[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 7 - 1 Part 1

7-1 Part 1

The Seventh Son Says It Is a Grand Escape

- Flight -

Translator : PolterGlast

Recap of the Previous Chapter

Upon returning to the Imperial Capital, Ashley was informed by Georg that the Alchemist Dulin had been abducted by members of the State Church. Despite Georg warning him not to make an enemy of the State Church, Ashley did not stop.

There, Ashley relied on the power of his page, Jii, to investigate Dulin's whereabouts.

Jii, though reluctant, performed his job perfectly and discovered that Dulin was confined in the Detached Palace of Ashley's aunt, the High Priestess Du-Neil of the State Church.

Taking Jii along, Ashley headed to his aunt's Detached Palace and dug a tunnel from a nearby fishing hut leading to the palace's basement.

Finding Dulin imprisoned in an underground prison, he broke her out and reunited her with Princess Atomina, who was waiting outside. To punish the sinful act of kidnapping, Ashley invited lake water into the dug tunnel, flooding the foundation.

Their destination for escape was the territory of Duke Aion, the family Atomina married into.

―――――――――――――――――

Princess Atomina Arc

The Dragon Says: Expose the Conspiracy and Betrayal

―――――――――――――――――

7-1 The Seventh Son Calls It "The Great Escape" - Flight -

The Duke Aion's territory is three days south of the Imperial Capital by carriage. From auntie's Detached Palace, it's a distance that can be managed in a little over two days if we hurry.

Let me briefly explain the escape plan. Surprisingly, Aneue personally drove the carriage herself. We plan to board it and escape to the territory of Duke Aion, governed by Aneue's husband.

"W-What did you say?! Do you intend to leave me behind? That is cruel, Ashley-sama! I question your conduct as my master, treating me as an old man only when it's convenient for you!"

"That's not it. I need you to deliver a message."

"A message! To whom, exactly?!"

"To Aniue. And also to the people at the Hez Company. It's insurance in case things don't work out with Duke Aion."

Even if he couldn't accept it emotionally, the logic should hold up. After grumbling and complaining extensively, Jii finally listened to my request. Now that I've taken Dulin back like this, even Aniue can't oppose what we're doing at this point. After all, considering who the opponent is.

Aniue will surely try to protect his sister, born on the same day from the same womb. He's a tremendous stickler for the rules, but that is how Atomina's brother, Georg, has been for as long as I can remember.

"Ashley-sama, this oldman will definitely come for you... So, please, I beg of you, do not do anything reckless..."

"Yeah, I'll think about it once this matter settles down. I've already done it; there's nothing left but to brace myself from here on."

"You really treat your own life far too lightly!!"

Jii continued with various orders and lectures after that, but naturally, I'll omit those. Thus, we parted ways with Jii, hid little Dulin in the carriage compartment, and spurred the horses south.

"Umm... Atomina-oneeshama, aren't you tired...? Doing all this for Dulin... I'm happy, but, uuu... I'm sowwy..."

"It's fine. After all, thanks to Dulin, we can travel together like this. ...Though, returning over there makes my heart heavy."

Aneue and I took turns driving the carriage. I'm not sure, but Aneue's behavior might have been a little strange.

Well, I can guess a few things. It was clearly odd that she barely returned to her husband's home and spent all her time at the palace in the Imperial Capital... Still, as Aneue said, the carriage journey had a sense of fulfilling liberation.

In the words of the other world, it's The Great Escape. Setting Dulin aside, Aneue and I brazenly enjoyed this flight. Forest paths, hilly mountain roads, granary regions with endless wheat fields, and towns large and small. There was no shortage of sights to see.

And so it went. The journey proceeded surprisingly smoothly, and partly because we hurried, we entered Duke Aion's territory on the morning of the second day. Right now, we are proceeding along a quiet forest road where sunlight filtering through the trees flickers across our vision. It wouldn't be hurt to be cautious in this kind of terrain.

"Sigh..."

"What's wrong, oneeshama?"

"No... It's nothing."

"Could it be that Dulin is a bother and you're fed up...?"

"Fufufu, that's not it. It's just that facing my husband and father-in-law makes my heart a little heavy... But I think Ashley is right. Here, I can protect my precious little sister."

"Dulin is a bad girl... Being oneeshama's little sister, I... I shouldn't… He, hehehe... But I'm happy."

In the carriage compartment, the same dialogue that had been going on for some time was being repeated. Over these two days, there were many opportunities to sense that things weren't going well for Aneue over there.

"Aneue, we haven't done anything wrong. We saved Dulin from villains; you should hold your head high."

"...You're right. I'll do that."

"Thank you, Ashley-sama. I will never forget this debt for the rest of my life."

"You can forget such a trivial thing. By the way, Aneue, is the Ducal Capital not yet in sight?"

"Just a little more. Once we exit this forest road, we'll see a large city; it's right there. Fufufu, I wonder what excuse we should give to that stubborn Georg. Oh, Ashley...?"

Suddenly looking far ahead from the height of the driver's seat, I saw some wooden structures lined up on the road. I've never seen them before. And something is strange. As the distance closed, figures resembling people came into view.

"Something's ahead. Be careful, both of you. That is—shit, a barricade! We've been ambushed!"

"Did the bad auntie chase after Dulin?!"

"I won't let that happen! Ashley, I'm leaving this to you—order me to do whatever is necessary! "

She isn't Aniue's twin sister for nothing. Atomina-aneue isn't a soldier, yet she didn't panic at all and relied on my judgment.

This is a forest road. The trees are in the way, so the carriage can only go straight. Unhitching the horses from the carriage and riding through the forest requires high skill. It's impossible for Aneue and Dulin.

"Understood. Aneue, come to the driver's seat."

"Got it!"

"Umm, umm, what should Dulin do?!"

"If they notice you, that alone will be trouble. Sorry, but cover yourself with a blanket and keep low on the floor of the carriage."

"O-Okay!"

While this was happening, Aneue came next to the driver's seat, and the figures over there became visible. I assumed she would use her private soldiers, but this is unexpected. No matter how you look at it, they were just highway bandits.

"W-What do we do, Ashley?! Do we charge straight in?!"

"No way. We're stopping, obviously."

Even if we tried to charge, the horses value their lives too. So, I stopped the horses at a distance that maintained a bit of space and got down from the driver's seat.

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Feelings of Gratitude

Translator : PolterGlast

Upon entering the Guild Master's Office, I noticed that in addition to the usual mountain of paperwork, there were four large hemp sacks sitting near the entrance. Navigating around the sacks, I headed toward the Guild Master.

"Graham-san, you're here already. It's sudden, but the reward from Lightmira's Guild Master has arrived."

"Yeah. I was curious how much it came to, so I rushed here right after hearing the report. ...So, how much did the materials go for?"

"I haven't checked the contents myself. Here is the reward I was handed."

The Guild Master pulled a hemp sack from under his desk and placed it on top. The sound of clinking metal echoed through the room, and from that heavy sound, I could predict that a substantial amount of money was inside.

"Thank you. May I check the contents right away?"

"Well, of course. Also, I was told to pass on the message: if it isn't enough, just say the word."

" I seriously doubt I would go so far as to ask for more than this, though..."

Saying that, I checked the contents of the hemp sack. Inside, it was filled entirely with gold coins.

And there were easily at least a hundred of them. I only defeated one Cruhamilion... is it really okay to receive this much?

"There's a massive amount of gold coins in here; is this amount correct?"

"I don't know the details, but I don't think it's a mistake. After all, I heard the monster you defeated this time, Graham-san, had been tormenting Lightmira for over a year. He said all the rare materials were handed over as well, so I don't think it's strange for there to be a large amount of gold coins."

"Is that so? Well, I'm grateful regardless."

"Also, the large hemp sacks at the entrance are also part of your reward, Graham-san."

"These sacks too? ...What on earth is inside these?"

"Beats me. Just like the reward money, I haven't looked inside at all, so I have no idea what's in those sacks."

They are quite large, and I can't even guess what's inside these four sacks. With only one arm, I can only carry two at a time, so depending on the contents, perhaps I should donate them to the Adventurer's Guild.

With that in mind, I decided to check the contents of the sacks on the spot. Inside the nearest sack was—likely ores.

It was filled with a large quantity of ores like iron ore and copper ore. They seem useful... but their clunky shape makes them very difficult to carry.

If the others are also ores, I might as well donate everything except one sack. Thinking that, I opened the second sack, and inside was not ores—but a massive amount of clothing.

They didn't look particularly valuable, so I don't know the intention behind bringing them. ...However, clothing is something I'm grateful for.

Gree and Anne, as well as Ria, Tricia, and Maud, have almost no clothes. I was just thinking of buying some, and considering the future, these new clothes will come in handy.

Incidentally, the third sack was also clothing, and the last sack contained items usable in battle. However, they weren't expensive items like magic tools, but only simple combat items like smoke bombs, flash bombs, and sticky grass that could be used for traps.

Medicinal herbs were lined at the bottom; the sense that they had scraped these together from nothing was overwhelming. I truly appreciate the sentiment, but... I think I can donate just this fourth sack to the Adventurer's Guild. There are surely plenty of adventurers who would want these.

"Graham-san, what was inside?"

"Ores, clothing, and combat items."

"...Hm? What is that about?"

"There's no consistency, so I don't really know, but I think it's a gesture of gratitude. I'll leave the combat items here, so please give them to rookie adventurers or something."

"You mean for free? I think they'd sell normally, are you sure?"

"Yeah. As for money, I received plenty in the reward money."

It must have been a struggle to bring these four large hemp sacks, and since I'm fully satisfied with the reward money anyway, I'm fine with giving away the combat items for free. I will gratefully accept their goodwill, and use the clothing and ores with care.

"In that case, I will accept without hesitation. Thank you, Graham-san."

"No, I just received them myself, so no thanks are needed. Please pass on my thanks to Adwell from your end, Guild Master."

"No, no. Since it was something you received as a reward, Graham-san, it is only natural that you be thanked—"

"I get it, I get it. For now, I want you to hold onto the reward money as usual. Also, I can't take all the sacks home at once, so I'll come back to pick them up later."

"Understood. I will keep them under strict management until you come to get them."

I took just five gold coins from the sack for now, then entrusted the rest to the Guild Master. Then, carrying the sack containing the iron ore, I left the Adventurer's Guild.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 252

Chapter 252

Northern Front ③ — Strategic Withdrawal

Translator : PolterGlast

The Allied Forces of the Istoria Imperial Kingdom and Uros Kingdom, having temporarily halted and stayed in the territory of Marquis Cocyust, resumed their advance. It was as if they timed it with the Griffonia Empire Army advancing north from the south.

"Your Excellency the Archbishop, such a hurried departure after the stagnation until now... Has something happened?"

"Ooh, Duke Cocyust. Thanks to the hospitality in your territory, we have sufficiently restored our vigor. Therefore, we just moved the advance party. Since our main unit will also move half a day later, it would be good for you to accompany us. Preparations for departure are all set, are they not?"

"Yes, certainly. I inferred that there was some movement in the war situation, but..."

Saying this, Cocyust—formerly a Marquis of the Kyle Kingdom and now appointed Provisional Duke of the Holy Kyle Kingdom—directed a suspicious gaze at the other.

『Hmph, this man doesn't seem to be just a fool.』 Thinking so, Castro continued without showing his true feelings.

"It is merely that the date agreed upon for the united front with the Empire has arrived. Timed with our movement, the Empire will likely cross the border and advance north. The Royal Capital of the Kingdom is probably in an uproar right about now. Defeated in the eastern border battle, with the Principality Army advancing to a distance of two days from the Royal Capital in the west. And now, facing invasion from both the north and south."

"Wh-What! The Principality was supposed to be reinforcements for the Kingdom, or so I heard... Moreover, the eastern border breached... what does that mean?"

"Hoh, even a Duke well-versed in strategy and knowledgeable seems to find new surprises in the way this world progresses. Hahaha, that is fine. The fire of the Kyle Kingdom's fate is already fading to receive God's judgment. You should take pride in your timely and good judgment for generations to come."

Archbishop Castro, laughing at the Duke as he said this, actually did not yet know of the defeat on the Eastern Front. Within the scope of his knowledge, his army was in an overwhelmingly advantageous situation, the encirclement annihilation battle ring was complete, and that ring was just about to close. That was his perception.

Duke Cocyust hurriedly excused himself from the Archbishop and returned to prepare for departure.

"Your Excellency the Archbishop, will he be useful? His true intentions are still somewhat unclear..."

One of the generals stepped forward and questioned his thoughts with an unpleasant expression.

"Fufufu, Serpens. Show that letter to the General as well."

Receiving the Archbishop's words, one of the Mages called the Twelve Apostles, a Dark Mage, presented a letter to the General. The General read the letter once and raised a voice of surprise.

"Th-That guy! He intends to betray us!"

"Exactly. It is written there that he shelves his own blunders, realizes his current overwhelming disadvantage, endures temporary shame to enter the enemy's bosom, and swears loyalty to the Kyle Kingdom to raise an army from the inside when the opportunity arises, does it not?"

"L-Let us cut him down. Truly a despicable fellow. To leave no future trouble."

"He was originally just a timid and cunning opportunist who could see his surroundings somewhat. If the situation becomes unfavorable, he is the kind of man who would bow his head to us or the Empire without caring about appearances to survive. Even now, he is probably walking a tightrope desperately, searching for a path to survival."

"Then all the more..."

"He foolishly does not know that his own messenger has fallen to us. He should have learned that subordinates follow the example of their superiors' deeds. I hear there is a strategy taught in the Kingdom called the counter-espionage ploy. We will simply have him learn the Kingdom's teachings firsthand. Through Serpens, I have sent him a fake reply. 『I will issue instructions when the time is right; until then, fight the Kingdom Army with all your might to gain the Imperial Kingdom's trust.』 So, Serpens, you disposed of all the real messengers from the Kingdom, correct?"

"As Your Excellency commands."

"That is how it is. He will wait for orders that will never come, become our vanguard, and fight desperately against his compatriots. As God wills..."

From then on, the Istoria Imperial Kingdom coalition army advanced south into the Kyle Kingdom, continuing their advance to a point three days from the Royal Capital, Kylar. And here, for the first time, they faced a full-scale counterattack from the Kingdom Army.

---

"The Istoria Imperial Kingdom Army's vanguard of about 10,000, mainly infantry, is approaching to cross the river. A large army seems to be waiting behind them as well, but due to the dust clouds, the rear cannot be confirmed. It is estimated that nearly another 10,000 troops follow."

"They've come! We haven't spent this year idly either. Order the soldiers hiding in the trenches to open fire simultaneously the moment the enemy crosses the river as planned. There is no time other than now to stake the survival of our motherland and show our pride. Everyone, move as planned."

Receiving the scout's report, Count Model, Commander of the Northern Area Army, reacted immediately. Messengers ran, entrusting discretion to commence battles to the frontline commanders.

The Count had prepared two interception points in advance. One of them was this very location where they were setting up camp.

Parallel to the river flow, camouflaged trenches extended in various places, with a bridge spanning the center. However, while a few thousand troops might be manageable, it would take considerable time for an army exceeding ten thousand to cross the bridge, and the vanguard alone could be bathed in concentrated fire from archers and annihilated.

The remaining option is to cross the river all at once and establish a bridgehead on the opposite bank.

"Listen up! The moment they cross the river, draw them in to a distance of 100 m and annihilate them with volley fire. Never show your faces until the signal bell rings."

Under the instruction of each commander, the Kingdom Army held their breath while gripping their crossbows, waiting for the signal.

---

Behind the billowing dust clouds raised by the 10,000 infantry of the Uros Kingdom and Istoria Imperial Kingdom armies, dozens of exceptionally large objects were being towed by multiple horses.

"Listen up! They will use a bell for the firing signal. Watching the timing of the bell, we will also conduct an attack. Kingdom Army, hiding in holes to attack as usual? Do they think we are fools who know nothing of the art of war? I'll correct that arrogance!"

The General of the Imperial Kingdom Army puffed out his chest arrogantly and declared while staring beyond the dust clouds. The weapons the General mentioned had already advanced to a position capturing the opposite bank of the river, where the Kingdom Army was thought to be lurking, within range.

"We will now conduct suppression fire in response to the enemy army's bell signal! Line of fire: horizontal direction for each vehicle! Honorable Apostles, we ask for your favor."

They could also hear the sound of the bell ringing from the opposite bank by the Kyle Kingdom Army. It was just when it was about to switch from rapid ringing to a slow three strikes.

"Now! Begin linked fire!"

Responding to that voice, as many as 100 mobile catapults swung down their massive arms all at once, matching the timing.

On the opposite bank, it was just when the bell rang the second strike, and the Kingdom Army archers popped out of the trenches, readying their crossbows to bring the Imperial Kingdom soldiers crossing the river into their line of fire.

Before their eyes, there was no enemy figure to be a target. To be precise, they held shields horizontally overhead like umbrellas, crouched down on the river surface where the water was waist-deep, submerging most of their figures underwater. Those crossing the bridge also solidified into a group, overlapping shields to create an impromptu ceiling.

And just before the third strike, the firing signal, rang out...

"What? Gwah!" "Uwah!" "They... Gugeh!"

The Kingdom Army archers were bathed squarely in the upper body by stone projectiles flying from the front with tremendous force, tumbling over with short screams.

The stone projectiles flew in a low trajectory with magical support from about 400 m behind the enemy infantry on the opposite bank. Some hit directly, while others landed on the near riverbank and attacked the Kingdom soldiers as ricochets. At that very moment they leaned out of the trenches and readied their crossbows.

Of course, the Imperial Kingdom soldiers crossing the river were also assaulted by stone projectiles, but thanks to their shields and the water current, they suffered almost no damage.

What the Istoria Imperial Kingdom—no, Archbishop Castro—had devised as a countermeasure against the Kyle Kingdom and its archers was these mobile catapults. With the support of Wind Mages, the maximum range was 400 m, surpassing the Kyle Kingdom's archers. Each catapult had the ability to fire about 200 fist-sized stone projectiles at once.

However, with only four Wind Mages, it was difficult to guide as many as 100 catapults perfectly. The training devoted to this was solely to maintain initial velocity and fly stone projectiles in a low trajectory to avoid losing power as much as possible.

"Now! Sound the signal for all forces to charge!"

Under the Imperial Kingdom General's command, the river-crossing unit began to run out of the river all at once. Receiving an unexpected surprise attack, the Kyle Kingdom Army archers couldn't even crawl out of the trenches, and the passages running vertically and horizontally were overflowing with those who had fallen from stone projectiles.

The fleeing Kingdom soldiers were overrun one after another by the Imperial Kingdom soldiers.

"Kuh! Those bastards, did they learn our tactics and conversely exploit our signals...? Pull back the archers in the trenches! Cavalry units, charge and assist their retreat! At this rate, the losses will be significant."

Count Model realized the disadvantage of his army and took in the routed allies while suffering sacrifices.

"It cannot be helped. We will retreat temporarily to the final defense line and attempt to reorganize our forces. It seems the battles ahead won't go as they have until now either. It's a pathetic story on my part, but... If I hadn't received the report from Margrave Hamish, we would have suffered damage impossible to recover from."

Yes, when Count Model received reinforcements from Margrave Hamish, he knew the history of the battle on the eastern border and that the Istoria Imperial Kingdom was adopting unprecedented tactics. Therefore, he had exercised a certain degree of caution and had not committed his prized Mages to the very front lines.

However, even so, the casualties dropped in the opening battle amounted to 2,000, and the Kyle Kingdom Army suffered a painful defeat. Thus, the Northern Front was forced into a planned retreat for unplanned reasons.

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