by Kasugamaru
“I see... you don’t think they’ll take offense?”
“Considering your station, the security may even be too light.”
“But...” There is one threat. What was her name... the black-haired one who cut through elven magic. The humans gossip about her and call her unrefined things like “50-Vampire Killer,” but that’s clearly an exaggeration. After seeing the remnants of the battlefield, they must be stretching the truth. The vampires attacking from the south were probably hit by a surprise attack by the humans that threw them into chaos and caused them to slay their own allies. That would also explain the Thunderbolt cast from an inexplicable position.
“Ohh! Thank you for coming! My name is Sakiel!”
“...Kuroi.”
“Kuroi, huh? Mm, a good name.” Not only does she refuse to name herself first, but she only nods slightly? I swear, humans are so... at least she came unarmed. That is only natural, of course. Two men accompany her, what looks like a military officer and a civil official.
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Ange of the Crimson Flower Company, recently appointed Master of Coin for this land. I hope we can get along.”
“Mm! You’ll have no problems from me!” The civil official is a middle-aged female. Her build is nothing special, but I can sense a slight air of magic to her.
“It is my honor to make your acquaintance as well. I am Marius, younger brother of the acting representative. I’ve come to serve as his proxy.”
“Ohh! Siblings, is it? I’ve heard that means your faces are similar!” This handsome male is a commissioned officer. I can tell from the way he holds himself.
“You are well-versed. I am told that my brothers take after our father. I, the youngest, take after our mother.”
“Hoh! Humans have such profound mysteries.”
“The resemblance can even cross generational lines. People say I am the spitting image of my great-grandmother.”
“Such is possible? Then perhaps your relatives also resembled people who once lived thousands or tens of thousands of years ago!” The Kuroi girl is silent and expressionless, but her companions are friendly. However, I do not understand. I was expecting the representative, the priest that serves as a negotiator, and the fire mage to accompany her.
“Come, sit! I’ve got some really good snacks.”
“We appreciate your hospitality. However, the Dragon Warrior appears quite suspicious of us.”
“...I have some concerns in regards to security and etiquette.”
“F-Fleilyu!”
“I understand. Allow me to explain.” I nod, urging him on. I hate to make Lady Sakiel wait, but I need to understand the situation.
“The three you invited have, for their own reasons, decided to step back.” He smiles as he peddles his excuses. He never shows any bashfulness, does he?
“First, Father Felipo has been forbidden from getting near this place by your own Second Commander. Something about trying to prevent any unnecessary negotiations.” Damn you, Second Commander Arcsem. Talk about uncalled for.
“Next, Frontier Sorcerer Odysson is unfortunately a bit ill. He has had to adopt a rather special method of training for the Fire Corps... Heh heh... Pfft!” What? He seems quite amused by something. I’m aware that the man was sent to train those who could summon fire into mages. I take it that is going well. If it is, that is also a threat. But according to our investigative reports, they were practicing “strange, bizarre, and superstitious rituals.” As I recall, they were forced to balance vases of oil on their heads while assuming stances like twisted branches, and zigzagging through a course of roof tiles surrounded by embers...
Idiotic. Truly uncivilized practices. Apparently humans do not even know meditation techniques.
“My brother, Agias, is simply not here at the moment. Monsters have attacked several nearby villages, and he has gone to hunt the creatures down.” Monsters, eh? A favorite pawn of elves and vampires. This story is probably true. There have been so many soldiers coming and going lately that it has been difficult to tell the difference between their training exercises and battle sorties, but I do remember one thing: a few days ago, 700 cavalry rode out and have yet to return.
“Where did the monsters appear?”
“To the southwest, as well as the northwest.” I knew it. Neither of those are strategic elven locations. Assuming these were not naturally random encounters, then it would be the work of vampires. With so many battles occurring on the front lines lately, there’s no way our army could have circled around to enemy lines and set this up.
“As well as the east.” No! It’s not possible! Even if there was an irregular operation that I was unaware of, there would have at least been some consideration for us. There’s no way they would risk the possibility of the battle reaching Lady Sakiel.
“It is possible these reports are mistaken or false. We have become a base of hope and dependability for our people.”
“Yes, indeed. I came here precisely because of the stories I’d heard of this place.”
“Hoh, hoh! Is this place so popular? I can understand that!”
“Lady Sakiel, let me serve the tea.”
“No, I’ll do it. I am the host, after all.” Her hospitality is wasted on them. No, this is just a part of Lady Sakiel’s bleeding heart. The humans ought to be crying in thanks.
“The guest of honor is you, Kuroi. Drink up.”
“No. Forgive me, but I shall partake first.” How dare you dash her hopes. Humans are such miserable creatures.
“...Such arrogance. And I don’t mean just your tea etiquette.”
“Oh, my. You wish to speak of manners? What I suggested was only natural.”
“What was ‘natural?’ You offer not even the slightest bit of thanks for Her Grace’s unprecedented hospitality. Have some shame.”
“Hoh... Hospitality? Shame? Ho-ho-ho!” She laughs. At me. At an elf?
“All this from those who, after threatening us, offer a cup of possible poison straight away to Lady Kuroi and order her to drink? And you would have us rejoice? Why, it’s outrageous. I must wonder who really lacks gratitude and grace here.” What? What did she just say? A mere human. A lowly human dares...
“Indeed. It is an unexpected peril that we have fallen into such a heavy siege.” The officer glances toward the spots where our flyers hide. No. He can’t have spotted them in such a short amount of time.
“It seems we were correct to come instead.”
“An excellent decision indeed. It would not affect the local government terribly if we were to not return.” What are they doing? Why do they kneel, pull back their collars, and expose their bare necks? What am I supposed to do with that?
“We ask that you take our two heads, and in exchange grant our people mercy from your gleaming white army. Just please, allow Lady Kuroi to leave. She is our people’s hope.” What is going on? How did this happen? Argh, Lady Sakiel is looking at me with tears in her eyes! Was it me? Me? Did I misunderstand something to bring about this situation? Lady Sakiel had been so excited for this opportunity, but just like the concert the other day, my thoughtlessness has brought everything crashing down.
Sip.
Crunch, crunch.
The Kuroi girl is drinking her tea and nibbling on a snack. Everyone—me, the humans, the soldiers—sit there, dumbstruck. We can only stare as she eats without a care.
“Well? Is it good?”
“Yes.”
“Is that presence at your back... your god?”
“Yes. He just descended.”
“Enjoying my tea, I take it?”
“Yes. Seems so.”
“I see... That’s great to hear.” Lady Sakiel and Kuroi are conversing. The scene seems so far away, as if hidden behind a veil of mist.
“You and me. One day.”
“It is the destiny of Apostles, yes. But not yet.”
“Yes. God is facing west, I believe.”
“Mm. Same here.
It is a sad thing, in my opinion...” I see. So Kuroi is a human Apostle.
With a calm mind, I listened to the human soldier’s urgent report. Monsters had appeared en masse from the mountains to the northwest. The tea party was adjourned. A few minutes later, the military officer rode out with 500 cavalry. I watched them go, their horses kicking up dust.
Now I serve silently by Her Grace’s side, observing the machinations of humans.
23 The Middle Brother Annihilates and Solicits, for the Sake of the Girl who Would Lead Humanity
Destroy the monsters, as one would clear a virus or curse.
How can you claim to love God if you cannot do that?
-Origis I-
Seven hundred cavalry head toward the desert. We are clearly moving at a fast, strict pace, but there is little exhaustion. Are these the results of that foolish training? The dancing, the spinning... why did every single exercise have to be so bizarre? Wasn’t there something more normal we could do? I understand it was how we gained divine blessings, but it still eats at my soul. Even our horses’ coats and kicks have improved, but I refuse to accept it.
“The Hell Expanse is beyond that hill. Battle will be upon us soon after.” There is a springiness to Agias’ command. He’s full of energy. My brother has always had an eccentric side, but it seems that’s been polished to an overwhelming degree. How can I describe it? When you remove vanity from a man, this is what you’re left with.
“Are you listening, Origis?”
“I am. We moved quickly, but I didn’t expect us to get here in only two days.”
“We lost two days, you mean. There’s no telling if we’ll be too late.”
“Yeah, I guess...” Just the fact that we might arrive in time is amazing in my book. It was when we split up to save the lesser villages from monster attacks that I learned just how perilous the Hell Expanse was. My blood ran cold, I tell you. That place is home to the largest population of people in the northern frontier. When I’d heard that a giant horde of monsters had moved in, my mind was boggled. We had to rush out to their aid. And yet, we couldn’t afford to split our men. As a compromise, our only choice was to head that way while gradually reassembling our forces. We were fated to take a roundabout path, and in the end we couldn’t avoid it.
Even so, the Hell Expanse hasn’t fallen yet. We managed to arrive before it could. The fact that he doesn’t find this astounding speaks to how astounding Agias himself is.
How horrible. The buildings, nestled between rivers and greenery, are in a terrible state. Even from this distance, I can tell they’ve been raided and ransacked. Cursed goblins, spewing miasma of stench about as if they own the place. A number of hobgoblins accompany them, too.
But, just as our scouts reported, some citizens seem to have been evacuated. From atop a cliff overlooking the town, yellow walls have been erected to create a sort of fort. Smoke rises from the center. And from the wasteland at the foot of the cliff, looking for a chance to invade, are goblins. Hobgoblins dot the massive, evil horde. A quick count shows over 2,000. This isn’t normal; the numbers are unnatural. But for a battlefield, maybe not so much.
It’s a vampire vanguard—not naturally occurring, but cultivated.
Goblins as a race are purely male. However, reproduction is apparently easy for them. Many species can serve as suitable hosts for their spawn, but the cursed vampires say humans are “the best.”
The path up the cliff is narrow. Defensive walls must have been constructed as well. But the enemies’ numbers are too great. They’ll eventually break through. No, it would seem they’ve already halfway broken through.
“We’ll split our army into two forces.” That’s my brother Agias. Such quick decision-making.
“I’ll lead 200 men towards the town. From the look of things, a large amount of citizens weren’t able to evacuate. They must be prioritized.” Very true. Goblins only care about eating and raping, and with such a large amount of them nearby... In other words, by searching for survivors, we can learn something of their numbers.
“Origis, you will take 500 men and destroy that.” He points at the horde of goblins on the wasteland that number over 2,000.
“You can do it, I trust.”
“Of course. Just go all out, right?”
“Indeed. Bring honor to the banner of House Willow.”
“I like those orders. I take it we have free rein to use magic as well?” I call to my soldiers and ride down the hill. Behold, all of you fighting for your lives up there. The banner we raise is a burning cross on a field of black. Let your spirits rise, people. The army of House Willow is here to save you. You are already saved. We shall destroy the goblins.
“Men, ready your fire bombs!” We ride forward as a group, and I grip a charred brown ball in my hand. I channel my mana into the insect growth, plucked from a witch hazel tree and stuffed with charcoal.
More. Fill it more. Is this all I have? No, I can do more... There!
“Form a vertical line! Surround the enemy group! Release on my orders!” I shout and rush ahead.
The wind pressure is perfect. I can already see the goblins’ ugly faces; that’s how close I am.
I’m fast. Galloping in makes you feel more confident. In every battle I’ve been in, I’ve charged just like this. Even so, I’ve won them all. That’s why our house’s name echoes with military might.
But things are about to change. I turn my horse’s head to the left; neither my sword nor my lance are drawn. Only the wind from our horses rushes toward the enemy, the thundering of their hooves freezing them in their tracks.
“Light!” Good, goblins. Crowd together more.
“Prepare to throw!” The goblins freak at the sight of the cavalry and clump together nicely.
“Release!” Eat this.
I hurl the fire bomb. Before me, 500 fire bombs arc through the air. They bounce off the goblins’ heads and shoulders, dropping at their feet. Some goblins in the middle catch them or even pick them up. The balls are combustion magic, brought to life by Inferno. They’ve been packed full with the spell.
“Retreat!” As we move back, I hear a loud boom. Whoa, they keep going off. Boom! Boom! Ba-ba-ba-boom! The sounds rumble in my belly, and heat washes over my cheeks. It’s even more amazing than usual. The mana mixed in nicely. And the spell name Inferno is no exaggeration, either.
The wind catches the huge black plumes of smoke and carries them, revealing a huge pile of corpses. But it’s not enough. Not every goblin was caught in the blast. Some can still move. Some are still recognizable as goblins. These are all extremely bad things.
Death to all monsters. Goblins can’t even be harvested for materials, so their only purpose is to die.
“Men, draw your swords! Strike at will! Annihilate them all!” My fighters scatter, and I charge forward as well. I cut through a confused goblin; I stab at a berserking hobgoblin. I show no mercy. I will not allow a single one to live, or a single one of my men to be lost.
Surprisingly, our horses are unphased. They don’t even flinch from the light and heat of the explosions, nor do they shy away from our enemies. Agias was right. You don’t use your horse to fight—you fight with your horse. We’re so in-sync that I’ve basically left my reins tied to my saddle. This makes it extremely easy to use my longsword.
And in fact, my moves are strangely sharper. Horse and rider together dodge a hobgoblin’s club and simultaneously sever its arm at the elbow. As the horse rights itself, the return swing of my longsword sends the monster’s head flying all in one breath.
Hmm. I’ve gotten really strong since coming to the Frontier. Perhaps I could even beat Agias... On second thought, of course not. In our duel, he even used his horse to attack, attaching a horn to it like a unicorn, which made me worry for the sanity of both horse and rider... but I was defeated, so I cannot complain.
There is also one more person that I’m sure I cannot defeat: Lady Kuroi. Even without crossing swords, I can tell just from h
er appearance. She is not normal. It’s true she’s a master of martial arts, but it’s more of a pressure... Basically, she’s a one-woman army; the literal definition. It’s no wonder Agias is so taken in by her.
But that’s also why people like us are needed. Soldiers that can fight; an army that heralds her arrival. We exist to pave the way for her to reach the final battle. Agias was right. No letter would ever be enough to express what he has seen.
That’s the last one; the monsters are all wiped out. Passionate cheers rain down upon us. Fly our banner in response! My brother’s forces have to do a thorough, time-consuming search of the town, so we had to win big here. You are saved. Be excited... and fight more. I invite you, my fellows, to join us in our revolution with Lady Kuroi at the helm.
24 The Knight Cheers and Charges, Setting the Field Of Monsters Aflame
I am not alone.
We are here, therefore I am not alone.
-Knight Agias V-
Bomber Knights in tow, we proceed forward. The sounds of marching feet and trotting hooves intermingle as we approach the mountain. The horde of monsters rushes forth like a landslide; we must fight them back. Just as Marius’s forces have already.
“It’s been battle after battle for you. Aren’t you tired, brother?” I snort at his joke. My original plan was to wait until he became a man before leaving the house, but for some reason, despite becoming an excellent soldier, his boyish nature hasn’t changed a bit.
“A late question, but shouldn’t some of the Expanse soldiers be joining us?”
“Their first priority is to protect the Expanse. Even with the monsters vanquished, the remaining stench will invite more. Plus...”
“Soldiers with differing methods of battle will only slow us down, right?”
“Indeed. It’s no longer a question of skill.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true.” Two new pieces of equipment are tied to my waist: four fire bombs, and two ignite canisters. The Inferno cast by the fire bombs is as destructive as any charging army. Control of combustion magic is difficult, but every one of our soldiers has mastered it. However, that is only natural; we would not call them Bomber Knights otherwise.