Chapter 283
Expedition ⑦ — Act 2
Translator : PolterGlast
We still had more than a day to spare before the soldiers
advancing by land from the Royal Capital Fairy joined us. After all,
moving by water, we rode the current, didn't need to rest horses, and just
slept through the night while advancing.
Using the waiting time, we, along with 200 elites and Mages,
set foot in the Demon Territory of the Fearalt Principality, the
land we call the 'Wetland Demon Territory.'
In doing so, just in case, we left 500 soldiers at the base established
on the outer edge.
Honestly speaking, 200 is an unreliable number for
subjugating monsters, but circumstances are different this time. To hunt the
targeted prey, it is conversely the maximum number within the acceptable range.
If the entourage increases any more, controlled and flexible operational maneuvers
will become difficult.
"Your Highness, please make sure to keep three things
from here on. One: absolutely do not protrude, and consider coordination with
left and right. Two: do not slash at monsters
carelessly. Three: prioritize your own safety above all on the way."
Yes, we don't know where monsters will attack from. Next,
some monsters here have poisonous body fluids. Role division and coordination are indispensable here.
"I understand."
"Yes, I have your word.
If you cannot keep the promise, no matter how much Your Highness throws a
tantrum, I will take you back to the Royal Capital via the barrier gate right
then and there. We won't even return to Salaam. Is that
clear?"
"Yes..."
Originally, this princess is dying to test her skills. Even
in the battles so far, although she went to the front lines, I absolutely
didn't let her go to the very front lines. Therefore, on the
battlefield, she had no way to wield her prized sword.
Proceeding into the Demon Territory, first, giant
frogs attacked just like last time. Since they scatter poison, we dealt with
them with magic as much as possible, leaving it to Claire and others to
burn them away with Fire Magic, and pushed deeper into the hinterland.
Then, upon arriving at that large pond
where we subjugated the Klimt last time, we hurriedly set about
installing the "Monster Hoi-Hoi"
(Monster Trap). At that moment...
"A group likely to be monsters is approaching from all
directions except the pond! Their number... around 100, they’re fast!"
"All forces! Deploy in circular formation while being
careful not to approach the pond! Don't forget coordination with left and right!"
Shannon's alarm,
the Commander's reaction, and the soldiers' actions were almost simultaneous.
However, the number of attacking monsters was more than
expected, and a corner of the circular formation collapsed. Because not a Klimt,
but a giant terrestrial snake swept away soldiers with its thick tail.
Instantly, King Fearalt, who was inside the
formation, jumped out to the collapsed part. Beside him, Her Highness also drew
her sword. Furthermore, Carla and Sigurd rushed to the left and
right of the two, solidifying the flanks.
The skills of the two outstanding swordsmen could only be
called splendid; with synchronized breathing seen only between sword masters,
they swept away monsters while covering each other.
"Lord Takuhir, incoming from underwater!"
"Bart, Kaul, I leave it to you!"
Saying so, I threw a javelin toward the water surface to
provoke the monster. The monster, taking the bait, jumped out of the water and
attacked me standing at the end of the trap. There, those waiting in the trees
dropped giant rocks aimed at that giant crocodile-like monster (Grunch).
With an eerie sound, the Grunch with its skull
crushed fell silent. The flowing blood invites new prey to the Monster Hoi-Hoi.
The monster attacks continued after that, and the fight went
on endlessly. Compared to last time, it's incomparably busier, but fortunately,
although there are minor injuries like bruises, there are no deaths or serious
injuries so far.
"Lord Takuhir, it's here! A unique sound from
the depths of the forest. Same as last time!"
"Vanguard! Don't receive it forcefully, open the
circular formation and let the Klimt inside!"
Basically, I leave the overall command to the Commander.
Because the commander must not participate in combat but constantly overlook
all directions and issue instructions according to the situation.
"Claire! When it appears, create a wall of flame
with Crawla and guide it here! Mars and Danke, cover the
two!"
Shouting so, I made eye contact with Yoltia beside
me. That was enough for her.
When a wall of flame was created at the part where the
circular formation opened, the Klimt let out a tremendous scream and
charged toward me. And then... unable to move due to an invisible wall—no, its
own rapidly increased weight—it began to struggle by shaking its body
vigorously.
"Bart, Kaul!"
At my signal, giant rocks rained down aimed at the Klimt's
head. One blow of a giant rock, followed by a second blow; raising a
spine-chilling death cry, the Klimt died.
But the monster attacks did not end even after that.
"Newcomers from the left! Coming straight for us!"
"Left Wing, solidify formation! Don't try to hold
forcefully, ask for support from Fire Mages in the rear! Mars, Danke,
cover the Left Wing!"
"Right Wing, movement in the retreat direction
too!"
"Kuh, one after another... Lord Takuhir, I will
borrow Lady Yoltia to support the Right Wing!"
It was truly an onslaught of monsters. The Commander changed the deployment of Mages flexibly to deal with it...
Exposed to the incessant attacks of monsters, we were
gradually exhausted. Of course, although there were no deaths or serious
injuries, those wounded in battle gradually increased. Holy Mages
waiting in the rear were also moving to various places administering first aid.
At this point, we began to feel something strange about the
abnormally large number of monsters and the ceaseless attacks.
"Commander, there's no end to this."
"Indeed, it's about time we call it enough."
At the Commander's words, I decided. The objective has been
achieved, and staying any longer is pointless.
"All forces, retreat to the base while maintaining formation. Commander, please continue to direct
the retreat."
By the time I said that, we had already defeated the sixth Grunch
and the third Klimt. But I harbored a certain sense of crisis about this
situation, which seemed like it would last forever.
Therefore, deciding to retreat while we had reserve
strength, we started moving to the outer rim of the Demon Territory
while maintaining the circular formation.
At the very rear of the circular formation were two swordsmen protected by Mars and Danke. The
monsters chasing us were either burned by hellfire or sliced apart by powerful
slashes.
"Contact the reserve unit at the base. From here on,
semi-encircle the vicinity of the Demon Territory exit and annihilate
monsters coming out of the Demon Territory chasing us!"
Under careful preparation, the deployed soldiers annihilated
monsters coming out of the Demon Territory after our escape.
And several hours after exiting to the outer rim of the Demon
Territory, we could finally catch our breath.
"Phew... although there were many results this time, it
was rough. I recognized again that the Demon Territory is
terrifying."
"Indeed. Although the location is different, even we
who are accustomed to it ended up like this. Honestly, I think it was quite a
dangerous situation."
"This is also thanks to the Commander. Thank you for your precise command. It was fortunate that there were no deaths this time either."
"Perhaps the smell of blood shed in the barrier gate
battle is still stimulating monsters and summoning them from the hinterland.
Even for us, that wave attack was dangerous; I thought so many times."
"Indeed, I was careless..."
Ignoring the reflection of the two, the two swordsmen were
praising each other's good fight.
"For me, it was my first time in the Demon Territory,
but fighting next to Your Majesty felt very reassuring."
"Hahaha, those are my words. It was splendid."
Well, what was fortunate for us was that we could subjugate
three Klimts. One for King Fearalt, one for Her Highness Clarice,
and one for us; we could distribute them fairly.
Furthermore, regarding other monsters, all materials and
magic stones were entrusted to us.
Thus, having achieved the objective safely, we raised a toast
in Salaam and smacked our lips at authentic spice cuisine.
And the drinking party broke up at midnight in preparation
for tomorrow's departure, and we disbanded.
It was supposed to be...
The next day, when departing for Kylar, the second
act of the incident rose. Moreover, an extra-large class at that...
Leaving the city of Salaam, I greeted King Fearalt
again, who purposely came to see us off.
"Thank you very much for everything until now. I also
intend to return to the Royal Capital and then devote my efforts to the reconstruction and development of my territory. This might be the last
time we meet, but I wish Your Majesty good health."
"I am the one indebted. Let's see... I believe it is
confirmed that I can meet the Demon Territory Count at least two more
times, though. And not in the distant future."
"Somehow, that story sounds very specific..."
"Of course! The first time will be when I visit Kylar to formally propose marriage.
Naturally, you will rush to the Royal Capital, right? The second time when you
come to Fairy as a guest to participate in our wedding
ceremony."
"Huh? Proposal? Wedding ceremony? ... Our?"
"Of course, mine and His Majesty Krieger's."
The one who interjected was Her Highness Clarice, who
was next to me before I knew it. Moreover, simultaneously with those words, she
moved to the King's side, and the two stood together harmoniously.
"Huh? The two of you... since when?"
"For the first time in my life, I met my ideal woman.
Ladies who sit in the court or tea parties are out of the question. I wanted to
refuse being used as a political tool and taking on unnecessary troubles like
old-fashioned customs, but... I never thought I would meet a woman living in
the same path of the sword, who can improve together with me."
Well... Both
of you excel in that direction, so you'd get along. In both good and bad
senses...
"I also had never met a man who made my heart waver
until now. I hated being used as a political tool, and men who served me just
because I'm a princess had not a fragment of charm. Well, honestly speaking,
there was one person who kicked me flying, but no matter how much my feelings
wavered, that person already has a wife and child. I felt hesitant to intrude on my best friend's husband...
Ahem, well, that's how it is."
Wait, since when did you two? Also, I feel like some very disturbing words were
included? Or rather, last night, you two met after that, didn't you?
"Um... it's a rude question, but last night, you two?
Don't tell me..."
I almost said the phrase "You had fun, didn't
you?" (Dragon Quest reference) but managed to restrain myself.
Certainly, last night, with the notice from Her Highness
herself to 'reward their labors,' Yuka, Carla, and others who
recently became attendants were removed from personal protection and care after
the banquet ended.
Only the attendants who had been with her since long ago
from the Royal Capital were by Her Highness's side. Did this unruly horse slip
out of her bedroom using that gap? Wait, that's not something a Princess
does...
"Hahaha, we just met and talked about each other's
dreams."
"I understand what you are imagining, but His Majesty
was a gentleman. Last night, forgetting status, he escorted me to commoners'
taverns and a world I didn't know. For me, last night was a first experience,
and it was very fun."
"World you didn't know... last night, was a first
experience, was it?"
"It is important for a King to experience the lives of
commoners firsthand, after all. So next
time I will guide you through the city of Fairy."
"Oh my, I look
forward to that."
"..."
Her Highness's speech and behavior had become completely
gentle, womanly words. Not the blatant female language towards me occasionally,
but speaking with sparkling eyes.
That's more surprising, though...
Moreover, entering their own world so grandly ignoring my
words, I started to feel ridiculous here.
"Your Highness, please handle the report to His Majesty
in Kylar and subsequent dealings yourself. I will pretend I didn't know
about this matter. I don't want to be strangely involved and incur His Majesty's wrath, so I earnestly ask you."
"Oh my, and here I thought the Demon Territory Count
was definitely our ally..."
"Sorry, but I ask this not as King, but as your friend.
Could you mediate with King Kyle and protect Lady Clarice's
position? Once I return to Fairy, I intend to arrange a messenger
urgently and inform King Kyle about the proposal. And once the country
calms down, I intend to visit the King personally to ask for her hand without
fail..."
Saying so, the two held hands and stared at me.
Why? This makes it look like I'm the one being mean...
"..., I understand. I will also cooperate, but please
make sure to follow proper procedures from now on. Especially, regarding the
story to His Majesty... I will support you, so please make sure not to mess up
the arrangements."
Saying so while exasperated,
I yielded. No, I didn't care about my own self-preservation, but I was attacked
by a new anxiety.
Did I mess up again?
Although I was moving to protect myself, my family, and companions, didn't I
significantly change Her Highness's and the Fearalt Principality's fate,
and history? I accepted due to circumstances, but such a bombshell
statement... how am I supposed to report it in the first place?
"Lord Takuhir, I rely on you regarding Lady Clarice.
Together with this city of Salaam, for a long time to come..."
Sent off by King Fearalt who bowed saying so, we
departed and set out on the return journey. With me holding my head in my hands
greatly...
Actually, regarding this matter, there was a flow of history Takuhir himself didn't
know.
In the previous history, when the Kyle Kingdom was on
the verge of destruction, King Kyle left a testament to rely on the
neighboring country's Krieger—the former First Prince who yielded the
throne to his younger brother at the time and managed the Principality's
internal affairs as Prime Minister.
And later, it was destined that Krieger would meet
the Kyle Kingdom's Princess and Prince, namely Clarice, who fled
to the neighboring country accompanied by Duke Klein.
The parties involved have no way of knowing that this series
of events is the result of history, which was about to proceed in a different
flow, forcibly adjusting accounts in a slightly different form so that part of
it would have the same conclusion.
On the other hand, regarding Takuhir and his group,
reorganization had already progressed to an extent history couldn't resist, and
it was no longer a matter of adjusting accounts. Therefore, from here on, it
branches into a completely different flow, and a new history begins.
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