Senketsu no Elf Volume 2 Chapter 3

Here’s the third chapter. I hope I didn’t put this off for too long, but there was a lot to do this month.

Thank you Nanamin and Translators’ Corner on Discord. Without you, this would have gone a lot, lot slower.

If you’re good at editing and can be arsed to edit this (or at least look it through), just drop a comment on here or something and I’ll beam you up with the details.

Volume 2, Chapter 3 – Oh sludge, conceive a blockade

One month had passed since Amaïz Julieta had been denoted from the vice-captain post of the “Chivalric Order of the White Wolves”. In other words, one month had passed since Milifica Yusala Astzeelen and her hangers-on had started to achieve military gains, inevitably – similarly, the period of time where Amaïz had continued to receive General Dali’s reprimands had also been one month long.

General Dali’s mood got worse day by day. Specifically, once every third day, when the “Chivalric Order of the White Wolves” sortied. The previous day, it seemed to have been the tenth. In all of them, she had victored, and done meritorious deeds.

Every time that happened, Amaïz insistently summoned someone, and took out all his spite on them. That girl, has she not won again? You son of a bitch, what exactly did you do while being next to her? Don’t let her perform meritorious services! The way things are going, won’t her military fame even reach the Royal Capital–?

It had nearly been a decade since Amaïz had begun to serve Dali Shukua Astzeelen. It was far before the war with the Elves had started, back when the skirmishes of the savage tribes of the South still were active.

At that time, he was one of the Division captains of the Southern Expeditionary Force, and Amaïz served as an vice-captain in the order of chivalry which was attached to his division. The state of affairs from then precisely resembled the current ones.

Amaïz’s superior officer, the leader of his order of chivalry, was still a young and excellent soldier, and it was whispered that at how things were going, if he got promoted, him becoming a corps commander, or probably a division commander, would not be a dream. Besides, his bloodline was of a branch close to the royalty. If someone which belonged to royalty were to take him in, there was a chance that he could be bestowed the rights of succession.

However, concerning that result, that didn’t happen – he sadly died in battle, hit by a stray arrow. About half a month after Dali and Amaïz had become amiable.

Ten years from then. Steadily, Dali’s promotions piled up, and now he was the supreme commander of the Front Maintenance Forces. Throughout all that, Amaïz continued to unconcernedly belong under the command of the army corps which Dali commanded.

He was not a vassal or anything. He hadn’t signed a lord and retainer contract, not even once officially receiving direct orders from him – in other words, he was some kind of agent operative, receiving secret orders and performing dirty deeds.

Ten years ago, Dali’s rank of succession was the 32nd place, and now he was in the 15th place. Of those previous ranks, he was proud that about five of them were because of Amaïz’s achievements.

Apart from what had happened lately, he thought that Dali was a good employer. His character had a few petty aspects, and his disposition was obstinately malicious, but, he was also cautious and reliable, looking from another perspective. First of all, not being detected, second of all, reliably succeeding, and third of all, the size of the outcome – even if he conspired, he would never do absurd moves, nor take chances. He did not easily throw spies to the wolves, he gave them rewards, earning the trust, and he kept it serious.

In other words, it was a comparatively easy task, where the other party received vast rewards.

That the spies which held secrets were dealt with was customary in the world, and he had been continuing to make use of himself throughout ten years. Furthermore, during that time, he had not even once tread on thin ice. Therefore, Amaïz wanted to live up to his expectations, and be useful to Dali as much as he could, but – lately it hadn’t worked so smoothly, he had only provoked wrath.

Dali blamed Amaïz for having a lack of ability. Amaïz wondered in his heart whether Dali’s plans were naive. However, on the other hand, he also thought – that they possibly weren’t bad.

The quality of the plan as well as the time of the execution did not deviate from the usual, and if it had been earlier on, it would have been accomplished long ago. If that was the case, what was the cause? It was obvious.

So to say, they were being outclassed.

Milifica Yusala Astzeelen – as she was the daughter of the dukeship of the family of Yusala, connected to the Royal Family of Astzeelen, her rights of succession were at the twelfth place, a young girl at the tender age of eighteen. Among the royal family, she was a girl who naturally preferred attire of war to dresses, and desired sword fights more than ball dances, perceived as a reckless tomboy. At least, General Dali evaluated her like that.

No – he did only evaluate her to that extent.

Wasn’t that a mistake from their side?

Possibly, even Dali was aware of that in the depths of his heart. However, he did not want to accept it. That Milifica – that girl, wasn’t a simple tomboy.

From time immemorial, in heroic tales, anecdotes from the hero’s early years were inevitable. In most of the cases, strange anecdotes were left behind from their childhood. In brief, those anecdotes were of their behaviour and character differing, and standing out from the others. That they were obviously different from the other, great majority.

However, in a case where those eccentricities were not understood by their surroundings, they would simply be treated as just an oddball. Recognised as oddballs and eccentrics, but nevertheless ignoring what other people say, and after they grow and become famous, their surroundings understand that they are not strange – but a hero instead. Thus the eccentricities of the hero become anecdotes, and those which mock those eccentricities become fools of the masses. In a case where Milifica were to become such a person, General Dali would be in the role to make her look better, the fool of the masses.

That was why he didn’t want to admit it. That her steady advance couldn’t be stopped was a misconception that they had a cause to do so, so as long as her dispersions went smoothly, his temper would get worse.

“……Well, what’s up with that?”

In his room – Amaïz pondered behind his official desk while leaning back together with his chair.

Now, two roads are made apparent to us. Number one is to keep going like this, continuing to elaborate on the plan of Milifica’s continued ostracism. The other is to encourage Dali to switch plans, and choose to cater to Milifica. Though I guess that Dali will be reluctant, in truth, the latter will be the best, I think.

When he observed her day after day from the position as an vice-captain, he was completely consumed by anxiety. The hunch that it was inevitable that they would continue to achieve military gains day after day filled hid chest.

Yes. Indeed–them.

The masses of the surroundings were unable to assess the behaviour of the hitherto unknown, young, hero. Those who could assess her – those to which it was transparent that she was not an eccentric person but an excellent hero, were only those with eyes which could correctly identify extraordinary things. Again, those who walked together with that hero – were only great people, which similarly to heroes housed extraordinary things within their bodies.

Consequently, great people got together next to other heroes, spinning tales together with them. Within the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves”, it could be said that it was Ziadrene’s gang.

Endowed with the greatest strength within the Order of Chivalry, they were rowdy people which could be said to be the most powerful people in the shadows. Instead of having true strength, they did not follow the orders from above at all – they were a troublesome group of thief-wannabees – for some reason they seemed to be pleased with Milifica, and nowadays they were entirely assistants, which achieved merits of war and had become some kind of comrades. It was as if they saw her as a hero.

Of course, not only Ziadrene. In the first place, she was accompanied with extraordinary people from scratch.

Amaïz could not forget the scene that he had seen one month ago.

On the first day where she had been assigned as the new captain; at the onset, before the harassment had commenced, where he had spread out a bed of nails, Milifica had left for the battlefield with only five men in her forces.

One of those five people – the red-haired boy with an old cloak swept around him.

He had nothing but that kind of impression, that he was an impertinent brat with a hateful look in his eyes. He thought that that kind of person would excitedly plunge into the battlefield at the very beginning and easily get killed. That kind of people occasionally involved their allies and caused damage to them. If Milifica would become one of those, the work would have finished easily during the first day, where he secretly smiled in his heart.

However, the result was the complete opposite.

He had come home with five Demons’ heads suspended to his horse’s saddle. Covered in spurts of blood, while he was clad in a sad and gloomy thirst for blood which seemed to destroy himself, he nevertheless did not let a single comrade die.

And – he had spoken to Amaïz, who, hearing the news, greeted them in a panic.

— “If you feel that this is insufficient, we can go once again”, he had said. While he tossed away the Demons’ heads before Amaïz’s eyes, carelessly, somehow happily.

Imina Halmatie.

The one which Amaïz truly was afraid of was not Milifica, but that boy.

If one were to ask, it was said that he practically hunted the five Demons alone. If he had such skill that he could kill Demons with a single horseman, he would be one of few in the Imperial Army. However, raising five decapitated heads on one departure, in his first campaign, furthermore, with a calm face, besides, people being able to boast “We can go once again” – with the exception of him, Amaïz had never heard of anyone like him.

Was he a great man, or a madman? If one were to only look at pure achievements of war, Imina Halmatie defied the norms. And, precisely because he was afraid of him, if he could win him over, he felt that he could tame Milifica.

Ziadrene Meindreigh was a man whose age had passed his mid-forties.

Vertically as well as horizontally, his body was wide, and he had a grim, bearded face, along with a sharp glint in his eyes which made one question whether even magical beasts would run away with a single glance of his. His presence which he emitted was also overbearing, and however much one were to look at him, he was not a decent sort at all.

His career was that of a former thief. Possessing a hideout in the mountains near to the Royal Capital, he seemed to make a living by taking money and goods from assaulting nobles which were out traveling. Though he was finally arrested a few years back and sentenced to death by decapitation, because the war with the Elven Tribe similarly broke out at the same time, counting on his physical strength, he was dispatched to the front-line with his entire gang. Henceforth, he had been put to work as a soldier for more than about two years at the Great Fortress of Astzeelen.

The condition for pardon was one thousand decapitated Demons’ heads. However, what he had achieved until then was less than twenty. Arriving early and clutching the real power within the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves”, it seems that he had been leading an unfettered life.

However, that feared strength and unparalleled tyranny from the period when he was a thief had not declined at all, despite him always taking irresponsible strolls on the battlefield for over two years.

While Imina breathed heavily, he sat down in protest, the big hatchet’s trajectory drawing close to the bottom of his neck, and looked up at Ziadrene.

“It’s my loss, shit.”

Ziadrene grinningly smiled, pulling the big hatchet down and shouldering it.

“Ha, your strikes are still weak. Not only the speed, but you need to put your back into each and every strike of yours.”

“I get it, if it is as easy as you say, I would have won more.”

Standing up, he swept away the dust while sheathing his sword. His arms were still numb from the shock of when they had exchanged blows. If one were to speak about the power, it would probably be like an unskilled Demon’s.

Everyone who watched began to boisterously make noise.

“Oi, with this, how many wins and losses is it?”

“Boss has twelve wins and four losses. Imina still has some way to go.”

“Oi, hey, what’s ‘still more to go’? You, competing with Boss and getting four wins? Also, wasn’t this time real close, no? Even if he gets a fifth win, it wouldn’t be strange.”

“Don’t say stupid things, if it was me I wouldn’t even want to fight in the first place.”

“What, are you playing innocent?”

“That’s how it is, it’s obvious that Imina is stronger that us!”
They guffawed and laughed roughly all over. They were Ziadrene’s followers – in other words, they were his subordinates from the time when they were thieves.

They were in the small training spot which was equipped in the boarding house of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves.

A round room encircled by walls around three metres high, the diameter was approximately ten metres. Because it was insufficient in size for organized warfare, it was principally intended for individual matches, as the atmosphere was close to an arena’s.

It was said that those kinds of facilities were bestowed upon every Order of Chivalry, it seemed. One could say that it was special to the Great Fortress of Astzeelen, which spread out in the Mi Lou mountain range; its size being that of one town.

Although, it seemed that the training spot hadn’t been used normally for a while. It was about a month ago when they started using it again. It was when Imina and the others had grown closer to Ziadrene and his gang.

“Oi guys, you’ve worked hard.”

A woman spoke from the top of the wall with a voice of neither amazement nor gratitude. A slightly listless, but a characteristic, sensual tone of voice. It was Ziadrene’s lover, Fiene Ringheim.

“You’re, just as arduous and enthusiastic as back in the day, aren’t you, eh?”

With showy high laced boots, abundant black hair, she wore clothes which showed an awfully large amount of skin, as if she was a demimondaine. However – on the other hand, without flirting with other people, she did not sell herself cheaply, resolute dignity and pride was felt from her. From the gang’s side, she was called “Young lady”, and was idolized.

“Kahaha! The man which found an amusing toy has become just like a child, or something!”

Ziadrene looked up to Fiene, and a hearty laughter left his bearded face.

“……Don’t call people toys, will ya.”

Though Imina definitely frowned, he didn’t feel bad in his heart.

–When did he first think that it was fun to wield swords?

Four years had passed since his home town, Salaid, had been destroyed. Him training in the mountains was only so that he would grow stronger, it was only so that he could acquire the power and technique in order for him to kill his enemies. Receiving instructions from a certain woman, he continuously had bouts every day and night with her, but that being fun was unrelated.

The things in his head were about the future – after he had come down the mountain, he thought about nothing but cutting down Demons and Elves with those hands of his. And after he had descended the mountain, he devotedly put that into practice. Relying fully on his intent to kill, he hunted down Demons, slaughtered magical beasts, and killed Elves, nothing more.

Therefore, what he truly enjoyed with the sword, was probably the times when he endeavoured with Shirjis, in those pastures on that hill.

There were also times when he avoided it. Even when he had a bout with Milifica at the Drill Academy, he ran away without doing it properly. Focusing too much on killing in combat, there not being any reason to take on a person and compete in fencing and so on, with a “That is a sport in a world that does not concern me any more”.

It was an unimaginable misunderstanding. Because, the feelings of competing against a strong opponent and wanting to win against that strong opponent, would not make oneself stronger.

Imina’s abilities had certainly increased from the last month. That was unmistakably thanks to the help of Ziadrene, who had become his opponent in that way.
He was not alone. Fream, Sashtal, and also Milifica – they continued to practise every day with those who held similar skill to them in the gang.

Despite that Fream excelled in his physique, he unexpectedly had a tendency to get cold feet, even though he had both the virtue of resolution and courage. Though Sashtal excelled in his intellect’s sense of danger, he consequently had a tendency to turn and run away, but became able to take the last step necessary for victory. Though Milifica’s flaw was that her way of fighting was too elegant, she became able to interact with unrefined actions from outside fencing.

Thanks to their repeated practice, their fights once every three days grew more stable. If the days continued to pass steadily, everyone would develop and become reliable soldiers.

It could be said that the current state of affairs was a pleasant miscalculation.

No-one would expect that one month ago. There was no way that they would gain friends from the Order of Chivalry. And, that result – that they were able to penetrate the centre of the Order of Chivalry that easily.

“Hey, Ziadrene.”

While he wiped off his face with a damp towel, Imina asked the giant which squatted down on the ground.

“You guys, why do you do us well that much?”
That day, what those who had greeted Imina and the others when they had returned after their first campaign had said at the very beginning was:
–That’s some nerve and skill, we’re pleased with it. We welcome the new captain.

As a matter of fact, that short comment worked better than the decapitated heads of the Demons which Imina had displayed.
In the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves”, where everyone was a ruffian or a crowded out person, Ziadrene’s gang, which showed a strong presence, where one glance from a group member would put anyone into place – since they had become allies, the Order of Chivalry’s air had changed. If the gang were to become compliant to Milifica, the other group members would not be able to disregard it. Even if they were to fight, Ziadrene would compensate for the deficiency of dignity and leadership which Milifica still lacked. Disregarding Amaïz, who was the recent vice-captain, he even occupied the leader-like roles of a staff officer-cum-frontline troop.

Would they become compliant just because he was pleased with them until then, and so on?

The reason was because their personal histories were their personal histories.

“Are former thieves happy to support people of royalty?”

“What, are you curious about that kind of small things, boy?”

Ziadrene’s bearded lips bent, slightly sarcastic, which somehow seemed like a gesture in order to dodge the question.

Nevertheless, he continued.

“I can’t decide whether it’s a small thing or not. Because that depends on the strength of the sentiment that you guys hold against the Empire. ……I don’t know what you guys think of the Empire. Therefore, I can’t say whether it’s big or small.”

“Ha, you’re an intelligent brat.”

What came in return was a sigh, mixed with a snicker.

“But, it’s just like that. What exists within our chests are our things, and it doesn’t concern ya’.”

“But, if you think that you want to know, it’s selfish, innit?”

As he persisted, Ziadrene, annoyed, smacked his lips.

“You’re never at a loss for words, are ya. Good grief…… If it were usual, I would sock these kinds of people into silence, but socking you into silence would require too much effort.”

While he whinged, he still muttered just a few words.

“Well, I dislike the Empire. Especially those noble bastards, they make me wanna puke. That’s the resentment in my mind that hasn’t changed since I was a brat, long ago…… I don’t know about you who, who was brought up in the borderlands, but if you’re born close to the royal capital, there’s a lot of stuff.”

Certainly, Imina had never been to the royal capital. Therefore, he didn’t know what kind of place it was. He wondered what kind of life those which were born in the vicinity of it lived.

“We hated the nobles. That was why we robbed them. Recapturing what they had stolen, killing in retaliation of them they had killed, crushing in return like they crushed us. It was the best work.”

Did he recall long ago? Ziadrene’s eyes were tainted by hatred, and his facial expression was distorted by his intent to kill.

Imina was discomposed by that, but felt sympathy after that.

–Yes, that was – exactly.

It is probably similar to the feelings which I hold to the Elves–.

However, the thirst for blood quickly disappeared. It turned into a joking face, a face making fun of himself.

“Well, that time we were easily arrested, but now we’re thrown into a soldier of the Empire’s spot. ……Frankly, it’s certain that before we met you and fought with you, we didn’t think even one bit. So, we’ve spent over two years on getting drunk on alcohol. So after we’ve gotten free meals from the fucking Empire, it’s OK to care a little, I guess.”

Unnoticed, the surroundings quieted down. Everyone in the gang was lost in the story that Ziadrene told. No, or – it was possible that Ziadrene spoke as a proxy for his comrades in the gang.

Or perhaps, they all wanted Imina to listen to them.

“Even the royalty…… Still, in the times when we were thieves, we haven’t met the royalty not assaulted them, but aren’t they just an extension of nobles? So they’re bad whether we hate them or not. But, I don’t hate that little miss at all. What we hated about nobles, was that they looked down on us commoners from a high place, because they usually looked upon us who were falling ill and dying from starvation like we were insects. But, little miss is at least wielding her sword in the same place as us. Boy. I’m properly seeing you become frenzied and chopping down Demons. Am I wrong?”

“You ain’t wrong.”

Granted that she was royalty by birth, her pride was high – at least, Milifica,

“She knows well the meaning that we are stained by their blood.”

“Right? If that’s the case, it’s pretty fine. We’re not really pledging allegiance to little miss, and we don’t really want to toady up to her either. I’m pleased with it, while I thought that it would be interesting to play around, that’s that. In truth…… Rather than rotting away getting drunk on alcohol, I prefer to wield weapons, really”, he said.

That smile was awfully good-natured, and attractive.

Imina was unconsciously fascinated. The reason for why he lead a gang of thieves – even after he had been arrested and become a soldier like that, he had a hunch of the reason why his old friends didn’t change and stayed close to him. That was not the result of him dominating through fear or power.

“Oops, I bollocksed. Oi, because I moved my body, it’s food-time! I guess the preparations are done!”

Ziadrene stood up, and shouted at Fiene, who examined his expression from above the wall.

“Aye-aye. Even if you don’t shout that much, I can do it. Bloody hell…… Eating a large mean after you’ve gone wild with a sword, that reminds me of when you were a thief”, she wryly smiled.

“Ya, all right! I’m aware that the amount of food I can eat has decreased since then.”

Slipshod thrusting his large hatchet into the ground, Ziadrene turned his back.

Following him, his subordinates started to go toward the training spot’s exit and to the dining hall.

“Hey, miss, did Ellis help today as well?”

“The bread which Ellis has baked is really good.”

Someone started to say that, and voices following that started to spring up all around. Fiene, with an ill-natured expression on her face, spat out from high in the sky.

“Ey, you guys, are you unhappy with my cooking?”

“N, no, we ain’t at all!”

“It’s a major principle that miss’ dish is delicious. Simply, above that……”

“Never mind the flattery, get up here immediately!”

Ellis slightly popped her head over next to Fiene, who roared at them. Gazing at Imina, she waved her hand with a smile; silently telling him “Today, I baked the bread”.

“That’s right, the ones that the girl wants to eat her bread are you small fries, isn’t it.”

Fiene laughed at a volume that wasn’t audible to everyone in the gang which had left for the dining hall.

Ellis’ cheeks were coloured a little, and she turned her face away from Imina. Seeing that kind of child, Fiene turned her hand to Ellis’ shoulder with a “That’s so cute!”.
Imina suddenly remembered his mother.

Of course, both Fiene and Lill were completely different in both their ambience and looks. But, with her attitude where she tenderly touched Ellis – something resembling strong emotions filled his chest.

Imina again returned his glance from Ellis, who averted her eyes in embarrassment.

–On that subject.

While passing through the door in the training spot, he thought back upon the conversation which he had held with Ziadrene a little while ago for one reason or another, and suddenly he was reminded of his sense of discomfort.

During the exchange, he felt that he had only noticed one strange phrase.

That was it. That was, when he began to talk about himself.

–I don’t know about you who, who was brought up in the borderlands, but……,

How did Ziadrene know that Imina had grown up in the borderlands? Imina had neither heard of him during his upbringing, nor had he spoken to anyone in his gang.
Had any of his comrades said anything? However, him being born and raised in the village of Salaid in the borderlands was a matter that was deeply concerned with the human named Imina. Now, everyone knew the name of the village which was the place where the war begun. Therefore, it didn’t appear to be likely that any of his comrades had told anyone of his birthplace without his permission. All of them precisely possessed that kind of judgment.

Or perhaps, they were inquired from, and they had hid the name of the village with a

“Something like the outskirts of the borderlands”.
Surely, it was like that, and it probably wasn’t anything to especially worry about.
So, thinking about that sense of discomfort for only a few seconds, Imina promptly forgot about it.

Fiene looked down from the top of the wall at the training spot which Imina and Ziadrene and the others had left behind. Her profile, which was close to Ellis, was as if she was a mother watching over her child, she thought.

Even seen from her side as a woman, she was a beautiful person.

Her attire, which exposed a lot, her gaudy make-up, and her hair-do which was exaggeratedly put together; every part’s sex appeal was excessive, so that when they met for the first time, she felt a little hard to approach. But, when she started to talk to her, when she actually had a chat, she was very good-humoured and friendly. Even if stern men stood in front of her, she was not timid; on the contrary, the attitude which she easily handled them with even felt reassuring, if it was seen from one of the same sex as her.

Now, that was not only what Ellis, but also what Milifica thought, to say nothing of what Raimi thought of her too.

That day, they had cooked lunch together. Of course, there were proper civilians employed by the military as cooks, which fundamentally were entrusted to make the soldiers’ meals. However, there was a rule that you could use the kitchen if you submitted a notice of that. Fiene had made meals about three times a week with Ziadrene, and then, with everyone in the gang – the way that she laughed in amazement, but with a little bit of awkwardness with a “That girl is begging for it, isn’t she”, was cute in a girlish way.

After the girls had come there and become close to the others, Ellis assisted too. Because she thought that it would be impossible for her to cook since she had become a soldier, it was a pleasant miscalculation. If she failed to cook, her skills and perception would grow dull, and above all, because he spent all his time in battle, she wanted Imina to remember Lill’s flavours.

It was the eighth or ninth time that she stood in that kitchen. Recently, Ellis’ seasonings had become reputed in the gang. She was very happy. Because it was the same as Lill’s cooking being praised. Ellis was fascinated by her early childhood – because it was a very important taste to her.

People disappeared from the training spot, and Fiene turned while shrugging her shoulders.

“Well, we’ll also quickly need to go to the dining hall too. Those guys, when they’re left alone, they eat everything in the blink of an eye. …gah…… Because they way they eat is crude, it’s bloody troublesome to clean up.”

“Isn’t it.”

Agreeing, the two turned on their heels, and went toward the stairs which lead to the dining hall.

Because the Great Fortress was built in such a way that it clung to the mountain range, the slope was the foundation; in other words, it was not flat. Hence, the internal structure was complicated, and the concept of levels was ambiguous. Now, the two of them were at the top of the wall which surrounded and overlooked the training spot, but if one were to look from the neighbouring building, that too was yet another low place, that was where the dining hall was located – it was a place higher again from where they were, in brief, it was upstairs.

On one occasion, the stairs passed away from the inside of the building, in the middle, it became something similar to a passage and the ceiling came to an end.

When that had arrived to a place where sunlight shone, Fiene began to speak.

“That’s right, it’s your cooking, yeah.”

“…….Is there anything strange with that?”

Was she wrong in how she made her stock, or her seasoning, or how she cut the ingredients?

When asked, she shook her head with a “It’s not that.”

“Nothing’s strange at all. It’s somewhat self-taught, but it’s excellent Preadone-style.”

“Eh.”

–Preadone-style?

Suddenly hearing those words that she weren’t familiar with, she inadvertently stared blankly.

She turned her face to her side.

Fiene faced forward without looking at Ellis, and spoke.

“It’s a town at the west of the royal capital. Its features are that it has a sweet seasoning which utilises a fair bit of sugar, with nuts and berries mixed in, whatever it is. What’cha mean…… you made it without knowing that?”

She was startled.

She thought that it was bad. The Empire’s geography – no, even the general features of the humans, was something unknown to Ellis. Especially as it was something close to common sense to people.

While she was disordered, she started to explain right away.

“Ah, that. I’m so sorry…… I learnt it from my mother, so I don’t really know the details.”

“So, where your mother came from was Preadone, no?”

“Th, that too…. um.”

The mother – she had never heard where Imina’s mother, Lill, was born. She thought that since she lived in Salaid, she came from Salaid.

Her heart was pounding.

That her true character would be exposed from just that simple exchange or words couldn’t be true. However, Ellis panicked a bit too much. She also thought that her behaviour was a little unnatural too. Fiene was a person with strong intuition. It was possible that Fiene noticed that she held a questionable secret.

However, it seems that it was a needless worry.

Fiene looked at her and laughed,

“Nah, my bad. I guess I was a little bit too prying.”

She hit Ellis’ shoulders with a boom-boom.

“It may be Preadone-style, but it doesn’t matter. It’s tastes that you learned from your mother. There ain’t no superior feature that can surpass your mother’s cooking.”

“……Th, thank you so much!”

The words were to pleasant that her disturbance of mind went off somewhere. It felt like she would say “You are Lill’s daughter”.

Ellis did not know her real mother’s face. It seemed that she had died just after she gave birth to Ellis. That was why, always when she was a small child, whenever she went and visited Salaid and was looked after by Lill, she thought in the depths of her heart.

A mother, is it something like this?

Her also starting to learn cooking was also not only because she, as a member of the Elven Tribe, was curious about the humans’ cooking. She wanted to feel connected with Lill. I want to receive something from this person, because anything is fine, a connection would be – she wanted proof that they were connected.

She wanted to show someone that proof, that connection. She was all the more happy with one single word from the outsiders which did not know of her circumstances.

If she wasn’t fond of Fiene, she would have cried. She could have cried, jumped up, and screamed. He heart was so enlivened that she wanted to do that.

That was why Ellis really did not pay attention to the words that Fiene spoke alone after that.

“Also, you’ve learned it well at that age of yours.”

So that she would be admired, with a somewhat serious manner.

“Because I can’t really resist cultures unknown to me, y’see.”

Ellis did notice that the words were spoken in a slightly unnatural context. Innocently, she didn’t think much, and she threw out her chest, thinking that she was praised.

“Yes, I’ve worked hard!”

There was no rest within the Great Fortress of Astzeelen, regardless of if it was day or night.
In general, Elves did not prefer night warfare. Therefore, the mobilization of battle, and the withdrawals, were generally carried out at sunset. However, there were also things that needed to be done when they were not engaged in battle, and some people needed to work. War was a thing that continued moving even when soldiers didn’t draw their swords.

The maintenance of the magical swords that they were to use that day. The replenishment of the consumed spirit energy tubes, and the inspection of the inventory. Not only the spirit energy tubes, but also the management of the munitions that held equipment and warhorses. The verification of the amount of the stockpiled provisions. The repair of the damaged facilities. The war council, in preparation for the next day. And, the night-time defence.

From when the sun set to when the dawn broke, there was was not a moment where all of the soldiers slept. If there weren’t any tasks for them, there were some units which stayed up all night and devoted themselves to partying. Therefore, in most places within the Fortress, if one were to listen carefully, it was a normal thing to hear people’s voices, and tumult, from out of nowhere.

In other words, that meant that it was necessary to care about other’s eyes and ears, even in confidential talks late at night.

Late at night, 3 o’clock in the morning.

Amaïz Julieta was summoned by his employer, and walked in an imposing manner toward the place as to not be suspected by the sentinels.

In the Great Fortress’ centre, in the multistoried building which lay in the innermost department – behind where the most important facilities – the control room and the general’s private room, and the Front Maintenance Force – were consolidated. Because the multistoried building’s back itself faced the precipitous cliffs, and therefore the defence of it was, conversely, insufficient, it was rare that people came there, so it was a corner named a blind spot, so to say.

Even though it was close to the control room, the likelihood of being seen by someone was quite low, and so it always was used for the secret talks between Amaïz and Dali. Only, that was equally extremely unnatural in itself. They could not afford being questioned by anyone, even by chance. Choosing when the the passing sentinels turned the corner, Amaïz put on the prepared light, dark overcoat and covered himself with the hood.

And, in the promised place, there was a short, plump shadow, which almost looked like Amaïz.

“So, you came.”

The general, Dali Shukua Astzeelen, had already arrived.

“Apologies, for the wait.”

He did not make any excuses. It was not because he was late, but because the other party had waited since earlier on. Even when Dali were to meet with a protege-agent provocateur similar to them, it was seldom that he made them wait. That was mainly a merit, and proof that he was a steadfast employer.

“Then…… What’s it today?”

Amaïz inquired about the business. It was the way of talking in a dark whisper so that his voice wouldn’t echo on the bare rocks.

“At present, seeing the state of affairs, what kind of story would it be?”

His speech was minimal, polite language. Though it would be greatly disrespectful before someone of the royal family, if someone were to be watching, they would know that the other party would be a part of the royal family from the manner of speech. Of course, the name of the other party was not spoken.

“Seeing as even the schedule has changed?”

“Hum.”

Instead of Dali answering, he asked again.

“Tomorrow, if is your turn?”

By “your turn”, it was meant the day that the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves were to go out and fight.

“Yes.”

Amaïz nodded, as if to say that it was just like that.

“However, it is still hard to make a move.”

However, the thoughts that continued were of denial.

“There is no opportunity. Clearly speaking, it is an admirable battle.”

Milifica – yes, the one who substantially lead the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves was not Amaïz but already her instead – for every departure to the front, she grew accustomed to battle.

Ziadrene’s gang was completely contained under Milifica’s influence. Because they were their backing, the other group members could avoid following them. At the present time, the amount of group members which obediently operated following Milifica’s orders were more than two-thirds of the whole. The remaining third were the confidants of Amaïz’s proteges, as well as the genuine leftovers, a useless bunch that did not want to fight wars at all.

All members being about two hundred in name, was somewhat unfavourable to be compared with an Order of Chivalry. However, even if they were at the scale of two companies, they weren’t to be looked down on. Though their military force was small, they excelled in command and tactics, and regarding their agility, which turned the tables on the small force, they adopted ad-hoc tactics. Besides, Ziadrene Meindreigh and Imina Halmatie – they, which possessed power which could rival dozens of people, became a vital point, rampaging.

If they went to the battlefield once every three days, they kicked about the enemy with few casualties, and made them flee. The battle formations which spread out were phantasmagorical, and the Demons of lower intelligence were dealt with as if they were fine, their heads dropping one-by-one like ripe fruit. Occasionally, when they went with the flow, they even chased down the enemy side’s commissioned officers, in other words, Elves.

Since Amaïz was, even as a joke, the vice-captain, he needed to depart for the front with the others whether willing or not. Having followed her marches for one month over there, he was associated with her battlefield.

For that reason, he understood. He did not want to accept it, but he could not help that he already was convinced.

That Milifica Yusala Astzeelen was some kind of genius. And, in addition to that, one of the most troublesome kind. In other words, a genius which obtained the human heart.
If she were to change her words, she would be capable of being the leader. Though Dali wouldn’t like to admit it, he thought himself that she certainly was a girl born only to achieve military gains.

It wasn’t that her fencing skills were outstanding. Her ability was high, but average at best. Although the posture of her horse-riding figure was good, it was too beautiful, and was sometimes in danger on the battlefield. She did not possess excellent tactics either. Her way of thinking was, for better or worse, textbook-like. If one were to speak that she was equipped with courage and backbone far above the average, that too was wrong. Before they departed for the front, there were also many times where she was anxious, with an uneasy facial expression.

Therefore, if one were to only see her, one would misjudge. That as she wasn’t extraordinary, nor exceptional, and as many parts of her were inexperienced and needed to improve, she was an upper middle-class officer.

Yes – that would be a misjudgment.

Her innate talent could not be contained within an officer. Later on, it would be above that – it would be displayed as an officer. Certainly, her fencing skills weren’t outstanding. But, instead, she went with Ziadrene and Imina, following them who held the skills to be able to gain great, spectacular efforts. The appearance of her horse running was sometimes dangerous. Still, if one were to look at her figure, raising her sword on horseback, the soldiers would gather together at that beauty, rousing themselves, and raising war cries. She did not have any great tactics herself. But, the girl with the round-lensed glasses which always followed her displayed an eye for tactics, her proposals spectacularly accurate and flexible.

And, even if she held anxiety and tension herself.

With the inspiration from the daring and resolute swordsmen’s great efforts and her beautiful standing figure, along with the outstanding tactics and utilization of forces – the unit lead by her possessed both abnormal courage and backbone. Milifica herself did not have the gift of war. What lay within Milifica, was the talent to gather people which held talent for war toward her side, and the talent to make the people that she gathered become good warriors.

She charmed great men, acted as the brains behind their swords and shields, even changing the multitudes of regular soldiers into a single, great spear. In the end, they would grasp the military gains that they wished for to their hearts’ content, eventually leaving their names behind in history–.

That was the way it was. Surely it was something like that.

Therefore, Amaïz breathed out a little, and gazed in resignation toward Dali.

“I would like to offer my opinions.”

Today, he came to realize those thoughts.

“Lately, we’re disadvantaged…… That fish is not the herring that we think of. It’s a shark. It is too large, swift, and ferocious. If we are to forcibly pull it in, we might get dragged into the ocean. Is it not better for it to swim, and shoo away the small fish instead?”

Dali squinted at Amaïz’s words.

In the darkness, one can’t understand what the other is thinking.

However, that was the same for the other side – there was doubt in the voice that returned.

“So, even your harpoon can’t strike it? Or, don’t you want to strike it?”, with a “Surely you weren’t cajoled by that young girl.”

“Nay.”

Amaïz answered, with a slightly stronger tone of voice.

“It is definitely not the latter. It is purely my inadequacy…… the former.”

I think that it’s a wonderful talent.

If she were to continue flourishing like that, she would sooner or later achieve a large merit of war, her name roaring even in the royal capital. However, if he was asked whether he was captivated by her talent, that would not be true at all.

Amaïz Julieta was a human without those kinds of brilliant things.

If he wanted a distinguished service next to a great commander, he wouldn’t have joined Dali’s plans in the first place, ten years ago. He did not kill that superior, the captain of that Order of Chivalry.

Walking steadily in the darkness that the day didn’t touch. That was the principle of Amaïz, and the reason for why he had accompanied Dali Shukua Astzeelen for ten years already.

“I see. If you say that, it may be so.”

Dali easily sympathised with him. It seemed that he just wanted to speak sarcastically.

“Then……”

Amaïz expected that Dali would give up and move on to another plan. Nevertheless–,

“However, that.”

It was contrary to his expectations. General Dali proudly stroked his characteristic moustache with his fingers,

“What if we had a net which could enclose the shark and corner it?”

So clearly visible that it could be understood in the jet black, he smiled a stiff smile.

“What, is that……do you say?”

Fear flashed through Amaïz’s spine. It was cold sweat. A premonition of something horrible. It was, simply, a shiver that he never had experienced in those ten years that he had followed Dali and worked in his shadow.

–Was he really such a person as to give off such a presence?

The Dali which Amaïz knew, was a nobody, who was roundabout in his craftiness, and at the same time a tremendously persevering person. In other words, a villain which chose his means, reliably continuing to gather small wins.

That, what was that exactly?

In the gaze which slowly was raised again from when he hung his head, a fiery flame was burning.

“What, there is no need to worry. You only need to follow my instructions, in the same manner as before. There is no particular problem. There will never be a dangerous bridge.1”

That nobody looked like a beast was placed in front of his eyes.

“Those guys are a lifesaver. What I hoped for came from the other side. It’s also in an unexpected shape. Because there is nothing what won’t be taken in by this.”

His craftiness was already nowhere to be seen, and his indirect character lay low,

“In the end, even the battlefield is politics. That young girl can’t apprehend that place. Therefore, if she gets excited, she runs around. When she gets excited, she gains merits of war. Because she becomes excited, she becomes something like that…… it is determined that the tall branches which stretch out, and break off in the wind.”

Rather than being patient, he had a manner as if it was unbearable,

“Ku, haha! Without me even moving, the above is keeping an eye on her!”

–Ah, I see…… that’s.

Amaïz finally understood from those words. He did not choose the means. They were given to him.

“Do you understand? This is not my plan. It is the will of something larger, which I am enclosed in.”

He didn’t pick up small victories himself, but he clung to a large victory which was presented to him–.

Even seeing that for the first time, it was natural. The reason for that was because Amaïz did not know it. Instead of ordering things himself, when he was obeying others’ orders – he had such a face on him.

“There’s a need to introduce them to you, you see.”

Dali suddenly turned his head back.

“Come out, you guys.”

From there, they, slowly, came out. Small-built figures – two of them. They came into sight just like ink seeping out.

Just how long had they been there? Since long ago, or, had they come there in that exact moment?

“Yes.” “Yes.”

Their voices, like bells rolling, overlapped once. The lips of the two assembled – putting together the same sounds.

They were young twins; girls. It could be said that they still were children. They appeared to be thirteen, fourteen, or so.

White skin, round eyes, brilliant lips. The girls, which seemed to be the very picture of sweetness itself, stood next to each other, having the exact same face.

However, Amaïz did not harbour any favourable impressions in front of them.

Because the white skin that the girls had was so white that blood didn’t seem to be flowing.

Because under their round eyes, there were dark circles, where the insomnia and illness of hatred seemed to be carved in, in layers.

Because of thin, red lips, which painted a curve that was like a vagina growing teeth.

And, more than anything.

Because of the the sharp ears which clung to both sides on the faces of the two, which came into view–.

“Th, ats……”

The girls were not human beings.

They were Elves. The enemies that Amaïz and the others continues to fight day after day at that Great Fortress.

His hair stood on end. The beauty of the girls was repulsive. They were repulsive precisely because they were beautiful.

“My name is Nokt.” “My name is Mikt.”

Pinching the edge of their skirts, they bowed.

With gestures and voices which embodied everything; life and death, beauty and ugliness, charm and fearfulness.

“Don’t put yourself on guard, Amaïz.”

Dali’s attitude was proud. Even though the other party giving out their names was an act that was not to be done in the private talk during the dark night – it was as if to say that that kind of minor detail was inconsequential.

“This, is……”

“Calm down. And don’t be afraid.”

He soothed Amaïz, who near-unconsciously put himself on guard, with a coaxing voice.

“This does not, by any means, go against the Empire. I am, beyond doubt, a patriot.”

And he spoke.

That it wasn’t betrayal.

That even though he communicated with the enemy side, he had pledged allegiance to the country.

In other words,

“This is one part of the task which I have received from the Empire. ……Do you understand, Amaïz? In war, if one only annihilates the enemy, it doesn’t end just like that. If you look at the postwar period during the war, it is even necessary to cooperate with the enemy side and match paces at times.

–Ah, I see.

“So it’s something like that, you say?”

In the end, war is simply politics which uses iron, blood, and life. Even in the event of a war of aggression starting, it did not change. Rather, for that reason, if it was a war of aggression that had started, the colour of politics would darken all the more on the opposite side. And, in politics, it was a common occurrence to be hand-in-hand with the enemy for the sake of mutual profit.

He thought that if he was a fainthearted maid or something, he would be forgiven even if he fainted. The category of the plan that Dali and Amaïz had schemed out had already moved beyond that scale.

If he were to speak accurately – their plan had been caught on to. By an even larger, more ostentatious, huge torrent.

“Ufu. Please be assured, Sir Commissioned Officer.”

“Yes, Please be assured, Sir Commissioned Officer.”

The twins gathered, and smiled obscenely.

“We are the same. Yes, for the sake of the Elven Tribe, we received our lives, and came.”

“That is right. We are under the command of our lord…… Her Majesty the Khan, Radiaata.”

Radiaata Lilithgrave.

During the beginning of the invasion operations in the human world, the name of the queen of the Elven Country was spoken about.

There probably was some kind of secret agreement which connected between the Empire and the Elven Country. What kind of thing it was, was unknown. The right to know would not be bestowed upon Amaïz.

However, Dali, who was the supreme commander of the Front Maintenance Forces, knew the conditions of that secret agreement. No – was it more natural to think that he knew of it from the beginning? Cooperating with the enemy while fighting them; it was precisely because he was that kind of person which held both good and evil, that the position of supreme commander was bestowed upon him.

In any case, in the process of execution of that secret agreement, Dali incidentally noticed that his own objectives could be granted. Or, the orders from the Empire coincided with his objectives by chance.

However, that was like throwing a net from a boat floating in a large vortex. Certainly, if you were in a large vortex, the sharks too were tossed about by the current. It was possible that they easily could be dealt with.

However, awaiting the future would be – ah, even if he thought about it, it would be futile. Because Amaïz was already on that ship. It was already too late to get off. What he could do would only be to do everything he could in order to not be swallowed down by that vortex and smashed, and to pray that he survived.

“I have written down instructions here. Return and read them.”

Dali presented a rolled-up and sealed secret message. Honestly speaking, he did not want to receive it. Although, were he not to receive it, he would be killed there. In order to implicitly demonstrate that, he expressly was with the Elven messengers. Indeed – that person was truly reliable, proceeding with everything.

“The budget for these preparations that I have written down is the same as always. It doesn’t matter how much it takes. Because you will need to scatter around a considerable amount of gold coins. ……For what, that kind of discretion is left to me.”

“Understood. I will follow your commands.”

Answering just like that, there was no path left for Amaïz.

At General Dali’s back, the Elven twins smiled. It was as if they scoffed at him and looked down on him, an unavoidable, aggravating thing.

The weather on the Great Plains of Mi Lea was fickle.It was because of the mountain range of Mi Lou, which held back the wind and clouds behind it.

That fine weather suddenly was assaulted by showers of rain was an everyday occurrence; conversely, when it rained, the time for it to stop would come at the blink of an eye. There were also particularly awful occasions where strong winds were added to torrential rain.

If the weather changes, the shape of war must also change accordingly.

That the tactics were influenced by the visibility’s good and bad points, and the state of people holding out and fighting on the scaffolding was a given, but there was also a need to take into consideration how every individual soldier made use of their inorganic necromancy during the weather. It was a simple story, if one were in pouring rain, flame-type necromancy would not be possible, and even if one were to use smokescreen-type necromancy on a day with strong winds, it would be scattered at once – it was something like that. And, such a simple thing troubled the soldier.

Therefore, the most unpleasant weather for them was cloudy weather. Plunging into battle in the midst of not knowing whether it would rain or if the clouds would disappear and it would clear up; after all, it made them anxious. All the more, because when fighting with magical beasts and Demons, one single mistake could bring death upon them.

That morning – the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves” were preparing to depart to the front in that exact cloudy weather. The clouds were a gloomy grey, which gave the premonition that rain was to come. On the other hand, the blue sky peeked through here and there, enough so that there was a chance that the clouds would drift away.

“It looks troublesome.”

While straddling his horse in front of the Eastern Eighth Gate, Sashtal looked up at the sky and said.

“I feel gloomy, mate. Even in rain, your dagger doesn’t change that much.”

Next to him, Fream bantered in a fed-up voice.

Well, it is just like that.

Sashtal’s kukri was of the Eftal system; in other words, it was a magical sword which could use only one kind of evocation. That evocation was dissolution – acid seeped out from the blade and burned the enemy to death, which was quite unconnected to the weather, exhibiting a fixed result. If there was a great amount of torrential rain, there was a chance of the acid being washed away, but if there was a little water, the power increased due to hydration instead.

As for Fream, his magical spear was of the Juelamil system, depending on the properties of the loaded spirit energy tubes, it could operate different evocations. Just as much as one could choose a suitable evocation depending on the state of affairs, it held the defect that it was susceptible to the influences from the surrounding environment. In other words; due to changes in weather, and so forth, there was the likelihood that a part of the spirit energy tubes that were carried with it would become useless.

Though the flame-type evocation was the first on the list to not be used any more when it rained, the flame-type evocation was a very high type of inorganic necromancy in terms of convenience even if rain didn’t fall; therefore, as it was a cloudy sky, the option of not carrying those spirit energy tubes at all was impossible. As a result, in a battle where the situation was that the weather was unstable, the amount of evocations that a magical sword of the Juelamil system could let out would inevitably become lower – due to that the amount of spirit energy tubes that could be carried with it was finite.

It was not only Fream’s magical spear. Of course, Milifica’s knight sword, and practically every soldier belonging to the Order of Chivalry, favoured the Juelamil system. In the extreme case of Raimi, where if her grimoires would get damp from the fierce water, the ink in them would blur, and make them nothing but wastepaper. With the exception of one book, which seemed to be ready to be used, her books were put into the luggage, strictly packed in oil paper.

“Well, it’ll be fine.”

Though, I’m not that worried.

“Our usual way of fighting is a short, decisive battle. We just have to end the battle before the weather declines, and even it rains for the time being, you’ll be able to return back before our stockpile of spirit energy tubes run out.”

Sashtal laughed, while chewing on the stem of a Harpy Mint.

Gazing at Milifica’s both flanks, who previously stood by in the front,

“Besides, the weather is irrelevant for those two which are worthy of being our greatest war potential.”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“Yeah, certainly.”

Those two – Fream groaned at Imina and Ziadrene’s appearances from behind.

That Imina’s “Exellis” was able to demonstrate its power regardless of the environment went without saying, but Ziadrene also favoured equally strong arms.

A big hatchet as large as an arm, it had the inscription “Serpent Smasher”.

The evocation engravings inserted in the engine part of its Eftal-type system was an effective means of bloodshed during any circumstances – deadly poison. Besides, it boasted a weight that made it impossible for an ordinary person to lift, let alone wield, it; his herculean strength aided it as for it to chop through the magical beasts’ hard skin and bodily hair, wounding them, and killing them with poison. It was said that it was a weapon that possessed both heartiness and vulgarity.

Those two were the vital points of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves’ attack.

There were but a few people in the Imperial Army which could compete with Demons with only one single horseman. What those two possessed could be said to be the strong points of the Order of Chivalry.

They pierced through the vanguards, a strategy that other Orders of Chivalry were rather incapable of doing – their swift attacks’ lightning war made it possible. Charging into the target’s battlefield, disturbing and trampling down the enemy line, immediately withdrawing. Afterwards, they individually crushed those which retreated, and returned with victory; something like that.

It finished with very few casualties. The numbers that they lost during one sortie would be ten, at most.

The disadvantage of that strategy was that it was impossible to annihilate the enemy army, but between completely exterminating fifty enemies and losing one hundred of one’s own during one sortie and finishing by killing twenty among the enemy of fifty and losing ten of one’s own during one sortie, it was natural that the latter was decided. If one were to repeat the latter three times, one would kill sixty enemies and lose thirty, which outstripped the former in both military gains and damages.

At the very beginning, vice-captain Amaïz was greatly opposed. Saying things like “Foolishly reducing the enemy’s numbers without annihilating their army only disturbs the battlefield, doing nothing more than inconveniencing other troops.”

However – ultimately, that opinion was dismissed. The other units in question welcomed the Order of Chivalry’s lightning war. The reason for that was because after the battlefield had been partially destroyed, the enemy army became opponents easy to hunt due to their comrades.

“……That reminds me, he’s been obedient recently.”

Suddenly, the much-revered assistant commander was on Sashtal’s mind.

He was a person under the command of General Dali; in other words, the hindrance here would be an order In reality, he had suddenly begun harassing everyone since the first day they met.

However, as Milifica gave him her battle results during her first campaign, and as Ziadrene’s gang, which held the most influential voices in the Order of Chivalry, were pleased with her, he had completely lost his position and authority. According to hearsay, why he had been recognised as the captain until then was only because hid influence was sufficient, that there was no person which felt loyalty to him from the bottom of their hearts, and that Ziadrene’s gang weren’t particularly interested in him in the first place, it seemed.

Because he often gave them large amounts of money, they sometimes followed his orders, but when they discovered things more interesting than money, they preferred only that – Ziadrene had sneered something like that.

As always, vice captain Amaïz glumly stood to the side and slightly behind Milifica.

“Didn’t he give up?”

Fream answered Sashtal.

“Something like giving up, I guess that hasn’t happened.”

Even now, he stuck next to Milifica on the battlefield, trying to interfere with this and that. Although, because Milifica herself rejected everything, it always ended in vain.
But him only speaking out, despite knowing he would be refused, left a bad feeling.

“There are no great movements, conversely, they’ve stopped.”

“He wouldn’t necessarily sneakily thrust a sword into Lady Milifica’s back from her behind……right?”

Sashtal shook his head at Fream’s question.

“Nah, that guy probably hasn’t the character to cross such a dangerous bridge.”

If Milifica were to be unnaturally injured in that state of affairs, at least they would doubt Amaïz from the very beginning. Besides, if it didn’t only end in injury, they did not have the intention to end it just by doubting him. Only with the proof that they would know, they would torture him, making him confess, and later kill him; unrelated to the military regulations. Because Sashtal and the others were fighting not for the Imperial Army, but for Milifica.

Precisely because the other side understood that, they didn’t do thoughtless things like that.

Conversely, precisely because he was of a careful and prudent character – if he were to move,

“I want to take precautions. I believe there’s enough evidence of a plan being hatched.”

Far-reaching – Sashtal and the others not even able to forecast them, an unthinkable trap would be set, which would even swallow up Sashtal and the others and destroy them in one swoop.

──Rather, should we perhaps get mixed up in the confusion and put an arrow in Amaïz’s back?

Of course, things of that sort would not improve their state of affairs. General Dali would just send in another vice-captain, and moreover, that person could have a character that would do things even more hastily than Amaïz’s.

In other words, the best policy that they were to pick up, would be to continue generating more merits of war, and to become such a position so that General Dali would give up. It was a troublesome journey. However, he thought that it wasn’t impossible.
While he thought of such things, the signal of the departure for the front was blown by the bugles.

The chain which held the Eastern Eighth Gate was pulled, slowly raising the gate. The gate consisted of three layers – first of all, the lattice which was dropped on the inside; then, the iron door; and finally, the lattice which was dropped on the outside.

“All hands, prepare!”

Milifica dignifiedly raised her voice.

The atmosphere of the Order of Chivalry grew tense. Their morale rose, and their fighting spirit was enhanced. Her voice held that kind of power – and it wasn’t anything which could be stopped by the likes of Amaïz.

“Everyone, let’s travel well, fight well, and return back here without dying. ……Depart!”

Milifica kicked her stirrup. Her white horse neighed, starting to sprint.

“OOOOOOOH!”
The two hundred people of the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves” plunged into the Great Plains of Mi Lea while shouting a battle cry. That was a spectacle that had been repeated many times over the past month; therefore no-one doubted that they would victor in battle as usual, returning triumphantly with few people wounded.

Where the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves” received their life of battle was at the south-west part of the Great Plains of Mi Lea – at the enemy’s battle formations, at a place about fifteen kilometres separated from the Great Fortress of Astzeelen.

The time that the marching took was approximately two hours.

All members of the group were on horseback. Because there was a great number of horses which allowed two people to ride, the speed itself was in between of a quick march and a slow march, yet far brisker than a march mixed with infantrymen. That was the result of organizing the force with speed as the number one priority using a select few.

At a place about five kilometres separated from the place where it seemed that the enemy army held their battle formation, the forces stopped marching for a moment. To begin with, they sent out their vanguard unit, their purpose being to confirm the size of the enemy.

In those two hours, the weather was in the process of collapsing.

Bit by bit, it started to rain down from the sky, which was preconceived to become a full-scale passing shower sooner or later. It seemed that it would become a battle in the rain. Milifica gave the order to everyone, to check the loaded spirit energy tubes in the storehouse, and to review the equipment.

Each member started fastening spikes to the soles of their shoes and replacing their gloves with anti-skid gloves. Naturally, they did not forget to rearrange the spirit energy tubes on their leather belts and in their pouches either. There was a need to replace the spirit elements with ones that could be used even in rainy weather immediately; in a place where they could take them out.

Nonetheless, Imina had nothing special to do. Since four years ago, he had always continued to train so that he could fight during any kind of circumstances; if it was raining, he would not let his sword fall. Needless to say, maintaining his demon sword was irrelevant. He even felt like apologizing for having it so easy.

If he were to speak frankly, if one were to attempt a lightning war with a surprise attack, rainy weather was preferable. It was because rain dulled the noses of the magical beasts and the eyes of the Demons. Although, if it were to become too strong, it would instead lead to their own command growing more difficult, so if it fell down, a moderate amount would be desirable.

Before long, the vanguard unit returned.

However, the facial expressions of the solders which reported in to Milifica had puzzled colours on them.

“It is strange. The enemy army is in a battle formation at a place considerably distant from the position where our forces are in charge. From here, the distance is about two kilometres…… About three kilometres from the near side of the “Small Elven Village”.

“What does this mean exactly?”, thought Imina.

The troops of Demons and magical beasts were based in a small-scale Elven Forest – the “Small Elven Village” – and were always lined up in the vicinities of it. At the furthest, it was normal that they were within one kilometre of it.

The scores of kilometres of space where spirit flowers and spirit trees were in full leaf were places where the enemy took refuge when it was necessary, while at the same time being a gathering spot where the spirit energy served the purpose of healing the Demons’ and magical beasts’ wounds. At times, the Elves in the positions of commanding officers were stationed there too; in so doing, they could become a cradle for bearing to the fighting power.

Naturally, that “Small Elven Village” could not easily change its position. Therefore, it became a symbol when the Imperial Army attached the enemy. It was constantly checked by scouts for the position of the enemy which was scattered on the Great Plains; while seeing the general situation in battle every day, every force turned toward every position and appropriately marched there. The other side stood in formation awaiting any flocks of monsters near their base.

From the human side, destroying that position would be the best in terms of military gains. Consequently, when crushing or annihilating the enemy army, it was compulsory that they were to leave after setting fire to the “Small Elven Village”. Of course, it would be difficult for fire to spread in a living forest, and because it wasn’t made with enough volume and density of plants for it to burn easily even in another place, it dealt with it in a struggling at a minimum. The examples of success were few and far between.

Come to think of it – when Amaïz Julieta was summoned, didn’t he say something about how lightning warfare was giving up on crushing their base from the start and thus pointless? In Imina’s opinion, the act of setting fire was useless. Because even if one would succeed in hitting the first one, a new forest would be born.

Rather than forests, one needed to continue beating Demons and magical beasts, and lure Elves, killing them.

Their numbers were few. Unlike magical beasts and Demons, they did not multiply like rats’ spawn. Rather, the ones which increased the magical beasts, Demons, and the forests, like rats’ spawn, were exactly the Elves. Therefore, rather than slaying one hundred Demons, there was more value in taking the head of one Elf.

And if one were to speak of the likelihood of coming across an Elf, frankly, doing a lightning war would make it higher.

Even they weren’t foolish. However strong they were, if the numerical superiority was too great, they knew that the chance of success was slim. In a war of annihilation, a large human army also counted as such so even if all the demons and magic beasts were eliminated, it would be a good plan to just take a nap in the forest without leaving. Because, even if the forest was to be set on fire, the fire would not spread much into the inner parts of it; in the worst case, they could just run away under the guise of the smoke.

Conversely, if a small army were to wage a lightning war, there was a possibility that the Elves would be provoked and go out instead. Careless from their small numbers, and getting carried away that they could win alone against 200 people.

Although – that time, that hope was faint. Even if one were to hit the bastards which were at a place three kilometres from the position, the chances of the Elves leaving was low.

“‘s the structure of the enemy army?”

Milifica inquired from the scout.

“Aye. There are about thirty Demons and fifty magical beasts…… It’s more than predicted.”

“Was it not a position that was built three or four days ago?”

While Ziadrene roughly stroked his beard, he tilted his head with a deep voice.

“”So since the enemies still are few in number, they got passed to us. Right?”

“Yes, exactly.”

To Milfica’s assent,

“It doesn’t seem to be a disarrayed flock, ya see.”

Fiene, who rode her horse, shrugged her shoulders. Because she sat on the front of the saddle and entrusted her back and the reins to him, it was almost like she was a princess embraced by a prince – though, frankly, the impression was more like a wild beast running away with a harlot.

While thinking that, Amaïz brought his bits 2 together toward Milifica.

“What do you think, Lady captain?”

He was asking as if he was seeking for an answer on how to move the unit.

At that time, his dignity and appearance as a vice-captain had completely disappeared, and he had become a mere supplement. Still, he persistently behaved as an vice-captain, obstinately not leaving Milifica’s side, even on the battlefield. Thus, he increased his resolution, forcing his way through. He had a lot of nerve.

“Well…… Sir Amaïz, what is your opinion?”

However, Milifica never was blunt to him. Seeing as that was politics too. If she were to treat him impolitely, she would fall into disgrace with General Dali.

He answered, nodding.

“I can think of a few predictions of the state of affairs.”

“What are those predictions?”

“Are my thoughts all right?”

He cynically glanced toward Raimi – the “Tactician” – who was slightly behind Milifica.

“Please tell me. There is no reason for me not to hear my vice-captain’s ideas.”

Milifica displayed modesty to the bitter end.

Amaïz cleared up with a “Well then”, and began.

“First of all, I do not agree with what Fiene said just a while ago, they are a stray flock. I believe that that possibility is sufficient. Sometimes, unforeseen events occur on the battlefield.”

Fiene knitted her brows in displeasure upon having her opinion denied, but, ignoring her,

“In other words, what the vanguard unit found was an entirely unexpected force, very close to the position five kilometres ahead that we are in charge of, where there is another force that we originally were supposed to fight. Compared to when we prepared for that position, it it is consistent with the information that the size of the forces was great.”

“Ha, though it’s annoying, he has a point.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

He firmly returned the provoking girl’s murmurs with sarcasm, and continued further.

“Also, tactically speaking, I believe that it is a case where the enemy position is in a battle formation a long distance away. If you say what you come to think of, it’s that they are cooperating with another unit, right?”

“A group of Demons are, you say?”

“Yes. For example…… The three units, the ‘Order of Chivalry of the Black Swans’, the ‘Order of Chivalry of the Green Mountain Sheep’, and the ‘Order of Chivalry of the Elk’, are deployed in the vicinity. The enemy army that is fighting with either of them will feign a retreat and turn this way. Or course, our allied troops will chase them. That being done, what will happen? Our party which is searching for the enemy is ready and waiting. Our allied troops will round them up.”

“……I see.”

“It appears that the high intelligence of their tactical nature seem to not have any relation to the Demons and magical beasts of low intelligence. In reality, has not Lady captain already encountered this? But that’s not to say it’s completely absent. With the Elves’ orders, they can perform tactical-esque movements.”

“In other words…… There’s a chance that an enemy general is nearby and taking command, right?”

At that, Milifica glanced at Imina.

That was because she knew that for Imina, military gains were Elves’ heads – however, what was put into that gaze was a noncommittal feeling, saying “While that may be a good opportunity for you, depending on the situation, you may need to persevere”.

“It may be a situation where the possibilities overlap the previous topic. In addition to the troops which are searching for the enemy, within that position what we are in charge of, our troops, who belong to that position, are in battle formation too.”

Without noticing the silent exchange of words between the two, Amaïz spoke.

“Thus, there are four possibilities we should consider. With the unit out searching as A and our base’s unit as B…… are A and B the same unit or separate units? And is A a stray flock, or are they moving under the orders of someone?”

“Raimi, what is your judgment?”

Milifica looked over her shoulder, and asked Raimi, who was in the rear of the line.

“A, aye! They’re basically the same unit! I believe if A and B are considered separate units, then if A goes on standby for the plan, B could be treated as one of the units that would carry it out.”

“I see, understood.”

After the brief conversation had finished, Milifica sank into silence for a few seconds.

And she raised her face, glancing at the two; Amaïz and Raimi; and after that, the leaders – in other words, Imina and the others and Ziadrene’s gang, and asked.

“Anyhow, we cannot ignore the forces that have been discovered. That’s why we’ll launch an assault there and retreat via the planned route when the time is right. How about a plan where the entire Order of Chivalry searches for the enemy at the position that has been entrusted to us?”

“What are we supposed to do if B is at that position?”

The one who objected to that plan was Amaïz.

“We will judge depending on the size of B, and depending on the pursuit of A. If they seem to be attackable, attack them like that; if the danger seems to be high, withdraw before you are noticed, and return while taking a detour.”

“However, in that case, you will abandon the offensive at the place which we are responsible of. What we ultimately should look after is that spot. Would that not be a breach of orders?”

That he flared up was a normal occurence, so everyone had fed-up faces.

But, that was normal as well – Raimi coldly told him of her objections.

“From now on, the chance is high that the weather will crumble more and more. When that happens, we are at a disadvantage. Rather than doing the unreasonable and take on two units, I believe that it is better to run away.”

She was very fluent when she spoke about tactics.

“Hmm. Running from the fight, contrary to the orders. So we are the valiant Imperial Army? To say nothing of that if the enemy is doing some kind of strategy, it is not only our Order of Chivalry’s problem.”

“After our unit has been annihilated in a free-for-all fight in the bad weather, what is earned by sticking to bravery and influence? There is nothing more foolish than executing a strategy that relies on idealism.”

“……uh.”

She was a different person from the usual, disordered, one. Even in front of a coercive man like Amaïz, she did not retreat even a step, instead crowding him.

“Though, I certainly think that it is a good idea to take into account the possibility that the enemy is in the middle of executing some kind of tactics. So, let’s send a messenger to every Order of Chivalry in the vicinity. In addition, after the retreat, how about temporarily linking up with another Order of Chivalry? There shouldn’t be any problems if we think of our next strategy after we join up with them.”

And, moreover, without unsparingly deny the opponent’s opinions, she picked up the justifiable parts.

“……I see, got it.”

Not even the sound of him being lost for words came out, as he had no choice but to agree.

Because of that, Milifica announced to the Order of Chivalry.

“Then, that’s concluded.”

It was never like Raimi was favoured and Amaïz was looked down on. It was the result of objectively judging from hearing both of their views. Therefore, there was no grumbling from Amaïz.

“We will commence a lightning war toward A, the enemy forces three kilometres ahead of here. It will pass as usual. However, the twelfth platoon; please split into groups, deploy into the vicinities as messengers, and go toward the the Orders of Chivalry: the ‘Order of Chivalry of the Black Swans’; the ‘Order of Chivalry of the Green Mountain Sheep’, and the ‘Order of Chivalry of the Elk’.”

Voices saying “Roger!” arose,

“After we have withdrawn from battle…… let’s go toward the ‘Order of Chivalry of the Green Mountain Sheep’. The captain, Lady Cecilia, does not feign ignorance, and is a person who has discretion. If you explain the circumstances, you should be accepted. When the twelfth platoon has finished their messenger duties, they are to return back here. –Again and again, take care.”

Everyone in the twelfth brigade immediately kicked their stirrups and moved away from the unit.

Seeing that with her own eyes, Milifica looked out over everyone in the Order of Chivalry – and raised her sword.

“Well, let’s go as well. Let’s become the wind, become a spear, silently draw near and rapidly attack, and trample them down like a storm. All hands of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves – follow me!”

Instead of replying her, they drew their swords.

One must not let the enemy know that one exists before one’s appearance is invisible.

The battle cry still lay ahead. It was after Milifica had approved the target, and issued an order. Their battle formation was formed like an arrow, extending a little in the vertical direction. The one who went in the lead was the captain, Milifica. The ones which hardened both wings were Imina and Ziadrene, and immediately behind them, Sashtal and the others, along with subordinates of the gang, followed.

Though there were a few uncertain factors, what didn’t change was the battles that they performed, which had repeated many times until then. If there was an enemy army in front of their eyes, they only kicked them about. It would be a great boon if they managed to lure an Elf over, and all would be fine if Imina was its opponent.

While raising the speed, everyone present pushed on.

The distance to the troops that the vanguard unit had discovered was two kilometres, one kilometre. Until they entered their field of vision, seven hundred metres, five hundred metres.

At the distance of three hundred metres, Milifica waved her sword, and the forces let out a roar in unison.

Ziadrene from the right, Imina from the left, pulled ahead of Milifica as the ichiban yari 3. Ziadrene, even though he was embracing Fiene in his chest, shouldered his large hatchet on his with a pompous face.

Everything flowed as usual.

To be precise – it flowed as usual, up to that point, just before they had made contact with the enemy.

The flock of enemies were as if they were soldiers under the command of someone,

“Hey, what’s this……!”

With a swoosh, they broke into two parts.

If it were the same as usual, the magical beasts and Demons would, in response to the bloodlust from them, be supposed to oppose them as monsters without a plan, but they indifferently expanded into a crane-wing formation. It was a perfectly coordinated movement, as if they were controlled by somebody. No, surely they were – manipulated.

By whom? It was decided.

“There’s an Elf! Where!?”

Someone shouted. Imina’s heart sprung up. An impulsive urge to kill seeped out from the depths of his soul.

However, that urge to kill did not spread throughout his entire body. Because, before that – a shock greater than the urge to kill assaulted Imina, and from there on, everyone in the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves”.

“All hands, compose yourselves! Keep on breaking through the centre, and restore your attitudes!”

There was not a person that could respond to Milifica’s order. Neither in the sense of replying, nor in the sense of action. The reason for that was because it had happened around the same time as she had shouted.

The Demons and magical beasts, which had spread out in a crane-wing formation, suddenly stopped their movements.

They stopped – immediately after that.

The wall of meat, which had surrounded the vanguard unit of the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves” in a semicircle,

“Wh……t!?”

simultaneously exploded with the organic plosive sound called “bang”.

Heads of Ogres, torsos of Trolls, stomachs of Orcs, limbs of Goblins, necks of Kerberoi, tails of Basilisks, and bodies of Gryphons, all burst open from the inside. Blood, flesh, skin, and viscera was scattered, staining everything a dark red as far as the eye could see, and what sprung up and extended from the monsters’ backs in a squirming fashion, were worm-like, emerald-green stems, dark brown trunks, and multi-coloured flowers.

In other words,

“An Elven, forest……?”

It was spirit flowers, spirit grass, and spirit trees, strangely grown from being exposed to highly-concentrated spirit energy.

Dumbfounded, Imina recalled the scene from four years ago.

The memories of her destroyed hometown were sucked into the ‘Elven Forest’ within hisview. The same thing as that time had occurred at a speed that couldn’t be compared to it.

In other words, seeds of plants were planted within the bodies of the Demons and magical beasts.

Somewhere, an Elf was operating the monsters and surrounding them, while germinating the seeds.

With with the large quantity of spirit energy that the monsters had stored up, the plants grew explosively–.

“Milifica’!!”

He unintentionally shouted.

“Turn around at once, hightail it! At this rate……”

“……Unfortunately, boy. It seems you’re too late.”

He heard a seemingly-resignated, gloomy voice, from next to him.

“Ziadrene, what……”

“Tsk, don’t fucking play around. What the fuck’s this?”

While gnashing his teeth, he loudly tutted, his chin pointing at the front of his line of sight.

“Look at the surroundings. This is un-fucking-believable.”

Yielding, lost for words – not only Imina, but everyone in that place, did so.

What surrounded them was not only the front any more.

That they were gloomy was not because of the weather any more.

The odour of the atmosphere which they inhaled was not of the presence of rain any more.

They were completely surrounded on all four sides, by the “Elven Forest”.
Even though it shouldn’t have been even one minute since it had started, the trees were growing high enough for them to be looked up at.
And, from the depths of the forest – which perhaps was left behind as a seedbed – Demons and magical beasts slowly walked out.

“Uh…… Close formation! Please assemble in a square formation!”

The reason for why everyone followed Milifica’s orders could have been because everyone had ceased to think during that terrible event. But would that battle formation really have an effect in what was to come?

“Imina’!”

From behind the crowd, Ellis came, her horse’s nose thrusting into them. She had thought that it was a not a situation to protect the rank and file. Imina conveyed a thanks through his gaze. Her judgment was correct. Beyond that future, where they didn’t know what was going to happen, it would be necessary for the two to be together.

“Everyone else’s?”

“They’re fine. They’re together with uncle Ziadrene’s subordinates. But……”

Ellis turned back, confused.

“The number of group members has decreased. I wonder if they were engulfed by the forest?”

Imina also looked out over the party. Though they were in the middle of rebuilding the battle formation into a square formation, he could grasp the approximate number of people. There were only one hundred people or so. Then, what happened to the remaining? According to Ellis’ worries, were they divided into parts due to the sudden growth of trees?

“No…… It’s different.”

Though the front and sides had the vigour of raging waves, the rear closing was a little deferred.

Besides, they were in an arrow-head formation – roughly speaking, it was a battle formation which formed an equilateral triangle, and it was in the middle of attacking. If everyone was moving properly, they wouldn’t be stretching far enough in the vertical direction to be split up.

In other words, the half of the units that weren’t there,

“The remaining guys have surely escaped. We are…… trapped in a snare.”

Perhaps, during the assault, the back half of the battle formation almost collapsed.
And someone had stealthily fallen back, commanding the rear guards, knowing what was going to happen in advance and stopping their feet just before, turning back.

“……You’ve done it, haven’t you, Amaïz Julieta.”

The shape of the vice-captain, who always kept close to Milifica and finding faults with her, was nowhere to be seen anymore.

That day, twenty-three minutes past one in the afternoon.

When the rain, which had gradually begun to fall since the morning, had become full-blown beyond noon, two reports had arrived at the Great Fortress of Astzeelen.

The informer was the vice-captain of the “Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves”, Amaïz Julieta. It was a return, accompanied with about half of the soldiers that had sortied; that was, in other words, also a rout.

One of the reports was about the enemy position, the “Small Elven Village”, which suddenly had appeared. In the south-western part of the Great Plains of Mi Lea, at a spot about five kilometres away from the Great Fortress, there was an occurrence, as a seedbed of Demons’ and magical beasts’ bodies, which explosively expanded over time. At that current time, it had become a large-scale thing, the size even extending one kilometre in every direction – it was such a thing.

The second report was about the own army.
The rout of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves, which had “unluckily” encountered it at the site of the outbreak, which had fought bravely in order to prevent it, but ultimately failed to do so. The survivors were about half, including him; the remaining half were engulfed by the forest, their lives or deaths unknown, and that them returning seemed hopeless – he said.

The captain of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves, Milifica Yusala Astzeelen was contained within that part.

Footnotes:

This idiom is a paraphrase of “危ない橋を渡る, crossing a dangerous bridge”, meaning “to tread on thin ice”. The thing that is placed in a horse’s mouth when riding. The first warrior who breached the enemy line was termed “ichiban yari” (the first spear).