3 bar menu

Chapter 301

Nearly half a day before Hausen, one of the Romal Empire’s Twelve Wing Generals, and Zandarza, one of the Demon King’s Army’s Six Generals, lit up a corner of the night sky with intense flashes and flames in the Imperial Capital, time rewinds.

Asteria and her party had successfully completed their consolation visit and were planning to return, offering prayers for the valor of the 8th Legion.

Their plans changed due to reports from scouts the previous evening, indicating activity within the Demon King’s Army. Given the recent resurgence of the Demon King’s Army after days of inactivity, Asteria had to urgently return for safety.

While various speculations circulated among the upper echelons of the legion, ranging from the possibility that the Demon King’s Army knew about Asteria’s visit to the potential presence of a traitor, the clear fact was that someone important from the Romal Empire had arrived. Asteria’s visit, accompanied by the imperial flying warship Lasromal and the accompanying dragon knight squadron, made it evident that a significant figure from the Romal Empire had come.

The likelihood of an informant seemed remote, and they concluded that the Demon King’s Army’s movements were not influenced by knowledge of Asteria’s visit.

Although preparations were underway for the Ras Romar to depart at any time since the likelihood of an attack during the return journey was low, an unseemly desire arose within the upper echelons of the Eighth Legion, who had managed to barely hold back the Demon King’s Army’s invasion at the Vastazi Hills.

They had considered, to a greater or lesser extent, the desire to achieve military exploits in front of Asteria, the future ruler of the Romal Empire. The idea of displaying martial achievements in front of their lord was not so condemnable. If they had prioritized their own military exploits over the safety of their lord and made a suggestion blinded by greed, it would be indefensible.

Duke Marquis Magnusolf, entrusted with a legion, felt shame for harboring such unworthy thoughts as a vassal. He intended to keep to himself his desire for Asteria to stay and witness their victory.

It was none other than Asteria who, perceiving their unspoken wishes, encouraged them. She voiced her desire to witness the valiant efforts of the empire’s soldiers, staying on the battlefield herself, believing her presence would boost the troops’ morale.

Seeing that Asteria had spoken the words they had secretly hoped for, Magnusolf and others were delighted to have their wishes fulfilled. They eagerly began giving instructions to the soldiers.

As the battle commenced, Asteria was in her quarters aboard the Ras Romar. The room was occupied only by Asteria, Kyles, Amria, Gwandan’s party, and attendants privy to the situation. The thorough measures against espionage need not be mentioned.

With a perfunctory smile, Asteria reminisced about Magnusolf’s reaction when she announced her decision to stay, voicing her thoughts.

「You all seemed so pleased, as if it couldn’t be helped since I said so.」

Asteria, now in trousers for easier movement instead of her usual opulent dress, was met with an unimpressed look from Amria, still disguised by an illusion.

「Amria, your words seem almost too cheerful for someone who led them to that conclusion. It’s inappropriate.」

「Ah, Amria scolded me. But you shouldn’t lie, Amria. Saying I look happy? You know well I don’t feel a bit of joy. Yes, things are going as planned, but I find no pleasure in it. Influencing someone’s thoughts and actions is too easy, there’s no surprise in it, and it’s never been fun for me.」

「I understand. In trying to find a way to speak to you, sister, I acted somewhat cowardly. Please forgive my impudence.」

「Of course, I forgive you. It’s between you and me, after all.」

Unfortunately, no one saw their conversation as a heartwarming attempt by long-separated sisters to reconnect. Everyone knew well that Asteria harbored no such familial sentiments, unlike Amria.

However, recently Amria had begun to speak more candidly to Asteria, suggesting that perhaps these sisterly exchanges were not entirely meaningless.

Yachiyo, disguised as a female knight escort, intervened. She had hidden her canine features…dog ears and tail…with an illusion and had a Romal-like appearance, as did Fuuko.

Yachiyo was wearing borrowed Mithril light armor and a long sword, higher quality than her own weapons from home, and she half-wished she could keep them.

「Yachiyo questioned, Pardon my rudeness, but having decided to stay on the battlefield, even if away from the front lines, you must have some other objective than just boosting the soldiers’ morale and the generals’ loyalty. Your thoughts are too swift for me to follow. Would you enlighten this fool?」

Yachiyo and Fuuko, having trained under Gwandan and experienced a kind of terror, now possessed an intimidating air. Their resolve to ask, regardless of Kyles’ gaze, marked a significant growth, particularly in Yachiyo’s case.

Previously, to Kyles, Yachiyo and Fuuko were as harmless as newborn puppies and foxes. Now, their every move was watched.

「Asteria laughed softly, Oh, dear dog, feel free to ask more directly. Are you worried that by staying, we’re inviting an attack, perhaps to switch me with Amria?」

This was precisely Yachiyo and Fuuko’s fear. Was there a plan to switch Asteria and Amria amidst the chaos of an enemy attack?

Since Asteria hadn’t informed them of the timing, and Amria couldn’t fully anticipate it, the possibility was a concern.

「Asteria reassured, Indeed, a switch would be easier amidst battle chaos, but this is hardly the appropriate place, nor are conditions ripe. My uncle and the rebels are still a threat. When I leave things to Amria, I’ll ensure a more controlled situation.」

「Asteria replied, I am not one to tell lies in such a situation. Thank you for your response.」

「No, please do not hesitate to inquire if you have doubts. Yes, I have no intention of being an enemy to Amria, but that’s from my perspective. For you, who have been with her longer than I have, there must surely be actions of mine that are unforgivable.」

These words of Asteria were akin to a declaration of her future intentions, causing Yachiyo and Fuuko to grimace in displeasure as if they had swallowed a bitter pill. Lynette and the other maid sisters seemed less perturbed, while Gwandan, with his face concealed by his helmet, continued observing in silence, his eyes hidden behind the mask.

「Now, Kyles, it’s about time we proceed to the commanders as arranged.」

「Understood. Then, my sisters, and our guests, I take my leave.」

The battle with the Demon King’s Army, led by Galilius and his Goblin forces, which had pushed the front lines, was already underway, resulting in a significant number of casualties amid the exchange of artillery and spears.

Kyles’ dragon knights, remaining with Asteria, were fighting under an independent command from the 8th Legion, coordinating with other air forces to dominate the airspace against the Goblin forces.

For Kyles, the Romal Empire’s strongest dragon knight, protecting Asteria was paramount, but if Asteria commanded him to depart for battle, that was a different matter.

Kyles left his seat not only to prepare for departure and issue orders to his subordinates but also to visit the 8th Legion’s headquarters. There, he intended to present Asteria’s instructions as his own advice, a deceitful tactic.

Amria, understanding Kyles’ intentions at the command center, briefly followed with her gaze the back of the man who could have been her brother-in-law.

「The words of Kyles-sama, a General of the Twelve Wings, will be more easily accepted by the commanders than if they were presented as my sister’s words. But it is still interference, which will not be welcomed by the likes of Marquis Magnusolf.」

「Yes, that’s the case. I am not a military expert, but I can make educated guesses. Up to now, my predictions have been accurate ninety-nine percent of the time.」

Fuuko, struggling to follow the conversation, quietly spoke to Gundeus, who was disguised as a maid. Despite having lived a much shorter time than Fuuko, Gundeus surpassed her in perceptiveness and quick-wittedness.

「So, what does that mean?」

「It means that Lady Asteria is indirectly intervening in the army’s command. However, if she were to issue orders directly, it would damage the 8th Legion’s pride and be hard to accept emotionally. If Kyles-sama, a seasoned warrior and likely future emperor’s consort, offers advice, it will be more palatable for them.」

「I see」

Fuuko, finally understanding, nodded slowly, her tail, hidden by the illusion, swaying. Gundeus maintained his stern expression but followed Fuuko’s tail movements with his eyes through the illusion.

Gundeus often thought about getting along with Fuuko and Yachiyo, even if just for one night. Perhaps driven by these forbidden thoughts, Kyrlinne, standing to his left, pinched him on the buttocks where no one could see.

Previously, Gundeus enjoyed being hit or pinched, but since Kyrlinne learned to apply only painful force, it has become solely painful and not at all enjoyable.

「Kyrlinne, you can make it hurt more, can’t you?」

「Hey, enough is enough.」

The sisters communicated through glances, but Kyrlinne’s usual relaxed air was gone, replaced by extreme seriousness. Gundeus, despite his efforts, showed a hint of remorse and looked down with a somewhat crestfallen air.

The power dynamics between the sisters were steadily solidifying.

Before dawn, the Romal Empire’s 8th Legion soldiers were showing a greater fight than ever against the Demon King’s Army, which had started moving.

From their perspective, the wise and great future Emperor Asteria had risked danger to remain and witness their valor, and her compassionate demeanor during her visit deeply moved them, boosting their morale like never before.

Additionally, they had always been outmaneuvered on the battlefield due to differences in equipment and physical abilities. But today, it seemed as if they knew every move of the Demon King’s Army in advance, with every instruction fitting eerily well.

Initially unclear directives made sense over time on the battlefield, revealing that seemingly poor decisions were actually brilliant. The 8th Legion was successfully repelling the oncoming Demon King’s Army.

Inside the command center, made from a quickly assembled makeshift fortress, Magnusolf and other high-ranking officers were brightening up with each report received.

Even a single cannon, with its inferior range, firing speed, and power compared to the Demon King’s Army, had usually put them at a disadvantage. But today, with Kyles’ assistance and accepted advice, they were receiving reports clearly indicating their advantage.

「Good, good. With this, the Goblin forces of the Demon King’s Army will not break through our front line.」

Despite being a General of the Twelve Wings, there was some resistance to accepting Kyles’ advice. The advice included unclear instructions like bombard this location in one hour or move this unit to the southwest in twenty minutes. But these turned out to be optimal for countering enemy movements or blocking their flanking maneuvers, leading to significant outcomes.

Magnusolf, feeling as if Kyles could see into the future, harbored a genuine respect for the young dragon knight.

「Not only Kyles’ dragon knights but also his advice have been greatly helpful. The Demon King’s Army must be quite flustered by our different approach today.」

「My words are not significant. It is due to your dedicated efforts against the dark wilderness monsters up to this day. Her Imperial Highness will surely be pleased with our performance in this battle.」

Around the Ras Romar, where Asteria was stationed, soldiers and knights who had originally accompanied her, arranged by Magnusolf and his men, guarded the area so tightly that not even an ant could pass through. Since they served as Asteria’s guards, they were the most competent among those who had pledged allegiance to her. One of them, a royal guard knight with short cropped golden hair, a handsome face, and a robust physique, frowned slightly at the sight of a chambermaid emerging from the ship. His green gaze was fixed on Gundeus, disguised as a chambermaid.

He did not regard Gundeus, a member of the group hastily added to the crew of Ras Romar during the consolation visit, in a good light. Although he didn’t know Gundeus’s true identity or circumstances, he was wary of the new face near the princess amidst the fierce conflict with the Grand Duke’s faction.

Not only the young and vigorous knight but also many in the younger generation of the guards shared his thoughts. The knight called out to Gundeus, who was silently walking on the grass thanks to her Romal Empire-style maid training. He genuinely wondered why a lone maid would need to go outside the ship. Ras Romar, which serves as an escape ship from the empire in emergencies, has various facilities and a large stockpile of provisions for a long stay inside. Most matters should be handled onboard.

「Excuse me, maid, what business do you have outside?」

Though the knight was suspicious of Gundeus, he was not yet identified as an enemy, so his tone was like a cotton-wrapped iron rod, ready to remove the cotton and strike if necessary. In response, Gundeus turned to the knight, maintaining her impassive face, and swiftly raised her right hand, holding a large-caliber ray gun, a relic of the Deva…a cylindrical object with a handle…different from the crossbows she had used before.

As the Kingsguard knight quickly reached for his mithril longsword at his left hip, Gundeus’s index finger pulled the trigger. A green ray struck the supposedly empty space behind him, turning into countless particles.

The Kingsguard knight turned around in surprise to see that a portion of the previously unchanged hilly landscape shimmered like a mirage, revealing a group of about twenty armed individuals.

They were clad in dull silver armor, looking nothing like the commonly known Goblins, with gray skin covering their large bodies, three heads taller than an adult man, and thick, sharp fangs peeking from their tightly closed lips. They were the elite of the Goblin species, belonging to the ancient Goblins, a higher rank than the High Goblins.

The fact that they had managed to approach so close to Asteria with such a small number indicated their formidable strength. Once their concealment was exposed, the Goblins released an overwhelming pressure and fighting spirit like a storm, unimpeded.

The Kingsguard knight, struck by this invisible force, drew his longsword with a pale face, commendably moving in a situation where even experienced warriors might lose their will to fight.

「A stealth technique unlike any Deva technology or existing magic. A technique that could be considered a remnant of an ancient era.」

Immediately after Gundeus uttered these words nonchalantly, a roar echoed from the deck of Ras Romar, and the shadows of Goblins blown out of the deck danced in the air. The shadows righted themselves in midair, standing upright on two feet, a sight worth marveling at.

Gundeus had intercepted them outside the ship, while Kyrlinne and Lynette were responsible for repelling the attackers on deck. The Goblins, who had approached the ship unseen, unheard, and without a trace, seemed to be more than just those in front of Gundeus.

As the guards’ knights quickly grew more frantic, Gundeus fixed his icy gaze on the unruffled Goblins and spoke in an emotionless voice.

「Enemy group’s spiritual level classified as higher being dependents. Setting armament selection criteria to combat conditions with higher being dependents on a manned planet. Armament selection… complete. Implementation begins.」

Gundeus, having shed all personal emotions, was merely emitting sound as a function of a man-made object. With permission from Dran, aka Gwandan, who currently commands Gundeus and Kyrlinne, they were allowed to use armaments based on lost technology, which are normally restricted.

The Goblins in front of him were not as pure as Galilius, a pure ancient Goblin, but Gundeus’s abilities as a base body could not match the enemy equipped with current technology. Hence, he decisively opted to use the armaments usually kept secret in peacetime.

Armaments stored in the subspace within the shadows transferred to real space, and Gundeus’s entire body was illuminated by a flash of light. The light barrier served both to protect the instant time of armament deployment and as a distraction.

After the light ceased, Gundeus’s limbs were covered in armor combining white and blue, and his neck to abdomen were also protected by similar armor. His head was armored with a forehead crown-like armor with a translucent forehead pad covering the eyes. On his back were two pairs of parts resembling skeletal wings without membranes, reminiscent of Korato’s Tenkeiki.

At that moment, not only Gundeus but also Kyrlinne had deployed their armaments, and Lynette was using a spare set of their equipment.

And Gwandan…