[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 8 - 1

8-1

Extra Chapter: The Emperor and the Evil Dragon

Translator : PolterGlast

Recap of the Previous Chapter

Having ordered Jii to send a message to Georg and the Hez Company, Ashley, Atomina, and Dulin headed for the Duke Aion's territory.

However, on the forest road just before their arrival, they were attacked by a bandit group connected to their aunt, Du-Neil. But there was no one who could match the current Ashley and the Iron-Cutting Shovel he unleashed.

Upon entering the Duke Aion territory, they were welcomed by the current head, Jake-Lizas. They took refuge in a tower at his mansion, and a peaceful life continued for a while amidst vigilance.

During this time, Ashley was consulted by his brother-in-law Jake regarding his sister Atomina. The couple's relationship had deteriorated. The cause of everything was the Manor Expansion Law. Atomina opposed treating the people in the manors like slaves.

However, the Duke's soldiers attacked the tower. Thanks to Zirant's actions and Ashley's rush to the scene, they succeeded in protecting Dulin.

The culprit was Jake's father, the former Duke, Abraham, who held the real power; even Jake, who rushed to the scene, opposed his father's surprise attack.

With Jake acting as a shield for Dulin, Ashley turned the tables on the enemy forces. Eventually, he suppressed the former Duke, but the man audaciously took Princess Atomina hostage.

It almost turned into the worst-case scenario, but then his brother Georg appeared. Georg retrieved Atomina, and with his martial valor and reputation as the Empire's Strongest, he completely stripped the enemy of their will to fight, bringing the battle to an end.

However, the problem between Atomina and Jake-Lizas remained unsolved. Princess Atomina decided to separate from her husband and leave the Duke Aion territory.

It was the Emperor who had dispatched Georg. Under the Emperor's name, this incident was settled. That very Emperor now wanted to meet Ashley, whom he had continued to shun. That was proof that the Emperor was ill and was beginning to settle the accounts of his own life.

――――――――――――

A Certain Imperial Father and Son

――――――――――――

8-1 Side Story: The Emperor and the Evil Dragon

My time is running out. I have lived carrying an illness for a long time, but far from signs of improvement, the shadow of death has revealed itself before me.

I am the Emperor of this country. My death means the end of an era. Chaos will likely visit this orderly Empire.

I tried to be a good king. I believed in righteous conduct and contributed to the prosperity of the Empire. The most painful part was that the path of the ideal Emperor I believed in required discarding family affection.

I had a woman I loved. She passed away quickly, but she bore one child with me. His name is Ashley.

I despaired at Ashley. The child born alongside the death of my beloved wife had an appearance that resembled no race on this earth. A red dragon eye, a white arm. A light burned in that dragon eye, looking like a being from the evil Abyss...

I clung to the illusion of being a good king, not Ashley's parent. The Emperor's child must not be a deformed monster. I had to protect the Imperial Family's authority at all costs; otherwise, the world would fall into disorder, and many people would suffer.

I was wrong. My illness taught me that. My life was a banal one. I, no... I did not give affection to my family. After pushing aside my brothers and becoming Emperor, I lived only as an Emperor.

What a boring life. A farmer who owns his own field, tills it, protects his wife and child, and lives together with the earth would have had a far better life.

I envy Ashley. I am the one who drove him into such circumstances, yet I envy him so much. His figure, living freely and wildly in the city... Ashley, the child of the only wife I ever loved. Before I die, I simply want you to forgive me. Using being Emperor as an excuse, I... ran away from you.

『Emperor, can you hear my voice? Can you see my form? My name is the Evil Dragon Zirant, the one who has watched over the history of the Empire.』

I heard a voice. Surprised, I turned my head, and a young girl was standing by my pillow. Oh... but staring into those eyes, I was paralyzed, even my thoughts freezing like a frog glared at by a snake.

"That... eye... Ash... ley..."

『Do Ashley and I resemble each other that much? I do not possess such a divine white arm, though. Kukuku...』

"Do you... know... him...?"

『Aye, I know him well. However, Emperor, it seems the time has come. Your life is about to run out.』

She was too beautiful and young to be a Grim Reaper. For a friend of Ashley, she was an overly divine, mysterious girl.

『Listen. The future of this country is terribly dark, Emperor. After all, the only decent royals are Georg, Atomina, or perhaps Ashley. But Georg and Ashley are far from the throne. I shall prophesy: when you die, a civil war will begin...』

"Regrettable... Where... did I make... a mistake...?"

『It is fine. Corrections can still be made. Give Ashley a chance. That prodigal son might dislike it, but give him the freedom to call himself a Prince. And the right of succession befitting a seventh son. After that, I will look after Ashley. In your place.』

"You... will...? Look after... Ashley...?"

『I promise to watch over Ashley until death, no, even beyond death. Because Ashley's form is the very proof of the Imperial Family's pure blood. Ashley is not a deformity; that is your son. That form appears only from the bloodline of the Emperor.』

"My... child... Ashley is... my child...?"

『Naturally. And you, whose time is short, should understand: the precariousness of this Empire. The predicament of your beloved Ashley. I am Zirant, the very history of this Empire. Right now, this country is on the brink of collapse. The only one who can unite it is the true throwback to the First Emperor: Ashley. Protect Ashley; that is the final fate left to you, Emperor.』

A woman with dragon eyes who says she will watch over the son I practically abandoned. She calls herself an Evil Dragon, yet she is divine, reliable, and above all, I felt her affection for my son.

"I stake it... Zirant, upon you, I... shall stake this life..."

If she says she will protect that child, I will offer my soul even to an Evil Dragon. Even if he is despised as an abomination, I swore to stake my life on this dragon who acknowledged that as the true form of the Imperial Family and even saved my heart.

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Unease

Translator : PolterGlast

I decided to put the answer regarding the Dragon Zombie on hold for the time being. That night, after completing the requests the receptionist had picked out for us, we headed to our usual tavern. Over drinks, we discussed what to do about the subjugation request.

" I'm not really keen on it, though! I mean, Guanza treated us terribly, so what gives him the right to come asking for help now with a straight face?! ...That's how I feel, anyway!"

"As I said earlier, this isn't a request from Guanza, but a favor asked by Guild Master Dwayne. Besides, the ones in trouble aren't Guanza, but the people living in Klingark."

"I would like to go. I don't know what kind of monster a Dragon Zombie is, but if it can be defeated, I want to fight it."

Opinion was split right down the middle between Aoi and Ginia. Incidentally, I share the same concerns as Ginia: it comes down to whether she and Aoi can actually defeat a Dragon Zombie.

I’ve fought Dragons a few times, and every battle was a struggle. Especially the Ancient Dragon I fought during my last encounter; it cost me an arm, after all... Even if this one isn't on the level of an Ancient Dragon, I still have my doubts about bringing Aoi and Ginia along to face such a dangerous threat.

"Even so, I'm just not convinced! ...Well, if you two are going, I'm definitely tagging along!"

"By the way, exactly how strong is a Dragon Zombie?"

"I don't know its exact strength. There are various species of Dragons, and their power varies greatly depending on the type. The one that took my arm was a Dragon species, too. —However, I can say with certainty that there are no weak individuals."

"Then isn't it not worth the risk? If we defeat it and Guanza uses that achievement to return to being a Guild Master... I wouldn't be able to forgive that!"

"That won't happen. I'm going because it's a request from the Guild Master, not him."

Aoi seemed stuck on a completely different issue, but even if she didn't come, I planned to go handle the subjugation alone. If it’s a zombie of a powerful Dragon species, leaving it be could result in a country being wiped off the map if things went poorly.

"I'm just worried that if we tag along, we might be a burden. Graham-san, you've already decided to go, haven't you?"

"Ehh?! Graham is going!?"

"Yeah, I've already decided to go. This discussion is to decide whether you two are coming with me."

"Then I'm going! If Graham is going to kill it, I should go too!"

"I think I’ve said this many times, but it’s an incredibly dangerous opponent."

"Hmm, but Graham will protect us, right!"

It sounds absurdly like she's treating this as someone else's problem... but well, I suppose another way to look at it is that I just need to do my best to keep the two of them safe. There were no longer any monsters in this area that could serve as practice for Ginia and Aoi, and I had always wanted them to fight stronger opponents.

"...Alright. I promise to protect your lives. What about you, Ginia?"

"If you say it's okay, Graham-san, then I want to come too! I want to see this Dragon Zombie monster, and it might be a strange emotion, but I have a desire to fight it."

"I don't think it's a strange emotion. You've both definitely gotten stronger, so wanting to test your skills is a perfectly normal feeling."

"Is... that so? It’s an emotion the old me wouldn't have believed possible. If you say I can come, then please take me with you!"

"Alright. We'll accept the Dragon Zombie subjugation request and head to the city of Klingark, the three of us."

After our discussion, it was decided that we would all go. Identifying the type of Dragon was the top priority, but I wanted to let the two of them defeat it if possible.

"I wasn't keen on it at first, but now that I think about it as a three-person expedition, I'm getting super excited!"

"Aoi, you really do prioritize your emotions."

"I mean, it feels like it's been a surprisingly long time!"

"Graham-san has been going on expeditions alone, and he hasn't taken us along recently."

"It's common to go somewhere and find nothing, you know. It’s foolish to spend all that time traveling for nothing. If you two could move faster, I'd happily take you along."

Regarding my solo trips, a large part of it couldn't be helped. If there was some good means of transportation, I might consider purchasing it.

"If you say that, we just have to work hard to get faster!"

"Please, prioritize getting stronger first."

"By the way, are we going to take our time getting there this time?"

"Yeah. The city of Klingark seems to be quite far away. Just like when we went to the Royal Capital, I plan to take a carriage and pass through a few towns on the way."

"Carriage trips are great! The food in the towns we stop at is always fun too!"

From there, the conversation shifted to what we would eat, and the drinking party continued late into the night. Despite everything I said to Aoi, I was also very much looking forward to traveling with the three of us. However, I wouldn't let my guard down; I intended to prepare thoroughly until the day of the expedition.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 258

Chapter 258

Southern Front ⑫ - Battle for Ishtar (The War Commenced)

Translator : PolterGlast

After the First Prince, who conducted the dawn surprise attack, received an unexpected counterattack and temporarily withdraw his battle lines, he spoke to a man waiting at the main camp.

"Now then, Lord Kyrias, you've had many obscure tasks until now, like guiding us through the Demon Territory and night guard duty at the encampment, and haven't had time to establish military merit, have you? Therefore, I now grant you a new mission."

"..."

Kyrias was silent. And he resolved himself to the fact that the First Prince's intention was for him to turn his blade against his compatriots again.

"Our army has already advanced about 20,000 troops from the Demon Territory into enemy territory and is in the process of capturing the land called Ishtar. You are to attack the barrier leading to that land from the Demon Territory side. Since it will be a pincer attack from inside and outside the barrier, it will also be an opportunity to establish military merit. Furthermore, when that brat's army heads for rescue, intercept and annihilate them."

"Understood."

Muttering briefly, Kyrias understood he was being sent to his death. Although it is an overwhelmingly advantageous pincer attack superior in numbers, there is a sufficient possibility that Kyrias himself will be pincer-attacked by the garrison defending the barrier and the Demon Territory Count's army rushing for reinforcements.

Moreover, the possibility that the opponent is not the Demon Territory Count's army but a horde of monsters is also high.

To Kyrias, who hid his displeased expression and answered with a bow, the First Prince continued.

"Lord Kyrias, do not worry so much. I intend to highly evaluate your caliber for guiding us safely this far. My subordinate Iron Cavalry are lurking at the intermediate point heading to the barrier, sharpening their claws to destroy the Demon Territory Count instantly if he sends reinforcements. You only need to look forward and fight."

"Y-Yes, gratefully..."

The First Prince's true intentions are still unknown. But it didn't seem like he intended to just use him and his army as bait. Kyrias pulled himself together and began moving, leading 1,000 soldiers. Yes, including casualties, about 400 subordinates have already left him or parted ways raising objections to his actions.

"I cannot die yet. Not until I achieve my great ambition. However, I wonder how many soldiers will follow me to the end... But in this battle, the soldiers' hearts will also harden. Knowing that we have already entered the path of carnage from which there is no turning back."

Muttering self-mockingly, he stood at the head of his army and began to march.

---

Around the time the sun rose and began to brightly color the earth, there was a group of men and horses clearing the cliffs and defensive facilities like abatis set up in the mountainous area separating the former Viscount Hiyorimi territory and the Demon Territory, breaking through to the Demon Territory Count's domain.

"Listen up! This is the last difficult spot. All Iron Cavalry dismount and leave your armor to the supply train and infantry! Just pay attention so the horses don't slip or go wild! Beyond this lies a plain sufficient for us to gallop to our hearts' content and raise military exploits. Men, rouse yourselves now!"

Responding to Duke Harry's rallying cry, the army advanced through steep slopes and narrow paths. Relying only on the expectation that they could rampage to their hearts' content ahead, they clenched their teeth and traversed the difficult mountainous area.

And their hardship was eventually rewarded. Because before their eyes, having passed through the mountains, a gently sloping plain with good visibility spread out.

"Your Highness, we have finally achieved it. Men! The time of hardship is over. Now is the time to make the Kingdom's guys realize the terror of the Imperial Army Iron Cavalry!"

Duke Harry urged the rousing of the troops under his command, reaching as many as 19,000.

---

Similarly, as the morning sun illuminated the surroundings, there were those who couldn't grasp the situation of what was happening now and were confused.

"There is no mistake in the flags, right?"

"Yes, two balloons: Red-Red-Blue, and Yellow-Red-Blue!"

"Attack started by enemy forces on both the barrier and Ishtar; be on guard... is it?"

"Shall we send a messenger to ask the Demon Territory Count his true intent?"

Neither the barrier nor Ishtar is currently under enemy attack. Scouts have confirmed up to the point that part of the enemy infantry attached to the mountainous area and subsequently built a bridgehead there.

Count Gorman himself had released scouts several times, but the enemy patrol line was strong, and he hadn't been able to confirm the enemy's movements since yesterday.

And now, he received a signal from Aegis that normally he or the Ishtar side should have issued. The true intention of the Demon Territory Count who ordered it is... After hesitating for a moment, Count Gorman decided.

"It is the command of the Supreme Commander (Demon Territory Count)! Raise two balloons: Yellow-Z Flag, and Red-Red-Blue! All barrier garrison troops, assume interception positions toward both inside and outside the barrier immediately! The enemy is coming soon!"

---

Unlike the barrier (Gorman) which receives balloon signals directly from the Demon Territory Count, the Ishtar side received strange signals and was even more confused. Representing the generals lined up at the main camp, Count Solis asked the commander, Baronet Bauner (Alexis).

"Commander, what do you think of the strange signal from the barrier?"

"Well, I think that is relaying a signal from the Supreme Commander, not from the barrier. One of the two balloons was Barrier (Yellow) and Z-flag, after all."

"Hmm, then it is an even stranger story. The fact that the Supreme Commander on a distant battlefield announces the start of an attack on Ishtar itself will be a source of confusion for the soldiers. Immediately after receiving the flags, we selected fast scouts and sent horses toward the barrier, but..."

"Viscount Cornell, thank you for your response. For now, let's raise Red and Z-flag balloons too. And issue a notice to shift from combat standby to combat readiness."

"Is it not a mistake on the barrier side?"

Among the lined-up generals, squad commanders with the status of Baronet or Knight raised voices of objection. They are neither Alexis's subordinates nor Takuhir's subordinates.

In the rewards for the previous civil war, Count Solis and Viscount Cornell's territories more than doubled at once. In the process of rapidly increasing territory, they employed soldiers who had shown submission even under the former lords or abolished neighboring nobles, including those called quasi-nobles like Knights and Baronets, adding them to their subordinates.

Serving new lords, they faced this battle, their first opportunity to raise military exploits, with quite rough breathing (eagerness).

However, the commander of the area army they belonged to was not their respective lords, the Count or Viscount, but Alexis, a quasi-noble who could be said to be of equal rank. They were indignant and disappointed about that.

Of course, they understood it was a personnel appointment reflecting the Supreme Commander's will, but they couldn't behave like Count Solis or Viscount Cornell, who accepted the appointment calmly and followed the command of someone lower in rank.

"I do not think Count Gorman, a hero of many battles, would do something that invites such confusion on the battlefield. Furthermore, the movement of the enemy army that attached to the mountainous area yesterday is still unknown. Normally, it wouldn't be strange if they had already attacked either here or the barrier."

"Can a large army, let alone cavalry, cross that mountainous area! Moreover, Aegis protected by the Supreme Commander is impregnable; it stands to reason that the enemy main force is in the Aegis sector to attack there. Besides, didn't yesterday's report say Aegis was superior!"

"I'm sorry, but this is not a place to hear your opinions. You will follow the instructions issued according to my responsibility. Is that acceptable?"

"..."

『Really, this is why I hated it. I hated status and complicated hierarchies from the start. Ideally, I'd want to leave command to Count Solis, the highest ranking... But that person is more of a fierce general, possessing talent to be active on the front lines... Thanks to Takuhir-dono saying something unnecessary before the battle, it's even harder to do...』

Alexis muttered in his heart. Takuhir's unnecessary remark; that was when he formally introduced Alexis to Count Solis after the final general meeting adjourned the other day.

『Father, he is an exceptional talent who will become a son-in-law of the Solis family in the near future. Please support him. Chrisia strongly desires it. Please...』

Faced with Count Solis, whose jaw dropped in too much astonishment, Alexis, usually cheerful and aloof, didn't know how to react and was choked for words.

While Alexis was recalling such things, a report that changed the flow of this meeting was brought in.

"Urgent report! Urgent report from the scout released earlier! About 10,000 soldiers are advancing toward the barrier! It seems they will enter combat soon!"

"T-Ten thousand, you say! Did the enemy army divert as many as ten thousand troops here? Isn't that three times our entire army!"

"Commander! I advise sending reinforcements immediately. If the barrier falls, the enemy will invade the Demon Territory Count's domain from there. Count Gorman's army alone won't hold!"

"Is everyone's opinion the same?"

The commanders gathered there, except for the three including Alexis, stood up.

Count Solis, Viscount Cornell, and other veteran commanders had their arms crossed and eyes closed. Most likely, though not putting it into words, they feel the same anxiety Alexis feels.

Aral, assigned by Takuhir as commander of the Ishtar garrison, remained silent with an expression suggesting that everything should be as per Alexis's instructions.

"Just to confirm. The enemy army is about 10,000, and all infantry?"

"Yes, exactly as the Commander says."

The scout invited into the assembly hall replied confidently.

"Then, select skilled cavalry from each unit and send 1,000 reinforcements. Each cavalryman is to equip mounting harnesses, and advance with Estoll Bows and spare crossbows loaded and safety locks on. I would like Count Solis to take the trouble of being the commander; would that be acceptable?"

"Understood. All forces! Prepare for departure immediately!"

"Yes, sir!"

Those who had looked dissatisfied until now also raised loud voices in high spirits hearing that Count Solis would go out as commander.

『Really, what calculating people.』 Alexis thought so, but of course, he didn't put it into words.

Actually, all soldiers in the Demon Territory Count's domain are trained as cavalry to enable rapid action.

Also, as a result of accepting combat training for Mages from the eastern frontier since last year, many military horses were provided in return, and the nobles of surrounding territories also benefited from this. Therefore, many horses have been provided via the Demon Territory Count to the noble armies gathered here as well.

For these reasons, Alexis was in a situation where he could prepare a maximum of about 1,500 cavalry. Leaving 500 of them, he entrusted the elites as much as possible to Count Solis.

"Count Solis, I have a little something to discuss before your departure. Do you have a moment?"

Saying so, Alexis whispered something to Count Solis. After a short standing conversation with Alexis, Count Solis mounted his horse and departed leading 1,000 cavalry.

Thus, the curtain of fierce battle was raised on the Ishtar sector as well.

With some defending generals harboring eerie anxiety about the Imperial Army's intentions... And their anxiety would lead to facing an unexpected development in the worst possible form.

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