Author: Yume Neiji

The canal flows from west to east then gradually goes north. It goes through the upper part of the Northern part of the Kingdom then heads towards the sea that spreads to the far Northeast.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

The last time the enemy disembarked was on the western and eastern sides of the fortress. Utilizing the large amount of water in the canal, Zirconia hid their warship by creating an illusion in some way then they crossed the river.

As for Arlaune, her influence range can be expanded by putting and spreading her pollen through the wind. It is more natural for water spirits to expand their range along the water flow, and to counter such flow, additional magical power is required.

In order to hide the warships that cross the canal from the west and east, it is necessary to create a wide range of illusions. According to Dite-san, the phenomenon of the appearance of fog in the canal was confirmed several times, and until now they thought that it was due to climate change.

“If that’s the case, it means that the magician is likely in the upper stream of the canal.”

As we had equipped our equipments, we gathered in the courtyard on the first floor, we then talk about whether to cross the canal from the west or the east.

Her Highness closes her eyes and puts her hands on her chest to pray ―then, the tree growing in the courtyard, its entire body shines, grains of light were sucked into Her Highness’ body.

Through the tree, which is a familiar of the sacred tree, it responded to Her Highness call. Was the Royal shrine maiden receiving the “oracle” like this long ago…?

Eventually, Her Highness opened her eyes and looked at us. The oracle seems to have helped her determine where to cross the river.

“The plants along the canal perceived the magical effect. It seemed that the fog was flowing along the stream from west to east, blocking that view.”

“That means… the enemy’s base was in the west, and the army attacking from the east were also descending the river from the west, right? When they withdraw, they retreated from the east side though…”

“To hide both the warships in the west and east, as Her Highness had said, the magician needs to be located in the upstream. In other words, you can think of it as they are returning to the west base.”

Flow of water ―Water magician exerts great power if it can be used, but conversely, it also  means that they are bound by the water flow.

“It means that the possibility that the magician is in the west base is high right? Even if we were wrong on that, it would be nice if we could take the base where the warships are anchored.”

Disabling even one warship will be a huge blow to Zirconia. If we can take it successfully, we will be able to use that warship.

When the strategy was decided, we did the final inspection of our equipments. Her Highness wore an all black leather armor which hides her well at night, except for the sound produced by the metal armor. At first I was surprised at her appearance because she always wears silver armor that gives her a pure impression.

Because Leslie usually hides her identity as “Lendl”, her dressed like a spy, suits her well. For some reason she was used in wearing such equipment and she even taught me how to equip mine –I wonder why she has such knowledge, but now is not the time to ask for such details.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“From the time we’ll cross the river, I will use magic to hide everyone’s presence. However, if we use a boat to cross the river, it may take a long time so there’s a probability that well be noticed.”

“That means we need to cross quickly as much as possible, right?”

“We can swim with our equipments removed… No, that’s dangerous. If it’s a small boat, with that river flow, it looks like it will take at least half an hour time to cross…”

“For that, Arlaune will lend us some good wisdom. Let’s move closer to where we’ll start to cross.”

As Arlaune had said, we don’t need a boat. We went out the west side of the fortress through the entrance gate –the armors left behind as a grave marker for the soldiers that the archers had killed before, have all been recovered because it will not decay as it is and metal can affect the soil.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

We pass through the reeds and reached the bank of the canal. At this time of the night, the other side of the river is so far out that you can’t see the opposite bank. ―The water flow in this plain is also moderate, but if we try to cross using a small boat, we will surely be swept further downstream.

“The power of the water spirits to interfere with this vast canal… I can see that it’s absurd. But it can’t go on as it is.”

Raquel-san looks far beyond the shore, staring directly at Zirconia’s side. Dite-san is holding a short bow, which was one size smaller than the compound bow she always use and is paying attention to our surroundings.

“Dite-san, what do you carry on your back…? There is a slight smell of saltpeter.”

“I was able to seize some of the enemy’s artillery, so I got gunpowder. The Zirconia’s side is behind in metalworking technology, but apparently, they are advanced than us for gunpowder weapons. I had also instructed my subordinates to develop this “fire lance” and we used the enemy’s gunpowder. It is hard to defeat the base with only a sword, spear, or bow after all.”

“It’s justs like the development of Fire Arrow huh. Certainly, there may be occasions when it is necessary.”

Raquel-san and Presha-san specializes in martial arts, but Dite-san seems to be familiar with weapons development. And if one has a gunpowder weapon, he needs to avoid getting it wet after all. The weather is quite sunny, but if Noin moves and uses magic to create fog, there’s a possibility that it can be ruined.

―Then, the bulb I carried around in my pocket began to shine. When I placed it on the ground and chant the spell, Arlaune was summoned in the form of a child.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, he seems to want to cooperate with you. Since “that child” needs a lot of magical power to materialize, I want Princess-sama to lend her powers.”

“If “that child” would help us cross the river… then please use as much power as you want. Grass, are you ready?”

“Yes, please let me borrow Your Highness’ power. Laune, the chant to call the spirit… I see, with this, it will be fine.”

Laune released her materialization and turned into a spiritual body and got inside me –at that moment, I was able to know what Laune had seen in the spirit world and I was able to know a new chant.

That plant has an ecology that the plants of this world cannot possess –looking at that spectacle in my mind, as always, when I learned about a new plant, I can’t help but feel amazed.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Well then, let’s start… Leslie, when the summoning is over, erasing our presence, I’ll leave that to you.”

Leslie nodded. While everyone paid attention, I put my hand on the swiftly flowing large river and start to chant.

“『Oh water lily that springs out from the Abyss, you who floats from the miraculous spring, show yourself once in this world. 』”

Magical power from Her Highness flows into me. Instead of supplementing the magical power used for summoning, as the vessel, I feel that I’m about to be filled to the brim –I wonder if every time I borrow her power, I was left with such a tremendous power.

A large circular faint light is produced on the dark water surface. It’s not just one, but it’s innumerable and it extends to the other side of the canal.

“This is… a huge lotus…?”

“I-Is there a plant like this…? It’s floating in the air…!”

『Floating prickly water lily』―It is an aquatic plant that exists in “Elmir’s Spring” in the spirit world, it has a large circular leaf that adults can ride on, and it has the ecology of floating in the air and moving to sunny places.

By summoning countless floating prickly water lilies, they can serve as a foothold. This way, we can cross the river in the shortest time without being affected by the flow of the canal.

Knowing that we have no time to loose, Presha-san takes the lead. She jumps on the floating prickly water lilly leaf and immediately jumps to the next one ―watching how it easily catch one adult and bounce back with its elasticity, Her Highness followed after.

Then Raquel-san, Dite-san, Leslie ―and finally, me. The river is flowing below me, looking at the dark water surface that seems to suck me in, I am a bit scared, I then concentrate on crossing forward ―then,

We were done with the river crossing without taking much time, it would have taken us half an hour using the boat though. Like they are fusing with the darkness of the night, the summoned water lilies are sent back to the spirit world.

It doesn’t stop there, we crouched down on the reeds and began to move. We are headed to the west –While paying attention whether the enemy’s scouts are patrolling, we continue moving towards the forest that is hard to see.

We have one hour time –while listening to the howling wolves that can be heard in the distance, me and Leslie who is following Her Highness and the others moving at a tremendous speed fall behind a little. Dite took care of us as our escort and accompanied us without leaving us behind.

“You have followed quite well, both of you. But, we can’t rest for a while.”

I am surprised as Dite-san can talk while running. She is indeed a Knight, and this can the effect of her regular physical training ―I thought that I should have build up my physical fitness too but I can’t whine about that now.

Eventually, Presha-san, who was ahead, slows down. There were some lights emerging in the darkness of the night ahead of her.

“Your Highness, look, I can see some light.”

“Watchtower… and we can see Zirconia soldiers on the lookout. That’s the enemy’s base… It looks like that place was where the warships are built.”

A portion of the canal runs toward the enemy’s fort surrounded by high fences. The surrounding trees in the forest were cut down, it was the evidence that and large amount of timber was collected.

How many enemy soldiers are there? How do we occupy it? ―And, will we encounter Noin? Whatever happens, together with Leslie, we can only fulfil our roles as a magician.

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Properly speaking, it would be reckless if Her Highness, the General of this fortress infiltrates the enemy’s territory.

But there’s no other individual comparable to her exists in this fortress. Raquel-san can play a unique role as a heavy cavalry, but she will use a sword when infiltrating missions, and she is one step less than Astina-denka’s swordsmanship.

Still, Raquel-san is the second best swordsman in this Fortress. If Presha-san uses her one-handed spear, nothing will be left on her right side –with the addition of Dite-san, the lead archer, I can hold on to my expectations with these four people together as they can perform any the difficult task.

The question is, can I counter the enemy magician? There is also Leslie but, neither of us have any experience fighting a combat magician. When I was in school, I could not even participate in a mock battle…

Compared to combat magicians, we’re treated like ordinary persons. Even a magic warrior can get killed without being able to make the most of his strength if he is up against a magician. My role is to contribute by doing things that only my spirit’s magic can do. And with Leslie accompanying me, I can plan a strategy that makes use of her spirit as well.

“I thought that the danger of being perceived by the enemy must be taken care of when crossing the river, but… With the “spirit of the air”, you can completely erase our presence.”

“Yes. With my magical power alone, as soon as I use it to erase the presence of many people, it will be quickly depleted. But with Princess’ help, the time I can maintain it will be longer.”

Leslie removes her glasses and shows her real face. Raquel-san’s eyes turned wide at first, but seeing Dite-san who is calm, she too calmed down. She cleared her throat as if to imitate Dite-san then she returned to her usual calmness.

“…I’m not Lendl but Leslie. For now, don’t ask me why I attended to Grass as a man. It’s just that… it was necessary.”

“If a man was wearing a women’s appearance to infiltrate here, it’s necessary to punish him. However, because there are many soldiers of the right age in this fortress, so some people may be discouraged to know that you are women you see.”

“I can interfere with the air around me which can change the impression that others have around me, before I become a man or a woman, I can’t be recognized if I erased my presence.”Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Is that so?… That’s amazing then. Up until now, does that mean that you have done that as much as possible?”

“Yes. It’s hard to interfere with a wide range of air, but in a limited range, I can alter the air in many ways.”

The more I know about Leslie spirit, the more I think of something. I feel like I understand why she hasn’t talked too much about her spirit up until now – it is too suitable for “infiltration works”.

It completely erases one’s presence by altering the air –For example, it can deprive the air which is a necessary component for the human body, then, she can attack by suffocating the target. If the Lenklus family knew that she could do that, Leslie might have been brought home earlier. An ambitious man who even wants to use his daughter for political strategy, if he knows the power of air spirits… The fact that no plot is involved yet, I can say that I can still be optimistic.

“Grass, Leslie… Bringing you on a dangerous mission is something that I shouldn’t do, but we are unlikely to be able to break this stage without the help of magic… Please forgive me.”

“The enemy army also borrows the power of a magician. Only a magician can go up against another magician….We are not combat magicians, but we are also magicians. I can prevent you from being defeated without knowing why.”

“….Sensei, thank you. If that’s true, Sensei is more…”

Giving up on becoming a court magician and work as a doctor in the Royal Capital. That too, certainly did exist as an option for me. However, if I did that, I don’t think that it’s good at all. I am sincerely honoured that I was allowed to accompany Her Highness.

The people in this fortress, the people of this territory –there are many who should be healed. I would like to do my utmost to restore the beauty of the garden of the sacred tree.

I even thought that I had to stop Zirconia someday. If I don’t do that, it’s of no use –for that reason…

“Fuuaa… they’re talking very seriously. Rei, are you thrilled?”

“…I will not let Summoner-sama die. We will protect him.”

“That’s right! Summoner-sama, I want you to rely on our power and in all of our friends too. If you feel like it, you can summon all of Rei’s friends in the hideout of those bad people, they can beat all of them!”

We were talking in the strategy room in preparation for our departure, in there, Arlaune and Rei peeped in.

“That’s right… Say, Grass-sensei would really be strong even with a rough estimate right? What do you think?”

“Hmm…Since Grass came here, he always tries to contribute. Certainly, it’s not like those large-scale attacks like what a combat magician does, but I do feel quite a considerable power of support from the shadows.”

“It’s not just that. Grass’ evening care is also perfect you see.”

“…Dite, what does that mean?”

It’s a suggestive way of saying it but I knew exactly what Dite-san was trying to say, so I deliberately said nothing. It was also because Astina-denka’s soft tone felt somewhat powerful.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“When I talked about how I can only sleep lightly, he told me about a good flower. Just by leaving it in my room, I finally had a good dream after a long time.”

“D-Dream you say, in that sense… Dite-san intentionally said something weird?”

“Fufufu… you guys look so tragic. It’s indeed dangerous to sneak into the enemy’s territory. But in such time, you should be calm as you normally would. Only those who fears gets closer to the death god you see.”

When Dite-san smiled, everyone’s facial expressions softened. Once again, I felt that I understand what role she played in this fortress.

“Now then…Since the equipments for infiltration is all been prepared, shall we change our clothes? Your Highness, I’ll help you with the equipment.”

“No, I can do it alone….. but, it’s better to check the equipment of each other.”

“Your Highness, for crossing the river, shall we use a small boat or…”

“For crossing the river, you can borrow the power of my fellow plant. Summoner-sama, can I borrow your ears?”Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Hmm…what is it?”

I leaned over to Arlaune, then she whispered at my ear.

“I see… There is “that plant” in the spirit world huh…!”

“Yes, it’s sure to be useful. I’m going to the spirit world and call it!”

A plant that can be used to cross the river –if I summon it, we can effortlessly cross the canal and its presence can be erased thru repatriation.

While Arlaune returned to the spirit world, I decided to finish equipping myself. It is said that there are no equipment for men, but the staff of the fortress armor maintenance adjusted and prepared things for me. I think it’s rare for a military doctor to be armed, but I too need to be prepared to save my own life.

The military operation time is the moment the day has changed. Thinking about what else to prepare for, I went to pick up the armor.

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When I went up to the 4th floor, the color of the setting sun dyed the area.

Her Highness goes out to the corridor and crosses the rampart. She never looked back and just kept on walking –then she stopped on the rampart located at the east of the fortress. It was a place where you could see the town where people live in.

Flock of white birds fly in the sky from the opposite direction then get past the fortress. Beyond that is Zirconia’s territory.

“…Up until today, I thought that if I just endured, that if I don’t fight for the throne, I would be able to solve my worries one day.”

A rectangular window for shooting a bow. I wonder how many arrows were shot from here to shoot the knights led by General Alejandro the other day.

With the sky cut into square at her back, Her Highness turned around and looked at me.

―It’s as if she’s not a person. It’s a beauty that God created without making any mistakes. The deep sorrow in her eyes had the magical power that froze my body in place. I can’t move even one fingertip. I almost forget how to breathe normally.

“My real mother… Amneria, the first queen, wasn’t strong when she was young. The first prince… my brother, also tend to stay in bed from an early age. Then before I knew it, His Majesty said that he wanted a “strong successor” from the Royals around him.”

One of the most important things that a King needs to do is to make a heir. In the Kingdom of Lezenia, the Royals with the lineage of the founding King has always inherited the throne. If the first prince, whose body is said to be weak, becomes a king, his cohesive power will easily be weakened. It is inevitable that a stronger heir will be required to solidify the Royal’s power.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“…But then, all three who were born after turned to be princesses. Although we princesses also have the right to succeed the throne, in this kingdom only the son, the prince, has succeeded the throne, and since the first Prince holds the highest succession order, he was supposed to be the next king.”

“The situation has changed… the Second Queen became His Majesty’s concubine.”

Her Highness nods back when I continued what she was saying.

But at the same time I was thinking of another possibility. Is it possible that Astina-denka has made meritorious services as a military personnel because she has eyed the throne’s succession? –In fact, she contributes to the kingdom so much that it would not be strange if that would be the case.

“His Majesty did not want to exacerbate the position of the First Queen. Even after accepting the Second Queen, His Majesty showed compassion for Her Royal Highness Amneria. In order to protect my mother, my brother and sisters, I volunteered to enter the Knight’s Academy and received an education as an officer. And that is also because I wanted to relieve His Majesty’s heart who is concerned about us.”

Then, Astina-denka became popular at the Knight’s Academy with her unique swordsmanship.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

―There is one thing I’m concerned about. It is with the fact that Her Highness was interrupted when she’s having her “Spirit Selection Ceremony” when she was a child.

Astina-denka did not become a “magician”, but she became a “magic warrior” without realizing it and gained unreasonable strength –However, it was in such unstable state as she constantly consumes a large amount of magic power.

“I became a knight and I was even unconsciously utilizing my magical power to exert my power as a magical warrior… To protect the kingdom, I continued to fight at the front line in the Eastern border. At first, I was a platoon leader who holds and direct five knights… then I went to countless battlefields until I was appointed as the Attack Captain in half a year.”

Her Highness puts her hands on the sword on her waist. Rather than gripping the handle, she wraps her hands around the handle, closed her eyes for a moment without saying anything. When I realized that she’s praying, I too closed my eyes. She is praying for the many enemy soldiers she has killed with her sword.

“…It was the second spring when I went to the Eastern border. When the General who was commanding the army died from the enemy’s arrow, I took over the title of “General” from that time. Raquel has been my subordinate for a long time, and I’ve walked with her all the way from Knight’s Academy.”

Her Highness looks at her hands. She continued to speak as she watched her hands then she gazed at the sunset.

“I thought I don’t have such thing as human emotions. No matter how strong a Knight is, if you kill someone, you’ll have a nightmare and wear your heart out… It was not the case for me. I was able to kill anyone as much as I needed, and I just thought that I could scare the people around me.”

“…That’s not the case for Raquel-san.”

“Yes… she’s a nobler and stronger woman than I am. She said that she admires me. That she wants to be a knight like me.”

For Raquel-san, Her Highness’ very existence is far from being someone to be proud of. Not just her, everyone in this fortress thinks so. Even I, who just arrived here, can say that without any hesitation. We revered Astina-denka.

“I’ve been killing a lot of enemy soldiers, so it would be presumptuous of me to say this, Grass… for the knights in this fortress you are… No. From the moment I saw you treating the ranch owner who got hit by the goblin’s arrow, I had thought that if it is possible, I wanted a power like yours.”

“…I… For Your Highness to tell me that…”

It has never been needed. Only spirits that are useful in war are valued. Even in the Academy… I vowed that I would never lose my heart like my fellow “flop” students. It’s not a “flop”, it should be worth something. Even if it is not recognized now, someday―

It’s something that I wanted so much. To be needed by someone…

Though not for combat, I was finally seen for healing people. I initially thought that Her Highness was not looking at me but she remembered me from our very first encounter. If I say something now, it feels like a pathetic voice will come out. While looking at me, Her Highness laughed faintly-the wind blew and shook her hair for a very short time.

“I have to question His Majesty’s will. Vaiseck did not mind the deaths caused by Zirconia’s attack and was even enthusiastic with his provocation to overthrow me. He has not buried dead people with his own hand or prayed for them. And those who have died for this Kingdom was not even rewarded.”

I thought that the one who was most angry was Presha-san and Raquel-san… But I was wrong. Her Highness, as a General who went on the front line and defends with the Knights could not forgive Vaiseck’s insults.

“The Capital is not willing to help in defending against Zirconia’s attacks. If they want to kill the Knights of this order, I won’t just accept it.”

“Going against the Capital… you’re saying like that, right?”

“No… I’m not yet openly expressing that resolve. After this, we will release the prisoners but we won’t just free them. Grass… With your strength, it may be possible to get a clue as to who is trying to do this.”

Make the prisoners carry a plant that would be a medium of a spirit. I was thinking about that as well –I’m now able to materialize Arlaune in remote areas, so if it’s done well, I can collect information via the prisoners of war.

“Moreover, Zirconia doesn’t think that we’re going to attack. We’ll take their base across the river and use it as a material for negotiation with the prisoners of war. To make them think that it’s not a good idea to oppose us, we must shake them on a grand scale.”

In order to do that, the water magician who made Zirconia’s raid possible –Noin, we should defeat her in some way.

“I already have a spy to follow Vaiseck. He is not trying to get straight out of the Western territory… If he has been ordered to observe the situation in the Western territories, he should not have reported to me. In my case, I have the authority to punish even those military personnel who are not under my command once they did unauthorized intelligence activity within my territory.”

If that regulation was disregarded, even if Vaiseck pleads, he must explain why he acted against the rules. Perhaps he will remain silent. But at that time, I just have to perform the magical “interrogation”, as I’ve done so far.

“…Everything depends on your power. I was once told that I was good at strategy, but it was nothing but logical reasoning, such as feeling the signs and directions that the enemy would attack.”Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“No… that power will always help the Knights. Now that Your Highness has been connected to the sacred tree, your power to read things ahead was even superior from before, right?”

“Yes… You’re right. The feeling that the sacred tree whispers to me, I certainly felt those. There will come a time where I will ask for an “oracle”, right?”

The things that we definitely need to know… That is the whereabouts of the key figures in the enemy forces, such as General Alejandro and Noin. We’ll have Zirconia reach a conclusion that they should no longer fight us. It’s not easy, but we should not conclude that it’s impossible from the start.

Before the enemy sends a large army again, we should change the war situation. When should we make a move for that? –The sooner we go, the better, seeing me considering such thing, Her Highness said,

“We’ll infiltrate the enemy’s base tonight. We will do it at midnight when their vigilance is at its lowest.”

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After I finished the doctor’s round for those injured with Katie-san and Leslie in the sanitary building, I was immediately called by Raquel-san’s subordinate.

There’s a room on the second floor of the fortress that is used to accommodate visitors from outside. We passed that and I was brought to the next room –Chloe-san and Solfa-san were also there. I saw them on the round table before but this is the first time I’ll talk to them directly.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

Chloe-san has a similar atmosphere to Raquel-san, but I can feel that Raquel-san’s sense of intimidation as a warrior is higher. I don’t feel any magical power though, well, I think it’s natural, but with her deep green hair and eyes she appears to be a mysterious woman.

Solfa-san is a dignified woman with long flax-colored hair tied in two, in the left and right side. I wonder why she refers to Dite-san as “ane-sama” though she is quite young. But since she is an archer, she has that sharp gleam dwelling in her eyes.

“…By nature, this kind of thing is dangerous. Knight Captain Raquel must have been so trusting in Grass-dono. Ane-sama too…”

“…No need for such preamble… I’m sorry if I called out Grass-dono so suddenly. Right now, there’s a messenger who came from the Capital with a decree from His Majesty, the King. Astina-denka, Knight Captain Raquel and Dite-dono already met him and were now talking to him.”

“From the capital… Does that mean that His Majesty has received the request for reinforcements and the reply has come?”

If so, it would have been a good thing for this fortress. But neither Chloe-san nor Solfa-san answered anything, and Chloe-san just urged me to come to the back of the room.

There was a faint conversation from the next room. Chloe-san looks at me without saying anything –does that mean we are here to listen to the conversation between Her Highness and the messenger from the capital in the next room?

“I’ve got the permission from Knight Captain. Grass, you don’t need to force yourself if you’re afraid to be at odds with those in the Capital. We cannot possibly deceive someone who has contributed a lot as a military doctor.”

“I would like to hear that from your own volition. I think you should definitely listen to Raquel-san’s instructions but, you should do so not only because it’s an order.”

 “……Is that so?”

Chloe-san replied briefly and said nothing more. The three of us listen to the conversation coming from the next room –then,

What I heard was an overbearing male’s voice. I don’t think he even thinks that he’s facing the guardians of this fortress, it was such an insolent speech.

“―A direct command from His Majesty, the King. Release all those detained at this Isle Rose Fortress.”

“…I can still understand if it’s about the Zirconian soldier. However, the others were captured because they acted against this fortress. Why should we release them?”

“Watch your mouth, Raquel-dono. If you still object, I’ll have this relayed to His Majesty the King.”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Uh…”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Not only the Zirconian prisoner, but also those people who were sending weapons to Zirconia and it was even “His Majesty” who ordered the release.

―I shudder while thinking of my suspicion. Although such a thing can’t be true, the sequence of events so far, shows one possibility.

Someone is having trouble releasing “everyone” detained in this fortress… then that person either borrowed His Majesty’s name or urged His Majesty to issue a decree.

“…Northern Knights… Through the member of the royal family… they give us weapons…”

It was the information pulled from the prisoner with the power of Arlaune. I recalled those words of the person who had communicated with Zirconia across the border.

The other possibility is almost gone.

―A member of the Royal family who is familiar with Zirconia urged His Majesty the King.

But even if there is evidence to show that, the decision is left to Her Highness. It’s such a heavy decision as it will determine the fate of this fortress –however, if we do nothing about it and just release the prisoners, Astina-denka and the others will fall right in the palm of the person who’s plotting against Her Highness.

Are all of these the Second Queen’s plot…? Why do they go this far? Astina-denka is fighting to protect her country. If they join hands, this country will be more…

I am not the only one holding a fist. Chloe-san and Solfa-san were also angry as they are even biting their lips. They may still not know that the enemy is in the Royal family. Nonetheless, anyone in this fortress knows that the Capital is doing something unreasonable.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“…The Zirconia side has been constantly attacking us without rhyme or reason. We are here to protect Lezenia…”

“If you release the people in custody, the integrity of Isle Rose will surely be appreciated by the people as well as in the Capital. His Majesty the King will also be pleased.”

―And again, something ridiculous happened. The messenger interrupted Her Highness, Princess Astina’s remark, and expressed her opinion as if it was not necessary.

“You bastard…..uh!”

“Raquel, it’s okay. Vaiseck-dono, thank you very much for telling us about “His Majesty, the King’s intention”. However, for the prisoners of war, it is a matter directly related to the defense of the Western territories….I would appreciate if you could understand that immediate release is not possible.”

“…Princess, you should be able to comprehend this. Your position in the Royal Army was given in consideration of your position as a princess. Rumor has it that you are active on the battlefield. But, it was always your subordinates who say that and it’s quite doubtful on up to what extent of it is a true merit. Don’t get carried by such picture too much.”

The man roughly gets up from his seat and leaves the room. It sounds like Raquel-san stood up too –but she must have been restrained by Her Highness.

“G-Grass-dono…!?”

I couldn’t help but take action.

Why don’t they understand…Astina-denka is not just sitting by on the army, she goes in the battlefield while risking her life. Will they try to treat even the achievements she has given so far as if they never existed?

I can’t forgive that. But I wasn’t the only one to think so.

Presha-san too was standing behind the door. She is more upset than anyone. Fury, indignation, and murderous impulse –her clenched fist was bleeding as she forcibly restrains her killing intent.

“…I know it’s completely useless. If I kill him now, all the things we’ve endured up to now will be in vain… He was sent here to disturb Her Highness, I also know that much.”

“…Presha-san”

What happens if someone kill Vaiseck here –Her Highness will be robbed of her right for the throne as she will be deemed rebelling against His Majesty, the King.

Only one person can benefit from it. If we could pinpoint the person behind Vaiseck, that person should be the one being blamed. However, in a situation where Her Highness is far from the Capital and he have no personal connections linked here, he have no means to see the situation, His Majesty the King could only listen to the person nearby.

“…I can’t let him say such a thing to Her Highness…I can’t forgive them. I, one day, I’ll spare none from them…”

“…Me too, I feel the same. Such kind of thing can’t be forgiven.”

Tears spilled from Presha-san’s eyes which had begun to turn into the shade of hatred. She faced the wall and punches her fists on it many times.

“Why… Why do they only think about their selves…!? Can’t we not be one for this country… why!!”

The fist that was once again raised was stopped. Raquel-san who came out of the room holds Presha-san’s wrist.

“…I made you experience something painful. I too… I can only watch Vaiseck’s insolence in front of me…”

“That’s wrong. The one who should feel ashamed the most was…I myself.”

“Uh…..What are you saying, Your Highness? For the people’s sake… and for our sake too, Your Highness personally wield your sword and we have come to this point. Astina-denka is only thinking about the people and you have become a true shield for all of us. That was why we are so proud of you but, why did you not command as to kill Vaiseck…!”

Raquel-san speaks in front of Her Highness. It would have been more painful for her, who had a deep respect for Her Highness.

Her Highness looked at me. Then, without saying anything, she walks towards the upper level.Translated by Yume Neiji

I know that means to follow her. Raquel-san doesn’t say anything, she just cast her eyes downwards –Presha-san looks at me like she’s about to cling on me.

I have to go in order to hear Her Highness’ real intention with my own ears.

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At present, it turns out that most areas of the Western Territories are under the influence of the sacred tree.Translated by Yume Neiji

The seeds of plants are carried by the wind and creatures so they spread endlessly. The sacred tree, who has regained its power, obtains information through the familiars that has roots in various places, and if necessary, tells me about the remote areas.

Based from Hartner-san’s symptom, I can judge that it was an infection caused by the poison of “Benimadara tick”. The component necessary for detoxification is a plant peculiar to the Western territories, and it can be extracted from “lensen thistle”, which is often overlooked because it grows mixed with roadside weeds.

(TLYN: Can’t find the term benimadara tick (ベニマダラダニ) and lensen thistle (レンセンアザミ)　though. I found something about red ticks but not so sure if that’s it so I just retained the Japanese name haha)

―However, even if I could make the antidote, Kufika seemed uneasy to entrust the treatment to a doctor who could not make an effective treatment for Hartner-san.

Should I go after all…? There are also those who are injured in the yesterday’s fight so I also need to check the condition of their wound. Considering the travel time, I can only give out instructions…

“Summoner-sama, Summoner-sama”

“Hn…? Laune, what is it? We’re talking about an important matter, right now is…”

“This is also important, I want to help summoner-sama.”

“…we are fine with it, we can wait for you, you see. Please listen to what she wants to say.”

Kufika had a depressed look but she smiled at Laune who is currently holding the hem of my clothes, maybe she didn’t think she could show such expression in front of a young child.

Laune asked me to return to the carriage. Mandrake Rei is also there, the two of them seem to have something they want to say to me.

“I’m sorry if I worried you guys, did I have such troubled expression?”

“Summoner-sama is worried because there are many patients who need assistance. In that case, I would like to act in Summoner-sama’s stead!”

“…We’re really familiar with poison. I’m even making poison in my body you see.”

“Are you saying… instead of me, you are going to the Reinfeld mansion? But Laune, Rei, given that you’re so small, you guys won’t look like a doctor you know.”

Laune and Rei look at each other. And for some reason, they laughed happily.

“…Wait. Arlaune and Rei have contracts with me so….. Is it possible for me to give the instructions for treatment to you guys? If you touch the affected area, you can inform me if the poison is not what I had expected. Then I can once again instruct you guys, is that right?”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“That’s right. We are connected to Summoner-sama no matter how far we go. We are connected even when we return to the spirit world you see. So no matter where we go in this physical world, our connection won’t be severed.”

“As for our child-form, it was because we are in our minimum reification. Spirits have no age. We can even become much older than Summoner-sama.”

Up until now, with my magical capacity, it was impossible to materialize Laune and Rei and keep them in that form.

But now it’s different –I can borrow magic from the local plants, or through the familiars of the sacred tree in various places, I can give the two of them the magical power they need. The magical power of Her Highness is not inexhaustible, but if left alone, it will accumulate too much in the body, so it must be used appropriately.

Even now, I continue to receive the magical power provided by Her Highness. I get more than what I consume, but thanks to that, even a little bit faster, my magical capacity itself is also increasing –with this, it will give me more control on the degree of Laune and Rei’s materialization.

“…If this succeeds, I’ll be able to check on all the people in this territory if I cooperate with the clinic in town.”

“That’s right, we can ask the doctor’s in the town to plant some bulbs. If there are fellow flowers there, I can always materialize there. Once you release my reification, I can return to the spirit world, Summoner-sama can also summon me anywhere.”

I can’t move to a great distance instantly, but a spirit can. It means that when Laune finishes her role, she can always return back.

“I see… but it will be hard for Rei to go with Laune. I think it will be possible to separate some roots but, pulling them out from the ground would be a big deal.”

“…I-It can’t be helped then. I’ll be house-sitting this time. But I want to grow up and be useful to the Summoner-sama someday.”

Rei looks at Laune enviously. If anything, Rei’s power would be a more appropriate in a tense situation –her power is better than Laune’s ability to momentarily suppress enemies and restrain movement. It can wipe out enemies in some cases, that’s how much power a Mandrake possess.Translated by Yume Neiji

“Then… Compared to before, I want you to use more of your magical powers. Until now, I have kept it low so that the Summoner-sama’s magical power will not be lost you see.”

“To transform you huh… I understand. Laune, you can use as much magic as you like. Try to make it to your ideal figure.”

“Yes…Uhm then, I want you to chant it.”

“All right. 『Oh lustrous flower that blooms in the enchanted garden. With me as a source of power, bloom bigger and beautifully…! 』”

According to my chant, the magical power that flows into Laune increases –I felt a little sense of loss at first but the consumed magical power is immediately supplemented. Even with this amount of magic, it will not be a burden to Her Highness. The amount of magic that was constantly flowing from her was not that much.

Then, Laune, who absorbed the magical power like water, grew inside the carriage while I was watching –from the appearance of about 10 years old, she turns into a 15 year old. And she grew a little more then, the transformation stopped.

“Whoa… my limbs are longer. Since I am a spirit, my clothes have grown together!”

The young Arlaune was lovely, but when she grew up, her beauty stood out as if she had blossomed. Rei looking at the side was also amazed.

“Amazing! You got bigger…. Laune has become an older sister…”

“Because the big flowers stand out, I make them look like hair ornaments. Summoner-sama, you can count on me.”

“Y-Yeah… That’s right. It’s more than what I imagined, honestly, I don’t know what to say but…”

◆◇◆

I’ll send Laune in my stead so I gave her the antidote. We waited until we could no longer see the Reinfeld’s party –Kufika, who had Laune on her horse, finally bowed to us and goes after her brother.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Arlaune is a spirit, so you can summon her to your side right? Up until now, I’ve never tried to learn about spirits so this is surprising for me.”

“If you don’t mind, I can teach you about it on another time. I think it’s better for Your Highness to know more about spirits.”

“Yes, you’re right. Now that I am connected with the sacred tree, I understand how spirits are deeply involved and deeply related to people. I need to deepen my understanding about them because I also want to borrow their power.”

Then by the time we returned to the fortress, Laune also arrived at the Reinfeld’s. With the permission to see Hartner-san’s condition directly, she administered the medical treatment.

―He had a fungal infection caused by the benimadara tick so his resistance has weakened. Even if she’s in a remote location, Laune obeyed my instructions well and the signs of poisoning that had eaten Hartner-san began to show signs of subsiding, and I was also relieved as I looked around the patients in the fortress’ sanitary building.

However, it was only until the evening that the fortress was able to regain its peace.

A messenger from the capital’s headquarters came with a decree indicating the return of the prisoner of war detained in the Isle Rose Fortress.

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