[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 11 - 8 Part 3

11-8 Part 3

People Say He's an Envoy of God

- In the Name of the Absolute God Samael -

Translator : PolterGlast

「Why did you come out... Do you even realize that both you and I are in a position where our existence is somehow problematic...?」

「Kuku... Just be honest and say you are happy to see my figure, what an adorable one you are. But don't be in such a rush. I will personally dote on you at our leisure later.」

The girl with dragon eyes then turned back to the Mayor. ...On top of the backrest, that is. Then, a presence overflowing that didn't match her appearance drew people's attention and simultaneously silenced the grand cathedral.

「My name is Zirant, an ancient god who has been forgotten. And that Shinza over there is, not to hide anything, Wagahai's Apostle. No, let's call him the Head Apostle.」

Wondering what she would start saying, Head Apostle or whatever, I am your only Apostle. Moreover, it's just a relationship that gradually ended up that way somehow, or to put it badly, a relationship decided just by going with the flow.

And yet, right now, everyone is kneeling at the feet of the mere girl named Zirant, prostrating themselves as if afraid to look directly at her. Despite having dragon eyes, a body with scales, and even a dragon's tail, Zirant is receiving unconditional worship.

It was a shocking sight for me, who was born deformed. One wouldn't normally think that this figure on earth, which doesn't resemble any race, would become an object of worship.

And yet, I carelessly felt a sense of pride toward the worshipped Zirant.

「How divine... Aah, this presence and purity... it is truly God herself...」

「Beautiful... While retaining the immaturity of a young girl, ugh... she is too dazzling to look at directly.」

Priest Yungwi and the Mayor were offering praises to Zirant that I could hardly understand. Zirant is highly satisfied. From my perspective, she is nothing more than a small, cute busybody, but... She was being worshipped like a god as soon as she appeared.

「I am sorry. Therefore, I cannot lend Shinza to you. Rather than that, it is impossible. That man already possesses his own territory, you see.」

「Eh... Te-Territory...?! Shinza, could it be, you were an important person?!」

As an excuse to refuse, it's not bad. But having Kachua hear it hurts... No, right now I am the adventurer Shinza. Not the Seventh Imperial Heir, Ashley.

「Oh God, we thank you. You commanded Shinza-sama to close the Abyss Gate, did you not!」

「Umu, well, that is how it is. You are the Mayor of Ratatosk, Bogard, was it? Wagahai shall specially remember that name.」

Zirant. If you blabber any more than that, I will consider our relationship severed... I am just Shinza. I am no one else. Just shut up already.

『What are you saying. Is this not a chance to obtain the acquaintance of influential people in the eastern part of the Empire? Or, are you afraid of showing your true self to Kachua?』

Before being afraid, I absolutely hate it. If you tell Kachua, I will never speak to you again. I am serious.

『Mu... That, that would be quite troubling... It is not that I particularly want to chat with you all the time, but, but Shinza... This is your chance, you know...?』

Wondering what she did wrong, Zirant looked at me helplessly. Then, a sense of guilt and the emotion of not wanting to make her sad took precedence within me, and the naive idea of concession floated in my mind.

「Haa... Understood... Then you may tell those three there. Kachua, it's uncomfortable here, so let's go to a tavern.」

Holding my hand out towards the Guild Master, the Mayor, and additionally Priest Yungwi, I took Kachua's hand as if to run away.

「I-I (Ore), I can't drink alcohol or anything yet... Ah, my true self came out again...」

「You don't have to force yourself to play a different person. You are attractive from the start.」

「Eh... Really...? From your perspective, Shinza, I (Ore) was... attractive...? I (Ore) haven't been able to be feminine at all yet, you know...?」

「Yeah, you can puff out your chest; you are attractive. You had grown more than I thought.」

「G-Grown...」

「Yeah, you've become splendid.」

Pulling the hand of the strangely quiet Kachua, I slipped out of the grand cathedral. Kachua is attractive. Her skillful archery pierces distant enemies I cannot reach, weakening opponents with precise techniques.

There is no other attractive adventurer companion like this. When it comes to Sigrun, I don't even know what she'll arbitrarily do anymore... If you subtract reliability and trustworthiness, the victory naturally goes to Kachua.

「A-Alcohol... maybe I'll drink, just a little...」

「What a coincidence. I'm also in the mood to forget reality with alcohol.」

By the time we left the grand cathedral, it was already dim and the sun had set. After that, we strolled along and slipped into the bustling downtown area, found a tavern fitting for our station, and spent a fun time for the first time in a while.

◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

This is the story of what happened after. Returning to the grand cathedral and putting Kachua to bed in the dormitory, Priest Yungwi visited the room. Because we left unilaterally, I ended up in the same room as Kachua tonight.

「Ashley-sama, if you are ever in trouble from now on, please rely on us, the believers of Zirant. We are the allies of you and the great Dragon God Zirant. Dragon God Zirant is said to save this Empire under the name of the Absolute God Samael.」

「...Is that so.」

With a reverent attitude, the devout priest said something strange to me. To borrow the name of the Absolute God Samael while having declared herself an Evil Dragon to me, she is truly quite shrewd.

「You are supposed to be a priest of the State Church that worships that Absolute God, right...?」

「Yes, I am?」

「Then, is it really okay to worship that...?」

「Yes. We pilgrims have sworn loyalty and faith to Zirant-sama. The Mayor and Guild Master have as well. Because the old gods have never once protected us from the threat of the Abyss. But Zirant-sama is different. That divine Zirant-sama has rendered the metaphysics we have continued until now a thing of the past—」

My head couldn't quite comprehend the story from there on. No, perhaps it's more accurate to say I couldn't understand it...

Certainly, rather than the God Samael who does nothing and whose existence is uncertain, the incredibly meddlesome and annoying Evil Dragon-sama might allow one to feel a more materialistic divinity...

「I'm going to sleep now. Please return to your own dormitory soon...」

「No, please let me pray to you and the one sleeping within your flesh just a little, just a little bit more. I won't take up much of your time.」

Is the fact that Priest Yungwi wouldn't leave easily even after I got into my own bed, causing me much trouble, a trivial aftermath story? Because of Zirant, I was forced into being exalted as an Apostle of God within a very narrow circle...

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 223

Chapter 223

Results

Translator : PolterGlast

I arrived at "Anchelt", but it seemed Ginia and the others had already returned. It seems they had a serious mock battle, as everyone was sitting limply in their chairs.

「——Ah, Graham-san. You've returned from the Adventurer's Guild, haven't you.」

「Yeah. I dropped by somewhere else for a bit, so I was late. You all look quite exhausted.」

「Veronica and Mona came at us seriously, so we're completely exhausted! This might be the most tired I've been lately!」

「So you're tired because you fought seriously. And... how were the results?」

When I asked that, I felt the atmosphere grow heavy for a moment. Since I had completely overwhelmed 【Crimson Rose】 all at once, Veronica and Mona might seem like no big deal, but compared to Ginia and Aoi, they should be a rank above. However, judging from this heavy atmosphere, perhaps Ginia and Aoi had managed to come out ahead in wins.

「Ginia and I had 4 wins and 6 losses! We had a losing record!」

「Without fighting Aoi-chan, it's the result of having 5 matches each against Veronica-san and Mona-san.」

From the atmosphere, I thought they had won more matches, but as expected, it wasn't that easy. They are S-Rank adventurers, after all, and seniors in terms of experience. However, I think hanging in there to get 4 wins against such opponents is actually quite amazing.

「I was able to win easily up to the second match, though. But they gradually began to adapt, and I ended up losing the last two matches.」

「I'm exactly the same. Both of their abilities to adapt were high. I came out ahead in the total wins, but because I dropped the last two matches, it doesn't feel like I won.」

I see. So that's why the atmosphere got slightly heavy. Ginia and Aoi lost overall, but Veronica and Mona lost the last two matches, so they don't feel like they won. It was a heavy atmosphere born from the fact that neither side was feeling good about it.

「I think it's good that you had good matches, but it seems neither side is satisfied.」

「Yeah! It was an incredibly frustrating result, so we're scheduled to have another mock battle on the final day of our stay! I'll absolutely get my revenge then!」

「We won't lose either. We will show our pride as S-Rank adventurers.」

Aoi and Veronica were glaring at each other fiercely, to the point I thought they might start fighting right this second. It's better than a heavy atmosphere, but it would be troublesome if they started battling while exhausted, so I decided to bring up my own topic to change the subject.

「I understand your situation, so let me talk about mine next.」

「You went to the Adventurer's Guild, right? Were you able to hear anything from Greg-san?」

「No, I only heard that things had become peaceful. Hearing that the epidemic subsided after subjugating the Dragon Zombie is more than enough, but there was zero new information.」

「It's great that it subsided! But it might be a shame that was the only information!」

「Yeah. That's why I went to see the monster from the wanted poster with my own eyes.」

The moment I announced that, Ginia and Aoi opened their eyes wide and approached me.

「Graham-san, did you go to subjugate the wanted poster monster? Even though we agreed that we would defeat it, sneaking a head start is unfair.」

「Yeah, yeah! You said it was no problem even though I'm just recovering from an injury, and you said you'd let me fight too!」

「Don't jump to conclusions. I only went to look; I didn't subjugate it.」

They're too impatient, or rather... Well, I suppose it's also because I've been defeating everything all by myself up until now.

「Is that so. I'm sorry for doubting you. I thought you had subjugated it all by yourself again, Graham-san.」

「Well, I did consider subjugating it alone, but I figured I'd earn your resentment, so I stopped myself. The monster I saw was the King Garil. It certainly looked like a strong monster.」

「Eh, you're subjugating the King Garil? It's considered a taboo around here; it's a monster so strong that no one even approaches it.」

「I would like to say that you should absolutely stop—but if it's you, Graham-san, you might be fine. However, it is a monster equal to or greater than a Red Dragon, so please be extremely careful.」

In stark contrast to our optimistic selves, Veronica and Mona's expressions stiffened all at once. As expected, since they live in Klingark, it seems they know about the King Garil. From what I hear, it gives the impression of a dangerous monster, and its actual actions are danger itself. There is no doubt it's an opponent we should be wary of, but if it's on the same level as a Red Dragon, then Ginia and Aoi should definitely still be able to subjugate it.

「So it's that strong of a monster! What was your assessment, Graham? Does the subjugation look difficult?」

「Rather than looking strong, my eyes were drawn to its cruelty. It had impaled the corpses of beasts and monsters on trees, and there were humans impaled there as well.」

「Humans too...? That is quite gruesome.」

「Yeah. I wasn't sure if it was a sight I should show the two of you, so I did consider subjugating it all by myself.」

「I'm absolutely tagging along! If we're adventurers, we have to see gruesome things too, after all!」

「I'll... tag along too. It would be a lie to say I'm not scared, but I don't want to run away.」

Ginia and Aoi had eyes filled with resolve. When shown such expressions, I can't refuse them. It looks like the three of us will be going to subjugate the King Garil.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 312

Chapter 312

(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)

The One Who Carries Out Their Long-Standing Will

Translator : PolterGlast

Following Lady Claire, I crossed the simply erected city walls and entered the enclosure of earthen walls, where an astonishing sight spread before me. Within the vast grounds, likely four to five km in size, well over ten thousand individuals—aside from our own group—were sweating and toiling away at the construction.

And in various places, tents that were likely temporary dwellings stood in rows.

「I apologize. We are still under construction everywhere you look. However, we are prioritizing the dormitories for the people Your Excellency has led here, as well as the related facilities, so please rest assured.」

「More so than for your own soldiers?」

「Yes, it is the command of my lord. 『We will prioritize the provision of food, clothing, shelter, and leisure for those who have come to assist us.』 This is one of our ways of expressing gratitude.」

「I see, the 'Spirit of Matsuyama' lives on here as well.」

Truly impressive! I could not help but marvel. I vowed to learn whatever I could during my stay here and reflect it in my own governance.

「By the way, what exactly is an 'orientation'?」

「It is an explanation covering the allocation of dormitories, meal times and locations, instructions on how to use the various facilities, and the ID cards necessary for working here. Since we will be distributing them to all the laborers and related personnel this time. Furthermore, we will explain working hours, various allowances, and basic regulations.」

「Oh, so such a comprehensive system is already entirely established.」

「Yes, a similar system was utilized in Teigoon, but this time, in order to ensure the people of the Empire are not bewildered, we intend to explain it thoroughly at the initial stage. That is why we are deliberately doing it in groups of fifty.」

This was also a surprise to me. Construction laborers were fundamentally treated as mere tools, existing solely to work exactly as instructed. Yet, from fragments of her words, I could sense an attitude of trying to accept them as fellow companions.

Before long, I was guided to a corner lined with buildings that, while temporary, were relatively well put together.

「This area houses the storage for food and other supplies, as well as the reception desk and commodity exchange. And at the very back lies the temporary government office and the temporary residence of the Archduke.」

Every soldier who caught sight of her walking ahead stood at attention and showed their respect. And the gates partitioning the blocks opened one after another as she approached, until we reached our destination.

「Takuhir-sama, I have brought His Excellency Duroul.」

「Good work. Please guide him inside.」

Invited in by that voice, I entered a meeting room with desks and chairs arranged in a circle, capable of seating about thirty people. At the deepest part sat Archduke Westlights, accompanied by a striking man with black hair and a sharp gaze, a blond man who appeared to be a civil official, and a beautiful woman with raven-black hair.

「Viscount Duroul, it's been a while. I saw you at the signing ceremony, but it was a shame we didn't have a chance to talk. However, I'm glad we could meet again like this.」

「It is I who was exceedingly rude, hesitating to greet you due to my official role. I am very glad to see that His Majesty the Archduke is also looking so well. This time, wishing to personally deliver the bridge of people connecting the Dukedom and the Empire, I have presumptuously come as the head of a trading company. Allow me to greet everyone anew, I am Marintezo for Duroul.」

Following that, I was introduced to everyone present. Besides the Archduke, there was one Viscount and three Barons; I understood that the leadership of the Dukedom was gathered here.

「First of all, I must thank Viscount Duroul. During this battle, you objected to fighting us, and even after the start of the war became unavoidable, you admonished those belonging to the First Prince's Imperial Guard against unnecessary slaughter, going around preaching the protection of the enemy nation's people. I offer my gratitude.」

At that time, I was greatly bewildered. Because it was unthinkable for a King of a nation, however small, to bow his head and thank a mere Viscount of another country.

「P-Please, raise your head! There is no need for such concern for someone like me. In the past, I was treated as a human being while being a prisoner in that land (Teigoon). Much less, I merely wanted to return that favor even a little to those who saved my life despite me being an enemy soldier.」

I felt like I had caught a glimpse of the reason why my former compatriots continued to follow and serve this person even now. It is the same with His Highness Grat; if the one standing at the top is solid, so too are those below.

「However, where on earth did His Majesty the Archduke hear that story?」

「A-Ah. From Lord Grat, I suppose.. After hearing that story, I asked Eisen, Fellow, and the others as well. They were also grateful. 『It was exactly because of the Viscount's story that we could trust the enemy army,』 they said. They are also here now, so if you'd like, please go see them later.」

「Is that so... In the past, before succeeding the Baron house, I also belonged to the Imperial Guard Iron Cavalry, so... I'm glad they are doing well too.」

「Now then, the formal greetings are done. From here on, I would like to speak with the head of the Durouza Trading Company and the head of the trading partner on an equal footing. Like Lord Grat, I'm also bad at formalities. Let's talk casually, and we won't keep records. Of course, I don't intend to take pledges either.」

Saying so, the Archduke smiled. In that respect too, this person resembles His Highness Grat.

「My master also often says similar things. As a vassal, it is quite troubling, though...」

「Hahaha, right.」

The Archduke laughed openheartedly. The people around were also smiling wryly a little. Apparently, they also share the same worries as me.

「So, to ask point-blank, what is the true intention behind the Durouza Trading Company's proposal?」

「Then, I will speak honestly. When I heard the story of the territory cession this time, I willingly proposed to receive a territory in the enclave. Depending on the viewer, this would appear as a fool willingly jumping into a death trap to become a sacrifice, or someone showing the Empire's willpower by becoming a dagger thrust at the throat of your country. It probably appears that way.」

「That's certainly true. Normally, one would think it's someone infiltrating enemy territory to become a spy ready to die.」

「But my thought is singular. From now on, no matter what happens, I will not let the Empire invade the Westlights Dukedom. That the two countries join hands, and I become a human pillar for them to coexist mutually. That is my goal.」

「So that's why you made that proposal.」

「Yes, my master's intention is also coexistence with your country. Therefore, I am by no means disobeying my lord's orders. However... there are still many enemies in our camp, and if the worst-case scenario occurs, we will be forced to concentrate our military forces in the south.」

「Then, did the Viscount receive trust from His Highness Grat...?」

「That is also a little different. It is strictly my personal sentiment. The past me was an outcast who relied solely on the face of a noble and was liked by no one. But through the battle of Teigoon and the subsequent camp life, I was reborn.」

Yes, in the past, as a member of the Marquis Bradley clan, I was arrogant. That's why I wasn't adored by the soldiers from the bottom of their hearts, and when I was gravely injured, I was abandoned... That's probably how it was. As a result, I picked up my life, so it is ironic, though.

「At that time, my life was saved by the healing of a Goddess, and I was welcomed as a friend by those living in Teigoon. I intend to spend my whole life returning the favor of that time. I will become a shield for your country (Rosa), and continue fighting from now on.」

「Oh, a splendid resolve.」

Lord Weiss, present in this place as a fellow warrior, praised my resolve. Naturally! It is precisely for the one I love that I have spent my time until now prepared to burn my life.

「To protect her, my lifesaver, and the people of the city, I have made efforts to possess suitable power. In the unlikely event of an emergency, I will gladly offer this life as a shield protecting the Dukedom. Even now that she has become one of your wives, I would be grateful if you could permit me to harbor feelings of adoration.」

「Huh?」

The Archduke let out a strange voice and made a blank expression. Oh no! I unintentionally spoke my true feelings.

Lady Claire's eyes became dots for a moment, and then she was stifling a laugh.

「Takuhir-sama, please call Rosa here. And I will inform Your Excellency. Rosa is still single. She is not one of the Archduke's wives.」

「Wha!」

This time it was my turn to let out a strange voice. The feeling that had once fallen to the bottom of the valley in disappointment felt as if it had gained wings again and soared into the vast sky.

「I see. As Claire-san says, I would like to welcome Your Excellency as a companion, although it's a rude expression. That's how much I was moved as a fellow woman. The rest is... up to Rosa-san's feelings, though...」

「Is that what it is? Hahaha, no, excuse me. The reason I welcomed my wives was also because I wanted to protect them. It was from that thought, so I unintentionally recalled the old days and laughed at myself. Someone, get Rosa here!」

Wh-What! No... I am extremely happy for your consideration, but I haven't mentally prepared myself yet...

「Even so... Durouza Trading Company, I see... But it's a good thing it was Rosa among the Holy Mages. Not the two Instant-Kill Goddesses... Ah! Sorry, that was unnecessary. Please forget it.」

What is that terrifying alias? Among the Goddesses, are there two such terrifying ones? Everyone present was also stifling their laughter.

It was at that time.

「Excuse me. I heard I was called, so I have come.」

The one who appeared saying so was unmistakably her (Rosa). Compared to those days when she still had childish features, she had grown into a beautiful woman, and her golden hair fluttering over the priestess robes she wrapped herself in was rather even divine.

She, whom I had kept in my thoughts for many years, is in front of me looking like a Goddess!

「Eh? Ah! Don't tell me... from that time!」

Looking at my face wonderingly, she seemed to have found the answer in a distant memory. Overcome with emotion, I took an action I myself couldn't even predict.

Stepping forward in front of her, I unintentionally dropped to one knee, knelt, and offered my sword with both hands.

「I have always wanted to convey this to you. Thank you very much for saving my life that time.」 (That's right, just stating my thanks first is enough, any more than this is...)

「Since the first time we met, since the time you saved my life, much more...」 (Wait, what am I saying in front of the public?)

「I swore that I would protect you risking my life, and become a man worthy of you.」 (It's no use... I said it...)

I couldn't suppress my overflowing feelings. The people present in this place, starting with the Archduke, are all dumbfounded... What to do?

「As a knight to protect... you, and if you would call me a friend, first of all... I beg of you.」 (Somehow I managed to restrain the words of proposal, but... me unintentionally saying 'knight' is also a strange story.)

Lady Rosa is silently blushing deep red. This atmosphere... what should I do...

「A splendid resolve, such a refreshing proposal... no, oath of loyalty. It is not something someone in the position of a Viscount can easily do.」

I felt saved by the words of Lord Weiss, the Commander of the Demon Territory Knights. However...

「Allow me to add just one thing to the Viscount. Rosa currently holds the status of Baron in both the Kyle Kingdom and the Dukedom. A 'knight' from the position of Viscount doesn't quite fit there, but with the founding of the Westlights Dukedom this time, she was appointed as an Honorary Bishop of the Central Church.」

What! Speaking of a Bishop of the Central Church, in terms of nobles, the treatment is that of a Count or higher. Depending on how you look at it, does it mean she is in a higher position than me?

「Therefore, speaking from the church's customs, a knight guarding a Bishop, that is viable. Rosa, how about it? For now, make him a knight, and beyond that... if he conveys his honest feelings gradually...」

「Y-Yes. For now, if it's as friends... I would be glad.」

Lady Rosa, feeling shy, answered just that in a small voice.

On this day, a new bridge connecting the Westlights Dukedom and the Griffonia Empire was born. It was still a small thing called a guardian knight, but...

The circumstances and development were enough to surprise even the people present, let alone the parties involved themselves.

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