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53. Encounter (1)

「Hey, are there really rebels in a place like this? There’s only a rural town called Kinui, right?」

One of the soldiers in the battle line spoke quietly to the man next to him.

In Duke Abik’s private army, the man was what the butler/secretary considers an “ordinary soldier.” Even so, the equipment such as helmet, shoulder pads, breastplate, and chain mail that ensured protection at vital points displayed the high level of the duke’s armament.

「Don’t talk nonsense. If there are fewer places to hide, then there will be fewer enemies. That’s the best thing for us.」

「I know that’s true, but a battalion against opponents like that? In addition–」

They suddenly stopped marching.

The ground before them rose.

The land in front of them blocked the army’s path. The ground that had become a wall slowly collapsed, and a white porcelain giant appeared.

「Golem!? I-It was true…!」

The captain had already notified them in advance that there was a possibility of a golem user on the enemy side.

However, golems are the stuff of fairy tales for ordinary soldiers. They know that it exists, but they would never come into contact with them. In a sense, golems are not much different from princes and princesses – an unknown.

With their level of determination, they couldn’t take forward with the giant towering before them.

「Golem ahead! According to prior information, it’s highly mobile!」

「Hurry up and prepare the cannons! Defend until the firing preparations are complete!」

The captain’s roar shook the frozen soldiers out of the trance, and they began to move. However, the thoughts in their hearts were the same – “How the hell are we supposed to defend against that!?”

A red-haired alchemist was looking down at the situation from the top of a mountain tree.

「Even though there is confusion, they are reorganizing quickly. It will be difficult to dissuade them, Marge-san.…This might be Geli’s fault, so she will do her best.」

◆◆◆

At the same time.

Residents were gathering in the center of Kinui. An incident occurred during the chaos when the town mayor was abducted by someone. Without anyone to give orders, everyone naturally headed to the center of town.

「Why is the lord’s army in this place!?」

「They’re probably just passing by. If they’re resting here, it might be for special procurement!」

「No, it looks like they’re already fighting with something!」

「Maybe it’s regarding the rumor that’s been going around lately? That a demi-human named Shizuku brought someone to eradicate the humans who were tormenting her… Perhaps the lord took notice of this and sent his men here.」

Everyone was on their toes, and rumors were flying around. A woman suddenly cut in as if rebuking them.

「Are you bunch of grown-ups so free as to have idle gossip in the middle of the town? If you have the time, you should pack up your belongings! Even if the soldiers are staying there, they won’t be able to fit in everyone!」

The residents seemed half-hearted to heed Rinono’s advice. She could only grit her teeth. This was the first time that the lord’s army had come to this town, and even she could not hide her confusion.

「Marge-san, Shizuku-chan. Are they really here for you two?」

While the town was engulfed in confusion and fear, the gaze of townspeople suddenly gathered at the end of the street. Rinono also noticed and turned her attention to it. She inadvertently covered her eyes when she saw a group of shining silver reflecting the sunlight.

It was the cavalry. A heavily polished full body armor, but a strangely designed helmet that allows you to see their face and head. There was only one thing you could tell from their appearance.

They were certainly “not demi-humans.”

「It’s the Knight’s Order…!」

Someone muttered.

The Knight’s Order; they are what separates humans from others. Everyone has heard of their valor, but it is an organization under the direct control of the state and no one dares to delve deeper into them due to the danger and radicality surrounding them.

「We are the White Phoenix Knight’s Order. Out of the seven Knight’s Order, we are a unit that specializes in extreme speed.」

A dark-skinned man at the front raised his voice in a manner that could easily be heard.

「Recently, there have been reports that there are signs of a demi-human rebellion in this area. And it has become clear that demi-humans inhabit Kinui as well, and are still plotting evil plans.」

While the residents were muttering to each other, “I knew it,” “They came to help,” and “Are we going to be okay?”, a plump man stepped forward.

「Oh, n-not at all, sir. There are no evil plans. There was just a little playful fight with a pup, that’s all. Hahaha.」

「Hey Guran! Stop!」

「I don’t think there’s anything that warrants all of you coming all the way here!」

Rinono was taken aback, but Guran carelessly approached the knight. He has just made an initial investment in order to profit from trading through Shizuku. He probably intended to protect it.

「According to the testimony of residents, we have confirmed that there is a collusive relationship with demi-humans.」

The knight pulled out his long sword while still mounted on his horse.

「Eh?」

「Commence “normalization”.」

A silver flash.

Fresh blood scattered, staining the street in red-black in broad daylight. Rinono, who had rushed out a little faster than the knight, pushed Guran away. The sword missed any vital points, but Guran’s right arm was missing from elbow down.

「M-My right arm agaaaaaaaaaaaaaain?!!」