It all started in the city near the border, Arosel, with the incident of a single young man visiting the mansion of the city’s representative on the last day.
“Is the representative of this city currently in?” (-)
A man suddenly appearing and without warning asking to be shown to the representative, the female servant got angry dealing with him.
Even under normal circumstances, for the sake of dealing with the document arriving from Orsongrande compelling them to allegiance, it was a strenuous effort to prepare the defense and consider the counter-measurements.
“Do you have an appointment?” (Servant)
At best it is someone without an appointment trying to sell something but still came around, I guess, the servant arbitrarily decided for herself exposing her displeasure in her words as well.
“Appointment, huh? I sent a letter a few days ago.” (-)
“A letter, huh?” (Servant)
In this world where there were monsters to consider in regards to the transportation network, the sending of letters was limited to only prosperous figures.
If the young man in front of me really is a visitor holding an appointment, I have made a mistake in dealing with him, the servant became anxious, but in reality that wasn’t the case.
“Ah, I asked whether he would become our companion and fight alongside us in the letter. I came here to listen to the reply to that.” (-)
Taking it out from his breast pocket, he showed a document to her. It was unmistakably an officially issued passport from Orsongrande declaring the man in front of her as an Viscount.
“Pl-Please wait a moment, Your Excellency.” (Servant)
Due to the totally unforeseen rank of the visitor, the servant shrieked with a shrill and nervous voice while rushing towards the office of the representative.
Hearing the report from her, the representative and the servants under him prepared in great haste to receive the Viscount.
No matter on what kind of reply he would decide, towards a noble, who didn’t take along anyone and came here by himself, the representative judged him to not be hostile and instructed that he should be handled courteously for starters.
In the meanwhile it was confirmed by a thin shaped servant from a distance, that Hifumi was the person, who had kidnapped the previous city representative Ortis and strangled him until fainting in order to obtain information out of him.
In the moment the servant saw his face, Hifumi turned towards the servant and faced him with a smile. The servant couldn’t stop to tremble and had to be taken to the medical office in the end.
Somehow or other Hifumi was invited to the reception room and sat down on the opposite side of a man called Kiyulson, who immediately was inaugurated as city representative after Ortis passed away.
He was a merchant, in the mid-40’s, who had worked up his way in a single major company in his entire life.
Behind Kiyulson was standing the female servant who had dealt with Hifumi at the beginning.
Somehow it seemed like she had the position of being his secretary.
“I have heard a little bit of rumor about Hifumi-sama already …” (Kiyulson)
“I don’t need any roundabout greetings. First, let’s hear your answer. Then we can proceed the conversation from there.” (Hifumi)
Being interrupted in his attempt to exchange some modest greetings as opening, Kiyulson’s nose became white.
Although he wasn’t a noble in Vichy, he had often negotiated with nobles coming from foreign countries, including Orsongrande, in the past. Yet he didn’t meet such a noble until now.
Judging Hifumi’s youth, Kiyulson concluded him to be a noble rushing for results due to his scarce experience.
“I am very sorry. Related to the document delivered from Orsongrande, we unfortunately weren’t able to carefully examine it yet. Please wait for the reply until then.” (Kiyulson)
Towards the harmless and inoffensive reply of not committing himself in any way while at the same time asking him to temporarily return until Kiyulson could come up with his answer, Hifumi laughed scornfully.
“Fu, the local administration here takes it obviously quite easy. The representative was kidnapped and even though questioned whether they want to resist their ruin or join the other side, they weren’t able to come up with a decision on how to deal with it within a few days either.” (Hifumi)
“… I can’t believe this was said by the criminal himself, honestly … Hey youngster, I think you should behave more modestly even if you are a noble. You do realize that it would be fine to arrest you as a criminal here, right? Since I will close my eyes towards the amount of rudeness you showed here, go back now.” (Kiyulson)
Dealing with Hifumi, Kiyulson’s look and tone changed.
“I understand that you want to rush the results due to your youth, but you are 10 years too early to stick your nose into the exchanges between nations. In the first place, the documents from Orsongrande are an aberrant threatening letter. Meddling in our national politics just because of some brat who managed to somehow get some military gains due to committing crimes, is this document supposed to be a joke? Looking down on our government will sooner or later cause you a painful experience.” (Kiyulson)
“I see, in other words you don’t intend to accept our demands.” (Hifumi)
“Of course not. Do you think that Orsongrande has the necessary military forces to invade into Vichy? Just considering the financial clout to fund the military forces, there is no way for Orsongrande to win a war in a direct confrontation. That already applies to only this city. We have plenty of defensive forces to deploy.” (Kiyulson)
Apparently Kiyulson had judged Ortis to be the only incompetent person. He didn’t seem to acknowledge the value of Hifumi’s ability overly much either.
Pondering about this, Hifumi sighed while leaning back on his chair and staring at the ceiling.
“I see that you haven’t thought about it carefully. Do you know why I came here by myself? Did you believe that I am a fool who trusts too much in his own strength? Did you make light of me as a idiot that wouldn’t consider to be attacked?” (Hifumi)
“… What are you talking about?” (Kiyulson)
“I wonder which of us two isn’t taking the exchange between nations seriously. Every last of you, why do you conclude your opponent would attack in an easily understandable way from the front?” (Hifumi)
While talking the faint smile floating upon Hifumi’s face slowly stiffened due to his anger.
“You said you are called Kiyulson. Didn’t you consider the possibility of me killing you here? For example, did you think of the possibility of my subordinates secretly infiltrating and raiding the soldier posts in each place? Supposing that you lose all your pawns before the actual fighting begins, what will you do?” (Hifumi)
“I-Im-Impossible … But you haven’t heard my reply yet!” (Kiyulson)
Kiyulson’s face was soaked all over in sweat. He was nervous and his back became unsteady.
“This document itself was a plan to restrain your statesmen. You didn’t notice until the end, huh? Although trust is important, going this far is like a splendid flower field.²” (Hifumi)
While talking, he stood up and took out the katana in a very natural behaviour and then thrust it.
“! … !?” (Kiyulson)
The point of the katana pierced through Kiyulson’s lungs.
Watching him painfully breathing and scattering bloody vomit while thrashing about in agony on the ground, the female servant was dumbfounded. Falling on her bottom without grasping the reason for it, she just wept.
“Your representative will die very soon, what will you do?” (Hifumi)
“Pl-Please don’t kill me … pl-please … I-I don’t want to die yet …” (Servant)
Grovelling on the ground as the servant begged for her life, Hifumi’s ardor was dampened and he returned his katana into its scabbard as he watched Kiyulson’s state, who had died unnoticed.
“If you choose to not fight, announce it immediately in the entire city. This city has been annexed into Orsongrande from today onward.” (Hifumi)
Going to the extent of declaring this much, incidentally several troops of the third unit burst into the reception room.
“Viscount, are you fine?” (Trooper A)
“Obviously. How did it go on your side?” (Hifumi)
“The disposal of all soldier posts has been completed without any problems, Sir!” (Trooper B)
While Hifumi had gone to the meeting with the representative, Alyssa, after gathering information on the soldiers posts, had secretly infiltrated the city alongside the third unit, which had dispersed in the vicinity. They assaulted the soldier posts almost simultaneously.
Several of them bore light injuries due to the resistance. All soldiers had been killed.
The female servant, who still didn’t manage to get up, wore a face of disbelief listening to the contents of the talk.
“You heard it.” (Hifumi)
“Y-Yes” (Servant)
“The possibility of using soldiers has vanished. Relay this news to the citizens with only the staff of this mansion. Do it right away. Tell anyone who wants to complain, to come here. So I can kill them.” (Hifumi)
Although being hesitant, she quickly moved upon hearing Hifumi’s words. To leave the room, the servant crawled on the floor in order to spread the information about the soldiers of the enemy nation while looking pathetic at the same time.
“What about the first and second unit?” (Hifumi)
“As planned, they are blockading all of the city’s exits, Sir.” (Trooper A)
“Good. I will go check the situation. 2 teams will remain here. In case the servants show unusual movements, kill them.” (Hifumi)
“Yes, Sir!” (Troopers)
Taking the other troops along, Hifumi left the mansion in high spirits.
In this way, they had performed the world’s first one-sided invasion. The history of Arosel as small-scale city-state ended and it changed into a simple district city.
This truth wasn’t only circulated amongst the surrounding cities but also reached the central government in no time.
Thereupon Vichy became aware of the situation for the first time.
It became a fact that Orsongrande really intended to go to war with Vichy.
* * *
Translation Notes
¹ Japanese sandals (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zōri)
² Some proverb? Not sure … but pretty much clear meaning either way.
キュルソン – Kiyuruson -> Kiyulson
Chapter 28: Young and the Hopeless
The two entrances to the city were blockaded by Hifumi’s troops; and while one could enter the city if he consented to an inspection, no one was allowed to leave.
An infantry unit oversaw each of the exists, while the engineer corps set up an iron gridded fence–the grid being shaped in diamonds—so as to narrow the entrances. If needed, it could expanded or contracted.
The third corps—the scouts—moved between the guardhouse and the Manor ferrying information and documents; they would mingle with the crowd to gather opinions and rumors.
「There are no problems with the blockade. We prevented travelers from attempting to leave, but we do have citizens and merchants returning to the city. Although not one of them appeared at all suspicious, we cannot be certain that no one snuck in disguised」
Having heard this report, Hifumi ordered the troops to continue the blockade and the inspections, and departed into a city with a few soldiers following him. On the way he was joined by Alyssa, who would act as a guide.
「Why is it that we permit them to enter but not leave?」
Alyssa asked Hifumi while walking right beside him.
「The less we hinder exchange the better. As this situation continues the citizens will put up with minor inconveniences. However, if food and fuel stop entering the city, that won’t last long. Should they fear for their lives, they will soon revolt. Thus, so as to minimize the impact on the city, I plan to allow entrance into the city.」
And since the people believe it’s a temporary measure while the government is being changed, they shouldn’t mind being unable to leave too much.
「And the longer it takes other cities to learn of the happenings at Arosel, the better」
While talking he continued onward towards the busy city center while confirming the propaganda posted everywhere. Hifumi ordered city officials to post these to notify the citizens that they were now part of Orsongrande.
Furthermore, in the marketplace and other highly populated areas he posted criers who declared the same news for those who could not read.
The crier would be replaced by another after some time; currently, the speaker was the woman in the reception room who had begged Hifumi to spare her life some time ago. Standing one floor above the rest, she emotionlessly conveyed the information to the public who had gathered before her.
「On this day, Arosel has become a part of Orsongrande. Presently, all are forbidden from attempting to leave the city; this ban shall be lifted soon」
「We’re no longer a City-State?!」
「Where did all the soldiers go・・・?」
「There wasn’t even a war, and the government suddenly switches sides! What treachery!」
「What will happen from now on・・・」
The citizens, oblivious to the actual situation, hurled insults and complaints at the criers; Hifumi, however, ordered that these remarks go unpunished and the people remain unoppressed. There is no problem if all they do is complain; once they realize that there is no actual effect on their daily lives they will quickly accept the change.
Hifumi passed through the crowd.
Seeing a gallant figure escorted by soldiers in never-before-seen uniforms, the citizens figured him to be the Orsongrande invader; however, as her merely was entering the public facility and was not acting violently, they silently watched him.
So far according to plan, Hifumi thought.
「Now… what to do about their remaining forces」
「Forces? No soldiers remain・・・」
「There are others. That’s why I called for you, Alyssa, to guide me there」
「Where?」
「To the adventurer’s guild」
Arosel’s adventurer’s guild is right outside the marketplace.
The guild is an independent agency within the state and is boasts some strength; however, they also maintain a level of cooperation with the state, and when the state falls into some crisis, they have always promised to help.
Of course, they could not be mobilized as any other military unit in case of a war, but they could be formally requested to help; and, driven by love for their country, many would rise to the task. Of course, there are also plenty loners among them—those who don’t give a damn about what happens to this country or this city.
「We’ve come to meet you leader」
Hifumi said to the man behind the guild counter and showed him the guild card he had made in Orsongrande.
「Issued in Orsongrande・・・Hifumi-san, is it・・・huh?」
Seems like the identification was enough for the attendant to realize that the man before him was the one who had brought the city to his knees.
「That is・・・for what reason?」
「The country the guild deals with has changed. I’ve come to offer my greetings」
「H-however・・・」
「If the guild wishes to oppose me, that is fine. But」
Hifumi placed a wrapped package on the counter his escorts had carried with them. The adventurers in the guild, as if hearing the entire conversation, were closely watching the scene unfold before them.
Their eyes were package on the counter; Hifumi removed the wrapping, revealing its dreadful contents.
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「Hiii・・・!」
The head of the city representative was neatly placed inside.
The anguish on the representative’s head inspired such fear into those present that they could not even speak.
「If you want to oppose me, but one of us will end up looking like this」
「P-p-please wait a moment!」
Replacing the attendant who had fainted with foam coming from his mouth, a woman asked Hifumi to wait and hurried inside.
「Hey, that・・・」
「So those posters hanging all over the place were for real, huh」
「Then this city is now part of Orsongrande?」
「But there was no mention of a war happening!」
The adventurers were quite noisy, but neither the Hifumi nor his escort as much as bat an eyelid at this noise.
Right before they had entered the guild, Hifumi ordered them not to act regardless of what happens; so, they simply didn’t even recognize the presence of the adventurers. If someone needed to be killed, Hifumi would do it himself.
While waiting for the guild leader to arrive, as if he had noticed something, Hifumi asked his escort to wait outside.
「Me too?」
「Yeah, it’s too cramped」
「It’s too cramped?」
Tilting her head to a side, Alyssa said and left the guild.
During this exchange an old man came from the back.
「So you are the one who had come from Orsongrande・・・muh」
The old man groaned when he saw the head on the counter.
「News did come from the government・・・but to think it would end like this・・・」
「I’m Hifumi, the new head of state」
Ignoring the old man’s groans and completely proceeding at his own pace, Hifumi said. The old man grimaced in return, but then nodded and responded,
「I am Lesh. The head of this guild」
Lesh was probably a mage. He had a white beard, wore a grey robe, and while his cane appeared simple, there was a jewel embedded into the handle.
「Now then, how are you planning to treat this city’s guild・・・apologies, seems we have another customer」
「I am a member of this guild! Let me through!」
Summoned Slaughterer - Book 2 Page 8