[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 6 - 2

6-2

The Strange Tome Says, "Steal the Alchemist"

Translator : PolterGlast

If it comes to this, I'll just have to drag Jii into it. The morning after I woke up, I immediately ordered Jii to gather intelligence on Dulin's whereabouts.

"It is lunchtime, Ashley-sama."

"What, it's not your handmade cooking today, Jii?"

"You order me to do the impossible, yet you say such things?!"

"It's a joke. So, how did it go?"

I reached for the soldier's rations of salted meat and soup, along with the hard-to-chew bread. It would have been much better to eat the auntie's Kebab Sandwich at the café in the castle town.

"The charges are forgery of gold. Also, the crime of forging a fake ring presented to the Empress. The penalty is death..."

"I'm appalled. They pinned the responsibility on a completely unrelated citizen?"

"Yes... In other words, this is our fault..."

"Wrong. I was the one who snuck into the warehouse and planted the fake gold. The one who presented it without proper appraisal was the political merchant Hyamar. Neither Dulin nor we are at fault."

"You have become quite brazen, Ashley-sama..."

That's not it. Upon hearing the report, I felt intense irritation in my heart. I didn't think the merchant Hyamar would go this far to protect himself. I sowed the seeds of misfortune. That is an undeniable fact.

"It is unreasonable... However, Ashley-sama, due to this, Hyamar is in a predicament. Just as his business was tilting and gasping for breath after a huge amount of public trade goods were stolen by someone, this happened. I hear Hyamar has finally taken to his bed from the shock."

"Serves him right. I'd like to tell Carral Hez across the sea about this."

"Carral! That child is a good girl... Even though she was swallowed by the rough waves of life at that age, she struggled without losing and laughing... I absolutely cannot forgive those villains!"

"Were you that happy she massaged your back? Anyway, with this, Uncle and Hyamar's schemes are pushed further away. So, where is the crucial location of Dulin...?"

Jii may look like this, but he is an exceptionally capable man. He was once one of the pages who served Father. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to do the job.

"Why fall silent there? Tell me. If Dulin is executed, Sister will be saddened."

He was hesitating to answer me. But hesitating means he grasped something.

"But Ashley-sama... I already know that you have changed, but the opponent is bad news. You should stop before you lay a hand on the State Church..."

"I already heard that from Georg yesterday."

I dipped the stubborn bread into the soup and shoved it into my mouth along with the liquid. Then I just stared at Jii, waiting for him to give in.

"Please, stop doing reckless things, Ashley-sama... What you are doing is equivalent to a bug flying into a fire..."

"Jii, I have never forgotten the debt of gratitude for you raising me. While Father shunned me, sighed, and despaired at this appearance, you gave me unconditional love. But Jii, if you don't tell me, I'll just investigate it on my own. I will absolutely rescue Dulin."

Jii looked down with tears in his eyes. After a while, perhaps giving up, he lifted his face. Making an old person do that is painful and makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong.

"To confine a person, a place is needed. A place with little foot traffic and under control is ideal. That is where I focused my attention on High Priestess Du-Neil."

"Auntie...?"

"Even when Atomina-sama went to protest, High Priestess Du didn't even try to investigate. But thanks to that, I have a general idea."

"Understood. Where is Dulin?"

"Ashley-sama! Please listen properly to my hardships and my deduction, which is quite sharp for an old man!"

"I am in a hurry. Just the results, please."

Narrow down the location, and I will rescue her. The plan is simple. As expected of Jii, suspecting Auntie is likely correct.

"How tyrannical?! Well, anyway, Georg-sama and I suspect that High Priestess Du is the mastermind. That person has always been extreme, or rather, fanatical since long ago..."

Then if she knew her own nephew was hanging out with an evil dragon, she'd surely go mad. Jii is elderly. He has served the Imperial Family since long ago. He knew the internal affairs of the family far better than Georg or I.

"So, where is Dulin after all?"

"It seems a guest recently arrived at Du-Neil-sama's Detached Palace. It is certain that they are staying there, but no one has seen their figure..."

"A guest that cannot even be shown to the servants. Certainly suspicious. Or has she perhaps stashed away a secret lover?"

"No, according to the servants, it seems they prepare women's change of clothes for the guest every day."

Circumstantial evidence is enough. There is a very high probability that it is the imprisoned Dulin. But I don't understand. Why keep her, whom she persecutes as a witch, in her own Detached Palace?

"I see. It might be Dulin."

"Please wait, there is no solid proof."

"I can't wait. I'll think after sneaking in."

"Ah... as I thought, that was your intention... That is why I didn't want to tell you..."

"Let's go, Jii. Before Georg notices."

"I-I am going too?! I am an old man!"

"Naturally. I know no other human as tight-lipped as you, Jii."

It is strange that Dulin is confined in such a place. There is something there. To ruin that suspicious scheme, I decided to steal the Alchemist Dulin Andvaranaut from my Aunt.

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 150

Chapter 150

Apology

Translator : PolterGlast

When I entered the tavern, I saw Ginia and Aoi, fully geared up and ready. Judging by the atmosphere that suggested they were about to head out, if I had been even a little later, they might have really gone looking for me.

"Aaah! It's Graham! Where did you go without contacting us at all!! We were worried sick the whole time!"

"Sigh, thank goodness. I'm truly glad you look well! As Aoi-chan said, we were genuinely worried, you know!?"

Ginia was raising her voice, which is rare, making me painfully realize just how much I had worried them. Since the distance isn't that far if I speed, perhaps I should have returned once to report.

"I'm sorry for making you worry. Various unexpected things happened... and my return ended up being a little delayed."

"Even so, you should have sent at least a brief message! We don't know where you are, Graham-san, but you know where we are!"

"Exactly! You were the one saying you were worried about Ria and the others' mental states, so what are you doing making us worry, Graham!"

"True... I have no retort. I really am sorry."

There is no room for excuses; I am in the wrong this time. While being grilled by Ginia and Aoi and apologizing profusely... Gree, who was watching the scene from behind me, burst out laughing for some reason.

Because of that outburst, the two finally realized there was someone else besides me. Tilting their heads, they asked about Gree and Anne.

"Graham-san, who are the two children behind you?"

"I met them in the city I went to. They have no parents and were wandering the streets. Since they didn't seem to have work, I brought them here to work for me."

"No, no, I don't understand at all with that explanation! Hey, hey, what are your names?"

"I'm... Anne."

"I'm Gree."

"Heh, Anne and Gree, right! I'm Aoi, and..."

"I am Ginia. We are in the same adventurer party as Graham-san."

The four introduced themselves immediately. Although Gree had laughed earlier, he was now putting up a wall and acting prickly, but both Aoi and Ginia interacted with him without seeming to mind.

"Graham. Was your return to Biodasdal delayed because of these two?"

"That's... right. Graham-san avenged mine and Gree's parents. So, please don't be too angry with him..."

"Avenged... It sounds like there are deep circumstances, so we can't blame Graham any further!"

"That is true. If it means you were doing a good deed, we will forgive you for not contacting us."

"That's a relief. Anyway, it's a long story, so I'll explain it in detail later."

Thanks to Anne covering for me, I managed to get the two to forgive me temporarily.

"Got it! I'll hear what happened later! Apart from that, there's one thing I was curious about... Graham avenged you, so why did you burst out laughing when Graham was being scolded, Gree?"

"...Because he made us travel in a terrible way. Seeing Graham apologizing so pathetically after that made me laugh."

"Ehh! You used that excessively rough travel method on these two as well?! Did Graham say anything to you!?"

"Y-Yeah. That I was pathetic."

"Graham-san, that is cruel! Getting sick at that speed is not pathetic at all!"

The wind changed direction again, and the tide turned back to me being blamed. Just when I was about to be let off the hook, Gree had to say something unnecessary...

"It couldn't be helped in order to return quickly. You two were angry just a moment ago about the delay. Besides, I slowed down... or at least I intended to."

"That's that, and this is this! We can't trust your 'intentions,' Graham!"

"That's right. I trust you, Graham-san, but I don't think you are good at moderation. Therefore, I fully support Gree-kun!"

"This is... no good. Anne, Gree, run."

"Eh?"

I decided to flee the tavern with the two of them. A two-against-one situation is too disadvantageous, and any more of this is bad for my mental health.

"Graham, wait! Don't run!"

"We aren't done talking yet!"

"Gree and Anne are tired from the long journey. I have to let them rest."

Leaving that excuse behind, I exited the tavern. They scolded me about various things, but at least I was able to show my face before they departed, so it's probably fine. I plan to wait a bit and then use the souvenirs to put them in a better mood later.

"Those two are interesting. I didn't think Graham would bow repeatedly like that."

"Usually we have an equal relationship. Or rather, I got scolded again because of you, Gree."

"But it's true that you called me pathetic."

"Well, you'll be meeting those two frequently from now on, so Gree, Anne, please get along with them."

"Yeah. I think we can get along."

"Me too."

The two of them have walls around their hearts, but Ginia and Aoi seem to have dismantled them skillfully. There shouldn't be any problems, so I'll have them meet again properly later. Thinking about that, I walked toward the former residence of the Greatest family, where Gree and Anne would be living from now on.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 248

Chapter 248

Southern Front ④ — The Fall of the Southern Border Fortress

Translator : PolterGlast

Even the fortress with solid walls visible before my eyes had fires breaking out everywhere, and the chaotic state was plain to see. However, perhaps gradually regaining control, coordinated counterattacks began from several locations.

As a result, some Mages began hiding under the umbrella of shields created by the infantry, becoming unable to continue their magic attacks.

"Hmph, they've recovered from the temporary confusion? As expected of the rumored Margrave Hastburg, quite robust..."

"Indeed, he is a man who has supported the front lines for over twenty years in battles against us. It seems he won't break easily. Shall we move to the next move as planned?"

"Aye. Harry, raise the signal flag and arrange for the gongs to be beaten repeatedly. Order the front lines to concentrate attacks on the enemy's left wing! You understand... the meaning, right?"

"As you command."

---

Gongs were beaten repeatedly on the battlefield, and Mage attacks began to concentrate on the fortress's left wing, on the castle walls defended by the Farmus Army.

"D-Do not break! Hold on!"

"Now is the time to make the brave name of Count Farmus roar! All forces, push back the enemy soldiers clinging to the walls!"

"Deploy Wind Magic here too; deflect fire bullets with Wind Walls!"

Commands flew from the defending generals: Baron Kreitz, Baron Bold, and Baron Herald. Exposing themselves on the castle walls, they continued to command at the very front, tenaciously and desperately encouraging their soldiers.

"Th-The enemy army is concentrating attacks on the left wing! Some have clung to the castle walls; at this rate, the left wing cannot hold!"

Upon receiving the report, Margrave Hastburg made a decision.

"It cannot be helped. Send further support from the center to the left wing, and commit all reserve forces from the command center to the defense of the left wing! Tell Kreitz, Bold, and Herald that if they deem defense impossible, they are to withdraw to the center. They are precious commanders needed for the battles ahead. We cannot lose them in vain in the opening battle!"

The figures of his three sworn allies lost in the battle some twenty-odd years ago floated in the Margrave's mind. Including how painful a blow losing them had been afterward...

"Farmus, Abert, Gorman... I too will likely join you eventually. But wait for now. Farmus, please watch over your clan's desperate fight."

The Margrave muttered in a small voice toward the friends who had fought together and passed on before him.

It was at that moment. Nearly a hundred ballista bolts flew toward the command post where the Margrave was positioned, making sounds of cutting wind. In that instant, a roar echoed around, and the area was enveloped in thick dust.

Naturally, the solid stone sections remained unscathed, but the wooden canopy and parts hardened with plaster were pierced, and the command center was reduced to a pile of rubble. The steel tips of the projectiles ricocheted wildly throughout the interior, striking down numerous attendants in the chaos.

"Margrave! Where are you?"

To the subordinate's voice, which sounded like a scream, the Margrave raised his voice in response.

"Here, I am here."

Pinned under a fallen pillar, the Margrave was alive, albeit wounded.

"Phew, I was saved thanks to the Klimt Armor the Demon Territory Count gave me, though it couldn't block the pillar itself. But thanks to this armor, I survived."

The rescued Margrave said a remark upon seeing the armor, which had been crushed into a distorted shape under the pillar. He had been rescued from under the pillar only by slipping out of the armor entirely, leaving the empty metal shell trapped beneath the weight.

In the attack just now, the Margrave himself had received several sharp ricochets to the chest, but the Klimt Armor did not allow penetration, deflecting all of them. However, perhaps due to the impact of being under that pillar, several ribs were broken, and he had great pain in his chest, hindering his ability to wield a sword.

"Hmm... Pretending to concentrate attacks on the left wing, they aimed accurately at the command center. Thanks to most soldiers having gone to the left wing as reinforcements, casualties were few, but..."

Saying this and looking around after the dust cleared, many soldiers waiting at the command center had fallen to the ballista attack. The area was filled with a choking stench of blood and a gruesome sight one would want to turn away from.

Many of them were commander-class personnel essential for military operations.

"Margrave, it is dangerous here! Retreat immediately!"

"Aid and transport of the wounded comes before me; the second volley will come soon."

Interrupting the conversation between the Margrave and his attendant, a messenger tumbled in.

"Urgent report! The left wing castle wall has been breached! Enemy soldiers are pouring in! Also, fires are rising here and there on the right wing castle wall, and the situation is out of control!"

"Kuh! Is this the end...? It is regrettable, but have the entire army retreat to the Southern Gate Fort. The battle is not only here. Therefore, tell each general never to die in vain. And send a messenger to the Demon Territory Count! Convey the enemy's tactics. I'm sorry, but you yourself, who were at the command center, must run as the messenger. I believe you were sent here for this very purpose. Convey it to the Demon Territory Count so he does not repeat my folly. Go, right now!"

After sending the messenger and attendant running, the Margrave stood up in the command center, which was now almost empty of people. While enduring pain all over his body.

"Now then... shall I lead whatever brave fools remain and buy time for our allies to retreat? Is there anyone left?!"

"Yes! Over here."

To the person waiting by his side, the Margrave spoke in a calm voice.

"Tell the generals leading the Central Army to gather at the North Gate to secure a retreat route for our allies. Tell them to lend a hand to let even one more soldier escape."

"Yes! Certainly. Margrave, please retreat quickly as well!"

"It is decided that the commander is the last. Your assigned mission is to run as a messenger. Go!"

After sending him away on the errand, the Margrave staggered and was about to start walking supported by a few people. At that moment, an attack believed to be Thunder Magic assaulted the Margrave's command center with a roar like thunder again.

Several people struck by lightning fell, and the surroundings were enveloped in dust again.

"Why... Thunder Magic from the right wing? M-Margrave! Are you safe? Gwah!"

The person who raised a voice of concern for the Margrave suddenly screamed and fell. Beyond him, a figure stood motionless holding a bloody sword.

"Wh-Who is it?"

Enduring pain all over his body, the Margrave slowly raised his body and stood up, drawing his sword and straining his eyes.

"Wha-! Why are you here?"

"Margrave, the fate of the Kyle Kingdom and yourself has run out. Therefore, have you share your destiny with this fortress. For the sake of the new world to come after this."

Saying so, the man stepped in with terrifying speed and brought down his drawn sword. The slash cut the Margrave down from the shoulder.

"Ki... Why..."

With broken ribs and unable to wield his sword properly, the Margrave attempted to parry the incoming strike, but his blade was easily deflected. Struck by a mortal wound, he collapsed to the ground. His expression remained wide-eyed in surprise...

『Darek, Takuhir... my sons, I'm sorry... I leave the rest to you. Farmus, Abert, Gorman... how nostalgic. I'll be going to you guys now. You guys... don't blame me so much. I'm ashamed of this unworthy end myself... 』

Harboring final thoughts that did not become words, Margrave Hastburg ended his life amidst the dust of battle. At the final moment, the Margrave's heart might have felt that time reversed and he was surrounded by nostalgic friends who had passed on before him. His lips were slightly relaxed, as if smiling shyly.

Thanks to the order issued just before the Margrave fell, disregarding his own safety, the retreat instruction reached each general, and preparations for retreat were made promptly without them being annihilated.

However, an event hindering this retreat occurred, so ultimately, those who retreated safely and reached the Southern Gate Fort numbered fewer than 2,000—less than half of those originally on defense. Many of them were severely wounded and unable to return to the battle lines for the time being; everyone was covered in wounds.

As a result, on the Southern Front, the Kyle Kingdom Army suffered an unexpectedly massive defeat, lost Margrave Hastburg, the commander-in-chief of the entire army, and the Southern Gate Fortress fell.

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