Knights & Magic - Volume 4 - Chapter 32.10-32.11

Chapter 32 Part 10&11

Finally completed a chapter and an arc...

Part 10

The ancient Kshyperuk kingdom capital, Dell Van Cool.

After the end of King Agusty's duel, this city had turned into the biggest military base of Jaroudeku invasion force.
TN: gonna change King's name from Akatsuki to Agusty

The current progress of invasion of Kshyperuk kingdom almost nearly complete as they took control over the royal castle in the center of the capital that belong to the Kshyperuk kingdom in the center of the capital.

One airship was fly under a clear sky and arriving at Dell Van Cool.

It takes a landing at the "Air Field" that being built in Dell Van Cool after the owner of this city has changed.

The place is just a simple leveling bare ground, make it easy to land and take off, it being used a lot by the airship as this was a Jaroudeku's army base.

Now, one airship is on verge of landing, it tries to find a vacant place to land.

Then, after a while,  at the "Audience Chamber" in the middle of the royal castle, the relic that once belongs to the royal, a displeasure voice of Cristobal Hasslo Jaroudeku, The second prince of Jaroudeku kingdom, was echoed.

[What did you say?...the princess...was taken away!?]

He went trembling in rage and risen up, as soon as he kicks up the throne that belongs to the Kshyperuk king, one man knee down.

Dorotea Mardones, who served as the right arm of Cristobal, his confidant subordinate.

He was immediately summoned as soon as he arrived in this city via the previous flight airship.

[Dorote...A man such as your caliber should know how valuable that princess is!! and you allow the thief to take her away, got the airship destroyed and nonchalantly fled back with the remaining black knight? What kind of the heck of blunder is this? Hahhh!!]

The roar unleashed by Cristobal is re-sound into the room again.

While receiving a single-mindedly fly out rebuke one after another, Dorote did not attempt to refute and still keep his knee down like that.

[Would you wake up already? Cris. how long are you gonna keep this up? for the supreme commander to be distraught as this degree.]

A cool voice came from the entrance between the audience reached the frenzy Cristobal.

The first princess Catalina, Cristobal's sister stood there.

[Elder sister....but!]

[Calm down a bit. you should be the best person who knew about sir Mardones's ability and his loyalty, right? it would be a waste of time to keep blame him like that. the first thing that we need to do is thinking about what happen next.]

By received a cool pointed out guidance, Cristobal finally feels like to let it go and calm his mind somehow with a deep breath, He just looks calm on the surface and turns to Dorote.

[...raise your face, first, what happen? tell me everything without leaving any small detail. I will think about your punishment after that.]

[Haa!]

Dorote finally rises his face up, however, he still kneeling while groaning told him about thief attacking the Raspedo castle.

[...then, by the time that I noticed it, all members royal family of Kshyperuk was already taken away. I am unworthy of your trust and don't have any excuse on this matter, I already prepare to receive your punishment.]

While listening, Cristobal's expression had been filled with bitterness.

For them, the princess among the royalty of Kshyperuk, Elleonora is a necessary "Tool" in order to stable their govern over Kshyperuk territory.

The current power that Jaroudeku kingdom possess already overwhelming,  It does not require any extra effort in order to dominate and get Kshyperuk territory under its control.

[To think that it not only the princess but the other royal members too? Unbelievable, for you to got defeated by such a weakling enemy as Kshyperuk soldiers...]

While Cristobal had been examined the word of calm Dorote, he suddenly felt that something wrong.

He knew Dorote for a long time. 

Somehow, it was like a senior-junior relationship, Dorote was always called the hand of Jaroudeku's army, some even called him the maker.

It would be a more logical reason if Kshyperuk's soldiers were the one who being hunted down, He unable to find an answer.

Catalina who sinking in her thought while stood beside him also had a similar idea, She looks up.

[You...are right. even the castle was attacked by 1000 men of Kshyperuk's soldiers, It still impossible for them to take away the royal family that guarded by Dorote. If that the case, does that mean the one who behind this should be...a soldier from "A different country" , right?]

[Damn you, so that what it is about! Tch, although, I thought that someone may make a move. to got an extra interrupted  at the endgame!] 

Cristobal growing in bitter look while listening to his elder sister's word.

They had reached the conclusion, a very nasty possibility.

If you take away the royal family. then, the nobles in the old Kshyperuk is not a small problem.

A simple story but also troublesome let just say that they just need to conquer them again with their war potential.

However, if another country is the one who caused this then the story become more complex.

After all, It will interfere via "The greatest righteous person" of the royal family. 

Nothing but a trouble.

They also considered about interference from the other countries beforehand and already prepare a countermeasure. 

Since Jaroudeku kingdom had been carefully prepared for a long time for their invasion.

But this event was quickly fully exceeded their expectation different from the early correspondence from other countries until now.

[...It understandable that "The isolated country"(Elves Flags) lay a hand in this matter or there still a remnant of Rokard Coalition?]

Catalina shooked her head at Cristobal's murmured, it none of them.

[The problem is, we already spreading the news about Elleonora's marriage in order to subdue Kshyperuk's nobles. now, they were taken away soon after this happen, Our reputation is totally ruined.]

Deep wrinkles appearing on Catalina's neat facial due to her irritation.

This is a great unpleasant development for the girl who was placed as a political assistant.

Dorote who still manage to keep his head on the neck until now is breaking into their conversation

[Allow me humbly to say. I do not think them are involved in this matter.]

[Hou? I guess you have a reason for that statement, right?]

Though  he was being doubted, he still encourages to continue his story.

However, before Dorote speaking again, he leisurely removes his sword from his hip and hands it over to Cristobal.

[...this is, what the heck is it! what is it for?]

[There is no any single bit of falsehood in my earlier report. but, if you doubted in my word  from now then...please behead me with this sword immediately.]

Cristobal grinding his teeth out of vexation at that word while Catalina lifting her eyebrows.

In another word, Dorote declared to betting his life with his word.

When you reverse thinking, his word could mean...

[To go that far, the story that hard to be believable was truth?]

Dorote did not reply but continues telling his story while kneeling silently.

Cristobal receives a sword after he thought for a while and immediately unsheath it.

It is a clunky white blade but well kept one that reflecting a dull light.

[Fuh, I guess it still not too late to doubt your word. but,  I had received your resolve. speak without any regret!]

[I am grateful and happy at your benevolence, You highness...then, after the royal family escaped, We had to chase them with an airship...the enemy was used a silhouette knight that the upper body is a human but the lower body is in horse figure, they used it to flee on the highway.]

Cristobal involuntarily swallowed the word "It can't be" , He takes a deep breath.

As he speaking now, Dorote neck is accompanied by a drawn sword that Cristobal hold.

The story was unbelievable enough to make him hesitate since Cristobal was not a stupid person.

[You really do a good job by risking your neck, what is this thing about? rather, Is it not a simple "Magical Beast" that gone into extinction since the old time?]

[With all due respect, it definitely a silhouette knight that clearly made by a human hand. my lord. It has an extraordinary speed exactly as a cavalry horse, without an airship, we probably wouldn't able to hold a candle to catch up with it.]

Cristobal eyebrows shrinking. 

Their mass production machine, Tyrantor is a machine that boasts power both in an offensive and defensive, the only drawback was its slow speed via the foot.

An enemy with such a feature like a cavalry would be their bad compatibility.

The story until now was a grave matter but Dorote's story after this gonna be an earth-shattering report.

[The enemy did not only just have that. in order to retake the royal family, we attempt to chase it by airship. therefore, They even brought out a demon clad in flame with multiple arms. such an enemy able "jumped up in the sky", it was a powerful silhouette knight that I never see anywhere before that able to destroyed our flying airship with just its weapon...] 

[...what an innovation, Oi, Wait a bit, Wait, Dorote, You, what are you talking about!?]

Cristobal was in his mid-thought while hearing Dorote's report, he notices a ridiculous fact and begins to inquire it in a hurry.

[Of course, it about enemy's silhouette knight. after all, we did not descent  "Down" even once. That guy just flew from the opposite direction, wrecked us, my airship with only one machine. moreover, its blow strong enough to shake the black knight. so, I was forced to give up on the pursuit...If you are doubted and think that I made a prevarication, please use that sword to.... ]

[Arghhh... You are so dull, that thing does not matter anymore. however, such a story...but, it just sound like an imagination]

Cristobal indeed leaked a groaning voice. 

There is no any lie in the report that risked with Dorote's life.

They have completely discarded the thought to blame him.

Catalina was aware such a fact besides Cristobal who was still in confusion.

[...in alternate meaning, there was a silhouette knight that powerful than the black knight. rather, it was a completely another level. then it must be a country with technical capability. Hey, Dorote, by any chance, did you thinking about "A country that successfully develops new technology" not "A country that already possesses the technology a time ago"?]

Dorote assent replies back to his murmur question that lack of conviction.

[Although this is just my speculation, there is a duchess of archduke Ferdinan, the formerly younger brother of the king among the royal family that escaped, Martina Ortho Kshperuk...that women came from "Fremmevir kingdom" to married him. Furthermore, the direction that they fled to is also "East". the same direction to that country.]

[The "Country of Magical Beast"(Fremmevir)?  Did you mean that a person from that bumpkin country may butt in this matter?]

They had been expected many of enemy but Fremmevir kingdom is the one that unexpected for them.

The reason due to that country is placed outside the west countries group (Okushiden).

There is only once that they only dabble interact with it as an opponent, after that, it far out of their interest.

[This may be some of their comrade agreement, they may probably try to skim some of Kshyperuk territory. The main problem is now, the royal family who escaped already join force with an enemy that powerful than the black knight. I don't think they have a lot of numbers but we can't be too much optimism.]

Catalina makes sure to make an adjustment to their strategy that already been planned.

Although the identity was guessed out, how much it gonna effect their plan in the future is still unknown.

For now, it already too late for their Kshyperuk territory unification plan.

Cristobal who heard this turn made a rough snort and plunk sit down on the throne.

His state filled with many emotion but the anger never floating in his face.

[...kukuh hahahah, Isn't thing become more interesting a bit? An enemy that stronger than black knight! is now backing up the Kshyperuk, there is no more any pleasure than beating it. look like I will not get bored for a while.]

Catalina clearly frowns behind him. 

It was well known in her royal family that her brother trait is about violent and war, he always asking for "An enemy to be crushed"

It was his bad habit.

[Cris, you better not make light of the current situation.]

[I knew, Elder sister, I will lead the army directly to crush the enemy. war is my specialty, I will ask you to look after the rear.]

Cristobal stood up vigorously as the beast that loses its chain.

Even after becoming the supreme commander of the invasion army, his nature never changed.

For Catalina who was bestowed with a political authority is hard for her to suppress him when it comes to fighting.

[I will carry out an attack on the east territory as soon as possible, we must choke their life out of it. if we waste too much time, the royal family will launch their counter attack for sure. It wouldn't be a funny story if the resistance spreading out because of it.]

Even he say about the disadvantage, his expression filled with lively and shining.

Since the situation progress to this point, it already inevitable too late to recapture the royal family.

The royal family will act as a center of this country resistance force.

In vice versa, If you took them out, the collapsing rate of Kshyperuk kingdom will be accelerated.

[Tool should always stay as a tool and get obedient used. resistance is a crime and needs to be redeemed with their life including the bumpkin company that came from beyond the mountains.]

Crush the plan of revival and resistance of the adversary.

that's his supremacy pleasure.

While he being sunk in his expectations, Dorote's word pressing him.

[Please wait a moment, the black knight that stationed in the eastern part was now greatly reduced in number. this proves how much strong of the enemy is and how much trouble we have now.]

The results of Silver Phoenix knights rampage. 

Now, Jaroudeku kingdom enforcement is cut apart, the available force becomes less and less.

It doesn't take much time for Cristobal's mood being to swoop and falling to the ground, Catalina interrupted at that moment.

[Crish, Let re-assign the soldiers from the Black Jaw knights that stationed in the north and south, also calling the original force of Kshyperuk. Although, it inferior to the black knight, it still a silhouette knight.]

[That useless thing... however, look like I had no choice since we need an extra number in order to put an end on their breath.]

Cristobal tired and re-sitting on the throne.

With all of that, Jaroudeku kingdom course of action was settled.

The order was dispatch to a various area in Kshyperuk immediately in order to get the Black Jaw knight---an elite of Jaroudeku's army as a reinforcement.

It begun to move with an aim at the eastern sector followed the Kshyperuk royal.

It starts to narrow the target area and gradually become a siege.

Part 11.

Dorote walked away from the audience chamber after he finished his report.

His pace filled with a heavy weight, the answer is clearly.

He committed a grave blunder that can't be wipe out with time and effort, it's unforgivable for him.

[...Oldman.]

[Gustav, I heard it,  look like you failed too.]

He was disheartened to get greeted by his adopted son, Gustav. 

Gustav too was received a major damage from Silver Phoenix knights, now, both parent and child were in the same boat.

[I'm sorry. it went pretty bad. so, what did his royal highness saying? a good scolding?]

[Look like I need to stay still for a while and refrain from speaking unless it necessary depends on the time.]

Dorote leaks a sigh when he sitting on the chair with a screeching sound of GISHIRI.
TN: ギシリ SFX sound.

He says it clearly that his punishment has been postponed.

It was an unexpected blunder.

When he thinking about his punishment in the future, It really an unbearable pain for the excellent commander.

As a result rather than got executed from the eastern part failure, he was put on house arrest instead.

[The enemy that fought with us, is quite strong. It can't be compared to Kshyperuk goons, now, it is the time that our sword are necessary the most.]

[Endure it for now. ....surely, I will wipe out this stigma with their lives, they must pay, especially the demon there.]

The appearance of  the incarnation of destruction crossing his mind. 

It gonna be a big calamity presence for any Jaroudeku kingdom's soldiers.

Dorote never doubts in this premonition. 

He decided to use even his own life that lives until now for a long time.

When their depression aligned, his subordinate come tells him about the unexpected visitor.

[excuse me for an absence. sir Mardones, can you spare me a little bit of your time?]

[So...it was sir Cruz. sure, but for a man who should hole up in the home country, what are you doing in this front line area?]

Dorote answering him, Horacio Cruz, the head of Jaroudeku  development workshop, while inclining his head with a doubt.

He is not a combat personal. so, there must be a reason for coming to the forefront like Kshyperuk territory that he did not know.

[No, no, this is not a big deal, I just want to use this incompetence body of mine to help his highness majesty. in order to overcome the constantly new challenge, I want to hear the thought about implementation from everyone.]

From the knight runner commander view of Dorote, he always does not understand the thinking concept of technical personal but he sincere think it has own way of thinking.

Since he now has a lot of free time due to house arrest.

He nodded and accepted the offer.

[Such that thing, but we did not cooperate with each other much. what do you want to talk about?]

At that moment, Horacio's expression filled with a burning smile.

A muddy sticky vocal leaked from his opened mouth.

[....I heard that there is an enemy when you are using the airship, please carefully tell me about its appearance at that time with full detail...]

At that time, Horio's figure before Dorote's eyes turns into a different person that he met so far.

It was the one that makes he felt a disgusting spirit and passion.