The girl with the fire wheel.

Episode Twenty-five: The Choice of the Wise

It's already been three days since I sent a messenger to Grohl. The Noel squad remained the same, taking rest in the city of the Rhine. The looting, etc. was strictly forbidden, so there was no curse with the residents. The Noels were not going to stay long, and the residents all believed that the Baha 'i army would come to recapture them. Therefore, it became natural to refrain from extra interference with each other.

But Noel, who had no spare time, could not be taken seriously or otherwise. I couldn't help but listen to all the stories, so I actively spoke to the residents, and they looked annoying. It was about the children and the servants of the museum who talked to me properly.

After hearing from the children, Noel was still singing his nose in a good mood after returning to the hall. I don't sing aloud because Ligrette, who does clerical work nearby, pounds her tongue. I've seen this many times.

"Humph, humph"

"Aren't you in a good mood? If there's anything good going on, why don't you tell me?"

Kai calls out. When Noel interrupts the song, he taps his hand and replies.

"The kids in this city taught me mountain climbing songs. This is the most fun song we've ever sung together."

"... well, I don't know which one is the child"

Ligrette slaps her pussy as she pounds her tongue.

There is no parent who makes it good for a child to approach a hateful enemy commander, but also Noel, who has killed a lord. But it's something no one can stop a child from getting interested in. Stealing his parents' eyes and approaching Noel, he quickly became friends. Noel's outfit is very riddlesome, and from the children's point of view he looks like a hero. That's what he talks about casually, so he's a leap forward.

"As soon as Taisho reinforcements arrive, you'll climb the Barques Mountains. At that time, let's all sing. So we need to practice so we don't forget."

"Captain Noel, we're not going to play. Beat it into that missing head well. First, permission to cross the mountain has not yet been granted. Sooner or later, you'll be ridiculed again."

"You're as good as ever. You're a shitty bitch. The slackening mouth is full of excess. Hey, keep it stuffed with stone because it smells like you're in the way."

"I don't have the gray-haired monkeys to tell me anyway. Don't talk to me like a thief."

"I guess it's because you get into my sight. You're blind, so keep messing around in the corner."

As usual, the curse of Barbus and Ligret begins. Nor does Noel stop in particular. It's a hassle, and I wouldn't ask you to get along. If you follow my orders properly, I think that's fine. Unless you get people to kill each other or something, you don't even get particularly angry.

"The view from the top would be great. When I climbed up before, I didn't have time to calm down and watch."

Kai reacts to Noel's soliloquy.

"Has Lord Noel ever climbed the Barquez Mountains?

"I don't remember if it was here. I remember climbing the mountain. I was desperate to escape then."

"Hmm, may I ask who was chasing you?

"I wonder who it was. I don't really remember. But they were like shit trying to take treasure from me."

Haha and laughing, Noel peeled at the answer.

"I see. So why don't we let it be like bandits?... By the way, I've been meaning to ask you this for a long time, where did you get the law of war? From what I've heard, you said you were a hunter in the village before you served Coimbra? To do so, he is conducting a reasonable command. I'm not surprised."

Kai asks with the kind of eyes he explores. Barbus, who was making up his mind, and Liguret, have been turning a blind eye to this one at some point. There was no reason to delude Noel, so he decided to answer honestly.

"When I was smaller, I was a little bit in a church like shit. All the military laws left by the Sun Emperor Bergis were made to memorize, and he was slapped into the way he fought until he was on the verge of dying. Don't defy the Emperor of the Sun, swear absolute loyalty, he made me chant over and over again. All my people were dead, except me."

"... is that another usual makeover? It is the Church that prays to the Sun God. All priests and nuns are rigorously trained for this. There is no way in such a holy place that evil people are doing things."

"Haha, you don't have to believe anything. No matter what anyone says now, nothing will change and nothing can be done about it. Now, the important thing is..."

That's what Noel says, and then he sends his gaze to everyone.

"Being happy until I'm for everyone. One survived, and I must live happily ever after. We have to live and live to the end. For that I have become a Coimbra soldier and I am fighting hard"

Kai, Barbus and Ligret were unexpectedly stunned by Noel, who looked serious at some point.

Having said what he wanted to say, Noel opens the door and goes out onto the terrace, raising his arms and looking up at the sky. The weather is wonderfully pleasant. But it's not good.

"... oh, you can't do this"

"What's wrong with that? The glorious sun rises brilliantly with such preference."

Kai, who regained his mind, also came out.

"It smells like rain. Yeah, it's definitely gonna rain."

"For that to happen, I don't think so. Well, the weather in the mountains is changeable, I say."

"I know. Oh, really, I wish I could die of rain."

Noel lay down on the carpet after pounding his tongue and returning indoors, exasperated with killing. I'm not happy with the sarcasm. Noel decided to close his eyes to forget the unpleasant and wait for the disaster to pass.

- Coimbra army, camp. Grohl, who left the Castle Fortress of Karnas, had carefully eastwarded the streets as planned, in the meantime mindful of the control of the surrounding bases. Without intimidation, especially by force, the Lords have obeyed us by simply sending a messenger of surrender recommendations. Only two weeks after the invasion began, about 30% of the Bahar is already under the control of the Coimbra balance flag.

Grohl, who felt better, gave a generous treatment: to appease the receipt of everything that came down. In fact, the only thing Grohl wants to get rid of is Amir, and if he can win the throne, it doesn't matter what else.

"Lord Raldeau, the city, has sent a secret book when Barnes follows us!

"All right, tell them to join our army instead of appeasing their possession"

"Ha!"

"Wilm, is there a report in there from a spy on what Amir's guy is doing now?

"Ha, according to the report, we finally left the Empire City. It looks like a lot of confusion is happening because of the sudden departure of troops. And you're struggling to get food."

"How unusual. I didn't know anyone trying to target the emperor was even struggling with daily food. haha, what a laugh it is!

"Absolutely, you're right about Taisho. In Taisho and Lord Bahar, the vessels are too different. It's an honor to serve our wonderful Lord."

When Gaddis flatters, Grohl laughs.

"Not much praise, but nothing. Wilm, how long do you think it'll take them to get back to Bahr?

"Right. A march led by a confused soldier would be a waste of a lot of time. My prediction is that it's still like three months."

"Ha-ha-ha! You don't need two months to drop Vesta, you're giving me three months of respite! I wonder if this will take control of all of Bahar."

"The operation is going well. Bahar main force is definitely exhausted. If you wait for it and try the showdown, you won't be wrong."

"Heh heh, the Sun God, you seem finally willing to take sides with me. For this minute, the emperor's throne is not far away."

A minister, including Wilm, in an upbeat mood, and a messenger from Noel arrived just as he began to celebrate.

"... Hmm. Apparently, Noel dropped the line beautifully. It says Bellotte, the disobedient lord, took over. I dropped it a lot with that gesture. You're a boulder warrior."

"Taisho, this will be Bellotte's neck, will it be confirmed?

"No, fine. Let's not do this because the liquor will taste bad. But it's unusual for a lord to disobey. The stronghold where we sent the messengers said they all agreed to throw away their swords and raise the Coimbra flag with great care."

"Let it also be due to the prestige of Taishou. The result was extra blood, but I was wondering if I could have dropped the line. Congratulations."

Gaddis states his obedience. Grohl laughed thinly, reading the rest of the writings he had in his hands.

"So, Noel says, he wants to make a blow to Vesta, crossing the Barques Mountains from the city line. He said he would ask for backup if he could. If possible, just Cynthia's team."

Now, Grohl wonders what's going on. Clearly, what Noel did this time seems futile. Because such a secluded place would have followed its own accord if it had dropped Vesta, even if it hadn't got its hands on it. But you can praise yourself for falling the line with that oligarchy. Besides, crossing the mountain and taking a blow to Vesta doesn't seem that bad. If we succeed in luring the lords into agitation, the invasion will be even easier.

"... All right. Let Cynthia have the supplies and head over to Noel. Just the right thing to do to upset the enemy."

Cynthia, named, salutes with a nervous face after hastily responding. Grohl laughs bitterly, stating to make it easier, then tries to pass on the order.

- But there was someone who disagreed with it. Grohl is the most trusted man, General Wilm.

"Taishou, I'm afraid that's a wait. If you send them without any preparation, you'll definitely lose the senior Cynthia hundred."

"What? What does that mean?

He gives a strange look and prompts Wilm to go ahead. It is not calm to lose your life.

"I didn't want to bother you with Taisho's heart, and I was going to conduct an investigation inside. … see this"

Wilm stops by and takes the letter out of his nostalgia. The wax had the crest of Bahar's three-sword flag. When you open inside, a single letter. The handwriting also looks familiar to Grohl. It must belong to Amir, my real brother.

When Grohl starts reading it, his face, which was in a good mood, is distorted all at once.

"What is this? Wilm, what the hell is this bullshit letter?!?

This letter was addressed to Noel from Bahar Taisho Amir. Here's what it's all about:

- Take the neck of the coin bra Taishou Glor, as ordered. If that's not possible, cut the momentum of the Coimbra Army and spread the power. Whatever the means. Two betrayals will never be tolerated. Send additional money as a payment.

Angry Grohl tore the script apart and slammed the cup in front of him to the ground.

"Oh, that shameless little girl! After all I've done with my eyes, you're telling me that you've just eaten me up!!

When Cynthia checks the contents of the torn brief in half, she makes a hasty statement as she moves.

"Oh, wait, Taisho! There's no way that Noel would make such a betrayal!

"And yet, I think so, too. Noel, I don't think a hundred men would betray you very much."

Cynthia and Dilk try to shelter him, but it turns out to oil Grohl's wrath.

"Then what is this letter! Wilm, where the hell did you get this!!

"Ha. A hundred Ligret captains and secretly obtains a suspicious man who was lurking in the allies. As I'm sure you already know, my daughter Ligret is in Noel's deputy. In other words, this letter is considered credible. The secret detective also reported possession of large amounts of money. Probably working capital."

Whimpering heavily as Wilm rubs his jaw. The words of Ligret, Wilm's daughter, and being Noel's deputy, mean information that is already unsuspecting. The martial officers have also begun to punch their pussies one after the other, saying that there was no way they could trust civilians from the north.

Cynthia slaps the desk with both hands and forcefully silences the same. Its face is bright red with anger, and blue muscles float in its temples.

"Please wait! It is also possible that the letter obtained by Lord Ligret is an enemy trap. Now, we have already tried not to doubt its authenticity, but to brand Noel with betrayal. Taisho, this is an enemy rumor trying to get rid of Noel!

Cynthia opens her eyes wide and complains of Noel's innocence. But Wilm argues immediately.

"But this handwriting definitely belongs to Lord Bahar. It even bears the crest of the Three Swords.... Besides, I didn't think it would be a good idea to have Taisho, and I was looking into Noel's qualities more than before. He said he was from the village of Zoim, but that was utter falsehood. I asked Zoim's village chief that Noel came from the“ East ”. The land of the East over Coimbra, isn't that only possible Bahar!

So once we separate the words, we spread our arms toward one of the venues, emphasizing them greatly.

"In the first place, Noel sent down the termite party that tormented us with ease and direct reference. Why do those lowly humans obey Noel so much? The answer is one. If Noel is a Bahar person, it's all convincing. Because the purpose of inflicting harm on the coin bra is the same. I mean, they were waiting for us to sneak a knife!

When you hear Wilm's words, you convince the martial officers one after the other. Only Cynthia, Dilk and some martial artists from the North are about to object.

And Grohl, too, had been convinced by Wilm's words. Grohl was slightly uncomfortable when the termite party became Noel's subordinate. I couldn't understand why the humans who had rebelled for years would obey me so much. Besides, I never thought about Noel's identity. It is a horrible story if you think about it. Because he kept a stranger close to his eyes without any warning.

"No, that can't be stupid! Remind me often. Isn't it Noel who saved you and Master Sarah? It was also Noel who saved Taisho, who was in distress in Canaan. Such a suspicious letter doesn't make sense, such as deciding not to have done all the work before!

"... ugh. Sure, that makes sense."

Grohl, whose first anger has subsided a little, thinks Cynthia's story is also the best. Both statements, they seem right. Lost in judgment. Either way, I can't leave you alone. Instead of involving morale, it could be a fatal wound to the army.

"Don't listen to suspicious letters. You're going to fool my daughter Ligret!

"Isn't it Noel who's hurting me the most pride right now? Huh!

Cynthia stares Wilm straight in the face. It exposes Wilm's outgoing intimidation to anger without anything. The martial officers who were following them were also downsized by the barometric pressure.

Once out of sight, Wilm gives a bitter look. As for Wilm, I'm not willing to put him in a coalition for insider sin until Cynthia. It is the oblivion of my friend Sydney and I like its honest nature. The more I think about it, the more I want to be tied to Royer. It was an unexpected event that made it so far against coercion that Wilm was desperately circling his head wondering how he had disputed it.

"Look, Cynthia. Noel's work was all a play to get into our nostalgia. Easy for those raised as assassins. A good man's dignitary is well fooled by Noel."

"I'm not that stupid! First, Noel has captured Ristig, the general of Bahar, and is taking over Hoslo and Bellotte. Is that even a play?!? If it's through to the enemy, isn't it strange to show that it works like that!

"Nothing is surprising if Noel is an assassin. By capturing Listig, Noel turned to our nostalgia. I was tempted to serve here once, but I rode Lord Bahar's invitation and changed my mind again. That must be the letter's" second betrayal ”. Besides, if it was for your own protection, I'd let it drop as easily as Bellotte's neck."

"Oh, no."

"... Your honor is sheltering Noel, but is it not possible that he is inside the Bahr? No, your honor is the oblivion of my friend Sydney. I don't believe so, just in case."

"We don't have an inside line!

"Then be careful what you say and do as you suspect!

Cynthia stuffed unintentionally by Wilm's provocation. More importantly, Cynthia is a lousy mouth and not good at talking in places like this. Rather than fighting the tongue, it is enough to wave the sword for real and myself. But I feel like I can't even lose for Noel.

"Taishou, I have been educating on Noel's side for the past six months. I've never seen anything like a treacherous bare gesture. On the contrary, I was sincerely looking forward to working for you sooner or later. That's because he promised you. And Noel will never break his promise! I guarantee it!

"That doesn't prove anything.... Takeshi, form a crusade now to take over Noel. If we assault the line pretending we are being deceived, we can easily defeat the proud."

When Wilm presents a tough measure, Cynthia shakes her head hard and disagrees.

"Never! If you really want to, at least give Noel a chance to open it!

"Hand warm! The traitor only has death! Cynthia, if you're a knight, say no!

"If he really had betrayed me, I would kill Noel! On top of that, I will take responsibility and self-determination too!!

Cynthia pulls out her sword and protrudes deep into the ground. This is the manifestation of our resolve in Coimbra Chivalry. No matter what happens, an absolute statement of intent to be sure to do it. Breaking this becomes synonymous with renouncing being a knight.

Grohl finally came to a conclusion after a long thought with groans.

"... I can't decide which is right. But it doesn't even seem like Cynthia's lying. First, when I was ambushed by the Red Wheel Army, I would have died without Noel. I can't believe it was an act."

"Exactly. Noel has not betrayed us!

"But the human heart is something that changes. I know that better than anyone. Like Wilm said, he was willing to serve me once, but maybe he changed his mind again."

"Definitely. I want you to believe me."

"… Therefore, Noel shall temporarily change from the front line and order the defense of the Castle of Karnas. If you disobey this order, you must disobey it immediately. Full investigation should be done carefully after the war."

Grohl decided to postpone the answer. I don't know if betrayal is a fact. When I think calmly, I don't think Noel would betray me. I want to believe that it was me who took it away, it was a mistake. But given that horrible force comes down on itself, it's really horrible. More than the victory is near, I want to get rid of the roots of the scourge in case. Above all, I can't even overlook the words of Wilm that I trust most.

In case this is a gossip, I can't even pick a faster decision. If this was a mistake, if you kill Noel, you will act foolishly and immensely. In fact, if you look back at history, many people have been pursued for their status with gossip and rhetoric.

Grohl, unable to determine either and afraid to do so again, could only make the vague decision to “postpone the conclusion”.

"... if you decide to be fat, I will obey this Wilm. Cynthia, are you convinced?

"Come on!"

Cynthia is dissatisfied and indignant. It's impossible for Noel to betray you. Why should innocent people be alternated? But there's nothing you can do about it here. Even though the place is going to fit in somehow, there's even the possibility of making extra noise if it does. Perhaps it is only unfortunate luck that betrayal is confirmed and not executed.

Cynthia nodded deeply and saluted silently after teething sparingly.

"Noel's investigation, Dirk, you do it after the war's settled. White or black, like a thorough investigation."

"Yes, I did. In accordance with the military statute, we promise you a fair investigation!

"Now let's say we send a replacement unit to the line. The soldiers will have a thousand men, and the gendarmerie will follow them just in case."

"... um, that's fine. Don't let Noel near my side until the results are clear. Now when it matters, I want to remove the extra anxiety material"

"Ha!

After exhaling deeply, Grohl followed the scene somewhere tired. Because I wasn't sure if my decision was really right.

The remaining martial officers also walk away with a thoughtful look.

Cynthia knelt on the spot and could only squeeze the freshly poked sword at her mouth. I don't see why Wilm hates Noel and tries to get rid of him. Wilm was Cynthia's late father, Sydney's best friend, and himself has been adored again. He is a respectable fine knight and a competent general. I really don't understand why that's trying to keep Noel in the way. Does the difference between identity and birth make you do that, or do you have other thoughts? I don't know which one is right, but there's only one thing I can tell.

Noel keeps his word. Young man and I don't imitate betraying ourselves. We promised to be happy together. Breaking a promise is a contraindication that Noel should never make. So betrayal is impossible. I sincerely regret not being able to successfully explain that to others.

(No, not yet. Speak directly to Master Wilm, if you understand, or -)

Cynthia hurries to visit Wilm's tent and try to persuade him.

"… does your official intend to contest the earlier decision?

"It's not. But eliminating Noel will only benefit the enemy. Please, revoke the instructions to change."

"I can't do that. I'm sorry, but I can't trust him like you do. One must avoid seeing things from a big perspective and being flushed into temporal emotions. If you want to go up there too, you understand that."

Wilm stated to teach his deaf daughter. Cynthia understands that no further persuasion is meaningless.

"… May I ask why you are trying to get rid of Noel that far? Master Wilm seems hostile from the time Noel was commissioned."

"Yeah, did you see that?

"Yes."

"I don't hate that because it's from the North, or because I'm jealous as a samurai to be handy. Just..."

"... just?

"I'm in the way. That became a disturbing presence for Taisho to grasp the glory. So I temporarily removed it. … the investigation is conducted more fairly by Dirk. Depending on the outcome, you should also be able to bloom back again. I think this is a satisfactory outcome for everyone."

"... ok. Senior Cynthia Hundred, return to duty."

"Mm-hmm. It's close at the showdown. Your honor will never make your life crude, either, so that you can work for your best coin bra!

"... Ha!

Cynthia leaves Wilm's tent and looks up into the sky. Covering the sun, it was as if the black clouds represented the heart of Cynthia.

"... Noel, I'm just helpless. I'm really, really sorry."