Chapter 312
(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)
The One Who Carries Out Their Long-Standing Will
Translator : PolterGlast
Following Lady Claire, I crossed the simply erected
city walls and entered the enclosure of earthen walls, where an astonishing
sight spread before me. Within the vast grounds, likely four to five km in size, well over ten thousand individuals—aside from our
own group—were sweating and toiling away at the construction.
And in various places, tents that were likely temporary
dwellings stood in rows.
「I apologize. We are still under
construction everywhere you look. However, we are prioritizing the dormitories
for the people Your Excellency has led here, as well as the related facilities,
so please rest assured.」
「More so than for your own soldiers?」
「Yes, it is the command of my lord. 『We will prioritize the provision of
food, clothing, shelter, and leisure for those who have come to assist us.』 This is one of our ways of
expressing gratitude.」
「I see, the 'Spirit of Matsuyama'
lives on here as well.」
Truly impressive! I could not help but marvel. I vowed to
learn whatever I could during my stay here and reflect it in my own governance.
「By the way, what exactly is an
'orientation'?」
「It is an explanation covering the
allocation of dormitories, meal times and locations, instructions on how to use
the various facilities, and the ID cards necessary for working here. Since we
will be distributing them to all the laborers and related personnel this time.
Furthermore, we will explain working hours, various allowances, and basic
regulations.」
「Oh, so such a comprehensive system
is already entirely established.」
「Yes, a similar system was utilized
in Teigoon, but this time, in order to ensure the people of the Empire
are not bewildered, we intend to explain it thoroughly at the initial stage.
That is why we are deliberately doing it in groups of fifty.」
This was also a surprise to me. Construction laborers were
fundamentally treated as mere tools, existing solely to work exactly as
instructed. Yet, from fragments of her words, I could sense an attitude of
trying to accept them as fellow companions.
Before long, I was guided to a corner lined with buildings
that, while temporary, were relatively well put together.
「This area houses the storage for
food and other supplies, as well as the reception desk and commodity exchange.
And at the very back lies the temporary government office and the temporary
residence of the Archduke.」
Every soldier who caught sight of her walking ahead stood at
attention and showed their respect. And the gates partitioning the blocks
opened one after another as she approached, until we reached our destination.
「Takuhir-sama, I have brought His Excellency Duroul.」
「Good work. Please guide him inside.」
Invited in by that voice, I entered a meeting room with
desks and chairs arranged in a circle, capable of seating about thirty people.
At the deepest part sat Archduke Westlights, accompanied by a striking
man with black hair and a sharp gaze, a blond man who appeared to be a civil
official, and a beautiful woman with raven-black hair.
「Viscount Duroul, it's been a
while. I saw you at the signing ceremony, but it was a shame we didn't have a
chance to talk. However, I'm glad we could meet again like this.」
「It is I who was exceedingly rude,
hesitating to greet you due to my official role. I am very glad to see that His
Majesty the Archduke is also looking so well. This time, wishing to personally
deliver the bridge of people connecting the Dukedom and the Empire,
I have presumptuously come as the head of a trading company. Allow me to greet
everyone anew, I am Marintezo for Duroul.」
Following that, I was introduced to everyone present.
Besides the Archduke, there was one Viscount and three Barons; I understood
that the leadership of the Dukedom was gathered here.
「First of all, I must thank Viscount Duroul.
During this battle, you objected to fighting us, and even after the start of
the war became unavoidable, you admonished those belonging to the First
Prince's Imperial Guard against unnecessary slaughter, going around preaching
the protection of the enemy nation's people. I offer my gratitude.」
At that time, I was greatly bewildered. Because it was
unthinkable for a King of a nation, however small, to bow his head and thank a
mere Viscount of another country.
「P-Please, raise your head! There is
no need for such concern for someone like me. In the past, I was treated as a
human being while being a prisoner in that land (Teigoon). Much less, I
merely wanted to return that favor even a little to those who saved my life
despite me being an enemy soldier.」
I felt like I had caught a glimpse of the reason why my
former compatriots continued to follow and serve this person even now. It is
the same with His Highness Grat; if the one standing at the top is
solid, so too are those below.
「However, where on earth did His
Majesty the Archduke hear that story?」
「A-Ah. From Lord Grat, I suppose.. After hearing that story, I asked Eisen, Fellow,
and the others as well. They were also grateful. 『It was exactly because of the Viscount's story that we could
trust the enemy army,』 they said. They are also here now, so if you'd like, please
go see them later.」
「Is that so... In the past, before
succeeding the Baron house, I also belonged to the Imperial Guard Iron Cavalry,
so... I'm glad they are doing well too.」
「Now then,
the formal greetings are done. From here on, I would like to speak with the
head of the Durouza Trading Company and the head of the trading partner
on an equal footing. Like Lord Grat, I'm also bad at formalities. Let's
talk casually, and we won't keep records. Of course, I don't intend to take
pledges either.」
Saying so, the Archduke smiled. In that respect too, this
person resembles His Highness Grat.
「My master also often says similar
things. As a vassal, it is quite troubling, though...」
「Hahaha, right.」
The Archduke laughed openheartedly. The people around were
also smiling wryly a little. Apparently, they also share the same worries as
me.
「So, to ask point-blank, what is the
true intention behind the Durouza Trading Company's proposal?」
「Then, I will speak honestly. When I
heard the story of the territory cession this time, I willingly proposed to
receive a territory in the enclave. Depending on the viewer, this would appear
as a fool willingly jumping into a death trap to become a sacrifice, or someone
showing the Empire's willpower by becoming a dagger thrust at the throat
of your country. It probably appears that way.」
「That's certainly true. Normally, one
would think it's someone infiltrating enemy territory to become a spy ready to
die.」
「But my thought is singular. From now
on, no matter what happens, I will not let the Empire invade the Westlights
Dukedom. That the two countries join hands, and I become a human pillar for
them to coexist mutually. That is my goal.」
「So that's why you made that
proposal.」
「Yes, my master's intention is also
coexistence with your country. Therefore, I am by no means disobeying my lord's
orders. However... there are still many enemies in our camp, and if the
worst-case scenario occurs, we will be forced to concentrate our military
forces in the south.」
「Then, did the Viscount receive trust
from His Highness Grat...?」
「That is also a little different. It
is strictly my personal sentiment. The past me was an outcast who relied solely
on the face of a noble and was liked by no one. But through the battle of Teigoon
and the subsequent camp life, I was reborn.」
Yes, in the past, as a member of the Marquis Bradley
clan, I was arrogant. That's why I wasn't adored by the soldiers from the
bottom of their hearts, and when I was gravely injured, I was abandoned...
That's probably how it was. As a result, I picked up my life, so it is ironic,
though.
「At that time, my life was saved by
the healing of a Goddess, and I was welcomed as a friend by those living in Teigoon.
I intend to spend my whole life returning the favor of that time. I will become
a shield for your country (Rosa), and continue fighting from now on.」
「Oh, a splendid resolve.」
Lord Weiss, present in this place as a fellow
warrior, praised my resolve. Naturally! It is precisely for the one I love that
I have spent my time until now prepared to burn my life.
「To protect her, my lifesaver, and
the people of the city, I have made efforts to possess suitable power. In the
unlikely event of an emergency, I will gladly offer this life as a shield
protecting the Dukedom. Even now that she has become one of your wives,
I would be grateful if you could permit me to harbor feelings of adoration.」
「Huh?」
The Archduke let out a strange voice and made a blank
expression. Oh no! I unintentionally spoke my true feelings.
Lady Claire's eyes became dots for a moment, and then
she was stifling a laugh.
「Takuhir-sama, please call Rosa here. And I will inform Your
Excellency. Rosa is still single. She is not one of the Archduke's
wives.」
「Wha!」
This time it was my turn to let out a strange voice. The
feeling that had once fallen to the bottom of the valley in disappointment felt
as if it had gained wings again and soared into the vast sky.
「I see. As Claire-san says, I
would like to welcome Your Excellency as a companion, although it's a rude
expression. That's how much I was moved as a fellow woman. The rest is... up to
Rosa-san's feelings, though...」
「Is that what it is? Hahaha, no,
excuse me. The reason I welcomed my wives was also because I wanted to protect
them. It was from that thought, so I unintentionally recalled the old days and
laughed at myself. Someone, get Rosa here!」
Wh-What! No... I am extremely happy for your consideration,
but I haven't mentally prepared myself yet...
「Even so... Durouza Trading
Company, I see... But it's a good thing it was Rosa among the Holy
Mages. Not the two Instant-Kill Goddesses... Ah! Sorry, that was
unnecessary. Please forget it.」
What is that terrifying alias? Among the Goddesses, are
there two such terrifying ones? Everyone present was also stifling their
laughter.
It was at that time.
「Excuse me. I heard I was called, so
I have come.」
The one who appeared saying so was unmistakably her (Rosa).
Compared to those days when she still had childish features, she had grown into
a beautiful woman, and her golden hair fluttering over the priestess robes she
wrapped herself in was rather even divine.
She, whom I had kept in my thoughts for many years, is in
front of me looking like a Goddess!
「Eh? Ah! Don't tell me... from that
time!」
Looking at my face wonderingly, she seemed to have found the
answer in a distant memory. Overcome with emotion, I took an action I myself couldn't
even predict.
Stepping forward in front of her, I unintentionally dropped
to one knee, knelt, and offered my sword with both hands.
「I have always wanted to convey this
to you. Thank you very much for saving my life that time.」 (That's right, just stating my thanks first is enough,
any more than this is...)
「Since the first time we met, since
the time you saved my life, much more...」 (Wait, what am I saying in front of the public?)
「I swore that I would protect you
risking my life, and become a man worthy of you.」 (It's no use... I said it...)
I couldn't suppress my overflowing feelings. The people
present in this place, starting with the Archduke, are all dumbfounded... What
to do?
「As a knight to protect... you, and
if you would call me a friend, first of all... I beg of you.」 (Somehow I managed to restrain
the words of proposal, but... me unintentionally saying 'knight' is also a
strange story.)
Lady Rosa is silently blushing deep red. This
atmosphere... what should I do...
「A splendid resolve, such a
refreshing proposal... no, oath of loyalty. It is not something someone in the
position of a Viscount can easily do.」
I felt saved by the words of Lord Weiss, the
Commander of the Demon Territory Knights. However...
「Allow me to add just one thing to the
Viscount. Rosa currently holds the status of Baron in both the Kyle Kingdom and the Dukedom.
A 'knight' from the position of Viscount doesn't quite fit there, but with the
founding of the Westlights Dukedom this time, she was appointed as an
Honorary Bishop of the Central Church.」
What! Speaking of a Bishop of the Central Church, in terms
of nobles, the treatment is that of a Count or higher. Depending on how you
look at it, does it mean she is in a higher position than me?
「Therefore, speaking from the
church's customs, a knight guarding a Bishop, that is viable. Rosa, how
about it? For now, make him a knight, and beyond that... if he conveys his
honest feelings gradually...」
「Y-Yes. For now, if it's as
friends... I would be glad.」
Lady Rosa, feeling shy, answered just that in a small
voice.
On this day, a new bridge connecting the Westlights
Dukedom and the Griffonia Empire was born. It was still a small thing called a guardian
knight, but...
The circumstances and development were enough to surprise even the people present, let alone the parties involved themselves.
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
-
[Gold]
B random
Nepheos
ShitaiNoKootoRyuu
[Silver]
Corey Hicks
Creris
Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon
Jake Seagraves
Matthew Fraser
Tbaum56
Xavier O'Donoghue
Anton Lim
Austin Lorenzo
Baelee
Bloodyemperor
Ctdela
Curious Panda
Enrique Miranda
nick nasca
openope
Radhitia Furqan
SD Fox
Yosua Lumbangaol
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----
