Kuro no Senki (LN)

Day six south - Nicole sat in the chair in the office and leaned against her back.

It makes me laugh zero, but I know that my current position is far from the cornerstone.

A bit of a wolf smoke up and that's where I got it.

And then about as much as you let the people who work in the stone quarry go free?

I can't call it achievement because I freed it with the authority of the Crown Princess and the help of the Imperial Army.

When I say this is an achievement or something, I just buy unhappiness.

That's all we have to avoid.

Because the current position is one that you can easily lose if you buy the Unhappiness of Empress Tilia.

But...

"I'm the nobleman... the baron"

The grin deepens.

Perhaps the aristocracy today - especially the old aristocracy - will not recognize Nicole as a nobleman.

So that Crano's father - Claude Crawford and the others - may be humbled with the new nobility.

Still, I can't enjoy the joy it brings in.

"... this is me, the Baron"

Nicole is from Slam.

My father doesn't know.

I don't even want to remember my mother.

I had cursed the situation, but I wasn't the only one unhappy.

There was enough to sweep and throw away the guy in the slum's unfavourable situation.

I'm just saying that Nicole was one of them.

It seems to me that it took longer than others to accept it.

It must have been a bad idea to have a strong knuckle arm.

If you were weak, you must have understood your extent without being caught half-killed.

Joining a criminal organization is a success.

No, should I say that if I think about it now, I won't leave the realm of becoming?

There was a lot going on since I got into the organization, but I was able to climb to the top.

There were many who were stronger than themselves, smarter, stronger.

I guess I was lucky enough to climb to the top in that.

I didn't rely solely on luck, but in the end I get there.

There were so many times that if I wasn't lucky, I'd think they'd have killed me.

"... am I noble?"

Nicole gets up and heads to the window.

I have a lot to do.

Anyway, I became a nobleman.

It should be easy to do what you couldn't do at the top of a criminal organization.

Nicole looks down the city through the window...

"... something salty."

I leaked that feeling.

I didn't feel anything when I was walking through the city, but from here I can see how poor I am.

There are more wooden buildings than stone buildings.

Especially in buildings close to the walls.

"How can you do what you want to do like this"

Even now, it's not like this.

If we impose heavy taxes, the starving may continue to die.

In that case, the inhabitants will resent themselves.

You can't be resented.

"What am I supposed to do?

"... just like when I was at the head of a criminal organization."

"Wow!

A voice sounds from behind and looks back.

Then Nege stood.

"Shit about knocking. I'm still a lord."

"I'll do that next time"

Is that true?

Nicole threw up small.

It is a man named Nege who repeats the same thing while being careful.

I'm not tempered at all.

Well, even a guy like that would use it as a lord.

"What happened to cleaning up the body?

"Is this the body of Mr. Isabella and the others?

"They've already been buried. I'm talking about the stone cliffs."

"I cleaned that one up. As instructed, I also kept the tombstone. Even so, it's the bigger rock that was in the stone cutter."

"Enough. The important thing is the fact that we built the tomb. But how dare you let people die?"

"Baron Bowties sold out the minotaurs who worked for his ancestors."

"You're an idiot."

"Right."

Nage laughed naggingly.

"Think about it. If I have to wipe my ass. Damn, it sucks that you can't help but have a pile of treasure in front of you."

"I still have a bottom inside that I'm saying sucks."

"I don't imitate amateurs, so this is the bottom line."

Oh, and Nege opened his eyes with a trick he wanted to perform.

"It's a dialogue that doesn't seem like the head of a criminal organization."

"I take care of my men. If you take care of your useless bonkers, you'll be a shield for meat."

"Are you saying you care about that?

"I'm feeding you, so I'm taking care of you."

"Oh, you do take care of it"

Again, Nage said with a nagging laugh.

"So, what am I supposed to do now?

"Saying?

"So you told me to do the same thing when I was the head of a criminal organization, right? What the hell am I supposed to do?

"You just have to make them think you're a dependable lord."

Nage said it all the time.

Are you practicing? And I almost went into it, but in Nege's case, I guess I would have done the job just because I was strong.

"... dependable lord"

The only thing I can think of is not to push too far ahead.

"And then there's work... because the stone cutlery looks like that."

"Why don't we hire an experienced person to head the scene?

"How about overnight? Damn, it was easier when I took over the organization."

"Let's take it easy, take it easy"

"If you take it easy, you'll be a grandfather."

It doesn't make sense to be able to do whatever you want after it withers away.

"Damn, you're going to have wings bowing your head all over the place"

Nicole shrugged in a fed up mood.

The advance party was going through Baron Bowties' territory and proceeding through Baron Zeginus' territory.

Slow uphill on Baron Zeginus territory, to be exact?

The advance party consists of thirty cavalry, twenty-eight bow cavalry and fifty-eight altogether.

This was divided into three squads, led by Leila, Aridead and Faye.

Kane's role in leading the way is to command three squads.

By the way, Deneb is a member of the Aridead squad.

Layla stared at Kane's back,

I've been away from the scene for a long time, but Kane doesn't make me feel blank.

Maybe he kept working out while he worked.

Did Kane expect this to happen?

Or were you just getting ready when you said you had a problem?

Supposedly the latter, but you'll just tease me when I hear that.

On second thought, Chrono wasn't neglecting to work out either.

Despite the position of lord.

Can I leave the scene without fail to train?

Maybe not, Leila thinks.

I'm willing to make sure I don't miss my workout.

But I think my intentions will be frustrated within being chased by my daily work.

It must start with a little something.

Make a lot of excuses, and that normalizes.

If Chrono asks, he might lay low with a smile, but Leila can't believe herself that far.

Faye, of course, is willing to combine work and workout with Aridead and Deneb.

They're two people with good rules.

The smell of something accidentally burning poked my nose...

"Burning Smells, Stop"

Voices echoed from the cage-handed communication magic item, and Leila pulled the reins and stopped the horse.

My whole body grows gross at the hunch of battle.

If we had enemies, we would have gone up the ramp.

No matter how good your vision is, you can't see where it doesn't look terrain.

Natural reason, but I feel all teethy.

I don't know if there's a flying vehicle in Chrono's book that might free me from all this toothache, but it's empty.

So Leila circled her gaze on horseback trying to find traces of the enemy.

But nothing.

"Leila, Aridead, Deneb, can you hear me?

"No, I can't hear you"

"hereinafter the same sentence"

"Likewise"

Leila exhaled small.

Despite the smell of burning, I can't hear you.

That's...

"Faye, ask for reconnaissance."

Copy that!

A while later Faye on horseback ran through the neighborhood.

I went up the hill without a thing, and rounded my horse's neck.

Open your mouth to scream something and drop your gaze at the cage hand.

"There is a burnt village."

"Is there anything else?

"The body is supposed to be amazing."

Leila tilted her neck.

If there's a body, I know, but I didn't know what it was supposed to be.

"... oh, I have a bad feeling about it"

"Me too."

Apparently, Aridead and Deneb have a verse in mind.

"Faye stands by on the spot. Don't try to fight when the enemy shows up. Run over here. '

Copy that, sir.

Faye nodded honestly at Kane's instructions.

"Okay, let's move on."

Leila nodded small and moved the horse forward.

"- Huh!"

Up the hill, breathtaking.

About fifty settlements there had been destroyed.

The households have been burned down, the livestock, and the inhabitants have been killed.

'We'll split the squad in two. Me and Faye's team will be on perimeter alert. Leila, Aridead and Deneb's team ask for a search for the survivors'

Kane led the Faye squad south down the street and Leila went down the horse.

The Arideads imitated it.

"Let's not get too far apart. If you need anything, talk to the communications magic item."

Copy that.

"It could suddenly be us packing the distance"

Leila heard Aridead and Deneb from right around the corner as she gave instructions through the cage-handed communication magic item.

"... Aridead, Deneb"

"Like you don't have to look at me like that"

"Even so, we are serious workers."

While the two men were saying that, their men spread out at a moderate distance and began their search for survivors.

Layla holds a bow and looks for survivors as she guards her surroundings.

The roof of the settlement is burned down and the dirt walls are crumbling miserably.

Inside the burnt house, the road, near the well, the body is rolling.

Layla stared at the body lying on the road and glared at her face.

It's a man's body.

Only the clothes were engraved with such letters as blasphemy of the victim on the peeled skin.

Furthermore, the corpse has no eyeballs.

They're shoving eyeballs into your mouth.

It's not a sanity shack.

"It's like a troubled place where you should clean up the body."

"It's like we should do it after we rendezvous with the main unit because we might get raided"

"... both of you"

Layla exhales and faces Aridead and Deneb behind her.

"You want me to tell you to take a moderate distance and explore the survivors?

"The captain's job is like directing his men."

"No. You both saw this, and you don't think anything about it?

"I'm sorry."

"Try to point out that Layla lacks calm"

"Me?

Leila asked unexpectedly.

"This body is a message, or an appeal."

"Hmm, I think I have a purpose to frighten you."

"... ah"

Layla raised her voice.

I was distracted by the abnormality of the body and did not think about who did this for what purpose.

Captain - It's a serious stupidity in the Commander.

"Why do you think that?

"Looking around the body, it's like it's obvious."

"There's no blood scattered, and there's no trace of it holding him back, so it's like I can assume he killed him and then hurt the body."

Layla stared again at the body and its surroundings.

Indeed, as the two of them say, there are no signs of blood splashing or rumbling around the body.

I didn't think it was sane, but the enemy was sane.

"... right"

"You don't have to be upset."

"If we haven't experienced it, I think we'll have eyes on the damage."

You're paying attention, the two of you said in a mild tone.

"Who do you think did this for what?

"My prediction is Count Rio Cairon."

"Maybe it's like an appeal to Master Chrono"

"I can't believe Count Cairon did this..."

Unexpectedly ask back.

Leila knows that Rio has a strong appetite for exclusivity, but he's a floating figure.

Take care of anything.

He used to teach me how to be a commander when I was guarding the streets.

I didn't think I'd do this barbarity.

"Leila thinks so on her own, but we've fought together before. In the first place, this is a tactic that Master Chrono used when he was a parent."

"It's like I'm appealing to Master Chrono for my existence by doing this"

"... right"

It is hard to believe that the Imperial Army humiliated the body to frustrate the Imperial Army's will.

Baron Zeginus is neutral - in a position not to antagonize the Empress of Tilia while giving it to the Empire.

There is no advantage to bothering to increase the number of enemies.

"Well, but there's also a line of work to push the Imperial Army into sin."

"We made quite a mess of ourselves with parenting. A lot of people know Master Chrono is like that."

"Which is it?

"It's like it's dangerous to deny it by assumption"

"It's also a good idea to hold judgment until all the ingredients are in place."

The two said in the same way as usual.

Leila is reminded that she was getting emotional again and at the same time that the two of them are looking at things more calmly than they are.

"I can't believe it, I think I should report it on the way."

"Reporting matters."

Yeah, and Layla nodded, bringing the caged hand with the communication magic item closer to her mouth.

"Captain Kane, it's Leila. Survivors cannot be identified at this time. In addition, the body has been intentionally injured. There's no blood scattered around it, so it seems to have been damaged after you killed it."

'This is Kane, roger that. I'm sorry, but I need you to cut off the search for survivors.'

Kane's voice echoes from communication magic items.

Are you nervous, your voice is stiff.

"Is something wrong?

"Here comes the cavalry. I'm sorry, but come here. '

Copy that, sir.

"Leila Squad, Aridead Squad is on horseback and on the fast track!

"But it's like no attacks until you have an order!

Shortly after Layla responded, Aridead and Deneb shouted.

My men cut up the search for the survivors and run for the horses.

"Well, I'm going!

"Go, go, go. It's like a go-go!

Aridead and Deneb ran out, and Leila followed.

Jump on the horse that was keeping you waiting in the street and continue south down the street.

Then I immediately saw Kane and the others.

But I don't see the cavalry in Baron Zeginus' territory.

No, not yet, I was pretty far away.

The bow cavalry assigned to the Faye squad - I guess Elf told Baron Zeginus that his cavalry was approaching.

It's something I've felt since I was guarding the streets, but I suspect the true value of a bow cavalry lies more in my ability to explore than in my ability to combat.

Leila stopped the horse next to Kane.

"... you're killing me, but you're going to be able to discuss it"

The cavalry of Baron Zeginus' territory stopped about twenty meters away, and Kane muttered.

It conveys tingling tension, so if anything, you'll go into battle.

I guess I know that.

My men seem nervous, too.

"How do you know we can discuss this?

"That's a mistake."

Respond to Faye's question with a low voice.

"I'll tell you just in case, it's not a mountain survey. You judge the Imperial Army based on its circumstances and rules of thumb. I believe in your wildlife companionship, but if you're going to do it, leave it to battle. Don't act like a fool."

"Of course, I know."

"Just one more push, but don't ever do it, okay?

"Ko, this is a grand foreplay hunch!

"Hey, I have a bad feeling about it!

Aridead and Deneb's voice echoed from the cage-handed communication magic item as if covering Kane.

"... I know."

"Oh, remember the liver."

Faye drooped her head soggy and Kane stepped down from her horse.

"My name is Kane! He's leading the Imperial Army advance party! I need to talk to the person in charge!

When Kane called out loud, the cavalry that was in the lead went down the horse.

"My name is Harris! He's Baron Zeginus' nephew! We received a report that the village had been raided and came to confirm it! I'm not going to antagonize the Imperial Army!

Cavalry - When Harris screamed, the cavalry behind him took one foot off the ledge.

This is one of the manoeuvres against those who are more stately than themselves, but also to show that at the same time there is no hostility.

Kane glanced over his shoulder and Leila and the others removed one foot from the

Tension loosens and exhales in a ho.

That seems to have been the same for the other guy. He exhales ho and strokes his chest down.

At least it doesn't look like we're going into battle all of a sudden.

Kane and Harris slowly walked over and exchanged imperial salutes.

Kane's salute is broken, but Harris's. That's beautiful.

Knock-up and military school graduates - that's one salute and you'll see.

After a while...

"... Baron Zeginus says he wants to talk to Master Chrono"

Kane's voice echoed from the communications magic item.

Evening - Chrono was walking in the woods vigilantly around.

No, should I say that I intend to be vigilant?

Sometimes called near sunset, it is dim in the woods and drains your strength and strength just by walking.

You're both well, Chrono stared at Faye and Tilia walking forward.

Do you use kamikaze? Or do you have the talent to walk in the woods?

Going deeper and deeper into the woods.

Now if you get wrecked, it's a laugh, think about it - exhale deeply.

I guess I heard a sigh.

Tilia opened her mouth as she turned forward.

"Again, do you care?

"Well, yeah."

Chrono replied to the sigh.

There was Leonhardt behind Rio then.

Leonhardt would have killed me if Rio had shown such a bare gesture to turn around.

Leonhardt is a duke's man.

I will not make my personal feelings a priority.

I should have made the right choice...

"I'd rather be hostile to Rio."

Anger over the killing of innocent people, sorrow over the split paths, fear of being turned against, and possibly the pale thought swirling around my chest.

It was depressing to say without a body or a lid.

"I know how you feel, but don't hesitate, okay?

"Is Tilia okay?

"... I'm fine"

Tilia answered slightly in between.

"I've been savored the bitterness of defeat many times."

"I thought you were close."

"I was going to die with him."

Tilia said groaning.

"Faye is..."

Are you all right? I say, mouth shut.

Everyone doesn't like to fight someone they know.

That's why people don't talk about it.

"Is there still a tent where Baron Zeginus is waiting?

"Almost there."

"... yes"

Chrono sighed again.

What does Baron Zeginus wish to discuss for?

"I can see it."

"... oh, that one"

Ahead of Faye pointing, the tent was stretched so that it could be buried in a tree.

Before that, the knight - perhaps, he would be Harris - stood.

"Faye Mullifine, I have brought Empress Tilia and Lady Chrono."

"Thank you for your hard work"

When Faye saluted, Harris returned the favor.

And turn back to the Chronos.

Well, it's Tilia watching.

"It's an honor to meet you, Empress Tilia. I suppose you should be thankful..."

"I don't mind. Start discussing and doing things."

"Thank you for your attention"

Harris opens the tent and the Chronos go inside.

Inside there was a table and a chair with two legs to pinch it.

No one sat in one chair, but an old man sat in the other.

He's an old man as skinny as a dead tree.

The hairline recedes greatly and the gray hair remains slightly on the side of the head.

You look much older than your adoptive father, but that should also have something to do with Rio.

"You kept me waiting."

That's what I said, Tilia sat in the chair.

Chrono and Faye refrain from behind Tilia.

"... because I am alert to my surroundings"

Harris gently closed the tent.

"Empress Tilia, I apologize for all your efforts. I am the lord Isar Zeginus."

"Thank you for choosing neutrality in this battle"

"No, not at all"

Baron Zeginus said as he feared, but even when he said neutral, he only allowed the Imperial Army to pass through the territory.

If anything, it must betray you, but it's important to show gratitude for the form alone.

"So, what can I do for you?

"In fact... Count Rio Cairon of the Ninth Kingsguard follows a hundred or so cavalry rides around the neighborhood."

After all, Chrono sighed several times.

"Is that a formal operation?

"Oh, no, the letter sent in advance said Count Cairon would carry out Operation Delay"

Baron Zeginus said groaning.

Perhaps the letter was not a request for cooperation, but an order.

"I mean, what do you mean?

"... it"

Baron Zeginus had a mouth cage.

Tilia and you know he wants Rio eliminated.

But if I cut it out of here, I won't be able to thank you.

I might later say the Imperial Army did it on its own.

We have to leave evidence.

"Along the way, I saw the village thinking Count Cairon had raided me. How many villages have been destroyed?

……

Baron Zeginus is leaning down, sweating.

According to information brought to us by Harris, there are five destroyed villages.

"I don't know how many surviving villagers there are, but we're not gonna be able to walk like this."

……

Baron Zeginus remains on his knees.

According to Harris, there are fewer deaths compared to the size of the village, but if we leave this situation alone, the hearts and minds will be separated.

"... please crusade Count Cairon and his men"

After a long silence, Baron Zeginus told him to squeeze it out.

"... crusade"

Tilia put her arms together as she thought.

"Enemy, so be it. I can't stop fighting, but one stroke..."

"Enemy attack!

A scream blocked Tyria's words and Harris jumped into the tent.

"Uncle!

"Harris, what's going on?

"It's a raid by Count Cairon! Please evacuate quickly! In case your uncle tells Empress Tilia that you are meeting with her, it will be a mess!

Harris told him to roll up and let Baron Zeginus stand.

"I'm sorry, Empress Tilia! We pull up! I wish you well!

Harris' men entered the tent and took charge of Baron Zeginus.

"Bye!"

Harris jumped out of the tent with his men.

"We're getting away, too!

Tiria screams, and the Chronos jump out of the tent.

Time shouldn't have passed so long, but the surroundings were completely darkened.

Chrono put his hand in the porch...

"It is leading the way!

Faye rushes out, Tilia follows.

Chrono hung glasses - magic items for dark vision before running out.

"We're both too fast!

Chrono complains and follows Tilia's back - the white uniform.

Run down a path that is not very different from the beast path and out onto the street.

Then Tilia and Faye waited.

"It's late!

"Almost there!

Fay turned his gaze to the front carriage that was stopping beside Chirali - on the street.

At the next moment, the roar rang and the firepillar rose.

Light is amplified with a magic item and bright white in front of you.

"Ouch!

A sharp pain ran behind his eyeballs and Chrono threw away the magic item.

My vision tickles because of the intense light.

But I can see it.

"Is this the raid of Count Cairon?

"What are you going to do?

"No, but Rio is a kamikaze magician in" God Who Cultivates and Conducts the Flow "- heh!

Chrono activated the engraving and kicked the ground with all his might.

Shortly after Tilia and Faye used Kamikaze to strengthen their physical abilities, the green light pierced the ground as it parted the Chronos.

Tilia and Fey jumped to the other side of Chrono, and the light burst at the right time to land or not.

The blast pushed over and Chrono was blown away.

Roll over the ground many times and stand up.

"Hey, long time no see."

A cool voice sounds and Rio descends near the hole created by the explosion.

I have a bow in my hand - an artifact.

"... Rio"

"What?

"I..."

"You don't have to say anything."

Rio blocks Chrono's words.

"I've been feeling it."

"What?

"I knew that this relationship would not last, that one day it would end, and that the day would come when I would not be chosen."

"That's not true."

"Same thing, same thing"

Chrono denied it, but Rio shook his head small.

"So, from the beginning..."

"Count Cairon!

Tilia screamed, and Rio sighed small.

"Am I the one you're after?

"That's over-conscious. My aim is Chrono."

Rio had a mocking grin.

"But, well, then die... please!

Rio released an arrow as he turned around.

No, that's the running of light.

"God!

A shield of light appears to protect Tilia.

But the light is too weak compared to that of the artifact.

"Excuse me!

Faye pops out and stands on his back.

"Artifact Summoning! Draw your sword!"

Darkness erupted from hand as Faye took such action as to pull the sword out of his sheath.

Darkness turns into a demonic but beautiful sword, slashing and tearing up and down the running of light.

The light slashed in two is like a serpent, of which it destroys objects along the streets.

He chokes off the plants, chooses the ground, and eventually disappears.

"Faye, you're getting stronger."

"In praise of you, it is the ultimate in pleasure! This is where we settle for that time!

"So what?

Rio glanced over his shoulder and stared at Faye's gripping artifact.

The sword is cracked, disappearing or showing up repeatedly.

"It's guts!

When Faye screams, darkness erupts and the artifact stabilizes.

"What do you say?

"Wow."

Said as Faye was proud to win, and Rio said as impressed.

No, maybe it's frightening.

"... Count Cairon"

"What?

Rio stared at Tilia with a tired look on his face.

"If you want, you can welcome me to the Imperial Army."

"Are you pitying me?

Rio said in a low, push-kill voice.

"Chrono didn't dump you."

"That's enough."

"I'm not good. The days I fought with you..."

"You've already said it!

Rio screamed as if he had become unbearable.

"That's enough. I've always had a hunch. I had a feeling it was going to end someday, that the day would come when I wouldn't be chosen."

"If you had a hunch, why would you try to kill Chrono?

"I've been thinking about what to do."

"What are you talking about?

Tilia frowned in surprise.

"It's a way to make Chrono mine."

Rio exhales small...

"You should have killed him! Ha ha! How could I not have realized such an easy thing? I wish I'd chopped it up the day after the ball, because if I'd killed it, I wouldn't have suffered so much! I should have scratched his neck off the day he was first tied! I wish I had killed you when you were sleeping next to me! Anyway, I dreamed that you might love me even though I knew you wouldn't be chosen! That's hilarious! I've been betrayed many, many times! I've never been loved!

Rio was laughing.

I was laughing and crying.

"So die for me...... Krono!

Rio emits a stream of light as he turns around.

Chrono kicked the ground.

The purpose is to rendezvous with Tilia and the others.

Shield the Tilias and rendezvous with their men.

Shameless imitation.

But if you don't take shame, you're dead.

That's all we have to avoid.

"I knew it."

The sound of a ton sounds.

That's the sound of an arrow of light piercing underfoot.

"Come on, blow it up!

"- Huh!"

Chrono kicked the ground with full force.

The light bursts and the sensation on your right leg disappears.

I don't know if I was wounded or blown away.

I didn't mind hiding in the shadows of Tilia and exhaled.

My right leg wasn't gone.

"It's a shame. I wanted my right leg to be mine."

"Rio, I..."

What can I say to unravel Rio's mind?

How many words can we spend to get back to our original relationship?

There was no answer, and an arrow pierced Rio's foot.

It's an arrow wrapped in red and green light.

"- Chip!"

Rio pounded his tongue and flew backwards.

It's not a leap, it's a literal flight.

A slight delay burst of red and green light.

Perhaps it's Aridead and Deneb's engraving.

"Ha ha! Chrono, your men seem motivated, don't they?

Rio laughed joyfully as he floated in the universe.

"Chrono, I'm not gonna stop until I'm dead. Heh heh, I'm not stopping. Now Chrono has a reason to kill me, too, right?

"Rio, listen to me"

"I don't like it. How can we talk when they're pointing weapons at us? Looks like we're gonna put ourselves on the shelf, but it's not an attitude to discuss."

Rio told him to mock and disappeared into the woods.