The Hero King, Reincarnate to Master the Art of War (LN) - Volume 8 - Chapter 8

Extra: New Gear

One morning, after the tempo of banquets at the palace had died down, Inglis and Rafinha made their return to lessons at the knights’ academy. After a long while, they were back in their uniforms.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to enjoy the food at the cafeteria. It really makes me feel like we’re back,” Inglis observed with a grin.

“That’s right,” Rafinha said. “The food at the palace was delicious, but the food here in the cafeteria is good too.”

“It’s been a long time since the lunch ladies had to work that hard,” Leone said.

“Ah, yes, the daily routine... Just watching it gives me heartburn,” Liselotte groaned.

“I guess it’s the same no matter where they are.” Lahti sighed.

“But it’s nice to feel like peace has finally returned,” Pullum said.

Lahti and Pullum had both remained in the capital for the upcoming summit between Alcard and Karelia. However, after that was over, they’d be returning home, meaning these were their last few days as academy students.

“Really, though. After everything that’s happened, I’m gonna miss this sort of stuff with you all,” Lahti said.

Seeing their melancholy air, Rafinha patted them on the back. “We’re all back here together, so let’s perk up and have some fun! There’s a special assembly this morning! I bet something interesting’s going on!”

“I guess. Sure hope it ain’t another absurd training session.”

“Hmm... You’re right, I don’t want to run all the way to the Flygear dock again either...”

“Returning to the basics is a valid approach,” Inglis said. “Oh, by the way, Lahti. When we’re running, can you change into a dragon and ride on my back? I think you’d be just the right weight.”

Adding the weight of a dragon—even a small dragon—to the enhanced gravity she trained under sounded like an excellent practice session to Inglis.

“No way! Everyone would be staring, and if I’m gonna transform, I want to use it to beat you in a race! Maybe I can at least win that way!”

“Sounds fun. I’m up for it.”

“All right, it’s on!”

As they talked, they headed to the courtyard where the assembly was to be held.

“Good mooorning, everyone! ♪” Principal Miriela was there waiting for them, and she was all smiles. “Today, we’re all taking a field trip to the palace!”

The academy students were abuzz with excitement.

“The palace?!”

“Are we going to get a tour?!”

“We might even get to meet His Majesty!”

“No, no, no! It’s something eeeven better than just that! Tee hee! ♪” Miriela’s eyes sparkled. Though it might be a bit problematic to describe a royal audience so casually, her expression and tone of voice made it clear that she was very excited.

“What is it, then, Principal?”

“The knights’ academy is getting some new gear,” she replied.

“Gear?” the students echoed.

“Yes! Let’s go!”

Inglis raced Lahti to the palace—and won. Once everyone arrived, all the students were in a clamor.

“Wow!”

“So this is the academy’s new gear?!”

The students cheered. It was the flying battleship that had made an emergency landing in the canal by the palace—the one General Rochefort of Venefic had used in his assault on the capital. Inglis’s attacks had forced it to crash into the canal.

“Indeed! We captured it from Venefic, and I’ve received approval to have the students of the knights’ academy repair and operate it!” Miriela giggled. “I’ve always wanted a Highland flying battleship! This is a dream come true!” Overjoyed, she took Inglis by both hands and shook them. “Thank you so much for capturing it rather than completely destroying it, Inglis! Because of that, the academy is now fully equipped!” She was like a child who had a new favorite toy.

“Ha ha ha... I’m curious about the engineering of flying battleships as well, so I’m pleased. I’m surprised the academy managed to get its hands on it, though. I’m sure many others were interested as well.”

It could have gone to the Paladins or the Royal Guard, not to mention the many knightly orders under individual aristocrats who must have wanted it. Inglis found it unusual for such a potent weapon to go to the Chiral Knights’ Academy instead.

“Well, you’re the one who’s covered herself in glory these past few weeks, and we’re the ones training you, so it seems feeding you for free has been worth it!”

“I see. A win-win situation.”

“Indeed it is! And this is far less likely to cause offense in Venefic or Highland than pressing it into military use. The academy accepts exchange students from other countries, so it can be presented as not solely in Karelia’s interest.”

That was true. It was important to have an explanation for everything. The invasion and the defeat of the reborn Prismer weren’t the end of the story. Life went on. That’s how it was.

“And... If we can get this repaired and operational, we might be able to do other things. It could even be a turning point in history!”

“History, huh... Well, as for me, once it’s repaired, I’d like to take it around the world seeking and destroying Prismers as part of my warrior’s training.” Inglis’s eyes gleamed just as bright as Principal Miriela’s.

“Wow... It seems like a new era of world peace is dawning.”

“I don’t wanna! Are you gonna drag me into that again?” Rafinha protested.

“It’ll be fun,” Inglis said.

“In what world is that fun?! It’s terrifying! Anyway, Principal Miriela, we’re painting over the Venefic ensign, right?” Rafinha’s eyes had a different glimmer.

“Ah, yes. That’s right, we need to change its emblem,” Miriela said.

Rafinha grinned. “All right! Hear that, Pullum?! We can paint it!”

“Yay!” Pullum cheered. “We can have all sorts of fun with a ship that big!”

The culprits behind the Star Princess’s glow-up were beaming with delight.

No one said you could just paint it however you wanted, Inglis thought.

“This is our last chance for school memories together, so let’s do our best and make it the cutest thing ever!” Rafinha said.

“Yeah, Rafinha!” Pullum agreed. “We’ll remember this for the rest of our lives!”

If Pullum was going to put it that way, Inglis couldn’t object. Nor could or would she if Rafinha was that insistent. Better to leave the exterior to them and have her own fun poking around its guts.

Miriela tugged Inglis’s sleeve. “Inglis, please stop them.”

“That’s not something I can do.” Inglis shook her head, her eyes closed. Her dear granddaughter’s whims were sacrosanct.

“W-Well, Rafinha, Pullum... Today, we’ll be busy getting the ship to the Flygear dock on Lake Bolt...”

It was then that someone appeared to call out to them. “Hey, if it isn’t the academy kids. Now that you’re all here, time to get to work, no? Otherwise you’re gonna run out of daylight.”

It was a familiar voice, with a distinct way of speaking. Turning toward it, Inglis saw the red-haired man she was expecting. However, he wasn’t in his Venefic military uniform—instead, he wore the outfit of a knights’ academy instructor. Next to him was a long-haired young demihuman woman with catlike ears and tail. She seemed very mature and ladylike. And just like him, she was wearing a knights’ academy instructor’s outfit.

“Rochefort?!”

“Arles?!”

Rochefort smirked at Inglis and Rafinha’s surprised shouts. “Heh heh heh. Demerits for insubordination for these two young ladies, then?”

“Huh?!”

“Let’s not, Ross. This happened out of the blue. Their surprise is understandable.” Arles stopped Rochefort with a wry smile.

“Rochefort... Arles... Wait, aren’t they...?” Leone asked.

“Yes, the Venefic general and hieral menace who Inglis and Rafinha mentioned!” Liselotte replied.

“Whaaat?!” The students around them were shocked.

“Y-Yes!” Miriela said. “Beginning today, they’re visiting instructors at the knights’ academy. Don’t worry, though! His Majesty willed it, Prince Wayne assented, and I held an interview with them beforehand, so—”

Brushing aside Miriela, who was trying to smooth things over, Rochefort gave a deep and highly exaggerated bow to the students. “Pleased to meet you, everyone. Well, I’m still alive, so this is how it ends up. Gotta stay that way, so I’ll be earning my keep here!”

“We’ll be doing our best!” Arles bowed as well. Her motions and tone of voice were completely proper, and showed no signs of ill intent.

This was a bold staffing decision indeed. Many must have opposed it, but King Carlias had been able to persuade them anyway. He seems to have a good grasp on how they really are, Inglis thought. Arles was an extremely good person, and putting Rochefort’s pretenses aside, he lived for her. It was better to put them to use together than to mistakenly suspect them and split them up.

And their appointment to the academy, just like the choice of what to do with the flying battleship, would avoid complications with Venefic and with Highland’s Papal League. In particular, Arles, a hieral menace, was even more of a big deal than a flying battleship.

At least, that’s the cover story. King Carlias obviously has another purpose in mind. I’d said I wanted to fight Rochefort again. By sending him over as an instructor, I can fight him as much as I want—as long as I make sure things don’t get out of hand. Inglis considered the staffing decision a personal favor from the king. An understanding king. Wonderful.

Inglis stepped forward in front of Rochefort, her eyes full of pure childlike anticipation. “Instructor Rochefort! Instructor Arles! I’m happy to have you here! Let’s get straight to combat training! Against both of you, if possible!”

“Huh? What? But...aren’t we supposed to move that ship today?” Arles looked extremely worried.

“That’s right. We don’t have time for that right now,” Rochefort said.

“Does that mean if we finish early, you’ll duel with me then?” Inglis asked.

“As long as it’s still during the school day. You’re not getting any extracurriculars out of me.”

“Understood! Then, I’ll go right ahead!” Inglis turned to Arles and extended her hand. “Instructor Arles, would you give me a hand?”

“Yes, of course. What should I do?”

“I’d like you to transform into a shield for a moment,” Inglis raised a finger and announced.

“Ehhhh?! That... That’s not something to be used so casually! Don’t you realize that, Inglis?!”

Inglis whispered to her, “Yes. But I’ll be fine even if I wield you. When I defeated the Prismer, I was wielding Eris and Ripple, and I’m still here.”

“I... I see... Well, yes, I’d heard that, but...”

“Please! This is very important! I promise I won’t do anything wrong!”

“But...” Arles looked to Rochefort for help.

“Sounds fine by me! A teacher’s gotta respect their students’ independence, right? We’re definitely not just throwing in the towel because it’s impossible to change this little skullcracker’s mind.”

“Ha ha ha...” Arles couldn’t help but laugh, though she still winced in concern.

Rafinha groaned. “Mmm. I guess people really can understand each other through their fists... Instructor Rochefort understands Chris well.”

“I thought that was more of a guys being guys thing,” Leone said.

“Yes, but Inglis certainly likes to fight even more than that gentleman. It may apply in this case,” Liselotte said.

“I suppose I can’t argue with that.”

“Well, if someone’s gonna use a hieral menace to their fullest, guess I should watch and see what I can pick up. That’s how I made you mine, Arles.”

“Ross...” Arles blushed, but she wasn’t displeased.

The ears of the listening girls perked up at that.

“Made her his? You mean—” Leone began.

“They’re...together?” Liselotte asked.

“Yeah, they are. They’re as lovey-dovey as Lahti and Pullum,” Rafinha answered with a roguish smile.

“Hey, c’mon, this has nothing to do with us! Leave us out of it!” Lahti protested.

“But it’s true, isn’t it, Liselotte?” Leone said.

“Indeed it is.”

“Ooh, did you two see anything?” Rafinha asked.

“After you went on ahead from Alcard...” Leone began.

“You wouldn’t believe what they were sneaking around doing...” Liselotte continued. The two were blushing. They must have seen something shocking.

Pullum turned bright red and hurriedly tried to change the subject. “O-Oh my! S-Sorry! Once Lahti gets started...”

“Gah! Knock it off!”

The conversation had gone off in a completely different direction.

“Ah, to be young... Somehow, it makes me want to strangle someone,” Principal Miriela bemoaned.

“Principal, you don’t have to say something that silly. You can just ban improper fraternization with the opposite sex,” Inglis suggested. “Especially for Rani. Even only for Rani would be fine.”

Lahti and Pullum were already engaged, so it didn’t really matter what they did. Rochefort and Arles had a beautiful relationship. But not Rafinha. Definitely not her. No partner, no improper relations. She’s still too young for that.

Principal Miriela regained her composure and clapped her hands. “Enough, everyone! Let’s get back to work!”

“Then, Instructor Arles, I’d appreciate it if you’d help me finish this quickly!” Inglis said.

“Y-Yes, understood. I believe in you, Inglis.”

Arles took Inglis’s hand. A dazzling glow filled the area, and she transformed.

“Wow!”

“So this is what it’s like when a hieral menace transforms?!”

As the students shouted, Arles became a golden shield studded with gems. The shield was huge—enough to obscure Inglis completely.

“A shield! And a giant one at that!” Leone gasped.

“But it’s beautiful!” Liselotte said.

“Whoa, look at that!” Lahti said.

“It looks really strong!” Pullum said.

“Inglis! Are you all right?!” Arles’s worried voice echoed in Inglis’s head.

“Yes. I’m fine, Instructor Arles. Are you sensing anything strange?”

“No, nothing... Well, that in itself is strange, but...”

“I see. Then let’s get to work!” Inglis said with a nod. She placed the golden shield on her back to free up both hands. Then, she stepped into the shallows of the canal, and placed both hands on the flying battleship’s hull. “All right!”

“Wh-What are you doing? Weren’t you going to wield me?”

“Oh, I am.” But not as a shield... “Here I go!”

Divine Feat!

Ripples of light spread out from Inglis’s feet.

And the next moment, the world changed around her. She was by the Flygear dock on Lake Bolt. In front of her, the flying battleship bobbed in the lake’s waters. Divine Feat had moved the whole battleship here. Having gotten used to the ability, she was now able to come even this far with it. This was the first time she’d tried to carry something so heavy along with her, but it seemed to have gone fine.

I think I’ve gotten the hang of this, she thought. Stepping even farther should be possible. Divine Feat was how the gods moved infinite distances in a single step. “All right. That’s done with, then.” Inglis grinned and nodded.

“Ehhhhhhh?!” Arles’s shocked shriek echoed in her head. “What even was that?! I didn’t know something like that was possible!”

“Just a little cheat. Thanks to you.”

It was only the amplification of Inglis’s power by a transformed hieral menace that allowed her to use such a technique. It was plenty helpful both in and out of battle. How versatile, indeed.

“A cheat?!”

“Yes. Now let’s go back.” With another use of Divine Feat, Inglis was back to where Rafinha and the others were. “I’ve finished, Principal Miriela.”

“Wha—?! Ah, yes, er... Wait, did you take it to Lake Bolt in the blink of an eye?!”

“Yes. I left the flying battleship next to the Flygear dock.”

Liselotte quickly soared into the sky on the wings from her Gift and looked toward Lake Bolt. “It’s true! The flying battleship is already there!”

The students cheered. “Wow!”

“Sweet! Now we can take it easy!”

“Then, Instructor Rochefort, Instructor Arles. If we could get to that combat training? It appears we have plenty of time,” Inglis said.

“Huh? If you can pull that kinda trick out of your hat, what do you expect to learn from me? You just want to bully your teachers, don’t you?” Rochefort sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

“Come on, Ross. We promised her, so...” Arles began.

“Ah well, there’s nothing wrong with giving my students some help with training. No matter where you end up in life, you can’t escape from improving yourself,” Rochefort said.

“Yes. Let’s work hard together, Instructor!”

“Ahh, to be young. Then, does anyone else want to take on combat training against me?” Rochefort asked.

“Yes! I would too!” Leone was the first to raise her hand.

“Then, I shall as well.” Liselotte also raised her hand, and a number of other students followed suit.

“Well, I suppose if it helps you to get to know your new teachers better...” Miriela muttered.

“Pullum! Let’s go to the Flygear dock and paint that ship!” Rafinha called out.

“Yes, let’s, Rafinha!” Pullum replied.

“Chris! Can you take us to the Flygear dock?”

“Sure, Rani.”

“Wait! Hold it right there!” Principal Miriela screamed in a fluster.