Having finished turning the city of Sakart into a military base, we were summoned to Alhans, which fell into the hands of the liberation army, by Therese. Given that we obtained a military position that allows us to safely stay in range of the imperial capital, she apparently wants me, an excellent magician, to be at her side.
I don’t think that she was lonely as Burkhart-san and Doushi served as her guards during our absence, but in the end, Therese might be fixated on me.
Leaving Sakart, that had the majority of its construction work completed, to Popek and the others, I arrived at Alhans while taking Philip and Christoph along.
As might be expected from a city that’s treated as an auxiliary capital, its scale is even larger than that of Breitburg.
I have heard from Therese that she forced their surrender in the capitulation negotiations after cutting off their supplies with a siege strategy. Thanks to that there wasn’t any apparent damage to Alhans.
“I heard that you captured a nice place?” (Alfons)
“You might say I just went with the flow of events?” (Wendelin)
Alfons, who came to greet us, thanked us for securing the fortress and city of Sakart.
It was a place that wouldn’t really be all that useful, but thanks to me doing construction work to expand the city and the fortress, it seems to apply plenty of pressure on the rebel army.
“But, for it to be the city of Sakart… Since the fortress has been used as a storehouse for the local merchants for 30 years now, none of us realised its existence until we received the report.” (Alfons)
Given that its defence was doubtful as long as it wasn’t repaired, they probably wouldn’t have felt any necessity to go out of their way to take it. But before even that, there was apparently no one among the soldiers and nobles who was aware of it.
According to Therese and Alfons, it’s a fortress that was abolished before they were born. So in the first place, it would be even a problem for them remembering it.
“It was a great help since we can apply pressure on the capital and the front line if we connect the road to Alhans. It looks like you serviced the roads quite a bit as well, doesn’t it?” (Alhans)
“I guess I had the spare time since there was no battle.” (Wendelin)
I haven’t had to fight almost at all in this time’s march.
It was limited to threatening Popek and his army with the 『Low-frequency Medical Device』 spell to make them surrender.
No, if I think back now, they surrendered under the jurisdiction of the liberation army while pretending to act like idiots, and then assisted in the reinforcement of the fortress and the city of Sakart. This will restore their own territories, which form an economic bloc… they may have predicted it up to this point. If they really did, they would be outrageously skilled people who can’t be measured with just the scale of being former imperial army elites.
◆◇◆◇◆
“Thou put forth great efforts, didn’t thou Wendelin?” (Therese)
“Great efforts?” (Wendelin)
Therese struggled with a mountain of documents in the government office of Alhans.
Since the city is a metropolis under the direct control of the empire, it has turned into a huge workload to govern after the occupation.
Because there’s also the management of the prisoners that surrendered, a huge amount of documents has piled up,
“Burkhart-san, you are sorting documents?” (Wendelin)
“I suppose that’s because you and your group were absent, Earl-sama…” (Burkhart)
Since Elise and Ina went with us as well, Burkhart-san, who served as Therese’s guard, apparently ended up doing a part of our job. Given that he’s an intellectual who received a proper education, he can accomplish this kind of work as well.
That’s only obvious for a capable person who was cordially welcomed by Margrave Breithilde.
“Umm… what about uncle-sama?” (Elise)
“Elise-sama, do you really believe that Doushi can do something like handling documents?” (Burkhart)
“Well… once in a long while, he probably does it as well…” (Elise)
Elise answers Burkhart-san’s question without confidence.
He's certainly the type that runs away after pushing it on someone else. The person, who had it forced upon them, probably can’t complain about it either.
“Isn’t he Therese-sama’s guard?” (Erwin)
“That should be the case, but…” (Haruka)
Due to Doushi not being at Therese’s side despite being her guard, Erw and Haruka showed expressions full of uneasiness.
“If you are looking for me, I’m here!” (Armstrong)
“It came out—!” (Erwin)
Erw was apparently startled by the sudden appearance of Doushi.
“I was on standby in the room next to this. Erwin-lad, I’m properly carrying out my job as a guard!” (Armstrong)
“Oh, were you? But why aren’t you at Therese’s side then?” (Erwin)
“That’s obvious. It’s because I hate paperwork!” (Armstrong)
“To state that so boldly…” (Haruka)
Haruka became speechless due to the words of Doushi who always lives by his own instincts. She might have suffered a culture shock after seeing a human similar to Doushi for the first time.
“At any rate, it’s great that you have come. I suppose we will first split into groups and clean up this large amount of documents?” (Therese)
“We have to do it as well!?” (Wendelin)
As she seems to be really at her wits’ end, we are given the documents that we can understand to check.
Of course, doing the last check and signing them was Therese’s job.
“Alfons-san isn’t here.” (Wilma)
Wilma notices that Alfons is gone without any of us realising.
When she asks the guards in front of the office, it looks like he went out to the city on business.
“As expected of my soul mate. He’s truly fast at running away…” (Wendelin)
I praised the quickness of Alfons’ escape while checking documents.
That’s because I believe this to be a skill that the current me desperately needs.
“I’m just wondering, but is it alright for us foreigners to look at these documents?” (Wendelin)
“Do thou plan to leak the information?” (Therese)
Therese apparently heard my mutter and poses a question back to me.
“Well, that’s what I mean.” (Wendelin)
“Even if thou hand the information of these documents to the kingdom after the war, it won’t be of any use as the information will be out of date. Even I wouldn’t hand thou any documents that must not be leaked.” (Therese)
As expected, she apparently takes at least this much into consideration.
“But then again, if thou remained in the empire as mine husband, Wendelin, the opportunities for thou to come in contact with highly confidential information would likely increase.” (Therese)
“Therese-sama, this part here is wrong.” (Elise)
“Therese-sama, the budget entries of this document don’t add up. Also, this receipt is suspicious. You should give a warning to the person who handed it in.” (Ina)
Because Therese tried to seduce me once again, Elise and Ina interrupt her by thrusting inaccurate documents in front of her nose.
“Thee two are unusually excellent.” (Therese)
Given that Elise is a perfect superwoman, her paperwork is perfect as well, and it has become common knowledge during this civil war that Ina is also quite good with this kind of work.
“Let me see… after adding 7 and 5, it moves up by one digit here… Huh? That’s correct, isn’t it? Somehow I feel unsure. Once more…” (Luise)
On the other hand, Luise, who mostly lives by intuition, was in dire distress in front of the huge amount of documents.
In the end, everyone has things they are good at and things they are bad at.
“Katharina, this place is wrong.” (Wilma)
“That’s odd!” (Katharina)
Katharina can work through the paperwork quickly to some extent, but she makes quite a few mistakes.
On the other hand, Wilma is slow but accurate. She often pointed out Katharina’s mistakes.
These two might have contrasting characters, but their compatibility might actually be very good.
“I guess this kind of work is necessary as well, but…” (Erwin)
“Erw-san, let’s do our best. I will make daifuku as a snack later.” (Haruka)
“Okay, I will keep at it, Haruksan.” (Erwin)
Erw and Haruka created their own little world.
Basically, Haruka skillfully incites Erw to do his work.
He’s already being dominated, but since Erw himself doesn’t think that to be the case, it’s no problem.
“(So this is a woman who wisely controls her husband while treating him with due respect…?)” I end up admiring her.
Since we finally put the documents in order after around one hour, we decided to have a talk with Therese while having a little snack.
“I’m not really skilled at it, but…” (Haruka)
The snacks were the daifuku Haruka had promised before.
The person herself, who made them, is humble about her own creation, but they weren’t inferior in any way to those sold at stores.
“They are delicious with their moderate sweetness, Haruksan.” (Erwin)
“Really? I’m happy.” (Haruka)
“Since you are skilled at cooking and sweets, I wasn’t worried at all.” (Erwin)
Looking at the two of them, it’s almost like a newly-wed couple sitting around the dining table.
When I incidentally look at Therese, she had an expression full of envy.
I pretend not to have noticed.
“The bean daifuku and the salt daifuku are tasty, too.”
“I wondered whether it would be alright to put salt into sweets, but the salty-sweet taste is addictive.”
Luise was apparently also pleased with the salt daifuku she ate for the first time.
“By the way, what about strawberry daifuku?” (Wendelin)
“Eh?” (Erwin)
“Strawberries and daifuku?” (Haruka)
Erw and Haruka became speechless due to my remark.
In their minds, the combination of strawberries and daifuku is probably impossible.
“That’s an odd combination, isn’t it? Is it going to be alright?” (Ina)
Ina is worried about the taste, but as a matter of fact, I have already experienced that taste.
In other words, the combination of strawberries and daifuku is the best possible combination.
The strawberries in this world are smaller and sourer than the ones in Japan, but in contrast, that should bring out their refreshing taste.
“If you order me to do it like that, Earl Baumeister-sama…” (Haruka)
There are still ingredients for daifuku remaining and I have put several strawberries into my magic bag.
In accordance with my order, Haruka started to slowly make strawberry daifuku.
“I’m anxious about the taste.” (Armstrong)
For a change, Doushi was worried about the taste, but since it’s extremely unlikely for him to get an upset stomach even if he eats something disgusting or rotten, I think that it’s a pointless concern for him.
“I’m done.” (Haruka)
“Wendelin-san, are these really alright?” (Katharina)
Katharina puts one into her mouth while looking anxious, but since it was something sweet, she would never reject it entirely.
I wonder though, is that okay with your diet?
That’s the only worrisome matter here.
The others all begin to sample the food simultaneously, but their initial worries were blown away immediately.
They started to give the strawberry daifuku high praise.
“Dear, it’s very delicious.” (Elise)
“Huh? Even though it’s a strange combination, it’s tasty, isn’t it?” (Haruka)
Elise and Haruka, who are good at cooking, gave the strawberry daifuku a high evaluation.
“You did well to come up with that, Wend.” (Luise)
“Really. How strange.” (Wilma)
“Hah, I’m blessed by a food god.” (Wendelin)
Luise and Wilma ate the strawberry daifuku while admiring it.
It was a simple rip-off, but as long as no one knows that, it’s no real rip-off.
Besides, if you tell the people of this world that it was the revelation from God, there's a high probability you will be believed.
It’s just the right cover to give them the slip.
“Leaving that aside, don’t we have to talk about the future from here on out?” (Burkhart)
Upon having that pointed out by Burkhart-san, who doesn’t have much interest in sweets, it was decided that we would finally hear the future plans from Therese.
“This sweet is tasty.” (Therese)
“Therese-sama.” (Burkhart)
Therese herself was too focused on the strawberry daifuku. She had completely forgotten anything else until she was called out by Burkhart-san.
“We will march in the direction of the capital with the largest army as possible. Duke Nürnberg will likely be ready and waiting for us on the way.” (Therese)
Duke Nürnberg apparently wants to grasp victory by bringing the battle into the open field that suits him so much. It seems a written challenge was sent to Therese after the capture of Alhans.
“I wonder, is Duke Nürnberg bad at siege battles?”
“Rather than that, it’s because battles on the open field tend to finish faster.”
Since it will be spring soon, he probably wants to finish the civil war as fast as possible and start the reconstruction of the nation.
Both sides share the same opinion in this regard.
“If he thinks that, it would have been best if he hadn’t started a rebellion to begin with!” (Armstrong)
Doushi complains about Duke Nürnberg while stuffing his cheeks with strawberry daifuku.
“It can’t be helped now. There are several plains near the capital where a large-scale battle is possible. He will probably wait for us on one of those.” (Therese)
For that reason Duke Nürnberg likely forced Mizuho’s national army and the Philip Dukedom’s feudal army, which are the main battle forces of the liberation army, to use their soldiers without wasting the combat forces of his proteges.
“Thanks to that he’s hated by the nobles whom he used as sacrificial pawns though.”
I guess it’s only natural for them to bear a grudge against Duke Nürnberg since they suffered losses from being treated as disposable.
However, it’s very likely that they will be crushed if they criticise him openly. Duke Nürnberg assembling his elites in the vicinity of the capital probably also serves as a restraint against them.
“Just so thou know, our side has been advancing various schemes as well. Expecting to be betrayed, Duke Nürnberg shouldn’t depend on anyone except the combat forces of his proteges.” (Therese)
“Well, I think that we can’t speak for others either though.” (Burkhart)
It’s as Burkhart-san says. Due to the lasting impact of the civil war, there are many opportunistic nobles on both sides. They probably want to make sure of the winner as it concerns the life and death of their households, but the result is that more than half of the nobles, who have joined the liberation army, can’t be relied upon. Our numbers have grown to be greater than those of the rebel army, but depending on the progress of the war, it wouldn’t be strange for some of them to betray us on the battlefield.
“Even if that’s true, we have to advance the reorganisation of the liberation army and push for the capital.” (Therese)
That’s the obvious choice since we have to settle the war sooner or later.
“I see. Please do your best.” (Wendelin)
“Wendelin, thou will support me, won’t thou?” (Therese)
“I will participate in the battle, but Doushi, Burkhart-san and I will have our hands full with opposing master.” (Wendelin)
Seeing that Duke Nürnberg is coming for us for real, there’s no way for Talrand not to participate.
He has no reason not to summon master, who forced us into a dilemma, through 『Heroic Spirit Summon』.
“We have to defeat him, as we can’t leave it to the others.” (Wendelin)
“Thy master, huh…? He’s a dreadfully formidable enemy, as he can’t defy Duke Nürnberg.” (Therese)
“That’s why we will kill him next time. It will be troublesome if he escapes once again.” (Wendelin)
We cannot afford for master to be used by Duke Nürnberg any longer.
For that reason, it’s necessary to defeat master and have him return to heaven.
“I will leave the command of the kingdom’s forces to Philip and Christoph. We will settle things with master.” (Wendelin)
“That’s right. The next time is our best chance to defeat Alf.” (Burkhart)
“The previous time their side was overwhelmingly superior. As expected of Alfred, but you can’t say that he didn’t show any openings at all!” (Armstrong)
Given that we are setting up countermeasures, it shouldn’t turn into a hard battle like the last time, but if we don’t defeat him this time, master might use some kind of magic that will overpower us again. It’s also possible that Duke Nürnberg has prepared new magic tools. It will be pointless unless we go at him with the goal to definitely kill master.
“If master intrudes on the battlefield, it will become a disadvantage for the liberation army. The three of us will make sure to defeat him no matter what. We won’t have the leeway to help out the others.” (Wendelin)
“Got it. I guess average magicians won’t stand a chance at all. It’s fine for thou to go at it to thy heart’s content, Wendelin.” (Therese)
Therese permitted our independent action.
“Sorry.”
“What, he's the benefactor of my precious person and yet is getting used against his will. Moreover, for that to be Duke Nürnberg’s doing… I didn’t expect Max to go this far.” (Therese)
“…”
I was grateful for Therese’s feelings, but I sensed a slight feeling of discomfort.
If someone defies the head of a nation to the extent of causing a rebellion, it’s natural for them to use anything they can. My irritation towards Duke Nürnberg is something attributed to him personally. It’s obvious for a statesman to adopt heartless strategies as necessary.
Does Therese have no readiness as a statesman?
I ended up thinking about something like that all of a sudden, but currently, it doesn’t matter. I stowed away that doubt within my heart for now.
“Once we finish the preparations, we will depart towards the imperial capital!” (Therese)
◆◇◆◇◆
And then, two days later, the liberation army that had departed with almost its entire force of 150,000 soldiers, confronted the approximately 90,000 soldiers of the rebel army led by Duke Nürnberg on the Sheena Plains, the empire’s biggest grain-producing area.
“That idiot! Is he telling us to battle in the biggest grain-producing region of the empire!?” (Therese)
Therese was enraged at Duke Nürnberg who challenged her to a large-scale battle at this time when the harvest of the winter wheat still hasn’t finished. That’s because it was inevitable for the farmers to raise their voices full of resentment due to the decline in the amount harvested.
“Duke Nürnberg… just what is that man thinking?” (Therese)
Therese looks towards the troop headquarters of the rebel army.
＊ ＊ ＊
“So you assembled here, did you Therese?” (Nürnberg)
Aren’t they well in order for a completely disorderly mob?
In that case, I guess we will go with the second plan?
Just when I was thinking this, that man spoke up to me with a voice that was bright to an unpleasant degree.
“Are we going to lose?” (Alfred)
That Earl Baumeister and his group are in that liberation army or whatever it was called.
I made Talrand summon Alfred Reinford, who cornered them in the previous battle, but his way of talking is as sarcastic as ever. Even while he follows our orders, I hate it that he intends to disobey me whenever he has a chance to do so.
“I have prepared a move so that we won’t lose. The same back at you; are you going to be able to win against Earl Baumeister’s group next time?” (Nürnberg)
“What will be will be.” (Alfred)
This bastard, doesn’t he know whether he can or cannot win in this situation?
“What do you mean?” (Nürnberg)
“As I’m unable to go against Talrand’s orders, I will fight with all my power, but I told you before, I don’t improve since I’m a dead man. Since I’m dead, I don’t have any memory except that I was superior in the previous battle.” (Alfred)
“I suppose the memories of the dead are vague. I heard so from Talrand.” (Nürnberg)
However, I also heard that there are people who remember things clearly. It’s also possible that this guy is lying.
“For that reason, I can’t learn any combat teachings. I can only fight while relying on the experience from the time when I was alive. Wend and the others should have become stronger, using their previous defeat as a lesson. That’s why I can’t declare that I will be able to win without fail.” (Alfred)
“It’s an order. Win.” (Nürnberg)
“If I can win due to affirming that, I will do so as many times as you like.” (Alfred)
You are a dead person, so it’s no problem even if you die. But, Talrand is an important, trusted retainer for me. I will never permit you to lose.
“Retreat depending on the progress of the battle.” (Nürnberg)
There’s no need at all to force a final showdown here. As long as I have Talrand, he will serve as a restraint against Earl Baumeister who is in the process of increasing his influence within the liberation army. Trying to do the impossible and losing Talrand will be a huge loss.
“Withdraw before it’s too late. You are saying something absurd to someone who is about to enter a struggle to the death. There are situations where you can and cannot pull back.” (Alfred)
“Shut up! I’m a soldier. I’m different from you magicians and adventurers.” (Nürnberg)
Did you think that I understand the personal feelings of you guys?
“I will do my best. Well then, with this… ah, is that man doing fine? He has been adjusting the 『Puppets』, the excavated items, so—” (Alfred)
“Shut up! Go!” (Nürnberg)
I unintentionally raised my voice.
At any rate, just when did he learn about the existence of my trump card?
Having been summoned, this guy was absorbed into Talrand, so-to-speak.
Is that why he also knows the things Talrand does?
I’m not well-informed about magic, so I don’t quite get those kinds of circumstances.
“Don’t prattle about unnecessary things. You just have to concentrate on defeating Earl Baumeister and his friends.” (Nürnberg)
“I will try and do what I can. Well then, I guess I will return to Talrand for now…” (Alfred)
“Why do you return each and every time?” (Nürnberg)
“A battlefield filled with close-combat is scary. There are times when you suffer an unexpected, embarrassing defeat. It’s easier to move while being Talrand who has a weak presence.” (Alfred)
Once Alfred says so, he returned to Talrand’s appearance. No, it was Talrand who made that call and said so.
“I shall excuse myself with this then.” (Talrand)
Saying so, that guy… no, Talrand left to the front line to search for Earl Baumeister’s group.
This isn’t the final, decisive battle, but a battle in the midst of a campaign.
I will leave the rest to Talrand. I have to focus on the command of the troops in order to achieve my goal.
＊ ＊ ＊
————————– End of Part 1 —————————-
“Philip-dono, Christoph-dono, I will entrust the command of the kingdom’s forces to you.” (Wendelin)
Seeing that it’s very likely for master to appear at the front once again, I won’t have the spare time for something like commanding the troops.
I entrusted the two of them with the command of the kingdom’s forces.
“Are you going to depart to the front?”
“Yes… Burkhart-san?” (Wendelin)
“Yeah, I have that throbbing sensation. This weird response where Alf’s mana and a strange mana are intertwined. He has come out to search for us after all, I guess.” (Burkhart)
Burkhart-san senses master’s mana. With this, it has become impossible to avoid a battle.
“Wend, are you going to be fine with just the three of you? If you like, I can…” (Erwin)
“I appreciate it, but we can’t devote any more valuable combat forces to master alone. Erw, please follow the instructions of those two.” (Wendelin)
“Understood.” (Erwin)
Declining Erw’s help, us three went out to the front line.
◆◇◆◇◆
Both the liberation and the rebel army have taken up position in a huge wheat field that still hasn’t been fully harvested.
The wheat will be cruelly trampled down, so it will probably be necessary to reimburse the farmers later.
The bad-tempered expression of Therese, who will shoulder those expenses, pops up in my mind.
“It looks like Duke Nürnberg will fight this time.”
Burkhart-san drops a sarcastic line about Duke Nürnberg not having escaped this time.
Both armies split their forces into three parts. They were about to crash into each other with almost the same deployment
“The right wing is under young Duke Baden and his group, and the left wing is led by Earl Lärmer. There are concerns about their cooperation, but we won’t have any spare time to worry about that!” (Armstrong)
Young Duke Baden shouldn’t mess up a second time. Earl Lärmer is apparently a former imperial army general. It appears that he resigned from the army and returned home in order to inherit the peerage.
I think he’s an excellent soldier and that’s why Therese entrusted him with one wing. The central block is directly commanded by Therese. Mizuho’s army is located there as well. Although Philip and the others are there as well, the number of the kingdom’s forces is low. The unexperienced Erw is with them as well, so they shouldn’t do anything too reckless.
“Charge!”
“Fight back!”
The battle of both armies begins, but as they first start with a wait-and-see approach, there are few movements.
Among this, that man once again calmly walks our way from the enemy army.
Identical to before, there wasn’t anyone among the liberation army’s soldiers who makes a move against Talrand.
He’s an excellent magician who possesses a bizarre eeriness. If they attacked him poorly, a common soldier would simply die after getting counterattacked. They can’t make any unreasonable moves.
“Earl Baumeister, Burkhart, Armstrong-doushi, there won’t be a next time.” (Talrand)
“I think that applies to you more than to us.” (Wendelin)
“I guess only your impudent talk is that of an adult. Well then, I will summon that man once again.” (Talrand)
Talrand is wrapped up by a bluish-white light and master showed up once more.
While both armies are fighting, master and we are again facing off against each other right in the middle of the battlefield.
“Teach, you have become quite muscular.” (Alfred)
Master noticed Burkhart-san, whose face became toned after going through the intense training.
“It’s the futile struggling of an old man. It ain’t nothing a genius like you has to mind, Alf.” (Burkhart)
“Unfortunately I have to be cautious. Since it’s you, Teach, I can’t be careless. Klimt and Wend as well, huh…? Let’s bring it to an end with a quick attack this time. Those magic tools have been replenished as well. Since they are rare, I don’t have any more than two once again, but…” (Alfred)
Master tossed two 『Puppets』 on the ground. Just like before, the puppets take the shape of master and square off against Burkhart-san and Doushi respectively.
“Earl-sama, Doushi and I will keep these puppets company. I don’t know about Doushi, but for me, it will probably take all my effort to counter with Alf’s puppet as the opponent. Just like before, there’s no other option but to go one-on-one.” (Burkhart)
“That’s more than enough.” (Wendelin)
“This time I won’t suffer an embarrassing defeat!” (Armstrong)
Even Doushi, after suffering an unexpected and embarrassing defeat last time, repeatedly committed to training. In the next moment, he starts the battle against master’s puppet.
Right in the middle of the battlefield where both sides’ armies clash against each other, an area, where no one except us existed, was created.
As for the reason, if they approach imprudently…
“”””””Uwaaah!””””””
“I’m sorry, okay? It’s a stray bullet.”
Burkhart-san shoots his spell towards the puppet, but the puppet avoids it easily… once it does, the spell exploded among the soldiers of the enemy army located in the back.
“… Teach? Is that on purpose?” (Alfred)
“Alf, I’m sad. For you to doubt your master. I’m a magician that’s inferior to you, Alf. My spells won’t even hit the puppet.” (Burkhart)
No matter how much he trained himself, the possibility of Burkhart-san to be able to win against master, even if it’s his puppet, is low.
Accordingly, the plan is for him to stall for time and wait for the puppet’s time to run out.
Last time we confirmed that the puppets have a time limit.
And, moreover, master has another weakness.
Strictly speaking, master isn’t master.
Since he has to prioritise Talrand’s orders above all else, he won’t be able to allow damage to be caused to Duke Nürnberg’s feudal army in the rear.
“Puppet! Block it!”
Once it becomes intolerable for that many shots of attack magic to explode at his allied forces, the puppet started to block Burkhart-san’s spells with a 『Magic Barrier』.
“It’s a random firing of 『Fire Snake』!” (Armstrong)
“Klimt, you as well, huh?” (Alfred)
“I only hit the enemy army in the rear with spells by chance.” (Armstrong)
Doushi fires 『Fire Snake』 randomly as well. It exploded at various places of Duke Nürnberg’s feudal army.
“They are in disorder! Fire the arrows!”
Philip, who leads the kingdom’s forces, didn’t miss that opportunity.
They fire arrows at the confused enemy army, expanding the damage.
“Puppet, continue to block it.” (Alfred)
He fell for it.
Since Talrand’s orders are given priority, master can’t demonstrate his true ability properly.
If master was able to act freely, he should have thoroughly and efficiently cornered us while ignoring something like Duke Nürnberg’s feudal army.
In other words, thanks to Talrand, master has become weaker.
Once it turns into a situation where the two puppets block all the magic attacks released by Burkhart-san and Doushi with their 『Magic Barrier』, the mana consumption increases unnecessarily, and it reaches the point of being wasteful.
『Alf’s weakness is that it’s not just himself.』 (Burkhart)
『He has to prioritise Talrand’s orders, doesn’t he?』 (Wendelin)
『Talrand is Duke Nürnberg’s dog! A dog is loyal to its master!』 (Armstrong)
As a result of us three discussing it, the battle took the current shape.
“And Wend, that means it has turned into a one-on-one battle against me. But, do you think you are able to win?” (Alfred)
“I will win. I have no other choice. If I don’t win, I will lose and die. That’s all there is to it.” (Wendelin)
With master as the opponent, it’s unnecessary to hesitate.
And there’s one more thing.
I must avoid fighting at master’s pace by any means possible.
In what do I excel master?
Yes, it’s the amount of mana, so I have to fight while capitalising on that.
The more I try to fight technically, the more I will be led around by the nose.
If master tries to pour calm attacks on me, I have no other option but to answer with a dense barrage of spells so that I won’t get overwhelmed. Even if I go for a frontal attack, it will only extend the time until I’m defeated.
“Here I come!”
First I release a large amount of 『Fireballs』 towards Duke Nürnberg’s feudal army situated behind master.
If it was just master, he could probably save on mana while evading all of these, but Talrand won’t allow for any losses to appear among Duke Nürnberg’s troops. In addition to a 『Magic Barrier』, he offset the 『Fireballs』 by releasing a huge amount of 『Ice Spheres』.
There are a few 『Fireballs』that had their penetrative force increased, but master dealt with those by thickening his 『Magic Barrier』.
There’s also the trick of saving on mana by thickening only a part of the 『Magic Barrier』, but he has to also cope with the large amount of 『Fireballs』released in the direction of his allies. So even for master it was impossible to execute the precise action of boosting only some parts of his 『Magic Barrier』.
“That’s the way.”
Anyway, I can’t allow master to seize the initiative.
I keep attacking and master keeps defending, gradually stealing his mana.
It would be best if I don’t give master the chance to replenish his mana by using the magic crystal of the huge magic airship.
The puppets that would likely interfere are kept in check by Burkhart-san and Doushi.
It’s the second time, so both of them fought against the puppets skillfully.
“That’s a somewhat reckless move, isn’t it Wend?” (Alfred)
Although I was addressed by master, I ignored it and continued firing large amounts of 『Fireballs』.
It might be reckless or high-handed, but this shows the best result against master right now.
In order to protect his allies behind him, his mana, which would be consumed much less if he had only to evade the spells, is gradually decreasing.
If I can deplete master’s mana completely in this way since I have a lot more mana… no, I probably shouldn’t be that overly optimistic.
“Ugh!”
When I twist my body promptly because I sensed bloodthirst, a sharp pain penetrated my flank.
Master, who had moved directly in front of me all of a sudden, pierces through my 『Magic Barrier』 with a magic sword.
I prevented the thrust from hitting my vitals, but my flank ended up being gouged out.
“Movement magic? Why? ” (Wendelin)
This intense pain at my flank is a pain I have already experienced once. While stalling for time by asking master, I covered the wound with one hand while casting healing magic.
“I guess it worked by chance?” (Alfred)
“There’s no way for that to be true.” (Wendelin)
Currently movement magic should be unusable thanks to that device. And yet master moved in front of me instantaneously. Normally that’s impossible.
“It’s a spare 『Canceller』, but I suppose it will break after one or two more uses.” (Alfred)
Going by its name of canceller, it’s likely a magic tool that cancels the magic jamming of the movement and communication spells. Master clasped the chain of a necklace with a pitch-black jewel in his hand.
That’s probably an excavated magic tool of the Ancient Magic Civilization Era as well.
“…”
“Have you spend more mana than expected, master?” (Wendelin)
Even while speaking with him, I continue to release waves of 『Fireballs』.
My 『Magic Barrier』 is in perfect shape, and the wound at my side is in the process of healing.
It was the effect of me having practised deploying several spells during combat while having mock battles with Burkhart-san and Doushi. I have definitely greatly improved in comparison to the time when I fought against the bone dragon.
“I guess you were taught by Klimt and Teach-san, Wend?” (Alfred)
“Yes.” (Wendelin)
“I’m slightly jealous. After all, it was me who found you and gave you a basic training. It feels as though my cute pupil was stolen from me.” (Alfred)
The 『Ice Spheres』 shot by master grew tremendously bigger and were about to break my 『Magic Barrier』.
Even though I had completely blocked them until now, several of them penetrate my 『Magic Barrier』 and injure my body.
However, it doesn’t turn into a serious injury like before. It’s because I also trained to avoid at the last moment.
Apart from that, I also noticed a certain something.
“(Master has stopped conserving his mana? Has he lost control of himself due to the anger of having his pupil stolen?)”
No, that’s not it. It’s unlikely for master to lose his cool over something like that.
Then, why?
“I got it!” (Wendelin)
I made one『Wind Cutter』 that had its penetration power increased pierce through the 『Magic Barrier』 deployed by master.
It’s impossible for master to not dodge that, but a certain behaviour prevented it.
“… So you found out, huh?” (Alfred)
Just like last time, master took out a huge magic crystal from his magic bag and tried to replenish his mana.
There wasn’t the slightest change on his expression, but for just an instant, he turned his eyes towards Burkhart-san and Doushi.
The reason being that the puppets, which handled the two skillfully in the previous battle, were getting completely overwhelmed this time.
“In the end, a puppet is a puppet. I suppose it’s nice that they were useful at least once… no, if it’s an average magician, they shouldn’t be able to see through their fighting strength in one fight…?” (Alfred)
Master’s 『Ice Spheres』 that flew about between us until now completely stopped.
I continue to fire 『Fireballs』. As expected, even my mana was approaching its limit, but I have more leeway than master. The amount of my mana had increased as well, though only slightly, in comparison to last time.
There’s no way for me to lose against master in the amount of mana. The rest is…
“Kuuh!”
I release another 『Wind Cutter』 and deliver a blow to master.
The 『Wind Cutter』, which once again pierced through master’s 『Magic Barrier』, lightly injured the back of his right hand. It’s no considerable injury, but it’s enough if I can prevent master from taking out that huge magic crystal from his magic bag.
I finally cornered him up to this point, even while getting wounded all over.
Now all that’s left is the final showdown with master.
If I allow him to run away now, Talrand will replenish his magic tools and probably also strengthen his countermeasures against us.
I will get closer and release a finishing blow before he escapes by using the 『Canceller』.
I’m bad at emission magic. Making use of my entire remaining mana, I will deliver a blow with a magic sword while harbouring the intention to clash with master.
There’s no other option left. Although I might get stabbed as well, I cannot afford to let him get away.
When I was planning to take the magic sword out of the magic bag at the last moment and then materialise the sword blade… while also using my mana to the utmost limit to get closer…, master smiled at me.
“Master?” (Wendelin)
“A final duel after using the remaining mana?” (Alfred)
“(He figured it out…)” (Wendelin)
“It’s a nice idea. I believe it to be fine with this, too. Wend, the final match! 『Don’t be an idiot! Retreat!』”
Just now two conflicting opinions came out of master’s mouth.
Is master possibly opposing Talrand’s order to withdraw?
“『Follow the order…!』 It’s just as I thought.”
“What do you mean?” (Wendelin)
“There’s no way for magic that can call and manipulate the dead to exist without any kind of risk. The stronger the person summoned, the looser the control over them becomes. Talrand himself also wasted a lot of mana in the battle so far. I discovered that his control will weaken with the decrease of mana. I was troubled as I had no knowledge about 『Heroic Spirit Summoning』. But, it looks like I can’t defy an order by the stronger side. Therefore, let’s put an end to it here.” (Alfred)
『Alfreeed~~~!』
“I don’t think that we have such a good relationship that you would call my name familiarly. Please have peace of mind. I will fight against Wend with all my strength. That’s because this isn’t a fight where the master measures the abilities of his pupil. It’s because I, Alfred Reinford, want to experience Wendelin von Benno Baumeister’s strength. You just have to lean back and watch. Though you will die if I lose, Talrand.” (Alfred)
『Alfreeed~~~!』
Talrand cursed at master using master’s voice.
“Well then, shall we get started since time is valuable? Even though I overwhelmed you last time, the tables have already been turned, huh?” (Alfred)
『Alfred, you bastard!』 (Talrand)
“The previous fight gave me a strong impression. Even though I’m dead, I have my memories fully remaining. Though I didn’t have any obligation to tell you that.” (Alfred)
Master deliberately fought with the same tactics as last time. By doing that, our chance to win would go up.
『Immediately use the 『Canceller』 and get away!』 (Talrand)
“No way. Earl Baumeister and his friends are formidable enemies who are in the process of increasing their influence within the liberation army. I fight for the sake of cutting the rebel army’s threat by eliminating them.”
『Shiit~~~! Puppets~~~!』 (Talrand)
“It’s futile. There’s no way for something at the level of a copy of me to win against Teach-san and Klimt.” (Alfred)
Talrand apparently tried to call the puppets over as shield for the time of escape, but the all-important puppets were already releasing smoke. The countermeasures of the two bore fruit. The puppets’ operational period became shorter than last time.
“What a piece of junk. I will stop it at once!” (Armstrong)
“It goes unexpectedly well for me once I held out.” (Burkhart)
The fuming puppets will apparently cease to work any time soon. That would make it difficult for Talrand to escape.
『Alfreeed~~~!』 (Talrand)
“Your hearing is bad, and your vocabulary is lacking as well. What a let-down. Well then, let’s get started?” (Alfred)
I retrieve my magic sword from my magic bag and materialize a sword blade with a fire attribute.
I use a Mizuho katana as reference for the sword blade shape.
Master draws the magic sword affixed at his waist and produces an ice blade.
We continue squaring off against each other while readying our swords.
“It will be really the end with this. Whoever might lose or win, no hard feelings.” (Alfred)
“Yes.” (Wendelin)
Even though master’s mana is low, I seem to be pressured by his intensity*. (T/N: If you watch One Piece, you should know what Haku is. 😉 )
But, I must not retreat at this point. Pointless feints and camouflaging spells are meaningless.
Wendelin, step forward! If you withdraw here, it’s your loss.
Even if my body is penetrated by master’s strike, I will push the sword blade forward.
It’s unrelated to something like techniques. After having come this far, there’s no other option left anymore but to pierce master’s vitals with willpower.
“Here I come!”
“I shall accept your challenge!”
I put all my remaining mana into speed and charged at master while holding out the magic sword in front.
It’s as if I’m once again allowed to measure my skills against master.
“Still, such speed is!”
“With this, I’m really out of mana.”
“I see… me too.”
Both our bodies clash and a sharp pain once again travelled through my left shoulder.
It looks like I luckily avoided a thrust to the heart.
And, I feel feedback in both my hands. Once I check where I had stabbed master’s body…
“Wend, it was splendid.” (Alfred)
My last thrust has pierced master’s heart and he collapses in my direction just like that.
“Master!”
Having a vital spot pierced through, master apparently can’t move his body anymore. I hurriedly lay down his body on the ground.
“I’m sorry, Wend.” (Alfred)
“Master!” (Wendelin)
“Actually I don’t feel any pain. The one dying is Talrand. After all, I’m already dead. It’s true that I can’t move, but…” (Alfred)
Surely, master didn’t seem as if he was tormented by pain, but as if noise was interfering at times, his appearance changes into that of Talrand. Those intervals became slowly shorter.
◆◇◆◇◆
“You are a nuisance! You piece of trash!” (Armstrong)
“So the puppets can’t move independently? … It’s the end!” (Burkhart)
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