Chapter 84: Gathering of the four knights

For Presha-san, Astina-denka is her direct superior. But until now, she did not have the opportunity to receive words from her directly. This was because, as the third princess, she was constantly being watched by those around her, so Astina-denka was forced to behave cautiously all the time.

In the Knights of Lezenia, it is customary for knights with authority over the commanding officer to give instructions to their subordinates through an adjutant who acts as an assistant. It is not recommended to speak directly with a certain subordinate knight.

Quasi-knights are elites in the army as a whole, but because of their high combat abilities as an individual, they often go on the front lines with the general soldiers. And from the perspective of the senior knights, they are subordinate who is likely to be unrepatriated. They believed that it would reduce the accuracy of their command if they had emotional attachment to one of them.

―But Astina-denka is different. She’s willing to break the customs and cause her superiors to have bad opinion on her. She came here thinking of Presha-san, her subordinate.

Raquel-san, who always stood straight, straightened her posture even more to express her gratitude to Her Highnesss. Her Highness responded with a small wave of her hand and stood in front of the cell where Presha-san is.

Across the bars, Her Royal Highness stands in front of Presha-san’s misty line of sight. Presha-san can feel her divine presence ―but at the same time, the whispering voice on her ears made her speak unexpected words.

“…This is not a place where Your Highness should go to. I don’t want to be forgiven. I still regret not being able to kill those who sold my village.”

“Uh! …Presha, can’t you even feel why Her Highness came here? You…”

“It’s fine, Raquel. I was unaware of Presha’s thoughts and I just asked her to take the lead as an excellent spear knight. ….I thought Presha’s bravery was dependable. I didn’t even know what kind of emotion she felt as she wielded that spear.”

Without saying anything, Presha-san looked up at Her Royal Highness’s eyes which were filled with gentle glow.

Raquel-san told Presha-san a little about Astina-denka’s character. Though she’s born as a princess, she did not want her life to end being used as material for politics. And in order to protect her homeland and her close relatives, she entered the Knight’s Academy at the same age as Presha-san. She graduated after she finished the entire course in two years, which should normally take four years to complete.

With her beauty, which is said to be immense, the leaders of the Knight’s Order had contacted her many times, dreaming of marrying the princess of the kingdom –However, Astina-denka never did what they expected, with her own efforts alone, she repeatedly gained merits on war until she was called as the “Lone Sword Princess”.

Astina-denka stands farther away from Raquel-san, who is the object of admiration for Presha-san.

―But, even her, can never punish an officer from a noble family who abandoned their people to protect themselves. Astina-denka successfully waged war in the East and eventually returned to the Capital. Being on the front line itself should be an exception, so she’s clearly different from a soldier who seeks to end his life in the war like herself.

 “….I hate them, I only fight because I don’t want the unforgivable ones to live. The one who betrayed our village and the ones from the Grunica City Alliance are no different. I hate those traitors more for being the noblemen of this kingdom.”

(―You’re kind, Presha. You are the pride of your mother.)

(―You should kill anyone who stands in your way. Our suffering will never be understood by this fair maiden.)

I can hear a gentle voice which is just like a curse. An indiscriminate killing intent boils up inside Presha-san –not by justice, nor by her will. With the current her, no matter how strong she is, I don’t think she can survive for long on the battlefield.

It seems like, from this time, she wouldn’t be able to move to Lezenia.

That’s because even though it was caused by someone, inside Presha-san’s mind, she only had the desire to kill Her Highness who is in front of her. Astina-denka should have noticed it too. And yet, she just stood there, taking in all of Presha-san’s emotions as they are.

“There is no law in this kingdom right now that can punish those who caused your village to be attacked by the enemy. His Majesty, the King, must decide on the punishment in person….. However, the only thing reported to His Majesty by the Knights is the victory and defeat on the battle.”

At that time, the war in the East and South was fierce, and His Majesty was lying in his sickbed again. Bartolomeo XXV, once known as the Sun of Lezenia, became incapacitated after a serious illness in his fifties –his public appearances declined so much that Queen Cassandra II even took over as the king’s deputy.

They appealed to His Majesty for the punishment of the nobles who have thrown Presha’s village into danger. Her Highness’ eyes with deep melancholy showed that it was impossible even for her.

Even though she is a princess, she has no authority. They have no intention of punishing the traitor. Presha-san was not disappointed with that.

Then, a black stain falls on Presha-san’s worn-out heart. Her spirit as a person is being eroded―

“I doesn’t matter how many people died… It’s fine as long as you defeat the enemy. It’s what you’re saying right……?”

“Presha! To say such… in front of Astina-denka… uh!”

“It’s okay, Raquel. I can’t punish them… I didn’t even relieve my subordinates’ remorse, I’m not qualified as a commander.”

(―Don’t be fooled, Presha. This person is just trying to win you over with her fake words. )

(―The princess wants freedom. She just want to make you a convenient piece that she can discard for her achievements. )

“Un… I know… Mother…”

“…Presha”

It was a soft murmur. However, Her Highness and Raquel-san did not miss it. Raquel-san is biting her lips. Astina-denka looked at her and turned to Presha-san again.

…No. If I leave Presha-san any longer… But…

Even if I know this is all in the past, I wish I was here. I must immediately wipe off the darkness that seems to be entwining around Presha-san right now.

―However. The magical power of Astina-denka, who should have been sealed at that time, slightly overflows from her body.

Her Royal Highness did not give up nor try to give up no matter how much Presha-san rejected her. I know it well, it was a power that made Presha-san feel her care –even though this overflowing magical power puts a heavy burden on Her Highness’ body.

“The battle with the Kingdom Alliance has been in a stalemate for the past month… the burden on both sides is so great that there is now a movement to seek opportunities for discussion.”

“Astina-denka, with all due respect…. The current situation is that we are losing a key border point to the City Alliance. I’m afraid that if we don’t change that situation, the movement for the discussion will not proceed….”

“….That is, if the situation does not change. The Governor General of the Eastern Army has just made a decision on the operation a week later. To destroy the City Alliance’s position and display the might of our army… We will attack the enemy’s fortress in the Aldrone Valley.”

Aldrone Valley ―It is a natural fortress called the “Corridor” that goes east to west through the southern border between Lezenia and Grunica. Snowfall makes it impassable during winter, but with the current season and until summer, the infantry and horses can travel through it. However, those from Grunica’s side built a fort adjacent to the valley, and when enemies approach the border, they’ll mercilessly rain arrows on them.

However, if you are a “brave commander” who defies the common sense like Astina-denka, Raquel-san and Presha-san, you can dash through the valley while riding a horse.

“If we put the Aldrone Valley under our control, the Grunica army will try to recapture it at all costs. But we’re merely a unit… if our main force doesn’t move, it will also be hard for us to split the troops in the valley. Now that they’re in a favorable terrain, they can just deploy troops like they are now.”

If we try to build a fort in the valley, the enemies will be in the way. However, we can’t attack them from here ―Not thinking that the valley would be a strategically important place and not building a base there was such a lax foresight.

Astina-denka should be able to determine where to seize by just looking at the topographic map around the border ―That’s because she had the power to foresee the battlefield even before signing a contract with the sacred tree…

Presha-san, who was listening to the conversation, anticipates on what she was going to be told. 　Her Highness came to punish her in the punishment cell. And that was something that Presha-san was pleased with. That’s because punishing a traitor and slaying an enemy soldier are equivalent for her.

“…If I cut in… and open the way…”

With Presha-san’s strength, and if she risk her life as she use that power to move forward, she can run through the valley. But that wouldn’t be the case. Like the way I knew her now, Astina-denka did not change. Since long before, she never forced her subordinates to sacrifice.

“No…. you will not be alone. Presha, you will go with us. The three of us will ride a horse through the valley.”

“Uh! …..Your highness, that won’t do! No matter how strong Your Highness is, for you to personally…”

“Right now, I’m only taking care of my unit. The difference between a captain and her subordinates isn’t as big as absolute….. isn’t that right?”

Her Highness dares to disregard the fact that she is the third princess who has the right to succeed the throne. Raquel-san tries to say something. However, Her Royal Highness’ eyes filled with determination did not waver.

“…Together… We… the three of us…?”

That reckless conviction of Her Highness made Presha-san regain her human-like emotions. The hatred for the nobles who caused her mother’s death faded, and the original brilliance of Presha Hortensia, the brave spear knight, returns.

“Yes. Me and the two of you. The three of us are the only ones who can do it.”

At that time, neither the Kingdom of Lezenia nor the Grunica City Alliance was aware of it. That Astina-denka, who will later be called the Sword Princess General, and the two knights who serve her, each have the strength of a matchless warrior.

◆ ◇ ◆

In the next scene I saw, Presha-san had already left the punishment cell.

After she finished reporting to Raquel-san, her superior, a guy she know, jeeringly called out to her while she’s walking in the corridor on the fortress as she head for training.

―Dadram. The guy from before who called out to Presha-san with a group of people and tried to get her to follow him, but couldn’t.

“How did you butter up the princess? ….Well, I know. To join that knight’s order, you have to be a woman as that princess is only interested in women…”

“Uh!…..Thi-this woman, she’s looking at Dadram-sama like that again! uh…”

Presha-san, who did not mean to glare, swallowed her anger nonetheless even though she has a heartfelt contempt for Dadram and his crony men.

“I don’t care what you say about me, but I won’t allow you to say bad things about Her Highness.”

“Hahaha… Such display of courage again. I know that you tried to touch my uncle so you were asked for severe punishment.”

“Uh…!”

Those words mean that Dadram’s uncle sold Presha-san’s village. Just how corrupt are the knights stationed at this Vulcanus Fortress?

It’s not surprising that she’s upset. But Presha-san understood that there was no point in taking out her anger on Dadram.

“Even if you leave the punishment cell, you’re done for Presha. I’ll give you another chance… Follow me. If you do, I’ll see to it that you remain a knight in the future.”

He even has the nerve to say that. However, Presha-san was noticeably different from how she had been before she met Her Highness –she was closer to the young woman I knew, when she’s behaving cheerfully.

“I’m not worth your attention. Rather than an incompetent woman who only knows how to fight, I think you’ll get a much better companion.”

“…Don’t regret it, Presha. I already extended my warm heart to you the second time.”

Dadram blurted those words and leaves with his followers. Presha-san who remained there clenches her fist tightly –then her strength loosened.

Raquel-san followed Presha-san as she was worried about her. She then approached Presha from behind, puts her hand on her shoulder and pats her gently a few times.

“Even though the kingdom has a large percentage of women, the Knight’s Order is mostly for men. Even more so, there are those who come from the nobility that gain power without even experiencing an actual battle….. Such men only see the female knights as nothing more than the object of their desire. You did well on holding back your words.”

Even though they weren’t related by blood, Raquel-san’s action towards Presha-san were like that of her own sister.

When Presha-san touched Raquel-san’s hand, she smiled as if saying she didn’t need to worry that much. The blue-haired girl’s smile was reflected in Raquel-san’s jet-black eyes.

“If I’m as beautiful as Raquel-ane, they’ll be interested in me, wouldn’t it? Besides, if they saw Her Highness, it seems like men and women alike, won’t care about me even more.”

“…..Some men find it satisfying to subdue a woman who has the power to fight. Rather than that, you have such low opinion of yourself Presha. But that’s not the case at all you know.”

“Well that, I think it’s just you saying that. That’s all because Raquel-ane is kind, No… you are kind and strong.”

“Why did you correct it? ….Do you think I’d be embarrassed if you just said that I am kind?”

It’s an exchange that makes me, who’s watching this, smile more. Presha-san’s desolate heart is definitely being healed by the presence of Her Highness and Raquel-san –her allies in the Knight’s Order. Still, there are some scars that won’t disappear just by quietly covering them up. The threat I had felt watching Presha-san had continued since then.

“….We must not show any weakness. The nobles see us as nothing more than pawns.”

The one in front of Presha-san’s line of sight –Dite-san, spoke. At this time, she had a completely different impression from what she is today. Rather than a knight, I felt that she’s more like a noble young woman wearing an armor, she looks too delicate that war was not suitable for her.

“Presha… I know about your situation, but not all the nobles in this kingdom are who you think they are. Please correct your words just now.”

“….I think Dite-san’s archery skills are great. For a nobleman, you’ve honed your skills well and even managed to join the Order….”

“If you recognize me as a colleague, even for a little bit, I’d be happy to give you my opinion…”

“If you want my thoughts to be what you want, beat me. By then, I’ll do what you tell me to do…”

A clear provocation –that’s something you shouldn’t normally do to the same knight.

However, Dite-san remained calm. Taking Presha-san’s words head-on, she was completely unmoved – even Presha-san was inwardly surprised at her indifference.

A dainty noblewoman. Presha-san sensed something that she could relate to Dite-san, who should have been born and raised in completely different circumstances.

“Our duty, as members of the Knight’s Order, is to defeat the enemy nation. I hope that Presha will appreciate me for the kind of work I do.”

“…Presha, Dite is right. Don’t make the mistake of pointing your spear at the wrong person.”

“…It’s not that I don’t appreciate it or anything. I’m the one who asked Her Highness and Raquel-ane to see if they can use me.”

“I know it sounds like an impertinent thing to say, but…. If you think you’re being ‘used’, you didn’t really understand Astina-denka, nor do you understand Captain Raquel. As someone watching from the sidelines, I know much better than you do.”

Dite-san is someone that can’t be dealt with ordinary means either. She replied to Presha-san’s challenge, she gave a ladylike bow and walked away. Raquel-san looked at Presha-san without saying a word –but suddenly, the edges of her mouth loosened and she sighed.

“You don’t dislike a knight with a backbone like that, do you?”

“…It’s enough to have Raquel-ane to be nosy like that, it’s not like she’s my big sister or something.”

Raquel-san only smiled at Presha-san’s reply.

A peaceful moment passed between the battles. But it was only for a brief moment –the Eastern Sector’s Army will carry out a major operation two days later.

While the main unit of Vulcanus Fortress is attracting the main force of the enemy, a separate unit will attack the City Alliance’s fortress, which is just beyond the Aldrone Valley.

Among those members selected for that separate force was Astina-denka’s unit, who had volunteered to shake off the enemy in the surroundings.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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