[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 2 - 4 Part 4

2-4 Part 4

The Strange Book Makes an Unreasonable Demand to Do 5 Laps Around the Stupidly Huge Imperial Capital

- The Capital Merchant Carral -

Translator : PolterGlast

“Wow... you’re strong. You beat them already...”

Numerically speaking, I am about 30% stronger than before. That slight power-up was enough to overwhelm my opponents. There are limits to human growth. The fact that I can so easily overcome them—is this the terrifying nature of Zirant’s Tome?

“These guys are one thing, but you are something else... that was actually quite reckless.”

“Don’t lump me in with them! Ah, but thanks for saving me. Now that you mention it, my life might have been in danger... Wow, scary.”

“Maybe. I won’t lecture you too much. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

“I’m Carral, Carral Hez. And you are, Big Brother?”

However, what should I do? I can’t exactly bury these villains right here. In the first place, I don’t even know if their evil is sufficient to warrant a death sentence.

“Shinza. It’s a fake name, though.”

“Starting off with a fake name right away? No way. So, what’s Shinza-san’s real name?”

“Well, more importantly, come here. Hurry.”

“Wah, you’re being a bit overly familiar! Ah...”

She’s cheerful, but carefree. The villains I had defeated began to stagger to their feet, so I shielded Carral Hez behind my back.

“You bastards better remember this... Don’t think you can do business in this Imperial Capital after making an enemy of Hyamar-sama!”

“Shinza! I’ve memorized that name! A-Ah, Big Bro...! You just wait, you bastard!”

It might be inappropriate, but I was moved. To think they would spew such textbook cliché escape lines; it’s just like a book from another world. Clutching their heads where they were struck by the Shovel, the villains left Carral Hez’s shop.

“Shinza, you’re strong! You were cool, just like an Ally of Justice!”

“No, not really. If anything, I’m on a losing streak.”

“No way. Are there people in this world stronger than Shinza!?”

“Of course there are. Just among my acquaintances, there are roughly two people I couldn't beat no matter how hard I struggled.”

Carral Hez looked younger than my seventeen years. Yet, she manages a shop; she is likely far smarter and more capable than I am.

She offered to treat me to tea as thanks and guided me to the back of the shop, where we talked for a while as I rested my feet. It was a black, astringent, yet delicious tea. According to her, it was an imported good from the West.

“It might be strange coming from me after chasing them off, but maybe you should accept their demands.”

“Eh, I don't want to. Even if it’s Shinza’s suggestion, that’s impossible.”

“But at this rate, you’ll be killed. Hyamar has connections to the Imperial Family. If they felt like it, they could overturn laws.”

“I know that! But I can’t back down now. My big brother... he was done in by them... so I have to fight!”

The thug earlier mentioned something about that. So she won’t break even after her brother was killed? It is admirable, but undoubtedly reckless. At the same time, it made me keenly realize just how bad the corruption in the Imperial Family had become.

“I suppose I should stop with the talk that makes the tea taste bad... But tell me one last thing. Do you know who is behind Hyamar?”

“That’s famous in our industry. It’s the Emperor’s younger brother, Lord Morak. Hyamar is connected to him and doing whatever he pleases. Sigh, it’s unbelievable, right...?”

“That guy... No, I agree. It is an unbelievable act of folly.”

I knew my uncle was a miser. But I never thought he had gone so far astray. If Brother Georg knew, he would surely say: “You disgrace to the Imperial Family.”

---

Deciding that I would convey this story to my brother, and if possible, to the Emperor, I left the Hez Trading Company run by Carral. From there, it was the remaining three-quarters of a lap. I switched gears and enjoyed a stroll through the Imperial Capital.

I bought and ate a sweet muffin at a sweets shop filled with women. I downed some apple juice that had a refreshing flavor of sweetness and acidity, and ate a stewed tendon dish. Before I knew it, it was night.

“Hey, that guy...”

“What is that, he’s glowing...?”

“He ran away!”

Before I knew it, I had reached the North Gate. Upon achieving my goal, I simultaneously became the famous Mr. Firefly of the Guild. Thanks to that, I had to drag my tired body and flee into the back alleys of the dark night.

Zirant, you backed down quickly last time, but I really can’t tolerate this... Do something about it, please...

By the way, just before opening the book, a strange sensation ran through me. As the light faded, the fatigue in my body rapidly drained away, replaced by a sense of liberation.

---

— Exploration —

·         【Lap the Imperial Capital 5 times】 (Completed)

·         Completion Reward: VIT +50 (Received)

·         “Your version of 5 laps around the Imperial Capital. I have started craving soup pasta as well.”

---

— Table of Contents —

·         【Name】 Ashley

·         【Lv】 6 → 6

·         【Exp】 515 → 555

·         【STR】 17 → 17

·         【VIT】 33 → 83

·         【DEX】 26 → 26

·         【AGI】 17 → 17

·         “Rejoice, from today onward you are a tough man.”

---

Opening the book in question, it made sense; the physical strength indicator VIT had increased by 50. In other words, my stamina had jumped up nearly 2.5 times, meaning my body had become that much more resistant to fatigue.

Stamina is the foundation of foundations required for all actions; the significance of gaining this capital is huge. No, wait. That is fine, but I noticed that even more unreasonable demands had been added to the book.

---

— Exploration —

·         【Lap the Imperial Capital another 10 times】

·         Completion Reward: VIT +100

·         “You may run, provided you do not destroy your legs.”

---

— Business —

·         【Rebuild the Management of Hez Trading Company】

·         Completion Reward: DEX +50

·         “Show me you can do what you can, at the very least.”

---

Setting aside the former, there is no way I would understand business. This is another instance of excess absurdity; I covered my face, sticky with sweat, in bewilderment.

Moreover, Carral Hez has a troublesome enemy. Can something really be done with just my level of assistance...? There is only one thing I know. This challenge has a time limit for completion.

If I am late in dealing with it, that cheerful Carral Hez will be erased from this world. In other words, it is decided that completion will become impossible.

---

【Tome of the Evil Dragon】

---

— Adventure —

·         【Complete 3 Jobs at the Adventurer's Guild】

·         Completion Reward: EXP 450 / ???

---

— Exploration —

·         【Lap the Imperial Capital another 10 times】

·         Completion Reward: VIT +100

---

— Business —

·         【Rebuild the Management of Hez Trading Company】

·         Completion Reward: DEX +50

---

— Purge —

·         【Bury 1 Villain】

·         Completion Reward: EXP 200 / Shovel LV +1

---

— Investment —

·         【Spend a total of 10,000 Crowns】 518 / 10000

·         Completion Reward: EXP 1000 / Premonition of an Encounter

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Abnormal Morale

Translator : PolterGlast

We repelled the second through fourth waves without difficulty, and also succeeded in annihilating the fifth wave, the Beast Corps made up of beast-type monsters. The composition of the Demon King's Army itself is very similar to the one that attacked Fuuro Village, but without Elder Lich Wiseperson or the Fenrir Lord, the quality of the monsters is significantly inferior, so we aren't struggling to defeat them.

...However, I can tell that Ginia and Aoi, who are protecting my back, are nearing their limits. We've been fighting monsters at a high pace up to now, and even though they are only handling the rear and the monsters were limited in number, the two of them have already fought over fifty monsters.

I feel like I'm just getting started, but... returning once to focus on recovering stamina is likely the correct move. I'll ask the adventurers waiting above to handle the battle with the enemy's sixth wave, and I will support them with long-range attacks from above.

I'll have Ginia and Aoi focus on recovering their stamina, and from the seventh wave onwards, we'll take down everything up to the enemy's supreme commander in one go. Having decided that, I concisely told Ginia and Aoi that we were returning once, and we pulled back before the next army of monsters arrived.

We hurried back to the high ground where everyone was waiting, but... the atmosphere of the place was clearly strange. There were even people crying for some reason, and even Salis, whose selling point is her calmness, seemed excited.

"...What on earth is this atmosphere?"

"They are inspired by Graham's fighting style! I was still completely underestimating Graham's power! I am truly sorry!"

Salis, who spoke as if rattling off words, bowed deeply to me for some reason. I wanted to calmly and quickly convey the current situation and have them handle the sixth wave, but I was bewildered by the momentum, which felt like they were about to raise a victory cry already.

"Wait a minute. The battle isn't over yet. I came back because I have a favor to ask, but are you in a state to listen?"

"A request for us? —Of course we accept! Ask anything!"

"Their stamina is nearing its limit, so I want to take a break. So, I want to ask everyone to handle the next incoming wave. If you can hold off this army, we will finish off the rest."

"Handle the next army............ Of course we'll do it! We've mostly just been standing here watching until now! Not just me, but everyone was wishing to be of even a little use! We will deal with it with our lives on the line!"

Everyone responded to Salis's uncharacteristically forceful words with voices close to war cries. The members of the Royal Capital group, other than the White Phoenix—like the Red Roses and Sakura Nostra, whom I thought we didn't have good relationships with—seemed to be fired up as well... I'm really curious what kind of conversations took place while we were fighting.

"I’m worried you might get ahead of yourself and spin your wheels, but seeing you like this, I think I can leave it to you. ...Sorry, but I'm counting on you for a short while. I’ll make sure to provide solid support from a distance."

"There is no human who wouldn't be fired up after seeing a battle like that! We will definitely crush them, so please focus on recovering! —Alright then, let's go!"

"""Oooooh!"""

Answering Salis's words, the S-Rank adventurers charged into the approaching sixth wave. Salis, whom I assumed would stay up here and send instructions, was running at the very front, and the difference in enthusiasm made me the bewildered one.

Amidst that, the one shouting with the highest tension was the Guild Master, his eyes bloodshot to a scary degree. He was right behind Salis and was about to charge forward, but... I stopped him to have him care for Ginia and Aoi.

"Guild Master, please don't go. I want to ask you to care for the two of them."

"...Ugugugu. I wanted to release these boiling feelings! —But, as expected, Graham-san's request takes top priority."

"Thank you. I'm counting on you."

After thanking the Guild Master, who stopped while grinding his teeth, I looked down from above at Salis and the others who had descended. Truthfully, it would probably be optimal for me to join the fight rather than sticking to support, but ultimately, my priority is protecting Ginia and Aoi.

That is the reason I decided to stay up here. However, I intend to provide maximum support so that not a single person dies, and I plan to be ready to rush in if an emergency arises.

"……That was truly incredible. The way you fought was so impressive that even a non-expert like me could tell just how amazing it was."

"You can say that again! I was moved to tears, and my insides are still burning hot!"

"I was just fighting normally, but I'm glad... I guess? More importantly, thank you for staying behind even though you probably wanted to support your comrades."

The healer of the White Phoenix had remained up here and was caring for Ginia and Aoi together with the Guild Master. Fighting without a healer must be tough, and as a healer, she must be worried about her comrades. I truly can't thank her enough.

"It is what Julian, our leader, decided, and all members believe this is the best choice, so it's fine! Besides... the White Phoenix will manage somehow as long as Julian is there."

Even though it felt like they treated him roughly, trust in Julian was conveyed in every word. With her saying it so definitively, I don't feel guilty, and including that, I am truly grateful.

"I've thought this for a while, but the White Phoenix is a good party."

"Thank you very much. We get praised often, but being praised by Graham-san is the happiest I've ever been."

"I'm happy you're lifting me up, but I'm really not that big of a deal."

"No, no! If Graham-san isn't a big deal, then what about the other humans! I declare it! You are overwhelmingly number one, including your personality!"

"Thank you too, Guild Master, for always praising me. ...It's about to start, so let's focus soon."

Feeling embarrassed by the two praising me without restraint, I cut the conversation short and turned my gaze to the sixth wave. They were steadily approaching the adventurers lying in wait below, and the battle would start very soon. While feeling more nervous than fighting myself, I waited for the battle to begin.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 218

Chapter 218

(Kyle Calendar Year 512: Age 19)

Darkness Stirring in the West

Translator : PolterGlast

Spring arrived across the entire Kingdom of Kyle. Though flowers were blooming in the fields and gentle sunlight began to shine down, two men exchanged words in a dimly lit room where all the windows had been intentionally sealed.

"Now then, I have shifted your placement from the east to the west and entrusted you with the response on the western frontier, but how does it feel?"

The old man sitting in the chair spoke to the young man kneeling beside him.

"Following Milord's orders, I am currently building a track record as a servant attending Margrave Clantiff. Though I am still but a mere attendant, I am making arrangements to entrap him slowly and surely."

"Ho ho ho, how reliable. From the Kingdom's side, you will incite them, and eventually, that person will go to the Principality's side to do the same. You will both agitate them from both sides."

"Regarding that... is that guy usable? In the past, including his father, they devised grand strategies, but all ended in failure..."

The young man conveyed his thoughts to the old man called 'Milord' while distorting his expression as if to show disgust.

This man was the one who, in the past, infiltrated the Imperial Kingdom of Istria following his master's orders, served beside Cardinal Castro, and incited the Cardinal according to the will of the Clan of Darkness.

"Hmph, I actually evaluated his strategies reasonably well. Normally, the Hiyorimi clan's strategies were calculated to be almost entirely successful. It would have been justifiable to say that losing would have been more difficult."

"However..."

"Indeed. There were two brats who did unnecessary things we hadn't anticipated. Because they maneuvered so skillfully, everything went awry. The east, which you were in charge of, suffered an unexpectedly disastrous defeat, and the Empire's brat plotted unnecessary schemes. So, saying everything was his fault might be harsh."

"Ha! I apologize. The disgraceful behavior in the east is my responsibility. I feel deeply ashamed of my own incompetence."

"No, no, even I didn't think the east would end in such a way. But next time, we won't let those two brats do as they please. This time, we have factored even their movements into our plans."

Saying this, the old man laughed with a cruel intensity.

"I am grateful to Milord for giving me the opportunity to clear my name. So, when will he enter the Principality?"

"Hmm... the current groundwork is already complete. Therefore, he will likely cross over to the Principality by autumn and carefully guide those fools. Until then, you just need to thoroughly inflame the Margrave and the two Marquises. How is the progress on that front?"

"It seems the four Marquises have realized the gravity of their punishment only now, as if just waking up. The two Marquises of the west—Water and Fire—whom I am in charge of, must have felt impatient seeing their own rapid downfall. They are desperately sending letters through their daughters and aunts. Messengers disguised as merchants are frequently flowing toward the Principality via the Margrave."

"Fufufufu, how comical. Without knowing that their wings have already been plucked and they can no longer fly, they dream of soaring through the vast sky. Fallen birds can never rise again..."

After those words, the two laughed in low voices, despising them.

"According to what I've heard, the arrogant brat seems to have made even more enemies in the Principality. The disgruntled nobles of both countries hate the brat, King Kyle who stands behind him, and the King of the Principality who clings to him, viewing them all as birds of a feather. It seems he has more than sufficiently fulfilled the role of further fanning hostility within the Principality."

"Ho ho ho, it was my setup that incited the disgruntled nobles to provoke the brat. As a result of feeding them false information and only the facts convenient for them, they moved magnificently."

"What! Milord had already gone that far! I feel as if I have once again touched a glimpse of Milord's thoroughness and deep foresight."

"We haven't spent these two years idly, after all. That Clantiff fellow must be seething too, no?"

"Yes. From the beginning, he openly declared that his duties as the Margrave of the West were being infringed upon. But when he heard the story of the brat who, as a special envoy, fulfilled his duties for the time being and received enormous gifts from the Principality, he was even more enraged. He believes that the gifts he should have rightfully received were snatched away by an upstart brat."

"Good, good, just as we planned. Even small fires of envy and hatred toward others, when piled up, become a blaze, and eventually a conflagration that will burn everything, including oneself and the surroundings."

"Ha! I will devote myself to it. By the way, is it alright to leave our puppet in the east as is?"

"Indeed. The current Imperial Kingdom is useless. The defense of this country's eastern frontier was strengthened significantly in the previous war, and the arrows the Imperial Kingdom takes pride in are broken and cannot be rebuilt for the time being. Yes, that is likely what the world thinks."

"Then... making them think that, what is the reality?"

"Just as you guessed. The east, which shouldn't be able to move, will move—and by unexpected means at that. If that happens, even if they cannot win, it could serve as an opportunity to corner the Kingdom of Kyle and lead it to destruction. Plots are things where one always prepares two or three moves ahead."

"Incredible! Then... Master has a plan for that as well?"

"There are probably those within the Kingdom wise enough to fear a two-front war from the south and west. But who decided there are only two fronts? Only when things that shouldn't happen occur will they be thrown into confusion and lose the opportunity to deal with it appropriately.

The seeds you continued to sow in the Imperial Kingdom have borne fruit and are already just waiting for the harvest. If it's just that, a substitute could serve well enough. Will we be able to harvest that fruit soon?"

"I am in awe of the stratagem Milord devised yourself. I shall strive even harder in my mission in the west."

"I have high expectations of you, the one who should succeed me."

The figures of the two vanished into the darkness, leaving only the candle flame flickering slightly in the dimly lit room.

---

Even in a land far from the western frontier, men were exchanging conversations in a dimly lit room resembling a dungeon.

"Milord, it was perfect timing. The fact that Milord visited me means your resolve has firmed, yes?"

"Hmph! Such a thing does not firm up so easily. I am one who pledges loyalty to the Kingdom. I am not one to easily ride on your invitation."

"That is incorrect. I should have told you many times. Milord's loyalty is directed toward your family, is it not? toward that which once held a glorious position in this Kingdom.

If so, I can assert that my thoughts are the same. We too are merely utilizing the Empire's succession struggle temporarily to restore our ancestral royal lands, which are now distorted, to their former state. Afterward, we will kick the Empire's lot aside, and Milord will have your name roar across this country as a symbol of restored power. And the revival of your family, which Milord desired, will be achieved."

"..."

"It is natural to be troubled, but as I told you, the fate of this country is already decided. Please consider what is the path to repay your ancestors who connected your glorious lineage. Will you share the fate of the Kingdom that disparaged Milord's house, or will you revive the Kingdom even if you bear temporary disgrace? The rest depends on Milord's decision."

"Hmph, I am different from him. There is no reason for you to remain here anymore. Go wherever you like. Though I doubt there is anyone who would accept a great sinner like you."

"Then, Milord, I shall take my leave now, but we shall likely meet during the battle to capture the Royal Capital. For we shall hasten to join you leading an army from the west."

"Wh-What! From the west? D-Don't tell me, the Principality too..."

"As I said earlier, the Kingdom is already checkmated. There is no future for this Kingdom. Also, allow me to correct just one point of your words. Does the place I go, the place where I should be accepted, necessarily have to be within the Kingdom? There are places abroad where I am needed."

"..."

The man who had been conversing with him stared blankly as Lugner bowed respectfully and left. The hatred he had hidden deep in his heart for so long began to move in a certain direction, seizing this opportunity.

"There is no room left for me to achieve military merit and rise in rank; my future has already collapsed—is that it? And the future of the Kingdom as well..."

After hanging his head and muttering, he raised his face again.

"There aren't many paths left for my dearest wish... huh. Well, fine. I may be a clown, but he doesn't seem to know that he himself is nothing more than a clown. It's just a matter of who can dance madly until the end."

Muttering this, the man called 'Milord' smiled, as if he had steeled himself for something.

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