland.
It is an action that stops the meeting, but…
(Isn’t that a pretty decent opinion?) (Makoto)
I agreed with the opinion of the prince.
Isn’t it dangerous to suddenly use your trump card, the Light Hero, so suddenly?
“It is because the enemy is also thinking the same, Prince Gaius. They wouldn’t expect the Savior’s reincarnation, the Light Hero Sakurai-sama, to be the first on the battlefield. Also, the Demon Lord Zagan that’s normally deep in the Demonic Continent will be brazenly coming out. We can’t let this chance pass by, right?” (Esther)
The one who answered was Oracle Esther.
“…But there’s no assurance that the Demon Lord will be there.”
“It definitely will be. I could clearly see it with my Clairvoyance.” (Esther)
“But the Light Hero-dono doesn’t have to be the first one…”
“Your average warrior will only increase the momentum of the enemy. Also, if the Demon Lord is injured, they will immediately shut themselves in the Demonic Continent. According to my Clairvoyance, our chance is now.” (Esther)
“…”
The prince had been defeated in the argument.
When you bring the clairvoyance card, it is pointless to even try to dispute it.
“Nothing else then? Okay, next…” (Yuwein)
General Yuwein once again gives his briefing about the composition of the army.
After a while, a voice rang within the audience.
“A question, General. We understand now that the Beast King Zagan’s army is coming from Camelon. So, who is going to be dealing with the Sea Monster King, Forneus?”
The one who said this was the Lightning Hero, Geralt Valentine.
(It is completely different from his usual hoodlum tone!) (Makoto)
He should be like this more often.
“Leave the place that the Sea King Forneus is coming from to me. If it is a water element Demon Lord, my Lightning Sword will work. I will mince it real good!” (Geralt)
Ah, he returned to the usual Gera-san.
“Oi, boy, have you already forgotten that you lost to the Spirit User-kun? You got defeated by water magic.”
“Shut up. I have grown since then. I won’t lose anymore, old hag! Guhah!” (Geralt)
The one who called Gera-san ‘boy’ was the Great Sage-sama.
And Gera-san got kicked by the Great Sage-sama.
That side alone is like a comedy routine.
Also, because Great Sage-sama said Spirit User-kun, gazes slightly gathered on me.
“Geralt-sama, the Sea Monster King Forneus can’t be defeated in this time’s war.” (Esther)
The one who entered that comedy routine was -once again- Oracle Esther.
“Huh? Why?!” (Geralt)
Gera-san is howling.
Shouldn’t you get up first?
You are still on the ground from that kick, you know?
“Forneus isn’t going to be invading the Western Continent seriously. The subordinates of Forneus will be attacking the settlements around the coasts, and will be leaving into the sea after that. I didn’t see it land and invade deeply.” (Esther)
“In other words, it is a diversion.” (Yuwein)
General Yuwein took over after the words of Esther.
“Their aim is most likely to avoid the six country Alliance from acting as one. According to the clairvoyance of Esther-sama, only the monsters under the command of Forneus will be showing up in a number of the coast settlements of the continent.” (Yuwein)
“We will have Geralt-sama go to the place that has the highest chance for Forneus to be present. Is that okay with you?” (Esther)
“…Got it.” (Geralt)
Gera-san nodded displeased at the words of Esther.
The briefing for the composition of the army continued.
“Glacial Hero, Prince Leonard, will be going together with the Wood Country army…” (Yuwein)
Oh, Prince Leonard is going to go together with the Wood Country.
With Maximilian-san there, there’s no need to worry.
“That’s all… Any questions?” (Yuwein)
General Yuwein folded the paper he was reading.
Eh?
“P-Please wait! There’s one other Hero in the Water Country!” (Sofia)
Princess Sofia raised her voice in a hurry.
“Fool. As if we would give a role to an Evil God Apostle. There’s no knowing when our backs will be stabbed.”
The one glaring over here is the Pope.
“…In my opinion, this isn’t the time to be reserving our forces though.” (Yuwein)
General Yuwein was showing slight favor on my side.
“General-dono, are you stating your opinion towards the Pope?!”
“…I spoke out of line there.” (Yuwein)
He pulled back.
The Pope is the number two most influential person in the Sun Country.
It can’t be helped.
The one that is higher than him is…
“Sofia, is the Highland King not present?” (Makoto)
I asked what has been bothering me for a while now.
The most influential person in the Sun Country, the Highland King, doesn’t show himself often.
“The Highland King is…not feeling well. He most likely won’t be showing up…” (Sofia)
Maybe there’s some circumstances behind it?
Looks like we can’t rely on him.
At this rate, it doesn’t seem like I will have a turn in this war.
(…Thinking about it, isn’t this lucky?) (Makoto)
I can avoid going to a dangerous battlefield.
“His Holiness, he is a Hero of Rozes too. It is a waste to keep war potential out. Let’s have him protect a random remote area. There will be many monsters in several locations for diversion anyways. He would be of use in clearing away the small fries.” (Esther)
Oracle Esther gave her opinion to the Pope.
No no, there’s no way an Oracle from a foreign country would be heard…
“…Can’t be helped.”
Oi oi, the Pope-sama actually listened.
Looks like I will be sent to the battlefield in the end.
“Then, the place the Rozes Hero-dono will be sent to is…”
The name of the place I was told was a name I haven’t heard of before.
Well, it is apparently a remote place after all.
I should ask Princess Sofia and Lucy about it later.
In this way, the long meeting finished.
◇◇
Princess Sofia and Princess Noel seem to have something to talk about, so they remained in the Highland Castle.
I returned to the inn and spoke to my comrades about the plans from now on.
“Cornet? We are going to that place then?! Got it!” (Aya)
Sa-san was the first one to respond with good energy.
Looks like it was peaceful and she had nothing to do in the time she was staying at the inn.
“Cornet, you say…” (Lucy)
It seemed like something bothered Lucy, she tilted her head and looked at Furiae-san.
Furiae-san crossed her arms and was making a displeased expression since hearing what I said.
“Princess? What’s the matter?” (Makoto)
There was no response from Furiae-san.
“Makoto, Cornet is not the name of a place… 1,000 years ago, in the Moon Country of Laphroaig, there was a metropolis by the name of Cornet which was the most prosperous. But that place is now…” (Lucy)
Lucy was the one who answered instead.
But she couldn’t say it till the end, and cut it vague.
“Right. It is as Mage-san says. Cornet isn’t a city; it is ruins that are nothing but rubble.” (Furiae)
Furiae-san spoke this heavily.
“The fallen metropolis of Cornet…was the place where I was raised.” (Furiae)
I finish the emergency treatment of Wolfe and return to My Lord. My Lord was…
A gust of wind rose. Raum spread its 8 wings wide. The light of the…
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Previous Chapter l Next Chapter No matter how many times I see that figure of…
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View Comments
And then the Pope plans got ruined and the only one that could possibly save the day is Makoto. Athena descends and strips the Pope of his position.
Now I want to know if my destiny magic is real.
I sure do hope that would happens. With a little seasoning of Althena facing Makoto and thanked him directly in front of everyone
Oh... the scene will be better than what you're imagining. LOL. Look forward to it.
I've read ahead but don't want to spoil so I'll only say this... look forward to Athena's descent at a certain point in the story. It is quite a scene...
I'm hoping Althena descends so she can give a Divine Bitch Slap to Ira.
Thanks for the double chapters.
Sooo... that Dragon King Astaroth... what are the chances they'll turn out to be a dragon loli?
Sounds like Ira places too much importance on her visions. It sounds like she believes they are 100% correct all the time despite the fact that she knows that there are people that can change destiny like Furi and Makoto since they are outside the world's fate and others like the Snake Church can even block her prophecies so she knows nothing.
She says that Forneus won't make landfall anywhere but there's probably a 99.9% chance he will and it'll turn out to be exactly where Makoto is assigned to and Makoto will end up killing Forneus despite Ira saying he won't die. Thus making her prophecies all false.
Anyways it's a dick move from Ira to assign Makoto and his party which includes Furi to go to Cornet to "protect" it after the Holy Gods' forces were the ones who destroyed it. Especially since Furi was raised there before Highland came along and razed the place again just to capture her. Also I'm expecting the shitty Pope to send people to try to assassinate Makoto. He might even go personally to witness it which I'm kinda hoping he does just so he can get killed by Forneus when he shows up in Cornet. I'm sure Ira didn't assign Makoto there as a trap to eliminate him but because she revealed his identity she painted a target on his back. There wasn't even a reason for her to have done it in the first place. Her entire goal for being here was to try to get Furi captured and imprisoned because she claims that she will kill Sakurai but let's be honest, it's all because of her bias and hate for Naia and her Oracle that made her draw the conclusion that Furi must be the culprit in her vision of Sakurai being stabbed. Makoto being Noah's Apostle has nothing to do with that and multiple Goddesses are vouching for him including Althena surprisingly. Also Ira doesn't even see him as a threat so it makes even less sense for her to reveal his identity to everyone.
Yeah why reveal Makoto 🤔🤔
Sorry but that was too much BS even for this story. Why are the other goddess allowing Destiny Goddess to interfere directly like this? Why is her word suddenly taken over the word of the Sun oracle? Since when was Camelot in charge of Highland? If anything it is obvious that this b!tch is either trying to use the demons to decimate Highland while using the Alliance forces to protect her country, making it the most powerful county in order to usurp Athena or she is just working with the Demon Lord plain and simple. Where was her clairvoyance when the other countries were in trouble? This is the first chapter in the story I didn't really like.
Thanks for the translation anyway! Great light novel so far except for this latest chapter.
Well we've had this theory that Alex is somehow being used to hide Ira's divinity so that all the other Goddesses aren't aware that Ira has descended and is directly interfering with the human world despite it being against the rules. Everybody else just thinks Esther is the one in control of her body and they're letting her take charge over Highland because everybody places so much importance in clairvoyance especially the Destiny Oracle's clairvoyance. Ira for her part seems to place too much importance on her visions. And this is despite how she should know that the Snake Church can hide stuff from her clairvoyance like what happened with Great Keith and the comet recently. In other words Ira is just a dumbass and has no ulterior motives of trying to usurp rule from the other Goddesses or work with the demons.
You could say Ira is more so bending the rule rather than breaking it. She isn't using Goddess power directly in the world. Her actions are within the confines of what her human host is capable.
As for why The Pope (who follows Athena) is listening to that particular "Oracle", well there is a good reason for that but I'd have to drop serious spoilers to explain, and I don't plan to do so.
Well, I think it a trap make by demon side by using Esther's ability. Either that or I thinking too much
At lasttt
Furiae arc
The ship's departure is near
But... which ship? That port seems to be a bit chaotic.
Ticket for SS Sakurai for me, please.
Thanks for the chapter!
My prediction: Furiae takes *and passes* the Trial of the Holy Maiden.
Nah nah. Clearly Makoto will be the one to pass the Trial of the Holy Maiden.
>.>
<.<
Since Makoto has RPG skill, its effect was way higher than the oracle skill.
What i mean is, i presume it will kick a FLAG that a big shot will be coming over there at Cornet because no one has been able to predict of an enemy coming there.
Since Makoto and the party are placed there out of ill will (so they will not having a chance of a real merit, achievements or glory), im feeling that a greater demon lord will be over there, but, this arc also entails the past of Furi-san, and various mysteries over moon god will be revealed, and why it is called an outsider...
Also, i hope some flying kick will be shot at Makoto from Furi this time also.
I want some details over her pantsu.
Previous chapter mention only black color...
I need more details, like "was it had a lace?"
Firstly, thank you Reigokai for your great work.
And secondly... the story is all over the place lately, and author's decisions might make me quit this novel, really! Why? Furiae and Noel were fighting for Sakurai, so the Furiae flag is still pretty much real even if she was going to say something regarding to Makoto, and this will make this novel a piece of shit. Firstly Makoto will be an underdog to Sakurai, Sofia is under Noel. Secondly Makoto is Furiae's knight, and Furiae would be Sakurai's girlfriend/wife/concubine. So the MC is this kind of character... It starting to look awful, really. At least for me. Thirdly, Furiae loving Sakurai (he can't even have a word in front of the Sun Country's nobles and royalty and does as they please - he's a simp) while Makoto saves her, cures her depression and most likely will reestablish the Moon Country from ground up! When you think about it... it's not only stupid... It's idiotic... So Furiae becomes a shitty character! Loving one character (with no spine) while another solves all your possible problems... Well that's a THOT, no?
I don't think(HOPE) the author will not go this route, cuz is kinda dumb... His intentions are not visible and the story isn't on a settled course and is too fuzzy in some regards, why does Noel keep failing that Oracle test? She doesn't want to be with Sakurai or something? As said, the story is all over the place! And it's becoming fuzzier and fuzzier, and might as well drop it at some point... Not only because of the fuzzy story, but because he make `great` friends for Makoto like Sakurai and ideal characters like Furiae...
You aren't bothered by Makoto having so many girls (some forcing themselves upon him, but some he actually likes).
You aren't bothered by Sakurai having way too many girls (some forced on him, but some he actually likes).
Now Furiae developing some variable degree of feelings for 2 men... Now you're bothered?
That's a shitty double standard you have there and it isn't rational at all. Her reactions make perfect sense given everything. Human emotions can get complicated and messy at times. But you seem to be seeing love as some transactional thing instead. Bro are you even human? Haven't you even felt... feelings?
When the grandstander comes by, you just ignore em.... because you point to one thing, and he just brings up anything in order you show that you're 'biased'... But can't prove your argument wrong... Too bad I can't ignore grandstanders like you....
If anything, I don't like it when a person's emotions are totally predictable as far as harems go. They're fine and can be done well, but it's too often just an empty excuse to start an attraction that exists for it's own sake after that.
I'd say we should wait as the author's plan unfolds before drawing any conclusions. Furiae wavering between Makoto and Sakurai makes sense when taking into account what happened between them. Sakurai was the first person who wasn't charmed by her and showed her kindness, while Makoto did the same and pretty much promised to be by her side since both of them were enemies of the world. While I'm almost certain that the end game is Makoto x Furiae (too many things work in their favor compared to the Sakurai x Furiae pairing), I find it interesting and fresh to see a girl wavering between two love interests in a harem series. I'm hoping for a Furiae POV chapter soon to see her thoughts on the matter.
In regards to Sakurai, I think you should cut him some slack. The guy was a normal high school student who was suddenly thrust into another world, had the titles and responsibilites of savior and future king placed on him before he had time to adjust and has to deal with political maneuvering and intrigue even an adult would have trouble with on a daily basis. There's not much else he could have done in his current situation.
@alkaid1000, I would have given him/Sakurai some slack. In fact I did for about few dozens chapters until Makoto started to grow unexpectedly! A few chapters ago he said something really really akin to growth to a `certain` princess! So the characters can grow, in fact the author pointed that out when he wrote this! Sakurai as a character is hated by me... Those who get it, do. But the author seems to make him even more unlikable by the chapter...
As for those who question my evaluation of Sakurai and Furiae, get a life! If you would be in Furiae's place, would you pick Sakurai considering what he did(in fact he didn't do anything, he just follows what the nobles say to him, and even accepts that he must make babies and doesn't do anything to see them, and remember he didn't do actually anything worthwhile compared to Makoto...)? Really? Would you, if you were in Furiae's place, pick that kind of guy? And after that compare him to Makoto, and what Makoto did for Furiae! And some grandstander comes to say that love isn't something transactional... Okay, if you say that, then why do we do things(and good ones) for our loved ones? And why don't we just make our loved ones suffer in order show our love? And what's the point of chivalry?
If Sakurai as author makes him to be isn't a bad character, I don't know what is...
This is my point of view, and if you don't have pertinent arguments, stop posting, because I won't read them. I come to the comment section for a few pertinent opinions. But there are 2-3 grandstanders and whenever I see their posts, i scroll over them without reading a word. Why? Because they claim to be all-knowing and say that I'm wrong in my replies to me. I respect their opinions but I won't read them. But if they read my replies, they want me to change my opinion, and I won't without someone explaining a good point, like @alkaid1000. And I get his point, but I won't follow it because of what I said up there.
You keep calling people grandstanders as if that's a magical word that invalidates their opinions and validates yours. Not really. That's just ad hominem and personal attacks that divert away from the argument. Grandstanding means someone is showing off for attention, which doesn't indicate anything on an argument's validity and really just boils down to a petty low-key insult.
Don't like Sakurai? Sure. Everyone is free to like or dislike characters and how they develop. That's neither an objective nor universal sentiment though. Clearly, plenty of people do like or at least are indifferent to him. Don't go talking down to people for disagreeing with you and acting like you're seeing some absolute truth in the same breath.
For all your "let's agree to disagree" statements, your tone is clearly "you're wrong and I'm wise because I'm soullessly cynical". You're acting like you're above it all after starting an argument by insulting people who disagree with you. If you want to be above it all, then don't hostilely respond to disagreement in the first place-ideally not at all if you don't want to start anything.
Now regarding this topic, I would personally say that love is not wholly transactional, even if a healthy relationship is based on an equal give and take. People do good things for and take care of their loved ones, but it's not conditional on receiving something of equal value in return. That's what "not transactional" means.
Furiae can be attracted to whoever she feels compelled to be, and while it would be among the people who treat her with genuine kindness, she's certainly not going to decide that based on who's doing the "most" for her like some machine. In fact, she'll barely decide at all because that's how emotions work. If she decides anything, it'd more be a matter of loyalty and respect.
If you're going to drop it, then just shut up and drop it without a word. Otherwise you're just bumming everyone else out.
I can't really understand your points or even some of what you say. Like, I really doubt Noel is failing the trial on purpose, and there is zero indication that it's something she doesn't want.
And what's wrong with Furiae? She's gotten closer to Sakurai and Takatsuki's group than anyone else in her life. It's a bit ambiguous what her feelings are, but emotions are complex things and the woman herself might not get it. I'm Sakurai ship myself, but I also like her relationship with Takatsuki that's gradually pulling her towards something happy.
As for romance because of that...why? Why the name calling just because she doesn't reward someone treating her well with love? Why is she obligated to do that instead of just liking whoever she does? Their relationship is close, and that should be good enough.
You talk about fuzzy stories and bad characters, but a story's trajectory not being clear isn't a sign of good or bad writing. It's just open-ended and a mystery. And a character not doing what you personally want is less an indication of their quality as a character than it is of you putting flawed expectations on them.
I'd like to add one more thing about Sakurai. While growing as a character is important, for Sakurai, that's not enough. In-depth knowledge about ruling and experience dealing with duplicitous politicians is vital when navigating the treacherous waters of a hostile royal court. The way I see it, the nearly two years Sakurai has spent so far in this world isn't time enough to amass that vital knowledge. I might agree with your view if he acts the same way in, let's say, ten years after the war with the demons has concluded. However, right now, it's unfair to compare him to Makoto, who has never dealt with such circumstances. Even as a future member of Rozes' royal family or even as the possible King of Laphroaig should he marry Furiae, Makoto still won't be facing the same degree of difficulty as Sakurai since Rozes' royal court isn't nearly as bad as Highland's (no five great noble familes, no hostile siblings and no church with authority second only to the king's) and Laphroaig's denizens will be more interested in rebuilding their country rather than indulging in power plays. But I digress. For me, Sakurai has been portrayed pretty well by the author as a likeable youth who's shouldering many things he can barely bear. If you find his character lacking, that's fine. Agree to disagree.
The fact that this plan relies entirely on her divination worries me, I feel like this is a trap and the enemy is moving intentionally to bait the divination. I also smell trouble at the ruins, either a trap/ambush by the pope/nobles or something unexpected from the demons and/or half demons... their not gonna give him orders to kill the people there like they did Sakurai right?