Another world nation archimaira
Another world nation archimaira
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
—Once through the forest, we found ourselves in the wilderness.
After stopping at the capital of LATESTWOOD, Helian was confronted with the wasteland that separates the great sea of trees from the border city, and was often overwhelmed by the landscape that unfolded before his eyes.
To the east, beyond the forested area, was a desolate land as far as the eye could see.
There are many small hills that have been uplifted by tectonic movements, and the valleys are endlessly stretching out in the shape of a leaning canyon. Looking at the sheer cliffs, we could see geological strata that must have been formed over hundreds of years.
It is like the Grand Canyon.
I have been on many expeditions to similar places in [Tactics Chronicle], but the scene spread out before my eyes was more vast and filled with a sense of desolation.
Above all, the sense of reality was different.
The feel of the wind on my cheeks, the dust that occasionally hit my skin, the relentless heat raining down, the hardness of the ground on my soles. It is literally real, something that cannot be reproduced even with today’s VR (Virtual Reality) technology, and once again we are reminded of the fact that «this» is an unmistakable reality.
Helian complains with a sour look on his face.
Most of the trip is spent in a horse-drawn carriage, but the journey is anything but comfortable. The carriage made by Alkimaira might be a different story, but the wagon, which was bought from Ratestwood to avoid being seen in a bad light, has no suspension and picks up the vibrations of the ground directly.
I thought I had a certain tolerance for car sickness, but I realized that it was only a certain level. In addition, my buttocks are very sore. It has already been two days since we left Alkimaira, and it will take me a while to get used to this shaking.
Trying to distract myself, I looked ahead to the carriage and saw Celes walking ahead of me. It seems that he is pondering over the name of the novice merchant Helian, the King of All Evil.
I have already explained to all of them that they are to be treated as merchants in order to operate in the sphere of human life. Since we cannot be called or outside of the country, I have asked them to choose a different name to match the setting, but Celes still seems to be having trouble with it.
«Are you still wondering about it? Why don’t you just make a quick decision?»
«You’re so annoying and single-minded. Have you made up your mind yet?
«Of course. It was decided long ago.
«. By the way, what do you call it?»
Celes gave me a dazed profile.
«You didn’t just drop the ‘so’ from the usual way of calling them. It’s too lazy.»
«Yes. Even the young merchants in Alkimaira call their superiors «general» or «general of something». What’s so funny?
«. You haven’t thought much about it, but you’ve always been good at what you do. That’s what really pisses me off.»
With a wrinkled brow, Ceres returned to her thoughts.
Every once in a while, a troubled «hmmm» escapes her lips.
«If you’re so worried about it, why don’t you just call me general, too?
Celes responded with a contemptuous glance at Gardi, who had made a random suggestion.
«Hey, single cell. Imagine me calling you in a friendly manner.»
«. nothing. I mean, who is this guy, he’s disgusting. I can’t believe I just got a picture of him.
You’ll be like. Then shut up. I’m trying my best to think of something to call you that suits me.»
As usual, the conversation is not so clear as to whether they get along well or not, but the truth is that they are quite compatible. They were created close to each other at the same time, but they have fought through many fierce battles since the first war in the early stages of the game, and they know each other very well.
From their conversations, it seems that they are still the same as they were when they became a real pair. Helian smiles a little, and smiles.
As a side note, the presence of Gardi was the deciding factor in adding Celes to this year’s group.
While we had already decided on Levee, whose concept is to be operated as a set with the king (Helian), and Galdi, who is the most skilled in the fully humanized form, we had some trouble deciding whether to take Camilla or Celes as the other member of the team. In the end, I chose Celes because of her special mission in RATESTWOOD and because of her compatibility with my companion (Gardi).
«Mr. Helian. May I be excused for a moment?»
«Hmm, what’s the matter?»
Levee, who was holding the reins of the carriage, looked at Ceres and the others with a steely gaze.
«The clever idiot and the simpleton are getting a little too relaxed, so I’m going to have to give them a little chastisement.»
«. allow him at least to chit chat. You can’t keep yourself busy if you’re always on your toes.»
Levee is as serious as ever, but I think she is a little overconcerned.
Maybe he is conscious of his previous failed escort mission, but that was almost an accident. There is no use in worrying about it.
But even if I comforted her, she would be more concerned about it because she is a serious person. I decided not to say anything else and to change the subject.
«By the way, have you gotten used to your body (・・・・) by now?»
«Yes, no problem at all. I was a bit confused at first, but I am getting used to the feeling.
Levee looks back from the dais and answers. Her face is as clear as usual and her emotions are unreadable.
No, normally it would be possible to read her inner feelings with her tail and ears, but now that means is no longer available. Because now Lieve does not have a bushy silver tail and her usual wolf ears are gone.
—full humanized form.
That is the name of the form that Levee is taking now.
In the game [Tactics Chronicle], all the demons you join are given the ability to change form. They are given two or three forms depending on their race. The number of forms they possess differs depending on whether they were originally a hexenbiest or a subhuman.
The Lord’s question came from a carriage on the ground.
Celes, holding herself in the air, thinks for a moment how she should report the situation, and then answers.
There was a momentary pause in the Lord’s reply.
Celes hesitates slightly in response, but describes to the Lord the scene as she sees it.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
Castle town of Alkimaira.
In a corner on the outskirts of the town, there is an old, rundown tavern.
It was a seedy tavern that seemed to assert that it was as old as it was new.
The plaster on the walls is peeling in places, and repeated repairs have unintentionally created a mosaic-like wall surface.
The interior is also old.
The furniture is basically all made of wood, but it is not as if the furniture is made of wood. It is just that they are still using the same furniture that has not changed since the opening of the store, when there were no modern products. Although the meaning of the word «antique» is the same, the impression of «antiques» rather than «antiques» is all that comes to mind.
However, even if it is such a small bar, as long as it has a long history, there will be a certain number of regular customers. And it is because of the regular customers that the bar has somehow managed to keep a healthy business until now.
. Well, I haven’t seen you for a while. «
And the demon man scratching his disheveled hair in front of the store was one of the regular customers.
Although he was just passing by by chance, the sun had already set and the time was just approaching night. I have been away from this place for the past two weeks, but I might as well go home after drinking for the first time in a while today.
Fortunately, my pocket is warm, as I received a bonus from the recent war.
Suddenly I was transported to another world and forced to live a life of uncertainty, but that was only until the other day. No one in the nation who saw that speech is worried about tomorrow. Alkimaira is led by that king.
Then there is no use in worrying about tomorrow.
So I guess there’s no problem if I go out drinking.
Banging his wallet in his pocket, he muttered to himself.
He was afraid of his wife’s reaction to his empty wallet, but he was sure she wouldn’t be angry at him for being a little light.
I hear that the pioneering project is about to start. As a state-sponsored public works project, it will create a lot of jobs not only for the people who used to live in the capital, but also for the soldiers of the various military units who gathered for the national celebration.
I intend to take part in it, which means that my wallet will soon regain its weight. Then I will have to drink today. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
He pushes open the poorly-fitted door and shouts to the back of the store.
However, the familiar manager was not at the counter. He looked around the store, but could not be seen.
«. Hey. What’s up, manager?»
«Wine? Are there that many customers in this restaurant who would order such an elegant thing?»
«. I see. You weren’t here the other day, were you? Well, the clientele here has changed a bit recently. The manager will explain the details, so please wait around.
I strike up a conversation with a Wartiger regular who is drinking at a table near the door.
Looking around the restaurant, it seems that not only the clientele but also the number of customers has changed considerably.
Usually, only half of the customers are there, but today almost all the seats are occupied. On the contrary, some of the customers were even drinking standing up.
«Whoa! What, there’s an empty counter seat in the back.
I spotted an empty seat.
There are only two empty seats in the corner of the counter. The demon strode across the restaurant and was about to sit down at one of the empty seats when he saw two seats at the corner of the counter,
«Nn. ah! Don’t sit there, you idiot!
For some reason, a voice from a tiger tiger came to stop him.
The fist flew in a backhanded trajectory and hit the demon in the nose, causing him to spin backward. He was hit by a sharp blow that he had not expected, and the back of his head hit the ground.
But he is a soldier.
He immediately hit the ground with both hands and spun backward once more. He then drives both feet into the floor, catching the attacker in the center of his field of vision without question.
«What the hell are you doing out of the blue, you son of a b*tc*!
«You idiot, that’s my line! I’d rather thank you, you f*cking ogre!»
«What the hell? Who in the world would say, «Thank you for hitting me»? Are you f*cking sleepy or what?
He sits back and raises his fists. He has not brought his hammer, but that does not matter. It is bad for your reputation as an ogre not to retaliate when you are suddenly struck.
The demon slumps down deeply and makes a pause in order to jump in. Just before he is about to jump, however, the familiar tiger beastman «Wartiger» stops him again.
«Hey, stop! This time it’s really your fault! I mean, you just saved my life!»
When even my drinking buddies stop me, I can’t help but listen to them.
I don’t know how it is in other countries, but this is Alkimaira. It was a common sense (rule) that if there was room for discussion, we should first listen to what they had to say. And after listening to them, if you still don’t like what they say, you can hit them again.
Reluctantly, he undid his fighting posture and looked at the lackey again. He is an ordinary orc with slightly yellowish skin. Judging from his equipment, he might be a high orc.
The orc yells at me with spit flying.
Listen, you stupid ogre! The seat you were going to sit in is now permanently reserved!»
«. Huh? There’s no such thing as a bar in this bar. This place would be deserted if it weren’t for us regulars. What’s with the reserved seats? Maybe you’ve been drinking too much and you’re drunk.
I haven’t had a drop yet. This mug of tea is just tea!
The demon looked at the mug suspiciously, but there were no bubbles floating in it. The color of the mug suggests that it is really a tea mug.
He wonders why he is drinking tea in a bar, but continues his story.
«Listen to me, you idiot! Only a man of honor is allowed to sit in that reserved seat. The manager here decided that after a certain incident.
«A man of good character? Even if there were drunken customers who wanted to have a reserved seat in this restaurant, they would be at most platoon or company size unit commanders at best. Don’t go to the trouble of using exaggerated expressions.
«There’s no way he’s a captain. It’s much higher.»
The demon sniffs, «You’re a little too drunk for your own good.
The places where battalion commanders go for a drink are often more fashionable places. They are well paid for their responsible positions. There is no need for them to come to such a seedy bar.
But Oak shakes his head with a heavy sigh.
The demon who had been smiling bitterly at the orc’s words changed his expression to a straight face.
Then he clenches his fists once again and takes a step forward. He knew that there are two kinds of words in the world: «permitted words» and «unforgivable words.
«Hey, pig! You can’t be serious, that’s a joke. I’ll have you half dead by the end of this, so don’t make any funny jokes. If the guards of the 2nd Corps hear what you just said, you won’t be able to complain even if they cut off your head for disrespect, will you?
«Guards. That’s great, go get them. I’m sure you’ll believe me when I assure you they’re hard-headed.»
I looked around suspiciously, but everyone was looking at me warmly.
At least, no one seemed to agree with the demon.
«Don’t be spouting incomprehensible language when you haven’t had a drink.»
The orc nods his head in admonishment, his voice tinged with a hint of sympathy.
Seeing even a familiar tiger tiger, Wartiger, nodding his head in agreement, even the demon understands that this is the truth.
Then, remembering where he had been trying to put his own ass just a moment ago, he paled.
«So. So, with that in mind, do you have anything to say to me? You’re a regular, apparently.»
I don’t even have to think about it.
The demon lowered his clenched fist and faced the orc with a serious expression,
«—Thank you for punching me out as soon as you could, brother. Let me buy you a drink tonight.»
The orc, the savior and the underling, sits down in his chair as if he is truly tired.
The dwarf sitting right next to him gives up his seat to the demon, perhaps out of consideration. After tossing the dwarf a cup of ale, the demon takes a seat next to the orc.
«But, just to be sure, I just wanted to make a final confirmation. Is that really her reserved seat?
Realizing the fact that he had just put his foot into a coffin, the demon shivers and trembles.
«Only those who know about it should know about it. But then, there will be people like me who sit there without knowing about it, won’t there?»
«. Well, yeah. I’m sorry, bro. My wife’s been a bit of a stickler for me the other day, and I haven’t been in this bar in a while.»
The orc casts a sympathetic glance at the demon. Seeing that she was wearing an ornament given by the demon tribe, she must also be one of them.
Wives of demons are scary. And most of them are physically strong. Moreover, they are very fierce at night.
Orc recalls with fond memories how he used to greet his colleague, a red ogre, when he came to work, with a scruffy face, and everyone gave him a warm look.
«. is that what you call a secret meeting in secret?»
«Well, I don’t know. I guess you’re probably right, but you haven’t been here once since that incident. I don’t really know.»
Oak has been going to this bar every day since that day, but the reserved seats have remained empty. The manager has been waiting for him to show up, polishing the counter and glasses, but so far there has been no sign of him.
«. Hey, by the way. The crystal ornament on the counter at the reservation table. «
«As you can see, it’s a magical tool. It contains a soundproofing technique to prevent voices from leaking out, an illusion technique to distract other people’s perception, and a simple cloaking technique. It was delivered in a parcel with a letter asking you to leave it there. The sender is unknown.
The grimoire is not activated at the moment and is placed as a mere decoration.
But once it is activated, even the fact that you are sitting in that seat is unrecognizable. Combined with the effects of soundproofing and concealment, the space will be like a secret room where no one will be able to see you.
It’s a semi-treasure. And I’m the new resident guest and security guard of the reserved seat.»
Although he did not say it out loud, the orcs in the guarding role were promised a salary at the level of a company commander.
Although he did not know it, he had committed an outrageous act of disrespect in the «incident» and was prepared to die gracefully when he received a message from the commander that <> had been delivered to him. However, when he opened the sealed envelope, he found a letter of invitation to work with a high salary.
However, it is not an easy job. At any rate, the thing being guarded is a semi-precious magical tool. Sell them off and you will have enough money to set up a store on the main street of the capital. It is not a thing that should be left randomly on a bar counter in a small bar.
He has concluded so and is sipping barley tea even though he is in a bar. He may have one last drink when the bar is about to close and the customers have cleared out, but if there is a possibility that the manager will be out of the bar, as is the case now, he resolutely refuses to drink.
As a side note, since I have been separated from my original unit on special duty, I have been thinking of getting an official employment as a waiter in this restaurant.
With the exception of this case, most of the customers are already aware of the and will soon be out of pocket. Of course, I will continue to escort them, but I can at least scrub dishes at the counter near their assigned seats. I could not spend my days just drinking tea and not working.
A goblin carrying a crate of wine approached them from behind as they were talking. He is the manager of this restaurant.
«Hey, long time no see, manager.
«I knew it! No, no, it’s been a while.
The orc let out a sigh, looking a little tired.
He seemed to be in some kind of a twilight state, but the demon, sensing the troublesome atmosphere, ignored him.
«Ah, manager. Give me a mug of ale for now, and two more in a pitcher. And serve a lot of tea to the brothers next door. My treat.
«Well, it’s rare for you to be so lavish as to offer to buy a drink. I remember when you came to our house before, you were complaining about your lack of money.
«I got a bonus from the war the other day. My wife hasn’t found out about the amount yet. I don’t care if I’m having a good time today.
«In many ways you are still the same. I’ll be ready in a minute.
Afterwards, the demon and the orc and their drinking companion, a tiger-beast, stayed up late into the night drinking together.
After the last of the guests had gone, the orc, who had been drinking only tea until then, finally picked up the ale, and the three of them went home together, shoulder to shoulder, and very hungry at the end of the night.
And the demon, who had been caught red-faced and had been using his drink, ended up being beaten up and squeezed by his wife as usual.
A few days later, a customer visited the bar.
He pushed open the badly fitted door, and a young man-like figure entered the bar with a rather grating sound.
Strangely enough, the manager could not remember who this young man was.
It seemed as if he had seen him somewhere before, or as if he had never met him before. And the impression was strangely weak. As if there was a haze over my thoughts, I could not recognize who he was.
It was unnatural. It should have been an extremely unnatural phenomenon. However, the manager, who did not possess outstanding resistance to magic, could not recognize it as unnatural.
Therefore, the manager said «Welcome» to the customer as usual.
«—Newcomer. I’m sorry, but could you please refrain from sitting there for a moment? That is a reserved seat for a certain person.
The then looked a little puzzled and told the manager the following.
The moment the manager heard these words, he felt as if a slight haze had lifted from his thoughts. He correctly recognized was in front of him.
At the same time, a strong feeling ran through the manager’s mind.
The feeling was as if his whole body had been struck by lightning, and it was filled with various colors.
The emotions that had been stored up for a hundred years were not something that could be described in a single word, but if forced to put them into words, the word «joy» would be more appropriate.
A normal person would have been so overcome by these feelings that he would not have been able to return to work right away. However, the manager was a professional. He was a professional among professionals in the hospitality industry.
Therefore, the manager, Gobutaro, immediately straightened his posture and straightened his back.
Then, after fastening his uniform tie, he lightly raised his right arm in a semicircle and brought it in front of his chest. Then he bent his back at a 90-degree angle and bowed reverently.
It was a perfect bow with a sense of propriety that would have been out of place in a seedy bar.
«We have been waiting for you with all our hearts, my dear guest. We will serve you with the utmost sincerity.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
After the informal meeting between the King of Alkimaira (Helian) and the Latestwood envoy (Lillipha).
Rilifa, who had visited Alkimaira as an emissary, decided to return to RATESTWOOD immediately after the meeting via a teleportation gate.
The use of the teleportal was permitted through the courtesy of Hellian.
With the assortment of tea leaves in her hand, Lillipha moved to a place near the throne of RATESTWOOD with a happy face, and went to her office.
Waiting at the open door was my sister.
Leifa, who had been using makeup to cover up the dark circles under her eyes, greeted Lillifa with an expression of surprise.
Just a few minutes ago, Wenli had told me that Rilifa, who was supposed to be visiting Alkimaira, had suddenly burst out of the throne room. After running off somewhere, she returned to the throne room again without much time and disappeared.
When he first received the report, he said, «You must be tired. However, after receiving a detailed report from Wenli, who insisted that she was normal, I decided to accept the fact, even though I was half-convinced.
And now, seeing her sister appear in front of him with an unfamiliar bag in her hand, Leifa had no choice but to admit it.
«There it is! Mr. Helian is awesome, sister! There are many others—«
«In this room, you will address her as ‘JoOusama. This room is the queen’s office and you and I are not sisters but queen and princess. You must respect the line.»
«-Excuse me, my queen.»
Lillipha, whose expression had disappeared, switched the air she wore and bowed.
So, how did today’s meeting go? I have to give priority to my work at the moment, so I will ask you about the details later. For now, just the main points and conclusions will do. Please report back to me.»
«Yes. After thanking Her Majesty the Queen for the recent incident, I have revealed her personal information in order to deepen the exchange between our two countries. By personal information, I mean her body shape, the color of her favorite underwear, and so on.
What have you done?
Upon hearing the impossible report, Leifua stood up involuntarily.
Her cheeks were covered in a clear vermilion color.
«I am at the meeting. Through this meeting, I have also become the sister of His Majesty Helian.
«I don’t understand! Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I don’t understand what you mean! Master Helian’s sister! What in the world would cause such a thing to happen!»
«This is an initiative to strengthen the friendly relations between our country and our ally, Alkimayla. We will discuss the details later.
«But you said earlier that your priority was the office.»
How can I go on with my work if I have to listen to this kind of talk?
While Leifer’s eyes are raised, Lillipha bows her head and says, «I beg your pardon.
«I will now begin reporting on the details of the meeting we had today.
«. You don’t have to talk like that. Just report back to me quickly.»
But I told you earlier to hold the line.
«Just talk to me! What have you done in his country? Tell us everything!
«I’ve only done what’s best for the Ratestwoods.»
With a snap, Lillipha tossed off the princess’s mask and began reporting once again.
All of the reports were too shocking for Leifa.
In an informal setting, she was allowed to use the same tone of voice as she had in the village, and she accepted it. In the same way, she was allowed to use any name she wanted in informal settings, and she began to call Helian <>.
Later on, I cooperated with Helian’s verification experiments as a form of exchange, and became acquainted with his various abilities. Through these experiments, I have learned about Leifa’s body shape, the color of her underwear, and so on.
Some of the reports were useful, but most of them were outrageous.
Leifa, who listens to the reports, blushes and pallidly shows a hundred faces, but tries her best to restrain herself from interrupting until she has heard everything.
Then, as soon as she heard Lillipha say, «I guess that’s about it for now,» she slammed her hands on the desk and shouted with all her might, «I’m not going to say anything until I hear the whole story.
Rilifa, with a scowl on her face, swears at me, covering her ears to protect her eardrums.
What are you doing to me? If you just shut up and listen, you’ll hear all kinds of outrageous things!
«Because Mr. Helian said it was a good idea.»
«Of course it’s a social call! You wouldn’t even know that, would you!»
Rilifa tilts her head, as if to say, «Well, I guess it’s a little late for that now.
To tell the truth, Rilifa did not expect that calling him in mind, and Helian’s early resistance due to his exhausted state of mind and body.
The fact that a pseudo-sibling relationship was established somehow was unexpected by both parties.
However, Helian was usually kind to her, and Lillipha is honestly glad to have him as her brother. She felt that he would spoil her more than her older sister.
«Necessary. To promote your sister as Helian’s marriage partner.»
«. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!»
The words were so unexpected that Leifa was unable to finish her sentence.
«It’s all right, it’s all right, my sister has a pulse. When I told her the color of my underwear, she even blushed a little.
«Of course, it’s natural to suddenly be asked the color of the opposite s*x’s underwear! I hope you didn’t mean to say that you turned red because you were angry with me for being so rude to you! How could I possibly have a pulse in the first place? Are your eyes blind!»
«I’m not a sceptic. Don’t be rude, sister.
Your words and actions toward Lady Helian are much more disrespectful!
After slamming her hands down on the desk as hard as she could, Leifua sat back down as if her strength had been drained out of her.
The things her sister had done were far beyond her imagination. The sheer devastation was too much to take in. She had to hurry to write a letter of apology first, and then visit Alkimaira to apologize again, she thought.
The fact is that he had to send his sister, whose title is only respectable, as an emissary since he had lost most of the important people who had been running the country. However, if they had known the outcome beforehand, they would never have sent Rilifa as an emissary.
«Besides, wouldn’t you be happy to marry Mr. Helian, sister?»
When Rilifa asked her a sudden question, Leifa replied with a wrinkle between her eyebrows.
«. what nonsense are you talking about, you. You are the king of Alkimaira, our ally, while we are only the royalty of a small country. There is no way that a marriage can be consummated.
But wouldn’t you be happy if you could?
«—No more. Keep your mouth shut for a while, Rilifa.»
Ignoring her sister’s unintelligible questions, Leifa decided to get lost in her thoughts. She had to get permission from Alkimaira to prevent her sister’s head from being chopped off for disrespect.
To her distressed sister, Leifa spoke to her in an easygoing tone.
«Don’t worry so much, my sister. I didn’t do it without thinking about it.
«-I told you to keep your mouth shut, Lilliputian. I’m in the middle of a desperate attempt to save your life.
«. Oh, your face is scary, sister?»
I tried to play with her, but the wrinkles between her eyebrows only grew.
«I’ve been doing a lot of things to see how far I could go and still get in trouble, but for some reason I’ve been allowed to do most of them. I don’t know, but I think Mr. Helian likes me.
I did get yelled at when I took my sister’s underwear,» Lillipha adds inwardly. However, it seems that she was not angry at her sister for her undisciplined behavior, but rather out of concern for her.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
For some time afterwards, Leifa and Helian talked about their difficulties.
The talk did not necessarily solve anything.
The problems that were the cause of their troubles were still there as a matter of fact.
Still, it was more than worth it to be able to tell someone about the feelings that we had been holding in our hearts.
All the accumulated lees were discharged, and after the talk was over, a clear expression naturally emerged on my face.
And it seems that it was not only on the Helian side either.
After a short talk, Leifua came back to herself and her cheeks were slightly red.
She had been leaning forward for the conversation, but now she was sitting back in her chair with good posture.
To say the least, she did not look like royalty.
Rather, just as when I first met her, she gave me the impression of a girl of her age.
But this should be her natural appearance. Even Leifua is forced to wear the mask of a queen.
It is not only me who is in pain.
Just being able to reconfirm that fact, which is too obvious, was worth coming here.
«Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry for all the things I’ve said to you.
No, of course not. As for me, I have few people with whom I can have this kind of conversation. It was nice talking to you, Mr. Grimm.
«No. No. I feel like I’ve been holding things in for a long time and I’ve been able to let them out. Thank you for your time.
Helian chuckled in response.
I am not at all annoyed with you. We are very grateful for your help in the recovery effort.
«It is difficult to say whether I feel no fear at all, but these are people to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude for saving our country. The people staying in the capital are also friendly to us, and we consider them to be a different species from the ‘demons’ we know.»
Hearing Leifa’s words, Helian let out a sigh of relief.
After all, «demons» in this world are the very «threats» that turn their fangs against people in accordance with the demon tribe. I heard that there had just been a large-scale attack by demons and beasts in a neighboring human city called Boundary City. It is not surprising that they are feared.
The reason why the people of Rattestwood accepted the demons of Alkimaira, even in light of this, must be due to the founding principles of his country and its national character.
As a result, it may have been fortunate for Alkymyra that the first country with which they came into contact was RATESTWOOD.
«Besides, RATESTWOOD is a multiethnic country from the beginning. We are proud of our open-mindedness, since that is how our country was founded.
«It’s a national trait, isn’t it?»
Yes. We are not excluded because of our race, because we have to care for each other and help each other to survive. We have a monarchy and a queen of the Elves, but in reality it is only the result of placing the best people in the center of the nation. This is quite different from a normal elven nation.
«Noblewood, for example, places great importance on the ‘blood’ of the ancestors. Only those who are directly descended from the ancestors, who have strong ancestral blood, are allowed to run the country. Elders also have a certain amount of say, but only those of a certain high pedigree can become elders in the first place.
I wonder if this is also called «puritanism.
In the history of the earth, there have been many nations that have deliberately practiced inbreeding for the sake of bloodlines. As a result of repeated inbreeding, various problems occurred, such as the development of weak constitutions and the tendency of families to die prematurely.
However, unlike humans, elves have extremely long life spans.
In addition, the mating cycle of elves in this world is said to be extremely long.
It is precisely because of this that they have been able to keep the «blood» of their ancestors alive from generation to generation, while minimizing the harmful effects of inbreeding.
«Noblewood is an extreme example, but most of the Elven nations are that place some importance on the blood of their ancestors. It’s a tribal thing.
«I see. Then, what about the human countries?
«I don’t know much about the land of the human race, but I have heard that the nearest human city from the forest—Rotfort, to which the border city belongs—is a kingdom.
However, the information obtained through is a dictionary consisting of hundreds of millions of pages, so to speak, and is like a search engine that holds vast amounts of information.
You can look up information if you want to, but if your research method is inappropriate, you will not be able to get the exact information you want, and you will have to judge the validity of the information by yourself.
This is a problem that can be solved with time, but I had the opportunity to have a direct conversation with Leifa. In this case, it is worthwhile to hear directly from her mouth.
«The political forms of the human race are the most varied among the four major races on the continent, with republics and religious states. There are relatively many kingdoms, but they are not all kingdoms.
«Heh. Well, there are many kinds of monarchies.
No, I’m fine. Well, this country is—«
Leifa calls out to him in a concerned tone.
Helian, however, could not respond and began to perspire coldly.
He had once again considered the political form of his country and had come to a terrible conclusion.
First of all, Alkimaira is a with Helian as its king.
All political authority is concentrated in the leader (player) named Helian, and he is allowed to exercise his power freely. Since there is no parliament and no replacement of the king, the player will continue to hold all the power permanently as long as he lives.
In addition, national policy making is directly related to the will of the leaders, and even laws are set at the will of the leaders.
—The form of government, in other words, is.
I’ve noticed something I shouldn’t have.
With this expression on his face, Hélian drops a bead of sweat on the counter.
After that, Helian (Grim) suddenly started to look pale and Leifa (Raina) was worried about him, but he covered it up by saying, «I’m just a little tired. When Gobutaro came back from the back of the kitchen, Helian decided to leave her.
At any rate, we can say that our initial goal has been achieved.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
For Helian, the game [Tactics Chronicles] was an ideal box garden where his dreams and romances could come true.
For example, adventure, for example, the one-hit wonder, for example, the champion of the world.
In the real world, dreams and men’s romance that could never come true, Helian has continued to make them come true in his fantasy world of «Hakoniwa».
A good example of a character is the Commander of the 8th Army.
Dragons are a man’s romance.
I do not allow any objection.
There can be no objection.
A man who does not feel romance with dragons is not a man.
That’s why I made him my friend.
He overcame many obstacles and unreasonable trials, and when he finally made the dragon his friend, he struck a gut-punch like a striker scoring a goal in the World Cup.
Although he did not intend it at first, the commander of the Seventh Army also turned out to be a romantic figure.
A decisive battle weapon is a man’s romance.
No one can argue with that.
There can be no objection.
No man is a man who does not feel romanticism when he hears the words «final,» «decisive battle,» and «mobile weapon.
That’s why we built it.
We excavated ancient ruins, spent money like hot water, and when it was finally completed, we screamed with all our might, as if we were the hit-making machine that hit the winning run in the WBC.
And then, the Commander of the 6th Army Corps.
At the time of the Cold War, Alkimaira needed to be able to fight information warfare, entanglements, and sabotage.
However, there were no demons with high aptitude in these fields, and they were considering creating new ones or capturing them.
Then, Helian saw an announcement from the public relations department of the management company.
It was an announcement that a new demon had been added to the rare gacha.
Among them was the «Succubus» race.
Succubus is a demon that appears in men’s dreams and performs so-called adult s*xual acts.
And Helian was definitely a man.
—That’s what I meant.
«But it’s been a long time since I’ve been your companion. When was the last time I accompanied you?
Camilla, the commander of the 6th Legion, speaks to me at a distance where our shoulders are almost touching.
The group of travelers, including Camilla and Helian, is once again walking through the forest toward the village. However, the presence of Camilla, who was walking right next to them, made Helian’s state of mind hardly normal.
She has changed from the sensational clothes she was wearing at the time of the audience to a more practical search outfit. Her usual Victorian gothic clothes would not have been acceptable in the setting of a traveler. The rank of the equipment is considerably lower, but for the sake of the mission, I had him change into a disguise that is as inconspicuous as possible.
However, whether or not this actually made them less conspicuous is a definite negative.
In any case, even with their rugged and plain equipment, they could not hide the s*x appeal of their bodies. The group is making its way toward the village, but the particular part of her that shakes every time she walks continues to disturb Helian’s spirit.
«I am rarely called to the capital. I can hardly remember the last time you and I walked together like this. It’s a new feeling.»
Since she is also a corps leader, she has repeatedly reincarnated and evolved to a high rank in her race.
Originally a Succubus, she has become a Nightmare Queen, the highest rank in the Dream Demon family, and although her combat power is one step below that of other corps leaders, she has become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to information warfare and sabotage.
And as a part of information warfare, he was engaged in operations such as entangling enemy soldiers to obtain information.
Camilla wrapped her arm around Hellian’s left arm in a very natural gesture.
She clings to him not only with one hand, but with both hands.
At first glance, Camilla seems to be having difficulty walking, but she does not show any such signs and proceeds as if there is no problem at all.
The problem was on Helian’s side.
Helian tells himself this, but to little effect.
What matters is that it hits him in the arm. It’s called a close contact. I can’t tell you what’s hitting me, but I can say that it’s a good fit.
It was soft and fluffy, exactly how Hellian had imagined it would feel.
One of the twins, which had not been allowed to be touched in the game, changed its shape when pressed against his arm, sometimes bouncing, and even felt a slight warmth. I’m sorry, please forgive me, it was just a passing fancy.
What’s the matter, my dear?
Helian does his best to cover up the turmoil in his heart.
She mustn’t be exposed. Never.
If she finds out, she will die. It would ruin his dignity.
«. Hey, Camilla. If you’ve been watching without saying a word for a while now, you’re too familiar with the Lady Helian, even if it’s just to disguise yourself.»
You’ve seen it coming.
Rieve spoke bitterly against Camilla, who was sticking close to the master she was supposed to serve.
Then Helian gives her a hearty shout out. With all her might.
«What are you talking about? I am doing the best I can. I am, after all, a frail companion who was left alone in the Abyssal Forest, a place filled with danger. Then it is perfectly natural for me to actively seek physical contact in order to feel the presence of my friends whom I have finally met again, even if only a little.
«But I don’t want to tell Mr. Helian. «
«Are you saying that it is more natural for you to cling to Nushi and Ertina, who are set up as your bodyguards? That’s just silly. You don’t understand the subtleties of the s*xes. These things are not logical. The woman who has been wandering in the woods for so long should cling to you, my lord. the only man in the group. Since my mistress, who is an expert in this field, says so, there can be no mistake.
«Then, when we get closer to the village. «
«Amateurish. In this kind of thing, it is important to create an atmosphere in advance. It is not something that can be managed by delineating a line that says, «This is where the performance will begin. It is a small discomfort that lurks in the viewer’s subconscious and sometimes has an unfavorable effect.
Since the fate of Alkimaira hangs in the balance, I will do all I can to eliminate such possibilities and take all possible measures. Or are you asking me to cut corners?»
«No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Then shut up. You’re ruining the mood.»
It was a sealed deal.
I couldn’t even finish my line.
Rieve, unable to refute the argument, backed down, biting her teeth.
Even she understands the importance of this return visit.
But seeing the expression on Camilla’s face as she clings to Hellian, she just couldn’t help but to speak up.
In order to change the subject, Hélian confirms that the travelers’ group is set up.
Of course, my dear. I have already memorized them perfectly.
Good. We’re getting close to the village. All three of you should be ready.
Helian tells his three companions that he, too, will change his mind.
—The setting is as follows.
A group of travelers led by Helian.
While exploring an old castle, they are suddenly struck by a mysterious phenomenon: they are enveloped in a mysterious light.
Although they managed to survive thanks to the various items they found in the ruins, the group was ignorant of various common knowledge, including the situation in the surrounding areas.
Later, they received a call from their friends who had been separated by their treasured magic tools (magic items), so they left the village of Rattestwood in a hurry to join their friends.
I apologize for leaving without exchanging a proper greeting, as I could not stand to hear the news from my companions whom I did not know if they were safe or not.
Fortunately, I was able to meet up with my friends safely, and I would like to apologize for the other day and talk about our future relationship.
I am also aware that the food aid we provided last time was well received, and I intend to do the same this time as well.
—The above is the set-up of the meeting.
I hope that this will be conveyed to the RATESTWOOD side.
Frankly, I cannot imagine what they will do when I visit the settlement again.
I think it is unlikely, but if they are interpreted as Noblewood’s pawns, they may attack us out of the blue.
However, we cannot cut off relations with the valuable source of information, LATESTWOOD. If it is necessary to make contact with them again, we have decided that it would be better to do so as soon as possible.
I am not sure if this decision is the best one, given the various problems we are facing.
However, a king who makes no decision is no better than an ornament.
A leader’s job is to make decisions.
And once he has made a decision, he has to do his best to prove that he made the right choice.
«Tactical Window: Open» (Tactical Window)
I used the spoken operation and direct operation (tap) because it was easier and more reliable than the thought operation, but I was worried about the stares of my subordinates as if it were a new thing. I wonder what my current behavior looks like to them who cannot see the virtual window.
If direct manipulation looks like a strange pantomime, it is better to use thought manipulation when you can afford it. I make a note in my mental notebook that when I return to the castle, I will have to check in the mirror at some point.
(. I think I can see the settlement soon. )
The that I called up shows topographical information, location information, etc., as far as I could find out in my previous search. The symbols indicating small villages and hamlets are getting closer. When we are only about three minutes away from the village, a strong wind is blowing through the forest.
Suddenly, Rieve’s nose twitched.
The wind was coming in from the opposite direction, whereas it had been downwind from the direction they were traveling.
In other words, it was carrying the scent of the village.
When Helian tried to open the detailed information about the village on the map, Rieve frowned uncomfortably and muttered, «I wonder if he sensed something. «.
«I smelled blood coming from the direction of the settlement.»
He ran out as soon as he heard.
He used the to display detailed information about the settlement, and found the creature’s response.
There were several white spots of light. The problem is that the number of these lights is much smaller than the last time I visited the settlement.
Lieve, who is following us, reaches out her hand to hold Helian’s body as she did the last time.
«Master Helian, please excuse my body. «
«I don’t need it! Instead, I want you to keep a tight perimeter! There is a strong possibility that there has been a major battle in the settlement!»
I want to keep Levee’s hands free.
Last time there were only a few enemy forces, so we prioritized movement, but this time we don’t know the scale of the enemy.
The light dots on the are all white, but this should be taken as a sign that the map is not neutral, rather it should be taken as a sign that the map is not able to determine friend or foe. If all of them are enemies, there is a sense of uneasiness when one of Liewe’s arms is blocked.
A calm part of my mind told me that we should not rush in and should watch from a distance, but I ignored it. If the village was under attack at the moment, one second’s delay could lead to an irreversible situation.
The image of the sisters who had given up their own lives to save their people came to my mind.
I felt nauseous at my own rashness and hypocrisy in trying to save them, even though I was still refusing to get involved in their problems.
But that didn’t mean I could stop now.
I had already chosen to run.
«—! Hey, you there, stop! Or I will shoot!»
I stopped when a voice came flying from the front.
Someone was standing in front of the village gate, holding a bow. The backlight makes it hard to see him. Who is it? Is it Noblewood or Lattestwood? Or is it a third force?
The figure holding the bow let out a stunned voice.
I recognized his voice.
It is Wenli, a close aide of Leifa, the Queen of Lattestwood.
The fact that she is acting as a gatekeeper does not mean that the settlement has fallen.
The white light spots in the settlement shown on the must belong to the people of Rattestwood.
«You are safe. I’m glad. «
A step toward him was severed by an angry voice.
There is a sound of the wind breaking, and something comes flying in.
It was not until he saw the arrow in front of him that he realized he had been shot.
I shouted in reflex.
Rieve, Eltina, and Camilla, who was about to leap out of the way, stiffened themselves.
If I had been even a moment too late to stop them, Wenli might have been killed.
«d*mn it! Everyone, meet me! Enemy attack!
«Wait, Mister Wenli! I am Helian, a traveler who was recently taken care of—«
«What a traveler you are, you white devil! You Noblewood minions!»
Once again Rieve grabs the arrow.
«. you misunderstand! We have nothing to do with Noblewood!»
«Shut up! If you really have nothing to do with this, then why are we being subjected to this! Why do you think Noblewood’s soldiers will come pouring in after you are gone?
The sunlight was hidden by clouds.
Wenli’s expression, obscured by the backlight, becomes apparent.
Her expression was severely distorted.
I had never seen this expression before.
Her face was stained with the color of pure hatred that Hellian had never seen in the eighteen years of Tsukasa Misaki’s life.
A small figure came out, protected by some soldiers.
There is no mistaking that voice or that figure.
«Leifa! It’s me, Helian!
We need to clear up this misunderstanding somehow.
And my men are acting suspiciously.
It seemed as if they were about to attack Wenli at any moment.
Helian has ordered them to stop, but I sense a disturbing presence from Camilla.
The third shot could have triggered a worse situation.
Leifa utters Helian’s name in a somewhat stunned tone.
The emotion in her voice was very weak.
I could not read anything in his voice.
Is she calm or not?
Is he hostile or is there room for him to be heard?
A bead of sweat runs down Hellian’s cheek.
«. Wenli. Put down your bow.»
«No, Master Leifa! They are the pawns of the Noblewoods!»
«Put down your bow, I said. Obey me.
Master Leifua, you have been deceived! Archers, ready. «
Leifa shouted in the harshest voice Helian had ever heard.
She held her right hand straight out, and a small magic circle floated in front of her palm.
Wenli looked at Leifer, who was about to cast a spell on him, with eyes as if he had seen something incredible.
«Wenli! Put down your bow.»
«Right now, I am the queen of this land. Obey my word. If you cannot, kill me and become the new king.»
«I am grateful to you for taking care of us sisters since we were very young. I consider you like an older sister. But now you are insane. If you continue to do more harm to this country with me as queen, I will not tolerate it.»
«This is the last time. Put down your bows.»
Wenli hesitated for a moment.
Herian’s eyes are still stained with hatred.
Still, she did not have the option of antagonizing Leifa.
She lowered her bow silently, though her expression remained grim.
Helian also lowered his right hand to restrain Levee and the others.
Somehow, they managed to avoid a confrontation.
But Helian did not breathe a sigh of relief.
There was no relief.
The sudden attack was one thing, but more than that, there were words that he just couldn’t let go.
«What’s wrong with Rilifa?»
Wenli uttered those words on the spur of the moment.
She did indeed say, «It is because of them that Master Rilifa is dead.
Then, what was the word that followed?
«. Helian, it is a pleasure to see you again. First of all, I would like to offer my deepest apologies for any rudeness on my part. I know that my apology will not satisfy you, but please accept my forgiveness.
What I want to hear is not an apology.
I don’t care about that,
«You said Noblewood attacked you. What the hell happened after that? What happened to Lady Rilifa? What happened to you?»
Helian asked a series of questions as if he was being driven by something.
Then Leifa, with an emotionless expression on her face, spoke a simple fact.
«—I was kidnapped by soldiers from Noblewood.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
Stunned, an elf let out a muffled cry.
He is the chief priest of Noblewood.
He is the person who is in charge of overseeing the rituals in the unique elven religion that worships the divine tree and the wind god, and he is the person who contributed the most to the unsealing of the fairy dragon that the gods had left for the elves.
Above his head was the figure of a fairy dragon engulfed by a ray of vermilion light emitted by the twilight dragon. The wings of the beautiful dragon were scattered into thousands of pieces in the aftermath alone, and its body was vaporized, leaving no ashes. I saw the whole thing. I witnessed it.
The guardian dragon of the elves, given to us by God, is in mourning.
In fact, they could not even wound the mysterious dragon that suddenly appeared, and were unilaterally defeated.
Furthermore, an unknown force is attacking in full force, and the glorious warriors of Noblewood are being overrun like insects. This horrifying fact was not something that the chief priest could have accepted on his own.
The elf’s eyes twinkled in confusion as he was given a shouted order.
The elf was in possession of a valuable «mind-speech» ability.
Psychokinesis is a rare magic skill that makes it possible to send a voice through the mind to someone who is out of earshot.
The distance that can be communicated with depends on the skill of the magician, but he specialized all of his abilities in psychic communication, and was a special soldier who could contact far away from home.
«What’s the matter? Come on, come on!»
«. can’t connect to the heart to the home country.»
What?» asked the chief priest with a greasy sweat on his forehead.
The chief priest ran out of the small castle and ran north alone.
Mysterious enemy forces are invading from the south.
They must not have reached the north yet.
Looking behind him again and again to make sure that no pursuers are coming, the chief priest heads for the north gate as if he were being driven.
Running with all his might, the chief priest eventually reached the north gate and looked behind him.
There were no pursuers.
He had escaped death.
We will be saved now.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, he tried to get out of the capital through the gate, only to collide with the invisible barrier that had been deployed to cover the capital.
The chief priest grunts like a crushed frog and rolls on the ground, bounced back by the warding.
A voice reached the chief priest’s ears, as if in dismay.
«Where are you? Where are you hiding?
«. was stunned. I’m amazed that they can get this close and not be able to see through the invisible optical deception without even using Indication Cut.»
At the same time as the sound of snapping fingers, a woman appeared, oozing out of the space. Dark skin and long bamboo ears. She is holding a book with the emblem of her country and the four Chinese characters engraved on it.
«No, I’m not. Don’t put me together with such a lowly species now. I was a dark elf decades ago.
«You seem to have it so easy, to just say when you don’t understand something.
«You! You dare to taunt me, the glorious Chief Priest of Noblewood!»
«You can be indignant all you want, but are you sure you don’t want to talk to me in a leisurely manner? I think it’s time to turn around.»
The chief priest froze at these words.
Before he knew it, he realized that he was covered by a large shadow.
There was something huge behind him.
Fearfully, he turned around.
Hey, Fourth Commander! Are you almost ready?»
There was a large, muscular man over two meters tall with a huge axe on his back.
Yes, that’s enough. According to the Sixth Legion’s investigation, even this guy is one of the commanders, so get your ass up to the top!
«Oh, really? Are you sure you don’t mind if I kill this thing?
With a ferocious smile on his face, the Commander of the 5th Legion (Gardi) asked the Commander of the 4th Legion (Ceres).
«It’s okay. I’ve been ordered by His Majesty to focus on maintaining the closed wards. Besides, you’ve already made a blunder the other day, so you should score some points here.
«. I don’t like it when people give credit where credit is due.»
«I don’t know how you feel, but let go of your pride for once. You’re not the only one who’s going to be in trouble if you don’t make up the lost points.
«Huh? What do you mean by that?
«Take a look at what the people who use you think about you and the current state of our country.»
«. I don’t understand a piece of it, but is it related to the general in that way?»
«Yes, yes, it would trouble His Majesty! There’s no force lying around that we can let them play with in the current state of the country! I mean, you should at least know the pieces! Are you still a general of the army?
«I’m not very good at using my head. Well, if that’s the case, I’ll take credit where credit is due.
The conversation taking place in front of him made the chief priest dizzy.
His own life was being treated as nothing more than a symbol of his achievement.
The conversation was based on the premise that he would be killed on the spot.
«Wait! Wait! I understand that you are not a Dark Elf, but you are still an Elf Tribe, aren’t you!»
«I beg of you, kindred spirits, to help me! Stop this big man!»
The chief priest no longer had the strength to resist.
He had already seen the warriors of Noblewood being overrun by the enemy soldiers, and the big man behind him was his general.
There was no way we could win.
So the only way to survive here, no matter how miserable, was to cling to the woman in front of him, who was supposed to be a kindred spirit.
«Yes! Please, I can’t die here! Until the day I slaughter the filthy humans, I never will.»
Before she could even finish listening to the chief priest’s words, Celes’ expression turned to one of disgust and contempt.
«I want to ask you something.»
«What? The technique that unsealed the fairy dragon? Or is it about our ritual magic? I’ll answer whatever you want me to answer!»
«Then answer me. What were you doing to the High Elves (Eltina), the very people you ask to help you in your friendship with the Elves?
The chief priest gasped at the question and a strange sound escaped from his throat.
«That’s the answer. We are very annoyed by the fact that these vermin (you) look like us, to begin with. If Your Majesty hates you for this, I’ll crush your souls after death!»
The hand that reaches out for Celes, «Wait,» is blocked by an invisible barrier and never reaches Celes.
The next moment, a great axe swung down from behind him, splitting his body in two.
Sarawin, the chief hunter of Noblewood, looked up at the sky in dismay.
What he saw was a fairy dragon engulfed by a ray of vermilion light.
After the red light that burned his eyes lost its brilliance, all that remained in the sky was the figure of a dragon.
The figure is not that of a fairy dragon.
It is the form of another dragon that may have been fighting with the fairy dragon.
The fairy dragon, the guardian of the elves, has been defeated unilaterally.
The core of a century-long plan for revenge against humans has been lost.
It took Sarawin more than a few dozen seconds to acknowledge this fact.
In the meantime, time passes mercilessly.
War cries are heard everywhere, screams and shouts fill the capital.
The former are unknown voices. The latter are the voices of the known.
It is a fact that our people are being unilaterally overrun.
More and more shadows appear in the sky as Sarawin gazes up in dismay.
The shadows were of various kinds of dragons.
All of them were monsters, each of them as powerful as a fairy dragon.
The dragons that followed the dragon that destroyed the fairy dragons quickly increased in number and filled the sky above the capital.
For Salawin, the scene was now nothing but «hell.
There is no answer.
The elves around him had been blown to pieces by the earlier bombardment.
Only Sarawin survived.
Someone came running.
I shudder involuntarily.
But the figure approaching was not one of the mysterious forces, but a known face.
It was the head soldier who had been deployed as a member of the advance team.
«You are in danger! Please run away!»
The capital is surrounded by a strong ward. The shape and timing of the wards suggest that they were probably designed to confine those inside.
Moreover, I can feel that it is covered with tremendous magical power. It is possible that a fairy dragon could have broken through it, but not on a scale that we can handle.
«But that doesn’t mean we should stay here, we will be swallowed up by the enemy army soon! In any case, you need to get out of here. «
There was a clattering sound, and the soldier’s voice stopped.
It was the sound of armor.
Fearfully, they looked to see an enemy soldier in full body armor.
«. I’ll buy you some time. Please run away.»
The captain of the army told Sarawin with a determined look on his face.
«Well, leave it to me!»
Sarawin immediately ran away.
He had nowhere to go.
Still, he understood that if he stayed there, he would die as well.
Sarawin leaves the place like a hare.
The remaining soldier, feeling a sense of emptiness at the fact that the only words he had left to say were «I leave it to you,» he faced the enemy in front of him.
. I will be your opponent. I will be your enemy. the enemy of who knows where.»
He does not understand exactly what is going on.
Why are we in this situation?
What will become of Noblewood’s long-cherished desire for revenge against humans after the death of the fairy dragon?
We don’t know everything.
But there is one thing he does know.
That is that he is going to die here and now.
«Then I will not spoil my last days.»
I am an elf of Noblewood, of a noble family.
I am the proud captain of the Noblewood soldiers.
I must behave accordingly and meet a fitting end.
Then, if death is the only thing that lies ahead, let us not claw our way to an ugly end, but let us fall with grace.
The captain felt surprisingly calm and naturally so.
«If I am defeated by the filthy ‘filth’ and humans, I may die, but I can’t die. «.
But fortunately, I have no such fears.
The full-body-armor-clad figure standing before us is too small in stature.
It is not a half-elf or a human, but a different race. Perhaps a dwarf or something.
Then, even if I die in defeat, my pride as a noble Noblewood will not be sullied. Reaffirming this fact in his heart, the captain of the army drew the two daggers at his waist and quietly assumed a stance.
«The last battle of my life. shall I fight with you?
My name is Krauf-Welt-Lief.
I am one of the chief soldiers of Noblewood.
In response to his name, the small enemy in full body armor is silent.
«Well, he does not say his name.
Then you speak not with words but with your blade, do you?
Oh well, that’s one thing.»
The captain of the army was boasting in a more cheerful tone.
The catalyst had been used up in the deployment of the barrier, and there was none left.
It was impossible to use magic.
Moreover, he had sustained a few wounds.
The only weapons he has are two daggers with amputation techniques.
The enemy in front of him in full armor is a member of an unknown force, whose abilities are unknown.
However, the Chief of Staff’s will to fight shows no sign of waning.
On the contrary, perhaps he had reached some kind of state of mind in this place of death, and he was confident that he would be able to display the best fighting ability of his life in the battle that was about to begin.
And he was not mistaken.
The captain turned into a gale and attacked the full-body armor. Both the speed of his steps and the power of the dagger he brought down were sharp enough to be the stuff of a captain. It was, without question, the fastest step he had ever made in his life.
Against him, the full-body armor used his long shield to repel the right dagger, and responded with a short sword to the left dagger. The sound of steel rang out, and sparks flew between the two.
«Blade! Feed on my demons and cut through the enemy!»
The captain of the army casts his magic power into his left dagger.
The formula engraved on the dagger receives the supply of magic power from the Lord and faithfully performs its role.
The effect of the activated technique is «cutting».
The dagger, which had been in an antagonistic state of a sword fight, began to bite into the blade of the shortsword as soon as the technique was activated.
As if unable to stand it, the full-body armor tried to distance itself by kicking forward at the chief of soldiers.
The chief soldier, reading this, responded by dropping his heel on the kicking foot that was coming from below.
The heel hurt as if it cracked in compensation for kicking the metal mass as hard as he could, but he succeeded in preventing the full-body armor from kicking him and threw himself into the air directly above him, making use of the recoil of the kick.
He then turned his body vertically in the air and fired a second blow with a dagger from upside down.
The full-body armor, on the other hand, avoids the second blow by letting its weight carry it and sinking down to a low position.
«We’ll lose this one too, but. «
The captain of the army spun his body once more in midair and threw a dagger directly downwards.
The blade, which had the momentum of the spin, approached the enemy at the speed of a gale.
The third and final blow, a killing blow, was fired with acrobatic maneuvering.
The full-body armor catches it as quickly as possible with the shield drawn to its body.
The dagger, with its amputation technique still activated, is entrusted with the task of piercing, and buries its blade into the shield that is preventing it from carrying out its mission.
The shield, on the other hand, was not equipped with any technique, but it resisted the attack with its inherent toughness.
And the Chief of Staff, while still in the air, watched the end of the battle.
The victory went not to the deadly blade, but to the shield of protection.
Now the captain is untouched.
One of the two daggers is bounced far away by the shield, and the other is stuck in the shield.
The soldier was crushed to the ground by a shield bash, which was aimed at his landing and slammed into him.
Several of his internal organs were crushed by the impact.
A fearful sensation of blood rushing back down my throat.
But he swallows the rising mass of blood in the name of pride.
He lost, but it was definitely the best fight of his life.
It is not the behavior of a noble elf to stain the end of a great battle with blood.
This pride was the only thing that kept him conscious.
«. Well done. That’s all I can say.»
Feeling refreshed, the captain paid tribute to the full body armor that had brought him down.
It was a worthy opponent for the last battle of his life.
A worthy adversary indeed.
He was not an elf, but at the same time he was neither human nor half-elf.
I did not know what kind of race he was, but if he was a worthy adversary to beat me, a captain of war, he deserved my respect, no matter what race he was.
When I thought of this, words of praise naturally came out of my mouth.
It was an honest expression of his heart that he had only spoken a few times in his long life.
He had finished with the blade. I will no longer bask in the silence. You must be a great warrior, with your splendid dexterity and your wonderful skill. For the last time, may I ask your name?»
At the words of the dying soldier’s commander, the full-body armor put its hand on the visor of its helmet.
What kind of race he was, I could not guess. But the captain, never surprised by any race, waited with a clear mind for his adversary to make his move, and was astonished to see his true face hidden under the visor that had been pulled up.
Ugly face with earth-colored skin and wrinkles.
Not one of the four great continental races.
The face of a goblin, a diminutive monster, emerges from beneath the visor of his full-body armor.
I don’t have a name.
«I’ve just been born. Soldier-in-training. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. A new recruit with no name gets a name when he kills five of the enemy. But this is my first battle. But I don’t have a name.
«Ugh, it’s a lie. and if it’s true, then its workmanship is. «
«These are just supplies. The first sword we newbies get.»
The goblin carelessly tossed aside the re cracked shortsword.
The sword, which the captain had described as a work of art, lay on the ground like a worthless piece of trash.
«We just finished training. We can’t really go to the front. But the government said we’d be mobilized. We, the newbies, get our turn too. Hurray.»
The goblin steps closer to the chief of staff, holding a one-handed axe (subweapon) attached to the back of his shield, and raises the deadly weapon.
«You’re the third one. If you kill the other two, you can get the captain’s name. Goblin will get his name on his first fight. That’s why you’re going to die here.
Those were the words that topped it all.
There was a shattering sound of pride in the soldier’s head.
He exclaimed, staining the ground with the blood he had spewed.
«Fu. you’ve got to be kidding me! This, this foolishness is impossible! Goblins! Goblins? I am a soldier captain, and the last opponent in my life is a goblin! The enemy who brought me down is not even a general, but just a small fry! This can’t be happening! I can’t be this unreasonable! You’ve got to be kidding me—«
No matter, the blade fell.
The decapitation axe does its job, and the head of a certain elf, who was screaming something or other, is sent flying.
The head rolls on the ground, and the torso crumples down without effort.
The goblin nods his head in satisfaction as he confirms that he has killed his third prey.
He then checks the wear and tear on his equipment, and acknowledges that he is still fully capable of fighting, and runs across the battlefield in search of his fourth prey.
And Krauf-Welt-Lief, the chief of the Noblewood soldiers, was not even recognized as one of the generals, but as one of the many others who laid their corpses out in the field.
The overthrow continues.
Until the moment every last vermin (monster) in the capital is exterminated.
Although the origin of RATESTWOOD is a group of weak people, its size has gradually expanded over the years and now it has formed a city-state.
Even though it is a small country, there are certain facilities that a nation needs.
For example, a castle to defend the city and to show the king’s authority, a medical clinic to provide medical treatment, a chapel to offer prayers, and a court to settle disputes based on the law.
The Noblewood soldiers were gathering there.
Or rather, they were being driven and cornered.
They had no choice but to flee to the north after being carefully exterminated by the mysterious forces advancing from the south.
However, the invisibility wards covering the entire city prevented them from escaping out of the city.
Therefore, the Noblewood soldiers, trapped both physically and mentally, tried to escape by taking the half-elves they had locked up in their prisons as hostages.
Mysterious forces are aiding and abetting RATESTWOOD.
Then take the captive half-elves hostage.
Then they can save their own lives.
They blindly believed in this idea, which was far too shortsighted to be coolly considered.
It could be said that they could think of no other way to survive.
Clinging to a glimmer of hope, they made their way to the prison where the half-elves were being held, only to see a corner of the prison ceiling collapse without warning.
A red dragon appeared, smashing through the ceiling with the force of the crash.
The Noblewood soldiers, who recognized that this was the dragon that had annihilated the fairy dragon with a single blow, were half in a state of panic when they saw a man standing on top of the dragon’s head.
A monster who could slaughter a fairy dragon.
The man who was kicking its head in the air glared at the inside of the prison, and his hair stood on end as he saw the half-elves lying on the ground, ragged and naked.
Instantly, Helian gives the order.
The dusk dragon (Nogardo) immediately carries out the order, which is filled with an overflowing amount of murderous intent.
Only the dragon tribe is allowed to weave dragon magic.
One of them was exercised, and a golden-colored light bullet mixed with dragon energy and magic rushed out.
The light projectile, filled with the power to shatter, swerved to avoid the half-elves, piercing and slaughtering every single Noblewood soldier in the prison.
«Protect the people of Llatestwood! Don’t let any more people die! If you let them die for nothing, you’ll get away with it!
A medic from the Third Legion rushed into the prison, protected by guards from the Second Legion.
A soft green light emanates from everywhere in the prison, and the half-elves, who had been reduced to rags, are treated with great care.
«Is this all the half-elves that have been taken prisoner?
I hope you didn’t miss anything!
Declaration of exercise of authority (Function On).
Selects the Dusk Dragon as the target of activation.
The secret «Fobidun Phantasm» used is «Select Judgment».
The attack power is fixed to the maximum value 《Blast Power Maximize》.
Final Confirmation of Permission to Use 《Final Confirmation》, all omitted.
Start target acquisition 《Target Capture Start》.
Enable friend/foe identification (IFF on).
Information Sharing(Direct)Forced Connection: Dream(Data Sharing)The Witch Queen to the Twilight Dragon《・・Forced Connection》.
Range Selection: (Range Select)Ratestock(Ratestockwood)de Capital Region(Metropolis).
Target selection: (target select)Norb(target select)RUTHWOOD soldiers and related persons 《Noblewood Enemies》.
All the above orders will be sent out immediately 《Full Order Immediate》.
The secret begins to activate.
The price is an intense feeling of emptiness.
A headache as if a spear had pierced my skull.
Then dizziness and darkened vision.
Distant consciousness is held together by hatred.
A magic circle was deployed under the dusk dragon’s eyes.
A huge magic circle with geometric patterns.
Thousands of small and medium-sized magic circles are engraved on the lower layer.
And the number of magic circles perfectly matched the number of enemies displayed in the Tactics Window.
Each of the small and medium-sized magic circles engraved in the void is finely angled to aim at each and every one of the vermin writhing below.
The voice seemed to echo from the depths of hell.
With the whispered sentence of death as a signal, the «secret» was fully activated, and the twilight dragon shot out a brilliant red light from its palate.
The light became a single pillar and pierced into the giant magic circle below, and at the same time, it split into countless smaller magic circles. The red light, guided by the small and medium-sized magic circles, rushed toward the vermin below, and poured down in a shower of meteors. The vermiform meteors engulfed the vermin, vaporizing them all, leaving not even a trace.
The Noblewood advance team, the best of the best out of the entire national armed forces, was deployed.
Not a single person survived, and it was annihilated.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
For a while after that.
Helian was thinking about his speech, twisting and turning his head, trying to come up with the right answer.
Referring to the speeches made by great historical figures and creative people, and remembering the speech techniques he had learned in college, he tried to construct a text in his own words that would strongly appeal to the hearts of the demons, who were in essence the followers of power.
To say the least, it is not difficult.
Even just giving a speech is too much for a student like Helian, but the audience is not a human but a demon. It is unlikely that he can move them with his opportunistic speeches, and it is not his wish to incite them to war.
I have managed to get a draft of the speech, but I am not sure if it will get the desired response or if it will unite the people of Alkimaira. Further improvement will be necessary.
In the meantime, the scheduled five hours had passed, and time was up.
I have no choice but to stop thinking about the text of my speech and switch my mind to the audience. From now on, Helian has to inform the corps commanders about the policy of the country. This is not a task that can be done while thinking about other things.
«-Gathering of the heads of the eight legions!
Eight demons bow their heads to Herian, who is sitting in a luxurious chair.
The Commander of the First Legion.
The head of the small elite force, known as the Guard of Honor, whose main duty is to assist the king in various fields.
Liewe of Managarum, the moon wolf, is appointed as the king’s close aide and the commander of the general army.
Commander of the Second Legion.
He is the head of the Order of the Beast, which possesses land forces centering on beastmen and knights.
Baran of the lion-headed knight [Sverrebe], who wears full plate armor of pure white.
Commander of the Third Army.
He is the head of the so-called «Order of the Sacred Spirits», a group of specialists in recovery and support.
Eltina of the Ancient Elves, whose golden hair reaches down to her waist.
Commander of the Fourth Legion.
He is the leader of the [Legion of Magi], a.k.a. the [Legion of Magi], which is made up of pure rear guard type demons who excel in the field of magic.
Celes the [Heretic Elf], with her dark skin and strong-willed, slanted eyes.
Commander of the Fifth Legion.
He is the leader of the [Chouheigun-dan], a.k.a. the [Chouheigun-dan], a group of purely vanguard-type demons and giants who boast overwhelming striking power.
Gardi of [Aulgermil], a muscular and sturdy man so large that he can look up at you.
Commander of the Sixth Legion.
He is the head of the demon-centered army, known as the [Demon Legion], which is solely responsible for espionage and sabotage.
Camilla of the Nightmare Queen, whose deep eyes and bewitching appearance attract the eye.
Commander of the Seventh Legion.
She is the head of the so-called [Kikoukou Sensoudan], which has many craftsmen who specialize in the field of manufacturing.
Robin of the [Mixed], who has a body so small that he could be mistaken for a child, but is also a trump card in a decisive battle.
Commander of the 8th Legion.
He is the leader of the largest and most powerful air force composed entirely of dragons, known as the [Tian Long Legion].
Nogard, the young man who hides his sharp eyes behind his fiery red hair.
The top of Alkimaira’s army, its octagon, has gathered.
I have already told you that the leader of the army, who is not available on site, is not required to come, but is it really a good thing that all eight of them are here?
I had expected that the 2nd Corps Commander «Balan», the 5th Corps Commander «Gardi», and the 4th Corps Commander (Ceres), who is in charge of deploying the capital warding, would remain at the site, but is it safe to say that the situation has settled down to a level where the site can operate without them?
Thank you. Raise your face.»
Like a king,» he said, repeating the incantation in his head.
With the king’s permission, the eight commanders of the corps raised their heads and caught Hellian’s gaze.
Thinking back on it, he had never received such an enthusiastic gaze even during his speech practice at the university. The quantity, but the quality and the heat were incomparable. The tension is almost suffocating me.
«I asked you to come here because of one thing. We are here to talk about the current situation and our future plans.
First, let’s look at where we are right now.
I’d like to talk about some of the things we’ve learned in our search outside the country.
«First of all, this is not a continent we know. You have heard from Lieve that we have made contact with elves and half-elves of other nations during our explorations outside the country. We got some history from them and some information about the surrounding situation, all of which I did not know.
I also checked the various to be sure, but again there was no relevant information. Furthermore, the fact that I could not find any familiar lands on my made it clear that this is a different place from our continent.»
It is very likely that the world, not just the continent, is different, but I dare not mention it. There is no need to make the problem look big and confusing. It is enough to convey the message that we are in a solitary situation and that careful action is required.
However, the corps commanders looked somewhat puzzled. The relatively restless Commander of the 7th Corps, for example, was constantly looking at the faces of the other corps commanders.
What’s the matter? What is it you want to ask me? Now is the time to share information, so if you have any questions, just ask. No hesitation.»
The legionnaires, who are allowed to address the king, kneel down and look at each other.
After a few moments, Liewe opened his mouth as the representative.
It was an unexpected question.
Perhaps it was because of the heat in the gazes of the corps commanders as they looked at Hellian.
I wonder how they interpreted the fact that I knew the position of the enemy during the search.
Did they think that I had a sense organ as good as Rieve’s sense of smell or Ertina’s sense of hearing? Such an imitation is absolutely impossible for a human Helian.
It may be that status enhancement and affect demons directly, and they could know their existence through experience, but they do not know about the abilities that do not affect demons.
In the game era, I never explained to the demons about basic functions such as virtual windows, logout, chat, etc. in [Tactics Chronicle]. Or rather, there was no way to explain them. So it makes sense that was an unknown ability that they had never heard of.
In the first place, it is too lonely to play alone, taking the trouble to explain the king’s (player’s) ability to NPC (Non-Player Character) in detail. If there were such lonely players, I would tell them to interact with people (players) properly since this is an online game.
After all, it seems that now, for the first time, the undiscovered abilities of the king have been revealed to the corps commanders. Their surprise is due to this background. Apparently, the Helian figure among the eight legionnaires has a secretive side.
Noblewood is home to many of the most puritanical of the elves.
The small nation of Rathestwood is made up of a small group of weaker races, mainly half-elves, who are discriminated against.
These two countries are at war, and the surprise attack of Noblewood without a declaration of war puts Rattestwood at an overwhelming disadvantage.
Also, although the elves belonging to Noblewood attacked them, they only drove them away, so they are not in a decisive hostile relationship.
He has made the acquaintance of Leifa, the leader of the LATESTWOOD.
We have succeeded in establishing a good relationship with RATESTWOOD, but since we were separated from them after the outbreak of the rebellion, there is a possibility that they may have some suspicions about us.
«We have obtained a lot of information from them. But it is not enough. Above all, we don’t have enough information to know if there are forces around us that could resist us.»
As for Rattestwood, Alkimaira’s existing forces are expected to be able to handle it, but as for Noblewood, we have no idea how much strength it possesses.
As for the existence of other forces, we know that there are other Elven nations and human cities, but we have not been able to make contact with them, and their size and even their locations are unknown.
«This is a serious situation. It is clear that we need more information in order to determine our position and long-term policy.
As he explains the situation, he observes the reactions of the group leaders.
I tried to be dramatic as I practiced my speech, but so far, the reactions of the heads of the eight major corps have not been bad. I can only say that they are not looking at me quizzically, but I think I am speaking well so far. I would like to think so.
Now, let’s talk about the short-term policy for the future. What we are going to do, however, is almost the same as the other day. We will continue to fortify our country’s defenses and gather information without letting the surrounding forces know of our presence. Is that clear so far?»
No words of denial were returned.
The heads of the eight major corps nodded their heads in silence.
«What’s the situation regarding security? I’ve heard reports that things are calm so far, but I’d like to hear your opinion.»
«Ha. Although there was a temporary disruption due to the recent rebellion, things have now been calmed down after the news of the suppression of the rebellion and the subsequent events. In fact, perhaps because the end of the rebels served as a good example, skirmishes have ceased to exist since the suppression of the rebellion. Moreover, since the Lord has opened the castle’s storehouse, there are no food problems and our immediate livelihood is assured, so the people will not cause any problems right now.
. It is more than a little bit more than that.
The castle’s bag was made with the best of Alkimaira’s technology, and is naturally equipped with a preservation technique. Therefore, for the time being, there is no need to worry about the contents spoiling.
The stockpile of food that had been prepared in case of emergency came in handy.
«On the other hand, however, I am a little concerned about the stress on the people and the military. From what I have seen of the men in my corps, it seems that the stress is caused by the fact that they are in a situation where they have a serious problem that they cannot solve by themselves.
The crises that our country has faced in the past have been those that we should have been able to solve by ourselves. In that respect, this transition problem is different.
The essence of a demon is a follower of power.
Even though they are citizens of Alkimaira, that does not change.
However, on top of this essence, there are the rules of Alkimyra, and as a result, a morality has been created that is distinct from the principle of the weak and the strong.
This was confirmed in the conversation with Levee earlier, but the fact that they are in a situation beyond their control must be more or less stressful for them as demons.
If there was a clear path to solve the problem, the result would be different, but if the government has not come up with a clear policy to solve the situation, it is understandable.
I have heard that a similar situation happened in the past when Japan suffered from a major disaster.
When people are exposed to situations beyond their control for a long period of time with no solution in sight, stress increases at an accelerated rate.
The problem is not likely to be solved right now, but the longer it takes to solve the problem, the more serious it will become.
The 6th Legion, which is in charge of intelligence, reported the same thing.
The general lodging houses are already fully booked, and the amount of space available in the original military quarters is far in excess of what is allowed.
«Those who do not have a place to stay have been assigned to night patrols in shifts to take naps, but this has also caused some stress.
There is no such thing. That is all I have to say.
We can do something about the campsite problem.
I agree with Baran that we should remove other stressors as much as possible, as long as we cannot immediately solve the problem of the transition itself.
Galdi, commander of the Fifth Corps, hangs his head and replies.
His voice lacked vigor and he seemed depressed.
«Thank you for your hard work in putting down the rebellion the other day.
First of all, we send words of thanks.
It may be a small thing, but it seems to be important for smooth communication between superiors and subordinates. A professor who likes to draw upon his vast knowledge said so.
«. is outrageous. I rather let the general die unnecessarily. There’s no room for excuses. I’m prepared to be severely punished.
«I see. Then I will punish you.»
Dare to maintain an indifferent attitude.
After wetting his lips lightly with his tongue, he announced in a single breath
«The Commander of the 5th Corps and the 5th Corps, under the command of the Commander of the 7th Corps, are to begin construction of temporary lodging facilities. In the event of security problems, they will be temporarily placed under the command of the II Corps and will follow the instructions of the Commander of the II Corps (Baran). You may have something to say about being under the command of another corps commander, even if only temporarily, but I order you to do so as punishment. Is that clear?»
Gardi’s face jumped up in surprise.
. Oh no. The punishment was too severe.
I’m not saying that the incident was out of control, but I understand that it is a very difficult problem to deal with.
However, I dared to order the punishment because I thought it was necessary for a king to have the attitude of «no stone left unturned». On the other hand, I have tried to keep the punishment relatively light so that it would not be unreasonable.
But what is this reaction of Gerty’s?
He looks as if he has been slapped with a word he did not expect.
Perhaps it is too humiliating for the pride of the demons to be asked to join the command of a corps leader other than the king’s aide Levee, despite the fact that he is the corps leader.
I was tempted to retract my previous statement, but once I had given notice, I had no choice but to push through. He could not spit in the mouth. No matter how much more frightening Gardi’s face is than that of a mafia boss, I can’t let him see that I’m scared.
«-What’s the matter, you didn’t answer me? Are you trying to tell me you’re not happy about it?»
I was obviously too overbearing.
I tried to be kingly, but this was a threat.
Sweat begins to form on my back.
(. Please shut up and obey me for now and I’ll follow up with something later, I promise!)
As Helian began to pray, Galdi opened his mouth with a look of astonishment on his face.
«—That’s what you mean?»
Helian squints and listens back.
So you mean to say that the punishment was not as bad as you had expected, but rather a measure of compassion.
It seems that I was mistaken in thinking that he was displeased.
I almost patted my chest, but then I remembered the fact that the corps commander was watching me.
However, I wondered how he had received Hellian’s reply, and Galdi began to perspire profusely on his stern face.
«No, no, I misspoke! Sorry General, I take back what I said! I’m not making light of the problem of the camp!»
With a flustered look on his face, Galdi hung his head again.
«. If you understand, that’s fine. Now then, Lieve, Eltina.»
The two female corps leaders, as they are called, raise their heads.
Their faces were stern.
It seems that they have already prepared for their punishment.
The two men return their assurances in a stern tone of voice.
I had ordered Gardi to be punished as well, since he had a good job lined up, but I could not think of any specific punishment for these two.
Punishments for corps commanders include deprivation of command, house arrest, demotion, and even death, but none of these punishments could be applied under the current circumstances.
Since the loss of two corps commanders in the midst of this crisis is unacceptable, we will have no choice but to postpone this issue.
«Next. Are there any major changes or problems in other corps?
The heads of the eight major corps are silent.
We wait for a while, but no one seems to speak.
We need to move quickly before we get into trouble.
Now, I will tell you about the roles of the heads of the eight major corps from now on. However, except for the 6th corps commander, everything is basically the same as before. I am heading back to Rattestwood, so Liewe and Ertina will continue to escort me.»
«. Mr. Helian. With all due respect, sir, that’s. «
«Listen. Right now, the Ratestwood is the single most important source of information for our country. And since I was the sole contact in the guise of a traveler and the sole negotiator, it is imperative that I be present if you ever visit RATESTWOOD again. Am I right?»
Liewe and Ertina looked down in frustration.
I know what you mean. A lame king with no fighting skills should stay on his throne.
But it is impossible for him to sit idly on his throne and wait for reports from the corps leaders. He has not yet had the courage to entrust the role of negotiator, which could determine the fate of the country, to someone other than himself. Besides, I did not lie when I said that my presence is indispensable if I am to go to RATESTWOOD as a traveler. It is an undeniable fact.
Camilla, the leader of the Nightmare Queen’s Sixth Legion, stared at me with crimson eyes.
«You are to gather all the information you can on the settlement of Ratestwood. You will gather information mainly through the residents.
«I see. In other words, she’s the mistress of the house.
With a lustrous smile on her face, Camilla gives her consent.
«Please. You are Alkimaira’s ears, if you will. No one can be relied on more than you when it comes to gathering information. I hope that you will be able to fully demonstrate your abilities and fulfill your role as the ears of our nation.
When I told her, Camilla’s body trembled and a look of utter confusion came over her face.
Then, hanging her head solemnly, she said, «I will certainly meet your expectations.
As Helian nodded his head in satisfaction, the other commanders of the corps looked at him with eager eyes.
That look as if expecting something.
All seven of the others looked at me, and I was slightly overwhelmed.
Camilla looked at the other corps leaders and sniffed her nose as if she was showing off. Then the heat in the gazes of the other corps leaders increased.
I had thought that I could just say a few words and call it a night, but that was not going to be the case with seven pairs of eyes staring me in the face.
«. Lieve. As a member of the king’s entourage, you have shared the same time with me, you are the eyes of my country. You have seen the same things as I have, and I believe that you understand my thoughts the best. I hope that you will continue to be the eyes of Alkimaira and see it all with me.»
When I told him, the number of heated gazes decreased to six.
Apparently, this was the right thing to do.
Inwardly flustered, I racked my brain for appropriate metaphors for each corps leader.
Baran. You are the claws of the Alkimaira, mastering all kinds of weapons and slaughtering numerous enemies. You do not know what may happen in the future. In case of emergency, I expect you to use your claws to their fullest.
Eltina. You are the mane of the Alkimyra, not only for healing and support, but also for playing a central role in domestic affairs and making your prestige known to the other nations. Your mane of beauty will be on full display in your future negotiations with other nations.
Ceres. You are the tongue of Alkimaira, who has pursued the truth with an insatiable spirit of inquiry, and at the end has mastered the art of magic. You are the best in the eradication of a wide area. I also rely heavily on you in intellectual fields such as research and analysis.
Searching for metaphors as he speaks.
From the deeply moved look on the corps commanders’ faces, I understood that neither stuttering nor poor metaphors were allowed.
They were trying their best to think.
So far he had used his ears, eyes, claws, mane, and tongue.
It was a spur of the moment thing, but I’m surprised I came up with the mane.
I thought about using her arms for protection, but I couldn’t use them for her, since there are other legionnaires who are more suitable for that purpose.
And it is Ertina, who is in charge of foreign affairs as well as the core of domestic affairs, who does the most work to show the prestige of the country. In this sense, the mane suits her well.
«Galdi. You are the arm of the Alkymyra, the one with the most unmatched strength and bulk. I believe that the strength of your legions will be indispensable in the construction of encampments and large-scale settlements, and that no fortress, no matter how strong, will be crushed in the face of your mighty arm.
Robin. You are the legs of the Alkimaira, supporting the massive frame of our superpower with your numerous tools. The weapons you have created with unrivaled state-of-the-art technology give our army even more strength. And I know better than anyone that without you, our people would not be able to enjoy the riches of life.
Nogard. You are the wings of the Alkimyra, who unite the mighty dragons and rule the battlefield of the skies. No matter what foe you face, your combat power to annihilate them all is nothing short of immense. Continue to display your power without regret as the greatest firepower of our nation.»
He managed to say it all without hesitation.
In order of corps number: eyes, claws, mane, tongue, arms, ears, legs, wings.
If I had to add, I would say that the people are the body and I am the head.
Although I have compared them to a single beast, I could have associated them with the parts that corresponded to the roles of their respective legions.
I would like to believe that the lack of the hot stare is due to the fact that each one of us has been properly convinced of the other’s position.
Anyway, now we have shared the information on the current situation and allocated the future plans and the immediate tasks of each corps. That is enough. This concludes the audience. I want to end this. Please let me finish.
Then begin to act. Our country is still in the midst of a crisis. I expect each of you to do your part with that in mind. That’s all.
Eight voices echoed in chorus.
With the sound of the chant in the background, Helian leaves the audience hall, conscious of his solemn steps.
. As an aside, Camilla, the Commander of the Sixth Legion, gave off a slightly dejected air.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
So, I came here for a picnic with Lillipha.
Well, although we call it a picnic, it is really just a walk to a nearby courtyard.
As escorts, I have brought with me the SS of the First Legion and a couple of living armorers, but I left Lieve at the castle. The situation regarding the domestic issues had just been settled, and there was a sense of resistance about both myself and Lieve leaving the castle.
For now, they are working with Ertina and standing by in case of an emergency.
«Well. Well then, let the experiment begin.
I give a brief explanation to Lillipha, who seems to be in a daze.
«Oh. I want you to come along with me for a little verification experiment. You can think of it as a simple play thing as far as the refurb is concerned. Take it easy.»
«Isn’t that your job?»
It’s not the same as work. Besides, I’d be happy to have your help if you’ll go out with me.
He gave me a suspicious look, but I didn’t lie to him.
I am not lying. If Rilifa, who doesn’t need to be bothered, is willing to accompany me in my experiments, I would be very happy to have her.
Besides, I have been holed up in my office for a long time now. It would be a nice change of pace to get out of the office once in a while. And it would be a good thing to get one task done.
The guards are guarding the courtyard from a distance, keeping their voices out of earshot. They can see us, but we don’t have to worry about their eyes on us as we act as if we are there to make friends between the two countries with the child (Rilifa).
[ Information Sharing (Data Sharing) ]
«What’s information sharing?»
It’s hard to explain.
«Hmmm. Simply put, it’s a function (capability) that allows us to know about information (things) that the referrer knows, without having to be explained in words.
«Hmmm. What do I have to do to get a reli-fer?»
«Nothing in particular. Maybe you’ll feel like you’re being asked to do something sensory, but just be open to it.»
Since Rilifa is not a subordinate, but a citizen of a country, it is not possible to automatically. They need to manually, but the Helians do not know what it feels like to be connected (accessed).
«I don’t know, but I get it. I’ll try!»
«Hmm. Well then, let’s give it a try.
Function Window: Open.
Ability On: Information Sharing: Direct Access.
Target Input: Direct Select.»
The basic statuses such as STR and VIT have already been determined by Levee and Eltina. The skills list has been updated.
«Oh, really? Was that a unique skill of Leifa’s?»
Apparently, it was not a common magic.
At least according to Lillipha’s understanding, «I call fellow» is a magic that can be used only by Layfa.
The other updated item is a change in the «Remarks» column, where special notes are written.
Why does this stuff appear in the remarks column?
«What do you think, brother? Did you get the message?
«Did they get your sister’s body shape and everything?»
«. Yeah, well, information (data) is information (data). It’s not like it’s a problem to have it. There’s no need to delete anything.»
And that’s how it came to be.
I have no other intention.
[Compression key (macro)
A is a set of freely composed commands.
In short, you can think of them as shortcut keys that you can create as you like. If you perform a specific action (motion), you can instantly execute a command according to the registered contents in advance.
In addition, can execute not only a single order. It is also possible to form a that combines multiple commands.
In the early stages of the game, when tactical-level combat is required, the composed of such template tactical commands was often used.
—But even if I explain such a thing to Lillipha, he will not understand it.
«Compression key settings 《Macro Configuration》 : Exit (off). Configuration virtual window (system window): closed.»
After registering the compression key 《macro》, close the virtual window that is obstructing your view.
Incidentally, Helian mainly used finger-snapping, or finger-punching, for the execution motion of compressed keys (macros). The reason for adopting this motion is that it is quick and easy to perform on the spur of the moment, and above all, it looks cool.
Because, by simply snapping their fingers, the subordinates would move in response.
Rilifa, from the corner of my eye, jumped and signaled to me.
It seems that her voice was heard. This is a happy miscalculation. We should try everything.
The differences from the game that we have found so far have been only a bonus, such as feeling pain, hunger, fatigue, and almost dying from the reaction of the secret of the game. I think I’m getting there.
I respond to Lillipha, who is still jumping up and down and appealing to me, by waving my hand with a wry smile. We were able to reach her for the time being. Then we must try the opposite direction.
Then Rilifa stopped jumping and looked down for a moment as if thinking about something. Then she jumps up and opens her mouth with a childish smile on her face.
Helian immediately closed the virtual window.
She looks up at the sky with a Bodhisattva-like expression on her face, while Rilifa continues to speak from the corner of her eye.
—Why is the sky so blue?
Looking up at the majestic azure sky, Helian indulges in escapism.
«I’m home. Hey, did you hear what Rilifa said?»
«. Well, yeah. At least we can confirm that we can hear Rilifa’s voice. I just couldn’t make out what she was saying.»
«Well, I’ll tell you again. I’ll tell you again. my sister’s favorite. «
«You don’t have to say it. Anyway, I think we can call it quits on this experiment. Let’s move on to the next experiment.
Rilifa’s cheeks puffed out.
I am very curious as to why she is unhappy, but it is dangerous to continue this topic any longer. The next time I see Leifer, it will be awkward one way or the other.
«Next time we’ll have to transition.»
Why did you say it again? Why didn’t you just say «Mr. Helian»?
. Well, it doesn’t matter now.
«That’s the right transition. You have to have more than one base to use it, and you can only move from one base to another.
«. Let’s see. Transference is supposed to be a very rare magic among the lost magic. but I think only the legendary great sage can use it. «
«It’s not really magic, but, you know. I can transfer anyway.»
I’ll cut this short as I see fit.
I am at a loss for details since I don’t even know the magic word «ma».
The king’s (the player’s) use of transference is, to put it bluntly, a means of moving from one base to another.
In most RPG games, the means to move from one base to another is available after the midpoint of the game when the player’s area of activity has expanded, and it is positioned in the same way.
As an overview of the function, it is possible to set up a «teleportal» only at the base you have conquered, and you can move to another teleportal instantly via the teleportal.
This ability cannot be used without a base under your control, and if the base is conquered by another power, the teleportal will disappear. It is only an ability to move between the bases of one’s own forces.
In addition, only one teleportal can be installed in the same location, but it can be re-installed any number of times in different locations. And it is not only the player who can move. Using the teleportal, your subordinates can also move from one location to another.
«. Oh, shoot. I didn’t reconfigure the teleportal in RATESTWOOD, so it’s still at the default setting.
«No problem. I mean, I can’t go in this situation. I can’t jump into the Ratest Wood and near the throne without notifying the queen (Leiffer) in advance.
, he set up a teleportal for the capital of Alkimaira—- right in front of him. If there is no symbol in the vicinity, a faintly glowing ball of light appears in its place. The created ball of light floats at about waist height.
It is possible to set restrictions on the destination, the direction of transfer, and the use of each character, but most of these settings are currently disabled for the purpose of experimentation.
I briefly explain the method of levitation to Lillipha, who lets out an impressed «wow» sound. If you touch the light ball, a list of possible destinations should be displayed.
Rilifa reaches for the ball of light and the list appears at her eye level. There seems to be no problem. Rilifa’s eyes sparkle in surprise at the sudden display of the list.
—But then a question came to her mind.
So far, all the experiments had been successful. In fact, there were even some unexpected results, but thinking about it again, it seemed to me that there was a risk in the case of transference.
It would be fine if the transfer was not triggered, but there is a possibility that it could be triggered halfway and the patient could be transferred to a completely different place.
I am not trying to prioritize lives, but Lillipha is royalty. We should first ask the others to cooperate with us in this experiment.
«Wait, Rilifa. I don’t think we should do this experiment. There’s a danger. «
«Hmm, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m off then!
Before we could stop her, Rilifa activated the teleportal. As soon as Helian reaches out his right hand, the ball of light emits a strong light for a moment, and Rilifa’s figure disappears instantly.
He tries to communicate with Rilifa using the chat function that he just tried a few minutes ago.
The transfer itself should be instantaneous. If all goes well, she’s already in Latticewood. I have to be there.
, but it seems that I was the one who was being considerate to her all the time.
When I checked my condition again, I found that my shoulders were somewhat lighter.
Perhaps because it had been a long time since I had a conversation with her without any feelings, the heaviness that had been stuck in a corner of my head had been lightened considerably. If I looked in the mirror now, I would probably see myself there with a refreshed expression on my face.
I put my right hand on Lillipha’s head with a wry smile, thinking that I am losing my face as an older woman. The soft white hair felt good to the touch. I stroke her small head with a careful hand so as not to ruin her hairstyle.
It was a nice break. Thank you, Rilifa.
He expresses his gratitude without any adornment.
What came back from the girl was not a word, but a hearty smile.
—Let’s work hard from noon onwards.
With a cheerful expression on her face, Helian returns to the castle with Lillipha. Herian takes Lillipha with him back to the castle. Her steps are surprisingly light.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
«—And who thinks that way?»
At the king’s question, the people looked up as if they had been shot.
Most of them looked more or less taken by surprise.
«Where is the need to think that way?»
The question again.
The people, who had no words to answer, involuntarily looked at each other and at those standing beside them.
The fact that the Alkimaira is still here today is the best proof of this.
«Forcibly transferred to the danger zone, we were left alone and helpless.
—So what? There is an elite force of eight legions here. We have enough strength left to fight.
We do not know the cause of the displacement, nor do we have any hope of resolving it.
—If this is the case, we should continue our investigation and find a solution. Alkimaira’s investigative abilities, which transcend the boundaries of the military, are not for nothing. We will return one day.
The industry is crippled and the stockpile of food will run out after a year.
—If that is the case, why don’t we just settle the land and produce food? The surrounding area is full of nature and prey. It may be a bit dangerous, but there is no reason why we can’t open it up with our strength.
Our overall national strength is probably not even a hundredth of what it was before the transition.
—What does it matter? It’s only a hundredth of one percent. What is the use of despairing over such a loss of power? Alkimaila was on the verge of destruction during the crisis of the uprisings, and yet here we are today.»
Therefore, there is no reason to give up.
There is no reason to despair.
The king said so in his own words.
«Our country is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis.
Our country is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis.
It is an extremely critical situation.
But is this an insurmountable obstacle?
Does this mean our downfall?
Is this where Alkimaira ends?»
This time we have an answer.
But the people did not want to interrupt the king’s words with their own voices.
So they cried out in their hearts.
This is not the place to end up!
The words are strong.
The people clench their fists as the king speaks for the people.
Something in their hearts welled up.
«It is indeed a crisis of unprecedented scale. I admit it. But so what? We have overcome many hardships of this magnitude. What is the reason why we cannot overcome it only this time? There is no such logic! I don’t think so. «
The king’s cry, like a slap in the face.
They come out with the force of an affirmation.
«The steep and far-reaching path that lies before us is not insurmountable.
When you think of the rough, roadless paths we have taken in the early days, what can we expect from obstacles of this magnitude!
The people remember that it was indeed so.
Alkimaila had paved the way for those who had gone before her, by herself.
«Of course, I cannot do it alone. Because I am weak. I am the weakest. Not only do I not know how to fight, but I cannot even hold a sword with my arms as thin as chicken bones. In fact, even a goblin baby would defeat me. But why am I standing here now? How is it that I, the weakest of the weak, have made it this far as king of Alkimaira?»
I don’t need to ask,» he said between words.
The king looked at his audience with open arms as if welcoming someone,
He addressed the people.
«You who are strong have kept me going.
I am weak, but you have recognized me as your king and followed me.
Because all of you have been willing to join hands and work together.
Therefore, in this time of crisis, we have only one thing to do. «
The king raised his right hand high in the air for all to see,
He slammed his clenched fist down on the lectern.
The sound of the blow echoed through the silent square.
«We will fight hand to hand! We must confront this crisis! Only by doing so can we overcome this crisis. You who are strong can do it. Alkimaira can do it!
Oh, my God, I can’t take it anymore.
That’s what everyone thought.
Hot sighs escaped from the corners of their mouths.
The body is hot as if in a fever.
The fire deep in my chest swells explosively.
The urge that rises to my throat knows no bounds.
The fever that seeks a place to go is raging through my body, threatening to overflow even now.
O proud people of Alkimaira!
If you will shake off resignation and despair and fight this crisis!
If you wish to follow me, a weak king, and face this crisis!
—Now, answer me with a roar!
And the heat in my body exploded at the words of the King of All Evil.
All the demons present, regardless of race or s*x, inorganic or organic, screamed with their souls, filled with an overflowing sense of righteousness.
The roar that resembled an angry roar.
All kinds of screams fill the capital.
The roars turned into gunfire and reached the outer walls, and the wards that covered the capital trembled as if thunder had struck them.
The king, standing on the platform, watches the scene for a while, and when the time is right, he holds out his right hand.
With that single gesture, the people of Manyara shut their mouths in silence.
Silence reigns around them as the heat sears their bodies.
«I understand your feelings well.
The king nodded solemnly.
The gazes of all the demons gathered there shot out at the king, not wanting to miss his every move.
«. I have discovered a land in the northeastern part of this forest. The name of the land is LATESTWOOD. It is a nation of many races, founded mainly by half-elves. We have conducted a survey and found that many of their principles are similar to those of our country. It is a good country that will be a good neighbor.
And now, a request for help has been sent to our country from LATESTWOOD. He said that a certain country named «Noblewood» is trying to destroy his country. Noblewood is an elven supremacist nation that persecutes humans and half-elves with their blood mixed in.
That is something that will never be tolerated in this country.
It is an evil that the multiethnic nation of Alkimayra cannot tolerate.
This is unforgivable.
We cannot allow it.
The smoldering heat in the hearts of the people stirs, as if it has found a place to be released.
Alkimaira will not yield.
If the enemy tries to harm us by force, we will resist it by force.
The king spoke as if he were speaking for the hearts of these demons.
The will of the king is with us.
When the people confirmed this fact, they felt a sense of fulfillment in their hearts.
We will stand firm! We stand against the tyranny of those who refuse to talk to us, who try to impose their own selfish interests on us, who behave unreasonably! That is how we have come this far! And those steps will continue!»
History of Alkimaira.
To crush the strong and help the weak,
Peace in the world,
A loving hand to a friendly neighbor.
But obstacles in our way, we destroy them with our strength,
The taste of victory is intoxicating.
«Therefore, I have decided to recognize LATESTWOOD as my new brethren and to resist and repel the tyranny of the Noblewoods.
The people cheered in approval of the king’s declaration.
Looking down at the people, the king nodded his head in exultation.
Of course, we will try to have a dialogue with Noblewood. We are not lawless barbarians. We do not speak, and we do not act like beasts.
However, if his country refuses to talk to us, if negotiations break down, then we will have to use force. In that case, I cannot help but feel a little uneasy about our ability to do so.»
Unaware of themselves, the people clenched their fists.
In recent battles, several corps have been selected from the eight corps to go into battle.
Then I am the one. My corps is the best suited for the first battle here.
No, there can be no other corps than ours.
The demons, almost scorched by the heat of excitement, were seriously thinking this.
They knew that this fever could only be dissipated on the battlefield.
«The strength of Noblewood is still uncertain. We have no idea of the number of the enemy, the composition of the army, the equipment, the state of the defenses, or the scale of the total force. Moreover, when war breaks out, it will be the first large-scale battle in this region. We cannot let our guard down.
The plaza was filled with a stir.
The people nearby exchanged glances and asked each other, >>>>
The sound of gunfire, as if from an emotional explosion, shook the earth, not figuratively but figuratively.
The people of Alkimaira fill the view.
They were all demons of immeasurable power.
Perhaps there was even a dragon among them.
Surrounded by such powerful and matchless demons, Helyan is walking with ease.
She could not understand how she could walk so calmly.
Many of the followers she had brought with her had already fallen unconscious.
Even Wenli, the only one still conscious, was slumped over on the ground, leaking warm liquid from between his legs when the demons’ gunfire hit him.
However, she could not bring herself to laugh at that.
In fact, her reaction seemed natural.
It was almost a miracle that I could stay conscious like this, even though I had some tolerance for it.
A crowd of dragons filled the azure sky.
If even one of them were to be sent against us, the lastswood would be destroyed in an instant.
No, on the contrary, even Noblewood would not stand a chance with just one attack from that dragon pack.
«As you can see. RATESTWOOD IS QUEEN, REIFA-RIM RATESTWOOD!»
As I was stunned, the King of All Evil came back to the balcony and spoke to me.
«I swear to you that we will mobilize all our forces to save every last Latestwood citizen who has been kidnapped this time.
I would tell you many things if I could, but we have no time. We will talk about what happens afterwards when all is said and done, is that all right?»
It’s a hell of a mess.
Half heartbroken at the thought, Leifer could only nod mechanically with a pallid face.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
Upon seeing the queen, who was not supposed to be there, Helian splashed his ale with a loud bang.
Leifer hurriedly takes out what looks like a hand towel, to which Helyan turns his palm to say, <>.
In fact, it was not only nothing, but a disaster. And this is the third time. It’s becoming a common story. I wonder if I am cursed to spew out my drink in front of these sisters.
Leifer looked at me suspiciously because I was swollen more than just a little, but he seemed to have sensed my reluctance to be questioned, and readily withdrew from the conversation.
On the other hand, Helian, who was wiping the counter with his own handkerchief, was in a state of confusion.
Why is there a noble queen in such a seedy bar?
And what a coincidence that she is sitting next to me.
If there really is a God, I want to curse him.
The robes of concealment have a disorienting effect, so there is little chance of my identity being revealed, but it is terribly unsettling to have a known face in close proximity.
Leifa called out to me in a reserved manner.
Helian stiffened as if he had just been discovered.
«Do you have the menu list over there?»
«. No, they don’t have anything of the sort.»
«No, we don’t have a menu. We don’t have a menu.
It seems that menu lists exist even in the common knowledge of other worlds.
While acquiring new knowledge, I guess that the owner of this restaurant is either crazy or a nostalgist.
«Hey there, newcomer. What happened to the others?
They’re still upstairs discussing. It’s hard to work out the details.
The owner behind the counter and Leifa engage in a brief and casual conversation.
From the content of their conversation, it seemed that the Latestwood emissary and his party had come ahead of time to discuss the details of postwar processing, and were staying at this tavern and inn.
I was tempted to whine and complain to them to choose a better lodging, but I remembered that the population was over capacity due to the national celebration. All the inns must have been full.
«But it’s rare to see a group of hoods all together, isn’t it? Are they related to the Sixth Legion?»
«Huh. Well, I don’t mind.»
Her appearance has never been seen by the people of Alkimaira.
Only the commander class and a few demons of the Sixth Legion know of the Queen of Rattestwood’s appearance. So a disguise as simple as a hood is sufficient to conceal her true identity.
So, what would you like to order? For a drink, a cold ale. For food, I recommend the cockatrice tempura or the smoked braised wild boar.
«So, tempura? Can you give me something called. I would like to order something without alcohol.
This is a bar, remember?
«It’s a tavern and inn, isn’t it? I remember being sold that way.»
Thank you for your time. I’ll take it then.»
After a while, the owner put the order he had finished making in front of Leifer and ran to another table. It seems that there are not enough waiters for the number of customers, and they are hurriedly going back and forth from table to table.
«It’s crowded, isn’t it?»
I wonder if he was being clever.
While struggling with the unfamiliar dishes, Leifa asked me a question.
«The inhabitants of a country with a great king seem to be happy.
The topic chosen was that of the king of this country, whose name is called everywhere. It was an appropriate choice as a common topic of conversation among strangers.
—But Helian felt irresistible irritation.
«He is a truly noble man. I am deeply grateful to him. «
«What is it about him that makes him such a great king?»
The muttering came out lower than I thought it would.
«. They’re all just fooled by him. It’s a wonder that all the great demons follow that man. He’s the weakest of them all. He can’t even beat a goblin.»
The stagnant thoughts in my chest were spewed out from my mouth.
«Yes, that’s right. He’s not such a great man. He’s just a weak, cowardly man who can be found anywhere. And now he’s giving a big speech, telling us to save the people of Latticewood? What’s the big deal? I can’t do it myself, so please save me instead. You’re just a small person who barks like a tiger.»
Once you say it, you can’t stop.
The sordid feelings overflow like a weir.
«The healing of the people of Rattlestwood after the war was probably just a way to ingratiate yourself with the queen of that country, wasn’t it? No, he didn’t make good on his promise in the first place. Of course he did it to cover up his guilt. A benevolent king? You make me laugh. If you were truly merciful, you would have helped us when we first met.»
You can’t keep it down.
There’s a limit to how long you can grit your teeth.
The accumulated pressure had long since overtaken Hellian’s tolerance level for the person of Tsukasa Misaki.
«It’s the same with the governance. The reason why he gave up his autonomy so condescendingly is because he lacks confidence in his own ability to rule. His own political power is so limited that he can only act on the strength of his military power when he is cornered. He is a man who cannot even run a single town without the help of his subordinates. And to call himself king is outrageous.»
Negotiations between players are just an extension of chat conversations.
Helian has never had any real political power from the beginning.
That’s the honest truth, no questions asked.
It was the truth that Helian had been holding in his heart and turning away from.
What is the King of All Evil? What is the head of a superpower? What is the ruler of the world?
What kind of a man talks with his mouth!
I’m not that big of a deal.
I’m just an ordinary student, a student with nothing special to offer, just like anyone else.
I was playing a game as usual when I was transported to another world, even though I wasn’t hit by a truck.
And when I went out to explore with all the courage I could muster, I suddenly encountered the royal family of a nation in the midst of an interspecies conflict. In the village, I was shown a tragedy like a poorly written three-act play.
The ensuing uprising led to the cranium being crushed by a supposedly dead rebel as soon as he turned his back on the scene of the gut-splattering. Although he was able to revive himself, in his castle, he was so distracted that he did not have time to rest, even while eating.
Even so, he fought back his breaking heart and conducted an audience, playing the role of the King of All Evil. However, when I visited the village of Rattestwood again, I found myself clinging to the half-elves just before their destruction, and as a result, I was forced to bear many human lives.
Furthermore, he thought he had succeeded in bringing the country together in a desperate attempt to rescue a kidnapped girl, but what awaited him in the capital of Rattestwood was not salvation, but despair.
And it has only been three days.
There will surely be more upheavals in the days to come.
And the one who will lead the people is the king of the Haribo, a man of no merit at all.
It is hard to imagine that this will go well.
Just thinking about the future makes me tremble with fear.
So, I’ve long since passed my limits.
There is no strength left in me to walk again.
I’ve been cursing at a girl (Leifa) who lost all her relatives.
—Suddenly, I felt like dying.
Perhaps disgusted by the man’s abomination in front of her, Leifa fell silent.
An awkward silence lay there. Helian’s words seem to have been lost in the clamor and did not reach the other guests, but Leifa’s ears must have heard everything that was said.
Leifa let out a few words.
«. Why? Why do you trust that man so much?»
When I asked him, not knowing why, Leifa smiled with a lowered eyebrow.
«He was angry with me for my sister’s sake.»
Just because of that?
There are no allies.
The only people you can trust are the few people in your own country.
Then, even that much kindness.
So they did not enjoy even the compassion of resenting the death of a young child?
They are enemies to everyone except their own people.
For these women who have been forced to live in such a normal environment for so many years, how did the sudden appearance of this eccentric traveler affect them?
«We were treated almost like slaves before we came to this land, and when we finally found a safe haven, we were looked down upon as low creatures by the elves who lived nearby, our closest relatives.
They were kept alive only to be fed by dragons that seemed to be relics of the gods.
They were regarded as nothing more than livestock, not slaves.
«But he did not look down on us. On the contrary, he saved us from years of persecution by Noblewood. He was outraged by the condition of our wounded brothers and sisters. We are saved by his actions. This is a fact that no one, not even God, can overturn.»
. Indeed, the threat of Noblewood is gone.
It was not in time.
I couldn’t save the one person I really wanted to save.
And yet, the girl who lost her sister just a few days ago, smiles stoutly and says, «I’m sorry, but I couldn’t save the one person I really wanted to save,
«So I will tell him again and again.
As if to show that it is from the bottom of your heart.
Words of gratitude spun as if praying, hands on chests.
My throat trembled and my eyes were burning.
I wondered who was saved.
«I am sure that you have your own deep reasons for saying what you just said, even though you are a citizen of this country. But shouldn’t we give him credit for what he has accomplished?»
You should acknowledge your accomplishments, says Leifa.
It works even better for a weak person like myself.
I resisted the urge to jump on her words without thinking.
«. You’ve done everything you’ve done with the help of others.
Do not enjoy sweet words.
Do not enjoy the sweet words of Helian’s rebuttal, spewed out in anguish from such trivial rebelliousness,
«What’s wrong with that? That’s what a king is supposed to be.»
The Queen of Ratestwood dismissed the matter-of-factly.
«In times of emergency, make better choices and solve problems properly with the right people. In doing so, she leads her people, protects her country, and nurtures it. This is the job of the king. There is no reason that the king must accomplish everything by his own power.
If there is a king who thinks like that, he must be called a foolish king. It means that he does not trust his subjects who support him and, by extension, the power of the people.
The virtuous queen informs the inexperienced king.
The power of the people is also part of the king’s power.
It is not where the power resides that the king should worry about, but how to use the power the nation possesses.
«I may not be able to say this, but I have failed in my duty as a leader.
The broken tone of his bashful smile is probably a reflection of his concern for Helian’s stiffened shoulders.
The sludge-like words you just spewed out are unmistakably your true feelings.
I believe from the bottom of my heart that such a man should not be king, that he cannot be king.
«But you’re crying, aren’t you?»
Nonsense,» he said, rubbing his fingers under his eyes.
Naturally, his fingertips remained dry.
Not a trace of moisture.
There are people in the world who cry without shedding a tear. My sister taught me that.»
The girl who is no longer with us.
There is no chance to question the truth of her words.
«I don’t mean to be rude, but when you were criticizing her, you looked like a drowning child.
A person who really heaps abuse on a person with a heart of gold has a face contorted into a look of contempt or amusement. It is impossible for them to have such a look of bitterness on their face.
I am sure of it because I have been oppressed for so many years, Leifa said lightly. Helian looked down at the counter, unable to look at her directly.
«And just to clear up one misunderstanding, he was fulfilling the most important task of a king. «
«. most important job?»
Helian thinks back to what he has done, but he has no idea what he has done.
Like a confessor in front of a nun who tells him the way, Helian waits for the next words,
«—To take responsibility.»
The words were like a revelation.
The contract I made with my sister.
I will save every last Latestwood citizen who is kidnapped this time.
A promise I made to my sister.
I will help in any way I can.
Neither of us has lived up to our promises.
But for Helian, those words were an irreplaceable blessing.
It made me think that I can do my best even if I am like this.
So, in order to keep looking forward, I decided to tell her that I will not go back to my weak self.
«I’ll try a little harder.»
«Yes. Let’s work hard for each other.»
As long as the girl in front of me doesn’t break, I’ll keep looking forward too.
I believe that will be my mourning for the girl who is no longer with us.
After finishing the tempura, Leifa bowed and left the table, saying, «I have to go back soon, or people will worry about me. She behaved with integrity to the end.
It was a coincidence that we met here, but I am very glad that we could talk.
All the depressive feelings that I had been holding in until just a few minutes ago were drained out of me, and all that remained was a vague, enlightened feeling.
—Of course, it was just my imagination. I am not enlightened.
How can we call such a state of mind, which can be reached by such a fluctuation of mind, enlightenment?
This is a temporary feeling that is forgotten as soon as one goes to sleep and wakes up.
It is nothing more than an illusion of self-delusion that adolescent students tend to have.
But I will never forget my decision again.
After all, I made a promise to her, to no one else.
A vow is unilateral.
I am the only one who made the vow, and I am also the only one who is bound by it, which is a serious oversight.
Still, a promise is a promise.
And it is natural for a human being to keep a promise.
Then I’m sure I’ll be fine from tomorrow.
I believe that I will be all right.
. I was suddenly thinking about the castle.
Rieve and the others must be very worried about me since I had almost snuck out on my own. It was time for me to go home.
After paying the bill, I was about to leave when I was roughly grabbed by the shoulder.
«Hey, hey, hey! Today is the anniversary of the victory. I’ll buy you a drink and you can relax!
A red-faced orc gets involved.
His breath reeks of alcohol.
«What are you doing, you drunkard? What are you doing drunk?
That’s right. Pull back, you pig!
«But that idiot’s right! It’s Victory Day, so drink up!»
«Hey! It is an insult to our king not to drink on such a festive day. And the second person who called you a pig, I’m going to kick your ass later, remember that! And anyway, hey, hey, hey, don’t put on that grimy robe, come over here and have a drink with us, you too! Gahaha!»
The black cloak with the national coat of arms is revealed underneath.
The man who had stripped off his robe let out a dumb sound and stiffened.
His friends, who had been cheering him on, also peel their eyes away, unable to believe what they have just seen.
The others followed their gaze and opened their mouths in disbelief at the sudden silence.
A young man was standing at the end of the room.
He wears a black cloak.
On its back is the coat of arms of a great nation.
But there was no number engraved on it to indicate his rank as the leader of a legion.
There is only one man in the world who can bear the emblem of Alkimaira without numbers.
No one is fool enough to ask.
The head of the nation. The one and only absolute. King of all demons.
Helian Edda Elsinorek.
I’m screwed,» Helian said with a sigh.
The guests are all frozen, having correctly recognized the unbelievable fact.
The bar, which had been filled with a bubbling, bubbling noise earlier, was now as quiet as a chapel in the early morning.
And the poor lackey, the orc, whose face had been reddened by the spirit, now looks pale. Now all I have to do is turn it yellow and I’ll have a one-man traffic light, I thought to myself stupidly.
It seems that I can’t just go home without any problems now.
Helian thinks to himself that this world is very hard on him and wonders how he can make this situation go away.
A voice falls over the silence in the restaurant, sounding as if it had been uttered unintentionally.
When I looked at the owner of the voice, I found him standing dumbfounded behind the counter. It was the first time I had seen the owner directly, and he was a goblin.
I had expected his voice to be hoarse, but for some reason, there was a strange sense of déjà vu in his face, as if I had seen him somewhere before.
Apparently, he is referring to himself.
Although Helian himself owned several properties, I often wondered if he had ever owned such an old-fashioned store.
As I looked at the owner’s face and thought about it, I suddenly had a memory that dredged up.
The goblin’s face was hard to distinguish, but it certainly had an aspect.
Gobutaro is the name of the first monster that Helian defeated in the game [Tactics Chronicles]. By chance, he succeeded in determining his tame and brought him in as a friend, and they shared the battlefield together during the turbulent period in the early stages of the game.
However, he was not able to reincarnate due to his blending, and he could no longer keep up with the front line of battle. He was retired from the military after his second death.
No way,» he said, looking around the old-fashioned restaurant.
«Yes, yes, the owner is. Didn’t you see the sign?»
I saw the mark of the bar, but I did not see the name of the restaurant on the sign.
Apparently, I was more narrow-minded than I thought.
Such a sound came from the bottom of my stomach.
I unconsciously cover my face with my right hand.
Oh, I don’t know why. Uncontrollable emotions naturally welled up in me. My diaphragm shakes of its own accord, and I can’t stop it.
I let go of the urge that came over me, and it overflowed in the form of laughter.
In the quiet restaurant, Helian’s loud laughter echoes loudly from his stomach. Drooling over the sound of silly laughter, I think back on the memories of the past days.
It’s a real blast from the past.
Somewhere along the way, I even forgot where it was, but the hut that stood where it all began had become so dilapidated that Helian had converted it into a tavern as a monument.
In short, I am now standing at the place where I took my first steps in the world of Tactics Chronicle.
What a joke that this place, where I was almost ready to give up, and where I decided to make a fresh start, is of all places the «place of the beginning», the origin of «Helian». If this is a divine arrangement, then it is a very interesting one.
I don’t know why I am laughing so hard.
But I guess the thoughts of those who are laughing are more or less like that.
They just can’t stop laughing. There is no reason for it.
As I endure the wave of laughter that has finally subsided, I am aware of a painful gaze piercing through me. It is a natural reaction to suddenly burst out laughing without any reason. It is no wonder that they think I have gone insane.
But Helian is no longer afraid of the gazes of the demons.
Perhaps it was because I had laughed so hard with my mouth wide open, but I felt strangely refreshed. I feel refreshed by my overly simple mental structure and bask in the afterglow.
Oh, what a coincidence, really.
How could I have wandered into this place at this time of all days?
And to meet the friends I left long ago.
I never thought that we would be able to have a conversation again in this bar that has kept and maintained the old promise (order).
I am truly glad that I did not give it up just because I reached the limit of revival. I never dreamed that we would meet again in such a way.
Every sweat gland in my body opened up and sweat poured out.
In an instant, I was caught in a state of indescribable agitation.
Now something stuck.
I think I have realized something terrible.
The sentimentality that I had felt earlier, as if I had realized something, has vanished in an instant.
There is no longer a trace of the afterglow of a big smile.
But what is going on?
The mind, the thoughts, the body. None of them work together.
Only the sense of frustration that runs through my body is still rushing through me.
Why does something similar to an impulse burn my back when I was supposed to be reminiscing about trivial things?
I don’t know why, but I feel an impending sense of urgency that if I don’t realize it soon, it will be too late, and it is swirling around me in a fury.
What is it that’s stuck?
A word that came to you in your recollection.
The red-hot brain examines each one of the enumerated words at high speed.
A familiar place. The place where it all began. The owner. The wooden hut. Friends. Monument. Tavern. Goblin. Reunion. Reincarnation. Rebirth limit.
The power to revive a dead demon within 24 hours.
This is a unique ability of the king (player), which can revive a demon up to twice per demon.
The revival is limited to the people of Alkimaira or the people of the vassal state of Alkimaira.
My finger moved semi-automatically with an unsettled thought, «No way.
Basic Home Window: Open. Select: History.
The history of Alkimaira. A virtual window with a list of the most important events is displayed in front of you. Scrolling up from the latest description at the bottom of the window, the events of the day when Helian visited the village again are described.
And written below it in red letters is a straightforward fact.
July 12, 150 years of the history of the Holy Demons, 1:03 p.m. 7 minutes 42 seconds
Successful Ratestwood Genestration.
Before Lastwood became part of this country (Alkymyra).
Or after RATESTWOOD became a province of Alkymyra?
And if it is the latter.
How much time do we have left to revive?
«. wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, oi. «
I’m operating the virtual window with my shaking hands—no, my fingers are not doing their job properly.
Open the function window with a spoken command.
Exercise Ability On: Friendly Revive.
The choice of the target is not selective.
The full name of each person must be entered correctly.
The management said that this was a measure to prevent the full recovery of lost military power.
At the time, I thought it was a good idea, but now I am deeply annoyed by this restriction.
With frustration and even hatred, Helian stares at the translucent text box floating in front of him and tells the girl’s name.
Text input by spoken command.
The name <> is inscribed in the text box.
After the character’s name is entered, the virtual window switches to show a decision button and a cancel button. The user immediately announces his/her decision. A second confirmation message appears. The user shouts his/her decision again, exasperated that the decision should be made quickly. In response, an inorganic message of 12 characters appears before your eyes.
—No one available for resuscitation.
I saw the word «too late» in my vision.
I felt a strong dizziness, and my knees buckled as if I were about to collapse.
Then a voice called out to me.
I looked in the direction of the voice and saw Leifer peeking out from the stairway that probably led to the second floor.
«What? Why are you here?
«Leifa! Tell me Lillipha’s full name right now. «
Leifa blinked at the sight of the King of All Evil, who was not supposed to be there, but Helian didn’t care and stormed over to her.
I know it’s a bad move,» he said.
Still, he didn’t want to dismiss the possibility that he had simply gotten the name wrong.
«Yes! Answer me quickly, I don’t have time for this!
If «Lillipha» is a nickname!
Isn’t that girl’s name <>!»
Please tell me it’s not true.
It is highly unlikely that I am wrong about Lilifa’s full name, judging from the full name of Leifa. I know that in theory. But even if it was a small chance, Helian could not help but put his trust in her.
And the hope we clung to was cruelly ended.
The few glimmers of light that remained faded away.
At the moment her knees buckled, but she continued to speak,
The middle name ‘Rim’ is used to refer to the queen, so it can’t be used for her name.»
Helian heard a gasp, and he was sure he heard it.
If he had not been so lucky, even his heart might have stopped for a moment.
The middle name of royalty who are not queens or kings is «Lum».
Helian shouted, while Leifa tilted her head curiously.
«Function Window: Open!
Ability On: Friendly Revive!
Revive target name input 《Revive target input》—<>. «
Decision button in front of you.
At the same time as he shouted his intention to press the button, he thrust his fist in front of his eyes.
Immediately after the decision button is pressed with a spoken command, Helian’s fist is slammed against the decision button just as the second confirmation message appears.
—And a light was born.
Tsukasa Misaki is a university student gamer.
This is the place where he first arrived in Tactics Chronicle as Helian.
There is an old bar built as a monument.
While the whole town was in a state of excitement over the great victory, only one bar was quiet, and suddenly a dazzling light swelled up inside the bar.
A divine shimmering.
Soon the pure white light converges on a single point and transforms into the shape of a human being.
Halfway pointed ears. A face young for its stature. Eyes drooping in a somewhat protective manner. White hair in a half updo. White skin. White tunic. The girl, all in white, has a well-defined appearance, and if her breasts were not moving as she breathed, it would be no wonder that she could be described as an elaborate magic doll.
After the light has completely disappeared, there is only one girl left.
Everyone in the room is frozen in silence.
The reason for their cowering was different for each of them, but they all had one thing in common: they could not believe what they were seeing in front of them.
At the same time, they were also trapped in a feeling akin to fear that if they said something, the reality in front of them would vanish like a dream or a phantom.
The painful silence was broken by a girl looking down at her body curiously.
Is that a dream? I mean, where am I? You’re not in Latticewood, are you?»
The girl whose eyes had been wandering with the gestures of a small animal in its sleep eventually fixed her gaze on a point.
Oh, it’s my sister. Good morning. Where am I?»
In a dream, the girl recognized her dear sister and casually asked her where she was.
With the sound of her voice, the time that had stopped ticking in Leifua begins to tick again.
He jumped at her with all his might, as if he was frustrated to be only a few steps away.
The lightweight girl almost falls to the floor from the force of the jump, but her sister, who hugs her dear sister, does not allow it.
. Rilifa’s alive. Rilifa’s alive. You’re so good!»
From that point on, there were no words.
Leifua’s fair face crumpled into a sobbing mess as she held her sister’s body in her arms. She changed the position of her arms several times, as if looking for the position that would allow her to feel her sister’s body warmth the most, and held her tight, never wanting to let her go again.
The Queen of Latticewood is not there.
Here is a sister sobbing for the life of her beloved sister.
«Hey, hey, hey! Sister, you’re hurting me. You’re hurting me!»
Like a cat that doesn’t want to be bothered, the girl tries to pull her sister away from her with her hands outstretched, but she can’t do it. Confused, she wandered around again looking for some help, and at one point she saw a familiar face.
A young man with an ordinary face.
A strange traveler whom I met only once, but I don’t know him well.
But he is a kind and somewhat dependable human male.
The young man had an expression on his face that she had never seen before, and the girl asked him in deep wonder.
«. No. I’m not crying. Men don’t shed tears.»
It sounded a lot like something the girl’s father had said to her one day.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
Well, I’ve finished giving instructions to the legions, so I’ve done what I had to do for the time being.
I would like to grasp the current situation of the castle town and other places as soon as possible and move on to the next action, but the various windows only reflect the information before the transfer. The reason is that each corps is still gathering information and their reports have not reached Helian yet.
In this game, only the information that is known is visible in the various windows, including the status window. <>This is not the case.
Therefore, no matter how much you want to know the current situation, you have to wait until your subordinates finish collecting some information.
But it is also painful to do nothing.
Open a chat window.
I tried to display the player list, thinking that I would chat with someone and do some kind of diplomacy to gather information and kill time, but.
All the player names in the list were grayed out.
White indicates online status, gray indicates offline status, and black indicates doomed (game over) status. In other words, all players are offline.
It is indeed strange that there is not a single online player at this time, when many countries are celebrating their national celebrations.
Huh? As I was tilting my head, a subdued knocking sound reached my ears.
«Mr. Helian, it’s Leve. I have come to inform you of the current results of our investigation.
Come in. You are cleared to enter.
The door to the office is opened without a sound.
Levee slid in, her back straight and straight as usual, but the dog ears on the top of her head were bent down.
The dog ears on the top of his head were broken without much effort.
«Well then, let me give you a quick report. First of all, the area outside the capital was completely covered with forest. Moreover, according to the information coming from the 6th Corps, some kind of jamming effect seems to be spreading throughout the entire forest.
«The commander of the Fourth Army himself has already tried it, but he is having difficulty in analyzing the «jamming» effect, and it is difficult to obtain immediate results. It seems that we will have to use our legs.»
Yes, sir. I will send further instructions to the Commander of the 4th Corps.»
«Also, a small thing, the dragons of the Eighth Legion are not very good. I had to beat them to silence them. It seems that they did not understand the royal order not to provoke them out of the country. I will leave it to the Commander of the 8th Army to re-educate him later. I have warned him not to shoot the target, just in case.
Your voice would have been shaking.
I don’t think that was the behavior of a king.
But I could not keep silent any longer.
Rieve has a dubious look on his face.
Again, it was an emotion pattern I had never seen before.
It was strange that I had never seen such an emotion pattern before, even though I should be most familiar with her among all of her subordinates.
Her bad status of «fear» must have already been resolved, and she must be back to her usual «calmness» now. However, I am tired of seeing all the patterns of emotions in her calm state.
However, there was such a great sense of discomfort that even that could be dismissed as a trivial matter.
In the conversation with Levee, Helian did not utter any other than giving permission to enter the room. Nevertheless, Rieve responded to Helian’s soliloquy by saying that they had a meeting.
No matter how good AI is these days, it has not yet reached the realm where it can act completely like a human being.
In this game [Tactics Chronicle], it is only made to look as if humans and AI are interacting freely by having the human side observe a few rules.
Although it is possible for AI at the cutting-edge research level conducted by the government and companies to achieve full interpersonal communication, AI used for entertainment (games) has not yet reached such a level. It is.
Therefore, it was an extraordinary event that Helian, the player, was able to communicate so freely with Lieve, the AI.
I mutter to myself.
Suppose, yes, suppose that the AI of this game has been improved.
—If this is the case, it would be strange if a large-scale version upgrade has not been made.
That would require an upgrade process that would take dozens of hours or more. However, for the past six months, only small and medium-scale upgrades that take only a few dozen minutes have been carried out.
There has been no large-scale upgrade.
«. si,System Window: Open. Select: Logout. Immediately execute!
Logout command is verbally manipulated—no response.
In a panic, the translucent system window is moved in front of the user by touch, and the logout command is manually executed by tap—no response.
In the system window that is still displayed, the command to call the GM 《Game Master》 is executed manually (tap)—no response.
My legs are shaking.
I can’t stop sweating.
Levee, her tail drooping weakly, looks into my face as if she is worried about me. In her slitted eyes, the reflection of herself, Helian, looks somewhat diminutive.
Rieve, who wonders if he is not feeling well, raises Helian’s bangs and touches his hand to his forehead after saying, «Excuse me.
Helian felt a cold, moist, feminine palm on his forehead.
—Fearfully, she touches her right hand on Lieve’s cheek.
A panicked gesture.
A change in facial expression.
This is also a first-time expression of emotion.
Fingertips on the cheek.
—That’s all there is to it.
Anyway, I need to calm down. Please calm me down. I can’t meet anyone in this state.
«. but I think it would be better if you took a break.»
Rieve’s expression is growing impatient.
It is a well-made expression, as if she is sincerely concerned about Hellian. And the tone of voice. The dialogue.
. stop it. Don’t make me see any more gestures that aren’t in the game.
«You’re a jerk! I said I’m fine! You should leave and get your information together!»
At the sound of the angry voice, Levee shrugged.
Helian could only think of her as a scolded puppy, with her rational mind doing all the extra work.
With a look of concern for Helian to the end of his speech, but with a solemn bow at the end, Lieve left the room.
All that was left in the office was the empty king, who had shouted at and driven out the men who had cared for him.
«. system window: open. Select: Log out. Immediate.»
«. System Window: Reopen. Select: GM call. Immediate.
I closed the system window and made it reappear, then manually executed the logout and GM call commands again, but still there was no response.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
I saw a ceiling of prestigious style with intricate goldsmith’s work.
«. I know that ceiling.»
The king is depicted as being served by eight demons with his army at his back.
The ceiling painting is a screenshot of a photograph taken at the time of the victory in the battle to determine the world champion.
This was a room in the castle of Alkimaira, the king’s bedroom.
When I woke up, I was struck with a sense of weariness.
Then dizziness. My vision shook. I lay down on the bed.
Gradually I remember.
The clearing of the Noblewood soldiers.
The recapture of the capital of Lattestwood.
Healing the unhealed wounds.
The agreements between the countries were settled and the post-war process was roughly finished.
That is the last image that remains in my memory.
If you check the clock in the virtual window, it is almost noon the next day. Apparently, I had been unconscious for more than half a day.
With a desire to wash away the unpleasant sensation, he reached for the pitcher of water on the side table. He poured the contents into the gold-worked cup and slurped it down in one gulp. My thirst is quenched, but my mood remains the same. But then.
I am definitely uncomfortable, but not so much that I can’t move.
Thinking back on my condition before I fainted, it was rather puzzling that I was only feeling this ill.
My body must have suffered a considerable load from the continuous use of the «secret» potions that I had forced myself to use. It would have been normal for me to stay in bed for a few days.
I looked over and found two notes on the side table where the pitcher was placed.
They must have been left by Levee, since she is the only one who can enter this bedroom without the king’s permission.
I picked up the first note and found a brief message in beautiful handwriting. I read through the contents of the message, and I am satisfied with my physical condition, which has recovered to a certain extent.
It is a rare item, so rare that even the superpower Alkimaira possesses only three of them.
It is an item that can eliminate all kinds of abnormalities and fully recover all ability values (status), but it is so rare that it has become a topic of conversation (news) because it is so difficult to obtain.
Although it is possible to obtain it rarely in the events of the Trial of God, even a few large countries cannot avoid losing their forces, and some of them have lost almost 30% of their forces because of their insistence on obtaining the item.
It was a rare item, but Helian’s condition must have been so critical that she had no choice but to use it without permission.
Then we read the second note, which reads <>.
This made sense as to why Levee was not with him. Unlike the time of the rebellion, now is the immediate aftermath of the war. Although he declared that he would finish the post-war processing, it was only a rough part of it, and there was still a lot of preparation and chores to be done for the detailed coordination. They are probably doing some of the work for us.
I feel uneasy to entrust my work to someone else as a conditioned reflex.
However, I shook off my anxiety when I remembered that even in the game era, Levee, the king’s aide, and Ertina, the domestic affairs officer, had performed some of the tasks on behalf of the player.
Although only the player could make important decisions, they had taken care of all the miscellaneous matters that did not need to be decided by the player himself. If this is the case, then I can trust them this time as well, and it will not be a big problem. It seemed dangerous to completely trust the events of the game era, but on the other hand, I also felt that the girls would be fine.
First of all, Helian himself was not in a condition to conduct political affairs.
The Kingsguard waiting in front of the door salute at once.
The sight of the living armored men standing in a row, saluting without a stitch of disarray, was overwhelming in itself.
No, that’s not necessary. I’ve been thinking about it.
No problem. It’s the king’s order. If Rieve or Balan complain, explain that you were strongly ordered to do so by me.»
As he walked away, he made up a smoke screen with a suitable excuse.
The living armored man, who had been told that he had been ordered by the king, stopped, unable to follow.
Then Helian turns the corner of the corridor and, taking advantage of the opportunity when no one is looking, he puts on a gray robe and hides his face.
The sound of a single shoe echoes inorganically through the empty corridor as they move away from the castle toward the outside. There was no sign of the king, only a solitary «someone» walking alone. Soon, the sound of the shoes goes down the grand staircase, through the entrance, through the garden, and under the gate, and away from the castle.
—The king has fled the castle.
The town was filled with excitement.
The city of Alkimaira, where food, clothing, and shelter are provided and the night is safe from other threats. Many of the people there live happy lives.
However, even the citizens of Alkymyra, as demons, have more or less the same fighting instincts. It is natural for demons to feel that simply enjoying peace is not enough for them, and many of the people are stressed out due to the unprecedented crisis that has forced them to move to an unknown land.
Then came the recent order for the entire army to go into battle, and the dream of the king himself leading the entire army into battle. It is no wonder that the demons were so excited that they were on the rampage, as if they were trying to release their anger and resentment. The result is a bridgehead in another world, and a victory to be proud of.
The citizens greeted the army’s triumphant return to their homeland with loud cheers and snowstorms of flowers. The victorious soldiers, too, proudly puffed out their chests and were showered with applause like rain.
Have they been waiting there all along? When the flower fairy spots her lover’s face among the crowd of soldiers who are going through the Arc de Triomphe one after another, she rushes to him. After a soft embrace, the young man is handed a handmade flower crown, and the soldiers around him are coldly scornful and reproachful.
The young man, who hears the jeering and cursing mixed in, drops a kiss on his lover’s cheek as if to show it to the others. The women shouted yellow and the men voiced their disapproval.
Then, the young man, grinning as he hugged his bashful lover, received a blow from a blue demon man who looked as if he might cry tears of blood.
But in return, the flower fairy woman gave him a snappy slap. The slap by the flower fairy woman seemed to break through the defense of the blue demon tribe, and as a result, the man ended up with bright red leaves stuck on his cheeks.
His friends who were watching the scene were pointing their fingers and laughing foolishly, and a playful skirmish started between the blue devil man and his friends who had found the point of anger they couldn’t do anything about.
It is now a full-blown festival.
Even a day after the battle, the excitement continues, with the soldiers boasting of their war results to each other in the bars, and the citizens in attendance encouraging them to «tell us your tales of valor». The soldiers were so pleased that they even performed a dance to display their war results in a grand manner.
«Then they attacked with wind magic from a long distance! Ten or twenty blades try to reap my life, but I’m not the one to turn my back on such a feeble blade of wind! I jumped headfirst into the space where the wind magic was blowing and intercepted it with my fists! I wish you guys could have seen the look on their dumb faces when I did that, d*mn it!»
«. What’s with the ten or twenty blades, you overdid it, you idiot. By the time you were brought into the front line, there was nothing left to catch that could be organized.
«They were all small fry that could only send a few wind blades per fish. It’s more embarrassing to get wounded by them, you idiot.
«You didn’t kill any of them, did you? I know that you were carrying a big f*cking axe and by the time you got to the front line, the battle was almost over! How does it feel to go on a field trip carrying a big axe all the way out there!»
«Fine, get out the front door, you son of a b*tc*! I don’t need an axe against you! Let’s settle this with our fists!
The brawl suddenly broke out. >>The crowd is cheering for the musicians, and they hold impromptu betting booths to collect bets from the audience.
Everyone was laughing.
The brawlers were no exception, and although they were angry at first, they were now exchanging fist blows with each other, laughing at each other. Citizens and soldiers present clinked their beer mugs and began to slurp down their drinks, using the brawl as a snack.
—Amidst all this, there was Helian, wandering aimlessly with his head down.
His expression is dark and heavy.
Many people look at him suspiciously, as he is so different from the bustle around him, but on the other hand, there is no commotion, despite the fact that the king, Helian, has gone to the castle town.
This is thanks to the effect of the ash robe he wears on his head. [The robe of ashes, which is an extremely rare player-only piece of equipment in Tactics Chronicle, is covered with a powerful deception spell that fools the viewer’s perception. is stated as a precondition for <>.
«I don’t even know if I can return to my original world.
It is impossible to remain the ideal king.
One day you will be betrayed and die.
But if you run away, you will be found easily.
If they find out you ran away, they will be disappointed and kill you.»
That’s what I think.
I don’t know why, but I wanted to scream.
I can’t take this anymore.
Why do I have to go through this?
I thought I had a perfectly normal life.
You’ve never bothered anyone, you’ve never been on the stage, you’ve just lived your life as an ordinary person.
And then one day, while you were enjoying the game as usual. you suddenly find yourself in another world.
You are the king of demons, living in a world where the law of the jungle is the law of the jungle.
No family, no friends, no familiar landscapes.
This sky does not even continue to Japan.
The feeble mutterings disappeared into the hustle and bustle.
I continued walking aimlessly, forgetting where I had been until I arrived at a corner on the outskirts of town.
I looked up and saw a signboard with a picture of a mug overflowing with sake.
It is a mark of a bar that has been used since the days when most of the people in the country could not read.
The building to which the signboard was attached looked rather old. The plaster on the walls was peeling in places, and the walls, which had been repaired and repaired many times, had a mosaic pattern. The building, which asserted itself that it was only proud of its age, looked exactly right for a seedy tavern.
Helian has never been a drinker.
When he joined a club at the university, he was offered a drink, but he stubbornly refused. The older members of the circle were displeased with the new student’s refusal to drink even though he was invited to the welcome party, but he still felt that he could not drink because he was a minor.
I was ridiculed as a hard guy, but rules are rules. I may not have been an honorable person, but I was a good person to the extent that I tried to obey the law (rules).
However, I may not be obliged to obey the laws of Japan until I am kidnapped by this world. I hear that drinking sake helps you to forget your bad memories. In a desperate mood and with a little more vigor, I pushed open the door of the bar.
As soon as he enters the bar, Helian is greeted by the strong smell of alcohol, the savory aroma of burning meat, and the sight of demons slamming their mugs against each other.
Dwarves and elves, who normally do not get along with each other, stand shoulder to shoulder in celebration, and a dwarf (Korobokkur) stands on the shoulder of a giant, offering ale and a smile. Even in this bar, the triumphant demons seem to be in high spirits.
The customers’ demons were lying around here and there. The one lying with a bruise on his right eye must be the loser of a fight. Helian looks for a vacant seat, avoiding the happily sleeping dwarf with a bottle of wine in his hand.
It seems that even such a small bar is very popular today, and most of the seats are occupied. Fortunately, two seats at the corner of the counter were vacant, so Helian took one by the wall.
A husky, wrinkled voice came from behind the counter. It was probably the master of this bar. His voice was as old as the building itself.
Without looking up, Helian looks for a menu to order.
Are you new here, sir?»
We don’t have a menu.
What do you mean there’s no menu? Even if it is a bar, serving sake is not enough. I don’t know about you, but I’m sure they order some snacks and drinks.
It’s an old tradition. >Ever since the owner said that, we’ve stuck to this style.
«I don’t care what kind of alcohol you have, just serve me whatever you want.»
«If you’re a first-timer, how about some of our recommended ales?
As long as it gets me drunk.
I don’t really care what it tastes like as long as I can forget about the bad things.
A half-size cup is placed in front of me with the easygoing voice of a stand-up ramen store owner. The refreshing sound of carbonation tickled my ears.
The liquid glowed amber. As I was about to drink it, I felt a slight sense of resistance from the decency of a minor, but I took it in my mouth at once as if I didn’t care. The smell of alcohol almost made me gag. A bitter taste on my tongue. For a moment, I was tempted to spit it out, but I held back. However, I could not swallow it.
A woman’s voice asks with slight hesitation.
Helian nodded bluntly and answered. Then, struggling with the alcohol in her mouth, she casually looked at the owner of the voice.
Then, «Well, excuse me. «
A girl of about 15 years old sat down in the seat next to me.
Halfway pointed bamboo ears. Green eyes with a light that was both sharp and kind. Skinny frame and fresh skin. A half-elf (. half-elf (・・・・・・)) with a face I’ve seen somewhere recently, but not quite as young as I’d like.
—There she was, the queen of Llatestwood.
«Kyaaaah! Eh, huh? What’s going on? Are you okay?
The girl next to me (Leifa) hurriedly pulls out a hand towel from her pocket while screaming at the strange behavior of the young man who burst out without warning.
The king and queen have a chance encounter in a bar.
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
Helian spent his days holed up in his office, going about his business as king.
For the time being, he is out of the life of staying up all night, but he cannot let his guard down yet. The situation has finally begun to settle down. It will take a few more days to get things back on a stable track.
«Mr. Helian. As for the facilities that were completely destroyed during the recent disturbances, it seems that they have been fully restored. It’s not so much restored as almost completely rebuilt.
«After restoring the facility, they have returned to their posts. It was a rare sight to see Nogardo at work, and he was a bit of a spectacle.»
By «idiots» I mean the two corps commanders who caused a commotion the other day.
I was told that both Gardi and Nogard had been treated and were to be assigned to repairing the destroyed facilities.
Although Helian did not order it, they voluntarily went to work, perhaps because they had learned their lesson from the previous incident, or perhaps because of pressure from an irate corps commander (Liewe).
As for Nogardo, the episode clearly shows how he does not usually work, but it is inevitable because he is a dragon of dragon emperor status. He is dependable on the battlefield, but he is all the same proud and difficult to deal with.
I have known that for a long time, so I don’t intend to say anything about it now, but that being said, I can’t stand it if he causes unnecessary problems. It’s okay if you don’t work, but at least don’t get in the way.
«Yes. Now we can finally start our pioneering project.
«Virtual Window: Open»
Fortunately, there seem to be no particular problems with the ongoing domestic affairs (tasks). All of them seem to be progressing well.
I look at the virtual window that lists the work (tasks) I have been doing for the past few days.
I am reminded of the meeting I had a few days ago with the LATESTWOOD delegation to work out the details of the postwar settlement.
At this meeting, we decided to negotiate something that we had not originally planned to do.
The reason for this was that the Alkimaila had already <>, and had already <> and <>.
However, since they succeeded in reviving Rilifa afterwards, Alkimaira had fully fulfilled their original agreement. According to the story, the situation is such that we should ask for the fulfillment of the contract again from the RATESTWOOD side, including the custody of in RATESTWOOD, it would be possible for her to support the inexperienced Rilifa as the new queen.
This would strengthen the political base of the friendly nation (RATESTWOOD), which would eventually benefit Alkymyra. From a short-term strategic point of view, <> is a bad move that will bring no benefits, but from a medium- to long-term strategic point of view, it is a completely different story.
(In a way, Alkimaira is like a savior for RATESTWOOD.)
In reality, they are not saviors, but from an objective point of view, they are. We can be sure that they will behave in a friendly manner toward Alkimaira in the future.
Also, for Alkimaira, who is alone and helpless in this world, Ratestwood will be an important partner. The fact that we have established an unquestionable friendship with a country will bring tangible and intangible benefits to Alkymyra in the future.
This was the pretext that Helian was desperately trying to come up with in order to move the country of Alkymyra in the war.
Fortunately, his men readily accepted the policy of rescuing Rattestwood, but if there was any opposition, he would use this pretext to persuade them by force.
And so they demanded <>, using the full fulfillment of the agreement to rescue all the people of RATESTWOOD>> as a bargaining chip instead of the <> card.
If we exclude Rattestwood, only the Noblewood advance party knows of the existence of the Alkimaira. And that detachment has vanished without a single member, and is now unknown to any force other than RATESTWOOD.
This means that Alkymaira can continue to have the advantage of keeping its existence a secret, as long as they keep their mouths shut.
As I said at the time of the audience, I consider this a great advantage. We cannot expose the Alkimaira to the world yet. The Alkimaira needs time.
However, this is only based on the importance of Alkimaira’s situation.
This will be a burden on RATESTWOOD.
«I don’t think this is an arrogant request. In fact, the company has announced that it is fully committed to this matter. We have received reports from the Sixth Legion that not only the Queen but also each and every one of the people are cooperating in this matter.
Rieve says in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, but Helian does not quite understand.
As for the matter of the repulse of the invasion of Noblewood, I intend to make an outward appearance by dispatching the Commander of the Seventh Army (Robin). However, the immediate support for the reconstruction, but the post-reconstruction activities will force LATESTWOOD to help itself.
Depending on one’s point of view, it could be taken as an attempt to use RATESTWOOD as a shield for Alkimaira. It seems to me that this is not a very interesting story for RATESTWOOD.
That is why, at the recent meeting in the castle, he said, <>It was a surprise to Helian that the queen (Leifa) gave her answer with such enthusiasm.
«It is a natural result of the authority of Herian. I think his (her) country understands the greatness of Mr. Helian.
No. Rieve’s opinion is not helpful. It is too complimentary.
. let’s forget about it for now. I don’t think I have an answer even if I think about it now.
«Yes. The messenger has already arrived. Everything is ready and ready for the meeting.
«What? Have they already made preparations?»
There is still some time left before the scheduled meeting time, but do they mean to keep the messenger waiting? How is that for welcoming the emissary of a country?
Yes. They already came to our country last night, so they have been waiting in the castle since early morning. But we are making every effort to accommodate them.
«That’s not the point. We will hold our meeting immediately.
He gets up from his chair and leaves the office accompanied by Levee.
Incidentally, the place for this meeting is not the <>, but the >.
The reason for this is that this meeting is unofficial. The official meeting with a delegation of the size of Leifer’s representative has already been held the other day. The details of the postwar settlement were also settled on the spot.
Therefore, the current meeting is nothing more than a means to deepen the friendship between the two countries as good partners in the future. This is not the occasion to hold a big meeting in a large audience hall.
Despite some resistance from Levee and Balan, we are making arrangements to hold a one-on-one meeting with no other participants.
While being flanked by living armors on both sides of the corridor, he talks to Levee as he pushes his way through the corridor leading to the simple audience room.
«So, about the representative of the other party. «
Yes. I have been informed that the emissary from RATESTWOOD is Rilifa-Lum-RATESTWOOD as planned.»
Although he wore a pouty face so as not to let his emotions show through, Helian was looking forward to this day. After all, it had been a long time since he and Lillipha had met again after the incident of the revival of the underlings.
It would be very precious for Helian to be able to talk with someone who was not wearing the mask of a king. And since Lillipha is a child in age, it would not be so strange to talk with her in a casual manner.
For Helian, who was looking for the that is unique to children in his busy life, the fact that the messenger from LATESTWOOD was Lillipha was a godsend.
Shaking off the bad memories, Hélian walked lightly to the simple audience chamber.
«Greetings once again. I am the Second Princess Lillipha-Lum-Latestwood, sent as an envoy from the Kingdom of Latestwood.
These were the words that filled Helian’s mind when he was told of the opening greeting in the simple audience chamber.
No, she was Lillipha for sure. It is an undeniable fact that the girl in front of him is Lillipha-Lum-Lattestwood, as he himself had said so himself.
However, she appeared with a dignified expression that I have never seen before, dressed in official attire, and after the aforementioned introduction, she began to solemnly give her season’s greeting. It was a perfect princess-like appearance that would not embarrass her in any way, but at the same time, it was an appearance that was significantly different from the image of Rilifa that Helian had in his mind.
Helian could not react quickly enough to this image of Rilifa, and his eyes became black and white.
«First of all, I would like to apologize for the delay in thanking you for the incident the other day. I deeply apologize.»
«. No, no, don’t worry about it. The reason we haven’t been able to take this much time is due to our own reasons.»
«Thank you very much. I also ask for your forgiveness for the many rude words and deeds that I have done to His Majesty the King of a great nation, even though I did not know it.»
«The same goes for that matter. It is not necessary for you to bow down to us, since it was our circumstances that led us to disguise our identity as travelers in the first place.»
I managed to regain my composure and responded, but I felt an indescribable itch.
This is not the kind of conversation I wanted to have.
I tried to talk to him to see if I could somehow change the course of the conversation.
No, I have no physical problems. Your Majesty’s kindness has allowed me to live a long life and I am enjoying the peace and tranquility brought by your country. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving our country in one case or another.»
Instead of changing course, I feel like I’ve deepened the depth of the conversation while keeping the same direction.
(Or maybe I was naive to begin with. )
The woman in front of me is a princess of a country.
And her behavior in the village was only an act to dispel the people’s fears. Come to think of it, I have never seen Rilifa without acting.
I tell myself in my heart.
This is an informal meeting, but it is still a meeting. Then it is Rilifa who is right here. Since this is an exchange between countries, Rilifa is right as far as possible in this awe-inspiring attitude.
Instead, it is he who is wrong. No matter how much I was looking for a break from my busy life, and even though this was the only way I could think of to make contact with Rilifa after revealing my true identity, it was undeniably me who chose to have this meeting with her.
In such a situation, it is wrong to ask for a conversation as an individual.
At the very least, it is not the way a king should behave.
«A courtesy is a courtesy. But this is not an official meeting. This is an informal meeting, and you and I are the only ones in this room. There’s no need to act like a princess, is there?»
I guess I am a weak man after all.
I found myself saying such words.
Still, it’s free to try. There is nothing wrong with trying.
The weak part of me whispered such sweet words to me.
I am disgusted with myself for not even trying to resist them.
As expected, Lillipha looked puzzled.
«It doesn’t matter. You may treat me with the same ease as you did the other day in the village.
When Lillipha looked at him as if she wanted to know his intentions, Helian made a soft expression and replied in this way.
But the result was obvious.
I am the king of the Confederacy and she is the princess of the Kingdom. It was probably a mistake to think of our relationship as it had always been.
Therefore, Helian was ready to accept Lillipha’s polite refusal with grace.
«. Um, are you sure you want to do this?»
But Lillipha looked up in surprise and spoke those words.
Helian looked at Rilifa with a little hope that she might have a pulse.
Then Rilifa looked thoughtful for a moment and nodded her head as if she had made up her mind. And then.
«—Okay! Then I will, Miss Helian!»
With that, he tossed the princess’s mask aside.
It seemed as if the aura of the princess that she had been wearing just a moment ago had vanished.
. Eh, is it possible to switch so easily? I wonder if it’s OK that I was accepted unexpectedly (or not) so easily.
But is it really OK? Are you going to continue to be like this?»
As if to make a final confirmation, Rilifa looks up at me and makes eye contact with me.
«Ah, yes. «Oh, yeah. I really don’t mind. I don’t care if it’s in a formal setting, but this is an informal one. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have any problem with it.
«Hmm, yes. That’s the way I understand it.»
Lillipha summed it up clearly.
Originally, I had wanted to talk to an individual named Lillipha, not to the Princess of Latticewood. That is just what I wanted to talk about.
«Excuse me. Your tea is ready.»
After a knock on the door, Lieve announced this and brought in a cup of tea.
Two small, elegant cups are placed on the table. As Lieve poured the tea in a familiar way, a faint aroma permeated the room.
«Thank you, sir. It is a great honor for me to be served by you, Mr. Levee.
Lillipha, wearing the princess’s mask once again, spoke polite words of thanks.
I am sorry, sir. I will be waiting outside the room, if you need anything else, please do not hesitate.
With these words, Levee quietly leaves the room. As soon as the door closed, Lillipha threw off the princess’s mask again.
«Wow, it smells so good! I didn’t know that Helian drinks this stuff every day. I love it.»
Lilliputian is like a cat, tipping her tongue feverishly.
It’s somewhat strange that she is so serious in front of her subordinate (Levee), but shows her true self in front of the king (me). Well, I have no complaints at all since it’s what I wanted, but I’m impressed by the way she can adapt herself to such a situation.
«No! Thank you, Lady Helian!»
Lillipha raised her hands in the air to express her joy.
She let out an involuntary giggle and nodded her head in satisfaction.
After all, it is more like Rilifa to look like that.
«What? Really? Isn’t this a bad idea?»
«No problem. You can call me whatever you want.»
When I told her this, she looked as if she was thinking «hmmm» for a moment.
Then, perhaps coming to some kind of conclusion in her mind, Rilifa smiled broadly,
«Well, let’s call him ‘big brother’.»
«—Okay, let’s wait a bit, Rilifa. What could possibly make you make that choice?»
He unintentionally snaps at Lillipha, who tilts her head back with a «koten».
It’s hard to tell if I’m being cute or not, but at least I think my reaction is quite natural. Why should I suddenly make a sister in a different world?
And why big brother?
I don’t mind if you call me brother, but since Leifa is my sister, shouldn’t you call me brother?
«Because Helian told me to call you whatever I want.»
What a reaction. What’s with the look of wonder on his face? Maybe I’m the one who’s crazy?
Another World Nation Archimaira: The Weakest King and his Unparalleled Army
Helian and his group were not welcomed by the villagers.
The houses in the village are made of stone and hollowed-out rooms made of rotting trees.
The number of houses must have exceeded a hundred, but not more than two hundred. In between the houses, there were several temporary houses built in the shape of tents.
These tents were not the magnificent ones like those of the nomads in Turkey.
They were simple, makeshift structures. It looked more like a refugee camp than a village.
There, people who had escaped from the attack by the Noblewood, a nation of elves, were huddled together in a small settlement.
It is obvious that a human with an elf, a hostile race, would not be welcomed at such a place. We can only be thankful that they did not throw stones at us. If there had been no warning, it might have really happened.
The worst of the atmosphere was dispelled by a half-elf girl, Leifa.
She explained to the villagers that Helian and his group had saved their lives.
All that remained was a suspicious look at the curious traveler, a dark-haired, dark-eyed man with two beautiful women in tow. I already knew that dark-haired and dark-eyed people are rare, but I felt like a panda in a freak show.
She is the first child of the queen and the first princess with the first right of succession to the throne. She is said to be the provisional queen of the people since the current queen is still alive and unaccounted for. She also has a younger sister, and they are the only two people in the royal family, apart from their parents, who are still alive.
Why would such an important person be alone in the middle of the forest?
«- Rescue the current queen?»
Sitting in a tent in the village, together with a heavyweight from [RATESTWOOD], Helian tilts his head when he hears the reason for this.
Incidentally, Levee and Ertina are standing behind Helian.
«The elite squad? Why are you in there? And the others?»
I have the magic I just showed you to summon your friends. If we were lucky enough to sneak into the place where the present queens are being held, we would summon our companions and force our way out. We would need a certain amount of strength to escape.
The more I hear, the more troubling the situation sounds.
Though I may not be in a position to say so, since the king himself is on an overseas expedition.
While we were sitting down to have a conversation, a sharp voice came to me.
The interrupter was a strange half-elf woman who had been summoned for the purpose of warning us.
According to Leifa’s explanation, she was the deputy chief of warriors in charge of the settlement’s defense. She is now the chief of warriors since they lost the chief of warriors who went out as an elite team. She looked at Helian and the others with a slightly stern gaze.
«Are you guests not a little too polite to Master Leifa?»
As if to rebuke her, Leifa mentioned the woman’s name.
«Wenli, you are the one being rude! The Herrians have graciously helped me out of the goodness of their hearts. It would be unbecoming of you to make such a mistake.
Wenli is reprimanded, but the sternness in her eyes toward Hellian does not disappear.
The half-elves who are present at the meeting are giving similar glances to Wenli.
It must be suspicious. It was obvious that they would be suspicious. That’s why Helian had thought of some countermeasures with his wits about him on the way to the village.
«. I did not say that. I just felt it strange that our guests were travelers.
«I see. But it is true that we are travelers. But I’m not sure if we are ordinary travelers.
We come from the Abyssal Forest.
The place was buzzing.
Abyssal forest» was a word that came up in the conversation between Leifa and the elf man, and from the flow of the conversation, it must have referred to «that forest» that had an illusory effect on them.
The land of the half-elves [RATESTWOOD] is located near the border of the humans, and the territory of the humans is to the east.
And according to what I have heard, the land of the elves [Noblewood] is in the northwest, and [Rattestwood] has been driven to the forest near the border between the Abyssal Forest and humans.
Then the Abyssal Forest must be that mysterious forest to which Alkimaira was forcibly transferred.
«Are you saying that our guests are minions of the Demon Lord?
Wenli reacts hypersensitively.
It’s a question in the form of a question, but it’s not a question to be mocked.
But Helian knows the answer to that question.
In fact, that was the response he was expecting.
«Yes, I am very careful about my appearance. I set up camp and bathe every day.»
«. Hoa. Your guest seems to be quite fond of unfunny jokes. Bathing is a very elegant thing to do.
Wenli glares at Hellian.
It is quite a powerful thing to be stared at with a steely gaze by a woman of a certain age.
Or rather, it’s plain scary.
Helian tries hard to keep a clear face while holding his knees that are about to shake with his hands.
«Now, I would like you to answer these guests. Where do you have the equipment to set up camp, much less take a leisurely bath?
I’ll snap my fingers to signal.
I would have been a fool if I had missed at this point, but I had told them secretly before entering the tent, so there was no need to worry about that.
Lieve and Ertina each took a small bag from their pockets. They open the mouths of the bags and take out a tent and a post for setting up camp.
«What the heck is this! Where the hell did you get all this bulky stuff?
«In that bag. I found it by accident when I was excavating the ruins. I don’t know how it works, but it can hold more than its volume. It has come in handy.»
And then, and then, and then, and then, a quantity of things that clearly could not fit into the bag were placed on the ground one after another. In no time at all, the entire camp set was in place, leaving the half-elves stunned.
As you can see, it can hold more than its volume.
Recently, many VR 《Virtual Reality》 RPG 《Role Playing Game》 with names such as Item Box or Item Storage have been using similar items. The same item appears in the market.
High-quality, large-capacity «magic sachets» (item pouches) are themselves considered valuable, and even Alkimaira could not keep up with the production of the highest-quality ones, so there were not enough of them, but of course the two leaders of the Eight Grand Corps had them.
And when it comes to preparations for an expedition, a simple temporary housing kit is always stored as basic equipment.
«As you can see. I thought you would not believe me if you did not see it with your own eyes. This is how we managed to survive in the forest even though we looked lightly equipped. And the food is in those bags.»
Wenli and the others looked at the campsites laid out in front of them in amazement. Even though they could see it with their own eyes, their understanding had not caught up with them.
—This is it. This is the place.
«I’d rather talk about something constructive than such trivial matters. We want information. I know this may sound patronizing, but can I at least be allowed to ask you a few questions in return for saving Leifa’s life? Besides, we can provide you with a small amount of food.»
A hot sautéed chicken was newly taken out of the bag.
The sautéed chicken was fragrant and appetizing, steam was rising from the sautéed chicken as if it had just been cooked.
In a way, it was not wrong.
This high quality «magic pouch» is endowed with a technique, which preserves the condition of the stored items for a long time.
This sauté was stored immediately after it was made.
The meat is from chickens raised with care by a livestock farmer under the king’s warrant and prepared with the utmost care and skill by the castle’s resident chef. The aroma of the chicken meat wafts through the small tent.
Someone’s throat hitched a gulp.
As one might expect, the food was not very rich.
Then Helian has Lieve and the others take out a bottle of cool water.
He gave it to everyone present, and Helian took a sip to prove that it was not poisoned.
At first glance it appears to be just water, but it is a real consumption item that has the effect of restoring stamina. In the game [Tactics Chronicle], this effect was meaningless to the player, but I felt that my legs were less tired.
Fearfully the half-elves began to sip the cool water, but each time they said, «I can’t believe it! It’s cold,» «It’s not just water,» «It heals me from the inside out,» «What is this water?
Some of them drank the water in one gulp because it tasted so good, and some of them even looked at the others sipping and sipping with resentment.
«Excuse me, but can half-elves eat meat?»
«I see. Well then, this is a good omen. Let us treat you to a little. Let’s have a little dinner.
The half-elves do not move while the two men serve the food.
While they are stunned, the half-elves take the initiative, even if they have to do it by force.
This was the strategy that Helian had devised with all his wits about him.
This is also the reason why they folded the magic item called one after another before the impact of the magic item had worn off.
Furthermore, the rescue of the interim queen was used as a shield to create an atmosphere in which it was difficult to refuse requests for information. If they refused the request, they would be asked if the queen’s life was so valuable. Since there is no such a thing, the half-elves have no choice but to accept the request.
As it stands, they have done more than they could have done in the past. I would like to believe that this was the best solution. Anyway,
«You can have dinner with us. I hope you don’t mind if I talk to you for a while.»
The rest is just momentum. If they are allowed to cool down, it will be rehashed again.
Before that happens, we should sell them a favor in the form of a small meal, even if it’s a little pushy, gather information, and then return to our country for a time with a suitable reason.
Since we have obtained some information so far, even if it is difficult to obtain further information, it is all right as long as we can part from them peacefully and return to our countries.
I wondered if it would be a good idea to have a conversation over a meal, but diplomacy over a meal is common in the real world as well. So it will be all right. Probably.
I don’t wait for their reply and continue talking. Don’t lose control of the conversation.
«Sister, I’m coming in!»
She is a petite child with large droopy eyes.
In appearance, she looks slightly younger than Leifa. If she were in Japan, she would have just entered junior high school.
Unusually, his hair color was pure white. Her skin was as clear and white as Leifa’s, and even the tunic she was wearing was white.
It was Leifa who called out to him as if to rebuke him.
If you look closely, you can see that her face is similar to that of the girl who entered the tent.
As I was comparing them, Leifa noticed my gaze and lowered her gaze in a slightly embarrassed manner.
Lillipha ignored her sister’s words and spoke to her.
She seems to be a quiet girl on the outside, but the fact that she entered the tent without any hesitation and her personality seems to be rather brazen.
Leifa’s well-shaped eyebrows shot up at this attitude.
«I don’t care. «It doesn’t matter, Leifa, sir.
I almost call out to him to make up for it.
He had given me permission to call him by his first name, but now that I know who he is, I can’t call him by his first name as I have done in the past.
Lillipha glances at the two men standing behind Helian.
Eltina bows quietly and Levee responds with a bow.
Lillipha looks at her and tilts her head curiously.
Then, «Hmm?» Then, he moved closer to Helian and crouched down.
Lillipha sat down beside me and looked up at me with emerald green eyes. It was a gesture of a pure and innocent child.
Helian, feeling somewhat awkward, hands Lillipha the cool water he has just received from Levee in order to create a pause.
Lillipha accepts the bottle of soft water with her small hands and looks down at the bottle in her hand. Then she nodded her head «yes» and leaned closer to Helian.
Helian frowns at this increasingly unintelligible behavior.
Then, as if determined, Lillipha turned her gaze on Helian’s face.
It is just as Helian, thirsty, takes a sip of water,
«Do you like big tits?»
«Boo-hoo! Gobble, gobble, gobble. «
And it went down my trachea.
Rieve rubbed Helian’s back in panic.
«Li-Li-Li-fa! What are you talking about all of a sudden?
«Because you are a human being, aren’t you, traveler? So I thought maybe it would be better to be a big guy.»
Leifa yelled at her sister, and Helian completely agreed.
She had no idea what the question was about or what it meant.
Rayfa reaches out to grab Lilifa, but Lilifa takes advantage of her petite body and quickly hides behind Hellian. She is almost snuggled up to Helian’s back.
Helian is not a pedophile. Definitely not a pedophile. I swear to God I am not a pedophile, but I am aware of the soft touch on my back, probably because of what Lillipha said just now. I am.