[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 16 - 2

16-2

A Big Job with a Reward of 10,000 Crowns

Translator : PolterGlast

「Yo Shinza~. Could you... not use our place as a meeting spot with this one... I'm constantly on edge wondering when she's gonna cause an uproar... It makes my asshole pucker up...」

Declining military training with Aniue because I had an appointment, I dropped by the usual tavern-inn. The owner's first word was a complaint, but that's also the usual. I brushed it off lightly.

「I've been waiting, Shinza!」

「Geo—How did the persuasion of your older brother go?」

「It was a success; he said to return within a month.」

As soon as she heard it, Kachua stood up, and Sigrun also drained the contents of her mug, grabbed the plate, and put all the nuts into her stomach. Nuts aside, to think she had already drinking...

「Wahahaha, with a whole month, we can take on two or three big jobs!」

「Wait, did you let her drink alcohol...?」

When I turned my eyes to Kachua and the owner, they both just floated frowning faces. That's right. There's no way this one would take orders from anyone...

「There's no way Sigrun-sama would listen to an opinion from me (Atashi)...」

「This is a business for us too; if asked, we can't refuse.」

「What, something like this is just to boost morale! More importantly, Shinza~, I'm so, so happy we can travel together!」

Sigrun threw her arm around my neck and pressed her large breasts against me. They're soft but smell like alcohol. She's drinking an amount that goes far beyond just a morale boost...

「Then hurry up and go, here, thanks for your patronage. See ya, Sigrun.」

「Wahahaha, delightful, delightful! I'll come again!」

「Well, you guys are welcome as long as you come with a guardian...」

Leaving the owner, who was relieved she didn't rampage today, we headed to the Adventurer's Guild.

◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆

「Ah, it's Shinza, Kachua, and Sigrun!!」

When we entered the building, the guild's waitress noticed us first and waved her hand. It seems she's good friends with Kachua and Sigrun. As proof, the two ran over to the waitress very intimately.

I knew that even if I joined in, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with their conversation, so I decided to line up at the reception desk instead. Perhaps because it was that awkward time just before noon, as soon as the duo ahead of me secured their work, my turn arrived.

「Kept you waiting, Shinza. Glad to see you alive again.」

「You're always working the reception here. Could this be a black enterprise...?」

「Black enter-prize? What's that?」

「It refers to an employer who treats their people like garbage.」

「Ah... I don't really wanna talk about that in this place, hahaha! Listen to my complaints to your heart's content next time!」

The man at the reception seemed to be the same as always. There are no customers behind me. Perhaps because of that, he's taking his time more than usual.

「I'll think about it if you treat me to a meal.」

「Don't say such stingy things; you guys in active duty are the rich ones, ain't ya~?」

「Then the deal is off. More importantly, give me a job; one where we can earn 10,000 Crowns per person would be good.」

「Oi oi, Kachua aside, are you planning to team up with Sigrun? Heeh, seems like things are gonna get interesting... Alright, wait a bit.」

Even though there were binders right in front of him, the receptionist went to get a red, thin one from the back. He opened it on the counter and thrust it at me, telling me to read it. Then he lined up two pieces of paper.

「Is this... a contract?」

「Yeah, just sign it, please. The contents are basically: 'I won't complain even if I die.'」

「That's a bit late for that now.」

「That's just how many absurd requests there are. Oi Kachua, come here! Sigrun, you don't come; things will get complicated, so we don't need you!」

Scanning through it, it seemed to be a document that was safe to sign. That is the fruit of having laws drilled into me by Puis. I completed the simple task of just signing alongside Kachua. Sigrun, who was told not to come, flipped through the red file ahead of us, and perhaps finding something she liked, pointed to a certain page.

「Shinza, this one looks like it has a lot of mortal danger, so it's good!」

「No, wait, why would you specifically choose a dangerous one!?」

「See, it got complicated; this is the kind of guy she is...」

But there shouldn't be a job that the three of us together can't handle. Thinking so, I looked through the page.

The reward amount is an exceptionally extraordinary 105,800 Crowns. It specifies a party of 10 or more. If it's a 10-person formation, it will be a job exactly as we requested. The danger level will probably be orders of magnitude higher, though.

「That one is Sigrun's specialty, a job around the Abyss. The location is far west from the Imperial Capital, the town of Enes—or rather, ruins that used to be called that...」

The contents are roughly noted in the binder, but the receptionist explained it in detail. It seems it truly is a dangerous job, as his expression completely changed to a severe and intimidating one.

「Because, you see, the town is occupied by an army of Abyss Ogres spawned from the Abyss. This isn't just dangerous. It's gotten to the point where even the Knight Order is reluctant to subjugate them...」

「That's strange. They could cause harm to neighboring territories, so why don't they subjugate them?」

「Seems there's a lot going on behind the scenes. There are apparently folks in this world who profit when citizens lose their livelihoods.」

「But subjugating them would minimize the risks. What's the point of earning money by walking a tightrope like that.」

「If that's the case, this request is the same as Corin Village...」

There was no need to explain about Sigrun, and Kachua was also highly motivated. Because Corin Village was almost destroyed due to the intentions of a Lord who wanted to expand his slave manor. Shall we go with this request...

「Well, it's this kind of age we live in... With the future looking bleak, it seems things don't move as expected.」

「I'll leave the judgment to Shinza. I won't object if you want a different one. However, the destination being the west suits my convenience.」

「Let's accept it. I also want to do this job. What, if you, me, and Kachua team up, we can manage an army of Abyss Ogres somehow.」

Abyss Ogres are giant monsters with horns. They have low intelligence but possess excellent physical bodies, and they are simply huge. Or so it was written in the books.

「If Big Sister Sigrun and Shinza are taking it, it seems there's a good chance of winning... Yo, won't you let us join in too?」

「You said we'd work together sometime before, didn't you? You haven't forgotten, have you, Shinza?」

「Oi oi, you reek of alcohol all of a sudden, Sigrun!?」

Then, catching wind of the conversation, some familiar drunkards came over to us. I see. So the reason these guys are drinking here is also to land a lucrative job...

「Wahahaha, you guys reek of alcohol more today! Shinza, putting these guys' personalities aside, their experience is solid. Let's take them!」

「Well, only their skills, though. Also, these guys are chickens who don't want to step out to the front.」

When the receptionist said that, one of the drunkards showed us a rugged crossbow. It seems they intend to use me and Sigrun as decoys and shoot from behind. If they clumsily join the vanguard and die, I'd feel bad. Besides, if Sigrun and I are enough for the front, it's convenient.

「But, their hands are shaking, these people...」

「That’s just the booze talkin’! ...Though, to be honest, if I sober up too much, I start gettin’ the shakes, so it’s a real catch-22, gahahahaha!!」

Was that supposed to be a laughing point? The drunkards—no, alcoholics laughed foolishly.

「Exactly seven people, huh. Then let me rely on you.」

「Leave it to us, Shinza! Same to you, don't glow during combat, Mr. Firefly!」

「I can't possibly promise that. I'll show you my glowing ass if there's a chance.」

「E-Even if you show it to me, I'd be troubled by something like that?!」

We accepted the request at the guild, teamed up with the alcohol-soaked daredevils, pooled our money, and began preparations for the expedition to the west. By the way, the daredevils didn't sign the contracts, just like Sigrun. It seems it's true that their experience is solid. Let's see the skills of those drunkards permanently stationed at the guild.

-----

Thank you for my Patrons !!

[Platinum]

-

[Gold]

B random

Nepheos

[Silver]

Corey Hicks

Creris

Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon

Jake Seagraves

Matthew Fraser

Tbaum56

Xavier O'Donoghue

[Bronze]

Anton Lim

Austin Lorenzo

Baelee

Bloodyemperor

Ctdela

Curious Panda

David Bankole

Enrique Miranda

nick nasca

SD Fox

Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon

-----

<<Prev << ToC >> Next>>

Read More

[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 267

Chapter 267

Innocence

Translator : PolterGlast

Looking at the blatantly nervous Gree, I am reminded of Ginia when she took her first request. If I recall correctly, she took a request to harvest 『Great Lemons』, wasn't it? Ginia being scared out of her wits by a normal-species Goblin that suddenly appeared is also a nostalgic memory. Thinking about it that way, I realize she has achieved terrifying growth in this short period of time.

「...Muu? Graham, what are you laughing at? Was there something funny?」

「No, looking at the nervous Gree, I was remembering the time we took our first request.」

「Eh!? Is that when we harvested the Great Lemons?」

「That's right. Ginia was scared of a normal-species Goblin――」

「Ah! Please don't say any more than that! Because it's embarrassing!」

Ginia looked genuinely embarrassed and covered my mouth with both her hands. Conversely, Aoi seemed curious about the continuation and was trying to push Ginia aside.

「I waaaant to hear the story of Ginia's first request!」

「Absolutely not! Even if it's to ease Gree-kun's tension, I absolutely refuse!」

「I-I'm not nervous!」

It somehow turned into a chaotic situation. At any rate, Ginia seems to genuinely dislike it, so let's stop talking about the continuation.

「While we were talking about this and that, we've arrived at our destination.」

「Eh? Isn't our destination outside the city?」

「We have to get our tools and equipment in order before going on a request, after all. Well, I usually do it the day before, but I thought this timing would be better today.」

「Getting tools and equipment in order... it feels somewhat adventurer-like.」

「Not '-like', you are already an adventurer! Though you're super tense and the very picture of a rookie!」

Although Gree was made fun of by Aoi, his excitement seemed to have risen at the item shop, and he showed absolutely no reaction. It's a little pitiful for Aoi to be completely ignored, but she did say something mean, so there's no room for sympathy.

「Graham, what in the world do we buy for tools?」

「The essentials are about a recovery potion and a map. Other than that, it might be good to buy an antidote potion and some smoke bombs.」

「There are also strength potions and endurance potions, but are other potions not necessary?」

「It's not that they aren't necessary, but they just make your bag heavier, and from a financial standpoint, there are few timings to use them.」

Otherwise, a magic potion would likely be essential if you were a magic class, but I think you really don't need to carry anything else. They say 'better safe than sorry', but well, there truly is no timing to use them.

「Since it's just normal-species Goblins and harvesting medicinal herbs, I think it's fine even if we bring nothing today.」

「Right, right! We don't even need a recovery potion!」

It's just as the two of them say, and considering that potions will make the bag heavier, not bringing them is even the correct answer. That being said, his mood visibly dropped, and I think Gree personally wants to do some shopping. He even cleaned his bag just for today, after all.

「Well, it's your first time, so let's buy some to serve as experience. You choose the items yourself too, Gree.」

「Eh, is it okay to buy them? Graham, thank you!」

I was able to hear an honest "thank you" for the first time in a while. After waiting for Gree to finish his shopping, we finally decided to depart for the plains.

「Finally departing! Let's quickly subjugate the Goblins and finish our request!」

「The one defeating them is strictly Gree, okay. You better not interfere, Aoi?」

「I know that! But, it'll be a breeze for Gree!」

「Well, as long as he isn't nervous.」

I thought his tension had eased with the shopping at the item shop, but his body has become stiff once again. It seems there's no choice but for him to gradually get used to this.

「G-Graham. Where are the Goblins supposed to be?」

「If we advance through these plains, they'll appear on their own without us searching for them. Well, if we progressed along a path slightly more off the beaten track, we could encounter enemies immediately, though.」

「It makes it hard to fight, doesn't it. It's also easy for blind spots to form.」

「Exactly. That's why it's better to fight on these plains at first.」

While talking about such information on Goblins, I saw the figure of a Goblin approaching while crouching down. It seems to be moving alone, so this is a perfect subjugation chance.

「Gree, there's a Goblin diagonally ahead. Don't forget to relax.」

「A G-Goblin! I-I have to defeat it!」

「Gree-kun, let the tension out! Please take a deep breath.」

「It's weak, so you'll be fine! Do your best!」

Although he was stiff with tension, he reacted to our calls, took a deep breath, and consciously tried to relax his body. Then, grasping the hilt of his sword and drawing it, he approached the crouching Goblin and――swung the sword down. The Goblin also lunged at him, but the difference in power goes without saying. Slashed apart from the shoulder, the Goblin perished in an instant.

「Ooh~! You can do it after all, Gree!」

「That was good relaxation. Congratulations on your first subjugation!」

「Well, you were fighting in the dungeon, after all. I was the one training you, so you wouldn't lose to the likes of a Goblin.」

「...Hehe. Th-Thank you too, everyone.」

Perhaps freed from the tension and his strength drained out, he thanked us once again while floating an age-appropriate smile. It would be nice if he became a little more honest taking this opportunity... well, it's probably just for today.

-----

Thank you for my Patrons !!

[Platinum]

-

[Gold]

B random

Nepheos

[Silver]

Corey Hicks

Creris

Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon

Jake Seagraves

Matthew Fraser

Tbaum56

Xavier O'Donoghue

[Bronze]

Anton Lim

Austin Lorenzo

Baelee

Bloodyemperor

Ctdela

Curious Panda

David Bankole

Enrique Miranda

nick nasca

SD Fox

Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon

-----

<<Prev << ToC >> Next>>

Read More

[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 355

Chapter 355

(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)

Oath to Goddess Ishtar

Translator : PolterGlast

Behind Gail, who commanded the left wing army closest to the border, the Supreme Commander Alexis was standing by with the central army. Gail rode his horse alone through the left wing formation and headed to the Supreme Commander Alexis. As soon as he arrived, he was guided to the tent of the main camp, but Marquis Solis had already visited there. The purpose was probably the same: to inquire about how to deal with the invading people.

Thinking so, Gail bowed to his former master, Marquis Solis, and then turned back to the Supreme Commander Alexis. Already in this place, not only the two of them but also generals hailing from the Imperial Kingdom had been summoned.

「I know the reason everyone came asking. There was contact from the espionage unit network as well. Even so, the enemy has splendidly struck the two weaknesses we have.」

Saying so with a wry smile, Alexis let out a heavy sigh. That was something anyone could understand. That is precisely why Alexis probably dared to call the generals hailing from the Imperial Kingdom as well. The person in question, Alexis, looked around at everyone, then used his baton to point to a large map spread out before him showing the entire northern frontier area of the Empire territory.

「To put it simply, we will first buy time through harassment. Here, here, and here—we are going to set up mechanisms to block their projected paths of advance.」

As Alexis said this, the locations he pointed out were all situated about a half-day's retreat from their current positions, and every single one of them featured distinct terrain. He was pointing exclusively to places like spots where bridges crossed rivers that could not be forded on foot, or narrow chokepoints where dense forests and marshlands sprawled alongside the main highways.

「Actually, the place where Gail-san is encamped is also a perfect point, but unfortunately we don't have enough time.」

「Are you saying we retreat without fighting?」

Marquis Solis asked back with a dubious expression. Not because he was dissatisfied with the order, but because he hadn't fully read its intent.

「Yeah... I think it depends on how you look at it. If they intend to effectively deploy a 'human wall', they need to move clustered together to some extent. And, behind them?」

「The main unit is standing by.」

「Exactly as you say. Our opponent is the main unit. But they are hiding in the back. Then we just need to put them at the very front.」

「I see, when marching they are at the very rear, but when the path is blocked and they can neither advance nor detour, and they retreat to change direction, the very rear becomes the very front row. You mean closing the exit and setting a trap?」

「Yes, after hearing the report, I immediately issued instructions to all Mages. It's rushed construction, but if it's a narrow, limited place... we can probably somehow make it in time.」

「When the people advancing at the front lose their place to go and have no choice but to retreat temporarily, that is the decisive moment, is it not?」

「Yes, that is the chance of winning without causing meaningless sacrifices for us. Just in case, we will probably need additional countermeasures on their assumed route all the way to Izumo ahead.」

Surprised by that, Gail unintentionally voiced his doubt.

「All the way to Izumo? If we threaten them a little with intimidating attacks and such, won't they pull back too?」

「Just in case. It's not guaranteed they will proceed along the path I assumed. Let's have Masrur-san thoroughly evacuate the territory residents by saying the highways will be closed. It would be fine if we threaten the invading people and they cower or run away there, but... If they turn into a mob and fall into a state of panic, they will truly become unmanageable.」

There, Alexis completely changed from his usual relaxed state and looked at the two with a serious gaze.

「As the Supreme Commander, I order you. If the people of Istoria turn into a mob, if they attack the people of the Empire or the Dukedom, or if you judge that our soldiers will be harmed, immediately carry out an attack with full force! I will shoulder the entirety of the blame—therefore, I leave the decisions on the ground to the discretion of the frontline.」

Saying so, he next directed his gaze to the generals hailing from the Istoria Imperial Kingdom.

「I think it's painful for you too. However, I cannot permit you to protect them out of compassion and conversely fall yourselves. Even without weapons, they have already violated the border of a belligerent nation. This fact alone is a reason for them to be punished. I will do my utmost best... but please forgive me.」

Saying so, he bowed his head.

「First, allow me to express my deepest gratitude for the Commander’s profound consideration for the people. We, too, were once among those who called the Kyle Kingdom apostles of the devil and pointed our blades at you. They, too, are merely acting on false information—or rather, they are being instigated by agitators.」

Saying so, Glenn looked around at his compatriots in the back row. Every single one of them nodded back to Glenn with eyes showing their resolve.

「However, we are already the Archduke's people, soldiers bearing the duty to protect our new motherland with the Demon Territory Dukedom as our final home. To restrain our former brethren and loose our arrows to defend this new country is our duty. Should that time come, we beg you to grant us the honor of the vanguard!」

「「「We swear to our God, Goddess Ishtar!」」」

Along with Glenn's words, they said so and pressed their foreheads to the ground all at once. Seeing that, a single memory floated into Alexis's mind. The people of the Istoria Imperial Kingdom believe in Ishtar, the Goddess of Bows and Healing. Therefore, the people of the Imperial Kingdom deeply revered Wind Mages who symbolize the bow, and Holy Mages who symbolize healing, especially the women among the divine messengers who exercised these attributes. That is precisely why Glenn and the others treated Marianne and Lanatoria with extraordinary reverence and respect, more than just for having their lives saved.

「I see... in the Special Fire Corps, Aura-san also remained, didn't she. Shall we have her play a part too...」

He muttered so quietly. Then he stood up and issued a new order.

「We have no more time to lose! Especially the left wing vanguard is closest to the enemy and must be eagerly awaiting orders. The left wing shall retreat leaving only those who have horses ready; the right wing shall retreat after observing the marching status of the people! Masrur's unit shall cease persuasion before sunset today and shift to evacuation advisories for the areas to the rear from here. We who retreat will ultimately assemble in the center of the region where we will hold them up, and take a posture for a flank attack!」

「「「「「Ooh!」」」」」

Receiving this instruction, Gail and Marquis Solis returned to their respective posts.

「Now then... it would be good if they responded to persuasion, but it will probably be difficult... The problem is the 20,000 standing by behind them, huh. I'm sorry, but I'll be going unreservedly against you guys.」

Muttering so, Alexis began moving busily based on the new operational plan.

※

Shortly after sunset, bonfires were being lit grandly around the left wing barricade where Gail and his men had initially holed up. But of course, these were not done by Gail and the others. When the sun set and the entire surrounding area was enveloped in darkness, songs praising God echoed from various places.

But that was merely a deception. Even though it was far away, as a result of refusing evacuation, they were merely making the people sing songs so they wouldn't hear the screams and voices of resentment from the territory residents of the Empire captured by them.

「Good work, everyone. No No matter how fierce the Demon King's Army may be, they will surely be utterly helpless against the march of the Gods' Apostles. Since the grace of the Goddess Ishtar is upon you all, take today's sustenance first, and prepare for the march starting tomorrow.」

Receiving meals from the men who said so and thanked them for their efforts, the people who had marched a long way returned to their assigned campsites. While feeling the satisfaction of having accomplished a journey walking toward God's side without weapons, and being thankful for the provisions that were a gift from God...

After that, songs praising God continued to be sung hither and thither in the campsite, echoing into the darkness of the night. Within that darkness of the night, there were men who laid low and slipped into the campsite. One of them approached a man who was keeping watch without sleeping beside a bonfire, with a particularly conspicuous bright red cloth tied around his waist.

「Yo, isn't it Reim. Sorry you have to keep watch without sleeping. If just keeping watch is enough, shall I take your place?」

「Hahaha, I just switched a moment ago too. I'd appreciate it if you could be my conversation partner if you have free time.」

「That's a cheap request. After all, if we accumulate even a little merit here, we can get closer to Ishtar-sama's side.」

After saying so, the man sat next to Reim and checked the surroundings. And confirming that there were no figures or hiding spots, he began speaking in a small voice again.

「Boss (Vice Captain), I was looking for you. Why have you taken off the marker hood?」

「Hahaha, it stands out for better or worse. Besides, if I wear something like that, I'd end up with a bandit face like the Boss (Raphael). I wouldn't look like a pious believer, would I?」

「Hahaha, a bandit and a heavy drinker; looking at our unit, we certainly have a bad vibe, don't we.」

「I don't want to be told that by you.」

The man who suppressed his voice and laughed at Reim also had the appearance of a ruffian at first glance. He and the unit he led were also former Istoria Imperial Kingdom soldiers, and because they joined the espionage unit adoring Raphael, it would be no exaggeration to call them birds of a feather.

「So, how is the situation in the neighboring villages?」

「A terrible state... The 20,000 following behind, they attacked all the villages south of here. They snatched everything away by the roots.」

The man conveyed the information he had grasped so far with an expression of bitterness. The fate awaiting the villages along the path the 20,000 regular army advanced was harsh.

·         To those who accepted conversion and provided supplies, no looting was conducted, and their fields were secured until harvest.

·         For those who accepted conversion but had no supplies to provide, the men were forcibly reduced to serfs, and the women and children were made to participate in the march as hostages.

·         Those who refused conversion were all stripped of their wealth and food by the roots, and on top of that, many of the men were killed, and the women and children were taken away to be sold off.

「What a horrific story. With this, to the people of the Empire, the Imperial Kingdom would look like the devil's minions, wouldn't it?」

「Yes... Even if we had to use force, we should have taken them away with us. Those who fled into the mountainous regions might have escaped the disaster and managed to survive in small numbers, but...」

「Even so, they are people of the Empire. There's nothing we can do but help them evacuate. So, how many are in the march praising God?」

「About 100 people. Of course, all of them are guys from the Imperial Kingdom. All of them are those who understand the prayers to Ishtar and the doctrines.」

Yes, precisely because they were a motley crew of refugees driven out to act as shields normally, there was an opening for them to infiltrate. If they are Imperial Kingdom people who believe in the same Goddess Ishtar, no one can see through them as spies.

「Hmm... we will rescue as many of our compatriots as possible, those who were made to believe falsehoods without knowing anything, just like us in the past. But if they turn into a mob...」

「I know. We must correct the sins of our compatriots.」

They nodded to each other with eyes hiding resolve, and drawn by the song heard from around them, began to offer a song to God. As if to apologize to their compatriots...

-----

Thank you for my Patrons !!

[Platinum]

-

[Gold]

B random

Nepheos

[Silver]

Corey Hicks

Creris

Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon

Jake Seagraves

Matthew Fraser

Tbaum56

Xavier O'Donoghue

[Bronze]

Anton Lim

Austin Lorenzo

Baelee

Bloodyemperor

Ctdela

Curious Panda

David Bankole

Enrique Miranda

nick nasca

SD Fox

Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon

-----

<<Prev << ToC >> Next>>

Read More