The refugees from Coda Village had scattered to various villages and towns to find work to fill their mouths. In the case of the Village Chief, he took a job as a temporarily hired farmer at a manor on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital. The owner of the manor had known him for a long time and considered him a friend. Therefore, even though he was a temporary hire, he wasn’t treated that badly.
The job description involves the Demi-Human slaves who works in the fields. He would get up when the sun rises, put the powerful but mild-mannered Demi-Humans to work, and finish in the evening. Then, when the sun goes down, his friend would invite him to enjoy a few cheap, muddy drinks and idle chit chat, before returning to his bed of piled straw at midnight, when it’s completely dark. Income was low and would soon be gone after using them to feed himself and his family and other expenses. Naturally, it was difficult to save money with such wages. Still, he considered himself happy that his family had enough to eat. His mind wasn’t filled with youthful thoughts as to think about regaining his lost house and farm.
Living in a manor with almost no human traffic, they would naturally be in a closed environment. Information from the outside world rarely flows in. For this reason, he couldn’t hear any rumors from the outside, about what was happening in the Empire and how the other refugees from Coda Village were living their lives.
The Village Chief had some vague ideas. The other refugees probably aren’t as fortunate as he is, so they were probably living a harsh life. After all, most of the residents of Coda Village were just farmers and artisans you can find anywhere. Unless they have special skills or talents, they would have to live in a life of poverty, earning chump change as wages, a life worse than slavery. He wishes everyone is doing well. However, for him he could only earn enough for his family’s livelihood, wishing for their well-being is all he could do for them.
Such a man, through a coincidence, heard the rumor that the Flame Dragon had been slain. The owner of the manor had gone to a town called Morrison with his wagons in order to ship the harvested crops. At that time, attracted by the scent of wine, he stopped by the taverna, where he heard a minstrel recite a poem. It was a poem in praise of “an old magician’s disciple, Lelei and her comrades”, who had slain the Flame Dragon.
[You’re able to return to your village. Isn’t that great?]
As the owner of the manor clapped him on his shoulder, delighted for his friend’s good fortune, the Village Chief immediately began to prepare for his trip. However, he wasn’t happy about this at all. After all, returning to Coda Village doesn’t necessarily mean that he can immediately get the life he had back then. With people’s absence, the fields would definitely be in ruins, and he doesn’t even know what has happened to the houses. How many years and how much money would need to be spent to restore life to the way it was before? Just thinking about it makes him depressed.
However, once the Flame Dragon was exterminated, it was necessary to see what had happened to Coda Village. He must then assess the situation and formulate a plan for the future. That is his duties as Coda’s Village Chief.
Fortunately, the manor was now in its off-season and he wasn’t busy with his work. After entrusting his family to the owner of the manor, the Village Chief pulled out his wagon and departed for Coda Village. Along his trip, the Village Chief would stop by the villages and towns as he saw them. The main reason for this was to obtain news of the refugees from Coda Village, and to confirm the authenticity of the rumors that the Flame Dragon had been slain.
Soon however, he was astonished.
Most of the villages and towns he stopped by had lost all signs of life. Here and there lay the bodies of residents who had been slashed or hit by arrows, and smoke was rising from houses that had caught fire. Were they attacked by bandits? But even if that’s so, there was no one left alive. An uninhabited village is nothing more than a ruin, so they would end up not having crops to take and no money to be made. The act of slaughtering isn’t something a bandit by profession would ever do. However, in the next village, and even the town next to that, the scene remained the same.
And even in the next one……
[Even here……]
He found another ruin. Seeing a scene of carnage where Goblins were swarming and attacking people, he sighed. Looking around, he saw Kobolds and Orcs as well. They would normally carry only rusty weapons or broken armor pilfered from battlefields, but for some reason, they were all armed with brand-new armor, swords and spears. In an alleyway, a large black Monster Dog was devouring the corpse of a child, and seeing such a scene, he couldn’t help but turn away as pieces of blood and flesh splattered and stained the area. There were slender Shapeshifters with javelins in their hands, beings rarely seen in these areas. These women, whose ancestors were coyotes, were rousing the surviving old men, women and children to a run, as if to torment them.
Watching this scene, the Village Chief was frozen in place. The villages and towns he had passed through so far were in ruins, with the scars of the storm still visible. However, this place was still in the middle of that storm.
It’s dangerous. He must run away now, turn back.
Alarm bells rang in the Village Chief’s head. However, his body would not listen to him. Cowering in fear, or perhaps, his body having forgotten how to move, he couldn’t even lift the reins. Eventually, an Imperial soldier entered his field of vision. Seeing this, the Village Chief felt relieved that the Imperial Soldiers had arrived. He thought that he might be saved if he called out to them and asked for their help.
[H- Help…….]
But then, he saw something he couldn’t believe. Something that shouldn’t be possible.
It’s the sight of Goblins and Orcs setting fires and robbing goods…… under the direction of the Humans. This wasn’t caused by Demi-Humans going berserk. This was the work of the Imperial army. The shock of learning this truth reminded the Village Chief’s body how to move. Quietly turning his horse’s head, he turned his wagon around so that he wouldn’t be seen. It was a good thing he was frozen in place earlier and didn’t call out to them, so no one had noticed his presence yet.
Gently…… Quietly…… It will be alright if he can quietly escape from this place.
Having this in mind, the Village Chief gripped the reins of his horse. But then, a girl and a boy came tumbling out of an alley and ran towards him, crying out loud.
[Village Chief! Village Chief! Please help us!]
[A- Aren’t you from Dogaran’s place!?]
The boy, though dirty and clad in rags, was a face the Village Chief is familiar with; he’s a child from Coda Village.
[Mom and Dad were—-!]
The boy’s voice, though one could feel his grief from it, eloquently conveyed the situation. At that same time however, the children’s voice alerted the surrounding monsters to their location. The black Monster Dog had their gazes at them, while the Shapeshifters were pointed towards them. The Commanders of the Imperial army, consisting of young noblemen Viscount Helm, Baron Mudra and Marquis Calasta, had also turned towards them.
[Calasta, over there. Left-overs……]
[Helm-dono, they have seen us. We can’t let them escape.]
The Chief shouted to the children.
[Get on quick! Let’s get out of here!]
With the children in the cart, the Village Chief shook the reins like a whip and had the cart started. The horse, which was powerful, but not suited to running fast, flinched and showed its displeasure. However, perhaps sensing the Village Chief’s sense of crisis through the reins, eventually accepted the idea of running as fast as it could. But after a while…… the sound of horses’ hooves could be heard from behind them and the rough breathing of the sprinting beasts could be heard. Little by little, bit by bit. Slowly, the distance between them came closer and closer. The Village Chief hurried his horse to escape from the presences behind them.
Eagerly…… Earnestly……
He must have been frightened by the pressure from behind them. The children on the back of the horse began to cry, hugging each other in fright. Seemingly getting irritated by the sound of the children crying, the Village Chief tried to get them to stop crying.
[It’s alright, don’t cry!]
With the sound of the wagon rattling at the speed they were running, they wouldn’t be able to hear him if he spoke normally, so he shouted at them. When the children saw the Village Chief forcing a smile on his face, the children somehow managed to stop crying.
[Even if I look like this now, I have been to war in my youth. I’m quite strong.]
Steering his horse, the Village Chief shouted at them to peel back the floorboards. Doing as they were told, the children examined the floorboards on the violently shaking cart. Thereupon, the third board from the front could be easily removed, where they found a sword underneath. Taking the sword from the children, as if to make himself look dependable, the Village Chief tried to flex with his skinny arm.
Kissing the hilt of his sword, he prayed.
[Oh Emroy-sama, God of War. My own fate doesn’t matter so long as these children are safe.]
The pressure that seemed to crush their souls was quickly closing in from behind them. The Village Chief turned around, where he saw a line of cavalrymen. No, it wasn’t a cavalry of humans, but centaurs. They were all wearing armor and dressed like bandits. In addition, a pack of black Monster Dogs followed together with them. In contrast, the Village Chief’s horse is just a farm horse. Moreover, it’s already panting heavily. Sweat dripping all over its body, the horse was already sticking out its tongue. It could collapse at any moment. However, as for what would happen if they were caught……
As the scene of the piece of meat being devoured by the black Monster Dog came back to his mind, the Village Chief became impatient, screaming and howling.
[Come on, you can do it! Please do your best!!!]
Spurring a horse to run until it dies, if one thinks about it, was quite an unreasonable abuse. If the horse could speak human language, it would have probably cursed at him for asking such a thing even after so many years of abuse it went through. However, this was for the sake of the lives of two children. He could only ask Emroy and ask for forgiveness. The Village Chief gripped the reins with a fierce heart, and even though he knew he was pushing it unreasonably, he whipped it running.
However, even though the horse was doing its best, the wagon can’t hold up to its speed. Even after it had been used for years, the old wagon was still being used. With the creaking of the wagon’s axle, the vibration increased in intensity. Even so, he couldn’t stop whipping the horse. It was a situation of whether the horse would collapse or the wagon would break first. Eventually, the horse finally reached its limits.
The horse, having run out of strength, suddenly fell over, breaking all four of its limbs. The cart overturned with the sudden change in momentum, breaking its axle and sending up a huge cloud of dust, knocking the Village Chief and the children to the ground. The Village Chief, his entire body stained with dirt, mud and oozing blood, ignored the intense pain that ran through every part of his body, and staggering to his feet, he shielded the children behind him and drew his rusty sword. Even as the old man had lost all hope and energy, he was surprised to see how much power he had left in his body.
[Oh Emroy-sama, my horse has done well, and I hope you take care of it. I will follow it next. However, please bless my old bones so that I may fight with everything of my being.]
The old man pointed the tip of his sword at the black Monster Dog, which was coming towards them with its fangs bared, and prayed. At that moment……
[Very well, I give you my blessings!]
At that moment, something like a gale rushed forth and suddenly chopped off the centaur’s head. A swarm of black Monster Dogs shot off and scattered all over the place, letting out screams resembling shrieks.
It was at this moment when God answered the Village Chief’s prayer.
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
Standing in the center of the uncovered high-mobility vehicle, Tuka had her arms outstretched wide and bathed in the wind. Catching the flowing wind with her whole body, she feels comfortable, as if she was flying in the air. Her hair, fluttering in the wind, glistened and shone golden in light. Behind Tuka, Rory is rummaging through their luggages. Peering into and pulling out the items that were loaded in the luggage carrier, she examined them and checked if they were weapons or equipment that could be used in preparation for the battle ahead. One of them is the 110mm Light Anti Armor Munition, LAM provided to their team. Spotting a box-shaped object that resembled a signboard in a shopping arcade, Rory curiously brought it out.
[What is this?]
[That’s a directional mine, a trap. It’s an excellent tool to take out enemies in one fell swoop.]
[What about this then?]
[It’s a flare. You launch it up at night and it lights up the area for a while.]
[Ahh. That one you used back in the Sea of Books inn huh.]
[The one I used then was a stun grenade. They should be stored over there.]
[There’s a lot of stuff here. This box should be containing food. I wonder what this container is? A medicine bag? ……Then, what’s this?]
[W- What the!? Why are those in there!?]
Seeing the box Rory took out, Itami was at a loss for words. He had never checked the contents of the first aid kit before, so he didn’t know what was inside.
[Itami-dono. If they’re in the Medicine bag, are they some sort of medicine?]
At Yao’s words, Itami was unable to find the words to respond. Certainly, those were things sold in pharmacies. Unable to get a clear answer from Itami, Rory proceeded to peel off the cellophane wrapping and opened the paper box. What came out of the box was a vacuum-sealed, rubber product that had been rolled up into a disk.
[Itami-dono. It appears you know how these things are used. If you don’t mind, could you tell us their purpose?]
Yao said with a smile that seemed to prod for an answer. The Dark Elf’s smile even seemed to reach her eyes, seemingly as if she asked this, knowing how awkward Itami feels to answer that. Itami could feel it, the situation he’s in isn’t good. If he were to explain the use of this rubber product, there was a big possibility that he would be asked why he had such a thing prepared. He could certainly say someone was just pranking him, but such an explanation wouldn’t be understood by the women here. If that’s so, could he say that these were prepared when the time comes? In that case, for whom were these prepared?
……Answering that way has a risk of bringing him to a corner, so he decided that she should never tell them the true use of this thing.
[T- Those are…… for covering the tip of your gun to keep sand and water from getting in the barrel!]
Itami said, showing a movement of putting the disk-like rubber packet over the muzzle of his Type-64 rifle. He isn’t technically telling a lie. During the Persian Gulf War, US generals did use this item for such a purpose when they went to the desert.
[I see. But I don’t understand why they were in the medicine bag.]
[Well, someone must have put them there by accident. No wonder I couldn’t find it, a, ha, ha, ha, ha.]
As Itami let out a despair-filled dry laugh, the “laugh of someone who’s about to get the death penalty”, It was Lelei, who was behind the wheel, who saved him.
[Something at 10 o’clock.]
At Lelei’s words, Itami broke off the conversation and pointed the binoculars in the direction she had pointed. Yao and Tuka persistently tried to question Itami, but Lelei was staring in the same direction as Itami with a serious look in her eyes.
[Are they being chased? I suppose those would be bandits?]
[A battle prayer! I’ve certainly accepted it! An old person and some children. I’ll come and save you!]
The hasty Rory licked her jet-blacked glossy lips and removed the leather coverings around her halberd’s blade. This covering was requested by Itami, who was afraid that it might cause problems later after some of the small boys who tried to transport it at the Sea of Books Inn almost got injured.
[Those aren’t bandits! They’re 6 centaurs and 10 black Monster Dogs!]
Tuka, who had good eyes, shouted. Standing by the driver’s seat, which is on the right side of the high-mobility vehicle, Rori set up her footing, and once she had her halberd propped up on the roll bar, she put on a pair of black leather gloves, fingerless gloves that cover only her palms. Meanwhile, Tuka takes out a compound bow and holds it up.
[Yao, can you use a bow? The LAM is too powerful against them.]
Affirming Itami’s question, Yao lowered the she had in hand to the floor. Telling Itami that Dark Elves have a natural preference for archery, she began to draw the string of her bow.
[Lelei. Head towards their left!]
Rory shouted as she swung her halberd like a baseball bat. Tuka and Yao also nocked their arrows, drawing their bows. Nodding at Rory’s request, Lelei lightly turned the steering wheel and pressed down on the accelerator. The high-mobility vehicle began to accelerate further, and the flowing wind they had before became like a surging storm.
[Lelei, hurry!!!]
Tuka shouted. In response, Lelei, whose driving principles is safety first, pressed down on the accelerator until it touched the floor, as if her limiters had been released. The centaurs closed on the fleeing wagon. Thereupon, the farm horse toppled over, and the wagon it’s pulling violently broke down with a cloud of dust, throwing out the old man and the children. All the monsters were drawing near them at a vigorous speed. Following the sound of Tuka and Yao releasing their arrows, Lelei rammed the high-mobility vehicle into the pack of large Monster Dogs and sent them flying.
Holding up his sword, the old man raised a prayer. With a flash, Rory brandished her halberd, cutting off the head of a centaur, while Tuka and Yao riddled the black Monster Dogs with arrows. Lelei slammed on the brakes and sharply turned the steering wheel, causing the body of the high-mobility vehicle to change direction dramatically, sending up a cloud of dust.
[ROOORORORORORORORYYYY!]
Hearing Yao’s rallying cry, Rory grandly collapsed on the back of the vehicle. It was a strange fall unlike the resulting force from drifting. It was as if something suddenly made her lose her strength.
[Hey, Yao! That’s wrong, completely wrong!]
Rory crawled on the floor, her face flushed with embarrassment and cried out as if she’s begging. As she nocked her next arrow, Yao tilted her head.
[Why is that? It’s completely normal for a worshiper to shout your God’s name in battle to boost morale. It’s up to each worshiper to decide how they dedicate their prayers to their Gods……]
[That just reduces my strength!]
Shouting in protest, Rory stood up, gripping onto the roll bar. As the car rocked and shook, Itami grinned and his eyes lit up. Winking towards Lelei, he pointed towards the right, before silently exchanging looks with Yao and Tuka. The high-mobility vehicle accelerates at a tremendous pace. Within the cloud of dust, Tuka’s blonde hair danced, the hem ofRory’s black gothic skirt fluttered, and Lelei’s white disciple uniform with the words “Expert-title Conferment on Hold” fluttered.
And at Yao’s signal, Lelei, Tuka, and Itami all raised their battle cries, shouting out Rory’s name in unison.
[And, now!]
[ROOORORORORORORORORORYYYY!]
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
When Lelei finished her presentation, the assembled sages were astonished. The audience did not yell at her, and the room was as quiet as if it had been drowned in silence. .This meant that everyone agreed that she was worthy of the title “Expert”. The usefulness of Lelei’s report was obvious to everyone. Of course, it was also easy to predict that the secondary effects of this report would be more disastrous in magic-based battles. However, that alone is not the result of her report.
Even though wars could be a disastrous event, advances in knowledge, technique and all other fields are indirectly connected to it. If people deny technology and learning because it leads to war, then humanity should just go back to the time before fire was discovered and everyone still uses stone tools. Nevertheless, they had decided to put the awarding of the title of Expert to Lelei on hold. The reason wasn’t the content of her presentation though, but the personal trouble she had brought that disrupted the academic conference.
Those who reached the title of Expert are obligated to open their doors to students and teach them their knowledge. Lelei’s presentation was particularly attractive, and she was expected to attract a large number of students who wanted to learn from her. However, Lelei’s life was in danger. In fact, an assassin was even seized in the middle of the conference. If they left the situation as it was, there’s a possibility that she may get her students caught up. In short, she was told that if she wanted to call herself an Expert, she had to solve her personal problems first.
Because of this, although it was hard to tell from just a glance, Lelei had an extremely sour look on her face. Her pursed lips were slightly upturned while her brows were slightly frowning. It was subtle, but a clearly recognizable expression of dissatisfaction that only Itami and his colleagues, with whom she interacts on a daily basis, could see. Underneath her disciple uniform, she wears a white body armor made of woven winged dragon scales. One could get a glimpse of this armor underneath the opening on her collar and the fluttering hem of her clothing. This body armor protected her from Shandy’s dagger.
[I was told to wear body armor in advance.]
When the sword she thrust at her made a high-pitched noise against the stiff resistance, Shanty, her face pale, asked how that happened. Then, Shanty’s question of why she’s wearing such a thing, was also meant to ask if she knew that she was plotting to assassinate Lelei. But for Lelei, this was only the result of a coincidence. She was only wearing body armor because the boys at the Sea of Books Inn asked her to do so. That’s why, she couldn’t exactly blame her for it. In the first place, Shandy herself should have known that.
[B- But, Norra is a subordinate of that Pied Piper, and the plan is that she would only pretend to……]
It seems that she was trying to say that since they had decided that they had only planned for Norra to pretend to assassinate her, it should be normal for her not to make any preparations for it. Hearing that though, Lelei only responded with “That doesn’t mean that I couldn’t make any preparations”. No, even if it wasn’t Lelei, it would have been normal to think of doing so.
[That’s unfair!]
Shandy voiced her dissatisfaction as she was tied up by Grey, who had been looking at her with an astounded look on his face.
[You’re obviously one heck of a klutz.]
Tuka expressed her thoughts.
[This is just heartless!]
Shandy protested with tears in her eyes, but everyone’s attention had already turned to why Shandy had targeted Lelei.
[Well, she was probably entrapped by the Pied Piper.]
[Even when we understand their tricks and are wary of them, they’re still a frightening opponent to fight against. So, let’s hear your logic behind your decision to attack Lelei-sama.]
In response to Grey’s question, Shandy exclaimed that it was to save Piña, stating that she could save her if she took Lelei’s head. Why, how come? In the first place, why was Piña in such a situation? In response to everyone’s questions, Shandy told them about the situation in the Imperial Capital as told to her by the Pied Piper.
The assault on the Jade Palace. The actions of the Knight Order. This has caused Princess Piña to lose her position in the royal court and it can be said that she was driven to a corner.
[Even Prince Diabo has fled. The only reason why the Princess is safe at the moment is because she is Prince Zorzal’s sister. Even her position is in jeopardy because of that incident.]
[And how does that lead you to go after Lelei?]
Itami’s question was answered by Lelei.
[It was Prince Zorzal who ordered Lelei’s assasination. If I were to bring him Lelei’s head, it would prove Princess Piña’s loyalty.]
Hearing the name of the culprit, Itami clicked his tongue.
[I knew it, so it really was him.]
[So that’s how you were deceived.]
[No, you’re wrong! I wasn’t being deceived! After all, I rode my horse all the way to Elron to ascertain the rumors in the Imperial Capital! I wasn’t deceived by the Pied Piper!]
[If that’s true, that means we can’t underestimate the Pied Pier’s information-gathering ability. It’s highly possible they have a lot of minions in hand, but they sure make excellent use of events taking place in the distant Imperial Capital. With the bridge no longer capable of being crossed, I wonder how they managed to transmit such information? Do they have some special way of communicating? Interesting.]
Grey snorted at the unfathomable abilities of the Pied Piper. Hearing Shandy’s claim though, Tuka snorted, seemingly annoyed.
[And you’ve been missing for four days for something like that? ……You made us worry, just for something like that!? That’s outrageously treacherous of you!]
[I don’t care what you say! Auxiliary Knight Grey! For the sake of saving the Princess, I order you to strike Lelei down!]
[You say that, but what do you expect me to do in this situation?]
Astounded by her words, Grey looked around him. From their position, they don’t have direct sight towards Lelei, and standing to Lelei’s right was Itami, while on her left was Tuka. Behind Grey, diagonally to his left was Rory and Yao to his right. The two of them were completely surrounded. Furthermore, under the podium, there were Rondel students all around listening to their conversation. If they raised even a pinky to Lelei, they would be killed on the spot without leaving a speck of dust.
[If we were to save the Princess, instead of playing those tricks, wouldn’t it be better if we ask them to save her? That is just my humble opinion though……]
[And how does that accomplish anything? We need to gain Prince Zorzal’s favor with our accomplishments!]
[At the moment, it’s more difficult to get Lelei-dono’s head. It would be more realistic to go into the Imperial Castle and rescue the Princess.]
[You do realize that the Imperial Castle is guarded by tens of thousands of soldiers and Imperial Guards, right?]
“No, no, you can’t just look at the situation as simply as that.”, said Grey as he gave Itami and the others a wry smile.
[What do you think? The only way to stop the Pied Piper and the other assassins coming her way is to cut off the main source of the problem. How about going to the Imperial Castle to extinguish the source of all these flames? And while you’re at it, please save the Princess……]
[I can’t believe you! You intend to rebel against the Crown Prince!?]
[I guess this would be the difference between those born among the nobles and a commoner who has risen ranks as a soldier. The thought of doing this doesn’t even seem to cross her mind. Anyhow, if we are going to save Princess Piña, this is the most efficient way.]
Saying this, Grey bowed to Itami and the others again.
[I hope you will do me the favor of listening to my request.]
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
The central streets of the Imperial Capital, lined with many stores, had come back to life. The blockade of the city that had been in place to keep the pro-peace faction confined within the Capital had finally been lifted. As if a dam had been burst, merchants began to bring in large quantities of food, and food prices, which had skyrocketed, started dropping to normal levels within a few days or so.
With this, people finally breathed a sigh of relief. The blockade around the Imperial Capital and the Oprichnina riots that had shaken the citizens of the Imperial Capital had thus come to an end. The residents of the Akusho district greatly benefited from this special demand for food, and they were grateful for it.
[So, where are you going?]
In response to Mizari’s question, Tyuwal, who was carrying a handful of hoods, answered with a blush on her cheeks.
[Prairies asked me if I would like to start a family with the money we made this time…… He said he was going to cultivate a field and start a farm. He asked me to help him.]
[Oiiii, Tyuwal. Put your luggage over here.]
A good-natured young man was loading his luggage onto a cart and getting ready for a trip. Seeing them like that, Mizari scratched her head. Jealousy, blessing, envy, admiration, skepticism, resignation…… She was feeling a mixture of good and bad feelings.
[Well, this isn’t a place you would like to stay forever, so if you can leave, that would be better. Moreover, he invited you despite your previous job, so isn’t that something you should be happy about? Well, you will still have hard times ahead of you, but you yourself know that, right?]
After saying this, Mizari regretted it and smacked herself on the head. Warning her of the hard times ahead of her…… Even if she said it just to warn her, depending on how you look at it, it may sound like she’s cursing at her.
[I’m sorry, Sister Mizari.]
[You don’t need to apologize to me, silly. You’ll be happy when you leave here. That is something we should be happy about.]
[……………….Unnn.]
[Then, take care of yourself.]
And so, Tyuwal left Akushu district, a place that everyone wants to get out from. Now that they have a decent amount of wealth, this may be their only and last chance. Looking around, Mizari could see people leaving the district here and there. However, them leaving doesn’t necessarily make Akusho desolate. Someone will soon fill the rooms they vacated. Replacements for those who left will soon arrive, for there will always be people who stand at the lowest in the society.
[Hey, Mizari. Aren’t you gonna leave this place yourself? I’m sure you’ve earned enough for that.]
The young head of the Gonzolry family had come to see someone off, a man named Prairies who was apparently working for him. Being a man, there were people in this district who he was connected with who had come to see him off when he was about to turn over a new leaf.
[Even so, I’ve got a sinful lifestyle. Leaving this place won’t be the least bit of good for me.]
[In that case, don’t just waste your money then. Invest a bit in me.]
[Huh? You’ve got to be kidding. Don’t come back here again!]
Mizari shook the man’s hand away. Then, with the sway of her hips, she shuffled along the streets of Akusho. However, the man still followed him. Perhaps, seeing the man who used to be his subordinate getting a partner and leaving the district together, she felt some sort of impatience akin to loneliness from the man. Mizari could understand how he felt, but she wishes he properly looks at the person he’s calling out to.
[Hey, come on, Mizari.]
[You’re one persistent man. Cut that out else you’ll be hated.]
It seems she had no other choice. In times like this, she just have to go there. Having decided that, Mizari headed for JGSDF’s Akusho Headquarters. It’s a place that a ruffian would hesitate to approach as long as they have no business there. Once Mizari arrived there, even the man who had been following her couldn’t make any more advances.
[Tsk, d*mn it.]
Sure enough, the man stopped in front of the doorway.
[Mizari, I——–]
[Yes, yes, I know what you’re going to say, so just get lost already. You don’t have that much free time, do you?]
However, just as Mizari was waving him away with her hand, the man grabbed that hand.
[Wait, what’s the meaning of this!?]
[Just listen to me already! Come with me!]
[Stop, you’re hurting me! Let go! You think you can get away with this?]
[Don’t be stupid! I’m not the least bit afraid of these people!]
Mizari took a deep breath, thinking about screaming. If she did, Kenzaki or someone else in the headquarters would come to her aid. However, before Mizari could shout, the man’s rough actions stopped. The man, with a huge halberd thrust before his throat,
[You’re in the way. Don’t block the path.]
The man, who couldn’t move his head, looked sideways with only his eyes, and with his trembling voice, “W- Who are you?”, he asked. Mizari too, was puzzled. The people standing in front of her were obviously someone of different nature from the people who usually come in and out of this place. Neither priests nor students should have any reason to come to Akusho. It was also unusual to see an Elf and a Dark Elf standing together. In addition, there was a shabby old man who looked like a farmer and two children with them. It was a very strange group. The only person Mizari recognized was the sole man in their group. She hadn’t seen him lately, so he had almost faded from her memory……
[If I remember correctly, aren’t you Kurokawa’s boss…… Itami, was it?]
Mizari said, pointing at Itami, to which he replied to her in a casual manner.
[Ahh, it’s been a while.]
However, his companions, who seemed to be visiting Akusho for the first time, looked as if they had uncovered Itami’s secret, approached him from all sides, sounding as if they were cross-examining him.
[Heehhh…… You know her, Father?]
[I wonder what you mean with that “it’s been a while”?]
[…………………..This sort of stuff is prohibited.]
[Even though you need no such women when you have myself……]
Mizari was very familiar with the expression Itami had at this time. It was very similar to that of a man who is scolded by his wife when she finds out about his nightlife in the red light district.
[I- I’ve never been in the red light district!]
Itami’s heartfelt cry, however, seemed to be ignored.
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
[Under Prince Zorzal’s lead, the Imperial Army repelled the Japanese’ attack on the Imperial Capital!!!]
That is the “fact” announced by the Crown Prince’s office. For the lower-ranking soldiers and citizens who did not have enough information to objectively look at the situation, their perception was “Their words were a little suspicious, but since the top brass says so, then that must be the case”. However, this was not the case for Zorzal and the others in the pro-war faction of the Senate. They knew the truth. No matter how many lies they tried to paint on it, the undeniable reality was that it was a complete defeat. For them, it meant the beginning of many sleepless nights of anger and frustration. In the first place, if they could stand having their capital overrun by the enemy, they would never have been in the pro-war faction.
[They completely defeated us!]
This battle reaffirmed the fact that the Imperial Capital’s, or rather, the Empire’s current strength and weaponry were completely outmatched. Of course, they understood that they were a formidable opponent. However, they had never expected that they would be overwhelmed this much.
[Next time, we will definitely show them!]
The Senate members shouted. As they stood before the wounded and the dead with their own eyes, they began to understand what kind of opponent they were up against and began to seriously consider how they could counteract in their own way.
[When we examined the bodies of the dead, we found lead arrowheads deep in their wounds. It appears that they used some kind of means to plunge these into the body, inflicting fatal wounds against them.]
So reported a representative of the medical team that treated the wounded and examined their bodies. They also laid out shields and armors with holes in them, and presented means to protect them from the enemies’ weapons.
[On this point, it was just as Princess Piña and the pro-peace faction had reported. The enemy uses magic or some other method to fling these arrowheads with their hand-held crossbows.]
[How they do it doesn’t matter! All we know is that the shields we are using now don’t help against it, right? Our flimsy shields are no match against the enemy’s arrowheads.]
[Then, what if we make our shields twice as thick?]
[Don’t be ridiculous! Two pieces aren’t enough against that. You would need at least three layers.]
The bullets penetrated the shields and armors of the Imperial Guards. They would at least need three layers if they want to block these.
[That would be difficult for the soldiers to carry with their strength. No matter how sturdy their shields are, it will lack practicality if it makes it difficult for the wielder to walk.]
Making their shields thicker and tougher. The demand for this isn’t that new. However, the materials, size and weight of shields weren’t just determined at random, and were instead taken on their current form as a result of the arm strength of the soldiers who carry them, the weapons they use, and the tactics they employ over the course of many battles. Even if the soldiers ask for their shields and armors to be doubled or tripled in thickness, that’s something that isn’t possible in just a short time. However, wondering why no one had realized something so simple, Zorzal proudly smiled.
[I just couldn’t comprehend how none of you realized it yet. Even I had easily found the answer to this. Listen here, okay? If the shields are too heavy, just find someone capable of lifting them. Instead of having everyone equipped with shields of twice or thrice the layers, we should just have large, specially-made shields crafted. And then, line-up the monsters in the front ranks of the soldiers. I had these prepared as a trial. Behold……]
At Zorzal’s signal, two Giant Ogres that could easily be mistaken for Giants entered the hall of the Crown Prince’s Office. They were so tall that their heads seemed to be able to reach the ceiling. Possessing arms as thick as Zorzal’s girth, it took eight men to pull the chains attached to each of their limbs. In their hands, they held thick shields that might be better called walls, and they carried clubs that looked as if they had been brought from the pillars of some temple. Their helmet was shaped like a round bowl, and their body armor looked like angular boxes. If Itami were to see them, he might say “I want to paint one of their shoulders red”. They had such an appearance.
(T/N: Armored Trooper Votoms: Red Shoulder reference.)
[Both the shield and the armor were made of iron plate one and a half klo (about 2 cm) thick.]
[Y- Your Highness. You don’t mean to say that you’re going to add these monsters to the ranks of the regular army?]
This surprised not only the Generals, but the Senate as well.
[That’s right. Not just the Giant Ogres either, I’m going to add various species and fearsome beasts to the front line. If we don’t do this, we will not be able to stand against the enemy.]
[A- As expected, that is just……]
The Imperial Army has been using monsters in its wars. However, the reason for their inclusion was to have them run headfirst into the enemy immediately after opening the battle, disrupting enemy lines or releasing them in all directions to raid cities and villages in place of their hounds. The soldiers had never once considered them their equal. The term “fighting shoulder-to-shoulder” does exist, but for the Empire, it meant recognizing the existence and value of the other party as equal to their own. However, the monsters aren’t of the same caliber as the soldiers. With their intellect, they are regarded as beasts inferior to them.
If these monsters were ordered to join the battle line, they would probably receive an emotional repulsion from the soldiers, asking them “Are you treating us the same as these beasts?”. Besides, Zorzal wasn’t the first to have such a strong-armed monster fight in a heavily armed battle. In the history of the world, armies based on such a concept have appeared from time to time. However, for one reason or another, most of them disappeared in the middle of the war.
[What then? Let the enemy with numbers less than five hundred overrun the capital again?]
[No, it’s just…… but……]
[Certainly, the soldiers will be upset, but if we don’t do this, it will be the soldiers who will receive injuries and suffer casualties. In the end, this will only benefit the soldiers. Make them accept it.]
Zorzal, with his characteristic arrogance, forced his subordinates to solve the problem. He is a man of one point of view, and that is why he’s so intolerable. In the midst of this heavy atmosphere. In the midst of this heavy atmosphere, Absinthe, the newly inaugurated Praetor, stepped forward and bowed reverently, as if he couldn’t read the mood at all.
[As you wish, your Highness. We will explain that to the soldiers.]
Thereupon, Tyuule spoke.
[How about this then? Why don’t we assign Oprichnina members to every unit in the army and have them convey your Highness’ messages to the troops? I think it will be necessary to further increase the number of Oprichnina members, but unlike the late Praetor Luflus-sama, Absinthe-sama is a capable person. I’m sure that, for the sake of fulfilling your Highness’ political leadership, your Highness will be satisfied with their results.]
[As expected of Tyuule-sama.]
Absinthe immediately agreed. Not only that, but for the sake of realizing a government that would follow Zorzal’s will, he also suggested that Oprichnina could be appointed not only towards the military, but towards the administrative organizations as well.
[No, that won’t do. If such a thing is done poorly, we may end up having two chains of command. I am against it.]
Hearing this, the military personnel rushed to their feet and all of them objected to this idea. They immediately understood that the purpose of this measure was to monitor the Generals appointed by Emperor Molt and to interfere with the military chain of command. However, Absinthe calmly retorted at their words.
[Why do you worry that much? It was originally his Highness who issued the orders, so there’s no way for the chain of command to be split in two. The only time a problem occurs is when you gentlemen issue orders that go against his Highness’ will. In that case, there’s no need to worry because such a thing will never happen.]
[H- However……]
D*mned sycophant. The Generals were about to grind their teeth in animosity towards Absinthe. However, they could not reveal their dissatisfaction in front of Zorzal and had no choice but to remain silent. Thereupon, as if to conclude this topic, Absinthe announced.
[That settles this matter. The next issue is that of Princess Piña and her Knight Order. The actions of the Knight Order at the Jade Palace makes me suspect that Princess Piña is planning to rebel. Even though she is his Highness’ younger sister, I don’t think we can just leave what happened like that.]
The Senate members present at the meeting agreed with this opinion.
[Umu. But since then, Piña has been shutting herself in my father’s bedroom under the guise of nursing him.]
[His Majesty?]
[That’s right.]
[That’s troubling then. That being the case, we couldn’t just ask her for an explanation.]
The Inner Palace, including the Emperor’s bedchamber, is his private space, guarded by the Imperial Guards. The Oprichnina may have had the greatest influence under Zorzal’s reign, but even they aren’t allowed to get close to its premises.
[Well, it’s alright. As long as she’s holed up together with Father, she can’t do anything.]
Thereupon, Count Woody stepped forward.
[No, that shouldn’t be the case. We suspect that the Knight Order is involved in the enemy’s attack on the Capital.]
[The Knight Order was?]
[Otherwise, how could the enemy have managed to pull off such a deft maneuver? It’s reasonable that they had someone helping them. The Knights had fled from the Imperial Capital along with the enemy. There’s no doubt that they are at least cooperative with each other.]
Baron Clayton nodded his head in agreement.
[Indeed, the enemy moved quickly. Too quickly, in fact.]
[If that were the case, this is clearly a serious crime of collusion with foreign entities! Being royalty doesn’t excuse her from this! In fact, that just makes it even worse!]
Count Woody shook his clenched fist. The Senate members’ words of agreement also echoed with him. The intensity of this chorus was so powerful that Zorzal was overwhelmed. The pro-war faction of the Senate were becoming even more radical than Zorzal because of the loss of their relatives who had been appointed as members of the Oprichnina and the attack on the Imperial Capital. And now, such people are looking for the scapegoat to bear the brunt of their fury. Zorzal, confronted with Clayton’s and Woody’s sharp eloquence, involuntarily clicked his tongue, and started talking in a tone in defense of Piña.
[However…… With Piña still confined here, such a thing is———–]
Hearing Zorzal’s words, Woody motioned the agitated senators to calm down before speaking.
[I understand. If that were the case, there is no way that Princess Piña would have remained in the capital. It was indeed strange that she had not escaped along with the enemy. However, we can also see it as a strategy to make us think this way. We must ask for an explanation from Princess Piña to clear up our suspicions.]
[Indeed, that may be so…… Hmmm.]
Letting out a sigh, Zorzal looked at Tyuule and his entourage. He was expecting any of them to object to their words, but no one said anything.
[No way around it.]
Rising from his seat, Zorzal gave his order to the Imperial Guard Chief standing at the side.
[Bring Piña here. You may use force if she resists.]
And thus, Piña was brought before everyone as the scapegoat to relieve the humiliation of defeat they’ve received.
With Lelei holding the wheel, Itami and his group drove the high-mobility vehicle in front of the Imperial Castle. Of course, if they had driven straight to the castle, the guards would have realized they were enemies and started shooting arrows at them, so the vehicle was disguised to look like a cart by surrounding the body with planks. It looked a little awkward, but it’s still good enough that if a passerby were asked what they think they’re riding, the answer they would have received would be “cart”.
[Couldn’t they have at least arranged for a horse or a cow?]
That was the problem Itami had been complaining about. Since he couldn’t arrange for a domestic animal to pull their “cart”, he had to pull it himself, disguised as a slave. The engine was actually running, so he didn’t get tired, but the colors in the eyes of the excited Rory completely changed to a sadistic one. “Pull properly. Hey now~~ Go on~~ What’s the matter? My little fool~~”, or so she scolded, Itami almost awakened to a self-pitying pleasure like when he’s reading those depressing novels, making him involuntarily mutter “Why me?”.
Just like this, Lelei and Rory arrived at the gate of the Imperial Castle. Behind them, Itami was unloading a large box from the high-mobility vehicle disguised as a cart. The box was large enough to hold a small person. Wondering what they had come here for, the guards standing on either side of the gate looked at the three people with a questioning look.
Stepping forward first, Lelei, wearing her mage robe, stepped forward and gave them a bow.
[I am Lelei La Lelena, I have come because of a summons from his Majesty, the Emperor.]
The complexion of the guards changed when they saw the written invitation presented by Lelei. As if they were welcoming their idol, their wary gazes changed to joyful looks.
[Ohh! So you’re——]
As one of the Guards told them to wait for a moment, the other guard dashed into the guardroom to report.
[Lelei-san has arrived.]
[Lelei? Who’s that?]
[Idiot! She’s the one who slayed the Flame Dragon!]
[Ahh!?]
With such conversation being overheard, several guards immediately jumped out to greet Lelei. Itami, on the other hand, was instructed, “Hey, you, slave. Don’t leave your vehicle in front of the gate. Bring it inside.”. Lelei and Rory had already gone in with the guards on their own. However, with the guards watching him, he couldn’t just sit in the driver’s seat and start the engine while everyone was watching. Their vehicle is supposed to be a cart. Just as Itami had done up to this point, he had to pull it into the castle. Itami looked up to the heavens as if to say “I’m going to pull this!?”, he lamented, and ruminated on the procedures to be followed after entering the Imperial Castle.
Imazu’s voice could be heard from a small speaker on Nyutabaru’s desk.
“First off, the aforementioned matter regarding the fellows the Coda Village Chief saw. It matches the information we have. The Imperial Army is finally starting to show signs of not caring what means they use. Vicious their plan may be though, it’s certainly effective. If we don’t do something about it, the situation will gradually get worse and worse, so we have to take action. Partly because of that though…… that we got the green light on the condition that we rescue the Princess.”
In the office, Nyutabaru and the three JSDF officers, Kenzaki, Matoi, and Yarita spread around a drawing of the Imperial Castle, which Itami and his group also peeked into. The structure and layout of the Imperial Castle has been studied from various angles and detailed drawings have been made.
“However, dealing with Zorzal is still a no go. Assassinating a member of the royal family, even if we’re in the middle of a war, is a very bad idea.”
[But if that’s the case, we won’t be able to ensure Lelei’s safety.]
Itami said as he patted Lelei’s shoulder.
“Itami. For someone who reads manga, you sure lack common sense huh. Normally, people who accept those jobs don’t stop even if their client is dead, right? Besides, even that Princess wouldn’t feel good about her own brother being assassinated, don’t you think?”
[Ah…… You’re right.]
“Go read Takao Saito-sensei’s Golgo 13. In situations like this, you need that client to make them stop. Therefore, we need Zorzal to live. It’s one of the requirements to get this rescue operation authorized.”
[What do we do then?]
“We have two options. One is to thoroughly threaten him. The sort of people that send out assassins break down pretty quickly when they end up targeted. The other is to spread rumors like in Rondel.”
He was implying about how they spread the rumor that an assassin is targeting Lelei, “adding the information of the client being Zorzal to that”.
Itami, with Lelei, Rory and the box in his arms, was led by Nei through the corridors of the Crown Prince’s office. The reason why they are acting as if they are beneath them, even though Itami’s group suddenly arrived at the Imperial Castle without warning, is probably because Lelei, whose name is well-known as a hero, and Rory, who is an apostle of Emroy, are all present.
[Your Holiness and Lelei-sama, please wait in this antechamber. I hope you will forgive us for only having this tiny, filthy room available.]
This is tiny and filth? Itami, strangely admiring the difference in how they felt, placed the box on the floor as he looked around the antechamber, which could have been the size of a tennis court full of sculptures and decorations. The cushions on the floor seemed to be quite soft, as when Lelei and Rory sat on them, half of their body was buried in it.
[We regret to inform you even after you took the trouble of coming to visit us, but you will not be able to see his Majesty, the Emperor. The Crown Prince would speak to you on his behalf. However, he’s currently performing his duties and will see you as soon as he finishes.]
[What happened to Molt?]
Nei courteously answered Rory’s question.
[His Majesty is afflicted with an illness and is currently under medical care.]
[That’s worrying…… Can I visit him?]
[It pains me greatly to refuse your Holiness’ great kindness, but I’m afraid there’s an order prohibiting all visitations.]
[Sounds like it’s really bad. I pray that he recovers soon.]
[I am sure his Majesty will get better with your Holiness’ prayers. On behalf of all his subjects, I thank you very much. By the way, Lelei-sama, I’m sorry to be so impolite, but could you write your name here?]
Nei held out a piece of parchment and a quill pen. It’s probably a substitute for colored paper. In other words, he was asking Lelei for her autograph. At moments like this, Lelei’s normally blank expression was helpful. Itami and Rory could clearly see that she thinks what he’s asking her was troublesome, but to a complete stranger, it didn’t seem that way. Lelei signed it smoothly, and Nei rolled it up carefully, waiting for the ink to dry.
[Thank you very much. One more thing, may I ask what is the box your attendant is carrying?]
[A present for his Majesty.]
Lelei’s explanation was simple. As Lelei looked as if she was refusing to give a detailed explanation, Nei hesitated to ask for more information. He was puzzled, but he accepted her answer.
[Understood. Please wait a moment while I bring you some tea.]
Thus, Itami and the others were left alone in the antechamber. Itami immediately opened the box and took out a rifle and radio from the hidden compartment under the box. Meanwhile, Rory slightly opened the door and looked outside. There, she saw two fully armed Imperial Guards standing in the corridor.
[There are two guards.]
Nodding, Itami put the earphones of the radiot he had taken from the box in his ear and whispered.
[This is Avenger, we’re inside. Where are you?]
Tuka and Yao, dressed in camouflage, were quietly making their way through the forest inside the Imperial Castle, escorted by two members of the Special Forces Group, Kenzaki and Yarita. They made their way through the undergrowth, past the gaps in the security, and approached a large stone building.
“This is Avenger, we’re inside. Where are you?”
Kenzaki answered him.
[This is Saber. We’re about…… 3 minutes away from the objective.]
Matoi was on the roof of the highest temple in the Imperial Capital, holding a bipod anti-personnel sniper rifle in a prone position, peering through his personal Premier Reticles scopes.
[This is Archer. We’re in position. Ready to go at any time.]
“Roger. We’ll create a diversion in five minutes.”
At that time, Piña, who was being held under her arm by Imperial Guards, was being dragged out in front of the pro-war senators who were waiting with bated breath. Judging from the way she was dragged across the floor, her hair disheveled, it seems that Piña resisted as much as she could. However, in the end, she was unable to resist and was brought in by force.
[What in the world do you want from me?]
Absinthe, the new Praetor, began to ask as if she was a prosecutor trying to impress upon the jury that the defendant had committed a crime.
[We have summoned you here to ask your Highness a few questions. Since your impertinent secretary isn’t here today, I was hoping that her Highness would give me an answer directly.]
[You’re probably going to talk about the Knight Order, aren’t you? The Knights’ actions were merely in obedience to the Emperor’s orders.]
Piña, who wasn’t even given a chair and was made to sit directly on the floor, clutching on her knees. She was exposed to the accusing and tormenting stares of those around her and had to hold on to something to keep her mind at ease.
[So, you claim that it was also the Emperor’s orders to bring the enemy into the Imperial Capital?]
Hearing the words she hadn’t expected, Piña was surprised and asked back “Who did you say brought in the enemy?”.
[Your Knights.]
[They’re calling my Knights traitors as if it’s obvious huh. How far we’ve fallen.]
Piña’s face fell to her knees in sorrow. She was in a position completely retreating into her shell. Zorzal, who was being looked at by the senators who wanted him to do something about her, had an unpleasant look on his face and instructed an Imperial Guard to make Piña look up at him. Hearing his instructions, the Imperial Guard hesitated for a moment, and whispering “Your Highness, please forgive me”, he grabbed a handful of Piña’s crimson hair. While Piña’s face twitched in pain as her hair was yanked up, Absinthe pursued further.
[Then, why did the Knights leave the Imperial Capital with the enemy?]
[Do you really not understand? It’s because of what I am experiencing right now. They knew this would happen to them if they stayed here.]
[If they believe that their actions are right, they could have refuted these claims in an official place. The fact that they ran away just proves they were guilty.]
[By that logic, aren’t I innocent?]
[That’s just your plan to make us think like that!]
After one of the senators yelled this at her, Piña laughed dryly.
[Ahahahahahaha. In other words, those who run away are traitors, and the one who remains is a traitor with a plan?]
Absinthe shouted at Piña to cover her protests.
[If you all had just come together in an official place, you wouldn’t have been suspected like this!]
[You call this an official place? Ahahahahahaha!]
[What’s so funny?]
[Are you sure you didn’t mistake it for a banquet and have me brought out here as part of some side show?]
[What absurdities are you saying!?]
The senators cursed Piña.
[It’s you senators who have slighted the authority of the Senate. As I have said before, the Senate is the pillar of the Empire alongside the Emperor. Its proceedings should not be held in the halls of the Crown Prince’s office. So, why is it that this place has become some sort of assembly hall?]
Count Woody stepped forward.
[We are not senile enough to listen to what the Princess thinks what the Senate should be. The holding of the proceedings here is only temporary until the Senate building is rebuilt. It’s a matter of convenience.]
Understanding that this question-and-answer session was just the epitome of “If you just had done this or did that”, Piña was completely exhausted.
[I understand. Just do what you want.]
No matter how she answered, these people would contempt and criticize Piña. She already knew this, but confirming it again made her feel this thought even more.
[How disrespectful. We are doing these questions in order to clear up the doubts that have been cast on your Highness, so please answer us seriously.]
[No. I don’t want to answer. I’m not obliged to answer.]
Astounded, Count Woody sighed and looked down at the sitting Piña. When Piña kept her gaze down, as if to reject everything around her, the senators’ abusive remarks finally began to fly.
[Such an answer does not satisfy us.]
[The Princess really did betray the Empire!]
[How shameful. She was just a girl after all.]
[She always talks so bravely, but she’s just like this when it really matters.]
Piña only covered her ears and shouted.
[I don’t want to listen! I don’t want to talk! I don’t want to answer! I’m sick of it all!]
Thereupon, she closed herself on her shell again, not caring that her hair hurt from being grabbed. Worried, the Imperial Soldier whispered “Your Highness, please raise your head. If you keep on doing that, your hair will be badly damaged.”. In his hand, Piña’s crimson hair was quite tangled. From the way some hair has been pulled off, he could feel the pain as if it were his own. Seeing this happen, the young Imperial Guard looked as if he was about to cry.
[No, I don’t want to. This empire is done for anyway!]
[Don’t just decide that for yourself!]
The senators roared in anger.
[I worked so hard to end this war, and it’s you who ruined everything! How in the world do you intend to deal with this!?]
[It seems her Highness is quite the defeatist.]
[If I’m a defeatist, then you’re all fools who can’t see reality! Look at those Giant Ogres! Did you put that fancy armor on them thinking you could defeat the Japanese army with such a thing? Are you idiots? They possess iron rods that could penetrate the Flame Dragon’s scales! No matter how many large shields you have, they will be of no use!]
His face bright red, Zorzal stood up. He seemed to have been reflexively offended when his idea was undermined.
[Enough of your nonsense, Piña! We won’t know that until we face them in battle!]
[The time it’s proven useless is when everything is truly over, Brother. Besides, how will you even control those armored Giant Ogres? There’s no way that these monsters would have any loyalty to the Empire. They are just wild beasts that look like they’ve been tamed but are waiting to bear their fangs at you. With you scaring them with the whip and taming them with food, our Empire finally managed to make them follow our commands, but clad in armor that can’t be pierced by sword or spear, who do you think would hold them back? Don’t tell me, you seriously aren’t thinking of including them in your formations, are you? I don’t know who thought of this idea, but they must be a fool.]
This was the reason why heavily armed monsters disappeared from the history of the Special Region. Uncertain factors that can’t be controlled by human power can even be the cause of defeat if taken advantage of on the battlefield. Weapons are always desired to have contradictory characteristics. They’re dangerous for the target they’re pointed to, but safe for the one who wields them. Fully armed Giant Ogres certainly are powerful, but they’re also extremely dangerous to those who want to make use of them.
[Ei! Imperial Guards, silence Piña!]
This was an order from Zorzal, but the Imperial Guards didn’t seem to have characters that feel happy about being violent to women, as their faces already looked grim. Still, they had to obey their instructions. Gritting his teeth, they tried to clamp down on Piña’s mouth from behind. But fortunately, they soon had an excuse to pause.
The door to the hall was thrown open with the force of an explosion.
Tyuule was laughing to herself behind Zorzal. Her role on such a formal occasion is to wait on stand by with a cup and a jar of wine, so that when Zorzal wants to drink, she can serve it to him. Thus, she was able to watch the whole comedy happening in front of her from a special seat. Princess Piña wasn’t being protected by anyone and was being cursed by everyone. Seeing this, Tyuule became mildly excited. At last, the Imperial Princess was in the same circumstances as she was. Cheering for her achievement of breaking that arrogant nose of hers, she repeatedly celebrated within her mind.
Everyone should be misfortunate! Everyone should suffer, grief, be doubted and be abused! Let everything be a mess!
For Tyuule, who cursed at everything, she who wished for such a thing clenched her fists and was feeling the desire to express her joy with all her might at the moment. It felt as if all the bitterness and resentment that had been building up in her heart had been lifted, if only a little. But then, as if to put a damper on her mood, a thunderous roar sounded in the hall. As she looked to see what was going on, she saw that the thick doors of the hall had been broken open and a girl in a black priest’s robe was standing in front of it, holding a huge halberd that looked like she had just swung. She could also see a mage girl and a man dressed in a speckled green pattern on either side of her.
[Well then, leave securing the exit to me.]
The girl clad in black priest’s robe disappeared across the corridor, and soon after, the sound of clashing weapons resounded and the call to gather the Imperial Guards began to echo from the corridor. Meanwhile, the man and the mage girl entered the hall of the Crown Prince’s office. Zorzal, upon seeing them, suddenly let out a cry that bordered on a scream.
[Uwaaaaaaaahhhhh!]
As his huge body slid off the chair, he struggled and flailed his limbs.
[Y- You’re!?]
[It has been a while, Prince Zorzal. It’s an honor to see you again.]
Passing through the senators, the man dressed in a speckled green suit.
[Itami-dono!]
Piña called out his name in a voice that almost sounded like a shout of joy. “You have come to rescue me!” were words that she hadn’t said, but her joy can be expressed on her face and her whole body. Anyone who saw her face would have the impression that Piña was in contact with the enemy. Even that man responded to Piña with one eye closed. If Tyuule had been the juror, this alone would be enough to convict her. However, Zorzal doesn’t have the composure to think of that right now.
Tyuule herself knows this. That for Zorzal, this man’s very existence is his nightmare. On the night of the earth tremor, Zorzal was interrogated by this man and was driven half-dead on his orders. The pain and horror of that experience still haunted and tormented Zorzal’s mind. His physical wounds have been healed. His broken teeth were replaced with dentures. Outwardly, he was completely restored to his normal appearance. But the deep wound that had gouged out Zorzals psyche remained intact.
Tyuule has watched Zorzal wake up screaming again and again. She chuckled in secret. The man who had brought that fear and pain stood before Zorzal again. Knowing Zorzal’s psyche, it was easy for Tyuule to imagine what would happen next, so she clutched on her stomach. It was all she could do to keep from being noticed that she was laughing. Sure enough, Zoral cowered. His mind strangled, he threw away all pretense and appearances, clung to his chair and cried out.
[Get back, don’t come near me! Tyuule, help me! Imperial Guards! What are you doing!? Release the Ogres!]
Humans, because of their fear, become brutal toward their targets. They need to bring down, destroy and thoroughly pulverize the object of their fear.
[Kill him! Kill him! Beat him down!]
The monster handlers immediately unleashed the Giant Ogres on their prey. The Giant Ogres themselves seemed to be enthusiastic, as if they were trying to overturn the fact that Piña had told them that they were useless. The ferocious gaze of the Giant Ogres, shining ferociously beyond the slit of their giant helmet, turned to Itami. It brandished their club similar to a temple pillar, the senators, unwilling to be drawn into the fray, scurried to the edge of the hall. The Imperial Guards were about to surround Itami and Lelei, but some of them got caught up and were slammed against the wall, while the others simultaneously leaped away.
[Ohh, they looked like Armored Troopers!]
The sight of the fully armed Giant Ogre touched Itami’s otaku heart. Even as he pointed his rifle at it, Itami raised his admiration. Before he knew it, he held his gun up and pulled the trigger like a certain anime protagonist. However, the bullet hit Giant Ogre in the chest, but was bounced off.
[Geh, what thick armor. Guess it won’t go like in anime huh.]
However, Itami’s action was not completely meaningless. Behind Itami, the mage girl was using the little time he bought to throw several brass funnels on the floor and finish chanting her spell. With a high-pitched sound like an empty can being kicked, the funnels bounced across the floor, enveloped in light. They then swooped towards the Giant Ogres, coiling around them. The Giant Ogres swung their club and tried to fling the funnels away, but when Lelei snapped her fingers, the funnel simultaneously lunged at the Ogres from all directions. The conical “bottoms” stuck to their shield and various parts of their armor.
And once more, Lelei snapped her fingers, and numerous explosions occurred on the Giant Ogre’s body. Thereupon, just like a robot whose power had stopped, they fell to their knees and slowly died on its back.
The thick armor is pierced in various places. With the brass funnels’ conical shape, the explosion magic concentrated its impact on a single point. In addition, the Neumann effect had created holes in the steel plate, which was only about 2 cm thick. The sheer force of that blast astonished those who witnessed it, and even the Imperial Guards cowered in fear.
(T/N: Neumann/Monroe effect means that the greatly increased penetration of an explosive into a surface that is caused by shaping a conical or hemispherical hollow in the forward end of an explosive cartridge)
Zorzal’s molars rattled. Whether it was out of anger or fear, he himself did not know. However, Zorza’s red face had now become completely pale.
[W- What do you want now!?]
He did splendidly well speaking, but it was somewhat comical seeing him trying so hard not to slip out of his chair.
[I have a girl I’d like you to meet. I brought her here.]
Saying this, Itami slightly pushed Lelei forward, as if to offer her to him.
[I am Lelei. Lelei La Lelena.]
Zorzal’s brows furrowed at the mention of her name, while all of the senators gasped at the same time. The mage was well-known as the one who slayed the Flame Dragon, so they could now understand how she had the strength to slaughter Giant Ogres with a single strike. Seemingly thinking that her fame precedes her, everyone nodded in understanding. However, Lelei’s next words caused even more commotion among the senators within that hall.
[Prince Zorzal, I would like you to call off the assassins you hired to kill me.]
At the same moment, Piña shouted a sarcastic remark.
[Hmph, that’s certainly like you, Brother. Were you that jealous of the one who has taken the glory over you?]
[R- Ridiculous. I never hired any assassins!]
[Oh really? She’s here to tell us otherwise.]
[Don’t say nonsense. The words of some random little girl aren’t worth believing.]
[Little girl she may be, but she is the hero that killed the Flame Dragon. Her words have weight. I at least believe her. What about you all?]
Zorzal looked around for someone to back him up. However, not a few senators uncomfortably looked away. It may not have been all of them, but there were certainly those who thought that Zorzal would do such a thing. Meanwhile, while Piña and Zorzal were having such an exchange, Itami walked up to Tyuule and greeted her.
[Hey, it’s been some time.]
At this moment, Tyuule held her breath, and even though she had no reason to think so, she thought Itami had come to save her. After Noriko, it was her turn. That’s what she thought. If someone really had told her they were here to help her, holding out their hand towards her, she would have taken it without a second thought. However, her faint hopes were soon betrayed. The business Itami had wasn’t Tyuule, but the golden cup she was holding as an offering. Taking it away, Itami put it in Zorzal’s hand.
[W- What in the world……]
With a smile on his face, he began pouring wine into the cup. Zorzal, meanwhile, was at Itami’s mercy. Upon Lelei’s shocking revelation, the senators in the hall are all in the middle of a commotion, saying “It can’t be……”, “But, perhaps……” and other things like that. After Itami finished getting ready in such a situation, he pointed out the window and told Zorzal.
[Can you see what’s outside the window?]
Through the window, he could see the gardens of the Imperial Castle and the city. Glancing at what Itami was pointing at, Zorzal nodded.
[Then, Archer. Please.]
Holding a hand on his ear, Itami whispered. Suddenly, the cup in Zorzal’s hand was pierced with a hole about 7 mm wide. The wine as red as blood spilled out of the hole, staining the floor. The suddenness of the incident caused Zorzal to throw the cup out of his hand, and sliding off his chair, he hit the floor with his lower back. Upon seeing this, Lelei spoke to him in a tone that lacked intonation.
[No matter where you go, we can always reach you. From wherever we are, we would always be someone aiming at you. I’ll say this again. Do call off those assassins, or next time, just like this wine cup, you will have a hole in your head.]
Despite the flat tone of her words, her toes crushed the golden wine cup. Wincing at the freezing intensity of her words, Zorzal could only nod his head.
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
With their business done, there’s no need for them to linger. There’s no reason to stay around hostile territory. When Zorzal promised to withdraw the assassins, Itami began to retreat with Lelei, and Zorzal didn’t hold the two of them back either. He was probably more inclined to ask them to get the hell out of here. He even stopped the Imperial Guards who tried to pursue them. It wasn’t hard to understand that he was in fear of being sniped by an enemy he couldn’t see. He didn’t try to prevent Itami and Lelei from taking Piña away.
However, once they stepped out of the hall, they found themselves on the battlefield where Rory and the Imperial Guards were engaged in a fierce battle. Strong men in armor were swarming around the petite girl and attacking her. But every time her huge halberd spun like a windmill, a whirlwind of blood splattered, and the corridors, walls, and ceilings were decorated with avant-garde art in red. The corridors were littered with corpses, and the Imperial Guards were clearly intimidated by the sight of Rory. When the Demi-God dressed in a black gothic priest’s robe lightly stepped forward, the Imperial Guards were so frightened that they fell back two or three steps, only to bump into their colleagues behind them and fall on their butts.
[You call yourselves the guards of the Imperial Palace? The quality has gone downhill, hasn’t it?]
[Rory! We’re outta here!]
[Eh, already? Even though it was just starting to get good!]
Rory stepped towards the guards and made it look as if she was about to pounce on them, causing the crow surrounding her to back away, which she then took advantage to leap from the floor to the wall, kicking the wall and flying over the guards’ heads. The guards hurriedly followed her. Whenever a guard appeared that seemed to be catching up with her, Rory stopped and turned around, fighting a retreating battle, striking them down with her weapon and driving them away, successfully playing the role of the rearguard. Itami and his group ran safely through the corridor, which was now unoccupied due to Rory’s diversion. They then ran out the front door and jumped into the high-mobility vehicle disguised as a cart that had been parked there.
Seated in the driver’s seat, Lelei started the engine and stepped on the accelerator without a pause. The engine let out a high-pitched roar, and the vehicle sped backward at full speed, barreling through the thick, half-open door of the entrance hall. The guards who had been engaged in a battle against Rory were surprised by the sudden interruption of intruders, and they ran away like spiders. Rory, who was a moment too late to realize the danger approaching from behind here though, froze when she turned to see what was going on.
[Gotcha!]
But just before the vehicle collided with Rory, Itami, who was waiting in the back, scooped up Rory. Although they were able to avoid crashing into each other, Rory and Itami ended up rolling around wildly on the back of the truck, smashing into various places, and Rory, who was in a very awkward position, let out a scream. The high-mobility vehicle came to a halt in the entrance hall with a sudden braking sound, scattering plans and papier-mâché used to disguise the vehicle into a cart. With their bodies entangled, Itami and Rory ended up rolling around again.
The guards, perhaps seeing that their cart had been broken, sidled up around the perimeter, swords and spears in hand. However, when the sound of a volley of a Type-64 rifle defeated their ears, the guards retreated again. Itami, with one foot on the front passenger seat of the high-mobility vehicle that had revealed its true form, pointed the muzzle of his rifle toward the ceiling and sprayed bullets until the magazine was empty, and holding his dizzy head, uttered a warning under the crumbling mortar rain.
[Alright, back off! This thing hurts enough to kill you!]
The guards froze when the muzzle of the gun was pointed at them. Then, in a split second, Tuka and Yao, who had been hiding in a plantation by the entrance, climbed into the vehicle with Kenzaki and the others. In the blink of an eye, the high-mobility vehicle was filled to capacity.
[Alright, everyone’s on board. Lelei!]
Lelei replied to Itami’s voice as if she’s shouting.
[Roger!]
Setting the automatic transmission lever forward, the accelerator pedal was pressed with such force that the floor would fall off. The high-mobility vehicle accelerated, bouncing along the path, and this time, it headed south down the main street of the Imperial Capital. However, they’re still not scot-free yet. The central streets of the Imperial Capital are busy with people and wagons, and the intersections aren’t marked by traffic signals or other traffic controlling systems. Because of the need to weave their way through the traffic, even their high-mobility vehicle couldn’t go very fast. Moreover, they had to stop once to pick up Matoi.
As the south gate of the Imperial Capital came into view, a group of black-robed cavalrymen wearing Kobold helmets caught up with them. It was hard to believe though that Zorzal, trembling with fear of the sniper and shouted at them to get lost, had ordered this pursuit. Perhaps, his aides or those people in the pro-war faction had made a fuss about not letting them leave like that. Or perhaps, someone had belatedly noticed that the most important person in the Empire had disappeared from the castle.
[So that’s the rumored sweepers huh. They’re chasing after us with scary-looking faces.]
Itami, who had checked their rear, teasingly spoke.
[Those aren’t their faces, they’re just helmets, you know?]
[Should I shoot?]
[Wait, if you fire a shot in the street, a stray bullet might hit a civilian.]
Yarita, who found the targets to shoot, was about to raise his gun, but Kenzaki stopped him with his hand outstretched. The JSDF must avoid causing casualties to the civilians. Otherwise, the media will start saying things again. Thereupon, Lelei spoke.
[I don’t think there’s really a need to deal with them. With the performance of the high-mobility vehicle, it’s not difficult to pull apart from them.]
If Itami just tells her to accelerate, she would be ready to step on the gas until the pedal hits the floor. Even now, Lelei maneuvers the high-mobility vehicle admirably, steering to the right and to the left, making it make slipping noises. As far as her driving skills are concerned, she could certainly pull it off. However, Lelei’s way of driving seemed to push through various limits. Inview of the physical and mental health of her passengers, this was something they didn’t want her to do.
[Good grief, so even Father brought out as well. In other words, it wasn’t to save me that Itami-dono had come. Saving me was clearly just an afterthought. No doubt about it.]
In the car, which was rocking like a mixer, Piña was softly complaining. Hamilton, Piña’s secretary, apologized to her.
[My apologies, Princess. I was told that this was an operation that the Princess had approved of, and I believed them.]
[No, our first priority was saving you, Princess Piña. If anything, bringing out the Emperor was the real afterthought.]
Itami explained, trying to clear up her misunderstanding. If one looks behind the truck, one could see Emperor Molt laid down on a stretcher. Meanwhile, Count Marcus, who was probably abducted with him, was sitting uncomfortably by his side. Hearing Itami’s excuses, Count Marcus was taken aback.
[How sad. You call abducting the Emperor just something you did because you had the spare time?]
[Yes. The top management’s plan was that if we were going to save the Princess, we should bring the Emperor while we’re at it. The Emperor, the Imperial Princess, and all of the senators in favor of peace. With all these, we can claim to be the legitimate government of the Empire, can’t we?]
[I see…… So you’ll push the dishonor of being a rebel onto Zorzal?]
The sudden voice startled everyone. The Emperor, who was supposed to be unconscious due to illness, opened his eyes and began to speak.
[Y- Your majesty. When did you……]
Count Marcus checked the Emperor’s face.
[Just a few while ago. I can’t sleep well when you carry me around like a piece of baggage.]
Molt raised his body with the help of Piña and Hamilton. Seeing this, Rory muttered “How suspicious”. She seemed to be suspecting that Molt was just feigning illness. However, Piña looked truly happy as she clung to her father.
[Father, I’m sorry for troubling you after you woke up, but please stop Brother Zorzal! Itami-dono, turn back to the Imperial Capital immediately……]
However, Molt stopped his daughter.
[No, it would be useless to go back. Our words will not reach Zorzal anymore. It is best to follow Japan’s plan now.]
[Their plan?]
[The plan of having you set up the legitimate government to oppose Zorzal.]
[However, that would divide the Empire. It could lead to a civil war.]
[It’s already too late. A civil war is inevitable now.]
Saying this, the Emperor took Piña’s hand.
[Piña, you will hereby become the Crown Princess. You may fight Zorzal head-on, or you may call for reconciliation. You may also divide the Empire into two and keep both sides alive. Determine the Empire’s fate and lead us into the future.]
[I- I will!?]
Hearing her father make the heartless decision of having his own son and daughter face each other as if it was some kind of great blessing, Piña was so surprised to answer positively or negatively. Hamilton, however, shouted with joy.
[Congratulations, Princess! Now all of the Knights can be absolved of the dishonor of being called traitors!]
At that moment, someone grabbed Piña’s arm. While she was distracted by the Emperor’s words, a horse-riding sweeper approached and grabbed her wrist. It became a contest of strength, but Piña’s body was pulled back and she almost fell off the high-mobility vehicle. Hamilton, Tuka, Kenzaki, and Yarita, who were by her side, hurriedly supported Piña’s body.
[Kyaaaa! Itami-dono!]
Itami responded to Piña’s cry by pointing the muzzle of his rifle at the cavalryman, and with a few shots, the cavalryman fell on his back and hit the ground. Meanwhile, Rory pushed the hard tip of her halberd to push off the enemy, who was trying to ride over from the other side. The cavalryman, who fell to the ground from the push, was instantly trampled by the horses who were following behind the high-mobility vehicle.
Molt, seeing the atrocious situation, looked around and spoke.
[Well, that is, if we can escape from here. You call yourself Itami, no? Show me what you can do. I will see with my own eyes the skill that allowed the Man in Green to defeat the Flame Dragon.]
The Emperor ordered Itami as if he were his own subject. His words were so dignified that Itami involuntarily responded with “Don’t worry, leave it to us!”. Itami had intended to shake off the pursuit even if the Emperor hadn’t ordered him to do so, but as he reached for his gun, he tilted his head, wondering why he’s being obedient to him.
[Alright, we’re out of the gates! Get ’em!]
At Kenzaki’s signal, Rory leaped out of the high-mobility vehicle and charged first. With her skirt swelled out like a parachute, she jumped onto the horses of the pursuing cavalrymen and began a light exchange of weapons on the horses’ back. One by one, she made her enemies fall prey to her halberd. Meanwhile, Tuka fired her arrows at the enemy trying to flank Rory, and Yao fired the LAM at the main force of the cavalrymen, blowing them and their horses to pieces with a flurry of fire. Supporting them is Itami and Yarita, raining down bullets in rapid succession.
[First Lieutenant Itami! Tell the driver to turn right at the next three-way intersection!]
Master Sergeant Matoi now has the antenna of the radio device in his hand. When Itami asked him what it was, he chuckled.
[I set some directional mines here. Isn’t it basic to have traps planted in our escape route?]
Hearing this, the expression on Itami’s face changed.
[Rory, come back!]
Hearing Itami’s shout, Rory knocked one of the cavalrymen off his horse and took the horse for herself, and jerking the reins, she broke off to the right. Meanwhile, Kenzaki was looking for something with his binoculars pointed forward. As the high-mobility vehicle turned right at the three-way intersection and approached a gentle curve, perhaps spotting his landmark, Kenzaki yelled.
[Alright, ignite!]
Matoi flipped the switch. Thereupon, an object that looked like a signboard set up the side of the road exploded. Countless projectiles hit the sweepers like a storm, knocking down horses and soldiers in the blink of an eye.
[How’s that?]
Kenzaki had the high-mobility vehicle stop and checked the results of the battle. The only enemies remaining safe were a few horsemen. Moreover, they were looking around, not understanding what had just happened to them. After a while, however, they turned away their horses’ heads and ran away, perhaps out of fear. “Alright. They gave up.”, Kenzaki said. “No, no, it’s an excursion until we get home, right?”, Matoi responded. The men of the Special Forces Group exchanged such casual remarks. Confirming that everyone is safe, Itami chuckled. Rory also pulled her horse close to the high-mobility vehicle with an unbothered look on her face.
[Is that alright, Your Majesty?]
Itami asked the Emperor, to which the Emperor gave him a good-humored response.
[Splendid. I commend you.]
it would be ten days later when the legitimate government of the Empire was proclaimed in Count Formal’s city, Italica.
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
A long line of soldiers stretching from the Imperial Castle was leaving the Imperial Capital and heading north. No, it wasn’t only soldiers, but also bureaucrats, senators, nobles and their families, and it seemed as if the imperial court itself was about to undergo a great migration. Zorzal called this a “relocation of the capital”, but to the eyes of the remaining citizens of the Imperial Capital, it was nothing more than skipping out by night.
Zorzal, who had become particularly fearful of snipers, had a curtain drawn around him wherever he moved. As it made it seem as if he was avoiding the attention directed at him, it made it hard for them to refute the people’s assessment.
[Your Highness, where are we going?]
Zorzal answered Nei’s question as if he were spitting in the face of the Chief Chamberlain.
[Somewhere that isn’t here.]
[Even if you say that, where do you mean?]
[For the time being, just follow the road to the northeast. We’ll see where it goes from there.]
[But if we leave the Imperial Capital, your reign will be shaken.]
It was natural for the Chief Chamberlain to ask such a question. However, Zorzal shouted at him as if he were screaming.
[Shut up! I don’t want to be in a place that the enemy has already assaulted over and over again! I want to be out of their reach! We must put as many leagues as we can between us and Alnus!]
There were already rumors circulating among the citizens that Zorzal, driven by jealousy, had plotted to assassinate Lelei. When the citizens heard this, they all looked at Zorzal with cold, unwelcoming eyes. Zorzal’s aides attempted to suppress that rumor, but Zorzal stopped them. In his eyes, it seemed as if the Imperial Capital itself was denouncing him and trying to attack him. He remembered how Lelei pointed at the Imperial Capital, and told him that “they are aiming at him from there”.
It was an irrational thought, but this gave Zorzal the illusion that the Capital itself had the power to attack and kill him. If he tried to do anything by force against the city, he would be met with a painful counterattack. With such worries in mind, Zorzal can no longer even approach a window, and his only thought is to move to another city.
[Tyuule-san…… What’s going to happen after this?]
Furuta, unable to ride a horse, sits in a slight gap in a cart, which is loaded with foodstuffs and a mountain of cooking utensils and ingredients. The reins are held by a group of apprentice cooks who are learning how to cook under him, so he doesn’t need to worry. Tyuule, astride her horse, seemed like her mind was distracted when Furuta called out to him. Her horse’s legs had stopped before she knew it, and she ended up being left behind.
[Tyuule-san?]
[Ah, Furuta-san…… Is something the matter?]
[It’s not “is something the matter” here. It’s not safe to ride a horse while in a daze.]
[R- Really?]
Noticing that her horse had stopped, Tyuule lightly kicked the stomach of her horse to get it to start walking.
[I heard a great man tell me this once. “I can’t do anything for those who only worry, but don’t consult others for help”.]
[Really? Is there such a saying?]
[Yes. If you try talking to someone else about your problems, you may find it easier to solve than you think.]
[…………………Can I really ask you about this?]
[Yes. There’s a possibility I can’t do anything about it, but I can at least listen to what you have to say.]
Thereupon, tears began spilling down Tyuule’s cheeks.
[Then, tell me, why does no one extend a hand to me? Why won’t anyone help me?]
What, why is she asking that? Help? Help who? Furuta, who did not understand the meaning of the question asked of him, did not know how to answer. He could only listen in silence to the words Tyuule spilled out.
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