[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 13 - 1 Part 1

13-1 Part 1

Special Chapter: Carral Hez of the Coastal Provinces - Big Sister -

Translator : PolterGlast

Recap of the Previous Chapter

Ashley and Kachua returned to the town of Ratatosk and challenged the Labyrinth of Stakes. Despite receiving a chorus of retorts from the rough-tempered adventurers for fighting with a Shovel, Shinza overturned their evaluation with his peerless performance. Eventually, upon reaching the 7th floor of the labyrinth, Shinza fulfilled the request of the Book of the Evil Dragon and acquired a 30x mining ability.

However, in that labyrinth, the party ended up encountering the ancient slaughter weapon, the Cherubim Armor. The party was half-destroyed by this monster possessing overwhelming destructive power and armor. But luckily, Shinza discovered another labyrinth beyond the wall, and using his 30x mining ability, he dug an escape route. From there, while making his comrades retreat, he remained behind alone, engaged in a death match with the Cherubim Armor, and ultimately won.

Before such a Shinza and Zirant, the White Knight of the Abyss, Ventos, appeared. He bestowed Demonic Spirit Silver upon Shinza, and with a meaningful tone, discarded Zirant as an imitation. Parting with him, they aimed for the surface. However, on the way, they encountered the fourth son, Yord, leading to a battle.

As a result, the Shovel gifted by Georg and Atomina was destroyed, but he inflicted frostbite and arrow wounds on Yord, and somehow succeeded in retreating. The second son, Julius, who was accompanying Yord, told Shinza: An era of chaos is coming.

Returning to the surface and entering an inn, Kachua was greatly shocked that Shinza was a Prince. She harbored feelings akin to a broken heart that Shinza, whom she admired,  was a Prince of a different social standing. Shinza clumsily comforted such a Kachua, and together with Zirant, blew away her gloomy feelings with a fun dinner. Thus, that night, the sound of Zirant retching from overeating echoed in Shinza's ears all night long.

Unbeknownst to them, Julius and Yord joined hands with the Demon Nobles of the Abyss, and have begun maneuvering in secret to entrap the Crown Prince.

――――――――――――――――――――

The Bizarre Book Tells Me to Form an Alliance with the furthest reaches of the Coastal Provinces

――――――――――――――――――――

13-1 Special Chapter: Carral Hez of the Coastal Provinces - Big Sister Admiral -

・Carral

Far to the south of the Empire, beyond the coastal provinces, I am here. Long ago, this place was apparently a barren land, the sea was dried up, and it was a terrifying demon region inhabited by monsters called Sandworms. For us people from the Empire, it sounds far-fetched, but people here truly believe it. It is said that a great god who brought forth greenery in the withered world and purified the tainted world created the coastal provinces.

「Captain, Big Sister (Ane-san), the cargo loading is finished!」

「Well done. But, call her Carral-san or young lady (Ojou). If you use such a valiant title, our Admiral will get sulky.」

「Ah, I'm sorry, Admiral Carral!」

「Not really... I don't really care what you call me... Hmph.」

「See? I told you so.」

My name is Carral Hez. The representative of the Hez Company. While I was commanding the fleet the whole time, before I knew it, I ended up being called things like Big Sister or Admiral.

「Admiral~, please fix your mood~?」

「I'm not in a bad mood or anything! More importantly, what about the guys on shore?」

「Yes, the plan is for them to return here when the bell rings past noon.」

「As planned, we can set sail sometime today.」

This is Port Ake. A trade port located in the south of the coastal provinces, and one of our bases. It's also the de facto southernmost point of maritime trade. The sea south of here is too dangerous, so one has no choice but to choose the land route along the continent. But correspondingly, it was a rich port where goods from the south gathered.

「Hmm, I wonder if everyone will come back on time... Sorry, but could you tell everyone that if they're late, I won't hire them next time? ...Well, it's a bit late for that, though.」

「If it's a request from you, Big Sister, it's an easy task—ah...」

「Geez! That's why I said, don't call me Big Sister!!」

「I-I'm sorry, Big Sister, I'll go for a quick run!」

「You really do care about it, don't you, Ojou.」

「Of course I care! I'm not old enough to be called Big Sister yet!」

A slightly dangerous but very free world where the Empire's rule doesn't reach. That is the coastal provinces here. Clear blue skies, and downpours of squalls that come from time to time. Abundant tropical fruits and large, glossy flowers. It's much more colorful here than the Empire, and very hot and humid.

「It's proof that you're respected by the sailors. Now then, I wonder how many vacancies there will be this time.」

「The folks here are really laid-back, huh? Back in the Empire, this would be unheard of. It's totally chaotic!」

Every time we set sail from a port, 2 or 3 vacancies appear. Sailors who went ashore don't return to work, getting dead drunk at taverns, boarding different ships; anyway, the people of the coastal provinces were irresponsible.

「Did you start wanting to go home? To him.」

「Ugh... I told you to stop with that because it makes me homesick!」

「My apologies. I just think there's absolutely no need for you to be stubborn, you see.」

「It's a matter of feelings! After saying all that, I can't just say, 'I wanted to see you so I came back halfway'!」

「Are you scared of returning, Admiral?」

「U... Uuuu... Geez, leave me alone!」

At first, it was just one secondhand schooner. But now, with a former military galleon as the flagship, the Hez Company had grown into a mid-sized merchant fleet possessing 4 carracks and 1 schooner. Triggered by a certain day, my head suddenly became clear, and a mysterious string of good luck began. Luck—a word that alone cannot describe it at all; a smooth sailing maritime life continues.

But it's still too small to show Ashley. Because I told that person I would return leading a grand fleet. This is completely insufficient.

「However, I never thought the person in the Admiral's heart was a Prince of the Empire.」

The Captain reads my mind like this from time to time. He hit the bullseye this time too. Since he's been an acquaintance since my older brother was running the Hez Company, it can't be helped.

「Yeah, right... To keep such an important thing a secret, geez!」

Thanks to that, if I don't build an even bigger fleet, I can't go back even if I want to...

「Prince Ashley seems to be in a delicate position too. Come to think of it, to break into an evil merchant's warehouse despite his status as a Prince—it truly is impressive. It's no wonder the Admiral fell for him all over again.」

「Yeah... Even though he's a Prince, to go that far for me... Thinking about it now, he's an unbelievable utter weirdo...」

Even though he's a Prince, he braved danger to save me. He spent his time on a commoner like me, and in the end, he even provided the capital to create this fleet and took revenge for my brother. Shinza... no, Prince Ashley...

「Haa... I want another galleon ship...」

「Hahaha, that'll be after we earn a little more. It would be a huge loss to be stingy with money and get stuck with one that has a damaged keel.」

「True... Aah~, I wonder if there's a sweet deal somewhere where I can easily earn enough for one galleon...」

「There's no way such a thing exists, Ojou. We've been doing well recently, so let's steadily do our best.」

If only we had at least one more large ship, I could save face when I go meet Ashley... I wonder if he's okay, Ashley. I heard he's in a tough position, so next time I have to help Ashley...

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 233

Chapter 233

Shopping

Translator : PolterGlast

The place we came to after breakfast was a shop that sells clothes. It was a shop I decided on based on Ginia's recommendation, and I intended to purchase everyday clothes for Maud and Tricia.

They only own things like easy-to-move-in maid uniforms, and even now, they're out and about in those clothes, after all. Private clothes for their days off are absolutely necessary, and I wanted to gift them to them.

「Graham-sama, what kind of shop is this?」

「It's a shop that sells clothes. You two don't have any private clothes, right? I'll gift them to you today, so let's pick some out.」

「I don't really need any. These clothes are more than enough.」

「No. A change of pace is necessary, and I want you to separate your work and days off.」

「...If it is Graham-sama's order, we will do so. However, we feel bad having you gift them to us, so we will buy them using the wages we have received.」

「No, it's a gift... Understood. Pay for it from your own wages.」

I thought I should be the one to gift it to them, but for some reason, the two of them live without touching their wages. To use this shopping trip as an opportunity to teach them that it's okay to use their wages for themselves, I decided to have them pay out of their own wages.

「S-Somehow... it's nothing but cute clothes. Aren't we out of place?」

「I share Maud's opinion. Why don't we go to a place that sells slightly plainer clothes?」

The shop we entered was a women's clothing store that sold flashy items. Because I hadn't thought it would be like this either, a wave of desire to ride on Tricia and Maud's opinions and leave the store washed over me, but... I mustn't run away.

「No, since we're already here, let's buy them here. Or rather, I don't know any other shops.」

「If we look, we'll definitely find one.」

「It's difficult to start with flashy clothes. Let's go to another shop...」

「Welcome! Are you looking for something in particular?!」

While we were hesitating near the entrance, a visibly cheerful clerk called out to us. Because Tricia and Maud immediately hid behind me, I had no choice but to handle it so we wouldn't look suspicious.

「Actually, we came to buy clothes for these two. However, it's our first time shopping in a large city and we don't know anything. I'd appreciate it if you could appropriately pick some things out for them, but could I ask you to do that?」

「Of course, that's perfectly fine! ...Oho! A boyish beauty, and an older-sister type beauty! I'll bring some clothes that look like they'd suit them!」

After looking over Tricia and Maud's entire bodies as if scanning them from head to toe, the clerk headed toward the sales floor in the back. She was selecting clothes that seemed to suit Tricia and Maud at an amazing speed, leaving us with no choice but to just watch.

「Could it be, it's no longer an atmosphere where we can just leave?」

「It's impossible. I'd feel bad if we left now, and I'd feel bad leaving without buying anything.」

「Ugh... we've been checkmated. It seems we have no choice but to make our purchases here.」

It seemed both Tricia and Maud had given up, having made up their minds to buy clothes here. I'm grateful she made them brace themselves, but if I had just come here normally, I'd hate it quite a bit. Psychologically, a feeling of guilt for not buying kicks in, and there's an atmosphere that makes it hard to pick out what you actually like yourself. I know it's out of goodwill, and it's helping us out immensely, but as I was harboring such thoughts while waiting... the clerk who had finished picking out the clothes returned.

「It's just a rough selection, but I've picked out a few items that seem like they would suit the two of you! There are fitting rooms in the back, so please try them on for real!」

「Is it okay to try them on? It doesn't mean we have to buy them once they're worn, right?」

「That's not the case at all! You don't have to buy anything that doesn't catch your fancy, so please feel free to try them on!」

If that's the case, there's no reason not to try them on. Not just whether it suits them or not, it's better to check the clothing sizes and such as well, so we decided to try them on without reserve.

Tricia and Maud timidly entered the fitting rooms while holding the clothes picked out for them. Thinking that they were changing right behind a single thin piece of cloth made me strangely nervous, but trying not to think about anything, I waited for the two to finish changing.

The first to finish changing and come out was Maud. An outfit combining high-waisted pants, a simple T-shirt, and a cap, which brought out Maud's good points.

「Graham-sama, does it suit me...?」

「It suits you so incredibly well I was surprised. That clerk really picked it out properly.」

「Thank goodness. I was scared because they were clothes I've never worn before, but if it suits me, I might be happy. I'll go change into the next outfit.」

Closing the curtain happily, Maud went to change into the next outfit. It was an outfit perfectly suited for Maud, making my heart skip a beat for a moment. As I lightly regulated my breathing, the curtain on Tricia's side opened right after Maud closed hers.

Tricia's outfit was completely different from Maud's. A fitted top and a loose flare skirt. The color tones were also subdued, which once again suited Tricia well.

「Graham-sama, how is it?」

「It suits you incredibly well. It matches your calm atmosphere, Tricia.」

「Really? I thought they were clothes that wouldn't suit me, so I'm glad to hear you say that.」

Tricia also smiled happily and returned to the fitting room. From there, Maud and Tricia took turns showing me the clothes they tried on, and without any flattery, all the clothes suited the two of them.

I initially had a negative impression of the store clerk, but understanding she was a professional at picking clothes, my evaluation changed 180 degrees. Partly because they suited them so well that it would be a waste to narrow it down, we purchased all the clothes she picked out and left the clothing store.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 321

Chapter 321

(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)

Invitation to the Demon Territory

Translator : PolterGlast

When our party arrived in Aegis, we dashed across the top of the city walls towards Teigoon and entered the Demon Territory from around the exit of the narrow path.

This is a secret, but this area is a place where mopping-up operations have been completed to some extent, and the temporary dangerous state has been overcome. Naturally, I have absolutely no intention of guiding them to the most dangerous places.

Also, during their stay so far, His Highness Grat, Sieghart, and the ten close attendants accompanying them have already received a test from the Commander to gauge their combat power, and a lecture on the taboos of the Demon Territory and how to deal with the main monsters that appear.

Similarly, His Majesty Krieger, who is accustomed to the Demon Territory, Marquis Flame, their ten attendants, and Her Highness Clarice have also received lectures on how to deal with monsters. Because as far as I know, the Demon Territory of the Fearalt Principality has different types of monsters living in it, and the methods to deal with them are also different.

「Is everyone ready? I will state this anew to everyone, but confronting monsters means putting your life on the line. No matter how skilled a person may be, if they do not know the established methods to deal with them, there is a possibility they will lose their life. Even I, who learned those methods, suffered serious injuries requiring the treatment of a Holy Mage many times when I first came here. Please never forget this fact.」

Everyone had a solemn expression... no, only Sieghart had a face that looked unbearably happy. What was surprising was that he too was quite skilled with a sword.

Not just him. His Highness Grat was even better, and I heard from the Commander that he was equivalent to a 'Sword Demon'. Sieghart is also in the 'Master Swordsman' class...

Could it be, what if I, who am speaking so self-importantly, am the weakest... Thinking so, I almost backed down for a moment.

And finally, the actual combat began.

First was dealing with a Black Wolf; these two were bewildered for just a moment by movements different from humans, but quickly adapted and dealt with it.

「As expected, the movements of those with abundant actual combat experience are completely different.」

The Commander was watching with relief to that extent. Well, just in case, I had Carleen and Lilia positioned in a shooting stance, ready to provide cover fire at any time.

On the other hand... His Majesty Krieger and Her Highness Clarice were truly unrivaled.

「My, my, they are unstoppable. His Majesty is probably in the 'Sword God' class, which has already become a legend in the Kingdom, and Her Highness is in the 'Sword Saint' class like Kaula, but they might grow even further from here.」

I mean, this muscle-brained couple is viciously strong... They're too much of a cheat.

「I thought it couldn't be true, but... the stories about Her Highness Clarice were true, huh.」

His Highness Grat was also watching their unrivaled performance with marvel. That being said, a veteran of many battles, while saying so, did not neglect his vigilance of the surroundings...

「You Imperial soldier there, get down!」

Despite being at the very front, an Imperial soldier attendant was carelessly staring in a daze at their unrivaled performance, and , Carleen's scream echoed out to him. At the same time, arrows from the Estol Bows were released by Carleen and Lilia.

Something sharp sliced through the air around the neck area of the Imperial soldier who crouched down a moment late—where his neck would have been if he were standing. Simultaneously, at the destination where the arrows were released, raising an ear-splitting shriek, a giant mantis-like monster, a Great Mantis, rampaged after taking the two arrows and undoing its camouflage.

At the same time, Carla charged in, severed both its scythes with a speed invisible to the eye, and finally cut off its head.

The Imperial soldier who had crouched reflexively just slumped down there, trembling.

「You, you were dead. Be careful. You were taught not to carelessly approach bushes, weren't you? Originally, that head rolling there would have been yours.」

Pointing at the head of the Great Mantis that Carla had cut off, rolling right in front of the Imperial soldier's eyes, Carleen admonished the Imperial soldier with flat words.

Since spending time with me, Carleen has grown remarkably. In a mentally tough direction...

Yes, this is not a place for gentle admonishments. Because if you let your guard down, you lose your life. Just like he did now...

「Fufufu, so these are Lord Takuhir's soldiers... Even the women are all terrifyingly strong. I can understand why they are said to be the strongest in the Kingdom. Also you, don't underestimate the Demon Territory. And don't forget to thank the one who saved your life.」

Sieghart admonished the soldier saying so.

「Indeed. If they undergo life-threatening training in such a place every day, it is understandable that elites would be born. And the materials... as expected, I want them.」

Seeing figures immediately setting up lookouts and some people stripping materials, the Third Prince also muttered a few words.

After that, we confronted the standard Demon Wolves, Demon Bears, Calydonian Boars, Hellhounds, and such, and finally called it a day when Her Highness Clarice took down a rare Cassowary.

In the end, His Majesty Krieger and Her Highness Clarice were unscathed, but this was merely because His Majesty was constantly backing up Her Highness. If she were alone, Her Highness, who swung her sword so far in front, would likely have sustained multiple injuries.

His Highness Grat and Sieghart had sustained some bruises. This was because they took the trees blown away by a Demon Bear head-on to protect the Imperial soldiers who had fallen behind them.

They rather moved cautiously and precisely.

Incidentally, the Imperial soldiers accompanying the two were injured raggedly, and everyone was taken care of by Marianne many times.

And on the return journey heading to Teigoon...

「Well, we obtained very much this time, and it was meaningful. I sincerely thank the Archduke.」

Saying so, the Third Prince bowed his head deeply to me. Then, looking keenly at the narrow path leading to the Abyss, he muttered.

「Both Glorious and Bradley are fools. To willingly try to enter such a death trap...」

「What would Your Highness do?」

Saying so, Sieghart smiled. As if testing his lord...

「Hmph! Do you intend it to be a test? I am not like them. The very act of leading a large army to invade such a place is a mistake. From the defender's perspective, isn't it a perfect location to annihilate a large army with a small force? Traps must be set everywhere; if it were me, I would promptly retreat and look for another avenue of attack.」

「I'm glad. That my lord is not an idiot.」

「As you can see. This guy is always like this. He's gauging my caliber like this. It's a wonder he served Glorious well with this.」

「I have no intention of having served him, though. I merely joined the camp out of obligation to my uncle. That person, unlike Your Highness, lacks the caliber to accept my proposals...」

「Hahaha, Your Highness, excuse me, but I think you are a good lord and vassal.」

I couldn't help but say so and laughed. And His Majesty Krieger also followed.

「Just as my friend says, everyone gathered here is an eccentric, all whimsical people who stepped out of troublesome customs. That is exactly why it is comfortable.」

「It seems everyone is like that.」

「Her Highness Clarice saying it as if it's someone else's business, Your Highness yourself is the prime example of that. I think it would be better if you were self-aware once in a while.」

At that, everyone laughed. I couldn't help but retort at her, who was acting aloof as if she herself was an exception.

「Lord Takuhir, feeling it anew this time, I ask by all means for the revival of the Demon Territory in the Empire territory as well. If we too can receive the blessings of the Demon Territory...」

Yeah, I know what you want to say. I know it all too well, but that's quite a tall order.

「There is just one thing I must convey to Your Highness. What the Demon Territory brings is not only blessings. There are also disasters.」

「Lord Takuhir, are you speaking of the great monster floods mentioned in history books?」

「Well... Lord Sieghart's point is also one of them. No, you could call it the precursor. Floods can be dealt with by human hands. But what it brings is a disaster that could not be dealt with by human hands.」

「You mean epidemics? An agonizing problem that occurs once every few decades in our country as well.」

「That is?」

「A massive outbreak of monsters can also become the source of a terrifying epidemic called Monster Disease. Until now, because the Kingdom was also powerless against that epidemic, many people lost their lives.」

「But that is a story of the past, right? I heard the Archduke's achievement was discovering the countermeasure for that...」

「As Her Highness Clarice says, certainly that is true in the southern frontier of the Kingdom. But... When we secretly investigated the plants that serve as the medicinal herbs necessary for that countermeasure, they were not in the Demon Territory on the eastern side of the Kingdom. In other words, there is a possibility they are not in the Fearalt Principality either.」

「That is?」

「His Majesty Krieger, do you remember entering the Demon Territory together with Her Highness and the others after the previous civil war ended? At that time, I requested the Holy Mage (Rosa) to investigate the vegetation and medicinal herbs within the Demon Territory. Although it couldn't be called a sufficient investigation, it did not lead to a discovery until the end. If so, our reliance is only on this Demon Territory and the small number of medicinal herbs the church is growing while keeping them secret...」

「I see... the church, huh... A troublesome bunch.」

「They probably won't easily sell the vested interests they hold. Also, it's obvious they will ask for an exorbitant price.」

「But we cannot replace our belly with our back (we must do whatever it takes).」

「The only bright topic is that we are independent from the Kingdom, so to speak, a land of extraterritoriality from the church's perspective. After this, if we win over the church within the Demon Territory Dukedom...」

「I see! Then I would like to request preparations for that. Of course, we will pay a sufficient price.」

「The Empire also, when the revival of the Demon Territory is accomplished, wants to pay the price including that point. We would definitely like to be added to that circle.」

「Understood. Let's lay the groundwork in advance so we can handle it that way.」

Right, should I win over Bishop Grace? And making the land where we newly attempt the revival of the Demon Territory in the new territory into a major cultivation area for those medicinal herbs is also a valid move.

Fortunately, there are churches in both the Fearalt Principality and the former Roland Kingdom territory of the Empire. Should I win over those areas too? But picking a fight with the Central Church... somehow feels troublesome in various ways.

While there were elements of anxiety, generally speaking, my mind was made up.

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