Volume 7 Chapter 24: “Arrogance and Insolence”
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As the start of the banquet drew nearer, the tension in the air only increased.
“――――”
In the antechamber where five people gathered, there was no conversation, only silence.
Of course, Abel was silent as he focused intently, and even Subaru had no words to say. The oppressive atmosphere was palpable, especially since even Flopp was quiet.
Things had gone so smoothly up to this point that there should be no issues now.
Yet, humans are not so simply made that they can just think that way. No matter how excellently the cross-dressing had turned out, the tension rose as the main event approached.
But no matter how loudly my heart screamed and how much cold sweat trickled down my back, time flowed on unimpeded, and the appointed hour arrived.
“The banquet is ready. It’s your turn.”
The voice of the sentinel soldier pierced the air, signaling the moment when the tightly-strung tension would snap.
Exchanging glances, Subaru and the others took their instruments in hand and followed the lead soldier out of the room. They underwent a quick pat-down. After all, Subaru and the others, wearing only their light clothing, had no room to conceal any weapons.
Passing through the inspection while subjected to curious and lecherous gazes, Subaru and the others were ushered into the banquet hall.
However――,
“――っ”
“Talitta-san?”
Noticing Talitta’s rigid cheeks and heavy steps, Subaru furrowed his brows.
Although he had spoken softly so that the lead soldier wouldn’t hear, Talitta didn’t respond to Subaru’s voice, which should have definitely reached her. Just looking at her eyes, it was clear what kind of mental state she was in.
Extreme tension tightly gripped her entire being.
Departing from her familiar village and unable to rely on her older sister, the clan leader, the stress of diving into the enemy camp while almost defenseless may have taken a toll on her.
With a face color suggesting she might collapse at any moment and heavy breathing, Subaru did his best to encourage her, but he couldn’t find the right words in the heat of the moment.
Would saying “It’ll be okay” or “You can count on me” really soothe Talitta’s frayed nerves?
Just as Subaru was held back from taking a step for fear of revealing his own anxiety――,
“――Talitta”
“――――”
“Don’t worry about anything. Just look at me.”
It was a voice filled with severe arrogance and exalted confidence.
A baseless comfort, identical to what Subaru had just thought. However, the effect that those simple words produced was monumental.
Talitta exhaled faintly and blinked her eyes.
The panic in her eyes, which had seemingly forgotten how to breathe, was brought back to reality. Such was the power contained in that lone sentence, capable of strongly influencing the hearts of others.
What one possesses can instantly eclipse the earnest effort of those who do not.
More than once, Subaru had been painfully reminded of this, and now he felt it showcased vividly before his eyes.
“Now I’m not even angry anymore.”
To convince himself, Subaru muttered that, but soon realized that not only had Talitta felt reassured, but his own tension had eased as well, making him grimace.
Since he knew voicing it would only invite triumph from the others, there was no way he’d say it.
Then――,
“――You’ve come, indeed. I hear you shall present a splendid performance of dance and song.”
In the grand hall set for the banquet, nearly thirty burly men welcomed Subaru and his companions. It was said that normal soldiers were not allowed at this feast, so those gathered here were presumably officers and high-ranking officials.
Among these ‘generals,’ the man who spoke was seated at the back.
“…Is that Ziqru Osman the Second General?”
Subaru murmured under his breath, glancing sideways at Abel, whose face was obscured by a veil. The dancing princess slightly tilted her chin, affirming Subaru’s question.
With that confirmation, Subaru looked again at the man and frowned at his appearance.
Ziqru Osman, the commander of the imperial troops stationed in Castle City Gwararu.
Given that he held the title of Second General of the Empire, Subaru anticipated seeing a formidable warrior. However, the reality was far from his expectations.
Firstly, he was short. Even compared to Subaru, who was not particularly tall, he appeared to be at least a half head shorter. He seemed to be about the same height as Kuna when she stood up straight.
Of course, given that there was a precedent in Garfiel, a powerful individual who was also short, his stature was not necessarily something to dismiss. Yet, unfortunately, he didn’t even look particularly powerful.
What left the strongest impression was his uniquely bulbous hairstyle.
If one had to put it into words, it would best be described as an afro—a hairstyle that, perched atop a small man, gave off an oddly cuddly vibe.
Although he had been labeled a strategist, he certainly did not seem like the type to gain merits in combat.
“We are currently faced with a troublesome predicament. Secluded within the city, our mood drops day by day. Therefore, we have arranged this banquet. You understand your role, yes?”
“Yes! It’s an immense honor to be invited!”
Leaning on an armrest, Ziqru dramatically proclaimed as Subaru knelt before him.
Following Subaru’s lead, Flopp, Talitta, and Kuna also knelt, but Abel at the back remained standing. For a moment, Ziqru squinted, and an uneasy atmosphere spread among the generals.
Sure enough, one of the soldiers, who had placed a wine cup at their feet, stood up and glared at Abel.
“Why aren’t you kneeling? You understand this is before the Second General, right…?”
“Wait. Do not be so agitated. This banquet was opened for the purpose of merriment. What we expect from performers is not etiquette but simply entertainment.”
“Mmm… if a general says so…”
However, Ziqru was the one who reprimanded the soldier who confronted Abel.
Acknowledging his generosity, the soldier begrudgingly sat back down. Meanwhile, Abel maintained his demeanor, still veiled, without any sign of movement.
“Not flinching in the presence of a warrior, I see. You must have great confidence in your performance. However, your initial impression is poor. I expect you to change that.”
“…I appreciate your generosity. However, please rest assured.”
Reading Ziqru’s attitude as a sign of goodwill, Subaru replied respectfully while still kneeling, causing Ziqru to raise an intrigued brow.
Though it pained him to think of what was to come, this opportunity must be seized. He couldn’t let Ziqru win at any cost.
“—Now, I would like to present to you our beautiful dancing princess, who has come from beyond the great waterfall. With luscious black hair that consumes the sunlight, skin blessed by the spirits, and a beauty that could compare to the heavenly, we shall dance grandly tonight.”
As he stood, Subaru began his grand introduction.
Deliberately overblown, bold words that served to demonstrate this was no bluff as he slowly drew up the veil that concealed Abel’s face.
When the countenance of the dancing princess was finally revealed, everyone who had been in awe of her haughty disposition gasped simultaneously.
“――――”
Most notably, the shock Ziqru felt as he was directly faced with Abel’s gaze was monumental.
Initially, since he had shown a lenient attitude towards these guests, perhaps he was more prepared to take it lightly, but it felt like he’d been caught off guard and hit hard.
Literally, he seemed to forget how to breathe, left speechless.
“――If you would allow us the chance to present our princess’s dance…”
Lowering his head, Subaru offered his polite request. Flopp also bowed his head, raising their instruments to seek permission to start the banquet.
When Ziqru nodded, Subaru exchanged glances with Flopp.
They nodded to each other, indicating they were ready to proceed with the performance.
“—Tonight, what we will present is the dance from the homeland of the great waterfall. These dances from beyond the ends of the land; please enjoy them as much as you desire.”
The phrase “beyond the great waterfall” was an exaggeration.
However, in the context of unknown dances that the imperial soldiers knew nothing of, it wasn’t a lie. Both the music and the dance came from Subaru’s world, not this one.
Of course, appropriate arrangements had been made; yet, since they were fundamentally different, even the dance alone was captivating enough to draw the audience’s attention.
Nonetheless――,
“――――”
With the grace of the dance aside, the enchanting beauty of the dancing princess alone might have rendered such foreign songs and dances unnecessary.
“There’s a term called ‘sakana’ in relation to liquor, but it doesn’t only refer to food served at drinking parties. Anything that serves the role of entertaining the drinkers can be called that.
Naturally, performances like dances are included as well, known as ‘sakanamai’ or literally ‘dance for drinks,’ and are a definitive part of drinking entertainment――yet its effects seldom reached this level.
Entranced by the dancing princess’s skillful moves, the soldiers felt their throats grow hoarse and thirst for alcohol rise within their souls.
Their frequency of tipping back their cups increased rapidly, and they all flushed with red. Especially Ziqru, who drank faster than anyone else, trying to soothe the exhilarating dizziness in his mind.
Thus, as their judgment was clouded by liquor and dance, they inevitably began to make blunders that would ordinarily be unthinkable.
For instance, succumbing to the urge to see a sword dance, they unwittingly offered their swords to the dancing princess, a monumental failure in unprecedented proportions.
“—You lose, Ziqru Osman.”
Thus, as the blade he had unsheathed was pointed at his neck, the undeniable voice of a man echoed from the dancing princess, and ‘womanizer’ Ziqru Osman remained hopelessly entranced.
△▼△▼△▼△
“YES! I did it!” Subaru internally cheered, convinced of his victory.
The sword in Abel’s hand was poised to easily pierce Ziqru’s throat.
Reeling back and exposing his neck, Ziqru had no means of retaliation. It was beyond doubt that he had succeeded in capturing the enemy commander at that moment, and it had occurred earlier and more accurately than their initial intent.
Originally, Subaru and the others had planned to become well-known as traveling performers in the city and subtly weave their way into Ziqru Osman’s good graces. The ideal scenario was to be summoned to Ziqru’s quarters, where they would take advantage of his unguarded moments and force the imperial soldiers stationed in Gwararu to surrender.
That premise had flipped upside down with the undertaking of the banquet.
“—At the banquet, we’ll neutralize all the remaining soldiers in the city.”
This was what Abel declared when the soldiers were summoned to the banquet.
If successful, the rewards were great, but the dangers were significant, a high-risk, high-return plan――Subaru had agreed to the change of plans on the condition that they could revert to the original plan as necessary.
Yet, he hadn’t expected it to go this smoothly.
“—Again, I will say, Ziqru Osman. You lose. Surrender immediately and have your subordinates lay down their arms, or your wine cup will fill with blood instead of liquor.”
With the blade pressed against the immobile Ziqru, Abel issued another call for surrender.
Yet, Ziqru showed no sign of fear in his eyes, threatening him. He didn’t appear with the resolve of a seasoned soldier. Rather, there was a glimmer of hesitation in his gaze.
Hesitation and doubt—those were the emotions that surfaced in his eyes.
“You dancer… No, you…”
It was as if he’d seen something beyond his comprehension, and Ziqru’s eyes reflected that confusion.
That wasn’t the usual reaction of a mere dancer before him.
“—You bastards! How dare you…!”
Among the befuddled generals, one snapped back to reality and suddenly lunged at Abel, but before any of them could even reach him, their arms and legs were pierced by thrown knives. The one who threw them was none other than Kuna, twisting her body as she struck.
“I’m sorry, but I was told to protect Abel’s life, you know?”
Armed with a tambourine-like instrument, she had secretly gathered knives from the meal during Abel’s dance.
As the soldiers were stabbed and fell, the generals hesitated, momentarily frozen by what they saw.
However, one shadow leaped away, deftly avoiding Kuna’s blade.
“Foolish! Do you think something like this could stop the imperial soldiers?”
The burly man with a beard bellowed as he deflected an additional thrown knife with his arm and drew his massive sword, charging straight at Abel without a hint of concern for the blood spilling.
“Abel――!”
Instead of turning around, Ziqru stood still, his back exposed.
Subaru cried Abel’s name in a frantic shout, but the dancing princess remained unfazed.
Just then, the great sword came down towards the back of Abel’s head――,
“—Ugh!”
In an instant, it was Talitta who had snatched a bow from one of the soldiers, gritting her teeth as she aimed for the man who charged at Abel.
Focusing on the soldier with a determined glint in her green eyes, she set her sights on taking his life to save Abel and stop the impending doom.
“Don’t kill him!!”
“—Oh!”
However, just as she was about to release the arrow, Flopp cried out in alarm.
Heeding his voice, hesitation crept into Talitta’s eyes, causing her aim to falter slightly. The arrow released was not aimed at the man’s back but instead struck his right shoulder.
“Gah!?”
The man let out a pained grunt as he stumbled. Yet, even gripped in such confusion, the massive sword in his hands found its way, spinning toward Abel’s back.
It seemed that the sword would smash down on Abel’s head from behind. Yet at the last possible moment, it merely grazed his skull and punctured the floor with a thunderous sound.
Abel was almost killed, but he managed to barely survive.
Then――,
“—Ah”
As his braided hair fell, it spread out like a fan.
The sword’s tip had sliced through the hair tie, and its careful knot had come undone. –No, that wasn’t all. The loose wig fell off, exposing the true form of Abel’s black hair beneath.
—Revealing not the soft impression of a dancing princess, but the cold demeanor of the ruthless emperor.
“Second General! At once, deal with these intruders…”
“—Silence! Do not resist!”
Ziqru silenced the pleas of the soldiers regarding the fallen, who writhed on the floor, still trying to resist.
Even if several more men fell, a mindless assault would see Subaru and the others overwhelmed in no time. That was the very counterattack they feared most.
Yet Ziqru would not allow his subordinates to do that. Realizing their fates were sealed and that he himself was powerless, he understood the course had been set.
Thus――,
“If I comply with your demands, will you ensure the safety of my subordinates?”
“That depends on your demeanor, ‘coward.’”
“Grr…!”
Depicting a demeanor that reflected his acceptance of the offer to surrender, Ziqru flushed with indignation as Abel hurled him insults without mercy.
The humiliation he experienced surpassed even the time he’d been held hostage, a depth of disgrace no other could understand.
As Ziqru endured the gaze of Abel looking down on him smugly, Abel scoffed.
“I’ve heard of you, Ziqru Osman. Before being called a ‘womanizer,’ you were known as a ‘coward.’”
“…It’s a slur no true imperial soldier should endure. Is that why I could choose this plan?”
“—――”
“You think that if I’m called ‘womanizer’ and ‘coward,’ then I would be so frightened by a girl that I would yield to her sword…”
If that were true, it would be the greatest of humiliations.
If it were a fact, Ziqru might have died from rage at such disgrace. However, the reasoning Abel had used to decide this plan, which Subaru and the others heard, had to do with something quite apart.
That was――,
“You are a tactician who avoids unnecessary casualties, preferring strategies that incur minimal losses for our side even if significant victories are rare. An outstanding commander, yet somewhat lacking in aggressive instincts. Hence, you are labeled as a ‘coward.’”
“Yes, yes, that’s right. I am, but…”
“What are you misunderstanding?”
“Huh?”
As Ziqru widened his eyes at Abel’s narrowed gaze, Abel continued holding the sword as he approached Ziqru, who wore a perplexed expression.
“Those who call you a coward do so because of their own vain boasts of an outcome or because they’re blind fools, unable to see the results. I saw your characteristics as advantageous.”
“—――”
“You detest needless casualties. Thus, as a tactician deemed a ‘coward,’ I judged that you wouldn’t resist in this situation. —Will you disappoint me?”
With sharp eyes, Abel pressed the blade against Ziqru’s neck, inquiring.
For someone unaware of Abel’s true nature, what he was saying would seem merely like mad talk.
This was a bold strategy to trust in the cowardice of the opponent and integrate it into calculations.
To say such a thing directly, doubtlessly there was no guarantee it wouldn’t provoke Ziqru’s ire; rather, it sounded like words that could escalate matters.
Here stood a man who, even dressed as a woman, was incapable of submitting in the least.
Yet before such Abel, Ziqru Osman took in a breath.
In his eyes was a bewildering emotion that defied description—if one had to put it into words, it might have been close to shock or inspiration.
It was akin to the response of a maiden receiving something from her beloved, radiating a freshness and innocence unlike anything else――.
“—I shall disarm. I will give strict orders to my subordinates.”
“A wise decision.”
Ziqru bowed his head obediently to Abel’s words, and despite his attire as a dancer, his dignified acknowledgment carried weight. One by one, the imperial soldiers began dropping their weapons at Ziqru’s surrender.
And――,
“What are you standing around for? Quickly burn the flag on the rooftop.”
“Huh? M-me!?”
“Only you. You are the only one who has done nothing since the situation developed.”
Pointing at him, Subaru blinked in disbelief as Abel’s cold stare pierced him.
Looking around the grand hall, he saw Kuna throwing knives to avert the enemy’s attention, while Talitta had shot down the burly soldier. Furthermore, Flopp, who prevented the giant’s death, upheld ‘bloodless surrender,’ while Abel had effectively disarmed Ziqru.
Indeed, after seeing the giant jump, Subaru was the only one who had done nothing.
“Get going! Without Mizelda and the others, it won’t be possible to disarm them!”
“Y-yes, I understand! Excuse me!”
Saying that, Subaru dashed to the balcony. He nimbly climbed up to the rooftop of the city hall, where he could gaze out over the night view of Gwararu; it was quite a sight.
And, feeling the cold wind wash over him, Subaru retrieved the torches from the wall and set fire to the imperial flag mounted on the rooftop of the city hall—the flag of the honorable wolf.
—Here, the fall of Castle City Gwararu had been proclaimed.
“`
**In order to.**
The first to notice the strange occurrence was Jamal, who was keeping an eye on the City Hall.
Glancing back, Jamal showed concern for the partner he had left behind inside the building. Todd, exasperated by Jamal’s obvious attitude, continued his patrol through the city.
Given that the city had some history, there were no shortage of ways to breach the massive defensive walls. Even ordinary houses had built secret passages, and there were smuggling methods involving children to get over the walls. As Todd diligently cracked down on these activities, he heightened his vigilance for the impending attack.
“Withdrawing is out of the question. This means they will definitely try to take the city. They could use the back routes to seize City Hall, or set fire to the city… Hmm, are there other methods?”
If it were just about simply conquering the city, I could think of ways to slaughter both soldiers and civilians without distinction.
After all, fire, water, or burying people alive would certainly cause death. If one doesn’t choose their methods, humans can be pushed to cruelty in many ways.
I wondered what kind of brutal methods that black-haired boy would employ.
He seemed like he would struggle with such depravity, but therein lay the terror.
Even if I crush one route after another, there still seemed to be hidden escape routes left.
So, even with a hole in my belly, I couldn’t afford to sleep soundly in the inn.
“Everyone around here is just so reckless and careless.”
While not everyone could be expected to reach Jamal’s level, many did not pay attention to the finer details.
Todd didn’t believe himself to be particularly smart or perceptive, but being aware of his own foolishness and shortcomings meant he had plenty of ways to fill those gaps.
I couldn’t understand why everyone could live without doubting their own stupidity.
Humans are, without exception, foolish after all, so they should do their best even within their ignorance.
“—Huh?”
Lost in those thoughts as Todd was about to step into the next house, he suddenly halted at the foolish cry emitted from Jamal behind him.
Turning to look, he saw Jamal standing still, gazing off into the distance, a silly expression on his face.
“What the hell, what’s that supposed to be?”
“What’s wrong, Jamal? What’s happening at City Hall…?”
He nearly spoke of something having occurred when he joined Jamal in looking in the same direction.
Right now at City Hall, invited dancers should have been entertaining, coupled with a banquet to lift the spirits of the ‘general.’
Thus, it wouldn’t be strange for some to let loose and act the fool.
It wouldn’t be strange, but—
“—No way.”
There’s no way I could allow the imperial flag displayed at City Hall to be burned; that’s beyond tolerance.
Even Todd found himself speechless in the face of this act, which surpassed the boundaries of a free-for-all. The flag, burning and rippling in the hot wind, illuminated the night sky with a red glow.
And right beside that burning flag stood a woman Todd recognized from inside City Hall.
A musician with rich black hair and sharp eyes. Her name was—
“—Natsumi Schwarz.”
Yes, the memory of having asked her name came back.
The frail woman who had shrunk down, frightened when Jamal confronted her. Yet, there she was, boldly burning the imperial flag with the torch in her hand.
The weakness I had encountered in the corridor was nowhere to be found.
Surely, this wasn’t a malicious act fueled by drunkenness, with any hint of cuteness.
No, this was undoubtedly a declaration of war against the empire. And the act of burning the flagship meant that the location had fallen into enemy hands.
As I contemplated this, a shocking possibility electrified my mind.
“No way, could it be you?”
Eyes widened, Todd scrutinized the black-haired woman, Natsumi Schwarz, and found himself utterly aghast by the minuscule possibility that had sprouted within him.
Yet, the more he thought about it, the more the pieces aligned, and the more he looked, the further apart they seemed.
Nevertheless, that alone was enough to make the impact immediate and profound.
Who on earth would devise such a plan?
To think that someone would try to break through the enemy’s guard and take the heart of the operation so brazenly.
“I never thought it possible; to push in from the front like that.”
What sort of an idiot would undertake such a reckless course of action?
Certainly, they had been vigilant against hiding in cargo or dragon carts, and the checks on those had been intensified. But foot soldiers entering in a conspicuous manner was completely unanticipated.
Especially after having heightened vigilance due to the first incursion, switching gears towards stealth would seem the logical approach—
“Don’t tell me, was that also a decoy? Did she let us see her on purpose, planting the preconceived notion that breaking in from the front was impossible?”
And indeed, she infiltrated the city, invited as a dancer, and brought down City Hall, igniting the imperial flag. —Natsumi Schwarz had played it exactly as she intended.
“…This is bad.”
I found myself genuinely chilled by how meticulous her plans were.
I thought I had been doing my utmost to secure the best possible outcomes, yet she had easily surpassed that, mocking me as if I were a mere child of war.
The shock within Todd was palpable as he trembled.
“Damn it! What’s going on! I need to get back to City Hall…”
“Idiot, don’t! Are you trying to get yourself killed as well?”
“Huh?”
Unlike Todd, Jamal, unaware of the identity of the one who burned the imperial flag, stood there.
From that distance, he could not see the details of the top of City Hall. It was only Todd’s heightened vision that allowed him to see. And it was precisely because he could see that he had to stop Jamal.
With the imperial flag of their base ablaze, it was clear the city’s fall was inevitable.
By now, Zikru, along with the other generals attending the banquet, had surely been slain. If they recklessly burst out now, they would only meet the same fate.
“What, scared now? Is that the demeanor of an imperial soldier, huh!?”
“Pride isn’t going to win the fight or save your life. Besides, you should know this much. City Hall is finished. The two generals are dead. Soon enough, the People of Shudrak will come flooding into the city.”
“――――”
“If we don’t escape first, our only choice will be to bravely face death in battle.”
Jamal was not one to calmly accept the humiliation of disarming himself.
His alternative was to charge into the enemy camp, weapon in hand, displaying his bravado, and die fighting alongside ten others, claiming one of them.
It would be tempting to call such a death the dignity of a sword wolf, but to Todd, it looked more like a senseless sacrifice.
Each life is inherently a limited resource.
While it could be spent in pursuit of victory, it would be a waste to spend it grasping for a hollow pride.
They had been acquainted for quite some time. Todd felt that such a warning would suffice. Probably.
“Besides, there’s a hole in the wall that was just sealed off. I’ll escape through that. What about you?”
“D-Do I have to shame myself again?”
“If you live, you’ll have the chance to rid yourself of that shame. But if you die, that’s the end. So I’m going; I won’t gamble on a fight with no chance of winning.”
In truth, he wouldn’t even engage in fights with low chances of winning, but Todd didn’t have the time to spar with Jamal over such trivialities.
Without further ado, he turned his back and took off running. After a moment of hesitation, Jamal cursed loudly, “Damn it!” and reluctantly followed after Todd.
If only everyone were as simple as this, things would be so much easier, but the world doesn’t operate that smoothly.
In any case—
“For the time being, I’ll remember her name: Natsumi. —The child of war.”
When it became apparent that the imperial flag had burned and City Hall had fallen, the imperial soldiers surprisingly complied with our call for surrender.
The town guards did the same, and for Subaru, aiming for a bloodless concession, it was a great relief, albeit a surprising turn of events.
“You know, watching period dramas about the battles of the Warring States, I always thought it was strange that a battle would end once the enemy’s general was killed…”
Once the general goes down, the next-ranking person takes over and the fighting continues.
It continues until one side is nearly annihilated, which seems naïve to assume, yet in reality, war doesn’t operate that way.
Even the stationed imperial army, which should have had overwhelming military strength, surrendered when they learned the commander, Zikru, was captured.
“Still, impressive, Subaru… I mean, Natsumi.”
“Mizelda-san!”
The lauded outcome and success of the operation let Subaru breathe a sigh of relief, until Mizelda approached, taking a hearty swig straight from a bottle.
The separate forces, hidden outside the city, had entered following the burning of the imperial flag, realizing City Hall had fallen. The guards did not impede their entrance upon realizing the victory of the imperial soldiers.
Thanks to the cooperation from Shudrak, they managed to capture the majority of the imperial soldiers.
The once busy great hall had its bottles and food cleared away, only to line up the captured imperial soldiers.
Mizelda couldn’t waste a drop, taking another swig, but Subaru thought it highlighted her barbaric tendencies.
“Still, with this many people… a direct confrontation was indeed tough.”
“Even if the enemy is numerous, the pride of Shudrak shall not falter. …That said, raw numbers are not to be underestimated. But you and Abel will prove that wrong.”
“———”
“Take pride, Natsumi. You demonstrated courage through wisdom. Something we could never have achieved.”
With a hearty clap on Subaru’s shoulder, Mizelda smiled confidently before heading towards Talitta and Kuna, who had contributed significantly to the fall of City Hall.
Even from a distance, seeing Talitta’s sparkle of joy from her sister’s praise warmed the heart. Meanwhile, Kuna was embraced by Holly, confirming her safety, and looked like a rag doll.
“As long as the lauded Kuna doesn’t succumb….”
“———”
The relief washed over Subaru, forming a small smile. As she turned around, she nearly collided with the person standing right behind her.
That person was—
“R-Rem…”
“…Yes.”
As Rem gazed up at Subaru from close range, he instinctively took a step back.
Leaning on a wooden staff, Rem surveyed Subaru from head to toe with her light blue eyes. Feeling discomfort under her scrutiny, Subaru cleared his throat and asked,
“What’s wrong? I’m quite well, you know?”
“I’ve heard that, but I thought you might be hiding an injury somewhere behind that façade.”
“Your trust in me is lacking…! But I’m generally quite the tough cookie, so I’d report any slight injury without hesitation! Really, I promise!”
“That too sounds suspicious.”
“Oh dear…!”
Completely deflated by Rem’s lack of faith, Subaru shrugged his shoulders. However, then he tilted his head, having realized something. Though her words were monotone, they implied Rem was concerned for him.
“Y-You’re worried about my well-being?”
“Huh?”
“Oh! Sorry! I got carried away! You’re right! You wouldn’t be worried about me at all…”
“I did worry.”
“Huh?”
With frantic hand gestures, Subaru hurriedly attempted to correct his misunderstanding. Yet, he was cut off by none other than Rem’s words.
Rem, without changing her expression, slightly shimmered the color in her eyes as she stated,
“So yes, I was worried. Naturally. No matter how ridiculous your plan was, I was the one who made you carry it out. So, you think I wouldn’t be worried? How heartless do you think I am?”
“N-No! That’s not my intention! I don’t think you’re heartless! You’re compassionate, a bit overbearing, and a little distant before getting close, but even that gap has its charm…!”
“———”
“Rem, are you perhaps moved…?”
“No, I just found it simply disgusting.”
“Ugh!” The directness of her words pierced Subaru’s heart.
While clutching at his manifest fake chest in pain, Rem let out a languid breath. Then she took a single step closer to Subaru and said,
“However, despite your attitude, you did manage to pull it off. You truly took this city. And without casualties.”
“…To maintain a bloodless opening, I didn’t want any injuries to occur. That would have been aiming too high, wouldn’t it.”
“Who knows? Perhaps you and Abel might just be capable of that too. …What’s with that face?”
“…Nothing much at all, really.”
Subaru wore a sour expression, causing Rem to scrutinize him suspiciously.
Actually, her words made perfect sense. Without Abel’s assistance, the plan would not have succeeded, and it was a fact he was a deeply intelligent man.
Yet, hearing her praise another man sent a jealous flurry through Subaru’s chest.
“Even this fake chest can hold feelings…”
“I feel like I’m talking nonsense, though…”
Under Rem’s piercing gaze, Subaru repeatedly denied it, waving both hands. Expressing his jealousy wouldn’t just earn him disdain from her—it was inevitable. But it still hurt, after all. Unreciprocated affection is unforgiving.
“In this case, it’s just reflexive, isn’t it? I skipped past Emilia-chan, yet I still feel acknowledged…”
“Oh! Natsumi-chan, there you are! I’ve heard how amazing you are, congrats!”
“W-Wait, Medium-san!”
Medium burst in, raising her voice, stomping her feet as she came barreling in. The sudden proximity startled Subaru, but Medium closed the gap by leaning forward, rendering it meaningless.
Beaming widely, Medium observed the soldiers in the hall, with two girls—Utakata and Lui—balanced on her shoulders.
“Did you catch all these, Natsumi-chan? I’m so surprised! And what about Sis? Was she holding strong?”
“Speaking of Sis, Medium-san, Flora is…”
“—I’m right here, little sis!”
“Oh!”
With a big stomp of her shoes, a handsome figure entered the great hall, declaring their presence loudly—Flopp, the brother of Medium, appeared, and Medium’s round eyes widened even more.
“Bro! It really is you! So, you’re saying that the Sis I thought was a Sis is really you, bro?!”
“Hahaha, not a clue what you’re saying, little sis! But whatever the case, here I am! So, what does it matter if I’m a brother or a sister?”
“Right! Then I might as well be a brother myself, I’m tall enough!”
“Whether sister or brother, what matters is that we’re family!”
The O’Connell siblings had a unique conversational rhythm, and it continued uniquely until the end.
With Flopp laughing, he hugged Medium, this caused the two girls on Medium’s shoulders to giggle joyously as they began to twirl around.
Consequently, Flopp’s feet left the ground as he twirled in mid-air, filling the great hall with cheerful laughter from brothers and children.
“It’s surreal, isn’t it…”
“Medium-san was also worried about Flopp-san… So when are you going to take off that outfit? For life?”
“Life is an exaggeration! No matter how cute I may be, this is just a temporary form… I’m destined to revert back sooner or later.”
“If you’re saying ‘someday’, does that mean you’ll still be in that form for a while?”
“Right now, I just happened to not have the time to change!”
Viewed with a questioning look, or rather, as if he were a creep, Subaru found it hard to endure Rem’s gaze.
The reason he remained dressed as Natsumi was entirely because circumstances had pushed him into taking drastic actions, like burning the imperial flag and welcoming the “People of Shudrak” into the city.
It wasn’t that he intended to stay as Natsumi Schwartz deliberately.
“There’s no need for that!”
“Is that so? According to Abel, the commander is in the room deeper in.”
“You sound like you don’t believe me!”
Subaru sulked, as he was pointedly eyed by Rem and waved his arms to head in that direction.
While wanting to celebrate the bloodless opening with Rem and everyone else, he couldn’t afford to be recklessly jubilant and defenseless at this moment.
After all, the fall of Gwararu was merely just a stepping stone. He had to think about the impending internal turmoil that would shake the empire, and the role he would play in all of it.
For that—
“Excuse me.”
With that parting line, Subaru pushed open the door to the room at the back of the great hall.
This should have normally been the private office of the city’s mayor, the master of City Hall, but now the master was chased away, replaced by a far more boastful man seated in the chair.
Originally, it was meant to be Zikru who sat there, but now—
“—You, is it? Still dressed like that?”
The voice that came, leaning on his chin with an audible snort, belonged to Abel, who had already shed the dancer’s outfit and donned male clothing.
Before him knelt Zikru, his scruffy hair in view; otherwise, there was no one else in the room.
“Don’t mind my appearance! But, you’re sitting alone here without an escort with two generals? Your recklessness knows no bounds!”
“Of course, if this one harbored any intent to resist, I’d be ready to draw my sword. But this fellow possesses no such intent. Isn’t that right, Ziqru Osman?”
“—Yes. That’s precisely the case, Your Excellency.”
Jerking his chin, Abel prodded Zikru for a response, who now referred to him formally.
The respect in Zikru’s voice, directed towards a clear superior, indicated he no longer viewed Abel as just some cross-dressing bandit.
In other words, Zikru understood Abel’s true identity and knelt there accordingly.
“Did you speak to him?”
“No need for words. It seems he realized during the performance. No, more accurately, it should be said he assumed it afterward.”
“——?”
Not grasping the meaning behind the rephrasing, Subaru tilted his head.
However, Ziqru, upon hearing Abel’s deductions, lowered his head even further, as if showing even more profound respect.
Up until this point, Subaru had barely felt it; Ziqru was one of the rare individuals who recognized and showed respect for the fact that Abel was not just any emperor.
“But if you figured that out without it needing to be said, that works splendidly. Ziqru Osman, serve me. I will not lead you astray.”
“I pledge my life to you, should it be for Your Excellency!”
“W-Wait, are you serious!?
**”I still haven’t heard anything about the situation!?”**
As Ziqru made a swift decision to submit to Abel, who was seated and seeking allegiance, it was convenient. However, the situation felt too good to be true. Ziqru shook his head vigorously in response to Subaru’s inquiry.
“With Your Excellency before me, seeking me for loyalty, it is my duty as a ‘General’ of the Empire to comply. Above all, I wish to swear my utmost loyalty to you.”
“Oh? Why is that? Are you so enchanted by my dance?”
“It was truly magnificent. But that’s not all.”
Ziqru’s fervor was strong in the face of Abel’s cold joke, and he pressed both fists against the floor, his expression radiating intense joy.
“To think you remember my nickname… that curse that is nothing but disgrace, and you even believe in it…!”
“Naturally. If one wishes to be the ruler of the Empire, one must comprehend the entirety of the territory. The same applies to the subordinates I serve. As a ‘General,’ who knows when I may need to make use of my own hands and feet? Do you think the Emperor’s path would remain undisturbed without knowing his own hands and feet?”
“Absolutely not! That is why I am truly honored!”
Shaking with undeniable joy, Ziqru swore his fervent loyalty to Abel. To be honest, the chain of events felt almost like a storybook come to life, but Ziqru’s side profile was so intense it left no room for Subaru to doubt his sincerity.
At the same time, Subaru was overwhelmed by Abel’s charisma, a gravitational pull that represented the ruler of the Empire, supported by a fierce self-confidence and conviction.
It was uncertain how many existences were called ‘Generals’ in the Empire, but even if Ziqru was standing out among them, could he retain the memory necessary to hold the confidence to conquer the city?
Furthermore, if another ‘General’ were in charge of this city, Abel was sure that regardless of who that might be, he could achieve this outcome.
The Emperor had become aware of him, someone above the clouds, fashioned strategies on understanding both his strengths and weaknesses, and had been magnificently entangled in his very intentions, leading to defeat.
Perhaps this was akin to a high school pitcher struck with a home run by a beloved professional baseball player.
To compare with anything else would be absurd considering the violent nature of war itself.
In any case—
“If Ziqru Osman is to serve, then the subordinate ‘Generals’ shall join us too. With the castle city included, we might finally gather adequate strength.”
“However, if we’re to approach others, we’ll undoubtedly be lacking in power. First and foremost, we should call for reinforcements from the Imperial Capital and invite them into the city, to urge surrender.”
Once personnel who understood the circumstances of the Empire and were capable of devising strategies joined, the military discussions rapidly shifted to a more serious note.
Unlike Abel, who accepted this without resistance, Subaru felt substantial resistance at the beginning of preparations for true warfare. Thus, he wanted to discuss matters with Abel before the plans progressed further.
Specifically, the treatment of himself and Rem after they captured the castle city.
However, the moment Subaru tried to bring this topic up, it was unfortunately dismissed.
The reason was—
“—Reinforcements from the Imperial Capital.”
The atmosphere of the room trembled at Abel’s murmured response to Ziqru’s statement.
In front of the wide-eyed Subaru and others, he stood abruptly from his chair and strode back to the great hall with large strides.
And—
“—Close the city gates immediately! Do not engage with any messengers!”
Abel shouted this, startling everyone in the great hall.
Naturally, since Subaru and the others had little understanding of what just transpired, neither did Mizelda and the others grasp Abel’s true intentions.
However, from Abel’s pressing demeanor, it was evident something was amiss.
“Talitta, go instruct them to close the front gates!”
“Ah, sister, what on earth is happening…?”
“—Go now! Do not tarnish the name of Shudrak!!”
Mizelda’s voice, charged with urgency, slammed into Talitta, who hesitated.
Startled by the murderous intent in Mizelda’s voice, Talitta hurriedly dashed out of the great hall to command the guards to shut the gates.
Upon accomplishing this, Abel’s orders would be fulfilled—but—
“Village chief, what has happened? It’s rare for you to change your complexion like that!”
“I have no time to indulge your trivial words, merchant. We need to organize ourselves immediately. Ziqru Osman, convince the ‘Generals.’ Mizelda, you and your group…”
“W-w-w-what’s wrong!?”
Ignoring the worried Flopp, Abel rapidly issued orders to those around him.
He commanded Ziqru and Mizelda to gather their subordinates, but his directives were interrupted midway by a shrill child’s tantrum.
“W-w-what’s going on!? Something happened to Rui-chan!?”
“Uu! Uu! A-uu!”
Medium, whose hair had plenty of decorations, spun around in surprise, while Rui, who was being carried on her shoulder, was desperately crying out, and Utakata attempted to calm her down.
Yet, Rui kept thrashing, and instead, large tears streamed down her face, her expression tightening as if she feared something.
“Rui-chan, please calm down! What’s wrong? If something happened, I’ll listen properly, so please don’t cry…”
“Uu!”
“What? Is there something over there?”
Unable to bear witnessing Rui cry, Rem approached her. When Rui noticed Rem moving closer, she pointed at a corner of the great hall while weeping.
At that, Rem turned her gaze in the same direction, followed by Subaru and Abel who also looked over. But there was nothing. —It shouldn’t be anything.
“Mizelda!”
“Wh-wh-wh-wha—!?”
While glaring at the empty space, Abel swiftly called Mizelda’s name.
In response, Mizelda nimbly readied her bow and grabbed four arrows with her right hand, nocking them all at once before pulling back.
A tremendous strike unleashed from Mizelda’s powerful physique, the chieftain of Shudrak unleashed a volley of arrows that surged towards the empty space Rui had pointed to. One of those arrows bore the incredible force that could remind Subaru of the ‘Hunter’ who had killed him in the forest.
With such impact, if it struck Subaru, his torso would likely be shredded apart.
The floor and walls, which should have been sturdier than the arrows, shattered as splinters flew, and debris scattered throughout the hall.
As the soldiers leapt to avoid being caught up in the chaos, Subaru speculated there might be the cause of Rui’s outburst hidden within the smoke—and then—
“—I can’t kill like that.”
A nonchalant voice softly descended into the smoke-filled hall.
Subaru recognized it as a female voice—a relaxed, carefree voice devoid of emotional fluctuations, judged even as a whisper.
In an atmosphere tightly wound with tension, it felt entirely out of place.
However, the consequence brought by that voice was staggering.
“—”
—In an instant, Mizelda’s entire being was engulfed in terrifying flames, igniting furiously.
“—!!”
Amidst the flames consuming her in an instant, Mizelda let out a voiceless cry.
Everyone was momentarily paralyzed at the sight of Mizelda transformed into a humanoid mass of fire.
“—Holly!!”
“I-I understand no—!!”
Immediately called by Kuna, Holly frantically lunged towards a jar filled with water. With her impressive strength, she lifted the jar and hurled it with all her might down at the burning Mizelda’s feet.
Water cascaded from the shattered jar, dousing Mizelda as she collapsed onto the floor.
It was instant that she was burned, but the pain that engulfed her entire body was unimaginable.
Still dazed by the sudden turn of events, Subaru struggled to keep up with the pace of the situation changing. Yet, within the center of the swirling confusion, he noticed the presence of an unfamiliar figure growing.
Not just Subaru, but others began to notice that figure gradually approaching.
—Standing there was a beautiful girl with dark skin, exposing much of her skin.
A near-silver-white mane, an eyepatch covering her left eye, and from her rear emerged a distinct tail that bore a luxurious fur coat, gripping a branch one might pick up off the ground.
Her face, appearing emotionless, bore an immature expression, contrasting sharply with her feminine form boasting abundant curves.
Yet this charming girl was undoubtedly the catalyst for the earlier events.
What had she done? What was her goal? What was her identity? Everything remained a mystery—
“—You, Arakia.”
However, as everyone froze, one person knew her name and called it out with certainty.
The one gazing intently at the poised, bewildered girl—Arakia—was the dethroned Emperor of the Holy Volakia Empire.
The pitched air under the pressure of Ziqru’s immediate pledge of loyalty clashed with Arakia, who effortlessly swayed her branch back and forth.
“Your Excellency, long time no see.”
“You seem well, as well. —Chisha is also unyielding in her actions.”
“I won’t? Because it’s dangerous, you see.”
The conversation held a relaxed air, but that was merely from Arakia’s perspective.
Even if they could converse, it was evident that no benefit would arise from this interaction given Abel’s tense expression.
Who exactly was she, so easily engaging with him despite recognizing him as emperor?
“Arakia, the General…”
“…What did you just say?”
As the two exchanged words, Subaru’s cheeks tightened at Ziqru’s whispered words.
He desperately wished for this to be a miscommunication, but the serious look on Ziqru’s sweating face led Subaru to realize his possibility of being wrong had evaporated.
And, as if to prove it wasn’t a misunderstanding, Ziqru pressed on.
“General Arakia… one of the strongest in the Empire, a member of the ‘Nine Divine Generals’!”
“That too, is the ‘Second’ of the Nine Divine Generals… —In other words, she ranks second highest in the Empire.”
“Second… in the Empire!?”
Ziqru’s shout was accented by Abel’s clarification, leaving Subaru in a state of uncontainable shock.
In the midst of the astonishment encasing the grand hall, Arakia raised her branch high, boasting,
“I’m amazing!”
“—”
Gradually, surrounding her, the Shudrak began to form a siege within the hall. After Mizelda had fallen as the first strike, seventeen Shudrak people remained—among them, non-combatant Utakata—creating uncertainty about their fighting strength.
However—
“I can’t let this victory that I finally grasped be hindered—!”
With a curse, Subaru plucked one of the confiscated swords from the ground.
Whether driving them back, banishing them, or defeating and capturing—whichever he did, he aimed to solidify this victory of Gwararu’s downfall.
“Even if you try hard, it’s useless.”
In the next moment, an astonishing wind erupted throughout the grand hall, twisting everything as Subaru, Shudrak, and the captured Imperial soldiers were all swept up in the chaos.
“—”
The world turned upside down, and he was unable to discern any direction while his body slammed against the floor, walls, and ceiling—his consciousness nearly dissipating from the intense pain.
“What?”
What had just happened? Thrown bodily onto the ground while staring at a ruined ceiling, his mind gradually processed the information—surely, it was a whirlwind.
A tremendous whirlwind erupted indoors, devouring Subaru—no, the others altogether, and violently spewed them out in all directions.
People and objects, enemies and allies alike, the whirlwind unleashed by Arakia ravaged the chamber.
Yet, the reason Subaru managed to retain consciousness amid such turmoil was—
“I—I can’t let… any more hurt come to her…”
Amidst groaning, Ziqru, who had been shielding Subaru, draped his limp arm over him.
The instant the whirlwind formed, Ziqru instinctively pulled Subaru towards him, attempting to shield him from the overwhelming destruction. Although common, his body had become a cushion, allowing Subaru to survive with his senses intact.
However—
“This can’t be real…”
Surveying the devastated hall, Subaru uttered in despair.
All around him, the Shudrak forces, who had just rallied with intention, fell one by one, brought low and rendered incapable of fighting.
In fact, it was those who’d shown any hostile intention who suffered the most.
Could it be that even amidst such annihilation, Arakia’s whirlwind chose targets to spare?
“—Rem…”
Enduring the painful throes, Subaru sought Rem within the large chamber.
She too might have been rendered unconscious due to the attack, just like the Shudrak forces. If it was a hard blow, the worst could certainly come to pass.
And then, Subaru cast a sweeping glance around, spotting something.
It wasn’t Rem. But it caught his eye.
For despite being whipped up by the whirlwind, that figure stood up after being tossed about, escaping toward the half-destroyed balcony, leaning against the railing as she glared at Arakia.
“Abel…”
How had he managed to protect himself amidst that cacophony? Abel’s injuries seemed minimal—still, he bled from his forehead, and his arm hung limp.
Yet Abel gazed unyieldingly at Arakia, eyes unwavering in their spirit.
“Your puppet poses quite dramatically. Have you forgotten the reason you joined my ranks?”
“…Your Excellency, I lied. I was deceived. Thus, I shall not forgive you.”
“—Is that Chisha’s influence as well?”
With a slight lowering of his gaze, Abel released a heavy breath tinted with crimson.
Though Arakia’s face revealed little emotion, it conveyed a palpable anger within her eyes as she slowly advanced toward the balcony where Abel stood.
It was unlikely that she had absconded simply to pose; with injuries and devoid of weapons, Abel had no means to mount a comeback.
Every step Arakia took felt like a countdown toward Abel’s demise.
With each step, she closed the distance, and then—
“U-aaaaah!”
A high-pitched scream pierced the air, and in the instant Arakia attempted to pass, a pillar collapsed toward her.
The booming sound echoed as stone shattered and splintered, a primitive, weighty weapon descended upon Arakia.
It was executed by Rem, who had hidden behind the pillar, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Keeping her consciousness while swept into the whirlwind, Rem likely had caught sight of Abel’s position. Concealing her presence, she timed her actions to knock down the pillar just as Arakia moved forth.
This was her final attack, utilizing her great strength within this context.
The aim struck true, intending to crush Arakia’s delicate form—until—
“Huh?”
“—Lies.”
At Arakia’s feet, the floor transformed as if it were candy, elongating and rising to support the collapsing pillar, solidifying anew.
It seemed as though the artistic performance had been planned from the beginning.
Rem’s tremendous effort failed to land a blow on Arakia, nor could it even divert her attention.
Then, turning toward Rem, who kneeled at the splintered pillar’s root, Arakia stared, suddenly widening her eyes in surprise.
“Oh, a demon. How rare.”
“You are…?”
“—Do not interfere. I don’t wish to hurt my comrades.”
“My comrades…?”
A mix of confusion crossed Rem’s face as her anger turned her cheeks red.
But sadly, given the overwhelming disparity in power, her rage was but a futile sentiment, and her will to resist would yield no fruit.
Reaching out for the rubble, Rem sought to express her intent to fight again.
However, Arakia swung her branch, stirring the winds to blow away any debris surrounding Rem’s vicinity.
Literally blowing everything away. Not only the floor’s debris but the walls and ceiling behind Rem, the superior structures of the building also blew away one after another.
“I am not good with controlling my strength. You will be blown away as well.”
“If so, then go ahead, do it. After all this, what are you even hesitating about? That kind of—”
“…Regrettable.”
In response to Rem’s clenched reply, Arakia’s shoulders drooped in an adorable manner.
However, this cute gesture belied the ferocity of Arakia’s intentions. Slowly, her branch was lifted, a phenomenon beyond dimensions threatening to shatter Rem’s existence.
—Such a thing, Natsuki Subaru could never allow.
“U-aaaaah!”
With a shout, he banished the pain coursing through him, propelling his body into motion.
At this instant, the paralyzing terror and unending anxiety became mere annoyances.
He abandoned rational thought, advancing entirely on instinct, between Rem and Arakia.
He wished to shield her from the impending destruction that sought to strike her.
It would be fine if he died. As long as he could protect Rem, he would gladly lay down his life.
While the honest truth was that he wished to live, and considering his cursed fate dictated all would be shattered should he perish, he wouldn’t mind dying here.
Dressed as a girl, with the façade of a false chest created, his face adorned in make-up, having made all efforts to appear pale and delicate, in all his ridiculous attempts to pursue beauty, Natsuki Subaru steeled himself to confront the girl he must protect.
“—!”
He protected Rem by shielding her, spreading his arms wide.
Subaru sensed Rem’s gasp of breath upon noticing him step in front.
Yet, what she thought of Subaru’s actions, or what feelings arose in her heart, he would never know. That opportunity wouldn’t come.
That was all snatched away in an instant before the destructive power of Arakia—
“What a futile display of bravery. But, it isn’t unpleasant.”
That thought reached Subaru’s ears as he resolved to face all that would be taken from him, feeling ready for the annihilation that approached.
He firmly squeezed his eyes shut as he braced himself, ready to shoulder whatever doom awaited him—only to realize, no heat, distress, pain, suffering, nor thirst fell upon his body.
And slowly opening his eyes, he beheld a new scene.
Shielding Rem, arms wide open in front of her, stood Subaru. —But before him stood someone else’s back.
Not Arakia. Rather, she stood behind that figure, with her face plastered in shock, frozen in place.
The presence bringing that astonishment upon Arakia held a vividly glowing sword in their right hand, slicing through all the chaos meant to envelop them.
A figure that embodied the essence of pride adorned with crimson eyes.
Arms crossed in an act signaling her poise, with a cruel beauty that matched the image, the figure was someone he shouldn’t have met here.
“—ah.”
Subaru gasped in disbelief at the emergence of this impossible presence.
That exceptional being, whose very essence was cloaked in the color ‘red,’ cast astute smiles as she moved behind Subaru.
And then—
“There’s no need for introductions, fool. Call out my name.”
With those words, she—Priscilla Barielle—bore a smile reminiscent of blood.
