Category: Hagure Seirei Ino Shinsatsu Kiroku

The horses are grazing on the banks of the canal. Looking at the sight, Laune raised her hands to protect the small flower growing on her head.

“Leslie-oneesan, do horses eat flowers too?”

“…I don’t think they’ll eat flowers. Well, unless they are very hungry of course. Horses usually eat grass you see.”

Once they get off the horse, they sat down on the nearby rock after laying a cloth on it. Laune is having a conversation with Leslie as she sits on her lap –it’s such a peaceful scene.

I also get off the horse and then I approached the edge of the water. According to the picture books, some monsters live in water. However, when I touched the water and asked the algae in the water about it, it appears that there are no dangerous creatures around here.

“…Grass, can you make a water lily scaffold?”

“Yes, no problem. And, speaking of which, even though it’s such a big river, I don’t think there’s a presence of aquatic animals at all.”

“Yes, it seems like there’s none around here. We couldn’t do some fishing in the canal because of the enemy attack. However, if we could build a boat, we could do that.”

If we caught some fish, our diet would certainly not have been so simple. Fish are rarely eaten in the Royal Capital but caravans come to sell them so I have eaten salted and preserved fish.

“That could only be done after overcoming the future situation…”

“…Your Highness, what is the “oracle” from Yuserish?”

“…There’s a storm brewing from the east.”

“Uh…!?”

East –when viewed from the Western Territory, it’s the Royal Capital that’s in that direction. There’s a “storm” brewing from the Royal Capital. When I heard that, I couldn’t help but think of one person.

“Millenia Weed. The “Jade Witch” is heading here.”

“The director of the Millenia Academy… why…”

“There is one thing I can think of. Vaiseck… Assuming that he was convinced of his success when he provoked us at the behest of Queen Cassandra, under the guise of my rebellion against His Majesty, he will try to seize the Isle Rose Fortress… or even the Western Territory.”

“…That, you mean, even if you have forecast that far, we couldn’t arrest Vaiseck because it would be a rebellion in itself… is that right?”

Her Highness nods in agreement. The situation is not looking good at all but Her Highness has calm eyes that made me feel relieved just by looking at them.

“Are the thing we did considered to be a rebellion? Vaiseck is not the one to determine that!”

“…Astina-denka”

“Right. That’s just some trickery…..is it what it’s called? Anyway, I’m not sure about those things, but I do know that we did not do anything wrong. And, it’s also impossible for Her Highness to be wrong.”

“…I can make mistakes too. I don’t think that you should always consider that what I think is right.”

She didn’t say that just to negate Presha-san’s words. Her Highness looks at me –her calm eyes seemed to ask me to say what I thought on what she had said.

“It would be reassuring if the people in the territory knew that Her Highness thinks that way. Of course, I also think that it’s very noble.”

“…Noble huh… it sounds a little exaggerated as a depiction but…”

“Me too, I was wondering if it’s okay to tell this to Your Highness but… I think it’s exactly as what Grass-sensei had said. Your Highness, you’re a noble person.”

Her Highness seemed to be perplexed as even Presha-san agreed. She turned her eyes away when she noticed that I was looking at her. She then stroked the neck of the horse grazing and let it finish its meal.

“…Grass, saying it’s a noble thing is forbidden. I know it’s not a bad thing, but I’m uncomfortable when you say it.”

“…I- Pardon me, Your Highness.”

I said it because there’s a small number of people here, I regret that it turned out to be an impolite remark for Her Highness.

“…You should not feel sorry to that point. I’m not saying I hate it, it’s just that I feel unsettled. You and I are connected through the sacred tree, but saying the word noble make me feel a distance between us.”

“I- I understand. Then I’d like to reiterate…… I have a lot of respect for you, Your Highness.”

“…Grass-nii, I don’t think much has changed.”

“Ahaha… there are times when even a Sensei is nervous and can’t say the right things huh.”

I’m not as calm as a stone, unlike Sven. However, it’s good to be able to chat for a brief period of time as constant tension can cause a lot of mental fatigue. Dite-san and the others who have been scouting the perimeter have returned, and they come up to us with a curious look on their faces as we are all laughing.

“The reconnaissance around the area is over. I don’t think we’ll be attacked by the ambush while we’re crossing… Now that we’ve defeated Alejandro, the Zirconia’s remaining troops are not around here anymore.”

“Thank you Dite. Then Grass, please do it.”

“Understood”

I hold my hand over the flowing canal –another scenery appeared in front of me. In the fountain of Elmir in the spirit world, countless “floating prickly water lily” are moving around.

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

From this side of the canal to the opposite bank, many large water lily materialize. After summoning them several times, I became accustomed to it. Now I can match the height at which each water lily floats and lay them down like a cobblestone road.

I was told to ride on Her Highness’ horse, so Her Highness pulled me up. Her Highness puts my hand around her waist so that I don’t fall.

“Well then, we’re going. There seems to be a slight gust so please be careful not to be fanned by it.”

「「「Yes!」」」

When Her Highness said that, the knight guards also replied. When I listen to their voice in this way, Presha-san is by far the youngest, but many knights seemed to be around the middle of the 20’s.

“….Once the battle settles down, some of the knights may choose to retire because of their age. I must work hard so that they can do that.”

In a state where I’m close to Her Highness like as it is now, it becomes easier to convey our thoughts. Astina-denka is always thinking about the lives of the knights. Because such feeling is conveyed, all the knights older than Her Highness are loyal to her.

“…How is it that you often think of complimenting me?”

“…Uh, I-I’m sorry. I’ll try not to convey my thoughts.”

“No, I’m not angry… we could do it unless my thoughts are always getting to you of course.”

“It’s not a problem. I also have the knowledge as a magician. There are ways to prevent the transmission of thoughts through magical power.”

“…I see that only I am getting the thoughts of Grass. After all, it seems that I need to get some magical guidance from Grass.”

While we are talking, Leslie looks back here –is she curious about what me and Her Highness is talking about? It may not be good to talk too secretly.

“…Did you hear it? I said that I wanted to ask for magical guidance.”

“Y-Yes, I heard it. Your Highness will soon get the hang of it.”

“I will try to do that. It’s about time we cross the water lily bridge… When we get off the shore, I’ll let the horse gallop. Please hold on firmly.”

“uh…!”

As Her Highness had said, when we got off the shore, she hit the horse’s neck. Then the horse gradually accelerates and begins to canter -if I don’t hold on tightly, I’m going to be rocked down.

Leslie is also doing her best to hold on to Presha-san so I can’t afford to lose. Dite-san, who is riding alone, is ahead of us and runs lightly -she reaches the Isle Rose Fortress a step ahead of us and sounds her horn to signal the knights inside to let down the drawbridge. Once inside the fortress, a soldier rushes to Her Highness. Her face was pale – as expected, something is going on.

“Your Highness, I would like to report. It seems that a unit dispatched from the Capital has arrived at the Western Territory. The commander is General Rothgart and he has reported that he has an order from the Central Command. He wants us to let him enter the Isle Rose Fortress before Your Highness returns….”

“…What is the strength of that unit?”

There was no need to check the strength of that allied unit if they were going to operate jointly–in that question, Her Highness already suggested the possibility of hostility of that allied force.

“The fast horses from checking station has just arrived, it’s about 300. I think they’re already started moving towards us, probably because he didn’t know Your Highness would be back soon.”

“I can’t believe they’ve gone this far. That man named Vaiseck, from the beginning he……”

Dite-san bites her lips. The fact that the general dispatched from the Capital is here now can only be considered to have been prepared in advance for entering the Isle Rose Fortress when Her Highness is absent. The number of three hundred men is prearranged with a view of putting Isle Rose’s troops directly under his command and continuing the rule over the territory. It seems to be a decision that there is no need to direct a large number of troops from the Capital.

“Your Highness… If General Rothgart arrives as it is, he will probably issue an order from the Marshal. If we refuse to do so, he may turn all of the Lezenia Kingdom’s Army against us.”

Dite-san speaks to Her Highness. I knew this would happen –sooner or later, Queen Cassandra’s plot must be overruled in order for her to continue to rule the Western Territories, improve the lives of the people and bring about peace.

“….The fact that I am here at this time would be beyond their expectations. General Rothgart’s intervention is not needed in this western territory.”

“Your Highness…”

“For whatever purpose they head here, if they have excuse to dismiss me, I will listen to it. But that was before they took a step inside this fortress.”

“…I understand. I will follow His Highness to the end.”

Presha-san said without hesitation. The same goes for the guard knights –but Dite couldn’t immediately agree.

“Dietria… If you go back to the Muse family, that…”

“…It’s now or never. That’s not a mistake.”

Dietria is probably Dite-san’s real name. And Muse is the name of Dite-san’s birth family. I heard the name Count Muse when I was in the Royal Capital. The current owner is also the manager of the Royal Theater, they are widely involved in business and is said to be the richest noble in the kingdom. Born into such a famous family, Dite-san chose to become a knight. But that doesn’t mean that she abandoned her home.

“…If I were to confront General Rothgart as Her Highness’ vassal, the Muse family would also be subject to some penalties. However, my father told me that he’s ready to cut off ties whenever something wrong is to happen. My father is also a cunning old man so he won’t be easily crushed.”

“Dite…”

Dite-san did not waver. By saying that determination, I knew that Her Highness, and Presha-san would be worried about her.

“…Dite-san, are you really okay with it?”

“I don’t want to think about the possibility of being incorporated under a new general for the rest of my life. I swore an oath to remain a knight to serve Your Highness.”

“Y-Yes… us too. Your Highness, please take us.”

The knights had one heart. I see it and it feels dazzling –at the Academy, I couldn’t meet friends who were aiming for the same place like this.

“…Grass-nii, you have an envious look on your face.”

“I guess it’s more of a longing. But…… yes. For me, I had Leslie and Sven.”

“Uh… t-that… well, if you think so…”

Leslie was saying something but her voice was so small that I couldn’t hear it –maybe it was, “I’m glad you think that” or something like that.

However, there are not enough of us to hold General Rothgard back. There’s no time left now to bring back the troops occupying the Zirconia fort either.

“… If what we’ve done is budding in this Western Territory, there’s nothing to think about.”

“Your Highness… By those words, my hesitation disappeared from within me. Dietria Muse, Captain of the First Archer Corp of the Isle Rose Fortress, will accompany you until my body rots.”

Her Highness nods to Dite-san. To me, it seemed like she had a faint smile. Dite-san also smiles and the knights go out of the fortress again.

“Your Highness Astina, everyone, please give me good luck …!”

“―Your Highness Astina, Knight Presha, Knight Dite, goes to battle!”

The ally –No. The knights run through the meadow to confront the army that was once their allies.

What is waiting for us in the future? Will I have to face my stepsister as well?

All I can do is make sure I don’t lose anything. I swore to my heart not to make a mistake.

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

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Inside the fort was a facility for capturing and accommodating the deserters and those who had violated the order. The disciplinary cell –unlike the moveable tent, was a hut made of wood and stone. Led by Dite-san, I entered the punishment cell along with Noin. Astina-denka and Knight Captain Raquel were already inside.

Alejandro was chained to a pillar driven deep into the ground. He had been hit by an arrow around his collarbone and he seemed to have lost a lot of blood but he was treated to stop the bleeding and was bandaged after that. His skin was pale and a little blood had drained from his lips. As long as the wound didn’t fester, it wouldn’t be life-threatening.

It is up to Her Highness to decide whether to let Alejandro live as a prisoner of war or to take him out as an enemy general ―well, Her Highness doesn’t seem to have chosen the option of executing the enemy general as she wanted to interrogate him.

Noin gently grabs the hem of my clothes, she is a little agitated at the sight of Alejandro. Since she is standing in front of the person who made her submit, that emotion can be more than one can imagine ―if it calms her a little bit, I don’t mind even if my clothes were stretched.

“Grass… Although it’s in succession, I’ll ask you to do this important task. As you have seen, is Alejandro in a position where he can withstand the interrogation?”

“It will be difficult if it is for a long time. However, I think it’s okay if Your Highness will just ask the necessary questions.”

“Understood. If we can help in anyway, please let us help…”

Dite-san offered. However, with the help of Laune, the interrogation will go smoothly. Speaking of Laune, she should have been held by Noin, but she disappeared before I knew it.

“Uh… L-Laune? I wondered where you went…”

Laune is now hugging Her Highness. There is a considerable difference in their height so she is clinging to her waist.

“…Princess-sama’s scent, it’s so nostalgic. It’s like mother…”

“…I’m sorry, I’m not your mother. I think Yuserish has some relation to you.”

The sacred tree ―an existence that governs all plants. If she is from the spirit world, Arlaune can be said to be like a child of the sacred tree.

“But, this Onee-san also smells good. That Onee-san too.”

“I-Is that so? …I just came from a battle so I don’t think I smell good though…”

“Perhaps… is it because you are attracted to magical power?”

“It’s the same with magical power but I like all those who are friends with Summoner-sama. About Summoner-sama, Raquel-oneesan and Dite-oneesan has about the same… mmmph.”

She was about to say something so I caught Laune and covered her mouth. She’s a spirit, so it’s okay even if she can’t breathe but I did it lightly so that it won’t hurt much.

“Laune, if you suddenly say that, everyone will be startled you know. You have to avoid getting scolded.”

“…mmph”

“N-No, I am not scolding you. But… what did you try to say anyway?”

“Laune is a precocious child huh… I’m glad that Sensei stopped you.”

Laune seems to be dissatisfied. But as she is now quiet, I let go of her. Laune looked up at me and said, “Ii-”, perhaps because it looked cute to Raquel-san and Dite-san, they both laughed.

“…It’s soothing to see Laune. We must not forget that this is an enemy territory though.”

“Grass, though she’s your spirit, you should not bully her too much you know.”

“N-No, I’m not bullying … Ah, hey!…”

Laune hides behind Raquel-san, perhaps because she knows that Raquel-san is on her side ―However, Her Highness approached her and she gently picks up Laune, she then brings her to me.

“Wau～, I’ve been caught. Summoner-sama, it can’t be helped so I’ll listen to you.”

“Haha… I guess this is where I have to say thank you huh.”

Looking at Laune, who remained unperturbed even in front of Alejandro who doesn’t make a slight movement, made me realize that she, as a spirit, is not a really child as she appears to be. Additionaly, Laune is able to communicate with me just by touching Her Highness ―as the shrine maiden of the sacred tree, Her Highness has the power to synchronize with the spirit of plants.

Taken by Her Highness, Laune approaches Alejandro and she holds her hand towards the ground. Shortly after that, a magic circle was born on the ground and a fairy flower, which can be said to be the main body of Laune, sprouted and opened while we are looking at it.

“To think that such a little child has this kind of power… Magic is always a mystery isn’t it?”

While admiring such occurrence, Dite-san keeps an eye on Alejandro’s movements. The same is true for Raquel-san. Although he can’t move now, we can’t just let our guard down because he’s the one who cornered Presha-san.

Eventually, the pollen of the fairy flower floats around Alejandro and it is taken inside his body along with his breathing ―his eyes open slightly.

“…I’ll confirm it again. You’re General Alejandro, right?”

“……That’s right……”

“Now I’ll ask you to answer some questions. Please answer them without hesitation.”

“……Okay……”

After Alejandro replies, Her Highness comes forward. I stand sideways and watch the interrogation while carefully observing Alejandro.

“…Were you trying to take the Isle Rose Fortress through the help of those from Rezeneia?”

Hypnosis does not have a long enough time to ask questions one at a time. It’s just a few minutes until the ego is transformed ―there is no time to make a detour, all questions must be on point.

“…That woman there… the water magician, Noin Flores… someone from the Kingdom of Rezeneia has guided us to utilize her power…”

“Who was the guide…?”

“Those who can give orders to the court magicians of Rezeneia… the number of people who can do that is limited in your kingdom…”

Alejandro only speculates and he doesn’t seem to know the answer ―it was just mentioned that “someone from Rezeneia” guided them to utilize Noin’s power.

It undoubtedly orchestrated by Her Royal Highness Cassandra, the Second Queen of Rezeneia, and the court magician Jorg Frost, who was connected to her. If Alejandro didn’t know that, then the connection between Zirconia and Queen Cassandra was not as close as we had imagined.

If Queen Cassandra was connected to the other generals, or even to the vicinity of Emperor Zirconia, it would be difficult to reach a truce with Zirconia through discussion alone. We know that there were other secret spies besides Alejandro but I’d like to think that they are not involved in the Capital of Zirconia.

“There are some from our territory who were secretly distributing weapons to Zirconia. Did you know that?”

“…The link was in the fort in the west… a facility built as a base for warships… a man named Baile was in charge of it… I asked Baile to replenish supplies. Then I ordered him to use a warship to work with our army… but that man…”

Why did he try to use Noin to seduce Baile? That’s because Baile used his position to bargain with Alejandro. If Baile doesn’t move, he can’t take the strategy of landing from two distant points and attack the Isle Rose Fortress.

Apart from the fact that Noin was sent to Zirconia, there was a movement to divert weapons from Rezeneia to Zirconia, which unexpectedly caused the division of the Zirconia army.

“…It’s no wonder that they use such strategy, they don’t have confidence so it’s inevitable.”

“Aiming at the shipyard in the west is the right choice after all… Alejandro was out of options because we took Baile as a prisoner and we also rescued Noin.”

Well, that’s true ―I’ve heard that even a single court magician can change the output of the battlefield. However, I think Noin embodies that as well. Alejandro would have been an excellent commander without a magician, but I can imagine that he became dependent on Noin when he learned about her power.

“…It’s all thanks to Grass-sama. If I hadn’t met Grass-sama at that time, I might have returned to this man again.”

“A man trying to use a woman on the battlefield….I’ve seen it many times but still, it’s unforgivable!”

Raquel-san turns her anger at Alejandro, but Her Highness hold her back.

I’ve seen, Presha-san’s past and among them, it was clearly shown that some of the men in the military think of atrocious things. Not everyone though. Some people had their minds worn out while they are on the battlefield and they become trapped in their deep rooted delusion for power.

I have to do what I have to do so that even after this war, everyone can smile and go back to their usual lives. Now, I think that being here as a military doctor is my destiny.

“…Summoner-sama, this guy has a strong resistance to hypnosis… uh, one more question and after that, it looks like he’ll be released from hypnosis.”

“Yeah, I understand. Your Highness …”

“No. Noin… Is there anything you want to say to Alejandro?”

“Uh… Y-Your Highness… giving someone like me such an important opportunity…”

“I think you have the right to do that. Even if you’re going to work for our Knights Order from now on, it’s going to be painful if you don’t get rid of those shackles.”

Just being released from that dark spirit is not the end. Even after seeing the fallen Alejandro, she is still not really free.

“…I …I’m no longer tied to you. Your orders will no longer reach me.”

“…Wrong… Noin… You are my…”

As Laune had said, Alejandro resisted the hypnosis –his obsession with Noin is very strong. I don’t know if it’s right for me to try to help here. Maybe she has to overcome this by herself. But still, I placed my hand on her shoulder to help Noin move forward.

“…Grass-sama…”

Noin puts her hand on my hand. The magical powers of “water” and “plant” are compatible with each other –as they are so compatible, I can calm Noin’s mental turmoil even without using magic.

“…I don’t have to listen to your answer. If you can still hear me, just engrave my words… you’ve lost. Led by Her Highness Astina, you were defeated by the Knights of Isle Rose.”

“―!!”

Alejandro eyes widen ―just as he is about to become enraged, Laune wraps Alejandro in a pollen that has a sleeping effect.

“uh…Ga… a…”

As the concentration of hypnotic pollen increases, Alejandro quickly loses consciousness. Looking at Alejandro, who droops his head, Noin hits his chest with her hand―it must have taken a lot of courage.

“…Pardon me, Your Highness. In front of Your Highness, I’d like to relieve my resentment…”

“No. Alejandro used a measure that would sacrifice the lives of his subordinates… but he had no regrets, those who died according to his orders would not be rewarded.”

“People who aren’t aware of defeat are particularly bad at giving up. It’s a good idea to keep one in mind.”

“Your Highness, as for Alejandro and Baile, as important prisoners of war, they will be a bargaining chip with Zirconia. However, if we bring them back to the Isle Rose Fortress, it is likely that Vaiseck will interfere again… I think we should proceed with one more piece of the puzzle at this point but, what do you think?”

When Raquel-san asked that, for a moment, Her Highness’ eyes changed. Her gaze looks like she’s seeing something other than what is here –it’s a future vision through the power of the sacred tree.

“…Raquel, I’ll leave this fort to you. Please wait here for a few days with Bridget and Chloe.”

“Yes… I understand. What will Your Highness do?”

“I will lead back the others to Isle Rose at once. It is likely that our invasion of Zirconia is foreseen in the Capital… We have to avoid having the Isle Rose Fortress, our foundation, from being seized.”

“…That man… that’s what Vaiseck would think. Your Highness, may I and Presha accompany you as well?”

“Yes. Grass, I’ll leave the arrangement of the two magicians to you.”

“Your Highness, you may leave the defense of this fort to me. I have some knowledge of the surrounding terrain during my stay.”

Noin offers herself –if she remains, even if this fort is attacked, she can actively contribute to the defense.

Leslie and I will follow His Royal Highness and return to the Isle Rose Fortress. Even if the worries about Zirconia disappear, there is still a possibility that our original allies, the Rezeneia army, will be framed for treason.

This is the crucial point –in order for Her Highness to become a ruler and create an independent territory, she must eliminate the anxieties about the future.

I ride on Her Highness’s horse, and Leslie rides on Presha-san’s horse, we run through the plain where rain and dew still remain as we head to the south where the fortress was.

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

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After the commander’s tent was blown up, some soldiers tried to escape in the chaos but they could not escape the siege and they were all taken as prisoner. Even the enemy soldiers who had been resisting in the fort are now following orders to disarm. Many of the enemy soldiers were wounded in the short battle earlier. Those who were able to move were assigned to look after the wounded –the painkillers used by the Zirconia Army were of low effectiveness so the seriously wounded were given the medicine I had prepared.

Of course, I gave priority on treating the wounds of my allies. Even Katie-san, who accompanied me, was surprised knowing that only few were wounded. One of the tents in the fort was opened to accommodate the wounded on our side. Though there are three seriously wounded personnel, it was not life-threatening.

“…This should be fine… you did well.”

The patient took an arrow and needed urgent surgery but she survived with only partial anaesthesia. She hold the hand of Katie-san who served as my assistant and beamed at us.

“Thank you very much… Sensei…”

I smiled at the patient and reiterated that she’s good to go. However, to ensure that no scarring is left in the sutured area, the procedure after the stitches are removed is also important. Thus I still need to monitor the progress closely.

Sutures made from plant-based fibers are my specialty. The time it takes to suture is also important for working as a surgeon, but in my case, it was considered to be abnormal because it was done too quickly and it could be treated as a reference record.

“With all this technique, I’m sure you would have been very popular in the capital.”

Katie-san told me that. I was barely told that I would be hired by the hospital where I was training though. The doctors in the Capital are graduates of medical schools, not a magic academy. They also consider normal medical techniques as more mainstream than those that use spirit magic so I was an outsider.

Well, if it’s outside the Capital, doctors, including spirit doctors are undeniably in great demand. However, it is said that they can only be limited to become the attending physicians of an influential person. That could have happened to me as well –I’m really glad that I’m able to come to the Knight’s order like this.

“One day, when Grass-sensei is recognized and it’s time to return to the Capital…”

“No, I’ll be here as always. Well, I have a family in the Capital so I’d like to think that it’s not like I’ll never go back there…. In any case, it won’t be easy to return to the Capital and right now, I won’t be able to.”

“…I heard some rumors. The one who came as a messenger from His Majesty came here to criticize Astina-denka… That was the reason for this decision.”

His Majesty’s messenger- Vaiseck. He has given an unreasonable order to immediately release the prisoners of war detained at Isle Rose Fortress. The background of this order is now clearly visible. The Second Queen communicates with Jorg Frost, who sent Noin to Zirconia. It is likely that it was the Second Queen who made Vaiseck as a messenger of His Majesty’s royal decree. She then urged him to say something that would insult Astina-denka.

“What is His Majesty thinking… it looks like he is driving Astina-denka, his own blood-related daughter, into a corner. I’m sure Her Highness is in a lot of pain but she fought unwearyingly. Just looking at Her Highness’ appearance, I…”

“…Her Highness has vowed to never hand over the Isle Rose Fortress to Zirconia. You see, defeating General Alejandro and capturing the enemy soldiers in the fort alone would be a deterrent to Zirconia.”

Hearing my words, Katie-san, who was holding her chest anxiously, smiled at me, showing that some of her tension were eased.

“…Grass-sensei also went to battle and you immediately worked as a military doctor. We will do our best to make sure that you don’t collapse. We will try to reduce the burden on Sensei as much as possible.”

Katie-san firmly puts on the medic’s hat, repositioned the captain’s armband, and goes out of the tent with her subordinates – it looks like she’s going to help prepare the meal since the wounded have been rescued quickly.

Alright, I’ll go and check on Presha-san, who has been hit by Alejandro’s blow and is now resting.

“…Nn?. Grass-sensei…”

“No, it’s fine. Stay as it is Presha-san. You still need to rest you know.”

Presha-san noticed me and she was about to lift her body up ―she had fallen asleep in the middle of the treatment and was unaware of her condition.

“Uh-….. P-Presha-san, the blanket… that, uhm, you should cover your chest…”

“……Eh?”

Fortunately, there are no fractured bones. I applied an ointment to reduce the inflammation of the bruise and wrapped a bandage around her upper body to protect the affected area until the swelling receded. ―I was indifferent when I treated her but it’s not a sarashi-like winding method so the shape of her chest is clearly visible even through an undershirt was worn under her armor.

“Uh-… d-don’t look!”

“S-Sorry, I approached you thoughtlessly…”

Presha-san pulls the blanket and I look away. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say, I thought I should leave the tent as soon as I asked her if there is any pain but,

“…I, I’m sorry sensei. You are a doctor so I know you won’t care about that.”

“…I was wholeheartedly focused during the medical treatment but I think I have to apologize for that one just now.”

At times like this, perhaps it’s better if I would say, “I don’t think anything when I see a woman’s body”. However, I surely lost my composure there so I can’t lie. But just when I thought I would be blamed, Presha-san’s hand stretched out –I then faced her.

“Uhm, that… Thanks for earlier. Thanks to Sensei, I can still live. I was always told by Raquel-ane that I would die if I underestimated my enemies but I still rushed in without thinking ahead…..”

“…If Presha-san didn’t challenge him at that time, Alejandro might have escaped among the other soldiers. I think it led to this result because you continued to fight until Her Highness and Raquel-san came.”

I can’t tell anything about the battle but I wanted to encourage Presha-san somehow. Her eyes are teary –I thought she would cry but the tears didn’t run down her cheeks. Presha-san wipes her eyes and smiles broadly.

“… I’m glad you are not dismayed that I did something stupid again.”

“I won’t be dismayed. I have always been thankful to everyone who go on the battlefield. Well, you might think that even though I am a member of the military, I’m talking as if it’s someone else’s affair…”

“No, that’s not the case. Our job is to protect those who have no fighting power. Sensei has great magic but I really want to protect you. Not just me, everyone else too. You can’t just secretly act before us.”

Even though she said something that made me happy from the bottom of my heart, it’s too overwhelming so I couldn’t keep up with my thoughts. When I came to this Knights Order, I thought I would lose my place if they didn’t recognize my strength and I even thought that Presha-san might cut me off if I am to be considered incompetent.

“…So… If it’s Sensei, I won’t get angry even if you see it…”

The moment Presha-san said that –my view was suddenly blocked and I couldn’t see what’s in front of me.

“…Grass-nii, don’t look!”

“Grass-sama is a doctor so it would be difficult to treat without seeing it.”

“Uhm… Leslie you don’t have to be that strict. Grass-sensei will just check my wounds.”

“…You can catch a cold so please cover it properly.”

Leslie then removed the thing that covered my eyes. As expected, it seems to be something to think about ― she would be angry if I asked if she was jealous though.

“Noin, Alejandro is…”

I haven’t treated Alejandro yet. Measures such as pulling out the arrow and stopping bleeding have been done, but that was done by the medic of the enemy side. The enemy army doesn’t have a military doctor –the idea of having a doctor in the army itself is not applied in Zirconia. In a military camp of this size, it would be nice to have a doctor, but apparently, the system for training doctors itself is not as well organized as it is in our country.

Whether or not we will treat Alejandro in earnest depends on whether or not he will follow us. As a defeated general, there is no easy way to imagine how the King of Zirconia and the other generals will treat him  ―besides, Alejandro has discarded his men and lost a great deal of centripetal force.

“…He regained consciousness but he won’t talk. I first thing he said was to kill him.”

“I see……”

“Grass-nii, it’s about time to eat and Astina-denka wants you to come before then. If possible, she wants to hear from Alejandro together…”

From that phrase “if possible”, I feel that Her Highness is hesitant. If Alejandro won’t talk, there is no choice but to force him to talk. Laune, who was quietly watching over the injured who are sleeping, came over and pulled my sleeve.

“I am here for such a time. Summoner-sama, I want you to rely on me.”

“…Yeah. Thank you, Laune.”

Arlaune’s hypnosis will reveal what Alejandro knows.

Why was Zirconia trying to invade Rezeneia? And, does the King of Zirconia know that someone in Rezeneia associated with Zirconia? Leslie will take care of Presha-san so I took Noin and Laune to the place where Alejandro was taken.

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

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Without waiting for any delay, Presha-san made a move first ―she dashed forward with her spear. With her in a position close to the ground, it’s as if she slithers towards him. The archers behind Alejandro and the spearmen couldn’t react at all, they couldn’t even aim at her.

“―Haaa!”

While jumping off the ground, Presha-san swings her long spear. Alejandro’s horse was so surprised that it doesn’t even give him time to react, at that very moment, the tip of Presha-san’s spear aims at Alejandro’s neck ―but,

Uh…!

Together with a dull metallic clank, Presha-san’s spear was deflected ―with it came a spray of blood from Alejandro’s arms and cheeks.

Presha-san’s spear should have certainly hit Alejandro. However, Alejandro did not fall, he even received Presha-san’s spear ―as he can’t make it in time if he parried it with his sword, he received it with his hand guard instead.

“Guu…!”

It’s not that he is unscathed, still, he survived Presha-san’s first strike. Then Alejandro hit Presha-san’s abdomen as she passes by midair.

“uu…uugh…!!”

Presha-san’s body slammed against the wet ground. Though she knows the risk if she can’t do it, Presha-san still jumped in and aimed for the enemy general’s neck.

If we defeat Alejandro here, our victory will become clear. We can’t let Alejandro escape among with the other enemy soldiers, ―but…

“Grass-nii, you must not… If you go out now, uh-, Grass-nii…!”

Presha-san rolled and avoided the spear of the soldier who was at the end of her fall, she brandished her spear and mowed it down.

“――Haaa!”

I can still fight ―as if to show me that, with only a single spear, Presha-san dealt with the spearmen who attacked her one after another and ultimately defeated them.

“Alejandro… that man, in here I…!”

Noin begins to cast magic ―the power of the water spirit which has been filling the area around us since the rain had just lifted, begins to gather at her fingertips. If we use magic now, they will know our location –but I can’t voice that out. Using his uninjured left hand, Alejandro is already aiming at Presha-san using a form of weapon I haven’t seen before.

Small bow… No, it doesn’t respond to the spirit of plants…!

“―Presha-san, move back…!”

“…!”

Noin summons the water spirit Apsaras and then she creates water bullets and shoots them in succession ―each shot is compressed, creating a shockwave that surges out as soon as it lands.

“Guaa…!”

“Uaa…!”

This is the power of a court magician ―but Alejandro did not hesitate to use his injured arm and shoots the approaching water bullets at high speed. With his white hair swaying in the mist of the water bullets, Alejandro had this beastly glint in his eye. For the first time, a clear killing intent dwells in Alejandro’s eyes, which had never revealed any emotion before.

“Uh… a… aa…”

“―Run, Noin!”

“… Air spirit Earia…, create an invisible wall to protect us…!”

She tried to protect Noin ―But Alejandro gives instructions to the archer behind him and he himself points his steel weapon at Noin without any hesitation. Alejandro’s weapon launched a steel arrow ―the wall of air deployed by Leslie reduces the power of that arrow but that did not completely stop it and it still pierced through.

“Kuu…!”

“―Grass-nii!”

An arrow grazed my arm when I protected Noin ―a searing pain runs through my arm, I immediately perceived that poison has begun to enter my body.

“Grass-sensei…!”             

“―I’m fine! Presha-san, please retreat! With your assistance, our chance will definitely come!”

“Uh…!!”

If the poison component was from organisms, it would have been difficult to deal with. Fortunately, it was a plant toxin extracted from aconite species.

“Leslie, please create an air ball!”

“Y-Yes… Earia, please…!”

I extracted the poison that inflicted me and enclosed it in the air ball that Leslie shot at me. Presha-san shakes off the enemies chasing her as she runs towards us and the moment she speeds up with her body close to the ground, the air ball runs past her and flies toward Alejandro.

“…!?”

Alejandro shakes off the air ball. Unaware that it would disperse the enclosed poison.

To look down on us… He was so convinced that he could win by outdoing Noin’s magic using Presha-san. That carelessness is fatal…!

Millenia-neesan once talked about how terrifying it was to not know what kind of magic the opponent would use. It is said that even a magician with a higher ability may lose to a lower magician due to their compatibility.

As long as you can exploit your opponent’s weakness, rudimentary magic will surely produce a deadly effect.

“Gaa… aah…!!”

“W-What… the Commander is… uh!”

Alejandro scratches his chest. I extracted the poison that entered my body and altered it for it to easily circulate around the enemy’s body –the poison paralyzes the muscles and make him breathe much faster than usual and then eventually, taking away his body’s freedom.

Depriving the enemy of freedom with poison is contrary to a doctor’s job. However, right now, no matter what kind of hand I have to use, everyone needs to survive.

“―Rezeneia’s dog! Don’t get in the waaaayyy!!!”

Alejandro bellowed ―in the next moment, a rush of gale runs from behind us. And before the arrow that Alejandro was about to shoot was shot, a sword flash ran like white light.

“Gaah… haa-…”

Following Astina-denka, Raquel-san charged forward –the spearmen were blown away and all the arrows shot by the archers were flicked and kicked off by the giant horses.

“A beast who throws the lives of his subordinates away has no right to call us dog.”

Her Highness’ sword sliced Alejandro’s armor –that’s possible because Her Highness is a shrine maiden who also has the power of a magic warrior.

“―Astina… you alone…!!”

Alejandro, who was deeply wounded, points his steel bow at Astina-denka. Her Highness Astina is now in close proximity with Alejandro. It meant that the shrine maiden, who could mediate the power of the sacred tree, was in the pocket of the enemy.

Oh mistilteinn that lives on the branches of a sacred tree. Dwell in the shrine maiden, become a shield to protect her…!

I remotely summoned Mistilteinn –the vines of the mistletoe that twine around her arm stretches and stops the arrow fired at Her Highness at an invisible speed.

This is the power of the shrine maiden of the sacred tree. I can bring out power that is incomparable to when I use magic alone.

Alejandro discarded his right arm holding the sword to stop Presha’s spear. Otherwise, he would have been able to match Her Highness –but that didn’t happen, he was about to meet his end with the poison of the arrow he released himself.

“―You monsteeeeeers!!”

Until the very end, Alejandro never returned from a beast to a human. He called his opponent, whom he could not understand, a monster, and raised his sword with an arm that should have already had no senses.

However, the sword was never swung down. Whether it was a stray arrow or someone aimed and fired at him ―Alejandro took the arrow that flew at him and falls off his horse in a crumpled heap.

“His Excellency… His Excellency Alejandro!!!”

“Your Excellency… G-General Alejandro lost…”

Alejandro’s men seemed to realize that resistance was now futile. The commander is defeated, they are now surrounded and there is no means to retreat.

With the enemy soldiers unable to move or surrender, a lone knight approached us. He dismounts from his horse and kneels before Her Highness, indicating that he is unarmed ―he is an older, middle aged man among the soldiers in the military camp.

“State your name and affiliation.”

“I am Richard Orlock… the one who was the deputy general of this fort.”

The zirconia soldiers said nothing, they just stared at Her Highness and Richard. They were so exhausted and they could to fall into dread in any moment –Her Highness’ pure qi attracts their eyes and calms them down.

Even enemy soldiers have a feeling of reverence toward her. The person I serve was the one who really had the dexterity to cause such scene to happen.

“I am Astina Rezeneia, the guardian of the Isle Rose Fortress across the canal. You are now a prisoner of war and this camp is now under our control.”

“Yes…”

Richard replies, but he did not lift his head until he was allowed. After seeing the deputy general’s action, the soldiers finally understood the situation.

The Knights of Isle Rose, with only 2,500 soldiers, defeated the fort which is believed to have a much larger number of troops. An important base of the zirconia empire was now taken away from them.

After the rain, the sun hidden in the thin clouds appears, illuminating the camp where rain dew remains. Noin didn’t move, she kept staring at Alejandro, but eventually, she looked up at the sky.

The knights surrounding the fort came inside and the enemy soldiers surrendered. With Her Highness’ permission, I approached Alejandro and noticed that the last arrow that pierced him was made of steel. The arrow used by our army has a wooden shaft with wind blades and metal arrowhead.

―The white crow was shot by an arrow fired by a Zirconian soldier himself.

Perhaps since she was now able to dock the warship, Dite-san came towards us on a horse. Raquel-san lends her shoulder to Presha-san who’s currently injured. Well, I am injured too, but I have to look at her first.

“Grass-sensei… I’m afraid I’ve shown you how uncool I am there.”

“No, that’s not the case. Presha-san was very heroic back then.”

“If you say it like that, this girl will charge by herself again… Even if it’s not a life-threatening fight, it will still be dangerous if you misjudge the enemy’s strength.”

“Yeah… I’m sorry, Raquel-ane. I need to be stronger…”

I will use this military camp’s medical station to treat Presha-san. Deputy General Richard was cooperating with us and the turmoil within the enemy forces had already subsided. Without any problems, their submission is now relayed to every soldier in the fort.

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

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After confirming the safety inside the fort, one of the cavalrymen that Bridgette-san had taken with her came out of the main gate and reported to Astina-denka.

“Grass. We will now talk to General Alejandro. Despite our victory, most of the enemy soldiers remained unharmed. Rather than striking a proposal that is beneficial to us, I would like to see how it goes out first.”

“Understood. Uhm, Your Highness… would it be alright if we also watch the negotiation? We will use magic for them not to notice our presence.”

As I suggested that, Her Highness paused for a moment ―it’s rare that she hesitates about something. I can feel her tension here as well.

“……Will you be able to neutralize the enemy soldiers whenever possible? We are talking about their camp located in the center. If the enemy soldiers are stationed in a position where you can see them, it’s best good to be on your guard.”

“Ye-……, Understood. I’ll definitely do it.”

“Grass…I’m sorry. Pardon me for putting you, a military doctor, in danger. Do count on Presha and please do not overdo it.”

Her Highness enters the fort with the 16 knight guards that she directly supervised and eight cavalry followed them inside ―a total of 128 people were with her. Raquel-san was tasked with maintaining the siege. She’s watching the situation on top of the big horse so as not to overlook the movement of the enemy. Presha-san also temporarily left her horse to her subordinate on the main unit and then she walks back to us. She readied her spear and her eyes become sharper.

“…Sensei, don’t worry. I’m now different from what I used to be… Thanks to Sensei I was able to change.”

“Un, I’m not nervous. I do think that you are very reliable.”

“Uh… I-Is that so? Sensei, for some reason you suddenly became calm huh. You were always nervous and easily flustered a little while back you see.”

“Ah… n-no, I apologize if it feels like I’m being self-important, I just honestly said what I was thinking.”

“That what you “honestly thought” is a problem for me and Leslie… we both have a hard time with it you see.”

“…I’m already used to it though.”

I’m curious about what they were talking about but if I inadvertently bring it up, it will likely bring unnecessary trouble for myself. Right now I have to focus on what we have to do.

“Presha-san, I was able to talk to Her Highness through our contract with the sacred tree. We will also enter the fort and do something to prevent putting Her Highness and the others in danger. It is undeniable that the enemy may make a move while Her Highness is talking to the enemy general.”

“If they could drag everyone out of the fort… I guess that’s how they’ll resist huh. We will not be killed that easily but we have to avoid the fight between our forces as much as possible.”

“I believe that’s also what Her Highness think so. Leslie, I’ll leave the magic to erase our presence to you.”

“Un, got it. Oh spirit of the air, Earia… change the air that surrounds us and cut off all signs of our presence!”

Leslie’s power is unmatched in this infiltration mission. We became “unrecognizable even if we are there”. We passed through the broken main gate of the fort without anyone noticing us.

First, we move to a place where there are no other people nearby ―in front of the tent in the center of the camp where Her Highness and the others headed to, the enemy soldiers and the knights on our side are glaring at each other. The enemy soldiers who let go of their weapons stand in front of the armed cavalry. I sympathize with their mental state but they would have asked us to do the same if they seized our fortress.

“Chloe-san’s troops are on the northern hill. We don’t have to worry about the top of the north wall… There are two lookouts in the west and east of the camp though.”

“Understood, let’s immobilize the lookouts… Noin?”

“…If Alejandro were to do something… it doesn’t matter even if he throws his subordinates away… This fort will…”

Noin’s eyes seemed to be looking at somewhere else, not at the sight in front of her. Did Alejandro inflict so much hatred on her? Or, is it the anxiety of approaching the person who she once followed?

“Noin, do you have some idea on how General Alejandro will come out of this?”

“I…I’m sorry ….I have to get over that man but…”

“…It’s okay. We already came this far, we will never let the enemy general do what he wants you know.”

Leslie holds Noin’s hand. Then she wipes the sweat around her neck ―Noin grasps back Leslie’s hand and the trembling of her body calms down a little.

“… Alejandro will surely do something. We have to reduce his pieces as much as possible.”

“Alright, let’s go to the watchtower on the east side first. I can knock down the soldiers on the watchtower with my spear but, what should we do?”

“I’m here for times like this. Leslie, get your air ball ready.”

Right now, Her Highness, accompanied by her subordinates, entered the tent where Alejandro was supposed to be waiting ―while we are placed hidden from the enemy’s view, I summoned Arlaune and then we approached the watchtower on the east side.

Leslie’s air balls are filled with Arlaune’s hypnotic pollen ―trying to affect the entire fort will shorten its duration and quickly deplete my magical powers. However, it is not that hard to hypnotize a single person.

“Summoner-sama, I already hypnotized the person above us.”

“Well done Laune. Leslie, can you take care of Laune for me?”

“Grass-sensei, I’ll carry you on my back and then we’ll go up at once. It will be faster and we can save Sensei’s physical strength.”

“Y-Yes, I’ll leave it to … uah!”

The next moment, Presha-san already carried me and then she ran up vertically instead of climbing the ladder –this is possible because Leslie’s magic cuts off the sound and signs of our presence, but then again, it’s all thanks to her physical strength too. Once again, I am impressed by her strength. There, we found the soldier on the lookout sitting on the floor. When I raised his face, the hypnosis due to the pollen of Arlaune is fully effective.

“If we could do it well, the same method would work for Alejandro…”

“No, this hypnosis only allows a person to answer questions, but it can’t actively make them do what I say. However, the enemy soldiers will most likely no longer obey Alejandro who is no longer able to act as a general.”

“Ah… s-sorry, I was over thinking things…”

“I too thought about the same thing. But above anything else, Her Highness wouldn’t want such magical interference.”

Although hypnosis magic is an insurance to know if the negotiation will fail, there is also a risk to it. In case the enemy soldier covers his mouth and nose with a cloth, it will take some time before it takes effect ―as far as I can see, the soldiers from Zirconia had their mouths covered. The lookout here does not have his mouth covered but it is only temporary as he also has a cloth wrapped around his neck. This only meant that he does cover his mouth.

“I’ll ask you some questions. Is this fort really going to accept the surrender recommendation? Tell me what is your aim by raising the white flag.  What is General Alejandro thinking of doing?”

“…General Alejandro….won’t reveal any plans… to us soldiers…just, for us to find…”

“Find…? What is it that you need to find?”

“…There are magicians… in the enemy army… As soon as we find those magicians, we either kill or capture them…” 

A chill run all over my body ―realizing our existence, Alejandro has clearly turned his murderous impulse towards us. If he just realized that Noin is on this side, he wouldn’t say “magicians”. It’s possible that he sensed not only Noin’s but also mine and Leslie’s presence as well.

“Sensei, I’ll look around from the watchtower. If you still have something you want to hear, ask him the question.”

The soldier spoke about a “plan” ―that he personally thinks Alejandro is going to do. We don’t have much time. What should be the best questions here ―what should I ask?

“Is there an adjutant that General Alejandro trusts?”                                        

“…Richard, the thousand man chief… Originally, he was the one who commanded this camp, but as the general commander of the Lezenia Invasion Army, General Alejandro became his superior….”

Should I hypnotize that person named Richard? ―No, it won’t work as it would take too long.

“―Grass”

At that moment I heard Astina-denka’s voice. She was supposed to be in the middle of the talk with General Alejandro but she dared to speak to me.

“The person we are looking at… he calls himself Alejandro but…, although he says that he will surrender, he also carelessly asks for a concession. There is a sense of incongruity in him, as if he talks as directed by someone rather than his own will.”

Her Highness Astina’s words lead to one deduction―if that is correct, we don’t have time to spare.

“Does General Alejandro have any distinct facial features?”

“…His white hair stands out… he also looks tall and slender… has a well-trained body… There is an old scar on his cheeks. His age… he is less than thirty… the youngest of the generals…”

“―Your Highness, are there any scar on the cheeks of the person in front of you?”

“Scar…? Yes, there were traces of treatment on it, perhaps he was injured a little while back.”

This soldier said it was an old scar but Her Highness says it’s a new scar ―that inconsistency only means one thing.

“―Your Highness, the person in front of you is not General Alejandro, there’s a possibility that he is a double!”

“Uh…Everyone, get out of this tent! The soldiers outside too, quickly!”

Her Highness shouts ―the next moment, something that shouldn’t occur happened.

“w-what in…!?”

The roaring sound is deafening. The impact even shakes the air ―then the smell of gunpowder permeated my nose.

“Those guys… don’t tell me… Her Highness…!”

“The one who met up with Her Highness wasn’t Alejandro but a fake… I wish I could have noticed earlier…!”

Noin’s mutter flashed through my mind. Even if his subordinate’s life were thrown away, he tries to prevent the “fall” of this fort –we didn’t consider that there really were people who would use such measure.

I look at the central camp from the watch tower. At that moment, Her Highness also escapes outside, Her Highness’ subordinates outside were already controlling the enemy soldiers around them. However, the situation is still unpredictable.

“Your Highness, escape from the fort! The enemy is trying to take advantage of the turmoil and defeat you, Your Highness!”

“…Don’t worry about me Grass. I thought Alejandro also had the pride of being a knight. However, it wasn’t the case.”

An arrow flies toward the central camp –but,

“―Haaa!”

Her Highness knocks it all down with a flash of her sword. It’s as if she could predict all the directions of the flying arrows.

“Cavalry, spread out and conquer the fort! The main unit will continue to siege so as not to let the enemy general escape. Tell Raquel to rush in. Chloe’s unit should block the escape route in the north side and from the wall, shoot them with the arrows!”

The cavalry under the direct control of Her Highness begin to move –Raquel-san’s unit, who rushed in from the main gate, pushed forward while wiping out what they see, as if to defeat the fighting spirit of the remaining soldiers.

“Presha-san, let’s move too… uh, Presha-san?”

Presha-san stayed put as she stared in one direction. When I look in the same direction where she’s looking at, there was a knight wearing a cloak while straddling a bluish dapple-gray horse.

“…white hair… that… he’s the real Alejandro…!”

“Presha-san…!”

“I’ll defeat him Sensei… That way, the fight will be over. So I…!”

Presha-san descends from the watchtower with a spear in her hand –she then rushes towards Alejandro while knocking down the enemy soldiers standing her way. The enemy soldiers who once let go of their weapons tried to fight with the ones at hand but that doesn’t stop Presha-san.

“Grass-nii…”

“Grass-sama, let me defeat Alejandro! That man, without that man I…”

As soon as I got off the watchtower, Noin said that –I chanted “Green healing” to calm her mind.

“Right now it’s safe to cut our way through this place. We can’t leave Presha-san alone… However, even though most of the enemy soldiers in this fort are deprived of arms, it’s not a good idea to fight head-on.”

“…I want to protect Glass-sama. But… with me like this, I…”

“Don’t overdo it Noin-san. I will protect the both of you.”

“I know you hate Alejandro but you are not fighting alone. Don’t forget that.”

Noin replied with a nod –she then pulls out her self-defense dagger. Leslie too, compared to me, she’s more on the self-defense, still, we must avoid engaging in battle.

“Did you lose your pride as a knight!? There is nothing you can get by abandoning your allies, why do you not understand…!”

I can hear Raquel-san’s voice. Hiding gunpowder in the center of the camp and exploding it –the fake General Alejandro including the enemy soldiers who accompanied him, probably died in an instant. Her Highness too couldn’t stay safe if she was late to escape. Still, the white crow’s plot was prevented ―it did not go according to his wishes.

“―My name is Presha Hortensia! If you are a proud knight, let’s have a match, General Alejandro!”

When Presha-san reaches Alejandro, she jumps and swings down her long spear towards him―he parries it with his longsword held in both hands and then Alejandro repels Presha-san’s strike.

“Kuu…!”

“Pride isn’t as valuable as a victory sipped from a muddy water. Brave little knight, I will deal with you once and for all.”

If he is thinking about running away when his plan did not come into fruition, he wouldn’t admit that he is indeed Alejandro –however, he accepted the match against Presha-san’s. He’s not just a man who makes strategies. Alejandro also has absolute confidence in his abilities as a knight.

“Though you are speaking of that from such a high place, this “little knight” will definitely defeat you!”

Presha-san holds her spear. Alejandro also holds his longsword and he looks down on her from his horse –his eyes were not at all guarded.

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

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There is a roaring sound as the cannon lands on the wall surrounding Zirconia’s fort. Due to the pouring rain, the flames did not spread but black smoke rises into the cloudy sky and then I heard the confused voices of the enemy soldiers.

I bypassed the south side of the fort and headed east, to the place where I’m out of the enemy lookout’s line of sight. It looks like they cut up the trees in the forest when this fort was built, fortunately, some lumber still remained –maybe they left it in the middle of the road when they no longer needed to cut out some wood.

As we had decided beforehand, Presha-san, who was on board the warship, should soon be leading her horse and reach here together with Leslie and Noin.

Presha-san’s horse gallops in the rain and comes closer –they are hidden by Noin’s water spirit’s magic, but as I can hear the voices of the plants, I know that they are moving through the grassland and they are now close to me.

“….I’m glad you are safe Sensei. We’ve done what we can. Even now, Dite-san’s group is attacking from the water to prevent the ship from being taken. As long as Leslie’s magic can still hold it, we can use gunpowder weapons.”

“The magic of drying the air can be sustained even when I’m far from it.”

“As expected from you… As the first attendant of Grass-sama, you did a remarkable job.”

Noin made the biggest contribution to this operation but her expression is still dark. She hid the warship with water magic and made a surprise attack. So Alejandro would have noticed that Noin was on this side.

Knowing that he had lost Noin, who would have been the key part of his tactics, he would either try to bring her back or he would see Noin as an object of his hatred.

“Without Noin, this operation wouldn’t have been possible. Her Royal Highness’ main force was completely hidden in the rain… It’s thanks to Noin’s illusion that the entire enemy army was ambushed.”

Noin nods to Presha-san’s words. Her complexion looks paler than usual. One reason for that is because the magical power lost by maintaining a wide range of illusion is too great.

“Noin, the consumption of your magical power is too great. It is better for you to use the crystal filled with magical power.”

“No… I should be getting the signal from the main team soon. I have to hold it until then, that’s my role…”

“…Don’t overdo it, use it. We can’t have you fall down from exhaustion.”

Leslie tries to take the magic crystal from her pouch. Even if she had accumulated her own magical power in that crystal, she can offer it for others without any hesitation –I honestly admire her for that. With her blunt attitude, it’s easy to misunderstand her as someone indifferent. But deep within, Leslie has a gentle personality. That’s also why I’m worried about her. When Leslie told me that I would pull out a flop spirit before, I know that she is still troubled about it till now.

“…If I use the crystals now, your magical power will be used first. So, until my magical power is exhausted…”

“―Noin, that’s the signal from the main unit! They are letting us know that they already break through the gate of the enemy’s fort, you can now break the illusion!”

The crux of this operation is on how to avoid head-on collisions and lead the enemy army to surrender. If they realized that the fort was already under siege when we remove the illusion –the enemy will be distressed and their fighting spirit will be greatly lost.

And the key to shaking the enemy is the battering ram that breaks through the main gate. In order to move it as fast as possible, which would normally take a long time to move, I interfered with the part of the wooden wagon carrying the battering ram with spirit magic so it could move at the speed of a chariot pulled by a horse. Just now it had been shot at the main gate of the enemy’s fort and it smashed through in a few crashes –I can now hear the voices of enemy soldiers that resembled a scream.

“…Apsaras! Clear out the fog illusion, with your dance… finish it…”

“Oi!… that’s dangerous. You should use the magic crystal, if you can’t move here, I’ll have to carry you on my back you know? Uhm, I’m fine with that though.”

The moment Noin releases the illusion, she’s weakened and is supported by Presha-san. The power of Presha-san, a magic warrior, may be enough to carry Noin but when one’s magical power is exhausted, various problems occur so there is no choice but for her to recover first.

“…Then, I’ll take a little of it Leslie”

When Leslie nodded, Noin loosened the collar of her clothes and inserted a magic crystal in her bosom –certainly, it would be easily absorbed when placed at the part closer to the heart, but that caught me by surprise so I had no choice but to look down.

“…Thank you, this is enough. I’m sorry Grass-sama, I showed you something unsightly.”

“Uh-, N-No, that’s…”

“I feel like Noin is aiming for that so Grass-sensei doesn’t have to apologize.”

“Rather than aiming for it, I just don’t want to hide anything from Grass-sama.”

I don’t know how to react when she said that, but since Leslie is watching, I swear to graduate from reacting to such things like a boy. After Leslie discouraged me from doing that, she then looks at the magic crystals returned by Noin and her eyes widen. The accumulated magic power hasn’t decreased as much as she had thought.

“Use more, you may need to use magic again you see.”

“…If I survive, can you leave the accumulation of magical power on the crystal to me?”

Noin receives the magic crystal again and absorbs more magical power –there’s not much left, but it was really helpful thanks to Leslie’s reserves. Now that there are three magicians, we must take measures against the exhaustion of magical power as soon as possible.

“Don’t you have that magic crystal too, Noin? I think it’s a must for a court magician but… ah-, it’s just my own thought.”

“The crystal I had was confiscated. They are trying to incorporate magicians in their tactics but they couldn’t get it in Zirconia so they asked that from me as a proof of my loyalty…. The ‘White Crow’ is a man whose only obsession is to win you see.”

“…I think that’s how little they know about us magicians. They just think we are worth using. That’s why this time, it’s where we took advantage of them.”

Leslie calmly analyzes the situation. I think so too –I can say that she’s very reliable when it comes to her composure on the battlefield. Nevertheless, I still think I have to protect her –Leslie’s behaviour as “Lendl-san” was like an escort itself so I know she wants to protect me, but I can’t continue indulging in that feeling.

“As Leslie says, the opponent is at the mercy of our magical operation… This battle is already ours. The three of you should evacuate to the rear.”

“The enemy may still be trying to do something. Let me look at the situation as much as possible… If we can’t move when it’s time to break through with magic, there’s no point in coming here.”

Presha-san was at loss for words but she did not immediately refute it.

“…You mean it’s all about how the other party will react to the siege? That if they surrender, we don’t have to make a move huh.”

“If we’re talking about an all-out war, then, we’re going to have fierce fight….”

There is a good chance for that since Noin mentioned it. If that happens, Her Highness will have to invade the fort. The goal will be to capture or even defeat the enemy’s general.

…If that happens, many soldiers will die. They are already completely surrounded and their walls will be destroyed. Are they really still trying to fight in this state?

Presha-san rides her horse and leads the way –we then leave the woods and come to front of the fort. What I heard was Raquel-san’s loud shout that seems to shake the entire fort.

“Listen, Zirconian Empire Army! This fort is already under siege! If you don’t wish for a futile death, throw away your weapons and surrender! Otherwise, we will cut off your retreat and invade your fort from the destroyed main gate!”

Presha-san on top of her horse is watching Raquel-san’s brave figure. Her profile showed not that of a longing, but it’s filled with the awe she held for the same warrior.

“General Astina wants to talk to you! If you agree, raise the surrender flag or let our troops know! I Repeat―!”

―Before she finished her second sentence, the atmosphere around the soldiers already changed.

“…T-The flag…was raised…”

Presha-san murmured –as if she can’t believe what was happening before her.

A white flag was raised over Zirconia’s fort. The soldier on top of the turret erected a pole at the order their leader and raised it so that it could be seen here.

However, the enemy archers on the wall surrounding the fort have not yet abandoned their weapons. They are still ready to shoot at us at any time.

―The situation is still unpredictable. I thought of seeking the instructions of Astina-denka in the main corps in order to cut off the possibility of such chance. Through the contract with the sacred tree, I can communicate with Astina-denka even if I am farther away from her. She then gave me an answer when I spoke to her.

“The enemy is raising the white flag and trying to keep us off guard. Grass, you have the magic of bow-sealing, can you get ready in case of emergency? Please move as a squadron alongside Presha.”

“Your Highness, bow sealing is only effective if the enemy’s bow is made of wood. If the enemy uses a metal bow and arrow, I will not be able to interfere with it using my spirit magic.”

“I understand. Now then, as for you magicians, please stay out of the front lines and please use your magic appropriately as you deem fit. If the range is too large, it would be helpful if you could let me know in advance. I might find a way to confuse the enemy soldiers.”

“Yes, I understand. Your Highness, please be careful.”

“You too, you guys must not be reckless. We have come this far unscathed.”

Her Highness was able to predict that Alejandro was planning something but she didn’t seem to be able to determine the details of it. The oracle of the sacred tree meant that the future could not always be determined and predicted.

From the main gate of the fort, which was destroyed by the battering ram, the enemy soldiers came out with their hands raised ―when they indicated that they had no intention of fighting, Bridget-san’s cavalry and infantry unit first entered the fort.

Not long after that, the enemy’s general, Alejandro, replied that he would be willing to talk to them directly.

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

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Zirconia Empire’s First Military Camp. A third of all the troops in Zirconia army were stationed in that military camp located across a canal that served as a border replacement for the Kingdom of Lezenia.

That is all in the past now, the reason for that was because of the unsuccessful attack on the Isle Rose Fortress, in addition to that, the battle against the monsters in northern mountains and the residents of the “Forest of the End” in the west, who have been a long-standing threat to Zirconia, has intensified. Thus, it became necessary to divide their troops.

Alejandro Fresbel, one of the “three winged general” standing at the top of Zirconia army, was forced to return 1,000 of his remaining 5,000 men to the Capital. It also means that ten of his subordinate centurions had left.

His remaining troop now only totalled to 4,000 ―from the information that Alejandro has obtained, their strength still surpass that of the Isle Rose Fortress. But if he were to attack and defeat such strong fortress, ideally, he needs to have 10,000 troops. Even so, Alejandro was convinced of victory even with such situation until just yesterday.

The core of his tactics was the magician who appeared as a secret messenger from none other than Lezenia itself ―her unexpected magical attack was successful, and even if it ended in defeat, Alejandro believed that he could make the Isle Rose Fortress fall by making better use of her magical powers.

“Guaa… uh…a-a-agu…”

“G-General… Please calm your anger, Leda will die if this goes on!”

Inside the largest tent in the military camp, Alejandro was hoisting the neck of his subordinate who just finished reporting. After he emotionlessly stared at his subordinate who’s struggling, he flung his subordinate to the ground.

The sound of rain slamming on the roof of the tent echoes inside. In this rain, no other soldier would notice what is happening here.

“Cough, cough…cough…”

“I told you to bring Noin back! That magician can’t leave my side… It’s impossible that you can’t find her. Why would you lie like that?”

“I-I’m not lying… N-Noin-dono is nowhere to be found inside the fort. In addition, one warship has disappeared… Aack…!”

The soldier called Leda was blown away after Alejandro kicked her. Another man –a middle-aged deputy who assists Alejandro, stands in front of Leda, who’s now lying down on the ground coughing up blood, and he tries to cover for her.

“Please forgive her and don’t take this any further… If you want to kill Leda, please kill me instead!”

“…Vice captain…which…”

Leda’s armor had a broken clasp, and the armor beneath it was ripped and torn, exposing her skin. Most of Zirconia’s soldiers are men, but the soldiers that served as messengers and the Transportation Corps, which is responsible for their transportation from the rear, are sometimes women –Leda was one of them.

Whether it be male or female, Alejandro disregards gender differences and treats them all the same as soldiers. However, Vice Captain Richard was someone who did not completely do that.

“Richard. What do you think of the current report?”

“Noin-dono….. Losing a combat magician means that we can’t use magic-based tactics…”

“There is no such useful magician in Zirconia. In a situation where there were no magicians dispatched to the Isle Rose Fortress, but we, on the other hand, had one, we could have brought that fortress down without any problem…. I wonder why that didn’t happen.”

Even before Alejandro asked him, Richard also realized it. The archer’s bow suddenly became unusable and impossible to release –the reason for those was certainly not because of the poor maintenance of the bows.

“It is probable that a magician has joined the Isle Rose Fortress. During the previous battle, I wonder if they already participate in the counter-attack…”

Noin’s whereabouts are unknown, and a magician has joined the enemy army. If that fact is communicated to the soldiers, it will significantly reduce their morale.

However, even now that he has punished Leda and confirmed the disadvantage of his army, Alejandro remained unaffected. In his long career as a deputy, Richard had never seen a general this young and was not even slightly agitated in the war.

―Alejandro suddenly made an evil grin. Richard was scared stiff and while having cold sweat, he faced the young general with white hair and ash colored pupils.

“The disappearance of Noin and the magician who joined Isle Rose… There is a connection between the two. Richard, do you understand what I mean?”

“Uh-…Y-Yes…If we can eliminate the enemy magician, we still have a chance. I wonder if the enemy magician knows the whereabouts of Noin… Only another magician can know how much of threat a magician is after all.”

“…Baile has disappeared from the fort to which Noin was sent. It is probable that he had no intention of cooperating with us anyway. As the commander of the Lezenia Invasion Army,
I hereby charge treason to Baile. Even if he is alive, we don’t have to think about rescuing him.”

Alejandro intended to send Noin to entice Baile, who was the commander at the western fort that doubled as a shipyard.

Alejandro isn’t interested in women, but he understands how Noin is viewed by men. The middle-aged man, Richard, only looked at her like a daughter. However, Baile, who had only met her once already showed a clear interest for Noin.

Alejandro thinks it was an easy way to control him. However, he also thought that if she was taken from him, he could just take her back.

“Even if Noin is in the hands of the enemy army, no one can control “that”. “That” is bound by a contract that only accepts my orders after all.”

Alejandro sees humans as nothing more than pawns –he doesn’t always behave that way, but he sometimes shows his true feelings in front of Richard.

“It is possible that Noin sneaked into the enemy’s army by herself. If Noin, a citizen of Lezenia, offered to cooperate, the enemy would not doubt it.”

“…Yes indeed. However, if that’s not the case, I’m not going to end it just like that.”

Even if you retire from the army, the scars of war will still remain. Until he rose to the rank of a general, Alejandro was not someone who’s undefeated –however, even if he’s defeated, he left wounds on his opponents that would lead to him being the victor in the end.

Hence, the birth of the “White Crow”. Alejandro is called by that nickname because he has stood over the countless death of his men and he turns to be the victor in the end.

(…When the General attacks Isle Rose again, he will eliminate the enemy magician… and if he can, he even considers about taking Noin back. Once that is done, he will leave the camp at once. Even if he makes many sacrifices to eliminate the enemy magician, the inquiry from His Majesty and the other generals should be minimal.)

Zirconia considers the magician from Lezenia as a great threat. There are magicians in Zirconia, but no one can exert as much power as a combat magician, and they don’t have training institution like the one in Lezenia, so it was a question of whether their logistical support would be useful to some extent.

“The magician from Isle Rose will definitely appear again. Don’t overlook even the slightest anomaly.”

“Yes. That’s what I’ll…”

―Right at the moment when Richard was answering, the ground and the tent shook with a sound that shook their eardrums. The military camp suddenly became noisy, and Alejandro went out of the tent with his sword drawn.

Richard did not immediately follow him, he approaches Leda, who is lying on the ground instead.

“…Richard-sama… I…”

“Don’t speak. His Excellency Alejandro will be defeated if he returns to the Capital as it is, but if even the enemy magician is killed, that may not be the case.”

Richard tries to pull Leda, but Leda refuses his help and gets up on her own. She is battered, but the light in her eyes hasn’t disappeared.

“…If I kill the magician, Uncle… can I take the place of that person…?”

At Leda’s words, Richard looks behind him. Alejandro, who went out of the tent, does not seem to return ―but he hears voices from the outside. It was not unexpected that this military camp would be attacked by the enemy.

Alejandro was convinced that Lezenia would not issue an attack order thus he was planning accordingly. Richard knew that Alejandro had an insider in Lezenia. That’s also why he was beginning to wonder about continuing to be in the position of being the second-in-command ―keeping in touch with the enemy is good if they win, but if they lose, the crux of the matter is that they will be considered as war criminals.

“You only need to look for an opportunity. In case you find that magician, at that time… Don’t kill Noin, we have to capture her as much as possible.”

After Leda nodded, Alejandro called him out. Richard then walked out of the tent. In the pouring rain, black smoke was rising from the eastern side of the military camp. The fire was already extinguished, but the damage was enormous –the wooden barricade was extremely destroyed and even the turrets were smashed.

“T-This is… what on earth…”

“A warship has appeared on the canal and it bombarded us from the east! We believed it was caused by a cannon!”

“Don’t be stupid, cannons can’t be used! In this pouring rain… uh!”

Richard is filled with indignation but Alejandro remained unfazed. He summons the messenger soldiers and had them ring the bells so as to stop the confused soldiers from moving.

“―Keep the warship in check with the catapults and crossbows. Don’t let the cannon be used anymore!”

“…Your Excellency, if the knights land from the warship, it would allow them to invade the camp!”

“That prediction is precisely what the enemy aims. If that is a diversion, where would the enemy come from?… It’s in the western plains.”

“Well then… Relay that to the whole army! As soon as we are ready to attack, get out of the main gate and carry out the formation! From there, the Lezenia army will…”

The moment Richard tried to give out instructions – screaming cries of soldiers was heard from “Northern side of the camp”.

“Enemy attack, enemy attaaaaaack! Too-, Too late! The enemy army has already taken a detour… From the hill… uuh, guaaah–!”

Arrows fall from the sky ―the archers did not come down from the warship though.

Despite the constant presence of lookouts in all directions, the enemy troops have already circled around the back of the military camp. Even if they mixed in such downpour of the rain, such march should have been absolutely impossible.

“―General Alejandro!”

As if he just come to, Alejandro straddles his nearby beloved horse and heads for the main gate of the military camp.

The rain that was pouring down begins to get stronger. Alejandro finally realizes that this rain was caused by magic –it’s Noin, and she’s doing it against him.

“―Uwaaaaa!”

“B-Before I knew it, they already reached… uh, uuu-, uwaaaaaaaaa!!”

The lookout in the main gate let out a howling cry. As the black clouds broke and the sunlight passed through the gaps, Alejandro felt like he’s been cursed.

―The main gate has been pierced by a battering ram. Beyond the wreckage of the destroyed main gate, Alejandro and the Zirconia soldiers saw a nightmarish scene.

They can see the Lezenia knights in a battle formation with their flag fluttering in the sky.

“…Astina… Lezenia…”

Richard certainly heard that murmur as he caught up with Alejandro in the midst of the confused soldiers’ frenzy.

The Sword Princess general has turned to the offensive. The Knights of Isle Rose, who suddenly emerged as soon as the rain was gone, had already completely surrounded the Zirconia’s military camp.

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

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After Astina-denka left for Wendell’s assembly hall with a few guards, we gathered around the round table after receiving Raquel-san’s summon.

“I’m Grass Weed. Please excuse myself.”

Upon entering the room, all the captains are already gathered there ―the Attack Captains, Presha-san, Bridget-san and Chloe-san, also the Archer unit’s captain, Dite-san and Solfa-san. They didn’t wear their armors yet to preserve their physical strength before we head out. All of them are wearing the official clothes of the Knights Order instead.

We sit in the prepared seats ―there are nine people, including me, sitting at the round table.

“This time, Lendl and Noin will also participate in the operation as magicians. As for Grass, this time, he will also be treated as a force of the Knights Order not as a military doctor. Is there any objection?”

I thought Bridget-san would give out her opinion but she just glanced at us and didn’t say anything in particular. Instead, Chloe-san, sitting next to her, speaks out while looking at Noin.

“We haven’t been told about her or on how she came to this fortress. But, does that mean that she has the appropriate ability to participate in such an important operation like this?”

Raquel-san did not answer immediately but she glanced towards Noin instead. Noin stood up from her seat and then she revealed her identity without any deception.

“I’m Noin Flores, a Court Magician at the 73rd seat. Until the other day, I was an internal spy for Zirconia.”

“Uh!…. S-Such…Why is that kind of person in this fortress…!?”

“That means… You were contacted during the infiltration in Zirconia.”

Chloe-san usually speaks in a hard tone that is typical in a warrior, however, during the war council, she uses a formal wording ―which may be her sign of respect for Raquel-san.

“That’s right. With an order against her will, Noin-dono had infiltrated Zirconia. However, she no longer had to obey that. Not all court magicians would be like that, but there are those who are trying to undermine the kingdom…. That’s why Her Royal Highness made such decision.”

Attack Zirconia ―then eliminate the immediate threats at the Western Territory. To do so, it is not enough to win a small victory in this battle. We must break the spirit of General Alejandro ―the “White Crow” who is in command of the enemy army.

“I have already participated in the attack on this fortress once. I helped the Zirconia army.”

Noin confesses ―even if she’s rebuked in this place, it’s an unavoidable fact.

“If I had participated in the next operation, I would have caused more damage. If you think that I should be killed right here, I only think that it can’t be helped.”

“There is no need to bring up about how we should deal with Noin-dono because it has already been decided. Grass also proved that it was not done at Noin-dono’s will.”

Everyone pays attention to me right after Raquel-san mentioned my name ―Noin also looks at me, but her gaze seems to hold some kind of reverence and such thing made me feel restless.

“Grass-sensei…? Dite-onesama, what does that…”

“Solfa, being too relax may affect whether you live or die. You and I are of the same rank, so please refrain from calling me in such manner.”

“Uh… Ye-Yes, Onee-….Captain Dite.”

Solfa-san hurriedly straightens her back. Even though they are both archer captains, there seems to be a clear hierarchical relationship between them ―senior and junior in knight school or something like that.

“I was once on the Zirconia’s side and I know that I cannot be immediately trusted by contributing to the Knights Order… However, could you please evaluate me by looking at my future works?”

Noin bows deeply. Seeing that, Bridget-san and Chloe-san seemed to have listened to Noin’s words.

“Although I have not fully taken in the entire situation yet, I have no objection if it was Her Highness’ and the Knight Captain’s decision. Relying on magicians is different from the previous strategy of the Order so we need to ask the soldiers to understand that as well, but….”

“I have no objection to that. I think I also understand what it means by having magicians participate in this war council.”

This would be the first time in the Knights Order of Isle Rose to have magicians formally participate in a war council.

It’s very important that Noin, who can influence the result of the war by herself, has followed this side. Up until now, from this side, the canal was only an obstacle to go to Zirconia’s side. However, it could now be used in a completely different way with Noin being a water magician. In addition to that, we also acquired our own warship.

Dite-san spread out a map on the round table ―it was something she had brought with her when we had infiltrated Zirconia’s fort.

“We deactivated their fort and took their commander, Baile, as a prisoner of war. When we interrogated him, we found that Baile was about to send a messenger to their King to report that he was not to be blamed for the failed attack under General Alejandro’s command. It is likely that Alejandro sent Noin-dono to Baile in order to restrain him and for him to command over Baile’s forces more effectively.

“In summary…. Noin-dono had infiltrated till she made it to be beside the “White Crow”, is what you’re saying, right?”

“What made him think that sending Noin-dono to Baile is going to work? Baile isn’t the only one who knows about their defeat. If he thinks that they would win by buying time, then I’d have to say that it’s simply his imprudence.”

Bridget-san’s opinion was a correct one, to say the least. But Alejandro was confident. If he uses Noin’s magic better, he can make the Isle Rose Fortress fall.

How would Alejandro move once he learned that Noin was gone? When he sees that he no longer has an effective way to attack Isle Rose, will he retreat to the Capital?―

But, is it possible for a soldier who makes such judgment create a name for himself? As Bridget-san says, he may still be thinking about ways to win.

“This Eastern Camp… this is the base of attack for Zirconia to attack us. With Noin-dono’s water magic, their warships can be concealed and they can move it to the east, they have attacked us across the river from two points.”

As the attacked party, the effectiveness of such operation is best understood by Raquel-san. Sixty-two dead and several more were injured ―everyone’s expression darkens when they remember that day.

However, the Zirconia Army’s surprise attack was one that had been established by relying on Noin’s magic. If they were to attempt to invade again, it would take time to get into position.

“In that battle, we were able to repel the Zirconian army…… and the damage was far greater on the Zirconian side. If they still think they can make this fortress fall, all I have to say is that it’s only their pride working.”

“Astina-denka thought it was now or never….. We have no choice but to win a ceasefire with Zirconia and solidify our territory which would then give us the opportunity to confirm what is the intention of those in the Capital.”

Capital ―The headquarters of the Knights of the Kingdom of Lezenia. Bridget-san, who has a strong sense of fighting for the kingdom, was reluctant to ignore the orders and rebel against the kingdom.

However, after fulfilling the original mission of “protecting the Western Territory”, there are some basis for breaking the order, “don’t invade Zirconia”.

“…I’ve been thinking about this ever since the incident with Vaiseck-san. I’ve been wondering whether not doing anything against Zirconia in this situation is to encourage us to fight hard, or, it’s the Capital’s lack of interest in the Western Territory… I thought that there is no way that such a thing is possible. That there is no way that His Majesty, the King would give up on the Knights led by Astina-denka.”

Raquel-san’s remarks were in consideration of Bridget-san’s feelings. Perhaps sensing this, Bridget-san revealed her thoughts. She thought that she was just evading the “violation of the order from the Capital”, but that was not the case. After some thought, she had chosen to endure the situation as it was.

“His Majesty has not abandoned the people of the Western Territory or our Order. But if I want to find out his true intentions, I have to move. We have not fought to this day to wait for this fortress to fall.”

Bridget-san agreed to Raquel-san’s words ―the intentions of everyone who gathered here are unified.

“Bridget can be counted as a force along with us, right?”

“I must also prove to you that I am not just a decorative sword. Dite-dono, I want to make a full apology for what I said at that time. I am truly sorry.”

“No, I’m the one who has gone too far with my words.”

Bridget-san and Dite-san reconciled. I’m glad to see that they got rid of their ill feeling for each other before the battle.

“Now then, about the operation… When the main team goes to Zirconia, they will completely borrow Grass’ magical power. The scale will be completely different from last time, but Her Royal Highness can do it with the current Grass. That’s what she said.”

Last time, when we crossed the river, I summoned the “floating prickly water lily”. Previously, I just created a path where each of us could cross by. However, in theory, it is possible to form a bridge to let a large army pass. It would also be necessary to summon it when returning to the Isle Rose side ― not that it was impossible to retreat, but it would take time to re-summon them to form a retreat path.

Ideally, we have to get the enemy forces to surrender before their reinforcements arrive. Even though they will be shaken up by our infiltration operation, Alejandro won’t just sit and stay his hands forever.

“However, if we just go at them head-on, the damage will be great. Well, there is nothing to say if the main unit can siege the enemy camp after shaking the enemy up. I want to avoid being forced to go out into the plains and going into a field battle.”

A way to shake the enemy ―the key would be the warship.

Simply moving a warship closer to the enemy camp is not enough to attract the attention of the enemy. For that part, we got something useful. It was brought in by none other than Zirconia.

“Knight Captain, may I speak?”

Noin was allowed to speak so she stands again. She pointed to a map on the round table, pointing to the point where the enemy camp and the canal were closest.

“Up to this point, I can use my magic to conceal and move the warship. If we appear in a position where the lookouts can see us, we can effectively shake them up.”

“Hmm… But when it comes to shaking them up, it may be difficult to do it with just a single warship.”

“If it’s on the water, I can protect the ship. However, my magic isn’t enough to attack enemies on land.”

It is possible to attack with a bow from the ship, but Zirconia’s fort is surrounded by high towers and walls so they cannot be hit effectively. And because of the expected rainfall, we can’t use gunpowder weapons like the usual ―this also means that neither the enemy can use their guns and cannons either.

I asked Raquel-san for permission to speak and proposed my opinion for the first time during a war council.

“If we can load the warship with cannon and fire it even in the rain, we can greatly shake the enemy.”

“Cannon… well, there’s one brought in by the enemy’s craftsmen. It’s a good idea to load it on a warship, but what about the weather? With the gunpowder moistened, we won’t be able to use it.”

“My magic can solve that problem. It’s not difficult to keep the gunpowder dry and protect it.”

Leslie guessed it without me saying anything. If she protects the cannon with the magic of air, we can shoot the cannon even in the rain, and the enemy side won’t be able to protect their gunpowder since they are not prepared for the rain.

“…Everyone is talking on the premise that it will rain. Did you expect it to rain in this sunny day?”

“If that’s what Her Highness has said, there’s no doubt about it. There has never been a time when her weather prediction has been off.”

“If it will surely rain… there is another way to shake the enemy army.”

Noin seemed to think that it wasn’t enough for her to play only one role in this battle. That was probably what Her Highness had in mind as well. A perplexing strategy in the rain that could only be done because of Noin’s presence ―it must be a nightmare for Zirconia.

“Raquel-nee, I’m not in the main corps, am I?”

Presha-san, who just listened quietly all this time, said that while smiling. Raquel-san somewhat opens her eyes wide.

“It’s a race against time. However, me and my horse can do it. It doesn’t matter even in the rain.”

There is a flame in her eyes as she said that―not of anger or hatred, but a flame of pride and fighting spirit as a knight.

Bridget-san and her colleagues were also amazed at the changes in Presha-san. Then they look at me ―they started asking me for a reason as soon as something happens…

“Noin, Presha, can you explain it so that everyone can understand it?”

When Raquel-san asked them, the two complied. Gasps are raised as they are amazed as to how magic can do that much.

As twofold and threefold measures piled up, the road to victory is being built. I gaze at Leslie sitting next to me―she was surprisingly calm even though she’s going to play an important role aboard the warship.

(―Grass-nii, I’m sure it will be okay.)

Using the spirit of the air, Leslie speaks to me in a voice that only I can hear. I was the one who wanted to reassure her, but Leslie smiled to me as if she could see it all coming.

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

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About half an hour later, the moon moves a little and the amount of light coming in through the window changed. Raquel-san and the others are concerned about me, that I also need to rest, so they tried to gently lower Presha-san from my lap. Shortly after that, Presha-san’s eyelashes trembles and her eyes opened slightly.

“Hmm……”

“I’m sorry, did we wake you up?”

“Fu- ah?… w-what? I, before I knew it …Grass-sensei, everyone too… uh…!?”

Presha-san gets up in a hurry. And when she noticed me nearby, she flops down on the bed and hurriedly fixed her hair and corrected her sitting posture.

“You said that you want to put Grass-sensei’s bed in this room. But…, I somehow thought that you said that to counter Knight Captain?”

 “T-That’s… I didn’t expect Sensei will come here, besides, if I know he would come here I would have cleaned up the room…”

“…You have changed after all. After Grass-dono came, you became a lot more cheerful.”

As Raquel-san said that, Presha-san’s mouth repeatedly opened and closed repeatedly  ―unable to refute it, her face turns bright red while Dite-san covers her mouth as she giggled.

“From now on, I think I’ll be able to get closer to Presha. Well, we were told at the Training Academy that knights should not get used to each other though.”

“…I, I’ve always respected Raquel-nee… as for Dite-san, I thought of you as a good companion, you know?”

“Yes, me too. It’s nice to be recognized as such, isn’t it?”

“Presha, calling me Raquel-nee……”

Maybe because she was embarrassed, Raquel-san tries to correct Presha-san’s way of addressing her. However, when she glanced at me, she cleared her throat.

“…Let’s leave that matter for now. How are you feeling Presha?”

“Eh…? Uhm- Well, I’m really fine… ah…?”

Raquel-san’s eyes widened –well, that’s because a tear ran down Presha-san’s cheek.

“…I …I feel like I had a very long dream … uh, R-Raquel-nee…?”

As she approached Presha-san, Raquel-san hugged her from the front. She couldn’t contain it, such feeling was also conveyed to me who was watching them.

“It will be good if the dreams you are about to have from now on will be about the future. Presha…”

“…Yes. That’s what I’m also thinking about. When I grow up, I may not dream that much…”

“What are you talking about? You’re still at a young age. You should get flowers from Grass-sensei and sometimes have a good dream and sleep.”

Leslie looks at me and tilts her head slightly ―as if she’s asking, “what’s with the flowers?” I took out a flower bulb and I asked it to produce some flowers.

“This is a “Night Flower”. If any of you or your subordinates has insomnia, I think if you put them on your bedside, you will be able to fall asleep better and sleep deeper.”

“…It’s a lovely flower. This… Grass to Dite…”

“Grass-sensei can’t be underestimated either. If he’s just that, Leslie wouldn’t be so calm, wouldn’t she?”

 “Uh, I… It’s only because I should be in a position where I can heed to Grass-sensei’s…”

“Grass-sensei seems to be more relaxed if he finds out that you are looking after him as “Leslie” rather than as “Lendl-san” you know.”

“W-Well, that’s right… Anyway, insomnia can become the source of all kinds of illnesses. I think it’s time for everyone to take a rest in preparation when morning comes… W-Why are you grinning?”

Raquel-san and Presha-san are looking at me while grinning. Even Dite-san and Leslie ―it’s good that they are happy, but it’s uncomfortable seeing them grinning like this.

“Summoner-sama, your face is bright red. Are you shy?”

“…That’s surely the case. Just watching him like this is a little fun.”

“Laune and Rei… I’m thankful that you guys were worried about me but it’s time for you, kids, to go to bed right?”

“I want to sleep with the Summoner-sama today! Let’s prepare for an important battle!”

At dawn, Astina-denka will make a decision ―when should we move?

This is different from the past, where this fortress was only devoted to defense. From here on, we will strike and attack Zirconia’s base ―Raquel-san and others will also fight on the front line.

What can we do? We need to discuss that again ―what can we do by having the three spirits, spirits of plants, air, and water join together? We have to uncover that to the maximum.

　◆ ◇ ◆

We returned to the medic’s residence and opened the door of our room. Right after that, Noin, who was at the desk, stood up and went over to us.

Noin is wearing a sleeping gown that is provided to prevent you from getting cold after the bath. As a water magician, she seemed to be able to magically remove the moisture from her hair after bathing, and her hair was smooth and dry.

“Grass-sama, please pardon me… I was thinking of staying inside the room and wait for you but a medic came to call me saying that the bath is ready…”

“Oh, there’s no problem with that at all. Keep yourself as warm as possible so that you won’t get cold… Uhm, first of all…”

Noin had her hair tied up with a string and she looks different than usual. In addition to that, she was wearing the glasses I use when I’m looking at the medical records.

“Noin-san, it belongs to Grass-sensei, so using it without permission…”

“Ah… S-Sorry. The light in this room is a little weak so it’s hard to see the letters without glasses…”

Since Noin was also supposed to assist me in my duties as a military doctor, I asked her to read the “guidebook” about first aid and long term care that I was in the process of writing myself.

Since my priority is to have them contribute as a magician, I thought it would be their first time to actually study as an assistant. When Noin takes off the glasses and returns them to me, she looks at me with something like a tickling look. Even I, who is slow at times, can understand it. It was a gaze full of respect.

“I can’t believe this book was written by Grass-sama… The words were so carefully written and easy to read, and the more I read it, the more it gets inside my head.”

Noin seems to be feeling bubbly, and her tone is mixed with a tone that is typical of her former self. From my point of view, she’s an honour student at the Academy, and since she’s my predecessor, it’s more comfortable for me that she’s speaking to me on equal terms rather than with her being so respectful.

“Because the content is dense, I’d like to take the time to read the rest carefully. But, I know that there’s no such thing as “absolute” in a battle.”

There’s no way I can go home alive. Noin’s eyes, which converse that, have a resignation that cannot be ignored.

―At least at the end, I want to die the way I want.

―I’ll going to tell them that I am not a tool. I’m going to show that those who only saw me as a “woman” who listens to anything they say.

At that time, Noin was still being consumed by the dark spirit and obeyed the Zirconia Army against her will.

I don’t have the right to know about how she felt in everything that she went through.

Noin’s words do not contain sadness and she seemed determined to accept whatever happened in the battle. Thus, while we still have time now, she intends to read the guidebook. Like how I told Presha-san, I also have to tell Noin.

“There is no such thing as absolute…. Surely, that’s what fighting is all about. Still, fighting to live should give you a better chance of survival than fighting to die.”

“….I think it’s exactly as what Grass-nii had said. We all have to go in the same direction…. Noin-san too….”

Noin didn’t respond to Leslie’s words for a while. I thought it wouldn’t be strange if she said it’s just an ideal theory.

―But, I was wrong. Noin sighed, then she relaxes her shoulders and her expression softens.

“….It’s the first time someone said that to me. Even if it cost our lives, Court magicians were told to die with a smile for the sake of the kingdom.”

Court magicians, who sometimes lead soldiers ―they are the pinnacle of magicians in the kingdom and are given great authority, but they also have great responsibilities.

I only joined as court magician at the last seat and I don’t even know who the highest ranking magician is. My stepsister didn’t tell me to be prepared to die, but for some people it’s only natural to be prepared for that.

“…There are only a few magicians who can deal with one army, but they are treated as someone who can be discarded.”

“Among the court magicians, the positions are clearly divided by the level. Except with the command of His Majesty,the king, those above the thirteenth rank will no longer be enforced. Jorg Frost, who placed that spirit in me, belongs to that.”

“In order to enter the 13th rank… or, did he join the second queen for him to raise his status as a court magician…?”

Noin did not affirm or deny Leslie’s reasoning. Maybe Noin also thought that Jorg’s principle of action lies in his desire for power.

“For such reason, to Noin who’s only newly appointed he…”

“…I also longed to be a court magician. I can’t use that as an excuse, I too refused to think seriously about it. Following the high-ranking magicians is for the kingdom’s good… that’s the way I thought…”

Noin tries to embrace her body. Her light blue hair drapes on her face and covers her eyes. She had been made to obey Jorg and the Second Queen in order to satisfy their private desires, believing that she would be good for the kingdom. Acting resolutely does not erase the events of the past. Hate, and regret –such things will always continue to torment a person’s heart repeatedly.

“….If you’re having a hard time, I hope you can tell about it to Grass-nii someday. It can also be me or someone else you like to speak to… If you’re willing to work hard for this Order, we……”

“That’s right…. We are comrades. You might think that we are just saying that because you’ll feel good listening to it but….”

When I said that, Noin wordlessly takes my hand. Her hands are cold –but the heat gradually returns as I touch it.

“…I’ll be troubled if the “worrisome” woman increases…. but, if you’re risking your life, it will be better to do it for yourself or for those who you want to protect.”

Before I knew it, Noin’s body had stopped trembling. Besides using medicine and magic, there are other things that a doctor can do. If Noin relies on me, I have to stand firmly on the ground.

“…That worrisome… you’re talking about me, right?”

“N-No, I didn’t think like that… Noin isn’t worrisome, that’s what…”

“As a fellow woman, I also have my own thoughts. Well, it can be because of my intuition working…. I’d like to come back alive and talk more about those things with Leslie. Mainly, about Grass-sama.”

In the end she still uses honorific titles when talking to me –it seemed that she’s doing not to overly thank me but because she wanted to do so. Even if that’s the case, I don’t feel that comfortable though.

　◆ ◇ ◆

Eventually, morning came.

I was called by Her Highness’ maids and I headed alone to Her Highness’ residence after breakfast. I have just completed the “spirit mark” of Her Highness so she wants me to check her condition.

Soara and Karin invited me into Her Highness’ room and then they left. As I want to see the flow of magical power, I asked Her Highness to sit in a chair without a backrest. She then turns her back on me, and undresses. It was necessary and I was so nervous that I didn’t realize how I asked her to do it.

“….Grass. Before we attack the Zirconia, I will go to the town’s assembly hall in Wendell and talk to the Mayor. I also sent a messenger to the Reinfeld family last night.”

The Reinfeld family –a powerful family that unites the peasants on the Western Teritory. Their patriarch, Hartner-san, was ill, but I sent Laune to treat him so his condition has now greatly improved.

If we were to attack Zirconia in this situation, the Reinfeld family’s stand point might be to oppose it. Instead of forcing an attack in such state, maybe Her Highness is thinking that we should let this proceed in a logical manner through their sense of obligation.

“Understood, Your Highness. Your Highness had said that you would hold a war council at noon, but, will you be back by then?”

“I intend to. I will try to get them to understand, but if it takes some time to persuade them, returning to the fortress may be delayed. Still, I don’t think it will be late until evening.”

As I listened, I confirmed that there was no stagnation in the flow of magical power without touching Her Highness’ skin –the spirit marks drawn all over her body were responding to Her Highness’ magic power by themselves.

“How is it…..? My body felt a little bit on fire when I’m sleeping…..”

“Your Highness can bring forth a really enormous amount of magical power….. The sacred tree has spread its “roots” in this western territory and is being revitalized by the supply of Your Highness’ magical power. Even after doing so, I believed that there is still a surplus in you magical power.”

“I see, it’s like that huh…. Would I be able to suppress it a bit more if I took a lesson from Grass and train as a magician?”

“I, me teaching Your Highness is…. that will be very impertinent of me.”

I learned the basics of spirit magic, but I learned it almost in my own way from practical skills. Wouldn’t it be strange if I teach people just like that?

But as if to say something, Her Highness looks back at me over her shoulder. Since her bare chest are firmly hidden by her hands, there’s no danger even if she twists her body ―but for another reason, she makes me feel like pushing my hands on the floor and apologize.

“…..Is there really no way for Grass to teach me?”

I never imagined that Her Highness would have such an expression on her face.
She’s sulking –No, did she feel dissatisfied that I didn’t accept her request?

“T-That’s not the case at all. Your Highness can use magical power to strengthen your body and furthermore, I don’t think there is anyone else who has such spirit mark…”

“If it’s not impossible, then teach me. It’s fine with me if you teach me after this war ends without problems.”

It’s clearly a command but she used such soft tone –I’m more helpless to this way than being bluntly told to.

 “…Do you think it’s irresponsible to make promises even before the battle is over?”

When Her Highness goes to battle, she also prepares for it. No matter how transcendental she may seem, even Her Highness is not certain that she will survive so she is also anxious. However, Her Highness will never show it in front of her subordinates.

For her to show that to me… I am more than honoured by that, above all, I must respond to Her Highness’ heart.

“No. Although it’s presumptuous of me, by all means, please let me do so. Please allow me to teach Your Highness the basics of spirit magic.”

“…Yes. However, I’m the one requesting you to do so. You don’t have to be so formal, Grass is a “sensei” after all.”

After she puts her clothes back on, Her Highness stands up –in the sunlight that’s starting to shine through the window, her standing there without armor is so graceful.

And when Her Highness approached the window and looked at the sky, she looks at me and said,

“It will rain by this evening. Around this fortress… and, on the Zirconia’s side too.”

Her Highness’s words suggested that the attack on Zirconia would be carried out today. I don’t feel any sign of rain looking in such blue sky. But since Her Highness’ said so, there’s no mistake in that―because as a shrine maiden, Astina-denka received that oracle from Yuserish herself.

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

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As I looked at Presha-san’s memories, I understood something –her heart had already been healed to some extent before she met me. But why was she still tormented by those nightmares?

There’s one reason for it.

Even after she met Raquel-san, who was like a sister to her, and Her Highness who shared her aspirations, she couldn’t erase the guilt she felt inside.

(If only I hadn’t left the village that day… If only I had been able to protect her mother―)　

I don’t know if there is a way in this world to bring back the life that was lost. I’ve also never heard of a spirit that can do that. And if that is really the case, what can I do? Even after I entered someone’s dream, I’m just sitting on the sidelines and I haven’t been able to do anything as a doctor yet.

“…Summoner-sama, Presha-oneesan is repeating the same dream all the time. I’m sure that’s because if she recalls the painful memories, she’ll also remembers the happy ones. She does so or else her heart will break nanodesu.”

Laune, who connects my consciousness to Presha-san’s dream, speaks to me.

If it’s what as Laune had said, how miserable would that be? I still don’t know what is the answer for that.

What can I do to free her heart that is trapped in the past?

Presha-san’s memories continued. Joining Astina-denka’s squadron, they entered Aldrone Valley ―Her Highness stopped her subordinates who tried to accompany her, saying they will die in vain. Thus, only the three of them take the lead and attempt to pass through.

The road on the valley is covered with anti-cavalry palisade to prevent a cavalry from going through. For the Grunica City Alliance, this place was supposed to be an impregnable point. ―Well, that’s only if it was against a “normal cavalry”.

“―Haaaap!”

Raquel-san wields her lance while riding on the horse and she mowed down the anti-cavalry palisades ―the sight was as if a tornado had passed by. Then the sound of the gong echoes on the battlefield ―Raquel-san’s horse neighed loudly and raised half of its body seeing the falling arrows.

“What are they doing…!? The support archers…Uh!”

“―Raquel, please change your lance! The enemy can quickly notice it… this… uh!”

Astina-denka uses her slender sword to intercept the falling arrows ―they were supposed to break through with just three horses but they had to stop the horse when the enemy realized the situation.

“Why…? Why is it that the enemy archers are lying down even inside the border?… Uh!, Presha!”

“―Haaaaa!”

With a flash of her spear, Presha-san knocks down an arrow flying from behind. That’s right, from behind.―The enemy archers fired from the cliffs across the valley that they just passed by.

Even I, was stunned by the sight I saw when I looked back. There was no sign of the unit that were supposed to follow them and cover them from the rear ―the three cavalry were supposed to be followed by a long-bow unit with the archer unit right after them to keep the enemy archers in check but instead of entering the valley, they were stationed in a position that even blocks their retreat.

―Dadram’s uncle is the one leading the rear support units. Dadram, who’s waiting beside him, also refused to do his part. Her Highness’ direct unit was the only ones who moved forward.

“Despicable!… Even at a time like this, you guys are so stupid!…”

“Raquel, Presha, be the focus of the enemy attacks… Uh! The other cavalry can’t stop those arrows! But if it’s us…”

If it is known that they left Her Highness to die, Dadram and the others will be guilty for such crime. ―And yet, the fact that they went on with this kind of idiocy is probably the result of protecting their own precious lives. Or, was Queen Cassandra already interfering?

In any case, Astina-denka, who had been isolated in the enemy territory, appeared to be having difficulty in leaving the valley and survive.

―But,

“―Presha!”

Presha-san, who continued to intercept the falling arrows, galloped with her horse ―Neither Astina-denka nor Raquel-san were in a position to follow her.

The anti-cavalry palisade destroyed by Raquel-san no longer acts as a deterrent to a cavalry. Still, the cavalry unit who came out of the enemy’s fort thought that no one could tread on the road. ―Well, up until Presha-san ran through the falling arrows.

“W-Why can’t the arrows hit… She’s not dying…!”

“―Yaaaaaa!”

Wind mixed with blood blew by. Her long spear was unleashed like it’s about to tear the sky, then one by one, she defeated the enemy cavalry that can’t even respond to her attacks.

“―Presha, go back! Don’t move on your own, you’re too close to the enemy’s fortress…!”

Raquel-san is shouting on top of her voice ―Presha-san heard that voice but,

(I am… already…)

Bathed in the blood of several cavalrymen, she receives an unavoidable arrow on her shoulder, but still, she tries to move forward.

(…with this…. It’s over…”)

“―Uwaaaaaaaaa!”

The knight, who was furious when he saw the death of his companion, lost his self and rushed forward furiously ―Presha-san’s movements was slower as she received the arrow and she barely handled it, but her grip weakens for a moment and her long spear was thrown out of her hand.

Then the enemy cavalry let out a war cry. But at that moment, Presha-san was not scared. ―It was as if she’s emptying her mind and readied herself to accept all the pain.

“―Pull yourself together, Presha!”

It was a voice that wasn’t supposed to be heard there. And Presha-san’s body reacts to it. The moment she avoided the enemy soldier’s spear, an arrow sticks out from the shoulder of the enemy soldier.

“Guuaaa…!”

Presha-san quickly steals the spear from the enemy cavalry and shoves him off the horse with it―she did it all with her left hand, not with her right hand as it’s still weak to do it.

The supporting arrow attacks weren’t the only ones that Dite-san has fired ―In the southern side of the valley, Dite-san’s unit were lined up on the cliff and they cast arrows at the enemy’s army continuously.

“Captain Astina, Raquel-dono! Regular Knight, Dite and the fifty people under me, came to assist you belatedly! We are under your command from here on!”

Dite-san had annihilated or perhaps ambushed the enemy’s archers lying on the cliff in the southern side. Then the archers on the northern side slowed down on their attacks as they were restrained by the longbows shooting up arrows from the other side of the valley.

It’s not only Presha-san and Raquel-san, as an archer, Dite-san is also an “unparalleled commander”.

Astina-denka, who received the support, orders the 100 plus cavalry unit to break through. Dadram and the others who still did not take action seemed to be baffled by the fate of their destruction as they tried to protect their selves.

If Her Royal Highness’ survives here, their betrayal will be revealed. There should be a thousand soldiers in total, but there are only less than two hundred people who are following Her Highness’ command. ―The enemy’s unit that relied on the terrain should not have been that large though.

“Presha, hold on! We’ll treat the wounds right away… a little more…  just endure for a little more..!”

Raquel-san passes by after catching up with her. Presha-san then follows next to her as she pulls the reins of the horse with one hand. Astina-denka and other cavalry also catch up and safely pass through the valley.

―And then,

Raquel-san’s lance smashes even the stone walls of the fortress of the enemy kingdom, which was said to be keeping an eye on the valley and was holding the border’s key point.  Raquel-san broke through and allowed Lezenia’s army to invade.

The fortress, which was said to be impregnable, quickly collapsed shortly after they break through the valley and the flag of the Kingdom of Lezenia rose on top of the fortress.

―Astina-denka’s and the three knights’ first battle ended in victory.

◆ ◇ ◆

The Grunica City Alliance was dealt with a heavy blow when Lezenia occupied their fortress in the Aldrone Valley. The City Alliance, which had been exhausted from their repeated attempts to recapture the fort, could no longer suppress the dissatisfaction of its citizens so they offered a ceasefire. In the end, they accepted the truce that’s favorable to Lezenia.

By having the City Alliance reduce its military as the condition for the ceasefire, the Eastern Army was also reduced, and although it was renamed as the “Eastern Front”, the knights either returned to the Capital or went to other battlefields.

―Because of that, this led to a surprise attack from the City Alliance’s hard-liners. But at that time, Astina-denka was already been transferred to the Western Front and was appointed as the guardian of the Isle Rose Fortress because of the merits she had earned on the Eastern Front.

The Isle Rose Knights was then set for women-only. That means that all the knights and soldiers who aspired to be Astina-denka’s subordinates can only be women. Well, the male knights could not accept a “female general” either. However, Astina-denka’s appearance fighting with a sword on the front line despite being a princess was earnestly supported by female knights and soldiers.

Presha-san, who became a regular knight, was appointed as an Attack Captain, and continued to play an active role in the battles to control the territory and battles against the invasion of Zirconia Empire.

Her respect for Astina-denka, her admiration for Raquel-san, her friendship with Dite-san and her interactions with the soldiers in the fortress who admired Presha-san’s strength all contributed to Presha-san’s success.

All of that was comforting for Presha-san.

But at night, she sleeps with the doll her mother made in her arms, has nightmares, and cannot help but reject those who approach her. In the bottom of darkness, in a place like this, Presha-san has always been tormented by her guilt.

―Just like how I can see her mother in front of me, she was able to see her mother like this.

『What’s the matter? This child is mine. It’s only natural for me to take good care of my daughter. 』

It’s the spirit that dwells in her subconsciousness named guilt and erodes Presha-san’s heart. –It is no longer the same as a spirit. The reason I didn’t even notice it when I saw the dark spirit in Noin before was because Presha-san was trying to accept everything. She couldn’t deny it as it appears in her mother’s form.

From the bottom of my heart, I admire Presha-san’s mentality –I want to save her from everything that takes advantage of her suffering.

『Then, will you return it? The time I was supposed to be with my daughter. 』

“……That, I cannot do that.”

The spirit in the appearance of Presha-san’s mother laughs. Like she’s mocking my helplessness.

『I will not give up this child. My precious Presha… she’ll remain young forever and go to the same place as me. 』

 “Summoner-sama… uh, the one that shows the nightmare to Presha-san is showing itself…!”

“Uh….!”

The dark spirit changes its form ―its human likeness is changing as I look at it. A black snake. It is not like the time when a snake was consuming Noin, it was entangling Presha-san who was still in her young self ―it entwined in her spirit itself and is biting on her neck.

(Kuu… Uuu… Mother… I’m sorry… I couldn’t save you…)

“…This is how… lurking into people’s hearts and suffering… for years…!”

There’s no reason for her to suffer this much. She has fought as a knight and has continued to defend this kingdom –she struggled so hard to gain such power to fight.

『You too, with this child… sleep here… forever. 』

“――Summoner-sama, run away..!”

The black snake that is entwined on Presha-san bared its fangs toward me.

I knew I would worry Laune, but I dared to receive it with my arm. Inside this dream, the pain of being bit by its fangs did not come, but in reality, the pain is so severe.

“Guuaaa… Haa… Haa…”

『…Stupid child. If you abandoned this human and ran away, you wouldn’t have to suffer. Why do humans always do things for nothing? 』

The voice of the dark spirit who stopped imitating Presha’s mother was terribly grating ―it can be heard multiple times and it didn’t sound like it was coming from a person’s throat.

“Uh, Summoner-sama… If you bully Summoner-sama, I’ll fight you instead…”

“I’m fine… this kind of pain is nothing. It’s not a big deal…”

Even though it’s a nightmare, the blood I shed is directly linked to my death. Shedding blood in my mind is equivalent to losing my magical power.

“Even with this, there’s no such thing as I understand her pain now…… this is just a part of it. I did not really go through even the single piece of pain that Presha-san has experienced…”

If you draw a “success” spirit, you’ll immediately become a combat magician. I’ve always taken things for granted ―and I was even once disappointed that it didn’t happen to me.

Even the moment when I was unhappy that I drew the “flop” spirit, is now just a past that I felt ashamed of. Without having any fear on war, I was able to study in the protection of the Academy. Presha-san on the other hand was not even given what I took for granted.

“I’m an idiot…. a big idiot. Even when Presha-san called me “Sensei”, I accepted it like it was only natural. I’m…. I didn’t deserve it for her to call me “sensei”….. Uh, just because I can use magic to achieve some results…… I thought that just from that, I’d become great!….Uh…”

I was supposed to be fighting like her. Even if I can’t use a sword or a spear, I’m useful when it comes to magic. I was happy that she acknowledged me. But I did not check if she feels uncomfortable. In the end, she was suffering like this.

(… Mo…ther… Don’t… I, just… that person…)

Her voice sounds choppy. But even if it’s too painful, she did not ask for help.

Rather than the pain and suffering, she should have enjoyed something. For that reason, I have to detoxify the poison from the fangs of that dark spirit.

『…What are you trying to do? If you are trying to pull me off this child, that won’t happen. That’s because my fangs are deeply stuck in her. Eventually, this child will die just like this… So stop getting in the way! 』

A poison that gnaws on people’s heart. There is no such thing as a specific remedy for it under normal medical practice. It is said that the only way for it is to continue healing over a long period of time. But it’s a different story if it is brought by a type of spirit. I’m a “spirit doctor” after all. ―If it’s a pathology brought by a spirit, I should be able to heal it.

“You might have thought that you could just stuck your fangs into me and that would be the end of it. It wouldn’t makes sense for a doctor to let a snake bite him you know? ……Laune! Extract the antibodies for poison that have formed inside me!”

“Uh… Antibody… Master’s power to fight poison… Rei would like to come too nanodesu, the two of us will help Master!”

“I’ve been waiting. I thought there was something I could do too.”

Drawn inside the dream by Arlaune, Rei appears ―the “Spirit Mandrake”, swallows all the miasma and uses them as her own power. With that power, it was possible to produce antibodies and suck out the poison that remained in me.

“…It would be dangerous if the poison had spread before we’re able to make the antibody. Summoner-sama is too reckless.”

Rei, who looks like a little girl, gives me a quick glare. But I’ll apologize for worrying them only after I finished everything here.

『Antibody for poison… You can’t erase me from the heart of this child by creating such a thing. I’ll be with her forever… I have to keep an eye on her until Presha destroys everything. 』

Will it continue to play until the end? –Or, is this Presha-san’s wish? Is her desire for her mother to live in any way gave birth to this disease?

I admire Presha-san’s compassion. But I have to end this ―even if it is said that this is an ideal and just judgment, I don’t think Presha-san’s mother would try to make her daughter suffer.

“Stop insulting those who are gone. Presha-san’s mother would never say that…!”

(… It’s useless… Mother died… I’m already …)

『―It’s not useless! It’s never too late for anything! 』

With the power of Rei, the poison that binds my movement disappears. The next moment, my arm shines ―The sacred tree, who was connected through Her Royal Highness, the “shrine maiden”, responded to my call.

―Mistilteinn that is living in my branches, dwell on the right hand of the man who formed a contract with me and clean up all the impurities that you can see.―

The symbol of my contract with the sacred tree appears on my arm. The black serpent that had bound Presha-san, attacked me like a storm ―but I have nothing to fear. Then I thrust out my right hand. ―The vines of the mistletoe that rise from my entire arm, hindered the black snake’s movement, entangled it and it sucks up its power, withering it away.

『―Aaaaah … Aaah… disappear…… Noooo, I’ll disappear… 』

(No… uh, don’t disappear… from me….. Mother…)

“―Look forward, Presha Hortensia! What you achieved with your own hands is worthless unless you recognize them yourself!”

Did my words go through or was it the power of Mistilteinn?

Presha-san’s young spirit was freed from the imprisonment of the dark spirit. However, the dark spirit that was separated from her still hovers around her to take Presha in its possession again.

“Summoner-sama… You see, it is Presha-san herself who keeps that enemy here. Presha-san has to fight this by herself …!”

Laune made a flower, another part of her, sprout from the ground and tries to protect Presha-san ―But, as Laune had said, rather than weakening, the dark spirit regains its strength. It seemed that it’s impossible to beat Presha-san in her childhood.

“But… I’ll help you. It’s also my job to help my patient heal… Mistilteinn!”

It was my last gamble. Before Presha-san was possessed once again, she herself had to defeat the dark spirit ―and to do so, I lend her Mistilteinn’s power.

『―Aaaaah』　

The vines of the mistletoe that give off a faint glow are entwined around Presha-san’s arms. Mistilteinn follows Presha’s heart. ―To her emotion that says, “I want to live”.

The black snake bared its fangs and attacks Presha-san. At that point, she opened her hands and received it herself.

“Presha-san…!”

“…It’s okay Summoner-sama. …Presha-oneesan…”

Arlaune had a better understanding of what had happened. Embracing the dark spirit that had its poisonous fangs in her heart, Presha-san then whispers to Mistilteinn on her right arm.

(…I’m sorry mother. I……)

Then Mistilteinn shines brighter. The tremendous purification power of the sacred tree’s familiar poured into the disappearing spirit.

『―Aaaaah……….Aaaaaahh…….!』

In the middle of its scream, it changed into the sound of something that’s not human and then it disappeared. The plant created by Arlaune catches Presha-san’s body as she collapses from exhaustion. I ran up to her and saw the scars left in Presha-san’s heart for the first time.

(…I didn’t want to show it to Sensei… the ugliest part of me…)

I don’t think it’s ugly. However, those words did not come out immediately. Now I can only fulfill my duties as a doctor. The appearance of Presha-san’s heart, which was worn to tatters and the large fang mark left on her neck, looked too ephemeral.

“…This serum eliminates the poison. Presha-san… please take it.”

Presha-san nods to me. Then Laune sprouts flowers from the plant that hugs her body –then I carried the the dews formed on the petals to Presha-san’s mouth. It is so transparent that it’s hard to believe that it was created from poison. The antibody erased the poison that was affecting Presha-san’s heart.

“……Thanks Sensei…”

Then I heard some voices. However, my consciousness rapidly separates from Presha-san’s dream. The last voice I heard was my own, the one I said some time ago.

“―Presha-san is not a monster.”

I don’t know what she thought of those words. But right now, I just wished that I could tell her that there was no lie in what I had said.

◆ ◇ ◆

The moonlight shines through. The window in the desolate room should have been closed, but now they have been opened by someone else.

―It was Leslie. She was wearing a hood and dressed as a man, but she still entered the room.

“…Rei says she’s worried about Grass-nii. When I brought her here, she quiet down a little… but when we came in…”

Leslie had a difficulty continuing what she’s trying to say. If she’s worried, I don’t think she’ll be blamed for entering the room though.

“…zzz…”

…Uh!!

I can hear the sound of someone sleeping nearby –When I realized it, I was sitting in the bed while Presha-san nestled closely on my lap.

“W-What is this… That, I, I’m so absorbed on the treatment, u-uhm, you may say this is a subconscious behavior…”

“I understand that… Raquel-san and Dite-san said that when Presha-san was having a nightmare, she shouldn’t be approached, but it looks okay now.”

Leslie smiles and walks over to us. She picks up the doll that has fallen on the floor and she gently pats it to dust it off.

“Those precious things… we have to tidy them up properly. I can’t do it without permission though.”

“That’s right. If Presha-san permits it, I’d like you to fix it.”

Well, I can’t even touch Presha-san on my lap.

Laune looks at me happily while Rei looks a little jealous –like she wants to do the same too.

“I know Presha-san needed medical treatment from Grass-nii today. She always seem to be in a hurry to… I was worried when I saw her like that. I know she is a strong person, so it may be strange for me to worry about her like this.”

“No, that’s not the case. You are close in age and I hope that you can talk more with her from now on.”

“…Yeah. I would like to talk if Presha-san if that’s okay with her. Un, after the matters on Zirconia has settled down.”

Perhaps because we started a conversation, someone knocked on the door and it opened slowly. Perhaps they were worried, Raquel-san and Dite-san came into the room and they sighed in relief when they saw Presha-san sleeping.

“…I’ve known her for a long time but I’ve never seen Presha be this close to someone. Grass, what on earth did you… No, there’s no need to ask for that.”

“I’m a little jealous… N-No. I think it’s a pretty good way to solve insomnia. Looking at Presha, with such happy look in her sleep…”

“…Summoner-sama, when you return to your room, u-uhm, uhm…”

“N-No… we are spirits, so let’s not be selfish…”

There is no such thing as everything is wrong. As I exclaimed inside the dream, it’s current meaning is for us to be this peaceful. For both Laune and Rei. And everyone in the Knights Order –so that they can live a peaceful life away from the days of battle, I will continue to do as much as I can.

“Both of you worked hard, so don’t hesitate. It’s also normal for an elemental to listen to the spirit’s request you see.”

“Whoa…”

“…really… even if I’m dangerous…”

Does Rei care about being a dangerous plant? Well that’s depending on how they are handled. As for me, who has been helped many times, I don’t really need to worry about that.

“……Sensei……”

The first immediate problem is when Presha-san wakes up –we may have to wait until dawn. At that time, it can’t be just the two of us alone, so I’ll have to ask Laune and Rei to watch her too.

Tomorrow’s war council will determine the future course of our action. Raquel-san and Dite-san must be well rested –Leslie and Noin too.

And there is one more thing I want to make sure of. The sensation I had when I lent Mistilteinn to Presha-san. –That seemed to suggest a new possibility of using my magic.

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

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