Kuro no Senki (LN)

Early in the morning - Johnny digs the ground with a stick of wood pointing ahead.

It was worth digging on this one, and the hole went as deep as a thick crotch.

I feel deeply satisfied with that.

I used to hate authentic work.

But I don't feel bad right now.

Is it because of the satisfaction?

It even makes me wonder if it's suitable for this kind of work.

Come to think of it, Johnny's house has been involved in pioneering and farming since his grandparents' generation.

The blood is flowing.

Not surprisingly, it was suitable for authentic work.

I laugh bitterly thinking about that.

I couldn't think this way about my old self.

Must have had a counter-invention.

It's ironic, I think.

Because I came to a point where I couldn't go back and I could accept what I used to hate.

I miss when I worked as a vigilante in Baron Ekron territory.

I'm different from what I was back then.

But I have no regrets.

No, should I say I'm convinced?

Because I chose to be what I am.

It would be some better compared to a life where you can't choose anything.

Johnny put his strength into his hand holding the stick of the tree.

At that time, the sound of ghoul sounded.

The belly bug is ringing.

I can't help it.

Last night's meal was crude, and I haven't eaten anything since I woke up today.

My head boggles because I haven't had breakfast.

But Johnny moves his hand.

That's what soldiers do around them.

If I rest my hand, I will be suspicious.

Sometimes, I forget, I'm not an Imperial Army soldier.

Dig the ground, dig, keep digging - the belly bug rang again.

Rest your hands and slap your stomach flat.

"I'm making a big deal out of you, sus. Even your husband is hungry."

Your husband means Johnny.

I demand that you put up with your stomach because you put up with yourself.

I think I'm doing something stupid myself.

Perhaps the master will turn his gaze to what even the worm sees.

Honestly, it's hard to be seen with those eyes.

He's not so hard to beat.

But even if my master sees me like that, there's no stopping me.

This is important - it's a ritual to raise tension.

Tension matters.

High tension can move even in pessimistic situations.

But when it's low, it doesn't have to be so pessimistic to be able to move.

It's important to raise it consciously.

Especially...

"Ouch, it hurts."

"Damn, the burns are cramping and my legs..."

"Good luck. You'll see a doctor when you get back to Imperial City."

"Is that true? You're gonna be thrown out like the people who got hurt in the temple building."

The injured passes right in front of Johnny.

There are people who have been burned.

There are those without arms or legs.

I think it's like a bunch of ghosts.

Again, raising tension consciously is important.

Especially when you're in a situation where you feel depressed.

I realize there is a fuss.

The wounded are bowing their heads in front of someone.

A man in a white military uniform.

This is Roy Akbens, head of the Fourth Kingsguard Knights.

Can you kill at this distance?

Gently reach for the dagger...

"Hey, what are you skipping?"

"- Huh!"

John sat up to block his sight.

"Oh, I hope you're not surprised, sss!

"It's not bad that you're skipping."

"Well, that's true."

John said as he mumbled and Johnny caged his mouth.

"So, what were you looking at?

"I didn't see anything, sss"

"Lie and spit. My gaze was on Lord Roy."

"Then I hope you don't ask, sss"

"Well, I know how you feel. Eat a full tummy and look like that."

Chip, and John pounded his tongue uncomfortably.

Apparently, it was convenient for me.

It's bad to think they were trying to kill me.

We should get on with this flow.

"I envy you for eating a glass of belly."

"You're noble. I bet you eat meaty soup."

……

Johnny has been silent.

I envy you a soup with meat, I guess I should have returned it.

But no words came out.

Instead, the emotions sprung up.

"I feel miserable."

Johnny shrugged in a trembling voice.

Meaty soup is not like envy.

I ate at my parents' house and at Baron Crawford's residence quite often.

I also know cheap and delicious stores in Teito.

Even the Aleos Mountains could eat meat.

Nevertheless, I find myself envious of the meaty soup.

That's from the heart, too.

"... spicy ssss"

Johnny leaned down and squeaked.

As soon as I did, there was a shake back.

For what I was forced to tension, it was intense.

Tears seep through my vision.

Why, like this - digging the ground with a stick of wood is like a punishment.

Besides, I'm hungry.

Spicy. Too spicy.

I want to go home.

"What, are you crying?"

"I'm starving."

"I don't have a choice."

John scratched my head with me and took the rod-shaped thing out of his nose.

When I grabbed both ends and folded, I offered one.

Johnny received silently and stared at the stick with a shiver.

"You mean bite a stick of wood and raise your hunger. It's like starvation."

"Fool, it's a portable meal"

"Is this the food, S.?

"Oh, I cooked the flour and salt with water"

"It's a pleasure, sss."

Johnny tried to stick around, but he couldn't.

Did John grab your wrist?

"A few sus? Could it be Kiss?

"No, I'm not. This guy is hard. Whatever the beast man is, man breaks his teeth."

"Is that food?

Johnny stared at the portable food.

"So you fold it in small, put it in your mouth, soften it up and eat it"

"It's like bread I had at dinner, sss."

"That's still better food over there"

John looked up.

I wonder if I would give you something like that.

I also feel like I'm trying to give it to you in trouble at the end of the day.

But even with this stuff, food is food.

It's made from wheat, so you won't get sick.

"You're still a little big."

Johnny grabbed both ends and tried to fold them, but because they were too short it was hard to break.

I had no choice but to pull out the dagger, cut in and fold it in two.

Compare the two and cheek the slightly smaller one.

"Delicious?

"Aromatic Feels"

It smells like bread, but I'm not sure if it tastes good.

"Well, if you put it in your mouth, you'll be able to eat it softer with saliva"

"Now I think I'm thirsty, sss"

"I can't take care of you that much."

John laughed, staring into the shivers and holes.

"And you dug it so well"

"Is that so? Isn't that what this is all about?

Johnny put his gaze around.

There are Imperial Army soldiers digging the ground with sticks around.

I don't know the actual depth, but it looks like I'm digging just as much.

By the way, not a single one looks like he's going to cry.

Again, soldiers in office are different.

I'm ashamed of myself for almost crying so hungry.

"I used to dig this far with just a stick of wood. I'm impressed."

"No, I'm no different than everyone else."

"No, no, seriously, you're digging deepest."

"No, I can light it up when they say that much"

Johnny scratched his head.

Although I tried to be modest, I don't feel bad about being praised.

It really makes me feel like I'm digging deepest.

But I had a bad feeling.

Something bitter spreads in my mouth, making me naturally flicker.

"What a face you have."

"I have a bad feeling, sss"

"Come on, don't be silly."

"Nothing, huh?

"Oh, I just have some good news - don't flatter my face"

"That's the good news they told me, there's no example of that."

The master says good things and fun things and makes him do terrible things.

What strikes me in particular is when they tell me I'm going to make you abandon your virginity.

There was a line of blindfolded bandits when I groaned and followed them.

It was a terrible experience.

How could I have believed my master when I had a scattered pain in my eyes?

It is decided. Because I was a bottomless fool.

You must still be a fool.

But unlike old times, I learned to doubt it.

I've got a bottom.

I think it has become more decent than before.

"What kind of life do you live, you farmer?"

"I'm not a farmer now, sss"

Johnny mumbled back.

"Don't look like that."

"These are the faces. So, what's the good news?

"What, are you interested?"

"I didn't say you weren't interested, suss. I just have a bad feeling, ssss."

"Then that hunch is off. Listen and be happy. Tools to dig holes - again."

"I'd like to flatter you, too, sucker."

Johnny put his strength into his hand holding the stick of the tree.

"If I could prepare it, I wanted it from the beginning, sss. That way I didn't have to imitate this kind of punishment, sss."

"I feel the same way."

John looked sinister.

What a bad tooth cut.

I still have a bad feeling.

To be honest, I don't want to hear why...

"You still got something, su?

"We talked yesterday, didn't we? He said he was collecting supplies in Imperial City."

"Oh, you were talking about that, too, suss. What's wrong with that, S.?

"You're even gonna charge me with a hole digging tool, aren't you?

"What's wrong with that, S.?

"That's you."

When Johnny inquired again, John sighed deeply.

It resembles the reaction of a master when he utters a tiny thing.

"Did I say something weird?

"You're gonna be pessimistic when you think you can't have the tools to dig holes if you have to provoke them, normal"

"If you ask me, yes."

"You look like someone else."

"Hih, not some other HR, sss! Party sss!"

"Oh, no, I'm sorry, it's the Aya of the Word. But you do. If I were your age, I wouldn't think about it that much. When I talk to a young guy, I feel old."

John said in a sigh.

I was thrilled when they told me it was like some other HR, but apparently you convinced me.

Don't. We need to be a little more careful.

But how can I be careful?

There is no answer for thinking about it.

"... don't start a full-scale fight at last"

The truce starts this evening.

"Damn, I don't like killing each other inside me."

"Oh, yeah."

John said like he was sick of it and Johnny nodded.

Most of all, there is no awareness of each other.

The sense of being a person on the southern border is stronger than the sense of being an imperial.

Of course, I wasn't educated that way.

Strangely enough given their historical history, their parents and grandparents did not utter their dissatisfaction with the Empire.

But not anymore if you know you're being treated cold from a historical background or center.

Something like hostility sprouts up.

Compared to a time, the emotion is soothing, but it's not gone.

"I couldn't have done it better, Sukane."

'Cause I couldn't do it. It's like this.'

When Johnny shrugged, John told him to throw up.

Night - Tilia leaned against the back of the chair and sighed deeply.

The cup is gently placed on the table.

Stimulating odor irritates the nasal cavity.

It smells like Myra's special incense tea (original blend).

Move your gaze slowly.

Then Myra stood next to him.

When did it come?

It raises questions, but is it just useless to think about it?

"Go ahead, ma'am"

"Thanks"

Tilia thanked him and took the cup.

Supports with both hands, exhales ho.

"Good luck with the operation meeting"

"It's not like getting you to work. I don't think we're going to be able to re-burn the operation."

Tilia carried the cup to her mouth.

The smell is tight and my eyes hurt.

I just hesitate a little and mouth the cup and drink incense tea.

Incense tea passes through the esophagus and reaches the stomach.

The effect immediately appeared.

The heat spreads from the inside of your body twitching.

I was surprised the first time they let me out, but it's not bad to get used to it.

Well, you have the courage to say it.

Place the cup quietly and stare at the communication magic item on the table.

I have a report from Robert if you need anything.

"As you may have heard before..."

"What is it?

"You don't use dangerous grass, do you?

"Why would you do that?

Myra tilted her neck wonderfully.

It makes me nervous to see the trick strangely take a play.

"It's a taste that becomes a habit. Just in case."

"We do not use grass with disabilities"

"Right. But don't get subtly anxious when you hear the word grass."

"If you mean another word, how about a leaf?

"Don't get more anxious"

The conversation is interrupted.

Tilia sighed small, poking her cheek wand in support of her elbow hanging.

You're tired.

I squeal softly and hold my mouth in haste.

Am I relaxed?

"Ma'am, please take it easy in front of me."

"If the predators relax in front of the predators, they'll die."

"I'm sorry. What your wife says is too broad to be understood as a lowlife."

"That's the place."

Hmm, and Tilia snorted, blinking her eyes.

"Shouldn't you be off early today?

"The sun has just set."

"It's night that the sun went down. I was wondering if it would be okay to rest. Besides, the value of oil has soared recently."

Myra leaned slightly and held her eyes down.

Tilia put her gaze around.

White light illuminates the surrounding area.

It's the light of a lighting magic item.

I don't use oil.

"Is that some kind of crying act?

"I am, I am. By the way, 'yes' stands for crying."

"Maybe you're making a fool of yourself?

"No, such intentions never"

"Then what for?

"I was just teasing you, something?

"That sucks, you are!

Tilia vandalized her voice.

"I tried to describe the difficulties of the dawn of pioneering"

Guh, Tilia groaned.

I'm weak when people say I was living a painful life.

I can't think of a word of objection.

So I guess Myra's putting it out for a hangout.

"So, what do you do?

"Just a little more awake"

"That's what you said last night. You stayed up late."

"I had to set up an operation."

Last night I heard a report of the seizure of supplies taking place in Imperial City and worked out a raid plan.

I thought it would be handled in the same way as last time and managed to twist out a new idea.

But the new idea didn't flash and became the same operation as last time.

Spread stones on the streets to stop them and fight them out of sight with smoke.

I wish I could think of a good idea now...

"Ma'am, the idea is not something that comes to mind over time"

"I know that."

"I hope you understand."

Myra said in a sigh.

As she worries, Tilia doesn't understand.

Stick to the possibility that new ideas come to mind.

"I am a god. We just have to take advantage of what we have and adopt the most winning measures."

"It's because you're a godless person."

Tilia shrugged pompously.

"I know I have no choice but to screw around. But I'm really worried that you're doing the best you can. If you fail to leave room for effort, turn your face to your men."

"It's business."

"Oh, yeah"

Tilia nodded and loosened her mouth.

Not at all, I don't like it.

Because I was going to be vigilant, but I'm exhaling my mood.

How tired are you?

Or is this a veteran-made move?

"Speaking of which, how's the Empire?

"It seems that we are collecting supplies."

"That was a stupid question."

I can't even procure supplies.

A little thought would have shown that this was not the preferred situation.

Should I take Myra's advice and rest early?

At that time...

"This way, Robert. This is an emergency report. '

"What?

Voices echoed from communications magic items, and Tilia corrected her residence.

"Baron Bowties Killed"

"What?

"Baron Bowties Killed"

Unexpectedly, Robert answered in the same tone as earlier.

"Are you sure?

'Yes, I checked on multiple routes. He was killed by wounded soldiers. "

"Right."

As Tilia turned her gaze, Myra shook her neck to the side.

I thought it was her offer, but she doesn't.

What the hell happened?

'Do you want to find out?

"... oh, let me look into it"

Tilia answered in between.

I don't think it's going to be easy to find out, or it could just be a coincidence.

But I just want to avoid getting stuck under my feet without doing anything.

"I'll report my findings tomorrow night."

"Oh, please."

'I understand. We will now terminate the communication'

Tilia pokes her cheekstick and thinks about the raid plan.

Will supplies be provided even though Baron Bowties was killed?

Think about that, shake your head small.

I can't help but think if the replenishment will take place.

What you need to think about is what to do when the replenishment is done.

All right, and Tilia woke up.

"Kane, Gaul, are you listening?

I'm listening.

"Ha, I'm listening"

When I called on the communication magic item, I got an immediate response.

Naturally, you haven't been able to talk to anyone.

Everyone with a terminal is listening to the conversation earlier.

"Change Policy on Supply Squad Raids"

'Are you sure you understand that there is no change in the operation itself?

"Yes."

Answer Gaul's query.

'How are we going to change that?

"Be even more careful."

'So, doesn't the raid make any sense?

Answering Kane's question, Gaul expressed his doubts.

"Don't give me the wrong priorities. Our aim is to take back the emperor from the false emperor Alfort."

"Yes, sir."

Gaul nodded honestly.

I don't have any other questions.

……

Ask, but you two are silent.

"Then the extraordinary operational meeting is over. You both get some rest."

Copy that.

"Yes, sir."

Two voices sounded and Myra gently hung a thick cloth on the communication magic item.

"So, you're gonna lose your voice, huh?

"I can hear you, ma'am, so please rest."

"But..."

"Have a good night"

"Okay. I'm sick again, and I don't have an ex-child."

"I'm glad you understand."

I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep until morning anyway, but Tilia fell asleep when she got into bed.

"Brother! Oh, my God!

Cecily jumped into her brother's tent.

It is a tent set slightly off the North and South streets connecting the Empire with the Free City State Group.

To be honest, I'd like to stay in the inn, but from the Empire, Cecily and the others are conspirators.

Even a friendly lord can't believe it.

My brother went to the table and seemed to be writing something.

"Brother!

"What's going on, Cecily?

When I raised my voice again, my brother finally looked at this one.

There was a slight discrepancy from before, but the thought intensified when we acted together.

I respect your equestrian skill...

"I just got a report from the watchman. They say there's an early horse coming from the imperial side."

"Which way did you go?

"He said north."

"I see Lord Ralph is going to ask the Duke of Palatium for help."

"- Then we have to go after him!

"Wait."

Cecily breathed and returned her heels. Then my brother called out.

"Why?

"Because my men are not as dark as a basin to finish with just the report."

When Cecily turned around and shouted, her brother told her to exhale.

My cheeks get hot.

I felt like I was told I was a basin darkness.

Repeat deep breaths to calm the mood.

"So you can capture the early horses?

I don't think you can do that.

"Brother!

Wherever Cecily screams, my brother blows the wind.

"Much has passed since I left Count Cad's territory. My lady is in tired mode. I don't think that makes any difference to your men or your loved ones. By contrast, the other side is fine."

"So what do you do!

"Well, what do we do?

"Brother!

Cecily screamed and stepped on the ground waste.

I don't understand how you can stay calm at a time like this.

If the Imperial Army loses, we will lose ourselves.

"Do you think the Duke of Palatium will send reinforcements?

He said, "If you can get help, we'll send reinforcements."

"You've been neutral before?

"It's..."

Cecily caged her mouth.

The Duke of Palatium didn't like to stand in the wind of the new nobility and did not respond to this request.

But Alford and I kept our distance.

"Normally, I don't think the Duke of Palatium is likely to send reinforcements."

"Isn't that a surprise for us?

"No, it's unfortunate for us. If he doesn't move, Lord Leonhardt won't move the Empire City. No, no, I don't think I should be able to read Lord Leonhardt's actions."

"That's right."

Cecily nodded.

Leonhardt is in the way for a separate squad led by Empress Tilia to take on false emperor Alfort.

It's best to keep me neutral, but if I believe that and ruin it, I can't even see it.

"So what do you do?

"Lord Ralph asked the Duke of Palatium for help, and it was a pleasure for us."

That's what I said, my brother got his place right.

"I'm going to write to the Duke of Palatium now. Can you help me?

"What am I supposed to help you with?

"You just have to think about the text of the letter you're sending to the Duke of Palatium. I wonder what it feels like to promise you honorable treatment if you cooperate with Empress Tilia."

"I get it. By the way, what do you do when the Duke of Palatium sends out reinforcements?

"I'll buy the surrounding lords some time. I'm not asking you to fight. You should be able to buy yourself a lot of time just by having your stuff checked."

Cecily began to ponder the text with admiration.