[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 12 - 1 Part 1

12-1 Part 1

The Forbidden Alliance

- To the Labyrinth of Stakes -

Translator : PolterGlast

Recap of the Previous Chapter

The brothers' vacation, joined by Alchemist Dulin and Consul Puis, passed in the blink of an eye. When that vacation ended, Shinza decided to grow himself further before the Emperor's life burned out.

When he went to the guild for that purpose, unexpectedly, a message from Kachua of Corin Village was waiting. Shinza changed his plans, headed to the tavern-inn Yosuga, and reunited with Kachua, who had become an adventurer.

Because he was worried about Kachua, and because the Book of the Evil Dragon demanded he make her a full-fledged adventurer, he decided to take on guild jobs together with her. The next morning, the two accepted a pilgrim escort mission and set out on a 10-day journey one way.

During that journey, they encountered a landslide, but without getting stranded, Shinza effortlessly demonstrated the removal of the obstacles. At that time, from the old soldier Konz who was blocking the road, he heard about the history between the fifth son Georg and the fourth son Yord.

During his military academy days, Georg had the still-young Ashley taken hostage by Yord, and had no choice but to choose defeat to Yord in a fighting tournament.

As the party continued their journey further, they were attacked by starving disgraced soldiers. However, there was no way they could match Shinza and Kachua, and the enemies were repelled. The pilgrims' representative, Priest Yungwi, showed mercy to those disgraced soldiers and escorted the wounded men to the next town.

However, Shinza showed no mercy. That night, he tracked down their whereabouts intending to dispose of the disgraced soldiers. But when he asked, they were deeply regretful. Furthermore, they said they were fired and lost their livelihood as collateral damage because their superior officer voiced his opinion to a frontier General.

It seems the Imperial Army of the frontier and the Knight Order are trying to join hands. There was room for rehabilitation for those disgraced soldiers. So Shinza admitted his mistake, gave them a new job as soldiers of Erin, and left the place.

The pilgrimage journey continued. Eventually, the party arrived at the Town of Stakes, Ratatosk. There, they engaged in battle with extremely dangerous giant ants called Abyss Ants.

With Zirant's covering fire during the battle, Shinza and his companion somehow managed to defeat the giant ants while closing the door to another world called an Abyss Gate. However, as a result, Shinza and Zirant ended up catching the fancy of the Mayor and Guild Master of Ratatosk. Furthermore, even the devout pilgrims and Priest Yungwi began to revere Zirant and Shinza.

Rather than the Absolute God Samael who doesn't reach out a hand, Zirant, who prevented the great Abyss disaster beforehand, is far more divine. Ignoring Ashley's plans, the meddlesome Zirant's intervention was added there. Zirant named herself an ancient god and attracted the people with her divinity.

Due to this, the Mayor, Guild Master, priest, and pilgrims easily became believers of Zirant and promised their future cooperation. Shinza was deeply bewildered by this result.

Thus, on the 10th day since departing the Imperial Capital, the two completed their escort mission to the Holy City Fimbul. While filling their stomachs at a tavern, Shinza and Kachua decided to try challenging the Labyrinth of Stakes in Ratatosk on their way back.

Then the Book of the Evil Dragon reacted to this. According to the book, if he reaches the 7th underground floor of the labyrinth, it will grant him a 30x mining ability. His hobby of excavation will make massive progress. He didn't want to meet the Mayor and the others, but that bonus was too tempting for the excavator Shinza.

――――――― Forbidden Alliance ―――――――

12-1 Forbidden Alliance - To the Labyrinth of Stakes -

No matter how many times I see it, it's a bizarre land. Innumerable white stakes pierce the earth, completely encircling the center of the city of Ratatosk and its surroundings. According to the knowledgeable Priest Yungwi, the stakes appeared an incredibly long time ago, and since that day, this place has developed as a labyrinth city.

In other words, it is no exaggeration to say that this town of Ratatosk was born together with these white stakes. And surprisingly, there are similar things all over the world, which is astonishing.

「How's this?」

「Mmm... Let's take off that fake mustache. Because when a young guy like you, Shinza, wears it, it just looks like a joke or a costume.」

Well, leaving that aside. Since we arrived in the suburbs of Ratatosk, I decided it was about time to disguise myself. Because if I'm found by those middle-aged men, including that Mayor, it's not only troublesome but noisy.

「What a terrible thing to say...」

I couldn't bring myself to throw it away, so I tried wearing the fake mustache that Atomina-aneue burst out laughing at the other day, but unfortunately, it was not well received by Kachua either... I really like it because I look manly when I wear this, though... Does it not suit me?

「But I think those glasses are good! You look, in... intellectual, Shinza! You look intellectual!」

「That's a slightly off-putting way of saying it...」

I reluctantly removed the fake mustache and put the silver-rimmed glasses back on. Furthermore, I donned a hemp robe for pilgrimage that I purchased in the Holy City Fimbul. This feels rough and uncomfortable to wear...

「Yeah, with that, as long as we don't unexpectedly bump into them, it'll be fine; you don't look like Shinza. You don't not look like a traveling... poor scholar?」

「There's not a shred of adventurer-likeness left, though. Well then, shall we go?」

「Mmm...」

「What is it, is there a problem?」

「No, mmm... Well, isn't it fine? Let's go!」

Kachua stared suspiciously at my Shovel for a while, and then ran off toward the outer walls of Ratatosk. Once we get inside the city, I wonder if I should buy a cloth bag and wrap at least the tip portion...

◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

While doing some simple shopping and getting some food in our stomachs, we proceeded through the city and entered the Adventurer's Guild in Ratatosk. Unlike the one in the Imperial Capital, this one looks exactly like a government office. And perhaps because it's directly connected to the wealth called a labyrinth, its scale is correspondingly large. No, that was exactly the problem right now.

「A seven-day wait, you say...?」

「Eeeeh, we have to wait that long?!」

It seems that being profitable means exactly that. The reservation list was tightly packed with the names of men.

「If you are someone with a proven track record, it's possible to move you up, but in your case...」

Since I didn't want the Guild Master to realize, I used the fake name Zanshi. Kachua stared at my profile, and I feel like she's telling me to use that connection.

「Shinza... Please, I can't wait seven days doing nothing!」

「But, the precious disguise will lose its meaning... I don't want to be prayed to again—」

「What will you do? The people behind you are starting to get irritated...」

But it's better than being held up for seven days...

「The name Zanshi is a fake name. Check again under Shinza; I've achieved a fair amount of results.」

They're both fake names, though. Glancing sideways at Kachua next to me, she was directing a sparkling smile at me. I feel like I'm going to end up spoiling her...

「Th-This is...?! I apologize, Shinza-sama! I will make arrangements so you can explore sometime tomorrow, even if I have to force it!」

「No, I'd like you to do it quietly. It's troublesome if the Mayor comes out...」

「Yes, then as you wish!」

「Ahaha, all thanks to Zirant-sama, Shinza.」

「Well, I suppose that's how it turned out...」

I felt like Zirant's laughter echoed in my ear. Well, because of that, we were to descend into the White Stake 7th Pillar Labyrinth right away tomorrow.

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 225

Chapter 225

A Place to Accept Them

Translator : PolterGlast

After discussing the orphanage here, I decided to ask about the future as well. The purpose of our visit this time was actually primarily for that. Moving the children who have already been taken in would likely be difficult, but if there are any children who couldn't be accepted, I definitely want to take them in. Given this large number of people, it wouldn't be strange if there were children they had to tearfully give up on taking in.

「Thank you for teaching me various things. I think I can utilize a lot of it as experience.」

「No need for thanks. Just the fact that you're willing to become a safety net for children with no relatives makes me happy. I'll teach you anything I can, so please rely on me anytime.」

「It's reassuring to hear you say that. I'd like to ask something right away, but are there any children you haven't been able to take in here? The place I'm running has room to spare, so I came today with taking them in mind as well.」

「Is that so! Of course there are. Our capacity here is already at its limit. There are children we had to tearfully turn away. I'll guide you, so will you follow me?」

Saying that happily, Dolores went outside the orphanage. We also followed Dolores and went outside the orphanage. Proceeding as we were guided, we arrived at a tall, stone building. Are the children who couldn't be taken in located here?

「Hello, Dolores-san. Did you come to see the children again today?」

「No, today I brought someone I want to introduce. Will you let us through?」

Exchanging such words with the soldier standing at the entrance of the building, we were also allowed inside. I had arbitrarily imagined it as some sort of detention camp for children with no relatives and nowhere to go, but it seems that isn't the case. The inside was full of soldiers; it seems this is a guardhouse. It's a relief that it wasn't a detention camp, but the only place to take them in being a guardhouse is a problem in and of itself. That being said, there is no doubt it's a safe place.

「There are children in a soldier's guardhouse?」

「Because soldiers are basically the ones who take them into protective custody. Nominally it's a temporary holding area, but they've been keeping them for a long time because there's nowhere to take them in.」

「Is that so. That isn't good for the children, nor for the soldiers.」

It's fine for now since they are still being protected, but if the guardhouse becomes full, there might be children who won't even be taken into custody. I want to avoid such a situation as much as possible. As we climbed the stairs while hearing about the guardhouse's current situation from Dolores, we arrived at a room with a warmth that made it hard to believe it was inside a stone building. It seems this single room is the daycare room, and children are playing inside. Compared to the spacious room, there are a total of four children inside.

Just as Dolores had said "There's no need to worry yet," there are few children who haven't found a place to take them in, and they are relatively older.

「Ah, it's Dolores-san! Did you bring snacks again today?」

「Yes, I did. There isn't much, so share it nicely.」

「Yay! Thank you!」

When the girl who seemed to be the oldest received the steamed potatoes from Dolores, she began dividing them with the other children in the back. They look like they've accepted their life here, and as far as I can see from this sight, it seems they are living a proper life.

「Graham-san, how about it? We try to take in the smaller children first, so there are only relatively older children left, but will you take them in?」

「Yeah, of course. They all seem like well-behaved children, so I'll take them all back with me.」

「Really! All of them, I'm so grateful!」

The youngest was a boy about the same age as Lia. Since I came prepared to take in even infants, I intend to responsibly take in any child, no matter who they are.

「Are there any procedures required? Taking them to another city would definitely raise suspicions of human trafficking, wouldn't it?」

「No, you don't really need any procedures. Originally it would be necessary, but this is an introduction from Miria and Natalie. Besides, though we've only known each other a short while, I can tell you're not a bad person, Graham-san. I'll be your guarantor, so I'd be happy if you took them in with peace of mind.」

「Is it really fine to leave it to you, Dolores?」

「Of course. If you're going to raise these children in a proper place, I'll do anything I can.」

Dolores thumped her chest. It wasn't exactly a response to Dolores's words, but... even though we've only known each other for a short time, I fully understood that she was truly a good person.

「Thank you. Well then, when we return from Klingark, I'll take these four to Biodasdal with us.」

「Yes. I'll be counting on you.」

「Ooh! Our new companions have been decided! I'm looking forward to it!」

「I'm worried about whether they'll be able to get along with Lia-san and the others, but I'm looking forward to living together.」

Taking charge of their lives, it's not like I'm taking this lightly, but... Thanks to Aoi and Ginia offering positive words as well, I'm able to ease my mind and take the children in.

「Well then, shall we head back? I'll personally tell the children about your matter again tomorrow, Graham-san. It'll be easier for them to mentally prepare that way.」

「Yeah. Thank you truly for everything.」

「The gratitude is mutual. As fellow comrades with the same aspirations, I look forward to working with you from here on out.」

Exchanging a firm handshake with Dolores who had held out her hand, we left the guardhouse. Leaving the announcement to the children to Dolores, we shifted our focus to the subjugation of the King Garil from here on. And after safely subjugating the King Garil, we'll return to Biodasdal together with the children. Despite having some anxieties, for now, I'll move forward thinking only about the King Garil.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 314

Chapter 314

(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)

Child of Darkness

Translator : PolterGlast

After sending off Lugner and the others and taking his leave from the First Prince, Harry took a breather in a room within the detached palace. There, a dim candelabra merely cast a faint light within the room, and the four walls were enveloped in darkness.

He took a letter from his breast pocket and was looking it over once again.

「Heh, heh, heh. Harry, you have done well.」

In the darkness, just as a low voice suddenly echoed, a man clad in a pitch-black robe appeared. Convinced that there was no one else in the room, Harry paid the respects of a vassal to the old man.

「No, Old Master, not at all. You were in good health after all. Hearing from their words that you had passed away, I was secretly pained.」

Before the three suspicious men came visiting, he had received a letter from this Old Master. It was unclear when that letter had been prepared, but precisely because of it, he had accepted the three unacquainted men and provided them with a place to make their proposals.

Just as the Old Master before him had done for the First Prince up until now...

「What, no one knows that I, who constantly say 『Those lacking caution will lose their lives,』 am more cautious than anyone else. Not even my disciples.」

When he was maneuvering in secret in various places over the past few years, he was supposedly already in this youthful appearance. He had merely disguised himself as an old man using Dark Magic, intentionally resembling the appearance of a man close to his actual age whom he had prepared as a puppet.

And the old man whom Kyrias struck down at the end was nothing more than a member of the Clan of Darkness whom both he himself and others were made to believe was the Old Master.

「Then, will you remain hidden like this for a while?」

「Of course. They seem to pride themselves as my successors, but the 『Prince of Darkness』 was decided long ago. For the time being, I intend to gauge their skills.」

「As you will.」

「So, how did things go?」

「Basically, the contents were in line with your thoughts, Old Master. Therefore, in a preliminary meeting, I conveyed some slight modifications, and His Highness accepted them as their proposal.」

「I see. Then that is fine. By the way, are my daughters doing well?」

「Yes, the two who preserve the bloodline of the Clan Head of Darkness are exceedingly well. Even so, although I heard about it in a letter beforehand, you do not look like my father-in-law at all. I am glad above all that you appear so healthy.」

The one Duke Harry was kneeling before was, by all appearances, a man in his thirties—a countenance unnatural to be called an Old Master. The man looked down at Harry and responded magnanimously.

「Hahaha, it is a secret art passed down only to the Clan Head of Darkness, after all. Because we have been continuously inheriting that wisdom like this.」

「Then... about how much of this world has the Old Master seen?」

「Even if the vessel can be inherited, the mind inside is not so simple. After a hundred and twenty to a hundred and fifty years, the mind overflows and becomes senile.」

「A hundred and fifty years... I cannot even imagine it...」

Saying so, Harry closed his eyes. Harry himself had only encountered them a little over twenty years ago.

Harry, of course, did not carry the bloodline of the Clan of Darkness. It all began in the past, when he and the current Emperor destroyed the Roland Kingdom, and a girl who was a royal princess was bestowed upon him by the current Emperor, becoming one of his wives.

Since parting ways with the first King Kyle, the Clan of Darkness had been attempting to gain power to oppose him. The only time they succeeded was with the now-ruined Roland Kingdom.

Having won over influential nobles, they succeeded in sending in a secondary consort to the royal family. They then secretly swapped the born princess with the daughter of the Clan Head while she was still a baby. Thereby, the daughter carrying the blood of the Clan Head gained a new position as a princess.

「Heh, heh, heh. When the current Emperor was Crown Prince, having my daughter marry him as a princess of the Roland Kingdom, and then, through my daughter, inciting (brainwashing) him to attack and destroy a neighboring country that was originally on friendly terms, was somewhat of a struggle.」

「I, too, always thought it was strange until I learned of those circumstances.」

Yes, at the time, the current Emperor held the position of the Fifth Prince, far removed from the line of succession to the throne. However, after taking the second princess of the neighboring country as his wife, backed by abundant financial power, he seized actual control of one of the many army corps, acquired military force, and before anyone realized it, had even brought the influential nobles of the neighboring country under his banner.

It was an astonishingly rapid transformation, even for Harry, who was a sworn friend of the Crown Prince.

Following that, when he invaded the neighboring country with lightning speed, winning battle after battle, the final Royal Capital opened its gates in a bloodless surrender. This was because the Fourth Princess at the time suppressed the opposition faction advocating thorough resistance until the country perished, and guided the Imperial Army to avoid a battle they had no chance of winning. That princess was now Harry's wife.

And with that overwhelming achievement, the Fifth Prince's succession to the throne was confirmed, and he later became Emperor. Harry himself was also formerly the second son of a Duke's house, and the path to becoming the head of the family was closed to him. However, with the achievement of backing the new Emperor, he inherited the Duke's house and made that position unshakeable.

「Up to a certain point, 『things』 were all proceeding smoothly. The child born from the daughter who married the current Emperor became the First Prince, becoming the most likely candidate for the succession to the throne. And the child born from the daughter who married you was married off as the Crown Princess. Even with blood that had been diluted by half, if those two were to bear a child, it would become concentrated again, and a true Child of God serving as the Clan Head would be born. After all, only half the blood flows in the current Child of God.」

「I am awed by the Old Master's deep foresight and distant schemes, which took a long time.」

「For that purpose as well, as a premise, he absolutely must inherit the Imperial throne. In recent years, all the groundwork we laid has failed due to interference.」

「As you say.」

Even Viscount Hiyorimi, who was executed, his son Lugner, and even Azel, the direct subordinate of the man called the Old Master, were only informed of a limited portion of the truth regarding these circumstances.

They were merely told, 『The First Prince of the Empire is a noble and special person to the Clan of Darkness.』 Therefore, they consistently paid respect to the First Prince alone as a special existence.

「Ultimately, if my grandson destroys the Kingdom and ascends to the Imperial throne, our dearest wish spanning five hundred years will be fulfilled, and not only the Kingdom but even the Empire will become a country governed by the Clan of Darkness.」

「Truly...」

Although he agreed respectfully, Harry himself didn't truly care about such a dearest wish. However, if he could wield power in the mighty Empire as a maternal relative of the Emperor, his own ambitions would also be fulfilled. The dearest wish of the Clan of Darkness and his own dearest wish ultimately walked the same path, and it would be no exaggeration to say that was why he had consistently cooperated with them.

「However, His Highness does not know the secret of his own birth... What will you do about this going forward?」

「He is my grandson as well, but for the time being, it is fine if he knows nothing. He will learn the truth at the dawn when he becomes Emperor. There is no helping it if unnecessary wicked thoughts enter him now.」

「Understood. However...」

「What is it?」

「The pieces on the board are assembled, but we are definitely lacking one powerful move. A move to reliably finish off that man in the south... The fox solidifying that man's surroundings is quite formidable...」

「Heh, heh, heh. Thinking so, I brought a souvenir for my son-in-law (Harry). I will have the souvenir itself come to you later.」

「Oh! Thank you very much. What on earth is it?」

「Actually...」

Harry could not help but be surprised by what the man called the Old Master said. This man (old man) was always devising some kind of scheme.

「The ones I secretly sheltered also have no homeland to return to now. Even if they returned... there is no future. You might as well utilize them to the fullest.」

「That is a grateful proposition. With this, together with that annoying fox...」

「O one who will become my son. I have expectations of you...」

Leaving those words, the old man... no, the man who could no longer be called an old man, melted into the darkness of the room and disappeared.

「Even so, a grudge spanning five hundred years, the darkness is... something tremendously deep.」

Letting out a heavy sigh, Harry began to write several letters. The letters directed to the Sura Principality, the Turncoat Kingdom, and various other countries surrounding the Empire would be released through messengers from that day onward.

The Empire, which the Third Prince once evaluated as a 『huge monster,』 would begin to demonstrate its true nature as that monster from here on. The new world Takuhir altered merely brought about a brief tranquility.

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