Kuro no Senki (LN)

Morning - Roy woke up with all the noise around him.

The tent for the officers uses a thicker cloth than that of the soldiers, but no matter how thick the cloth is, the cloth is cloth.

You can't block the sound.

"... Something wrong?

Wake up and shake your head gently.

I feel like I'm just a little drowsy.

Well, there's a good chance of assumption.

That's when Richard's voice sounded.

"Lord Roy!

"Get in!"

"Ha!

When Roy screamed, Richard came in.

I guess I've been running.

My cheeks are red.

"Early in the morning..."

"No need to apologize."

Roy blocked Richard's words and got out of bed.

"What happened?

Asking in his jacket, Richard opened his mouth without fear.

"... it's murder"

"What?

Unexpectedly Roy asked back.

Now there are more than 22,000 soldiers in the camp position.

With all these soldiers, there's bound to be someone out there who'll turn against each other.

It is possible that the fight will escalate and become blade wounded shabby.

But in that case, there are signs.

What's more, if you get blade wounds shaken up, the soldiers around you will make a scene.

It was hard for Russia to believe that murder would happen even though they weren't there.

"There's been a murder."

"Okay."

Richard said it again and Roy grabbed his favorite spear.

"You keep the crime scene, don't you?

"Absolutely."

"Show me."

"Ha! Over here!"

Richard walked out with his heels back, and Roy followed with a spear.

It was slightly dim outside the tent.

See the chills and the sky.

There are no clouds.

Apparently, the night has just dawned.

After a while, I saw a hedge.

"Is this the place?

"Yes, it is"

Roy put his gaze around.

That's close to the center of the camp position.

Honestly, I can't believe you told me there was a murder here.

Moving on, the hedge cracked.

Richard went into the tent and Roy followed.

There was a smell of blood in the tent.

Two bunk beds line up.

Roy stared at the man lying in the lower section.

I just look like I'm lying on my back and sleeping.

"This the guy?

"Yes."

Roy quietly rolled the futon and glanced at him.

The futon was stained with blood.

I have a small scratch under my armpit.

Perhaps this is the fatal wound.

"... you hit the steeple."

"Seems so"

I'm not so familiar with it, but this is the job of an assassin (professional).

This is not how a normal soldier works.

But...

"Is this guy in any position?

"No, nothing..."

"That's crazy."

Roy stroked his jaw.

Despite all his skill, he killed a common soldier.

If you want to kill, you should target soldiers with positions.

Top-notch skill, but poor judgment.

But it doesn't turn into trouble.

What happens if the assassin finds out he's in the middle of something?

If the soldiers make you recruit distrust, you can't even see them if they can still start looking for the killer.

"Did you report seeing a suspicious person?

"... no"

Richard shook his head small.

"You're in trouble."

"... Yes"

When Roy shrugged, Richard told him to groan.

"You think it was Chrono's fault?

"I don't know, but I think that's likely"

"... right"

It's likely Chrono's fault because he's fighting.

"Lord Roy... no, excuse me"

"I don't think I'm Chrono"

"Why?

"That's a mistake."

"Are you kidding?"

Richard said with a bewildered look on his face.

"I can't believe he's suddenly assassinated all the time."

"Sure, that's uncomfortable"

"Right?"

"So who's for what?

"That's where it is."

I'm complaining that Roy's account isn't Chrono, but it's also true that I can't think of any other bad guys.

It still sticks better to think that Chrono has changed his policy.

Scratch your head abusively.

I can't help thinking about it.

"Is that to say nothing?

"No, I'm not."

When Roy denied it, Richard exhaled in a ho.

"You say it's like a fool's idea to rest, right?

"... if you say that, isn't that a bad idea?

"Were you?

"Yes."

When Roy inquired, Richard gave him a bitter smiling look.

It wasn't the intended result, but it seemed a little easier.

"Anyway, you can't help thinking who the killer is, can you?

"That, indeed..."

Richard nodded small.

"But what do I do?

"That's an enhancement of the lookout. Hopefully, I'll be listening..."

"Are you listening?"

Richard frowned hard.

"Can't you?

"If you can count on the person in charge, it's possible."

I'll take care of it.

"Are you sure?

Richard opened his eyes to his surprise.

Roy was going to leave the candidate to me from the start, but it seemed surprising to him.

I've been meaning to do that since the beginning.

"Thank you"

Richard drowned his head deeply.

"Make sure the report comes to me. And no rough copying."

"Yeah, okay."

"With that said, how about the body thing?

"I've already put it in the carriage"

"From this early hour?

"You can't put a burden on the supply team."

Richard grinned bitterly.

"Sure, if you're late to go home, don't have problems replenishing"

"Exactly."

"This guy, too, please."

"Yes, leave it to me"

Richard nods and silence descends.

Roy gently put a futon on the victim.

An unexpected thought springs up.

I don't know when we'll be alone in the future.

"Hey, Richard..."

"What is it?

"Would you like to be one of my men?

"............... were you going to be a subordinate already?

Richard replied after a long silence.

No, that's not what I meant.

Roy stood up scratching his head and turned back to Richard.

"It means I'll be a Knights of Kingsguard."

"Are you insane?

"You're insane, you're insane."

"Oh, no, I'm sorry"

Richard missed his gaze at first sight.

"So, what do you say?

"Why, is it me? There are many soldiers younger and more talented than me."

"I've never seen anyone use it more than you do."

Roy smiled bitterly.

In fact, Richard can use it.

People use it well, and they set up steps quickly.

The original battalion may have caught smoke.

But I can use it myself.

No, I may not be able to use it well, but I can appreciate it more than I did when I was in the original battalion.

I'm going to have that much weight.

"What do you say?

"I'm glad to hear your words..."

Richard skewed his face spicidly.

I am convinced from that look that the determination to quit the army is shaken.

Originally, he was about to quit the army because he had no prospect of being born.

If there is any prospect of birth, then it would be sincere to want to stay.

But you can't break your promise to your fiancée.

That's why you're skewing your face spicy.

"I know your situation. Why don't you talk to your fiancée when this fight's over?

"Oh, if that's what you mean"

Richard exhaled in a ho.

"But in order to do that... you have to survive this battle"

"Oh, yeah"

Roy tapped Richard's shoulder lightly and went outside the tent.

We're going to report the murder to Archena.

"Yeah, I had to talk to you about the operation, too."

Scratch my head with me.

Roy then reported the murder to Archena and returned to his tent.

I woke up. As Roy took Richard into the tent for the conference, Archena was standing by her desk staring at the map.

Besides, it's fully armed.

Despite his outfits to fight, his appearance makes him feel elegant.

After all, I guess Archena is noble.

Unlike a man whose coincidence overlapped and who succeeded to the title, like himself.

There is an unfilled difference between those born and raised as nobles and those who do not.

I didn't think anything of it until now, but now I just feel a little lonely.

Because I don't understand what Archena is thinking and trying to do.

Move to Archena's face with that in mind.

Gaze at this one.

"... I thought you said I'd leave it to you?

"What if the commander doesn't know the outline of the operation?"

Roy groans in a fed up mood.

The sentimental mood went somewhere earlier.

Why did you feel that way?

Not a minute has passed, but it's strange and I can't help it.

That said, work is work.

Commander approval is also required to maintain the chain of command.

"... Richard"

"Ha!

Richard walked out and saluted Archena.

I feel like it's collapsing compared to that against Roy.

I just feel it, you know.

I don't blame you enough, and I don't blame Archena.

Besides, Richard is a smart man.

I didn't want him to blatantly belittle Archena like that.

"Explain the operation to me"

"Ha!

Richard walked over to his desk and opened his eyes gently.

When I looked at what was going on, the map was rewritten.

Of course, that doesn't mean anything.

That's all I'm saying Archena wasn't just a man sitting around caricaturally.

"Explain."

"Ha!

Encouraged by Archena, Richard replied briefly.

Gently stretch your fingers to the map.

"… as you can see from the battle ahead, the center of the enemy field position is extremely thick"

Richard fingered the line indicating the enemy field position.

The center of the enemy field position lies deep, shaped like a crane wing.

The center that looks easy to attack is hell.

If you attack them in a detour, they attack them not only from the front, but also from the left and right.

Roy glanced at him if he had noticed it the first time he saw it.

I could feel uncomfortable.

Yet it wasn't my feeling, I believed in the map.

Who could have made that map, too?

Impossible failure.

I want to punch myself in the face at the time of my far-fetched imitation.

Same - at least in a similar mood, Archena flaunts her face.

"Attack the right or left wing of the enemy, right?

"Ha, you're right"

Richard pointed to both ends of the enemy field position.

"Both wings of the enemy field position appear to be very protective with infantry on the front and more archers behind them."

"Isn't that right? Now…"

Archena walked over to her desk and pointed to the right wing of the enemy field position.

I don't think it will change on the right wing or on the left, but it would be a matter of mood.

"We have an obstacle before we reach where the enemy soldiers are positioned. There's a distance between them, so we can avoid them, but we can't make the most of our troops."

"Yes, you're right"

Richard affirmed Archena's words with a rubbed voice.

Maybe he thought Archena was stupid.

It's an unfriendly personality, but it's not stupid.

Show me the right place from the start, but I don't think so.

"Both wings of enemy field positions are robust."

"Exactly, but it's also a weakness"

"This is where the rebels won't use their power."

"Ha, you're right"

Richard said with a slightly excited face.

"So what do we do?

"First, destroy this obstacle"

Richard said pointing to a point on the map.

It was an obstacle on the right wing of an enemy field position.

"Is that just the right wing?

"No!"

Richard answered Archena's query with a loud voice.

I can't say aloud, but it's louder than my usual voice.

You thought it failed, Richard covered his mouth with his hands.

"I don't mind. Go on."

"Destroy obstructions on both wings."

Hmm, Archena stroked her jaw.

"So you're saying it confuses the rebels as to which one they're going to attack from?

"Yes, you're right"

Richard nodded forcefully.

"How do you destroy it? Our army today has no way of destroying obstacles."

Archena said in a sigh.

I should have kept about one magic item warm.

Seems to convey that feeling.

But it doesn't start now that I say that.

If you can't fight because you don't have it, you shouldn't fight from the beginning.

Well, the Roys don't have the authority to decide whether to fight or not.

Nevertheless.

Knight - It is not always possible for a fighter to remain in a full state.

Wounded or not, you have to fight when you fight.

If not, we'll have to work it out.

"There's a way to destroy it."

"So how do we destroy it?

"Build walls around obstacles, then destroy them"

"Wall."

Archena has a lot of mouth with her hands, she missed her gaze from the map.

"Weren't the surrounding forests occupied by rebels? Plus, there's the material problem."

"No, anything that can prevent an attack, even if it's a wall."

"For example?"

"It's a barrel, for example. Fill the barrel with dirt and it will be an impromptu wall."

"... right"

Archena nodded small and stared at the map.

Silence descends.

It's a less comfortable silence, like the air gained weight.

How long would that have lasted?

Suddenly, Archena opened her mouth.

"Not a bad idea."

"Thank you"

Richard drowned his head deeply.

"By the way, how are you going to outmaneuver the attack until you've built a wall?

"Set up a shield. Of course, as soon as the wounded get out, we'll help."

Richard said looking to Archena.

"Okay. Allow it."

"Thank you"

"... but"

Richard stopped moving as Archena grumbled and was about to bow his head.

"What is it?

"What about the obstacle in front of the infantry?

Archena pointed to a point on the map.

It is not impossible to destroy the two places Richard has indicated.

The attack shouldn't be so intense as it's away from enemy field positions.

But the obstacle in front of the infantry is different.

It will take a lot of sacrifice to render this powerless.

Roy opened his mouth that I was better from here.

"Dude, what do you think you're gonna destroy obstacles for?

"But I won't use my strength if I leave this obstacle behind. This place..."

Archena pointed to the corner of the map.

It's not on the map...

"This is a forest. There's a good chance the rebels are lurking"

"Let the elite troops go in and stir it up. Meanwhile, hanging a blanket is a dimension."

"It's suicide. You're under attack from both directions. First, who..."

"It's up to me and my men."

When Roy blocked the words, Archena stared.

"You're gonna die?

"It's a blessing compared to the mercenaries."

Roy glanced lightly at his shoulder.

Mercenaries - The vagabonds were attacked under siege, but we just have to be aware of the attack from both directions.

Doesn't sound like a bad bet.

"No. I can't admit it."

"So what are we gonna do?

If you don't have to do it, you've never crossed it.

But you can't beat the rebels if you don't.

Even if you have a better chance of dying, yes.

"What are we going to do... if nobles don't get ahead of us?

Roy stared at Archena.

I let 10,000 strays die for no reason.

There's no way I can tell a soldier to risk his life.

Maybe you'll shut up and follow me today.

Maybe you'll follow me tomorrow.

But what about the day after tomorrow?

What will happen the day after tomorrow?

It is at times like this that civilians will cease to obey us if nobility does not put their lives at risk.

That's what I know.

"Life has a priority"

"Come on, give me a break."

Roy said, feeling sick of it.

Even though things were going so well so far...

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to deny the way you did."

"Then what are we going to do?

"I'll go"

"What?

Roy asked back unexpectedly.

Archena is the commander.

A commander cuts ahead and storms into an enemy field position.

I didn't think it was sane.

I said, "I'm coming."

"Whoa, wait for me. You're the commander."

"Yes."

"You're gonna die?

"After I die, you take over the command."

"Are you serious?

"Regardless."

Archena answered briefly.

Apparently, your resolve is firm.

At a time like this, a nobleman would laugh and drop off his friends.

But unfortunately, Roy is not that aristocratic.

"... Richard, would you mind taking your seat off for a moment?

"Ha!

When Richard saluted him, he left the tent for the meeting.

"... what are you thinking?

"Regardless, the triumph of the Empire."

"What I'm trying to say is, what are we going to do with the commander going in?"

Huh, and Archena laughed.

"Why are you laughing?

"The commander of this legion is no longer me"

There's no reason for that.

"Are you serious? That I am recognized as commander..."

Archena turns her gaze here.

It was a quiet, prepared eye.

I couldn't lie to a friend staring at this one with those eyes.

But I can't even say I'm not recognized as a commander.

I know who he is.

And yet, how can you speak the facts?

So Roy slipped his gaze softly.

"... right"

Archena told him to exhale.

"I'm relieved. With you, the army can move."

……

Roy couldn't say anything.

We cannot overshadow Archena's determination.

"How can you get that far?

'Cause that's what nobility is.'

When Roy inquired, Archena said as if it were self-evident.

"... are you sure?

"What?

"Are you sure about that?

Roy asked again.

I think you're doing something stupid.

Archena is about to martyr in faith.

You can let him do that.

You just have to let him die nice.

Despite that thought, Roy was spinning words.

"... I wasn't busy with the nobility I've seen. It's still better than the floaters brought in by the Bowties Treasurer"

Roy rolled up.

Neither was the mother who was flying around the social club and replacing a man, nor was the man who named the father who took Roy as a common son for what he meant.

The synchronization of military schools is similar.

I'm proud of you. I won't make a sacrifice to you to say what it is.

Isn't pride a disadvantage you impose on yourself?

A nobleman is a being who tries to take on his own hardship?

At least Roy thinks so.

"Oh, shit...... so you're noble"

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm glad you convinced me"

"I'm coming too."

"What are you talking about?

How unexpected, Archena opened her eyes to surprise.

"Are you going to do something with just a thousand people?

"My men are all in order."

"But it's better to have a lot of people to stir up the rebels, right?

"... chip"

Archena tongued uncomfortably.

You think they poked me in the pain?

"If you die, who will gather the legions?"

"You can handle it, you can handle it"

"We can't possibly work this out"

Archena glanced at him and softened his expression.

"... I have no choice. Anyway, will it follow you even if you stop?

"Oh, you're the only one worried."

……

Archena silenced.

An awkward silence descends.

Archena opened her mouth as she tried to hear back.

"Okay."

"I have to."

"However, there are conditions"

"On what terms?

"You follow me."

"Later?

"Exactly"

Archena pointed to the map.

"It's hard to say that destroying an obstacle can ensure enough breadth"

"In the end, you're the one who's gonna get ahead of me."

"I can't give you this honor."

"What an honor. Hurry to this death, bastard."

Roy threw up.

"I'm not going to rush to death. I think it's my role to get ahead of me."

"I see."

Roy turned away.

Archena had a sunny look on her face.

I thought this guy was looking for a place to die.

Sounds stupid.

Archena is a legitimate nobleman.

Unlike myself, where coincidences overlapped and I just inherited the title.

"What happened to your reply?

"Okay."

Roy glanced lightly at his shoulder.

If Archena is going to take her part, she can't help it.

It would be a friend to admit it.

"Oh, but you're in trouble"

"What?

"I told Richard I wouldn't be one of my men."

"A man named you."

Archena sighed deeply.

"Well, try to survive."

"Don't be irresponsible. Write to Lord Leonhardt or Earl of El Nato."

"I guess I'll have to."

"Do that. Okay, I asked for it."

"I'll take care of it. I'll see to your end."

"Not that way"

Archena grinned bitterly and shook her head to the side.

"Oh, you're talking about the destruction of an obstacle. I'm going to throw a round at Richard..."

"I don't mind. Firm."

"Leave it to me."

Roy gave it back briefly and went out of the tent for the meeting.