by Kasugamaru
“Right. Be careful of their horns,” I remind them. I realize this is a fairly boring thing to say, but I can’t resist the urge. The militant rabbits have taken over one of the farms and are quietly eating their feed. Apparently they’re now God’s familiars and will fight alongside us humans.
However, these are monsters. Just yesterday, they were out for human blood. I didn’t see any in the attack on the Hell Expanse, but they were definitely a part of the attack on the Frontier. I don’t even need to check the newspaper’s published accounts. Everyone’s heard of someone who’s been gored to death by those sharp horns.
“Why the long face, Captain?”
“Father Felipo!”
“As you were. I merely came to check on them as well.”
The fence doesn’t even creak from the weight of two large men leaning on it from both sides. These are sturdy. The carpenters from the south are skilled and work quickly. All of our most important people and top supplies have come from the south. This man, too, definitely hails from there as well; from somewhere with a lot of political power.
Father Felipo, priest of the Frontier. He’s been running the local government all by himself. The other man is Frontier Captain Agias, a warrior that relies quite heavily on Father Felipo’s insight. This priest likes to talk a lot, and the manner of words he uses makes it quite obvious that he’s from a noble background. He might be from a really powerful family. The bravery and spirit he showed in the battle not too long ago were no less than extraordinary. He’s no mere scholar or holy man.
“My, familiars are such strange beasts... I had some inkling that this might happen, so I had started making preparations, but...”
“It is quite impressive indeed that you considered the possibility of allying with monsters,” I remark.
“According to the holy book, ‘God exists in all His grace, and will appoint an Apostle. Even monsters will obey them,’” he recites.
“God, Apostles, familiars... This is like straight out of a legend.”
“Up until now we have only been working off statements of hearsay. It was the clergy’s job to make people believe, and these words were more like a temporary consolation for those who did have faith. However, now everything has come true. We are truly living in a legend,” he spouts happily. I’d thought that all members of the church were good people who lied, but this man is the exact opposite. He’s a terrible, honest person. “A legend... it’s impossible to describe with logic and words how moving this is.” He smiles widely. It’s practically infectious. “Also, who could have thought that these critters would be so distinct!”
That’s true, militant rabbits are quite easy to tell apart. Even I can spot the differences. That gray one has sharp eyes and a detached demeanor, while that brown one is baby-faced and pudgy. The one next to it is female, I think. This one over here is truly dignified. I can tell these things just by looking at them. Normally, I would never have been able to distinguish them. You could call it the results of God’s blessing and be done with it, but this... this seems a little different. My chest feels hot. The reason?
“It’s because... they’re our allies,” I mutter.
“Indeed. Yes, that is exactly correct. Lord Willow said the same thing in regards to the horses.”
“I see. Then perhaps we can become friends on the battlefield.” As I speak, I realize that the rabbits are not paying us any mind, nor can they offer us a handshake. We can’t even have a simple conversation. But I believe. We’re the same, them and us. Drawn in by the “heat” of this land, we were both brought here by the same energy.
“We are different beings. Naturally, everything about us is different.”
“But we can co-exist,” I add.
“Indeed. As long as we respect each other, I’m sure we can live together. We can both enjoy prosperity. We do not need to be exactly the same; we only need to accept each other’s differences in order to cultivate harmony.”
“Is that rationality speaking?”
“No, it is sincerity. The only political tie we truly need is the one with the elves. With these little ones we must be bonded through honor, as comrades experiencing the same troubles.” This man must be made of stern stuff to not praise God at this point. It’s something our local leadership shares, especially Lady Kuroi, who is the personification of our faith. We were not saved from the depths of despair by God, no. We are not His playthings, His toys. The unreasonableness of living has caused us no end of pain and suffering; we became accustomed to giving in. Even so, we had our pride for surviving thus far.
But no one can live in wretchedness forever.
God gave us the fire to face our troubles and save ourselves with our own hands. He gave us hope, so that we might keep moving forward. All we needed to do was make up our minds. The same goes for these rabbits. That’s why they’ve gathered here. I see. We are comrades; brothers in arms.
“By the way, I heard you shared some of your insight with Lord Willow about the garrison infantry,” comments the father.
“I did. I’ve seen them first-hand, after all.”
“I am your commanding officer, and my second-in-command is Captain Jashan son Peine. As for you, Zakkow, I need your assistance in many things as squad captain.”
“I believe that is the best way to fight, sir.” Unity is everything for the infantry. Without it, no one would be brave enough to set foot on the battlefield. Because your comrades are by your side, you can fight the fear. Wrestle with it, suppress it, force it out.
“The best way to fight? Heh. The infantry will be joined by the rabbits, just as the cavalry work with horses.”
“Yes, that sounds very reassuring,” I respond.
“We must deepen our friendship with each other.”
“Of course.”
“So... you know what must be done, yes?”
“I do, sir.” There’s no hiding the looseness in our cheeks, the wriggling of our fingers in excitement.
“Let us dive in, then!”
“Yes, sir!”
I too will touch the fluffy tail. It’s part of our war, after all.
-Sakiel, the Ten Thousand Bells I-
I sip my tea beneath the blue skies. The warm liquid and scent slip down my throat and into my chilled breast.
“Lady Sakiel, that... Those are...”
“Yes. They have taken the militant rabbits as familiars.” No matter how many times I witness it, I am always thoroughly impressed by God’s quiet, transcendental power. A monster’s only purpose is to belch that stench, a poisonous gas that’s like a mixture of hatred and rot brewed together... and yet a refreshing breeze is blowing over the farmlands. The laws of Nature have been twisted. For better or worse, the world has surely been altered.
“Are you scared, Fleilyu?”
“Honestly speaking, I feel a great unease,” she responds after a pause.
“Because the humans are growing strong?”
“Yes. Their strength seems to build up before my very eyes. It seems almost endless.”
“Hm... your expression says you’re thinking about how to fight against them.”
“How can I not be alarmed by a power that struck down the Golden?”
“You have a point. That was quite the spectacle.” That army, burning red and black... summoning magic that brought the dead back to fight at the front lines endlessly... What Kuroi showed the world that day was the true meaning of the horrors of war.
It’s so sad. The fighting only increases in intensity, but it is my belief that people simply want to get along and smile together.
“Fleilyu, please report this to the Council in great detail,” I command.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“And if I may add something, the beauty of one’s coat knows no high or low social status. I would love to pet those black wolves, too. Alive, of course. Don’t send me any skins.”
“Th-That was...” she splutters.
“And in regards to Arcsem’s
successor, please insist they send someone of much calmer temperament. We cannot have the same thing happen again.”
“Of course. I’ll be on my way, then.”
Now, how will this turn out? I can only hope she does well. Even Fleilyu, who has interacted with and learned much about humans, is scared of them. I can only imagine what the Council must be feeling, only hearing second-hand accounts. I pray no extremist views come into play.
The root of unease and fear is ignorance and misunderstanding, after all. Besides, who’s weaker or stronger is no longer relevant.
The Dragon and Demon Gods have been fighting for three hundred years, ever since the vampires appeared. In this world, it’s your mental state that is of most importance. Otherwise, mere existence is just wretched.
Hm... perhaps I shall hold another concert. Music for the people. I’ll have Jellyfish Bells and Sunfish Gongs dance in the sky as the smoke from lunch fires rises into the air. A bright song, performed with a positive attitude and a light heart.
So that the people might remember that this world is wonderful. This is the best I can do.
42 The Captain Works in Disguise for the Sake of Entrusted Hope
Fire is in my heart. It burns deep within.
I know that this fire connects us all.
-Captain Jashan son Peine I-
“Yes. Yes, that’s right. I am unsatisfied with the way things are run on the Frontier,” I declare, rubbing my belly, even though it doesn’t hurt. As I speak, a mustachioed gentleman nods happily. “I am the captain of the northern lands. It may not compare to the Frontier Army, but my authority is at least equal to a newly appointed Minister of War. So why in the world was I stationed in an infantry platoon? Are they calling me a disposable pawn, not even worthy of a horse? And what is this vice-captain business? My commanding officer is a priest? Do they wish me to die?” Rumblings of agreement echo about, but none of them truly understand. When one wants to believe something, it appears as the sweetest nectar, yet sweetness is the best way to hide poison. Back in seminary, we used to mix laxatives in with sweet tea.
“The supplies and reinforcements requested from the fort are suspect, as well,” I continue. “Talk about excess. You could be in league with the merchant on some massive fraud scheme. There’s also the Willows... they treat the cavalry like their own personal soldiers. They could be plotting some kind of coup.” Upon hearing the surname “Willow,” some pitch forward. Which means I should be able to narrow down my suspect to one of the noble conservatives. Let’s close the net tighter. “This hierarchy makes no sense.” Oh, it seems I’ve hit the nail on the head. I’ve got enough information to be sure now. Time to finish things.
“Don’t you agree? Power should follow tradition and customs in order to be used properly. I am merely concerned that this refusal to invite the appropriate person from the capital means there is something rotten afoot.” I grimace and hang my head. Yes, yes, thank you for your concern. Come again. Next time, however, I suspect there will be quite some arguing. For the various rotten lords and nobles of the capital, deciding on a representative is the same as giving away authority.
Next on the agenda is... a drink of water, I think. I ring the servant bell.
Thank you for the pitcher, my lady. I’ll be sure to increase your wages generously. After all, not only is she attending to the needs of others, she’s also helping me obtain secret information.
“Yeesh! They’re finally gone. You call that a visit to the sick? Don’t make me laugh. The central dignitaries seem to have no idea what is going on below them... they don’t understand the reality of the Frontier,” I complain. I find it difficult to get behind tricking someone who’s lost their family, though. “They should just send the coins and supplies already. We’ve already got the soldiers. My friends from the fort came, after all.” But I guess it can’t be helped if my spy is an anti-elf. These are the types that harbor grudges against society.
“Honestly, I hate their long ears and white faces. Who do they think they are, hanging around here? Someone should set fire to the northern gate area and be done with it.” See? I’m a convenient person, so just put your radical destructive plans on hold until I can do my thing.
I sympathize, of course. The betrayal at the northern gate... Their family was killed by elves. It must hurt. I can only imagine the suffering. They probably hate anyone who looks even the least bit happy.
“Oh, I hate them, too. But their medicine, at least, is top-notch. It really heals you quickly,” I respond. I sympathize, but... this is war. It’s not something so simple that can be solved with pure hate, nor are we strong enough to take on the elves and the vampires at the same time. We must utilize what is available to us as efficiently as possible. Anyone empty-headed enough to claim that they don’t care about our circumstances is just a hindrance. It is truly unfortunate.
So, come on, take my information and back down, please.
Now, what next... oh? Look who’s here.
“Yo, fort guy. Still got you doing dirty work, I see.”
“Greetings, younger Willow. I smile with my face, but cry in my heart.” Good timing. Just as I had planned. This young knight may appear rough, but he is quite considerate. It must have been his good upbringing. “I’d rather be busy with military drills and negotiations. It’s quite vexing.”
“Oh, funny. What’s so amusing about wrapping bandages on something that doesn’t require it?”
“Any situation can be enjoyed depending on your schemes.”
“So you’re slathering fake medicine on? Doesn’t that get boring?”
“Ah, you don’t understand. It can be quite... stimulating to have a lady wrap your bandages.”
“Well, as long as you’re enjoying yourself.”
I’m worried, even though I say everything’s fine. It’s true that I am the only survivor of the three hundred cavalry I brought from the fort, but that doesn’t mean I wish to die. I have so much left to do first.
“So, did you bring what I requested?” I ask.
“Here. Careful how you handle it, though.” Hidden amongst the basket of fruits, wine, and dried meat are fire bombs and an ignite canister.
“My, my... it’s quite heavy.”
“You can go ahead and fill them with mana, but don’t accidentally ignite them. The range and firepower are difficult to understand unless you’ve experienced them yourself.”
“Yes, I’ll be careful. Is work on the mass production going smoothly?”
“It’s okay. The people from the Hell Expanse are starting to fabricate them.”
“Oh, that is good to hear. Carefully packed in boxes and delivered here... there’s no way anyone would believe that.”
“Ugh, that excited smile. No wonder you and the priest get along.”
“I also get along with your younger brother. He read me one of his poems the other day.”
“Marius... I wish I didn’t, but I understand. You two really seem like you’d see eye to eye.”
“Perhaps a certain other brother should also recite some poetry. Even a sword dance would be fine.”
“A sword dance? That’s more Agias’s thing.”
“I’m quite adept at clapping along with the rhythm. Go on, start.”
“No way. You want me to perform a sword dance for your recovery? Are you crazy?”
I think it would be fun. This conversation is enjoyable enough, though. After the younger Willow leaves, I’m still smiling. A bit of a refresher really lightens the mood. I chow down on the dried meat and take a swig of the wine. Then I practice my magic.
I close my eyes. Sharpening my mind, I seek the bottom of the darkness. There’s nothing to be scared of. Black is the color of Lady Kuroi. Deep within, I can see hints of red. It’s small but burns red hot, waiting for the moment to ignite.
Lady Kuroi’s fire. Ever since that day, it’s been inside me as well. And my men—the men I brought with me from the fort are there now, too. When the time comes
, I shall hasten to join them in Lady Kuroi’s grace. Good. Very good. What a wonderfully delightful job.
Just you wait. I’ll join you eventually. And it won’t be just me. Many people will be turned into flames. There’s no telling how many infernos will burn. That’s the scale of the war we’re waging. The flames will roar with the souls of the people scattered by the war.
I will not allow hatred to be everything. If it all ends as simply pent-up grudges, that won’t be any fun at all. Why even bother to exist at that point? It’d be easier to just die. Talk about depressing. I want to say goodbye to this world with a big smile on my face.
Hope. We need hope. One can die with pride when there is hope, regardless of whether it’s passed on to someone else or not. Right, men? I’m right, aren’t I? I failed to die, but that’s how I feel. Your hope shines beautifully even now. As the survivor, I must do my job perfectly and transform it into something tangible. I have to make some sort of progress.
In my mind, hope doesn’t flash periodically in the sky; that wouldn’t be something you could reach with your hands. No matter how far away it is, it has to exist somewhere on this continent.
It exists. It must. Lady Kuroi is leading the way, so I’m sure it exists.
“Fort guy!”
Oh, the younger Willow is back. Shoot. I couldn’t focus on my magic at all. I blame you, my men. Why are you suddenly so good at listening?
“What is it, younger Willow? Your feathers seem ruffled.”
“Come to the church right this instant! Keep pretending to be injured, I don’t care! I’ll put you on a wagon!”
“My, my... what’s happened?” With a government in place, we’ve been holding meetings in the church’s office. Only the top leaders are invited. Our discussions mainly concern extremely pressing matters. But my information network hasn’t picked up on anything that would trigger this reaction. In other words, it’s not an internal threat. And the anti-elf people didn’t seem off, nor looked suspicious, so it can’t be them. In other words...