Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 05 Chapter 5 - MTL

2013-05-12T04:52:52Z

Moratorius: /* Decisive Battle */

<noinclude>{{Template:PREVIEW}}</noinclude>
=== Decisive Battle ===
Four of those who had entered the temple of the Goddess Mosha remained. They were Ellen, Regin, Rurick, and a soldier from Zhcted.

Though Ellen had the impulse to destroy the upper part of the passage with her {{furigana|Dragonic Skill|Veda}} on multiple occasions, she persuaded herself to endure. Burying it even further was not going to help Tigre in any way.

There were two reasons that helped Ellen remain somewhat calm.

One was Regin's existence. She was far more troubled than Ellen.

She had not stopped crying as she ran, and she could not speak words to blame herself. She had fallen hard once, and, after that, the Princess of Brune was carried on the back of one of the soldiers. Seeing her in that way beside her, Ellen regained her composure, little by little.

The other reason was Rurick. While she ran through the passage, the bald Knight shouted at Ellen.

“Vanadis-sama. Lord Tigrevurmud will be safe! He is skilled with the bow, his skill is superior to death, and that is why he will survive! He won't die in a place like this!”

Rather than encouraging Ellen, he was persuading himself. Still, Rurick's words had saved Ellen. Rurick was a good archer, but not as excellent as Tigre. What he said held weight, or so she thought.

“We'll go to Artishem.”

After they returned to the temple, Ellen looked back at Regin whose breath was still not regulated, and she reported in a dignified voice.

“That cave-in was very localized. It did not seem to go any further than the passage we returned from. Though I don't know how, it only affected the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}.”

“You mean to dig up the area around the cave-in... how will we do that?”

Rurick had an uneasy expression. Even the Zhcted soldiers were weakly objecting.

“However, Lord Tigrevurmud...”

Ellen glared at the two intensely, however, she shook her head immediately.

“... Though I don't think this is the case, it is still an emergency. We need to collect the corpse. There is the possibility they are also searching.”

These words startled Regin, finally stopping her tears. Tigre's death would lead to the collapse of the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}}. Even if the possibilities were slim, Thenardier might return with dozens of soldiers.

“--- Yes. If there are corpses, we cannot let them have it. No matter what.”

''This is no time to cry. I am sorry. I cannot do this now. I must move my feet, move my hands.''

Regin found courage at last and nodded to Ellen with her blue eyes. Her eyes showed her belief in Tigre's safety, but she could not hide her anxiety.

“I understand. Then let's move.”

Rurick pulled himself together and responded to Ellen with a clear tone. The Vanadis with silver-white hair gave a command to Rurick and the Zhcted soldiers in a loud voice.

“Return to the main unit immediately and explain the details only to Earl Rodant and Limlisha. Have them dispatch two thousand men to Artishem.”

After that, she turned to the soldiers of Brune.

“All of you, we will head to Artishem immediately. We will explain the details as we ride.”

Her voice was strong and demanded presence, even to soldiers of another country. Without worrying about the dirt covering her, Ellen took actions. They had originally come riding two people per horse. They had been reduced to six people now; it was an ironic form of luck.

After leaving the temple, the divided into two groups. Ellen and the others ran to Artishem across the meadow.

The sky was blue, the sun had risen high. It was already well into the day. Though Ellen and Regin were exhausted, neither desired a break.

It did not take even a quarter koku to reach Artishem from the temple of Mosha. The ramparts surrounding the city had become visible immediately.

“What will you do when you go into Artishem?”

Regin pulled her horse next to Ellen's.

“We'll head to the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}. I'll think of something when I get there.”

It was a violent answer, but Regin understood. The two gazed ahead as the walls of Artishem gradually approached.

--- The two opened their mouths wide at the same time.

A black light streaked perpendicular to the ramparts on the other side of the wall from the center of the city. A Black Dragon crossed the thoughts of the two girls the moment they saw the light.

The black light blew through the clouds, like a pillar connecting Heaven and Earth. The clouds above were vanished. It was as if a Black Dragon had flown to the heavens.

A moment later, the air shook, reminiscent of a distant thunderstorm.

The black light grew thin and disappeared soundlessly.

“What was that...?”

They were far too surprised and could only think of those words. In contrast to Regin who could not hide her unease and tension, Ellen's mouth smiled hopefully. The image of the black bow the boy with red hair held floated to her mind.

“I don't know! But we're going!”

Kicking the horse's belly, Ellen quickly ran to the eastern gate.

Looking up at the rampart, a part of the walls surrounding Artishem had burned and collapsed.

Despite the tragic sight spreading before their eyes as they passed through the gate, Ellen and the others did not stop moving.

Soot and debris clung to the sides of the streets and the buildings. Everything was buried in rubble. Columns that still remained were colored black. Whoever saw it would only feel their heart go cold.

There were people who walked up and down the streets who looked terribly dirty, but compared to those sitting or lying down in the rubble, they looked much better. There were those searching for something to get them through the day, and there are those who walked unintentionally down the road with blank faces.

[[Image:Vanadis V05 - 212.jpg|175px|thumb]]
The entire city was shrouded in pain and despair.

Regin could think of nothing to say as she looked at the roads covered in rubble. The two soldiers of Brune who followed afterward trembled.

The Vanadis lightly tapped the frozen Princess.

“There is nothing we can do today. Let's go.”

Regin nodded helplessly. She had said it to herself before. She had no room to worry about others. There were few travelers in the city. The four stood out, but Ellen did not bother to stop.

“... The heart of the city is ahead of us.”

Regin spoke as she turned the corner. Before them was where the light had expanded.

The ground just a few steps before them was lost.

To be precise, there was a giant bowl-shaped crater.

The hole was the size of a small house, and it was focused at the point where the main streets intersected. All the pavement slabs had been destroyed; all that remained was soil and stone.

Many curious onlookers looked. They stared down at the hole, unable to hide their emotions.

Someone lay in the center of the crater.

“... Tigre!”

Seeing the boy with red hair and a black bow in his left hand lying in the crater, Ellen, without hesitation, rushed to the center.

Both his clothes and leather armor were in tatters, and his red hair was completely disordered. At first, she was confused seeing the black bow in his left hand, but she saw Tigre had carried someone on his back. Seeing this, Ellen understood.

“You're safe, Tigre!”

She ran up and held him in her arms. The face full of soot moved faintly and a voice called out.

“... Ellen?”

Though he looked weak, Ellen smiled in relief. However, Tigre's body suddenly lost strength at that moment. Ellen reached out to support him, her face full of anxiety until she saw that Tigre had fainted.

“Honestly... Making me worry like that.”

Tears blotted the edge of Ellen's eyes, blurring her vision. However, confirming his safety, the Vanadis with silver-white hair forced them back.

After that, Ellen saw the elderly man's corpse on Tigre's shoulders. His clothes were stained with blood, and his face and body was more battered than Tigre's. He was dead. There was a large wound across his body which took his life away.

''--- So it's Batran.''

He was the elderly man who had served by Tigre's side. Ever since they entered the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}, he had remained by Tigre's side.

''--- Even in that violent tremor, you sacrificed yourself to save Tigre.''

Ellen closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she prayed to the Pantheon of the Gods for the peace and safety of his soul. He had far surpassed the border of life. It all began when he visited Tigre when he was still a prisoner of war.

Batran had done what she herself could not.

Suddenly, a rope was thrown to her feet. She looked up and saw Regin and the Brune soldiers grasping it tightly. They had secured it as she ran down the crater.

Ellen lay Tigre on the ground and took over the task of carrying Batran. She stood up after supporting Tigre once again and grabbed the rope. Regin and the others slowly pulled them up.

Looking at the surroundings, the people were gradually beginning to gather. Many had run away seeing the light of the Black Dragon as it flew up to the sky. Because nothing else happened afterward, they came to see what occurred.

Those who had been at the crater at the beginning and saw Ellen and the others arrive looked at the Vanadis and the Princess suspiciously.

However, no one called out to them. Perhaps they judged it would be bad to interfere, or perhaps they lacked the energy to act due to the fire.

In fact, the people remaining in the capital were simply too tired. They had lost their livelihoods to the fire, and the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} and Thenardier Army were approaching the city. They had no means of escape.
At any rate, Ellen and the others could only appreciate the lack of interference.

<center><big><big><big><big>◎</big></big></big></big></center>

The sun fell to the west, causing a subtle change to the blue sky.

The Silver Meteor Army was camped in a field thirty belsta away from Artishem.

In the General's tent, Ellen, Regin, Lim, Mira, Massas, Rurick, and Gerard sat in a circle.

After Ellen and Regin explained what happened in the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}, there were a variety of reactions from those present.

“First of all... You are safe, Lord Eleanora. Your safety is a blessing.”

Massas as he bowed deeply, nearly to the ground.

Rurick and the others who left the passage headed to the base of the Silver Meteor Army and immediately explained the circumstances to Massas. Massas quickly ordered the troops to prepare to withdraw and gathered one thousand men to head to Artishem at once.

“However, that was not our fate. The army would have collapsed immediately.”

Ellen sighed knowing his life was not in danger.

“Fate, is it...?”

Regin placed her hand to her mouth and was lost in thought hearing Ellen's casual language.

“The moment we entered the Sacred Caverns of the Palace, the area above us began to collapse... I wonder how likely that is.”

“Even if you ask, it happened. Even if Thenardier was there, it was not something he did. To begin with, that is something impossible to do artificially.”

Ellen said those words with some darkness in her voice. At that moment, Teita entered with a number of cups on a tray.

Her face was dark and she lost her voice. Massas knew the energy that was once in her smile and wanted to turn away in apology. She had endured her sorrows well.

The maid with chestnut-colored hair politely, but somewhat mechanically, placed porcelain cups before them one by one. Steam rose from the hot tea within.

“... Teita.”

After some slight hesitation, Ellen called out to her as a representative for everyone.

“Tigre... Um, how is he?”

“He is currently resting in another tent. He has a few bruises, and he seems weak, but he has no large injuries that could become a problem.”

Teita responded in a detached voice that was more indifferent than even Lim's usual tone.

“I understand. I know it is unnecessary to say, but please stay with Tigre.”

''Thank you very much.'' Teita bowed and left the tent after giving her gratitude in a small voice. They all looked down at the tea cups before turning to one another.

“Earl Rodant. You know Lord Tigrevurmud best, so I will ask you frankly. Will he recover by tonight?”

Gerard asked a question without any hint of reserve. Lim and Mira held there breath, and Rurick openly frowned, but none criticized him. It was an important question.

“--- I honestly don't know.”

Massas responded with a pensive expression, making the atmosphere even heavier.

“Tigre is the kind of person to bounce back quickly, but...”

In the battles until today, many soldiers from Alsace had been lost; however no one had a relation with Tigre as long or as deeply as Batran had. The small, brave man had served Tigre's father, Urz.

The sense of sorrow and loss was also clear in Teita's attitude.

“Tigre... only spoke about Batran?”

Regin nodded to Massas' question.

Tigre woke up just before they left Artishem. Even when Ellen asked about his injuries, he had remained silent. He only spoke when they mentioned burying Batran.

“Encase him in wax and place him in a coffin. In this season, he will last a month. Have Batran buried in Alsace.”

Immediately after saying those words in a strong tone, Tigre lost consciousness and remained asleep ever since.

“However, Lord Tigrevurmud clearly stated his intentions regarding Batran.”

“It may have come out of his desire to properly take care of Bartran. Since then, he has become like this.”

Regin's words were simply her clinging to hope. The Princess with hair of gold glanced at Ellen in hope, who simply clenched her fist atop her knee, enduring her helplessness.

“More than anything, all of you have returned safely. Regarding Duke Thenardier... have you seen any signs of him?”

To restore the atmosphere, Mira brought up the problem at hand. Massas responded quickly.

“At present, there are no noticeable movements. From what I heard from Her Highness and Lord Eleanora, the Duke himself was in the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}. He will have returned to his army by now and is likely taking measures.”

“... Do you mean to say he will accuse Lord Tigrevurmud of acting toward his own goals, and he is ordering an attack?”

Hearing those words, Lim had a tense expression. Her thoughts were quickly stopped.

It was not strange to think he would turn his anger toward Thenardier who interfered and caused Batran's death. The problem was that he would fight recklessly. If they were defeated here, there was a risk that the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} would collapse.

“Don't worry, Lim.”

Ellen answered her adjutant with gold hair tied to the left side of her head.

“If that happens, I'll stop him, even if I have to knock him out.”

“--- At any rate.”

Massas looked about to conclude the meeting.

“No matter the reason, Thenardier's Army has begun to move, and we cannot neglect our own preparations. For now, we should leave Tigre – Lord Vorn alone for the night.”

The conference ended with that. Ellen, Lim, Mira and Gerard left the tent. Only Rurick and Massas remained.

“... Is something wrong?”

Massas spoke with a questioning gaze. Even though the sun had fallen, the bald Knight did not have much of a chance to speak until now. Massas knew he looked up to Tigre and nothing more. Rurick finished the tea in his cup and stood up before speaking.

“Earl Rodant, will you not rest for a while?”

“Though I am grateful for your consideration...”

To Massas, he was only a member of a foreign army. The old Earl looked at Rurick curiously. Rurick simply responded with a shrug.

“I have been fighting for Lord Tigrevurmud, and I have spoken many times to Batran. We have played chess and various card games with one another.”

Batran, though Teita was also one reason, had become estranged from Ellen. However, Rurick, though a simple soldier, seemed to get along well with him. Massas continued evaluating the man before him.

“I have heard that you are also quite intimate with Batran, a friendship which surpasses rank. Even if it is only for a koku, you should also rest.”

Massas would be unable to bear it for more than one koku due to his sense of responsibility. Massas stroked his gray beard in silence while thinking about Rurick's proposal. Rather than asking a question, he simply gave his gratitude.

Rurick bowed to Massas as he stepped out of the tent. He stopped his legs immediately.

“Eavesdropping is a poor hobby.”

“No, no, I simply did not think you were so considerate.”

Gerard walked out from the shade of the tent with an unusual sign of admiration. Rurick did not show any signs of anger, though.

“Well, whatever. Help me. It's only one koku, so let's try and avoid having the Brune soldiers see anything.”

“Why should I help?”

“It would create problems if I ordered those from Brune directly.”

Rurick responded in a tone as if it were natural. Gerard looked at the bald Knight before letting out a large sigh.

“And here I thought you would beg me for help. I've been had... As expected from a man of Zhcted. You're neither easy nor naïve.”

“I will give orders and you can relay them. I will say this now, but I am only cooperating with you to help Lord Massas.”

“I suppose it can't be helped. It will only be more troublesome if I have to clean up your mess later... We'll need a barrel of Zhcted alcohol for this.”

Gerard consented easily. He had planned to do nothing for Massas. It is only because his father, Augre, and Massas were close friends that he accepted.

While hurling insults at one another, the man from Zhcted and the man from Brune walked between the tents housing the soldiers.

<center><big><big><big><big>◎</big></big></big></big></center>

In the center of his own tent, Tigre sat silently. He had been treated and wore fresh clothing.

He grasped his black bow tightly in his left hand and remained as still as a stone statue.

Teita quietly sat beside him. The tent was completely dark with not even a single candle lit. It was silent and the air was heavily stagnant.

It was a sight which directly represented Tigre's mindset.

[--- You did it.]

Unexpectedly, a voice shook the air. Though it was a voice, it did not emit through the ears; it was a voice which only Tigre could hear.

[You finally used the power of the bow without using my help or the help of others.]

He shot through the rocks in an instant.

Though the voice reached Tigre, he did not show a single reaction. Tigre simply stared into the nothingness before him. After a half koku, the [Voice] gave up and left.

[It must be serious if you aren't talking to me. I'll return when your mood is better.]

Tigre still did not show any particular change, as if he had never heard the voice at all. Rage, regret, helplessness, loss, swirling emotions rampaged about his mind. It was as if heart itself was dyed jet black.

Batran was killed by Steid, and Steid was Thenardier's subordinate.

However, he was already dead.

Revenge and remorse, two fierce animals struggled like violent dogs in his mind.

It had repeated constantly in his mind.

''If Thenardier wasn't there. No, if I didn't take Batran to the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}. No, if I had managed to get rid of Steid. No, if that tremor had not happened. No, no, no...''

''This is all meaningless, Batran is dead and he will not return, Whether I am angry or whether I have regret, I can't change that any longer.''

Tigre knew.

He knew it was not the time to stop, that he must move forward.

Though he understood, his mind ran idle. Except for his hand which grasped the bow, he had no energy. His lower body was heavy, as if it were trying bind him to the ground, keeping them from moving.

Batran could no longer feel happiness, anger, or sadness.

The sky was bathed in the ultramarine of twilight. Soldiers could be heard outside cooking, and smoke could be seen rising. Even so, Tigre showed no reaction.

As if mimicking him, Teita remained silent. She drew close to Tigre, thankful he was still there.

The soldiers finished their meals. Even when the stars and moon shined high in the sky, they did not move.

There was a change, and occasional questions were heard outside.

“I'll be bothering you.”

With a natural tone and gait, one girl with a lit candle in her hand entered the tent. She was dressed in blue and had silver-white hair and bright red pupils. A longsword was at her waist – it was Ellen.

Though Tigre looked up at her, he did not speak. Ellen placed the candlestick near the entrance and sat down.

“I will not hear anything vague. What do you want to do?”

“... Leave it for tomorrow.”

Tigre's response was tired. Teita glared at Ellen with a tearful face; she would cry soon. She grasped Tigre tightly and appealed strongly with her hazelnut eyes.

However, the Vanadis with silver-white hair did not flinch and continued quietly.

“You will decide now. If we wait until tomorrow, we will be pressed for time. That is why I will ask you now. What do you want to do?”

When Tigre remained silent, Ellen continued.

“You can't abandon the war now. Duke Thenardier has suffered a significant setback from fight today, and he may negotiate depending on the conditions. You can defend Alsace.”

“... But what of your purpose, then?”

“I will manage it on my own. That's natural.”

He answered in a husky voice, and Ellen responded quickly. She was bluntly telling him she would take care of her own business; Tigre had no words to respond.

In the dead silence, Ellen looked at Tigre seriously and continued speaking.

“I have absolute pride that I can fight, that is what I have long since decided.”

“Pride...?”

It was a normal word, but it had surprisingly latched onto Tigre's mind. Tigre muttered the word again. Ellen simply nodded.

“That's right. Before I became a Vanadis... I was a mercenary, I had pride as a soldier.”

Ellen reached toward the longsword at her waist without separating her gaze from Tigre.

“To a mercenary, we have nothing to depend on, nothing to stand for. We only fight for money. We have no home to return to, only the battlefields we roam. Honor is an empty dream if you want to make a fortune in one go. Those who didn't understand would die. There was nothing – that is why I learned to have pride. Pride in myself, pride as a soldier.”

She spoke again with pride. Tigre muttered to himself again. He had heard it recently somewhere, and not from Ellen.

''--- That's right.''

It was when he was with Mira during his battle with Muozinel. At that time, she spoke of her pride that she had inherited from the generations before her, she had pride in her inheritance of the Frozen Wave that made her a Vanadis.

How did he respond?

“Stubbornness...”

He found the feelings he had lost sight of.

It was an important emotion. Without thought, he was dead.

Whatever he looked like, he would have been dead at heart.

“--- Teita.”

Hearing her name called unexpectedly, the maid with chestnut-brown hair that had remained still as a statue until then looked up to see Tigre's apologetic eyes.

He did not notice she had drawn close to him; he was pitying only himself, trapped in his sorrow. He could not possibly let Batran see him like that.

“Thank you... and sorry for worrying you.”

It was the calm voice of Tigre she was familiar with. When she heard his voice and saw Tigre's gentle smile, she had lost all tension.

“Tigre-sama!”

Tears poured down Teita's eyes as she clung to Tigre. She buried her face in his chest and continued to cry.

Tigre quietly embraced Teita and stroked her head and pat her back.

“We will return to Alsace once this war ends... When we finish the burial, tell me more about Batran. Tell me about the Batran you knew.”

While crying, Teita nodded many times.

Late in the night, when the moon, which lacked a clear shape, was high in the sky, Teita finally became exhausted from crying and fell asleep. After placing the woman who was deep in sleep on the carpet, he quietly placed a blanket over her and turned to Ellen.

“Thank you.”

He bowed deeply with those short words.

“What's that for?”

“For helping me. I haven't thanked you yet.”

Ellen looked at him curiously as Tigre gave his answer.

“If that's the case, then I should apologize for being too naïve. And it was not just me, Regin and Rurick were also there.

“Of course, I wish to express my gratitude to Her Highness and Rurick as well, and I will say so later. But... when I was unable to move, you were the one to give me support. I'm happy about that... and there's something else.”

Tigre turned back to the sleeping Teita and spun his words like a soliloquy while stroking her soft hair.

“Father... My father and Batran were worried for me, that I did not turn my eyes away from Alsace.

Tigre recalled Batran's words as he was approaching death. He had not noticed at all. More than anything, he was satisfied with Alsace.

“In his last moments, Batran was at ease. He no longer had to worry, since I can now see more than just Alsace”

“Doing so is your own accomplishment. I did nothing.”

Though forcible, she had given him a chance. She had taken him to LeitMeritz as a captive and let him roam about; she had given him freedom.

“... Well, since you went to the trouble of saying it, I'll accept your gratitude.”

Ellen smiled shyly as she continued.

“Now then, we should go meet with everyone. It's a bit troublesome now.”

Tigre quietly stood up so as not to awake Teita. Ellen also returned her sword back to her waist and lined up next to the young man.

“I'll go with you. It's better than being scolded alone, right?”

There would be no difference, either way. After exchanging a bitter smile, the two left the tent.

The two looked on with wide eyes at the same time. Lim and Mira stood there. Regin, Rurick, and Gerard, further into the tent, did as well.

“... How long have you been there?”

Ellen asked with an amazed face. Tigre had the same feeling, though he did not voice it.

“This man from Brune couldn't concentrate on his work.”

“This guy from Zhcted was so nervous, it was bothersome.”

Rurick and Gerard pointed to each other with sulky faces.

“There were matters which required your confirmation, Eleanora-sama; however, you were busy, so I waited for you to finish.”

Lim answered indifferently. Regin shrunk down with an apologetic face.

“Ah, um, it was an important talk, so I thought I should wait..”

“I wished to hear Tigre's opinion, so I thought it best to come here.”

Mira stood with her Frozen Wave and laughed mischievously. Tigre looked at everyone and played with his dull red hair before thanking every one of them.

<center><big><big><big><big>◎</big></big></big></big></center>

The next day, Tigre and the others had gathered in the General's tent.

“There are two important reports.”

The meeting began with the old Earl's words. Massas was unable to see what happened the night before, but he was relieved to see Tigre's face at the meeting and let out a sigh of relief.

Tigre, in the meanwhile, was worried about Regin's poor complexion.

“Though several people here know, a messenger from the Zhcted Kingdom came. To be more accurate, it came from Lebus Territory.”

Hearing the name, Ellen frowned. It was the land governed by the Vanadis Elizavetta Fomina she had recently fought.

“We assume she wishes to make a connection of friendship with Tigre. She has sent five hundred barrels of pickled fish oil and three hundred barrels of alcohol. They are currently in the northern port of Crotoy. If you wish to receive it, we can have it brought here immediately.”

Tigre cocked his head in bewilderment.

“Friendship...? I'm not particularly famous.”

Tigre looked to Ellen, Mira, and Lim for help. Ellen frowned and looked resentful, while Mira simply shrugged at him.

“Indeed. Your activities should not have yet reached Lebas. She may have interest in you since Eleanora is cooperating with you. She is trying to have a connection with you in case you should win the battle.”

After saying that, an ill-natured smile floated to Mira's mouth.

“However, her relationship with Eleanora is very bad.”

Tigre looked at Ellen hearing the Snow Princess' words. Ellen looked away from Tigre and responded with a snappy tone.

“I returned from Zhcted just the other day. She was the reason I had to leave. Also, she has connections to both Dukes Thenardier and Ganelon.”

“Then it would be better to refuse.”

“If it was sent to me, I would naturally turn it down, but---”

Ellen shook away her enmity before continuing to speak.

“But this is addressed to you. Well, she sent it over for free. I doubt it's poisoned.”

Ellen smiled dangerously as she spoke her dangerous assumption. Lim, perhaps out of her loyalty to Ellen, remained in silence without a change in her complexion.

Tigre reluctantly turned to Massas.

“What do you think, Lord Massas?”

“It would be a problem if we create bitter feelings by rejecting this. Given the amount they sent, it's well preserved. If they make some demand should we accept this, we may not be able to handle it. To be on the safe side, you may wish to send a reply.”

Tigre nodded and ordered Gerard to inspect the goods and ensure the proper quantity was received. He also told him to carry a generous amount to Artishem.

He was a man better with such things than the battlefield, so he would do his best.

“Now for the next report.”

Massas paused there and took a deep breath. Tigre was lightly surprised. From the attitude of the old Earl, the following conversation would be troublesome.

“A message from the Royal Palace, from Bodwin.”

Massas spoke with a serious expression. Tigre had heard the name somewhere. While exploring his memory, Massas smiled bitterly.

“He is the Prime Minister of our country. Pierre Bodwin.”

Tigre let out a sound involuntarily.

“Prime Minister, why...?”

“He said His Majesty has awoken.”

The Prime Minister of Brune Kingdom walked into the tent after Gerard. He was an elderly man with normal height and build, and he wore a gray uniform. His face was round and his eyes were small, and a gray beard and mustache extended from his face, making his overall appearance look like a cat.

Since it was their first meeting, Tigre bowed his head, but Bodwin softly shook his own.

“Long ago, I met you when you came with your father to the palace in the summer. It has indeed been a long time, Lord Tigrevurmud.”

He had the sense that he had just been smacked in the head. Tigre ruffled his dull red hair in confusion.

“... I heard His Majesty awoke from Earl Rodant. Please tell us, is there a specific reason you came here in person?”

Tigre though there must be something other than business if this old man came out himself. Bodwin continued on.

“I wished to meet you. I wish to know your intent.”

Bodwin watched Tigre and spoke sonorously.

“You became a prisoner of Zhcted Kingdom in the battle at Dinant. Afterward, when Duke Thenardier's men invaded Alsace, you pushed them back with the soldiers of Zhcted Kingdom.”

Tigre nodded.

“Territoire led by Viscount Augre and Aude governed by Earl Rodant became your companions. Even with your title revoked and your territory taken away, your army did not dissolve; rather, you were able to repel the private army of Duke Ganelon and the Navarre Knights. Shall I continue?”

“He seems like a great criminal when you put it like that.”

Lim quietly rebuked Ellen as she made a joke from the side.

“Concerning my actions, that is correct.”

Tigre confirmed it with a serious expression. Bodwin shook his head and narrowed his eyes quickly in a manner reminiscent of a cat.

“After this, what do you plan to do?”

“At present, I will fight Duke Thenardier. I will defeat him.”

Tigre spoke in a natural tone. The Prime Minister's cat-like face became increasingly grim.

“Then will you attack Duke Ganelon's territory as well?”

“No. Once I have secured Alsace's safety, I will return to Zhcted as a prisoner of war.”

Hearing Tigre's response, Bodwin half-opened his mouth and looked with round eyes.

“Of course. I'll make sure to treat you well.”

“I will welcome you as a guest if you wish to come with me.”

Ellen and Mira began quarreling behind Bodwin.

“... You will leave Brune?”

The old Prime Minister looked at him with a troubled face and voice. Tigre nodded quickly to wipe away his suspicions.

“Regarding my future, there are many things I must still discuss. However, for the time being, that is what I will do.”

“... What will you do with Durandal which Lord Roland entrusted you with?”

“I will return it.”

Hearing such a prompt answer, Bodwin's expression and profuse sweating showed he could not possibly understand. After that, he looked back at Massas. Massas had an unusually nasty smile.

“It is as you have heard, Bodwin. Tigre has no ambition. He is not the type to take advantage of this war.”

Tigre was satisfied as things were. Bodwin was afraid Tigre would use this war to become a major force.

The cat-faced Prime Minister turned to Tigre with a perplexed face.

“Then, you really are only defending Alsace...?”

“Correct, however, I wish to remind you, that to defend the peace of Alsace... I will have to relinquish my rights to Zhcted.”

Massas looked away. Ellen smiled as she always did, Mira smiled at him with both amazement and admiration, Regin looked at him popeyed, and Lim grimaced as if wavering between whether she should scold him or praise him.

Bodwin played with his mustache with his fingers. Though his mind was wavering between his emotions and his duties, the cat-faced Prime Minister showed no signs of it. Since there was no reaction, Tigre changed the subject.

“Regin, Your Highness.”

Tigre saw a shadow somewhere in Regin's expression, perhaps because she was unsure whether it was the time to talk. Bodwin glanced at Regin then returned his gaze to Tigre. He spoke in a prudent tone.

“Do you believe she is Her Highness, Regin?”

“I have no choice but to believe. She has spoken of something known only to His Highness and me. I have never once spoken of it, and I cannot think her appearance a coincidence.”

Tigre looked him in the eyes as he spoke the last part. According to Regin, King Faron, her mother, Thenardier, and Ganelon knew of her true gender. Bodwin spoke with an indifferent reaction.

“I cannot think of anyone else who might know. It is unlikely anyone else found out, however---”

Bodwin frowned like a cat that had just smelled something disagreeable.

“Even if I let it be known that she was the Prince, it would be useless. Who would possibly be convinced she was a member of the Royal Family? Only we would know, and we would have nothing to prove her identity, either.”

“Would it be pointless to return to the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}} again?”

Ellen quickly gave an answer.

“About that, only the upper parts collapsed. We would need to remove all the rubble away.”

“If possible... you could come to Nice. I would like you to meet His Majesty.”

Bodwin gave his proposal as he looked at Regin.

“His Majesty... How is Father's condition?”

“It is not good.”

Bodwin continued with an earnest expression.

“Though it was well hidden from you... His Highness suffered from an illness even before the battle of Dinant. Since then, his health has progressively deteriorated.”

Regin's voice was lost. The King she knew was such an exuberant and healthy man overflowing with vitality compared to a normal 41 year old. Massas recalled what he heard across the door and scowled.

“His weakening body has reached even his mind... The doctors of the court have prescribed a variety of medicines, and the priests and shrine maidens have prayed for his health every day, but his condition has simply become terrible.”

“I understand. Let's go to the Royal Capital.”

Tigre was the one to answer. Everyone inside the tent glanced at him. Tigre continued with a sincere expression.

“If Her Highness can meet His Majesty, his condition may improve. I have no reason to refuse. However – we cannot avoid a battle with Duke Thenardier before that.”

If King Faron regained his sanity and formally accepted Regin as a princess, Duke Thenardier would be accused of being a traitor for attempting to kill the King's child. No matter what he must do, he would act to prevent Regin and the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} from reaching the Royal Capital.

Everyone present had no doubt the decisive battle would occur here.

Bodwin left the camp of the Silver Meteor Army before the day ended. The cat-faced man quickly cut the distance and returned to the King's Capital one koku early.

“I am a civil servant. I would be of no help in the realm of battle. Even if it is only one koku early, I wish to report of Her Highness Regin's presence to His Majesty.”

Tigre accepted his wishes and separated with the Prime Minister, allowing him fifty cavalrymen to defend him.

<center><big><big><big><big>◎</big></big></big></big></center>

Felix Aaron Thenardier was nearly killed three times before the age of 10. By the time he turned 20, his attacks had increase four or five-fold. Since he inherited his title and territory at the age of 26, he was attacked even more frequently.

“Those who inherit the Thenardier name must be strong. They must be stronger than all others.”

They were the words of his father which the Duke had heard every day from an early age. Contrary to his words, he was a sickly and clumsy man. Though his ability as a ruler was superior, he could not perfectly execute it.

“The weak are eaten by the strong. They will take your place; that is the way of the world. You must also not be content with weak blood. They, too, can be eaten.”

Thenardier had three brothers born from the same mother. Including the children from different mothers, he had five more. He had no sisters by blood.

His father not only spoke his words but acted on them. The terror of Thenardier's father was that he allowed the children of his concubines to try and kill the children of his lawful wife.

Before he knew it, it had become similar to a story he had once heard from a traveling minstrel. Ten snakes were put in a jar, and they killed each other, one by one within the container. Thenardier could not help but remember the story.

Thenardier trained himself. He studied the sword, the speed, horse riding skills, and politics from a young age. Against his half-brothers, born of his father's mistresses, Thenardier mercilessly beheaded those who lost and pleaded for their life.

When Thenardier turned 20, only his younger brother remained. The number of children had decreased to five or less.

At that time, Thenardier had one idea in his head.

“The weak are taken over by the strong. A strong man trains himself to remain strong, and a strong person will eat the weak.”

He was cruel to the weak and incompetent, he was cruel to those who had no value to him. The only exception was his son Zaien. Perhaps it was his last bit of humanity, for better or for worse.

He promoted many people who showed a high capability, including his aide, Steid, who was of a superior standard. Save for him, the world was filled with the weak.

He was tyrannical in Nemetacum, the territory he governed.

This tyranny was the basis of his own existence. He examined the records over the previous fifty years and noticed how the land changed from ruler to ruler. For areas without especially talented individuals, he imposed a heavy tax.

“The weak are not useful and can do nothing but die. If they are gone. If someone capable survives, then the city will change quickly.”

His words were not a lie. There were regions with very low taxes as well. Even so, it was not simply luck or fortune that followed them. The majority of people were treated violently.

He continued to rule with fear.

There were several reasons.

First, no one stopped Thenardier.

Though only King Faron had the ability to stop him, the Duke did not listen to the King's words at all with the excuse of self-autonomy.

Thenardier could boast of the strength of Nemetacum that he governed, but more than that, he was on good terms with many powerful aristocrats.

Should these individuals all revolt when Thenardier ordered them to, All of Brune would be wrapped in the horrors of war. Because of this, though Faron was above Thenardier in rank, Thenardier spoke arrogantly before him.

Moreover, Thenardier showed no mercy to those who bore their fangs toward him.

For instance, three hundred bandits appeared in his territory, and he thoroughly crushed them with three thousand soldiers. Those who were caught stealing from the fields were crucified and left alongside the road. Thenardier himself would wield a spear and lead the troops on occasion. Because of his brutality, the security in his territory was the best in the country.

He also excelled in business and diplomacy. He had exchanges with some of the Vanadis of Zhcted, and the cities facing the sea to the south were well protected and had low taxes, bringing prosperity to his land.

There were also those weaker than Thenardier who rebelled against his tyranny, but they were quickly oppressed within a single night. Due to the examples set, very few happened in the future.

Nemetacum prospered due to fear.

Ten years passed, then fifteen. Thenardier had yet another thought.

There is nothing above the throne.

Just below the throne was the position of Prime Minister, but Thenardier looked further up.

The Duke despised the King. He was not a strong man. Though he may not have been weak, the King was at least below himself.

The weak exist to be eaten by the strong. He would take his position.

At that time, Duke Thenardier had two people he considered rivals. They were Duke Ganelon and Prime Minister Bodwin. He would accept the valor of the Black Knight Roland, but only several years later.

While studying Bodwin and Ganelon, he learned that the Prince was actually a Princess. To deal with this, he joined forces with Duke Ganelon; this happened one year before the battle of Dinant.

The {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} was camped in a field sixty belsta (about sixty kilometers) away from where Thenardier's Army had established its base.

Within the luxurious tent made of a double-weaved silk, Thenardier sat alone. He sat on a chair decorated with many jewels, lost in thought in the silence and darkness. Only his eyes shined white like a starved beast.

''--- There are a few reasons this will become a battle.''

Earlier, he received a message from Bodwin that the King had awoken and he was to head to the Royal Palace and disband his army.

Thenardier killed the messenger and buried him in secrecy. He decided the messenger never arrived.

''--- Regin is probably alive.''

If that was so, Thenardier's fate would be no different from his siblings. He would only meet ruin if he headed to the King's Palace. To overcome the situation, he needed to have either King Faron or Regin die before they met.

''--- Faron is weak, but he will not die today or tomorrow. I can be more certain if I slaughter Regin and Tigrevurmud Vorn.''

It was not without its uncertainties. Even though he still outnumbered the enemy, he did not have his Dragons anymore. Even his right arm, Steid, was gone.

If he returned to Nemetacum, he would be able to recruit more men and bring double what his enemy had.

However, he did not have that room now. He needed to stop Regin before she reached the capital.

There was a plan in which Thenardier could almost absolutely win against Tigre.

He could rush to the Royal City and cause a revolt to kill Tigre and the one who was imitating a member of the Royal Family. He could simply hold the castle gates and bring it to a siege.

He could use that to buy time while a messenger went to Nemetacum to build a new army. He could employ mercenaries from Sachstein to assassinate Tigre for extra measures.

However, while Thenardier was barricading himself in the King's Capital, Tigre and Regin could dig up the ruins of the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Royal Palace|Sangroel}} and find proof that she was royalty.

However, even if she could prove her royalty, Regin's influence was still below Thenardier's. Those who doubt the authenticity of her words would hardly be uncommon.

Meanwhile, everyone knew Thenardier's wife was the King's niece. Thenardier himself could continue the bloodline of the royal family.

Ganelon had already left the stage. If Thenardier won this war, all rights would go to him.

If Steid were alive to advise him, Thenardier may have accepted the plan.

However, after thinking that far, Thenardier abandoned the plan. Thenardier recognized there was only one person who could execute his plan perfectly.

In addition, his heart burned intensely to recover from the humiliation of his defeat in the previous battle. Someone strong without ambition would become weak, and, above all, he had lost both his son and his aide to this man. He was determined to kill Tigrevurmud Vorn with his own hands.

The next morning, the Thenardier Army and the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} took action at the same time. They headed to the south of the King's Capital.

When the day passed, the Silver Meteor Army prepared for rest. Massas presented the state of affairs while studying a map.

“We can't rush, but we need to close the distance, so we should not take too much time.”

The distance between the Thenardier Army and the Silver Meteor Army was fifty to sixty belsta. It was a difficult distance to plan an attack.

There was nothing but plains in their surroundings. Since the enemy was sending out their scouts, they could not carelessly approach. If they rushed their soldiers, the enemy could calmly intercept them.

“Aren't our distances to the capital about the same?”

Ellen asked as she looked at the map. Changing the viewpoint, the distance to either the Thenardier Army or the Silver Meteor Army was not so different. Before they arrived at the capital, they would certainly come into contact somewhere.

“That's right. Duke Thenardier will likely meet us here.”

Massas pointed to the map with his finger to Mereville Fields near the King's Capital of Nice approximately forty belsta of their current location.

The grounds were smooth, and there were neither hills nor forests. The rivers were distant, and the terrain was difficult to use. The battle would be in favor of those with superior numbers. Furthermore, the woods and hills to the south were conspicuous.

Three days later, the Thenardier Army arrived at Mereville Fields. One step later, the Silver Meteor Army set foot there.

Both armies set their camps up within a day and rested in preparation for the decisive battle to come.

Dawn arrived. A cold, fine rain poured down over the Mereville Fields under the cover of thick gray clouds. Though it was not enough to block visibility, the water only served to increase the anxiety of both armies.

However, the General and the Princess could not show such emotions. Both sides promptly completed their formations and faced each other at several hundred alsin apart. The Thenardier Army of sixteen thousand confronted the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} which had fewer than fifteen thousand.

Both armies had a main force and two wings. The Thenardier Army was strongest in the central unit like a spear, the Silver Meteor Army was spread out and stronger in the flank, giving it a concave shape.

“So they really are coming in with the Four Spears Formation.”

Beside the General, Massas stroked his gray beard.

It was a formation built by the Thenardier House. The soldiers were arranged in long, perpendicular lines and mounted an intense rush, attacking in waves.

In the first place, the attack would come from an unknown direction. When the unit was enclosed, it would quickly retreat and others would move in to crush their opponent.

“--- It is fine, Earl Rodant.”

The General turned around with a quiet smile. It was not Tigre, but Regin who led the Silver Meteor Army.

“I am sure Lord Tigrevurmud will be successful.”

Though her voice was in no way forcible, she still quietly dispelled Massas' anxiety. Though she did not find what she wanted in the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}, she had managed to quietly mature. Massas smiled as he realized this.

“I suppose so. I should move these old bones as best I can, then.”

Tigre was now in the rear reserve forces. Mira was there as well.

“To the very end, I apologize for putting you in such danger.”

After confirming the condition of his black bow, Tigre looked back at Mira. Mira laughed as she held the Frozen Wave over her shoulder.

“There is no need to worry, since this is just a loan. I will make sure you return it slowly in the future.”

“... And what will the payment be?”

“I will leave that to you. If I like it, then I will accept it. The easiest method would simply be to serve me.”

“That's impossible, since Ellen will be angry.”

If she was truly angry, he would not live for that long. Mira simply shrugged her shoulders and responded with a smile.

“You just need to disguise yourself. You can wear a bearskin and call yourself Urz when you're in front of Eleanora.”

She hit a nerve. Tigre stirred his dull red hair to hide his feelings.

The horn marking the start of battle sounded. It blew across the earth wet with rain.

The {{furigana|Red Horse Flag|Bayard}} flew on both sides, and the banner of numerous aristocrats colored the hill. The most conspicuous amongst these colors was the {{furigana|Black Dragon Flag|Zirnitra}} which did not belong to the country.

The Zhcted Army continued to serve as the right wing of the Silver Meteor Army. The left wing from the Thenardier Army which would confront them already seemed intimidated.

Because it was a battle between two armies of Brune, there was no prelude of arrows. Both armies quickly approached each other on horseback with spear and shield in hand.

The intense sound of their own armor increased their excitement and fear. Though they were driven by the impulse to run away, the existence of their companions surrounding them gave them the courage to endure.

The Thenardier Army raised their voices and spears. The atmosphere expanded quickly. Kicking off the damp grass, the infantry rushed forward, the moist earth began to tremor.

Some from the Silver Meteor Army established a defense with shields while others threw their spears. A shower of spears poured over the Thenardier soldiers, killing many. Many of those who managed to defend with their shields lost balance and fell off their horses, only to be crushed by their companions.

Though the assault from the Thenardier Army weakened, the spears did not stop their advance.

The Thenardier soldiers pierced through the enemy not bearing a shield, while others thrust through the gap between shields to crush the skulls of their opponent. Broken spears, cracked shields, and blood fell to the ground, and many screams rang through the air.

The rain was not enough to wash the blood away.

As blood spread in the battle between the main forces, the right wing of the Thenardier Army and the left wing of the Silver Meteor Army clashed.

The force composed primarily of Knights steadily closed in with sword and spear while the enemy devoted themselves to defense. They raised their shields, resisting spears and stones thrown from the rear.

On the other side, the Zhcted Army which made the right wing had not advanced too far against Thenardier's left wing, since they had made contact with the enemy later.

Ellen spearheaded the attack as usual, cleaving her way through the enemy with Arifal, her silver-white hair fluttering through the air. The enemy shivered seeing the Vanadis as she advanced in a wake of bloodshed followed by her subordinates brimming with morale.

“Our Lord, our Vanadis is the {{furigana|Wind Princess of the Silver Flash|Silvfrau}}, the {{furigana|Danseuse of the Sword|Meltis}}! You will never win!”

Even so, the Thenardier soldiers resisted their fears in desperation. From two sides, from three, with swords, shields, and spears, they tried to stop Ellen's advancement as she rushed through on her horse. Even then, Ellen cut through them.

''--- What is it with these guys?''

While her Silver Flash flew to the right and the left, Ellen gave thought. If they were buying time, there were two purposes. Either they were waiting for reinforcements, or they were waiting for the other troops to complete their maneuver.

''--- Are they waiting for the center to win? If it will take too long, I may want to retreat.''

If they retreated here, the main unit's flank would be open, which could easily be attacked, causing their collapse. While pondering on whether or not she should pull back, a soldier came with a report.

“Vanadis-sama, a new enemy has appeared!”

To the right of the Zhcted Army, a new group of infantry suddenly appeared. They charged intensely toward their flank. Though surprised, Ellen collected herself instantly.

''--- Damn Thenardier. He must have planned this beforehand.''

He had likely pulled them away from his main forces the previous night and had them leave the battlefield. He had his main force launch a focused attack against the enemy while a small unit split away to draw her attention and launched a counterattack with his detached unit while his left wing protected the flank.

Even the Zhcted Army could not withstand a violent attack from three directions. Ellen fought bravely as her troops slowly retreated. Even so, more and more troops from Zhcted began to fall.

The Thenardier soldiers, who had built momentum, flocked to Ellen and attacked her. She was a girl who stood out on the battlefield, and she was an enemy Commander. Whether she was captured or her head was taken, there was sure to be a large reward.

Of course, Ellen had no reason to fulfill their desires. She brandished her longsword in all directions, cleaving the enemy's head in two, helmet and all. She cut through spears and sword alike. For every flash of silver, a gust of wind which carried death followed, depriving her enemy of life without mercy.

However, even with their allies' corpses piling up, the Thenardier soldiers showed no fear and continued to charge.

Duke Thenardier promised an enormous reward to whoever took Tigre or Ellen's head. They would be given a title and territory, whether they were a noble or a commoner, and they would have enough money to live their life without working. They would be lavishly entertained and have all the women they could hope for if they managed to capture her alive.

Ellen and Tigre were the core of the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}}. Though the reward was a major reason for their morale, they had revenge in mind more than anything. They would have revenge on these two for the deaths of Thenardier's son and aide.

''--- This is bad...''

Ellen's breathing was disrupted, and the rain had become stronger. Her argent hair had absorbed the water, causing it to stick to her face. The dust and sweat on her body was washed away, mixing with the river of blood on the ground.

However, what appeared in her head was the progress of the battle.

''--- If the enemy breaks through here, they will hit our main force with their momentum. Our center will collapse.''

She stared at the large flag of the Thenardier Army in the distance.

Suddenly, the flag fell over. It was done by a single arrow.

The man with the flag was killed; the Thenardier Army was wrapped in surprise and agitation. It was the banner held in the center of the Thenardier Army. On the battlefield, in the midst of the whirlpool of chaos, it was virtually an impossible task for a single arrow. It was not a simple skill to do something of that nature.

While the Thenardier Army had stopped its movements, a group of cavalrymen appeared from behind and charged forward fiercely. It was the detached unit of the Silver Meteor Army led by Tigrevurmud Vorn and Ludmira Lurie.

Mira wielded the Frozen Wave at the forefront and brought one enemy after another to the ground. Behind her, Tigre nocked an arrow to his black bow as she protected him. The wind screamed and Thenardier soldiers cried out as they died, one after another.

One corner of the siege the Thenardier Army built up was destroyed, allowing the Zhcted Army to retreat in a single moment.

“Ellen, Are you safe?”

Tigre rode to her on his horse. Though Mira was pouting in dissatisfaction next to him, she said nothing.

Though Ellen smiled, she was too fatigued to reply immediately. She raised the tip of her sword slightly, and the longsword blew a gentle wind in Tigre's face.

“... Well, that's how it is.”

After recovering her breath, Ellen finally spoke. It was a difficult answer, so Tigre nodded with a smile.

Because they were convinced of their superiority, the Thenardier soldiers were surprised with the appearance of a new enemy. They were clearly confused as they were pushed back.

Tigre's smile soon became serious as he gazed at Ellen.

“Though it might be a bit harsh to ask you to handle this... Can you still do it?”

“Naturally.”

The Vanadis with silver-white hair smiled fearlessly.

At that time, a change occurred in the center of the battlefield.

Massas and Lim, who were entrusted with command of the left wing, were unable to push back the Four Spears Formation and barely managed not to collapse. In actuality, the enemy's movements were clever; they had invited the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} by retreating many times when their formation was broken, only to attack with fresh troops. This had been repeated numerous times.

Massas and Lim dealt with the new forces every time the Thenardier Army retreated by quickly replacing soldiers with those from the rear, but it was simply a temporary measure.

While it was effective for an enemy against whom they could not deal a fatal blow, the main unit gradually weakened, as if it had a small injury in which the blood would not stop flowing. Because of this unpredictable attack, Tigre's reserve forces needed to intervene, which resulted in him giving aid to Ellen earlier than expected.

The rain had grown stronger in this battle which had lasted two koku.

Lim pushed her wet hair away from her face and spoke to Massas, her face as nondescript as usual.

“... It is difficult to read their movements. This is taking too long.”

“As expected... We still haven't understood it fully.”

Massas stroked his wet beard as he sighed. Fatigue was heavy in their voices.

“His command from the center... It's difficult to tell, but it seems like it is breaking apart... even the formation on the battlefield is.”

Massas laughed as he gave his opinion of Marquis Sonier's command.

The Four Spears Formation was actually a simple plan, if only looking at its structure. Once one of the four spears assaulting the enemy was broken, they would retreat. The enemy would be dragged away to crush them as they retreated, only to be assaulted by another spear. This pattern would repeat itself.

Another variation was to use an injured spear to prevent reinforcements by drawing the enemy away.

Though a plan devoted to defense, each spear would attack as well. They could also throw stones to provoke the enemy, provoking their attack, which would result in spreading the enemy even further.

Lim, naturally, was not an acquainted with Marquis Sonier. Despite the report, she had already formed a plan to deal with the Four Spears Formation.

“What would you do?”

“Of course. We will use the bow to crack the spear.”

Lim spoke as she saw the next spear formation headed towards them. Massas issued instructions accordingly. The main unit of the {{furigana|Silver Meteor Army|Unstoppable Silver Flow}} gradually changed their formation.

Even if the Thenardier saw the change, they did not stray from the Four Spears Formation. Marquis Sonier ordered an attack with the second spear.

A cry was raised and the muddy water splashed about as the Thenardier soldiers charged forward. The Silver Meteor Army retreated in an orderly fashion, like a tide pulling away from the coast.

However, the Thenardier soldiers did not notice this immediately. Due to Lim and Massas' clever commands, it took the enemy time to notice, and by the time they did, it was already too late.

A battle cry arose from the left and right sides as the Brune soldiers sunk their fangs into the enemy. Their spears gouged flesh between gaps in armor, shields were dropped to the ground, and many fell before they could even take action.

Having lost the momentum of their assault, the Thenardier soldiers were relentlessly bombarded with sword and spear from the left and right.

Marquis Sonier viewed the scene from a distance and ordered a new assault with another spear. With the enemy throwing his men into confusion, he would use his allies to come to their aid.

However, that movement was also read by Lim.

“When the second spear is attacked, the first or third spear will take action, and the fourth will not.”

Being told that much, Massas was also able to respond.

“Moving spear four in front of spear two will create a single spear. This makes charging and retreat more difficult.”

The soldiers' movements became dull with the muddy earth.

However, Sonier could not handle the Four Spear Formation as well as Steid or Thenardier. The way he used the spears, even as far as the timing of their rushes and retreats, had been read.

Of course, the movements would likely not have been caught by the Silver Meteor Army if not for Lim and Massas, and it would have been impossible to finish off the enemy before support arrived.

In accordance to Lim's expectations, Thenardier Army's first spear rushed forward. Massas took a small unit with him and completely isolated the Thenardier soldiers which had separated from their allies. He encircled them in order to annihilate the unit.

Though Marquis Sonier requested reserve forces from Duke Thenardier, he was refused. Thenardier did not dislike him, but he had already used the reserve forces to attack the Zhcted Army.

However, while he had done this, the Zhcted Army had not fallen. Rather, the enemy reserves came to their aid and turned the scuffle around.

“But... this is a risky fight.”

Massas muttered to himself as he continued to fight the first and second spear. There were no reserve soldiers, since they were left in the command of Tigre and Mira.

If Massas was slow in grasping the enemy's movements, the Thenardier Army could break through and attack the main unit of the Silver Meteor Army, causing it to collapse.

The central force of the Thenardier Army had been partially destroyed, and the left wing was weakened. Only the right wing continued to fight bravely. The battle against the Knights of the Silver Meteor Army developed into a constant shift between offense and defense.

Though the Knights never charged dramatically, they rarely retreated in the face of an enemy attack. Furthermore, they would occasionally strike a strong counteroffensive.

Due to the brave battle of the Calvados Knights, led by Auguste, and the Perucche Knights, led by Emir, the Thenardier Army were slowly pushed back.

The rain had become more intense; the banners fluttered in the strong winds.

“--- Your Excellency, please run away!”

In the base of the Thenardier Army, one of his aides finally spoke up with a pensive expression.

There were fewer than ten aides and approximately one hundred soldiers around the Duke.

The Thenardier Army was on the verge of collapse due to the Zhcted Army's actions. Though they could hold out, it would only be a matter of time.

He was deep in thought as he looked at his main force. Half his men were surrounded and would soon be crushed, and any soldiers that came to their aid were skillfully pushed back.

Though the right wing had little movement, it was clear they were not in a superior position. If he pulled even five hundred men from there to guard his base, they would immediately be suppressed.

He could not possibly recover from defeat.

“We can retreat to Nemetacum and gather more than ten thousand men---!”

The man gave his advice, prepared to be cut down. Though such words were for Steid to speak, he was no longer there. Duke Thenardier looked down at his aide who hung his head then looked at the black sky.

''--- If Steid were here...''

If he was alive, victory may have been within his grasp. He held that conviction; however, there was no sense to think such things anymore.

Thenardier already knew it was pointless to escape to Nemetacum at this point in time.

“There is no need to curry my favor. If you wish to surrender, then leave. If you wish to fight, then do so.”

Thenardier spoke with a solemn expression more stern than usual. Both the soldiers and his aides, even those not present, he determined their actions came from their desperation and not their loyalty.

The left wing of the Thenardier Army was finally broken. The soldiers had little energy to move or even lift a sword. The Zhcted Army chased after them; there was not a single soldier who did not bleed.

Even so, they continued to throw their weapons aside and summoned all their energy to run away. Zhcted soldiers broke away from the chase and rushed forward. Duke Thenardier saw many horses heading toward his base.

Wet with rain, the {{furigana|Black Dragon Flag|Zirnitra}} waved in the turbulent wind. Beneath it rode the Vanadis with silver-white hair and the Vanadis with blue hair. Leading the charge was a young man with red hair and a black bow in hand.

He had returned from the {{furigana|Sacred Caverns of the Palace|Sangroel}}. Tigrevurmud Vorn and Felix Aaron Thenardier took their stance, facing each other with bow and sword.

Tigre's face and arms were covered in small wounds, and he was even shedding blood. Thenardier, naturally, was unscathed.

Though Thenardier did not know, it bore a strong resemblance to the spectacle which occurred at the Molsheim Fields where Tigre and Zaien fought one another. Even if he knew, and even if it were not raining, it would be unclear if Duke Thenardier would feel any deep emotions.

For a while, the two men glared at each other in silence. Lim and Ellen, as well as his aides, kept their silence. However, everyone felt it as the tense atmosphere was torn away.

The sound of the rain drowned out the sound of the distant battle. Every person present was wet from head to toe. The soil and grass screamed, as if unable to stand up to the wind and the rain.

“... For what reason did you attack Alsace?”

Tigre quietly asked. Thenardier stared at the young man in surprise. He wondered why he bothered to ask at this point in time.

“If it did not happen, this situation would not be what it is now.”

Most likely, Tigre would have been sold to Muozinel as a prisoner of LeitMeritz, and the Vanadis would not have intervened in the fight between Thenardier and Ganelon.

“Removing Alsace would have prevented Zhcted from invading. Burning the ground and taking the people was the most certain method.”

Thenardier gave thought to the scorched-earth tactic.

By creating a desolate wilderness before Zhcted invaded, he would reduce their morale. Thenardier held no mercy for those who were weak; rather, he was ruthless in his judgment.

“For such a reason...!”

“It was not an incorrect decision.”

Thenardier calmly answered Tigre, who could not suppress his anger. His gaze moved toward Ellen.

“Across Alsace, on the opposite side of the Vosyes Mountains, there is an opponent with the name of Eleanora Viltaria. Though it was due to the carelessness of the soldiers of Brune, she led five thousand troops and forced twenty-five thousand to retreat in a single night. I was wary that she might invade Brune as she saw the fight between Ganelon and I escalate. If she did that, I would be the first to suffer.”

In fact, the Kingdom of Muozinel had waited for that opportune moment. They waited for Thenardier and Ganelon to move their troops before invading.

Thenardier's Army would not last if it had to deal with the Muozinel Army. Kreshu, the General of the enemy, had skillfully camouflaged his men and waited for an appropriate time to invade. He intended to use Roland as his trump card in the case of an emergency, but he was lost immediately prior to their invasion.

Thenardier continued after returning his eyes to Tigre.

“If I let things go, it was possible Ganelon would have attacked Alsace. Like me, that man has ties to Zhcted. Like you have done, he may have brought the Zhcted Army into the country.”

Ellen and Mira were surprised, though they did not utter a single word.

Though they had asked, they were surprised he had answered in such detail, and they could not suppress a shiver hearing of his cruelty. His entire body was filled with power befitting the dignity of a man who had lived twice as long as they had.

Though Tigre was also silent, he was not surprised or frightened.

Thenardier closed his mouth, telling them he had said everything he needed to. Tigre stared at Thenardier and let out a deep, clouded sigh.

“I have heard your story, and I understand your reasons. Like I thought, I cannot forgive you.”

The thing which floated to Tigre's mind was the old man painted in the red of his own blood as it leaked out of his ghastly wound.

The sky had darkened, and the rain and wind became more intense. Tigre's eyes held a desire for revenge. In contrast to his cold body, his heart was hot and his mind was black.

--- The black bow pulsed in anticipation.

“For the death of my son, I, too, cannot permit your existence.”

Tigre nocked his arrow as his horse took one step forward. Thenardier drew his sword and rode his horse out of the base.

At that time, Ellen advanced next to Tigre. Expecting a man-to-man fight, everyone started calling out when they witnessed something unexpected.

Ellen, with a sullen face, struck Tigre's back. Tigre's body tilted forward from the unexpected blow.

Everyone gasped. Even Thenardier could not find the meaning of her action. Perhaps only Ellen understood.

“--- You've got terrible eyes.”

Tigre was surprised and looked at Ellen's face, not understanding her words.

“Don't get drunk, Tigre.”

Her bright red eyes and sincere voice penetrated deep into Tigre.

“Go get your revenge, but don't revel in it. That is not your only weapon.”

Though Tigre did not respond, Ellen's words reached him. The darkness in his eyes began to recede, and the light slowly returned. Though the darkness had not fully faded, it was no longer enough to envelop his heart.

The black light spreading throughout the bow in Tigre's hands disappeared without anyone noticing. In this rain, there was not a single person who saw the light.

Tigre removed his gaze from Ellen and looked at Thenardier.

“Thank you.”

''I am grateful to have met you.''

After muttering those words to himself, his will to fight returned to his dark eyes.

“--- I'm off.”

He spoke quickly. This time, Ellen did not stop him; however, she strongly gripped the hilt of her sword, praying for Tigre's victory.

''--- I will defeat Duke Thenardier.''

This man was a menace to the peace of Alsace, and he was the cause of this war. Right here, right now, he would fall.

Tigre removed the quiver hung on his saddle and dropped it, and all the arrows within, to the ground. Thenardier looked at him with a sharp expression.

“You will fight me with a single arrow?”

“I can see with my own eyes that there would not be enough time to nock a second arrow. Besides, it would only weaken my resolve.”

“In this rain and wind? Are you crazy...?”

“It is not my only disadvantage.”

The rain lowered his body temperature, and his clothes were stuck to his skin. His hair was heavy and uncomfortable and impaired his vision. Not only could the bow easily slip from his grasp, the arrow would not fly straight if it flew into the wind.

“--- Very well.”

The two naturally made their horses advance, separated by a distance of thirty alsin.

Bow and sword – it was a strange duel. Ellen stared with bated breath. Mira, the soldiers of Zhcted, and the Thenardier Army all watched the scene before them.

It was a strife born of personal hatred, a battle separate from war.

Thenardier readied his sword and grasped the damp reins. Tigre gazed at his enemy with his bow bent and at the ready as he waited for his opponent.

There would be no second chance; there was only one shot. Tigre was at a heavy disadvantage. Even with a distance of thirty alsin, Thenardier was on horseback. Even if he could attack first, Thenardier's blade only needed to reach Tigre's neck.

Still, the speed of an arrow at short distances was a frightening thing.

Unlike the sword whose orbit formed a line, the arrow was a single point. Even with Tigre's archery skill, one mistake in his fingers' movements would result in his death.

The two stood tense; more than a count of ten had passed without either moving. The rain showed no signs of becoming weak, and the wind continued to blow harshly.

The wind changed to Thenardier's advantage. It was a headwind for Tigre. The moment he felt this change, Thenardier kicked his horse's belly and let out a roar. The four hooves kicked up the mud as he quickly reduced the distance of thirty alsin.

He aimed in a single moment and began to release his arrow. Thenardier judged in an instant that it would not hit.

''--- Goddess of Storms...''

He chanted the name of the Goddess in his mind. The face of the girl with silver-white hair floated to his mind.

He had cut the distance to twenty alsin. At that time, the arrow separated from Tigre's hand.

The bowstring moved forward, propelling the arrow. The arrow moved neither early nor late. The speed and aim was perfect.

It hit him right between the eyes. Thenardier's large frame separated from the horse, flying through the air.

--- Everything happened in a moment.

The moment Tigre shot his arrow, Thenardier brandished his sword. It was a frightening reaction, as if he had caught the very sound of the trembling bowstring.

The arc of the sword was not simple. He had clenched his dark gray blade and accurately caught the movements of the arrow. Thenardier was sure of his victory.

However, at the moment before he smashed the arrow to pieces, the wind blew. It differed from the raging gale a moment before; it was a breeze he would not notice, even if it touched his skin.

The arrow's trajectory changed, passing right beside the blade.

The arrow pierced the Duke's head and buried itself halfway through. The Duke was thrown off his horse; his eyes were opened wide as he toppled to the ground on his back.

Tigre's fingers had not moved from the moment he released the arrow. He was still in shooting position. He could feel the vibration of the bowstring and the cold sweat dripping down his face.

After a long, long silence, Tigre dismounted his horse and walked to Thenardier. The Duke was still breathing. The rain immediately washed away the tide of blood from the fresh arrow wound. Thenardier's eyes gazed at Tigre, and his lips moved.

“Brune... is...”

His words ended there. His eyes were hollow and he never uttered another word again.

Felix Aaron Thenardier gasped his last breath in Mereville Fields.

“... That wind just now, was it you?”

After confirming the duel had finished, Ellen whispered at the longsword at her waist.

Tigre's arrow moved just before it hit Thenardier's sword. Ellen had not overlooked this.

Though it may have been a coincidence, she instinctively suspected her important partner. Arifal let out a light wind denying her words.

“... I see.”

The {{furigana|Dragonic Tool|Viralt}} does not lie to its master.

Tigre won by his own strength. The wind was simply his ally.

Tigre returned slowly and was greeted by Ellen with a brilliant smile. No words could be said to describe her excitement.

With the death of Duke Thenardier, the morale of the soldiers serving him shattered. Regin called for their surrender and had her soldiers move back. The soldiers of the Thenardier Army threw their arms away, one after another.

The fight at Mereville had finally ended.

Tigre's battle which began in LeitMeritz had finally come to a conclusion.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_05_Chapter_4_Preview|Chapter 4 Preview]]
| Return to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_05_Epilogue_Preview|Epilogue Preview]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kino no Tabi:Volume8 Chapter1

2012-12-01T20:24:28Z

Moratorius: /* “A Land With History” ~Don’t Look Back!~ This chapter is one of the stories in the second PS2 visual novel of Kino no Tabi (which is what prompted me to translate it….^_^) */

== “A Land With History” ~Don’t Look Back!~ <ref>This chapter is one of the stories in the second PS2 visual novel of Kino no Tabi (which is what prompted me to translate it….^_^)</ref> ==

A car was running on a road inside a forest.

It was a small, yellow, battered car, which looked as if it’s going to self-destruct at any moment. It rattled and rumbled on the road, while making ‘pepepepe’ sounds as it discharges white smoke from its exhaust pipe.

It was a land with continuous dense forests over the level ground. The sun shines brightly on the eastern horizon. A variety of birds were singing in the cool early summer morning.

Two people were riding in the car. On the right side was the driver’s seat, where a rather short, but handsome young man was gripping the wheel, and on the left side is the passenger seat, where a youthful woman with long, black hair was seated. Meanwhile, dirty luggage and bags were tucked away in the narrow back seat.

“Master,” the man spoke while driving. Because the road was in a bad condition, he adjusts the steering wheel from time to time.

“What is it?” The woman called Master answered.

“We’ll soon be be arriving in the next country, and――”

Then, the man proposed that they sell the gem that they have in that country, and exchange it for food, fuel, and gold later on. The woman thought for a while,

“It can’t be helped. But――”

“We will sell it at the highest possible price. I know.”

Just ahead the car, the top of the walls can be seen.

Over there was a country, which is not too big, but seemed rich.

The first thing to behold upon entry in the country is the wide expanse of fields. A number of stone apartments are lined up at the center of the country. Streetlights lined the wide roads, dense with shops on both sides. It was a rather splendid townscape.

“Isn’t it a good-looking country? It has a comparatively small population, and it has a considerably developed technology. This is the sort of country where we could sell at a high price,” said the man in the driver’s seat of the small car.

This car was the dirtiest among the numerous cars running through the street. They were laughed at as a luxury car overtook them.

“What you said about the selling part is true, but there sure are too many policemen in this city,” The woman said, and the man agreed. There were many people walking around the city in the morning, but the numerous soldier-like policemen with their green uniforms can be recognized in one glance.

“The immigration procedures took awfully long. That guard must be an MP,” the man said. In this case ‘military police’ is an organization which combines the army and the police. <ref> ‘MP’ stands for military-police. I took the liberty to use it, because I hear the term ‘MP’ more often, and it sounds more casual than its longer counterpart </ref>

“From my previous experience, you cannot let your guard down in countries like this,” the woman said. The man cast a sideways glance to her face, and then asked.

“Because the public order is bad?”

“No. ――It’s the authorities we should be wary of. Let’s lay low in this country.”

“…… Roger”

The car stopped in front of a splendid hotel.

“Well then, I’m going to cash out,” the man said from the narrow room of a cheap hotel. On his left hip, a square-barreled hand persuader (Note: A Persuader is a gun. In this case, a pistol) was suspended, hidden by the thin brown jacket he was wearing. The gem was inside the small pocket of a small bag inside the knapsack he was carrying.

“Please come back as soon as possible. I don’t want to stay long. Let’s depart by evening.”

“I understand. I’ll be back by noon. Meanwhile, you go and have a relaxing shower, Master.” The man said as he left.

But it was already past noon, and he did not come back.

--

This is what happened to the man.

The man showed the gem to a jeweler in the crowded business district. For a moment, the shopkeeper was surprised and then smiled. Then he disappeared at the back of the shop and came back once more, surprising the man with the price he proposed. The man agreed, thinking of the woman’s pleased face, and left the store with a grin on his face. However,

“You there, wait.”

The moment he came out of the street, four policemen surrounded him. ‘You are suspected of possession of illegal drugs’, one of the cops said.

“Huh?”

One policeman acted as if taking his hand out from the man’s pocket. And then he showed a small bag he was holding.

“Look we’ve caught you red-handed. We are arresting you for possession of illegal drugs.”

For a moment, the man considered pulling out his persuader and shooting to death all of the policemen but,

“…………”

He thought again, and stopped.

The man was handcuffed and his persuader and personal belongings were confiscated. As the man was about to ride the police car, he saw the shopkeeper of the jewelry store pass money to the police. The man let out a small curse and pondered how, even at this state, he could beat down all of the police, steal the car, and thrust it into the jewelry store but,

“…………”

He thought again, and stopped.

--

“In short, your lover was arrested. In this country, illegal possession of drugs is a serious crime. If he were to be tried in court, he’d likely serve at least ten years in jail.”

“I see. But I’d like to correct one thing. He is not my ‘lover’, he’s just a companion,” said the woman, who was in a room inside a large building at the country’s center. The building was important-looking, very large, and octagonal, and was built in an area surrounded by a spacious lawn.

A splendid clock tower stood at the center of the building, with a huge clock attached on each of the four sides facing east, west, south and north. The rooftop is higher than any building in the country, and it offers a 360 degree view of the country.

In this room, the woman was sitting in front of a desk, opposite an arrogant, bossy-looking, middle-aged police officer wearing a decorated and embroidered uniform. There were a number of policemen standing around him. From the gaps of the blinds, the outdoor scenery can be seen, and the reflection of the sun inclined to the west is quite beautiful.

“Where is he right now?” The woman asked, and the middle-aged police officer told her that he was in an underground detention facility.

The woman took the opportunity to ask about the building. She was told that it was a historic building, as it was once a royal palace. But there was no longer a king, and it was then used as a variety of government offices. The clock tower is a protected cultural site, the middle-aged policeman said proudly.

“It’s the police who have the administrative rights to this building. The real police headquarters is right here. I don’t think other countries have headquarters as luxurious as this,” as he said this, he laughed with a ‘gahaha’.

“I see. Then that means the corrupt policemen use their authority to dominate and do as they please. Just as I thought.” The woman did not say these words which accurately point out the situation. Instead,

“I understand the circumstances, however, as you can see, we are on a journey. With your excellency’s authority, it is not at all impossible to arrange for his deportation, is it not?”

“Hmm. How much are you willing to pay?” The middle-aged police officer asked in a brutally frank manner. ‘About this much’, the woman answered by writing on a piece of paper. No one knew whether the amount is good or not.

The middle-aged police officer leaned and peeked at the piece of paper.

“This is no good. No one can verify its value.” Once again, he shook his head arrogantly. And then,

“You’d better leave the country immediately. I’ll keep quiet about the offer you made here with us”
With her ever-unchanging calm face and tone, the woman said,

“I’ll do just that. He was originally someone I got acquainted to during my travels, and I do not know anything about him. It can’t be helped if he was caught doing something bad. I’ll be leaving.”

“That’s a wise decision.”

“Can’t I say some last words to him before we part?”

“We can’t allow that since he has committed a serious crime.”

“About this matter, I would be very grateful for any assistance you can lend me,” while saying this, she slowly took out a piece of gold from her bosom. She placed it on top of the desk, covering the piece of paper she placed there earlier. The middle-aged police officer’s face loosened when he saw this.

“Hmm……. But since you are travelers, I’ll treat this as a special case. You’re free to see him.”

The middle-aged police officer and the woman, along with an entourage of policemen walked down the corridor out of the room.

“…………”

Along the way, the woman looked left and right with her eyes, checking the tags strung in front of the rooms. The policemen around her took no notice at all.

Eventually, the party went down the basement using an elevator, and passed through the guards protecting the gate to the entrance of the detention facility.

The halls were lined with jails on both sides. Drab rooms with only beds, toilets, and water closets continued on.

And, in one of the rooms, there was one person. He was a handsome, but slightly short man. He was sitting on the bed, and raised his face as he heard the sound of footsteps. He recognized the face of the woman surrounded by the police,

“Ah. Sister! You came here to have me released, right?” He said happily, griping the cage. But the woman spoke in a ruthless tone,

“You were found guilty of doing such a terrible thing, you know.”

“Eh……”

“Even after I told you not to do illegal things.”

“No way. I was framed!”

“I hate causing trouble for other people. You know that, right? ――Please face your trial here. There are countries I have to visit, and I can’t wait for you.”

“No way……” The man still gripped the cage, lost his strength, and looked down.

“Even if I……, until now have lived without doing a single bad thing……”

“Then reflect on your crime here,” said the woman. The policemen around her looked at each other and laughed.

With a powerless voice, the man spoke.

“Sister, in my bag, there’s something which I haven’t shown you before. Sell them in the next country. Add them to the traveling expenses. I don’t need them anymore. You can sell them for a high price because they were worth 434 silver when I bought them. Later, you can also have my stuff. Use it in anyway you want.”

“I understand. I’ll do that.”

The woman answered, and the man went back to his bed, still crestfallen. And then he fell on his stomach, and curled up his body.

“That’s enough.”

“Yes,” the woman said to the middle-aged police officer, and walked to the exit from the jail.

She came back to the entrance of the detention facility, and asked the police clerk about the man’s belongings. He took out the man’s persuader, holster, belt, knapsack, and small bag.

“What about the gem and cash he had?”

“Uhm. Those were possible funds coming from illegal drug trade, and were all confiscated as evidence,” said the middle-aged officer.

“Is that so,” the woman said, and put the man’s belongings in the knapsack.

“Well, everyone, I’ll be taking my leave,”

She left the building.

--

Upon returning to the hotel room, the woman relaxed for a bit, and then firmly closed the blinds.

Then, she opened the man’s luggage, a big backpack. A very sturdy plastic case was at the bottom. It was big and thick like an encyclopedia. It looked like it can be used to beat and kill people.

There was a numeric keypad on one side of the case.

“…………”

The woman keyed in 4-3-4 and the case opened smoothly. The cushion was cut out in several places, and a variety of contraptions were neatly fitted in each.

“……Good grief. I wonder what this guy did in the past. Well, let’s put these to use,” The woman closed the case with a click.

“First let’s go shopping. And then let’s get out of this country,” she muttered to herself.

--

The setting sun dyed the police headquarters in a yellow color.

The sound of a bell echoed from the high clock tower.

A police messenger came to the middle-aged police officer who was reclining on his chair.

“The woman earlier just left the country riding a car. She only bought portable rations and traveling equipment. There was nothing suspicious with her actions.”

“I see……. I thought she was dangerous, but she was just a fool after all. Don’t let her re-enter the country. Things might become troublesome,”

“Yes sir. By the way, there was a message from the director while he was having dinner with a politician’s doctor. It was, ‘Thank you for your hard work. We’ll send your share later’.”

“Hmm. You also did very well.”

“Thank you very much. ―― What are we going to do about that man?”

“Normally, he should be thrown out of the country, but, a 20-year sentence by court is also good. We can decide later on,”

--

Night. It was quiet in the forest.

The stars are twinkling in the clear, moonless sky.

The woman’s yellow, battered car was parked in a forest a little far away from the country.

Beside it, the woman was sitting and making rummaging sounds as she worked on something.

“Now then,” she said as she stood up. The scruff of her jacket was tightly closed, and she was wearing gloves and a knit hat. She was wearing black all over. Her favorite high-caliber revolver holster was suspended from her right hip, and a knapsack was slung on her back. And then,

“I see, what an interesting tool.”

A weird cylinder which looked like a plump and stocky scope was placed right before her left eye. A band wrapped around her head fixed it in position.

The woman looked at the forest scenery through her left eye. The branches of trees swaying from the wind, as well as the moving animals, were amplified by the machine. It created a world covered in a suspicious shade of green.

“‘Night-vision equipment’, eh? How interesting,” the woman murmured to herself.

Inside the man’s precious case was the set of night-vision equipment. Other than this, there was the man’s persuader’s silencer – especially made for assassination, for-assassin-use plastic knives that can pass through metal-detectors, for-assassin-use wires that can be used to strangle someone from behind, for-assassin-use capsules containing poisons that can be disguised as a heart attack, for-assassin-use stabbing pen with a poison-laced tip, etc. It was like a shop for various assassination goods.

The woman traversed the forest without making any sound. Late that night, she arrived at the walls of the country she just left. Its tall, black walls soared towards the sky.

After confirming that there were no guards nearby, the woman pulled out the revolver from her waist. She disassembled the front half of the revolver and removed the barrel. She took out a different barrel from her knapsack.

Attached to it was a strange device. A thick, metal jar was inserted at the tip of the barrel, and was securely fixed with a wire. The bottom of the bottle has been hollowed out.

The woman attached this to the revolver’s body, and snapped open the hammer with her thumb. She pressed down the loading rod under the barrel, gripped firmly with her left hand, and aimed the bottom of the jar towards the top of the walls.

The woman fixed her aim, and pulled the trigger.

Bofun. <ref> This chapter is full of mimetic words (sort of like onomatopoeia, but different). Here is a list of the ones used here: bofun – a blunt object hitting something; fuwaa – yawning sound; pon – a popping sound; gusha – sound of something crashing; zukyun/bakyun/zubakyun – a fast, sharp sound of a bullet; dadadada – fast, continuous firing sound like the ratatatatat of a machine gun; banbanban – several bang sounds of a gun; zudon/bagan/dugon – exploding bombs </ref>

There was the small muffled sound of the shot. And then the revolver shook violently in her hands. An iron claw came out of the jar. It was a three-hooked metal, similar to a ship’s anchor. A thin wire had been coiled inside the bottle and tied to the claw, and unwound as it came out.

The small sound of the claws hitting and catching the top of the walls was heard. The woman returned the revolver to its original form, and put it back in its holster.

She put on thick leather gloves, and pulled the wires at different angles to make sure that it was stuck firmly,

“Now then.”
The woman began climbing the wall.

While the woman climbed the dark walls without making a sound,

“Fuwaa……”

Inside the dimly lit detention cell, the man was smoking a cigarette with his back on the bed.

“I wonder if it will take a bit more time. Maybe I should sleep.”

He rolled over, and slept.

--

Even if it’s almost midnight, the shops in the country’s entertainment district are crowded. Drunken people happily come and go.

In a corner of the street, a police guard is standing alone with his back on the alley. The young man was gazing at the street, looking bored, tapping his palm with the baton in his other hand.

Two dark arms stretched from the darkness of the back alley. One arm closed on the guard’s mouth, and the other one wound around his neck. The arms returned to the darkness without a sound.

No one noticed that one policeman disappeared from the street.

It was well past midnight.

The lively entertainment district has subsided, and only a few drunks were lying about on the quiet street,

Pon-!

It was like the sound of escaping air, but the loud sound suddenly resonated.

“Heh?”

A drunk man nearby opened his half-closed eyes. What was reflected in his eyes was a cloud of smoke rising from trash which began to burn.

“Ah”

He stood up while muttering, and the moment he leisurely held out his hands to the heat,

Ponponponponponponpo-n!

Explosive sounds were heard in quick succession at every corner of the street.

“Huh?”

The light of the burning piles of trash illuminating the street was reflected in the wide eyes of the drunk man.

--

Police cars and fire trucks rushed in as the sirens rang out.

When he heard these sounds, the man in the detention facility woke and opened his eyes. He sat on top of the bed, stretched, and let out a big yawn.

The sirens continued to cry. From the upper floors of the building, the far away noise of running footsteps can be heard. It made a considerable amount of noise.

In the midst of this noise, the man used the toilet, washed his hands and face, and began to exercise.

“Zero-one-two, three-four. Five-six, seven-eight.”

He moved deliberately, loosening his body, and ended it with a deep breath.

“Now then,”

The man gripped the cage, and shouted in a loud voice which would not lose to the noise.

“Hey, police guy! What’s with the commotion? It’s so annoying I couldn’t sleep!”

“Noisy! It’s none of your business so shut your trap!” The guard yelled back from the entrance of the detention facility.

“Yeahー, but this commotion is not normal isn’t it? Something big must be happening, right?”

“Shut up! There was no contact from above, and I was about to go and ask!”

“Is that so? You’re such a hard worker. If you find out, kindly tell meー”

“Shut up! ――Ugh!”

“Huh? What’s the matter ――?”

No answer came from the police officer, who issued out an unpleasant scream.

Instead, a policeman came walking down the aisle, and stopped in front of the man’s jail.

“I thought you would come, Master. ―― I’m sorry for letting down my guard.”

“Sheesh, I had to come to the aid of my student, after all,” said the one wearing a police uniform, the woman called Master. She was wearing the uniform tightly, and her long hair was hidden underneath the uniform cap. At first glance, she appeared to be an elegant-looking man.

The woman quickly opened the man’s jail with a key, and opened the knapsack she was carrying.

“Inside is your persuader and a uniform. Change your clothes,”

The man took it, and started to change. He asked while changing.

“Where my ‘toys’ helpful?”

“Well, in a way. ―― We’ll leave here once you’re finished changing.”

“What are we going to do?”

The man returned the clothes he has taken off to the knapsack. He finished changing into the police uniform.

“We’ll walk into the building from here.”

“Eh? Shouldn’t we escape quickly?”

“From now it would be impossible to get ouf the country. The gates will definitely be closed, and the security will be tight. It’s unreasonable to break through the gates with just the two of us. Eventually, people will come here as well.”

“That’s true but……. What should we do?” asked the man,

“If it were you, what would you do?” The woman asked conversely. The man’s eyes registered an unusually serious expression.

“I see……. I’ll hide at once in a place where I can’t be found, for instance, in the attics or in the sewers. The search party will be tired by the third day or so, and by that time, I’ll immediately leave the country secretly, or by force, if necessary.”

“That makes good sense, but not quite correct.”

“Oh?”

The man looked disappointed, and the woman spoke with an amused expression.

“‘Waiting it out for three days before leaving’ hits the spot. However, hiding is not right”

“Then, what?”

“We’ll go on a rampage. First let’s go to the third floor, where there’s food and weapons. You’ve had plenty of rest while you were in jail, right? I have to do some serious fighting once in a while, or my skills will get rusty. Don’t you want to see me at my best? Also, the scenery from a high place is quite breath-taking.”

“…… Ah!” The man understood, looking amused, and then laughed fiercely.

---

“Then, what happened to the two after that? Kino,” asked a motorad (Note: A motorcycle. Only to note that it cannot fly in the sky).

The motorad was loaded with plenty of luggage on both sides and on top of its rear wheel. It was running carefree on a road inside a forest, with the autumn foliage dancing around.

“Yup. After that ――” The motorad’s driver called Kino answered.

She was wearing a brown coat, the excess hem of which was rolled up to her thighs. Goggles were strapped on her face, and she was wearing a brimmed hat with flaps covering her ears. She was considerably young, around her midteens.

The autumn sky was clear and not a single cloud can be seen. The bright sun announced the time of the day.

Kino answered the question, while letting the motorad run slowly.

“Aside from the streets, Master also planted explosives and incendiary bombs in police cars and power stations. As a result, the headquarters was in chaos. First, they boldly walked to the arsenal in their disguise. Most of the police force was dispatched due to all the commotion Master caused. When they went into the arsenal and ransacked it for persuaders, not a single one found them suspicious, as they were dressed in police uniforms, and they stunned a few who stopped by the arsenal. The room was filled with truck-loads of sniping rifles, small rapid-fire persuaders and all sorts of explosives”

“Wow, that’s amazingー. It’s just like a ‘dancing the mambo’, huh?” <ref> Kino did not correct Hermes here, so I can only guess. I think what he was trying to say is ‘ranbou’, meaning to rampage or go violent, which was exactly what Master and her student was trying to do here. </ref>

“That’s right, Hermes,” Kino agreed so easily, that the motorad called Hermes fell silent for a while. Then he pulled himself together,

“―― Uhm, please continue Master’s story.”

“Ok. After they took all the weapon they can carry, the two headed next to the food storage, and loaded a trolley with portable rations and drinking water. Because what they were doing then was so suspicious, they had to stun three policemen in a nearby room.”

“And then, and then?”

“And then, they let out a rumor that bombs were planted inside the building. They activated the alarm and threw flares here and there. Everyone in the building scurried out. And then they boarded the elevator to the top floor, carrying the two trolleys with them.”

“The top floor? They didn’t escape? I thought they would surely escape by mixing in with the fleeing people.”

“It’s completely the opposite. Master and her student encamped with their luggage in the rooftop of the clock tower, which, though not wide, is the highest place in the whole country. They blew off the cable of the lone elevator leading there, and let it fall to the basement.”

“Gusha-n!”

“It was almost dawn. Outside, the people who evacuated, and the commotion has finally settled down. They aimed at the exhausted policemen who were coming back――”

“Zukyu-n!”

“Yes. They fired one-sidedly using sniper rifles from the top of the tower. They shot the tires of the cars so that they wouldn’t move, and shot at the people who fled the cars one after another. From such a high position, there was nothing to shield the people across the square. There was no way out.”
Kino said indifferently.

“Because it’s one sided, they were all killed?” Hermes asked, and Kino shook her head from side to side.

“Wrong. That’s what amazing about Master. That time, she did not kill a single one.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“It was deliberate. She intentionally avoided their heads or chests, and aimed at their legs. Thick blood vessels run through the thighs, so she did not target them. Whether it be the knees or the shins, she only aimed at non-fatal spots, and accurately hit them with her rifle.”

“Ah, so that they can shoot down the ones that would go to the aid of the wounded moaning for help, right? Snipers are very skilled.”

“That’s wrong too.”

“Oh?”

“The two of them shot neither the people crawling to escape nor the ones who were helping.”

“Why? How come?”

“I also asked her the same question. Master gave me some time to think about it, and I wouldn’t let her continue the story until I know the answer myself.”

“Well I give up. Continue the story, Kino”

“Okay. It is connected to the reason why they climbed the clock tower and did not escape. Master knew well that they cannot break through the gates with only two people.”

“Well, that’s because there would be a lot of people positioned there to securely protect it and make sure that no one will escape.”

“That’s why they decided to wait until someone would beg, ‘We will open the gates, so please pass through’.”

“Ah, I see. They barricaded the clock tower. I finally get it!” Hermes said happily. Kino gave a small nod.

“Yes. They barricaded the top of the clock tower, and sniped anyone who comes near. This way, the building can no longer be used, and the everyday work of the people was interrupted to a great extent. The police tried to get in one way or the other. But ――”

“They were shot.”

“Yep. To them, being shot in the leg is worse than getting killed. Seeing their comrades getting shot cruelly to death will fire up their anger and vengeance, and their fighting spirit will rise. But when they see their companions getting shot, screaming in pain, they think ‘What if I’m the next one’, and their motivation falls. Humans whose job is to fight, are far more terrified of being in pain than being killed on the spot. In any case, their morale is down.”

“I seeー”

“Even so, the police tried to do their best in front of everyone. They used trucks fitted with armored plates to ram both sides of the building at the same time,”

“But to no avail.”

“Master thought so too, and it seemed that her student, who was framed and jailed, got fired up. He could have sniped through the eye of a needle and still wouldn’t miss. All the troops that broke through were sent to the hospital, that it took lots of ambulances to accommodate the wounded. Once everything settled by noon, they dropped a letter in a sealed envelope. Of course, they used police equipment.”

“What was written in it? Something like, ‘If you don’t want any more casualties, let us leave right away!’?”

“Nope. They wouldn’t write something so blatantly threatening. It was more like this ――

‘''Dear Sirs,''

''The wind hints of the approaching summer, but we would like to impart something to everyone in the police force, whose vigor and passion increase by the hour. Well, we two scoundrels decided to turn this place into a graveyard, and until our bows break, or until we run out of arrows, we will defend this place to the last of our strength, and we intend to rampage to our heart’s content. For the two of us are unskilled, it will take us some time, so kindly grant us your guidance and encouragement.''

''Yours Truly,''

''(omitted)''

''P.S. We set up tons of bombs on the stairs up the clock tower, so if you don’t want to lose this historic building, kindly refrain from using the stairs.''’”

Kino finished speaking, and only the sound of Hermes’ well-maintained engine can be heard. Eventually, Hermes whispered.

“Scary.”

“Yup. Scary. ―― At that time, they had no idea what was going on in the heads of the policemen but, at this time, the two considered it a good idea to escape at a much later time.”

“Scary.”

“Yup. Scary. ―― And of course, the commotion has already made the news, and the situation was made public. It was even broadcasted live on radio.”

“That is so stupid.”

“Yes. Master thought so too. The two of them were also listening to the radio, so they were saved because they learned every move of the police. At any rate, the day soon turned to night, and the police tried several times to approach stealthily. However, Master’s student had a night-vision device attached to his rifle, and so they were beaten at their own game. ―― The two of them slept in shifts, and remained in their positions even while eating and drinking.”

“Well, how long did they keep up the barricade?”

To Hermes’ question, Kino answered with, “Just three days and three nights.”

“The situation was――

‘Ehem, you two over there, can you hear me?! You bastards can’t escape! As you wish, that place will be your grave! If by any chance you don’t die there, you will be hanged after being paraded in the city! You’d better prepare yourselves!’

Zukyu-n.

‘You guys are completely surrounded! So, surrender like real men! If you surrender obediently, we’ll spare your lives!’

Bakyu-n.

‘Hey you. Is there anything you want to say? We are generous enough to listen to your demands!’

Zubakyu-n.

‘Sirs, our side is willing to negotiate. It’s not a bad deal, you know.’

Ponponponponpon.

‘Uhm, are you doing well? We would like to ask for a cease-fire to be able to talk, and agree on terms for our mutual survival. What do you think?’

Dadadadadada.

‘Good morning. We would like to tell you something. If by any chance, you wish to leave the country, we will joyfully allow it.’

Banbanbanbanban.

‘We are begging your excellencies. If it will pacify your anger, you can leave the country.’ <ref>It is not so obvious once translated, but in Japanese, this dialogue is quite comical, due to the change in the tone of the police officer from extremely rude to extremely polite. Particularly observed with the pronouns used for ‘you’: kisama --> omae --> kimi --> anata-gata --> anata-sama (arranged from rude to polite) </ref>

Zudon. Bagan. Dogon.

‘We beg you. From the bottom of our hearts, please stop this. Please――’

Zukyu-n zubababababadadadadadagyu-nzugyundododozudoponponchui-n.

‘Save meー. Please stop alreadyー’

“Now that you mention it, it would be better for us to leave the country quietly than to die here”

‘Re-really?’

“Well, how much are you willing to pay?”

“…………”

“How much are you willing to pay?”

‘…………. Uhm, will the amount I write down here do?’

Zugyu-n.

‘We’ll give more!’

―― well, something like that”

“Demons.”

“At any rate, rather than prolonging the situation and letting the number of casualties increase, they realized that there will be less damage if they just ‘deport’ them. Master and her student ripped off the government’s money, took the police commissioner who brought it to them hostage, and made him drive the escape car up to the gates.”

“And they all lived happily ever after. The end. Haー. What a great story. ーAh I see it.”

Kino and Hermes were running in the forest. And just ahead, as Hermes said, the top of the walls can be seen.

Kino spoke.
“Just in time. So, in that country, we will keep it a secret that I have ‘Cannon’. We will go ‘shopping’ in the flea market. And of course, never ever talk about Master’s story.”

“Roger.”

“However, since we’re in this country, I want to know what remained of that story.”

“It must have been a historical event, right?”

“But, it’s also possible that Master just told me a nonsensical, exaggerated lie.”

“All of a sudden, I don’t want to believe it――”

“Yeah……”

“That person is quite capable of doing it.”

“Yeah……”

Kino suddenly looked back while riding. She looked at the road they just came through. There was no one but the leaves fluttering on top of the road.

“It’s alright. There’s nobody,” said Hermes.

“Then let’s run forward.”

--

Kino entered the country around noon.

On the lawn in front of Kino and Hermes, there was a closed octagonal building with a clock tower in its center. They stopped at the end of a road which extends straight towards the building. There were people enjoying a picnic on the lawn under the clear autumn sky. Inside, a few policemen can be seen.

“It’s a good thing the historical building remained,” Hermes said, and Kino agreed.

“Yeah.”

“It’s octagonal, without a doubt”

“And there’s the clock tower too,”

As she said this, Kino launched Hermes and ran through the road surrounding the building.

“Kino, go a little slower,”

“Hmm?”

In response to Hermes’ voice, Kino loosened the accelerator with her right hand. Hermes told her that there’s a monument beside the building’s entrance, and Kino turned in that direction.

Kino stopped Hermes in front of the monument and cut the engine. The monument was not large, and it was placed obscurely on top of the grass.

Only small characters are carved in the stone. Kino put down Hermes’ stand, and crouched in front of the monument.

“Kino I can’t see. What’s written?” asked Hermes,

“The characters are small and hard to read…….. Commemoration foundation stone, or something, but that doesn’t seem right……” As Kino muttered,

“That’s it!”

“Wha-!”

A loud voice issued from behind and surprised Hermes. Kino stood up and turned around.

Over there was a bald old man with a cane. He looked considerably old, and with him was a four or five year old girl, who seemed to be his granddaughter or great-granddaughter.

“Ah, sorry if I surprised you. That is a monument built to commemorate the two heroes who saved our country,” said the old man.

Hermes asked, “Two heroes?”

Kino took off her hat and bowed to the old man and the girl, and then,

“As a traveler, I have interest in the history of countries. Can you please tell me the story?”

With a smile, the old man, “Why, of course. When I was still young, political corruption has grown widespread in this country.”

“Ehh. And then, and then?”

“Even the police are involved in the misdeeds, and everywhere you go, there’s this bad atmosphere. At that time, two travelers with a sense of justice came into our country. They stood up rallying, ‘This should not be done!’, ‘This is wrong!’, along with the people!” The old man spoke passionately,

“After that, after that?” Hermes chimed in happily.

“After that, the two travelers, backed by the power of the people, came and petitioned in this building, ――in this government building.”

“Amazing!”

“Justice and courage flowed out from the two. In fact, their speech lasted for four days. Their zeal touched our politicians and police officials, who were deeply embarrassed of their actions until then and promised not to do bad things in the future. Thanks to that, this country is now rich and happy. And they lived happily ever after. The end.” The old man finished speaking,

“Grandpa’s stories, always end with ‘happily ever after’!” The girl whose hands he was holding, jumped happily,

“There, there. You’ll make this old man fall over with your jumping,” the old man chided her with a smile.

Kino spoke. “I see, so this monument was for that historic event.”

“That’s right. Even now, the ‘story of two travelers of justice’ is in our history textbooks. When this child grows up, she’ll also learn it at school.”

Kino thanked the old man, and then asked.

“This is another story, but, what happened to your legs?” In this country, there are so many old people, particularly men, who are carrying canes with them.”

For about five seconds, the old man’s face twitched and froze. The girl looked up at him wonderingly.

“Uhm, well! ――It’s natural for most people of my age to have bad legs, right? That’s why it’s best for us to carry a c-cane around, i-isn’t it?”

The old man said at once, still with a twitchy expression, speaking very fast, and mixing his words. And while laughing, ‘hahahaha’, he gripped his cane firmly, dragged one foot and walked away together with the girl.

After seeing off the two, “What now, Hermes? Want me to read the monument just in case?”

“Nope,” was Hermes’ quick answer to Kino’s question. Kino wore her hat, went across Hermes and started the engine.

With the building behind them, Kino rode Hermes slowly. When they were out of earshot, they began to talk.

“That was something. Kino, which one do you think is true?”

“You can tell, right? Hermes,”

“Yeah. But, somehow, it’s a forward-looking country, don’t you think? Forward-looking is a good thing”

“That makes sense, maybe.” Kino agreed to Hermes’ words, laughing lightly. And then,

“But, what will you do if Master came back?” Hermes said nonchalantly. <ref> Bothering me, because it used the verb ‘sairaisuru’ which can also mean ‘reincarnation’ or ‘second coming’.</ref>

Kino suddenly looked back while riding. She looked at the road they just came through. There was the form of the big building with the clock tower.

“It’s alright. There’s nobody,” said Hermes.

“Then let’s run forward.”

==Translator's Notes==
<References/>

<noinclude>
{{Navigation
| Kino no Tabi
| [[Kino_no_Tabi:Volume8_Prologue|Prologue]]
| [[Kino_no_Tabi:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
}}
</noinclude>

Kino no Tabi:Volume3 Chapter5

2012-09-16T18:02:51Z

Moratorius: /* “A Land Not Permitting Discrimination” —True Blue Sky— If ‘true blue sky’ sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve heard something similar in the third story in anime episode 11. Only the last part of this chapter is featured in th...

==“A Land Not Permitting Discrimination” —True Blue Sky— <ref> If ‘true blue sky’ sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve heard something similar in the third story in anime episode 11. Only the last part of this chapter is featured in the anime though. </ref>==
“Anyway, let’s see if we can ask the people around here, Kino.”

“Yeah... That’s the best way after all. ——Ah. Uhm, excuse me?”

“Yes? Oh, you guys aren’t from this country, are you?”

“Yes. We are travelers. We just arrived in this country.”

“Then, welcome.”

“By the way, can I ask one question?”

“Sure, what would that be?”

“I’m looking for ×××××. Is there one nearby?” <ref> It’s really written as ‘×××××’. You can think of it as a censor ''beep'' sound. It likely denotes that in this country, ××××× is a taboo word/s.</ref>

“......? Just now, what did you say?”

“If there’s a ××××× around here?”

“Wait a minute. Are you making fun of people with that sort of job? What in the world are you trying to pull?!”

“Eh? No. I’m just looking for ×××××.”

“Ah! Such a thing... Hey miss traveler! If you insult these people any further, you will not be forgiven!”

“......”

“Kino?”

“... Uhm. If that’s the case, then let me rephrase it.”

“By all means! That’s what I want you to do!”

“Uhmm. Isn’t there a ××××× in this country? Or more like, is there a ××××× here? That is all I want to know.”

“... Truly, what a thing to say! You are such a terrible person! To say it in such a manner, do you not realize the pain you cause them? Wait, everyone come here! Everyone come!”

“Oh? What’s the matter?” “What?” “What’s with the loud voice?” “Why?” “What is it?”

“Listen everyone. Just now, this traveler said some outrageous things! She used ugly discriminatory words over and over again! Unforgivable!”

“You don’t have to shout just because of that.... Uhm, is it you? Is it true what this lady here said, that you are a traveler?”

“Yes that’s right. But I didn’t mean any harm with my words...”

“Hmm. It may be that this lady is just too sensitive and overreacting. Well, what is it that you want to know, miss traveler?”

“Uhmm, I just wanted to ask if there isn’t a ××××× here.”

“! W-w-what a thing.... Miss traveler, I don’t want to know how you can say such things with a calm face. That is extreme mockery of a specific organization, of an occupation!”

“That is..., a ×××××, I’m looking for a ××××× that can do ×××××.”

“T-that’s enough! If you continue to spit out such careless remarks, we will take action against you!”

“Yeah, yeah!” “Cut it out!” “You scum!”

“Huh? Somehow, I’m wondering if they think I’m ×××××? What do you think, Hermes?”

“Kino. Maybe, there’s no ××××× here? That’s why they can’t conceive of the idea of ×××××. Whether it’s ××××× or ×××××, saying ××××× in this manner won’t do?”

“Aaack! Even the motorad says mean things! They suit each other alright!”

“That’s right! You people are trash. You don’t deserve to live; your existence should be condemned! You are so weird!”

“Uhm, look, there seems to be a misunderstanding somehow. To rephrase, I was just thinking of a ×××××. Isn’t there a ××××× with ×××××?”

“Eeek!” “What a thing to say!” “Didn’t I tell you? I was right!” “Hmm, there’s nothing we can do, this person’s rotten to the core!” “Don’t let the children hear!” “Boy, let’s go over there”

“This is some trouble……. Hermes, do you know any good words to say?”

“How does ‘×××××’ sound to you?”

“What ‘×××××’ means?”

“Eeek—! Terrible! Too terrible! You guys sure say such things so casually!”

“Hey damn brat! Stop using such abusive language! Stop this instant! Otherwise!”

“Otherwise?”

"...... Keh—! W-what’s that? Are you threatening me with that hand persuader on your waist? Hah! Did you think I will stab you here? Give me a break! I wouldn’t do such a thing! It was only by chance that this knife is in my pocket, just for emergency purposes! Don’t jump to conclusions. You don’t believe a person now? You sad excuse for a human! You a*****e!” <ref> I would avoid swear words if possible, but I can’t do it here. Oh, and there’s more to come.... (It’s my first time to see so many Japanese derogatory terms in one place.... LOL)</ref>

“My goodness. You were thinking of using violence to have your way? You’re the worst!”

“That’s right. With that sort of attitude, it’s likely that up to now, she killed a lot of people just because they don’t agree with her. She thinks nothing of shooting people. This person is a cold-blooded killer!”

“Yeah. If we keep quiet and listen, she’ll say whatever she wants to.... Words used without caution can be weapons that can hurt people. What a sad, defective creature.”

“Let’s understand her pain. Let’s go beyond our anger and feel compassion towards this person’s prejudiced ideas. I’m sure her parents were trash, and did not teach her how to properly say good things and bad things. Or maybe they were very poor, and did not have the time for that. The father must be an alcoholic, and the mother must have run off to be somebody’s mistress.”

“I see.... Well, I sort of understand what everyone is trying to say. My ××××× is ×××××, I suppose.”

“Kino, whichever way you say it, isn’t that ×××××?”

“You son of a b***h! To say that again! Leave this moment! Get out of this country! Get out of our sight! We can’t let prejudiced people like you to stay in this country for even one more second! We would like to tear you to pieces for the sake of the poor people you have insulted, but since we’re generous, we’ll forgive you if you leave! Accept the mercy of these rational people, and get out of here! Everyone! Let’s expel these b******s with our combined forces!”

“That’s right! Get out! Get out of here!” “Trash!” “Murderer! Sadist!” “Get out!”

“This brat! Eat this——”

“That would be troublesome. Please stop.”

“... W-what are you glaring at? ... I-I was just trying to pick up a stone which fell by my feet! Because it might be dangerous if a child trips on it! Don’t misunderstand such small things! You crazy b***h!”

“That’s right! This man is a kind person! We know that too well. His words and actions are too good for him to think of hurting somebody! But it will take someone like you a lifetime to understand that!”

“Leave! Leave at once! If you want to die, die outside the country! And then become food for the maggots! This country is too good for prejudiced and violent people like you to breathe in!”

“Yeah, yeah! Do not pollute our country! Do not enter our beautiful country! You disgusting f***k!”

“I..., when I see this person’s behavior, I remember a ruthless dictator from long ago who ordered the massacre of tens of thousands of people for the sake of his twisted ideology. It makes me shiver. I’m sure this person is his reincarnation.”

“That’s right.... Hey traveler. Get out of this country right now. And know that misused words can become weapons. But don’t come near this country ever again. Do not infect us with your disgusting disease.”

“Yeah, get out.” “Get out!” “Beat it!” “Leave!” “Please leave now!” “Disappear!”

“... Oh dear. Well, it can’t be helped. Please excuse us. Please take care everyone. As for ×××××, I hope that ×××××”

“Eeek——!” “You had to say that just when you’re about to leave!” “Get out! Get lost—!”

“Get lost! Get lost!”

“Well then. ——Let’s go Hermes.”

“Bye bye everyone!”

--

“——Phew. At last they’re gone. Those guys were hopeless.”

“Yeah. It’s so sad to see that people like that still exist. But they were outsiders after all.”

“That’s right. In our country, there are no such prejudiced people. We can only recognize the good attributes of things. We take everything in a positive light.”

“Anyway, what were the immigration inspectors doing? Why did they let that crazy traveler get an entry permit? Shouldn’t a person like that be sent to the hospital instead?”

“Indeed.”

“That’s true. People only come occasionally, so they should at least do their work properly.”

“Well, asking for an intelligent immigration inspector is too much. There’s no helping their stupidity.”

“Yeah. No one supervises their work, and even though discrimination is such an unforgivable thing, only the immigration inspectors think differently. It can’t be helped because they were failures by nature.”

“There are so many of them that we can’t count them with our fingers, right?”

“Ah, I’ve also heard about that.”

“So stupid.”

“Even so, these trash live long. Did you know? Their life expectancy is twice as much as that of an average person.”

“That’s amazing. I didn’t know. How come?”

“Well, that’s probably because they don’t use their heads. They don’t grow up. The only good thing about them is their long lives.

“True, true.” “You can say that again.”

“After all, the inspectors dared live outside the walls, in such a barbaric environment. I’ve heard before that those guys come into the country only once a month, when they receive their salary and go shopping. The rest of the time they spend outside the walls.... I wonder what they do with their families?”

“The root is barbaric. Barbaric people deserve to be in barbaric forests and wilderness.”

“Ahaha. Nice one. Civilized living is for civilized people, after all.”

“Speaking of which, even if these people decide to get married to a normal person in the country, in most cases they tend to look for a person who has no parents or relatives. Also, they prefer young ones, those who are barely old enough to get married.”

“Ah——, oh no. Then that means, if we get married to these people, we can no longer return to the country?”

“So those guys are pedophiles too?” “Disgusting.... They should die.”

“Then once they get married, they can only come into the country once a month?”

“Yikes! That’s horrendous. I wonder what sort of lifestyle they have? Not that I want to know in particular.”

“I heard a rumor that whenever those guys come into the country, they wear hats, masks and gloves, and never take them off even in summer. Now that’s extremely creepy. And it seems that they don’t reveal their lifestyles even to their closest friends.”

“Wow. So terrible.”

“Those kinds of humans should never have been born. That’s what I think.”

“Indeed. In any case, if you were born as an inspector, you’d be one your whole life. That’s so crazy. If it were me, I’d commit suicide.”

“Well by law, everyone’s free to choose their own career. For instance, it’s alright if they want to become a teacher inside the country.... Well, I don’t think those people are fit for other jobs. If one of them said they wanted a normal job, then that could be something worth seeing.”

“No, I don’t want to see it! If an inspector applies for the same job as I have, I’ll say ‘It’s regrettable, but we can’t accept you because the documents were lost accidentally’. I don’t want to get polluted.”

“That’s a rational decision by a rational person. I’ll do the same thing. If there was an exam, I’ll deduct many points and fail him. Because if an inspector gets hired, the customers will all go away.”

“Hey everyone, let’s stop this talk about trash. It’s a waste of time. Let’s just protect our beautiful culture and carry on with our wonderful lives. There’s no need for us at all to sympathize with the needy.”

“That’s right.” “Well said.” “I agree.”

“Come. Let’s return to our lives——”

--

Outside the walls beside the gates, there was a small guard post.

Over there, a man was sitting and leisurely reading a book. He was probably around thirty years old. The words ‘immigration inspector’ was embroidered on the white shirt he was wearing.

Kino knocked on the window of the guard post. The inspector placed the book on top of the desk, stood up and went out through the door.

Kino asked the inspector, “Excuse me. I’ll be leaving the country soon. What about the departure procedures?”

The inspector said, “There’s no need. You didn’t undergo entry procedures either, after all.”

And with a grin, “Well, you probably understand the reason right?”

Kino nodded. “Yes, I understand very well. Up to now, I’ve been around various places, but this one set a new record for my shortest stay in any country.”

“In any case, please don’t feel violated. All the people in this country feel like that.”

“It sure seems that way, because none of them seems to be joking around. Anyway, what is a ×××××, really?”

“Ah. It seems it was not too long ago. The leader that time said, ‘Because a ××××× is ×××××, we can’t ×××××’. From then on, it’s ×××××. Ever since, it’s always ×××××. Probably, ××××× is ×××××.”

“I see.” “I understand.”

Kino nodded, and Hermes murmured with deep understanding. <ref> It’s nice that they already know what ‘×××××’ is, as for us, we can only guess…</ref>

“Even if you got into so much trouble, I hope you don’t feel bad.”

“Not at all! It was very interesting,” Kino said with a smile, and the inspector said looking amused,

“I thought you’d say that. All travelers do.”

Kino looked up at the towering walls beside her.

“These walls are also amazing. It’s the first time I’ve seen something like this.”

“Isn’t it?” The inspector nodded and raised his head.

The grey walls the two were looking at had no top. A curve was slowly drawn and extended right above it, and eventually merges with the other end of the walls. The entire country was covered with a concrete dome. <ref> This is one of the reasons why the first part of the story has no narration at all. If the interior of the country were to be described, the twist would have been revealed. The other reasons depend on your own interpretation of this story….^.~</ref>

“It was completely enclosed. I was very surprised when I saw the interior.”

“It was like a super-duper humongous egg. When we saw it from afar, we thought it was some sort of a mountain,” Hermes said.

“Since when was it like this?” Kino asked.

“Too bad, but I don’t know. All we do know is that it might have existed back in my great-great-great-great grandfather’s time. It was in one of his remaining drawings."

“Ehh...” Kino looked up at the walls again.

“However, it was such a dirty country, Kino. No, not the people, but the town.”

As Hermes said this, the inspector nodded several times.

“Yeah, it’s so dirty.... Isn’t that terrible? It’s like that all over the country. As you can see, on top of the enclosed space, they basically have no sense of hygiene at all. I don’t know if you realized it already but, everyone lets their kitchen waste and sewage flow to the street. Upstream the river flowing from the north, the water is clear and there are many fish, but downstream it becomes pitch black you can no longer tell what’s flowing in it. It’s untouchable. Inside the houses, there are swarms of rats, and there are also lots of cockroaches.”

“What’s a ‘cockroach’?” Kino asked the inspector.

The inspector spread his thumb and index finger.

“It’s an insect, but it’s about this big. It is flat, oval in shape, and looks greasy. It’s often seen coming out of the kitchen.”

“Kino, haven’t you seen a cockroach before?” Hermes asked.

Kino shook her head, “Nope.”

“That’s good for you, Miss Kino. It’s a pretty disgusting sight whenever you see it crawling around in the dining area or in the bedroom. Well, of course it’s like that inside the country. There was a time when I saw a number of them being boiled thoroughly in the hotel cafeteria’s serving pot.... Ah, well let’s leave it at that."

The inspector shook his head and hands with a bitter expression. Kino’s expression was unchanged,

“I see... Insects which I haven’t seen before, it would be nice to see them for a bit.”

“Stop, stop! In this world, there are things that you’re better off not knowing at all. A cockroach is one such thing.”

“Is that so?” Kino asked with a straight face. ‘Yes, that’s right’, said the inspector with a wry smile.

And then continued.

“Well, now that I think about it, I don’t know if I can bear living in such a place. I can’t stay there long without gloves and a mask. However..., those people will never know the outside world from birth until death. Of course, they think that’s the best thing. That’s what they were taught as they grew up. People who live in paradise don’t dream of new lands.”

“I see,” Kino said, and turned her gaze at the opposite side of the walls.

The cool breeze blew over the bright green meadows under the clear sky. On both sides of the road due east were neatly trimmed fields. A dark coniferous forest spread out from afar.

Beside a stream a little ways off the walls, there was the wooden house of the inspector, with its waterwheel turning about leisurely. A woman who seemed to be the inspector’s wife was drying laundry. Beside, two children were playing with a swing suspended from the tree.

“What a nice place,” Kino said.

“Thanks. I also like it here,” the inspector said with a sigh.

“Even Kino can live longer if she stays in a place like this forever,” Hermes teased.

The inspector chuckled, “That may be true. We inspectors usually don’t die before we see the faces of our grandchildren. However, the people in the country only live long enough to see their children graduate. Most of them die due to disease. It’s because of the poor hygiene and the filthy air. Frankly speaking, it’s dangerous in there. They will never be attacked by wild animals or be hit by enemy bullets, but they’re in danger nevertheless."

Kino nodded lightly, and looked at the meadows once more.

“There’s a detour road along the northern walls. If you arrive in front of the western gates, it will be a good idea to stop by since my older sister and cousin are the inspectors over there. You can find accommodations, portable rations and fuel there. If it’s not much of a bother, please tell them that me and my family are doing well,” the inspector said to Kino who was ready to depart.

“Thank you very much. I’ll tell them.”

--

“Thanks for everything,” Kino put on her hat, and when she was about to ride Hermes,

“Miss Kino,” the inspector asked all of a sudden. “What does ‘true blue sky’ mean?”

“Eh?” Kino turned around.

“‘True blue sky’. I’m not referring to its literal meaning,” the inspector slowly repeated.

“It’s just like a riddle, eh?” Kino said with a wry smile.

The inspector nodded, “Yeah, you can think of it that way. ――The people in the country thinks of the painted interior illuminated with fluorescent lights as their true blue sky. Well..., if the traveler Kino will be asked the question, ‘What does ‘true blue sky’ mean to you?’ what would be your answer?”

Kino seemed a little troubled for a while, and then,

“... I see. I will answer this. ‘There’s no such thing.'”

“Why is that?” The inspector asked immediately.

Kino answered in a slow tone.

“The sky’s blueness... changes so much depending on the place, time, season and weather. And each one of them was beautiful. In those times I didn’t think much of them, but now that I recall, I think they’re all beautiful. I can’t tell you which one is the ‘true blue sky’ among all of the skies I’ve seen. ... That’s why, ‘there’s no such thing’. The me right now thinks so.”

The inspector gazed at Kino as he listened to her. Afterwards, he nodded several times.

“Ah, I see.... There was that sort of answer too...”

Hermes asked the muttering inspector. “Who had?”

“My grandfather,” the inspector answered immediately.

Kino gave him a questioning look for a moment. And then,

“I see. You were asked the same question by your grandfather, right?”

“Exactly. It was when my grandfather was on the verge of death. At that time, I was still too young to discern things. He said this. ‘It doesn’t matter if you find the ‘true blue sky’ or not. I asked, ‘What are you talking about?' And he said while laughing, ‘That’s why it doesn’t matter whether you understand or not. Goodbye, Lügner, <ref> Just my guess. What do you make out of ‘Ryu-guna-'? Anway, it’s a German word which means ‘liar’. </ref> my dear grandson’. And then he died…… Since then, I would vaguely think from time to time what ‘true blue sky’ really means....”

The inspector turned his back to the wall and looked at the blue sky.

“I don’t know if your answer is correct or what. But.... Yup, I’m glad I asked you. Thanks,”
the inspector said while still looking at the sky.

“You’re welcome. This sky’s blue is also very beautiful.”

Kino said quietly, as she gazed at the same sky.

==Translator's Notes==
<references/>

<noinclude>
{{Navigation
| Kino no Tabi
| [[Kino_no_Tabi:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
| [[Kino_no_Tabi:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6]]
}}
</noinclude>

HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Chapter 2

2012-07-16T05:13:26Z

Moratorius: /* Part 1 */

{{Incomplete|parts=2/14}}
==Chapter 2: A Coal Mine that Scatters Stacks of Cash >> Nighttime Surprise Blitzkrieg on the Kamchatka Peninsula==

===Part 1===

The CS☆Military Channel!!

“This is Monica, your battlefield idol reporter who can both sing and kill! Today, I have come to the Legitimacy Kingdom military’s 37th Mobile Maintenance Battalion!! Today’s theme is the women who work in the militaries of the world!! There was a time when militaries were filled almost exclusively with men as an extension of our history of kings and knights, but that is in the past!! I want to see the true faces of the female commanders and Elites who work on the front lines of modern battlefields!!”

The cute, youthful voice of a girl rang throughout the nighttime maintenance base zone.

“What? What’s going on?”

When Heivia stuck his head out from the barracks trailer, he spotted an entertainer who was lit up by powerful lights and surrounded by cameras.

“…A comsat broadcast? What’s this battlefield reporter crap? She’s speaking as stiffly as some swimsuit idol.”

“Oh, Heivia. I thought you would be the type to breathe more heavily the closer you got to someone like that,” said Froleytia as she approached on her way back from a cold night walk.

Heivia shrugged.

“It’s different when I have to help protect them. Should we really let them do that? We’re planning this night mission, but they’re shining those lights everywhere.”

“Just inside the base. It’s not like we’re going to let them perform a live broadcast of our invasion. The actual battlefield is a good ways from here. And we have to worry about how people view the military.”

“Hah?”

“The media has always been quite powerful. If they can make an amusing show, we might get more new recruits and people might not get so angry about how their tax money is being spent. …Of course, the rookies drawn in by the smile of that swimsuit idol will have no idea how much hard work awaits them.”

“I guess it’s better than mobilizing to help film an action movie.”

“Exactly.” Froleytia put her long, narrow kiseru in her mouth. “And I am about to be interviewed.”

“Thanks for everything you do for the military and our nation…”

“Yes. Did you hear what the show’s theme is, Heivia? It’s about the women working in the military world. Women in the military are so commonplace these days that I have no idea what purpose there is in this.”

“I see. Well, I’d rather not get chosen as the example of the worthless male soldier to compare to the wonderful female officer, so I’ll be leaving.”

“You should really just use who you can and not use who you can’t without worrying about whether they're men or women,” muttered Froleytia as she cracked her neck. Then she seemed to remember something. “Oh, right. Heivia, the restriction on the caffeine supply is being released in another 2 hours. When the time comes, get everyone in the barracks up and force some painfully hot coffee down their throats.”

“…If you don’t give proper time for sleep, it’ll just make everyone sleepier.”

“Let them sleep even if for only 5 minutes more or even just 10 seconds more. Our mission will head straight through the night this time.” She grabbed her long, narrow kiseru between two fingers and used it to point into the distant darkness. “A nighttime surprise blitzkrieg. This isn’t a mission we can leave to tired eyes.”

===Part 2===

Meanwhile, Quenser was in the Baby Magnum’s maintenance area.

The old maintenance lady was making preliminary preparations and Quenser was studying the Object, but then Quenser frowned at a noise from outside the maintenance area.

“…Is something going on out there?”

“Froleytia said they were filming a television show,” answered the Elite princess.

In preparation for the nighttime mission, most of the soldiers who did not have guard duty had gone to sleep early. However, the old lady and the other maintenance soldiers had to work to prepare the Object in time rather than rest. But the maintenance soldiers would have a chance to relax once the mission began and the Object left, so it was not necessary to regulate their sleep time.

Speaking of which…

“You’re the most important part of this nighttime mission, princess. Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

“I will be fine. Also, I am most relaxed when sitting in the cockpit seat.”

“Is that so?” muttered Quenser.

Quenser could not imagine what a pilot like her would look like sleeping. The only image that came to mind was her lying down while still wearing that special suit of hers.

“…Shouldn’t you be sleeping, Quenser?”

“Technically, I’m a student rather than a proper soldier. Apparently, I won’t be sent to the front lines of a delicate blitzkrieg like this. I’ll still be sent to the battlefield for logistical support, but it isn’t something I need to be too focused for.”

The old maintenance lady then clanked a wrench against the handrail.

“Really, now. Whether you’re on the front lines or in a safe country, a bullet will kill you just as dead. You shouldn’t let your guard down so long as you’re in a war.”

“Yeah, but there’s a risk of your heart stopping even when you masturbate. It’s rare, but it happens. Thinking too much about that kind of thing isn’t going to help.”

“Masturbate?” said the princess in puzzlement, but Quenser looked down at his handheld device to check on the status of the motors that opened and closed the barriers.

He was standing at a point near the upper surface of the Object. Bright sparks were flying from some welding on a level lower than him.

“This monstrous weapon can withstand a nuclear strike, but its armor is put on with normal welding and bolts, isn’t it?”

“Maintaining its strength is important, but it’s also necessary to make sure quick maintenance can be carried out on the battlefield. Apparently, even racecar pit stops are used as experimental grounds for Object designs. …I’m sure you learned that well enough in the Alaska district before, didn’t you, boy?”

With that comment, the old maintenance lady sent an email to Quenser’s handheld device over the local network. The message notification covered up the maintenance diagram.

Quenser looked up, but the old lady shook her head and went back to work. She was telling him to read the email for details.

He opened the message and found a list of various materials with numbers next to them. The primary item on the list was welding gas. She seemed to be telling him to get the materials they were lacking.

“(…Tch. Why do they always give me odd jobs that have nothing to do with Object design?)”

“Did you say something, boy?”

“What point was there in the email!? You were close enough to just tell me!!”

Still grumbling, Quenser finished with what he was doing and headed for the staircase attached to the scaffolding. Partway there, he noticed the princess’s shoulders were trembling.

“…Quenser, you exchanged email addresses with the old lady?”

“Why are you looking at me like I’m some kind of indiscriminate beast?” asked Quenser.

He then added, “You’re the only one I love, baby,” but she turned away and headed back for the cockpit. It seemed he had been rejected. His luck that day was so poor he felt like he would hit the bartender’s prized cactus if he tried to play darts in a bar.

He headed for ground level using the staircase that circled around again and again. This seemed a silly way to get up and down since the Object was over 50 meters tall, but a battlefield student like Quenser did not have the authority to use the elevator. He had grown to hate more athletic people.

The maintenance area was pretty chilly, but a blast of cold air stabbed at him when he opened the door.

Quenser contemplated just staying in the maintenance area, but he had no choice but to head crying out into the cold when he saw the hate-filled gazes he was getting that seemed to be saying, “Just get out and close the door!! You’re getting us cold, too!!”

He checked the list of materials as he walked along.

(…Ugh, this is too much to take in one trip. Maybe I should get a battlefield license like Heivia has. Then I could use a military tractor.)

The problem was that any time spent on that would be better spent studying Object design.

(Also, that old woman works people too hard. If I got a license, I bet she’d just shove more odd jobs on me. Maybe the easier-sounding option is actually more dangerous.)

As Quenser trudged through the thick snow on his way to the storehouse, he wondered if a sled would work better than a dolly. In fact, the storehouse was constructed atop a large vehicle itself, so he truly wished it could just be brought to him.

But suddenly…

“You there.”

Someone called out to him.

Quenser turned around and found a woman in a military uniform approaching him. She was in her early twenties. He did not recognize her. She had glossy brown hair that was contrasted by her skin which was white as snow. More than 800 people belonged to the battalion, so it was not surprising to run across someone you did not know. However, this woman was still odd.

Her uniform was different.

While Quenser’s uniform was based on a camouflage matched to the environment, the woman’s was a luxurious uniform of primarily black with gold hemming. Her rimless glasses gave an intelligent impression, but she had an odd air of intimidation that went beyond a mere intellectual. Below, she wore a tight black skirt, but it seemed to be primarily for decoration. She wore tights so thick they were not much different from pants. She had medals and decorations Quenser did not recognize on her bountiful chest. She was clearly someone important from first glance, but it also seemed that someone that glittered that much would get shot right away on an actual battlefield.

She had a rank insignia on her collar, but the plate was dyed red for some reason.

The woman brought both her white-glove-covered hands to her mouth and breathed her white breath on them as she stood before Quenser. Her uniform was intimidating, but that feminine action managed to shine through.

Quenser was completely taken aback, so he just gave voice to his first impression.

“Um…Are you a noble?”

“No, I am a commoner. That has given me various difficulties. But you are the one that matters here. I assume you do not mind if I ask you a few questions.”

“No…”

“Let me confirm something. All soldiers with the exception of the guards, the official members of the Baby Magnum’s maintenance team, and the pilot Elite herself are to be on standby in the barracks. I believe you were ordered to get as much sleep as possible before the pre-mission briefing in two hours.”

“Y-yes!?”

(Oh, crap! She’s the strict class president type!!)

Quenser put himself on maximum guard. He had been helping out with the Object’s maintenance, but he was not an “official member” of the maintenance team. He was a battlefield student and his technical designation was “combat engineer”.

“No, um!! I’m sorry!! But I was requested to bring in these materials for the maintenance soldiers! Once I finish that, I will head to the barracks!!”

“What is your unit and rank?”

“…Eh?”

Quenser raised a questioning voice, but not because he had not understood what she meant. It was because the woman in the black uniform had approached close enough to kiss him and had drawn a ceremonial revolver from her waist at some point. Quenser then felt something hard press against his stomach.

With a slight smile, the woman asked once more.

“What is your unit and rank?”

At that moment, Quenser spotted the unit insignia on the woman’s shoulder. It was different from Quenser’s.

That meant…

(She clearly isn’t part of our unit! Wait…I’m always gotten by with just saying I’m a student, but what’s my technical rank!? I remember there being some kind of pain-in-the-ass term written on the official documents, but if I get this wrong…bang!!)

Quenser started to panic.

Despite the gun being a double action so she could simply pull the trigger, the woman used her thumb to raise the hammer, making an obvious metallic click.

With a strangely calm voice, she said, “Your unit and rank.”

“I-I’m a student! A battlefield student! I know I’m designated as a combat engineer, but it’s a bit unclear what unit in the battalion I actually belong to! Sometimes Heivia and I make the old maintenance lady mad so she lectures us!!”

Quenser’s confused answer made it seem he had a death wish, but the woman in the black uniform clicked her tongue and stepped away like a carnivorous beast that had lost its prey.

“A student, hm? Too bad. Then you aren’t under my jurisdiction.”

“?”

The woman in the black uniform purposefully aimed the gun at Quenser once more and slowly lowered the revolver’s hammer with her thumb.

“Bang,” she muttered jokingly. “My barrier duty is meant for the proper soldiers.”

===Part 3===

===Part 4===

===Part 5===

===Part 6===

===Part 7===

===Part 8===

===Part 9===

===Part 10===

===Part 11===

===Part 12===

===Part 13===

===Part 14===

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
| Return to [[HEAVY OBJECT|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume6 Chapter5 2

2012-03-01T22:12:31Z

Moratorius: /* The Crimson Card. Part 2. */

===<noinclude>The Crimson Card. </noinclude>Part 2.===

Sachiko-san's existence was just as conspicuous in kindergarten as it is now.

For starters, even the way she arrived at school was different.

In the morning, a black car would pull up at the western gate, near the kindergarten. A beautiful little girl wearing a kindergarten uniform would emerge from the back seat. It wasn't her father or an older brother in the driver's seat. Nor was there anyone else in the back seat.

"I'll take my leave now."

She would seem displeased while saying this, and step away from the car. She would walk from the gate to the kindergarten in silence, without looking back. Eventually, the car would drive off. At the faint sound of the tires on the bitumen, she would take a single glance back over her shoulder. She would then sweep her gaze from side to side, before she once more resumed walking. It was as though she was surveying a battlefield. – That was Sachiko-san.

I saw that scene played out time and time again as I commuted to kindergarten.

Perhaps going to kindergarten itself was painful for her. There were plenty of children who wouldn't go to their classroom, and instead cling to their mothers when they first arrived at kindergarten.

As for my blessed self, since my earliest days my mother had been planting only a good image of school, so I looked forward to entering into kindergarten and adapted to it quickly.

You could say that kindergarten is when you first take part in society. You spend long periods of time separated from your parents, and there's probably an equivalent amount of stress. On top of that, it gathers together various children of the same age that each have their own personality. Even if you're not shy or meek, it's an environment that's hard to adapt to initially.

I was interested in Sachiko-san.

At first my interest was, naturally enough, in her overly conspicuous appearance. You could say that it was her innate ability, and it certainly was, but there was something about it that seemed to defy that phrase.

Something that made her difficult to get close to.

We learned about her family situation later, but I doubt more than a handful of kids truly understood. Back then I thought being driven to school was simply a matter of distance, like whether you walked to school or caught the bus. – Sachiko-san's house actually was a fair distance from the bus route, so that thought wasn't completely wrong.

It would be too far even for flattery to say that Sachiko-san fit in at kindergarten. Children can sense when others are different to themselves. In the beginning there were a lot of classmates who treated her as a curiosity and would watch her from a safe distance. Because Sachiko-san was Sachiko-san, she was able to sense this and her face, that looked displeased at the best of times, would scrunch up even further as she actively ignored them.

Sachiko-san was silently fighting.

Even if the kindergarten wasn't a happy place for her, she wasn't the type of child to scream and cry that she wanted to go home. Despite being such a young child, she probably had her own sense of pride.

Whether it was painting or handicrafts, Sachiko-san never lost to anyone. Particularly impressive was the time we were shown some basic dance steps by the teacher during playtime. As we all awkwardly followed the teacher's directions, she alone was extraordinary.

It was like the difference between heaven and hell. She was a jewel in the dunghill.

As we writhed on the ground like a squirming caterpillar, she danced like a graceful butterfly.

It was so beautiful, it was as though an angel had descended from heaven.

"I heard she takes ballet lessons."

Somebody muttered those words as some consolation, but it was just making excuses. Sachiko-san wasn't the only one in our class to take ballet lessons.

Then one day, because of a thoughtless remark from one of our classmates, she stopped coming to school by car.

It was a petty affront. Not something worth taking notice of.

Instead, she switched to catching the bus to school. She wasn't going to lose. Perhaps she had been thinking about it beforehand, but there's no doubt that the taunt had been the impetus to change. She would get driven, in the same black car, to the school bus stop closest to her house, and from there catch the bus the rest of the way to school. Because her house wasn't within walking distance of the bus stop, she had no choice but to get dropped off by car. But even then, she would get dropped off around the corner before the bus stop and walk the rest of the way.

My eyes were continuously drawn to the minutia of Sachiko-san's everyday life. But my happiness wouldn't last long. My father's transfer had been decided.

My father and mother spent several days discussing matters related to the transfer, such as relocating and so forth, and I spent that time at kindergarten in somewhat of a daze.

Very soon, I would no longer be able to see Sachiko-san.

My feelings back then were somewhat strange; the nuance wasn't so much that it would be painful to part with Sachiko-san, more that it was a shame that I wouldn't be able to watch her. Right. My wish wasn't to play or chat with Sachiko-san.

On that day, during recess, I made a mistake and had a spectacular fall from the swings. At that time, the fad was to jump off the swing as it was still moving. The teachers had forbidden us from doing this, but we didn't pay them any heed. We younger children were trying to imitate our older sisters, and when the teacher wasn't looking we would practice jumping off the swing when it was swinging low.

I had been absent-minded all day, and when my friends called me over I joined them in line until, eventually, my turn arrived and I sat down on the swing. I was good at jumping off the swing because I practiced often at the park in my neighborhood.

Swish, swish.

I thought of the wind.

Perhaps I too would soon be gone from this place, just like the wind. What would it be like after I had left? I couldn't picture it in my mind, so I couldn't see whether it would be lonely or not.

I seized upon the solitary figure of a little girl in my shifting field of vision.

Ogasawara Sachiko.

It was then that I realized. Me leaving here would be exactly the same as if everyone other than me left.

Sachiko-san noticed my gaze and suddenly turned to face me. Her eyes seized upon my body and her beautiful face quickly frowned in displeasure. When I realized that I was the cause of the disgust on her face, the shock I felt was like I had been shot in the heart with a pistol. The subsequent shock was that my hands, which I had thought were firmly gripping the chains, had come loose.

It was only for a fraction of a second, but I had become the wind, flying through space. The sky spun around and for a moment I thought things looked different to normal, before I crashed into the ground.

"Mifuyu-chan!"

The friends I had been playing on the swings with hurriedly gathered around, and then when they saw the blood that was slowly trickling from my kneecap they all stepped back.

Luckily, the ground around the swings was covered with sand, so it was soft. It seems that I had flipped over completely and taken the impact with the ground on my hands and knees, preventing it from turning into a tragedy. It was a spectacular crash, but the only place I was bleeding was from my skinned knee.

With time came the pain, and with the blood came the tears.

"I'm going to get the teacher."

One of the braver girls ran off towards the school building, while the timid ones said 'Me too,' 'Me too,' and also ran off until no-one remained. I only learned the phrase 'to scatter like baby spiders' later on, but it applied here. The children who had been playing on the other pieces of playground equipment were too scared to get involved, so they maintained a distance of at least five metres from me.

[[Image:MM_v06_p183.png|thumb]]

Out of all these people, only one approached me. It was Sachiko-san.

"Are you okay?"

She chose the most pertinent question to start off with and, when I nodded vigorously while crying, she seemed relieved. Her next question was said in a shocked tone of voice.

"What on earth were you doing?"

Before my eyes, she produced a white handkerchief. I thought it was to wipe away my tears. Because it was of such a fine quality I hesitated to use the thin handkerchief as a gauze.

While I was still wondering what I should do, Sachiko-san squatted down beside me and applied the handkerchief to my knee without a moment's pause.

"Ahh"

"Does it hurt? You're being punished because you didn't listen to the teacher's orders."

I belatedly understood the reason for the look of disgust that had appeared on Sachiko-san's face before I fell from the swing. It wasn't that she hated me, it was just that she was opposed to people breaking the rules.

The teacher appeared, pulled from inside the building by children, and Sachiko-san stood up.

"Ahh, your handkerchief..."

"You can keep it. I have another one."

And with that overly blunt response, Sachiko-san took her leave. I wanted to chase after her, but my knee and my heart were hurting, and I didn't dare call out to tell her to stop.

While the teacher was washing my knee and drying the abrasion with absorbent cotton soaked with an antiseptic solution, I held tight to the lightly blood-stained handkerchief. It was the first time that I had talked one-on-one with Sachiko-san, and also the first time that she had given me something.

From this, I concluded that the reason Sachiko-san was cut off from the rest of the class was because she was more mentally mature than everyone else. Because she was more adult than the rest of the girls her age, they couldn't connect on the same level.

Before long, the day arrived when I had to leave Lillian's Girls Academy. Having finished saying my goodbyes in the classroom, I called out to Sachiko-san as she waited in the garden for the school bus.

There were two routes that the bus took. In order to service these routes with a single bus, they ran at different times. The white route and the red route. Sachiko-san's was the red route, which ran later. Incidentally, getting picked up by your parents was called the yellow route.

Calling out to Sachiko-san took strength that I didn't know I possessed until then, but I firmed my resolve thinking that returning her handkerchief was a just cause and that today was the last opportunity I had to do that.

My mother had washed and ironed it. She had even called my grandmother in Chiba City for advice on how to get rid of the bloodstains and, as reward for all her effort, no trace of the yellow stains from the dried blood remained.

"I said you could keep it, didn't I?"

As I held out the handkerchief, Sachiko-san looked at me with her usual disinterested expression.

"But my mother said I should return it."

Then I held out the small package that my mother had given me.

"What is it?"

"She told me it was chocolates."

"Chocolates?"

"She said it's to show our gratitude."

I was annoyed with myself that I could only express it as though I was acting as a proxy for my mother. But at the time, my young self was unable to convey what was in her heart, and I couldn't say, "I'm grateful to you."

"… I see."

After some thought, Sachiko-san accepted the handkerchief and the small package of chocolates.

"Convey my regards to your mother, Mifuyu-chan."

It was the first time that I heard Sachiko-san call me 'Mifuyu-chan.'

The school bus returned from the first route. Before Sachiko-san boarded the bus, she said 'See you later' to me.

See you later. I repeated it back to her.

See you later, Sachiko-chan.

I could see Sachiko-san smiling and waving through the bus window. Looking like that, she didn't appear any different to the rest of the five year olds.

See you later.

I waved back at her.

I kept facing towards the bus until my mother had completed the various formalities and came to collect me.

Even though Sachiko-san could no longer see me from where she was.

It wasn't goodbye.

Because of that, I thought that one day I would return here.

Iris on Rainy Days: Rebirth- Day 55

2012-01-25T08:10:03Z

Moratorius: modal verb

===Day Fifty-Five===

After that, the time I spent with the two increased day by day. They are the first friends that I made after coming to the construction site.

The 'rain' did not stop. In my monochrome vision, there are still white noise and countless white lines.

"And then~"

While we were walking from the 'gut' to the 'intestines', Lilith continued to talk happily at the other side of the rain. She's just like a chatterbox.

"The inspector shouted 'Oi, number Fifteen, don't just stand there!', and kicked Volkov."

I answered: "Is that so!"

"Then, do you know what that guy answered?"

"What did he answer?"

"He said...... 'My apologies. I'll sit down right away!' because the inspector said 'don't just stand there', he sat down. So, his huge body squashed the inspector behind him."

"That's quite dangerous."

"The shrieking noise that the inspector shouted out that time was so interesting!"

"That's quite a masterpiece."

Lilith started to laugh heartily. Seeing her sunny smile, I brightened up.

"Actually how did you meet Volkov?"

"Oh, that." Lilith raised her brows, "It's no big deal. We met at the construction site about a year ago. Volkov was already working here when I came...... I felt that he looked similar."

"Looked similar...... to whom?"

"An acquaintance from before. He's a robot called Lightning, I worked with him at a junk parts shop before this. He's really big but slow as well."

At that moment, Lilith gazed towards somewhere far away.

"So, that's why I noticed Volkov when I arrived. ...... I struck a conversation with him after that, and started talking to him......"

The blaring sirens suddenly rang. That's the message signaling lunch. However, lunch time is only a treatment for the humans, us robots don't have any rest time, the only time when we can rest is the charging time at night.

"Then I'll see you later then."

Lilith left my side, nimbly passing through the robots in front. Her bound long hair danced behind her in vigor.

I looked at the direction that she was moving towards, and saw a giant-sized robot walking forward step by step. That's Volkov. He's mass-producing enormous footprints today as well. The petite girl knocked his large body while asking 'Is there anyone in there?'.

I gazed at the familiar actions of the two, and I couldn't help but feel warm inside. It's a long time since I had this warm feeling.

I thanked the two in my heart. Though I cannot accept my current appearance, I am not as troubled about it as I was. They accepted my current appearance. To be honest, that makes me quite happy.

If I could make an expression, I would probably be smiling right now.

<span style="font-size: 300%;"><center>♠</center></span>

After the labor ended for the day, we gathered at the warehouse as usual.

We would not be arranged by identification number. Since the main reason that we're herded in the warehouse is to prevent us from being stolen and for charging, sitting anywhere wouldn't matter.

Today, Lilith sat beside me.

"Hey, Iris."

"Hmm?"

Lilith said in a small voice: "Accompany me tonight". A meaningful smile surfaced on her face.

"Eh? Accompany you?"

As I was about to ask her what she meant, the inspectors were already near us.

After the charging cable is inserted into my body, my switch is immediately turned off. It would be the second morning the next time I wake up— that was what I thought.

—...... Iris!

I hear someone's voice.

—Hey, Iris!

In the drizzle that is present as usual, I opened my eyes.

The familiar face of a young girl is in the rain.

"...... Lilith?"

"Ah, you're finally awake. ...... Your activation time took a long time."

Lilith pulled out the charging cable from my body, and closed the cover on my chest with a clunk.

I only noticed at that time that it was still pitch dark. Usually, rays of light would come in from the windows of the warehouse.

"...... Eh? Nighttime?"

"That's right, it's still night time. About two in the morning."

"Two in the morning......"

I look around the whole warehouse. It's the first time that I woke up at this time.

"Iris, I'll serve you."

Lilith showed me a delighted smile.

"...... serve?"

I tilt my head.

So, the girl steps backwards lightly and extends her white right hand, as though she's inviting me for a dance.

"Welcome to the night time book club."

The warehouse looks eerie at night.

My robot colleagues sat tidily in front of the charging board that were like tombstones. Of course, nobody moved. On the robots, the charging light flickered like wandering spirits. Lilith and I walked in the spaces between the hundred over spirits.

A familiar large robot sat among the flickering spirits. A thick cable was stuck to his bum like a tail, while the lights showing that he's charging emitted rays of flashing light.

"Take that!"

Lilith removed Volkov's charging cables with her hands. After that, she opened the cover on his chest, sticking her right hand in it and started to search.

After a few seconds, a low hum echoed in the warehouse, and Volkov's eyes brightened.

"Get up quickly, junk."

Lilith is scolding people again.

Volkov said while maintaining his posture on the ground: "Volkov- activating- cannot- move."

"Shhh! Keep quiet when you're talking."

Lilith lowers her voice to remind him.

While waiting for Volkov to reactivate, I ask the question that I was concerned of.

"Why can Lilith wake up yourself? The power switch had definitely been turned off......"

"Ahhh, that."

Lilith triumphantly points at her chest with her thumb.

"My battery is the charge-activated type. Which means, my power would automatically turn on after charging ends."

I can't help but think "Ah, so that's why". That means, she could reactivate herself even if the humans turned off her power. However, another question surfaces in my mind.

"But your charge-activation switch actually didn't get confiscated by the humans?"

If robots could move all around the warehouse at night, turning off their power at night would lose its purpose.

"It doesn't matter, since it's quite easy. There's a lot of chances for you to move tools and spare parts when you stay here for a long time. That's why, I just help myself sometimes."

After that, she proudly told me about her finding a lot of household items (Only that they're broken or too dirty), books, music CDs and recorders among the waste materials at the construction site. She didn't have a hint of guilt on her face when she was happily introducing me to her 'war spoils'. I asked half-impressed, half-helplessly.

"But robots can't do actions that are against the rules, right? Why can Lilith steal them then?"

"Oh, you're probably referring to the code for prevention of rule violation in the safety circuit. That's no problem, because I— oh."

Just at that moment, Volkov stood up slowly. His large body emitted a creaking sound, creating a long shadow in the warehouse. His eyes that gave out light in the darkness was full of vigor.

"Never mind, I'll save the details for next time. Let's move right now."

Lilith walked further into the warehouse.

"Erm, is it really okay if we're only half charged up?"

"It's okay, two or three hours of use should be enough."

"Huh......"

I turned my continuous track and followed behind her. Volkov followed behind us as well.

A small hill of waste materials were stacked up in the interior of the warehouse, remains of continuous tracks and objects that looked like human limbs were scattered all over. Those would probably be parts of robots. By the amount, it's even enough for someone to open two or three junk parts shops.

We walked past the small hill of waste materials, and arrived at a wide area not long after. Its only at this place that the materials were pushed aside, showing a space of about three meters square. A mat was placed below the square wooden table, and this scene would look just like a scene from a movie if you ignore their worn down look.

The three of us surrounded the table.

"So there's somewhere like this in the warehouse......"

I looked around in surprise. The table was completely surrounded by scrap metals, and seemed that a landslide would happen at any time.

"That's right, Iris."

Lilith searched below the table and took out a thick book.

"Can you read?"

Lilith took out a children's literary book. I read out the title of the book.

"...... Third-rate Demon God Visa Darke."

"Excellent!" Lilith cheered with her eyes gleaming, "You can read! That's great! Hurray!"

"No, it's just a small matter......"

Hearing Lilith's exaggerated praise, I couldn't help but feel rather embarrassed. It's really not such a complicated book, as 'suitable for children of eight and above' was written on the front of the book.

A young man (a rather handsome young man) wearing a black overcoat, leaning against a wall, with a sparkling white ring on his left hand was on the cover of the book. Though I've only heard of the title, it seems that this is quite a famous work.

"I can't read recently. My language interpretation parts malfunctioned. Volkov can still read, but he can't read words that are too small. ...... So this is the only thing that we could do."

Right after that, Lilith opened the book and extended it to Volkov's front. It's just like she's using the book to cover Volkov's whole vision.

Then, Volkov spoke the word 'demon'. Lilith shifted the book, and he said 'god', then he continued with 'vi' and 'sa' after repeating the procedure.

Lilith closed the book and shrugged while saying: "He could only read one word at a time. ...... So about fifty pages used up about three months."

"Volkov- tried- hard." The giant robot puffed up his chest.

"Mnn hmm, you did try hard~" Lilith smiled slightly like a kindergarten teacher.

"Volkov- did- great."

"Very great, very great~"

Lilith stood up and patted Volkov's head as if she was comforting a child. Volkov seemed to be quite happy as well. I wonder what kind of relationship these two have.

"So, how about it?"

She looked closely at my face.

"I'll thank you, so can you read the book for me?"

"Mnn, it's okay......" I took the book from Lilith's hands, "Where should I read from?"

"It's better if you read from the start. It's such a pity if you finish it in one go. ...... Ah, Volkov, you can go back now if you want to."

Lilith said with a bullying voice, while Volkov's eyes brightened.

"Volkov- wants to know- story."

"Oh, is that so."

"Only Lilith- too sly."

"I'm joking, I'm joking. ...... I really can't joke with you."

Lilith started to laugh. She seems very happy whenever she teases Volkov.

"I'll start reading then." I turned to the first page, "Third-Rate Demon God Visa Darke. First Volume 'The Demon God who Can't Use Magic'. ...... er, prologue."

Just like that, the three of us started our 'night time book club' meeting.

" 'And then?' Darke said coldly, 'Are you saying that destroying the world is the job of a demon god?' After hearing his questions, the ring answered unhesitatingly: 'That's exactly the case, Master Darke.' ."

I slowly read the book.

Lilith sat beside me, leaning her body forward from the table with her large eyes gleaming. On the other hand, Voklov kept his silence, but his eyes would light up occasionally. Both of them seem to like this book very much.

After about thirty pages, I gained a rough understanding of the story of 'Third-Rate Demon God Visa Darke'.

The main character, Visa Darke, is a demon god. He is a lord that commands part of the demon world, comes from an exalted family, but is uninterested in his job as a demon god. The cause that he dedicated himself to is not using his powers to invade other countries or causing disasters in the human world, but to fix the tools collected from all around the demon world so that they could be used again.

The magic ring that served Darke is 'Flo Snow'. She is an exquisite ring that is white as snow, while her voice is clear like ice. Having a serious personality, she often berates her master who always fixes tools, putting aside his obligations as a demon god. However, Darke forgot about his job again today, not learning from his mistakes at all. He hid the truth from Flo and sneaked out of the city—

"Iris, what's next? What did Darke say?"

Lilith pulled on my elbow, urging me to carry on with the story. I just read until the part that she hadn't reached, which is why she is harrying me with words like 'Faster, faster' 'What's next' in a rapid-fire speed.

"Okay, let's continue. ...... 'Hey, Flo. My magical powers are very weak. So isn't it okay if I rely on magical tools a bit?' Darke spoke to Flo Snow in a lazy tone as usual. So, Flo immediately admonished him with a displeased tone. 'That's just an excuse, Master Darke. Your magical powers aren't weak, you just lack practice. Ahh, this is too tragic. If this goes on, you would be unable to face your deceased ancestors.' "

On the night after their conversation, one of the magical tools that Darke brought back suddenly turned into an abominable monster after Darke lied down on his bed. The monster snuck into Darke's bedroom—

"Shh!"

Suddenly, Lilith placed her index finger in front of her lips.

"Turn off the lights!"

Volkov immediately switched off the lights in his eyes. I turned off the illumination system in my visual settings as well.

"It's the patrols."

Lilith's index finger stopped in front of her lips, while her sharp gaze was focused on the entrance of the warehouse.

After that, I saw a dim light moving in the warehouse. Probably it's a patrol holding a torch. The searchlight flitted from one sleeping robot to another.

As a lot of junk are piled up around us, 'this place' can't be seen from the entrance. Even so, we would still tremble in fear every time the lights shone onto here.

After five minutes, Lilith said lightly 'I think he's gone......' after glancing outside from the seams between the junk, then returned to the side of the table.

I was relieved, then lightly rubbed my chest. Volkov gave out a 'Hu~" noise as well.

"We actually didn't get exposed."

Lilith said in a light tone: "It's no big deal. The patrols just shine the torch here an there. They wouldn't count the number of robots."

"What would happen if we were found out?"

"Who knows...... Probably they wouldn't just dismantle us to scrap metal. ...... However, they would probably confiscate these."

She took the book from my hands, hiding it beneath the table.

"Aren't we going to continue?"

"Though I really~ care about it, that's all for today. They'll get suspicious if our batteries aren't charged to the max."

The meeting of the book club ended just like that.

As for what Darke saw after he heard the strange noises, that would have to continue tomorrow, two in the morning.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Iris on Rainy Days: Rebirth- Day 44|Rebirth- Day 44]]
| Return to [[Iris on Rainy Days|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Iris on Rainy Days: Rebirth- Day 69|Rebirth- Day 69]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Iris on Rainy Days: Dismantling- 6 Days Before

2012-01-21T03:35:22Z

Moratorius:

===Six Days Before===

“Thanks for your patronage!”

The voice of the butcher is full of vigor, as usual, and rang loudly behind me. I start to walk on the road that leads to the Umbrella residence. I carried an enormous La Bier fish on my back yesterday, while I’m carrying a tea colored limb of a cow and a white spring onion on my back today. It’s just like I’m dual wielding mutton and onions.

I walk forward quickly, with the eyes of the pedestrians on me. When I think about it, the dinner menu of the Umbrella residence is always revealed to the people in the city. It was La Bier stew pot yesterday night, while it’s Oval-styled mutton soup with onions in it.

Going around the corner and walking through the Venus Fountain Plaza, I arrive at the main road of the Commercial Street.

Oval City is a picturesque city with canals flowing around it and looks like an oval from above. This was a place that was plagued by floods, but now that the drainage system and underwater sewers are completed, the number of tourists and citizens living here is constantly increasing. By the way, the place where Professor is working at – First Robotics Laboratory of Oval University – is the tallest building in the city.

The robot research centre has almost completely been turned into a tourist haunt, so the citizens of Oval City are quite tolerant of robots. At least there aren’t signs like ‘Robots are Prohibited’ hung in buses or restaurants. But even in a city like this, not all people are tolerant of robots. From just now, some housewives who live somewhere around here were gossiping “See, it’s the robot from the female professor” “It’s so obscene……”. Actually, I did not listen to their conversation deliberately, it’s just that I have a function for automatically detecting the sounds near me.

I should first emphasize this, I am an ordinary robot created by Professor used for housework, and my certification number is HRM021-α. My job is to do all the housework and chat with Professor. Apart from that, there’s nothing much. It’s just that many people like to gossip, and the rumours would usually get worse. Among the more malicious ones of the rumours, is that the top robot researcher Wendy von Umbrella is a lesbian and has an unhealthy interest in robots modelled after young girls— this type of malicious rumour. It’s probably because Professor is single, and she kicked away all the men who tried to woo her, that rumours like this appeared.

In reality, there are indeed quite a few users who use female robots for “those uses.” I cannot deny this, but the profits of that domain support a large part of the robot industry. Some rich people would even buy quite a few robot of the same model, creating a ‘virtual harem.’

Even so, Professor is not a person like that.

Professor did not give me any sexual requests. I can say that for sure after serving her for three years.

The reason that Professor created me was because of her ‘sister’ who died in an accident.

It happened on an autumn four years ago. One day, the Umbrella sisters went out together to have a vacation. Professor drove the car. Then, on the way to their destination, their car collided from the front with a truck that drove past the center separation. The party who was at fault was obviously the truck’s, but Professor, who was driving, felt responsible for her sister’s death. From that day, there were no cars in the Umbrella residence.

As their parents died when they were young, the sisters had to rely on each other to live. It was because of the incident that Professor suddenly lost her one and only family member— her sister.

Iris Rain Umbrella. That is the name of her deceased sister— and also my name.

Therefore, I am a ‘replacement’ for her sister. Similar to the circlet cigarettes that are a replacement for normal cigarettes, we are just counterfeits that look exactly like the original. Every time my outline is reflected from Professor’s eyes, she is not looking at me, but just looking for her sister in me.

Even so, I’m still okay with that. Professor has always taken care of me; if I want to go out to play or want anything, she would usually listen to my request. And the most important thing is she is gentle to me. If I am not satisfied because of this, then I’m really just too fussy.

Sometimes— it’s really just sometimes— there would be a light prick on my chest like a prick from a rose, but I’m already used to it.

<span style="font-size: 300%;"><center>♠</center></span>

After dinnertime today, it’s time for my weekly maintenance.

“We’re starting~”

Donning a white robe, Professor walks into the research lab. A thick stack of folders is in her hands. Seeing this scene, I show her an unsatisfied expression and turn my head around.

It’s because I hate the process of maintenance.

“Don’t move.”

Professor immediately takes out a pocket-sized torch from her pocket, then flipped the switch with a click, shining the ray of light on my eyes. This process is not to assess death, but just a simple test to determine if my pupils are functioning properly.

After that, Professor takes out a few cards and shuffles them exaggeratedly like a magician, then quickly places them in front of me. I directly answer the pictures that I saw— “Star, cross, apple, paper.”

“That’s great.”

My dynamic visual function seems to be functioning well.

Then, Professor says like a nanny taking care of a child: “Alright, ahh~.” From this moment, I would feel rather embarrassed. Professor pries my mouth open with her fingers that are wearing gloves, carefully examining the condition of my mouth. I cannot help but emit strange huffing sounds.

Professor rapidly writes down the results on a piece of paper beside her. That paper is an official document that would be handed to the officials after this. The law states that the robot of a normal family has to undergo regular check-ups once every half a year.

For me, it’s once a week. Probably because I’m a new model robot, I have to undergo various check ups.

“Then it’s your skin examination.”

—it’s here! The skin examination!

As its name suggests, this is an examination done on the surface of my skin. Which means—

I must take off my clothes.

“First, it’s your face.”

Professor holds my face with both of her hands, pulling me closer to her.

—Uwaa!

Professor stares at my face like she is going to burn a hole on it. Her dark amber irises is coming closer to me.

“Hmm……” Professor’s observes me with a serious gaze as if she is licking my face. My body froze, but my heart pounds frantically. If I move even a bit, our faces would stick together.

“The skin on your face is okay.” Professor jots down the results. Then, she says as if nothing happened: “Then take off your clothes.”

“Ye- Yes……”

I nervously take off my socks and place them into the clothing basket. Then, I take off my maid headdress, apron and the dress, leaving only my bra and shorts on me. I cannot feel any cold. I should say that my body feels like it is burning hot.

The reason that Professor asked me to take off my clothes, is not because of any lewd interests. The skin examination is a check up to determine if there are any scratches or changes on my artificial skin. From my face to my neck, shoulders, arms, belly and back, Professor checks them with a serious gaze.

— ahh….. huu.

The artificial skin can sense Professor’s breath, causing a goosebumps to appear on my back. Though I went through this examination every week for three years, I haven’t got used to this even now.

“Alright, take off your bra.”

“Uuu……”

“What is it?”

I mentally brace myself, saying “No…… Nothing” while extending my hand to my back. Even if I don’t cooperate, it would just extend the time for the examination.

I take off my light blue bra, showing my white breasts. Not too big or small, the soft shape perfectly suits a young girl of this age— was what Professor said. I was modelled on Professor’s sister, so her breasts are probably like this too.

Professor takes off her glasses and observed in detail. I feel so embarrassed that I can almost breathe fire.

“Okay, take off your panties too.”

Professor jots down the results on the paper and coolly gives me my next instruction.

— Uuuuu.

I place my fingers on my panties and unwillingly take them off. To be frank, my extreme embarrassment is making me feel faint.

After taking off my panties, I become totally nude.

“Let’s see……”

Professor immediately squats down in front of me. Then, she closely examines my ‘front’ and ‘back.’ I can feel Professor’s breath, and her forehead lightly touches my lower abdomen. If other people see this scene, they would definitely misunderstand.

“Hmm…… This is……”

Professor’s cool voice suddenly becomes rough. It seems that she found ‘that.’

“The spots again?”

I ask her, while Professor says while checking: “Yes. There’s one at the right side of your butt.” Then, she uses her finger to touch the position of the spot. My body swayed lightly.

“It has a diameter of five centimetres, and is light purple……”

Professor writes down the characteristics of the spot on the paper. For some reason, my body would sometimes become mottled with small spots. Their position varies, and they would even appear on my face occasionally. I was shocked at the start, but I’m already used to it by now.

“Can it be fixed?”

“Of course.”

Professor takes out a machine that is even thinner than the pen-shaped torched and presses it onto my bottom. This method is called the optical segregating cleaning method, or just ‘clearing stains’ on my artificial skin.

“It’s done.”

Professor slaps my bottom with a thwack. I lightly touch it, then quickly put on my panties and my bra. It’s lucky that the spot today is small. If the spot is too big, I would have to continue to stand here nude.

“Let’s have a short break.”

After saying that, Professor leaves the research lab. As smoking is prohibited here, she is going to smoke her cirgarette in the corridor.

The examination is finally over. I relaxed and heave a sigh.

For the sake of Professor’s reputation, I should explain a bit— The reason for Professor examining me personally and not bringing me to a specialist. If I refuse the regular maintenance, I would have to go to specialized agencies to undergo maintenance. If so, I would have to show my nude body in front of the male technicians. I feel scared even by imagining it.

Because of that, Professor obtained the qualifications of a robot technician and shouldered the responsibility of my maintenance. In addition, it would eliminate the need of the fussy procedures of going to the various governmental departments. So, I can only get examined at home like this because of Professor.

— even though I understand that……

Professor sits back onto the chair after five minutes, saying “Then,” and crosses her arm. There are still many examination documents, and I have to undergo a scan of my mental circuit, action control verification and the examination of my safety circuit.

Feeling depressed, I stare at Professor grudgingly like a child looking at a doctor holding an injection needle.

After noticing my gaze, Professor says in the strange tone of a spoiled girl “Ara, Miss Iris, do you have anything to say?” Her mouth seemed to indicate faint amusement.

“Nothing!”

I unhappily turn my face around.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Iris on Rainy Days: Dismantling- 7 Days Before|Dismantling- 7 Days Before]]
| Return to [[Iris on Rainy Days|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Iris on Rainy Days: Dismantling- 5 Days Before|Dismantling- 5 Days Before]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou

2011-11-26T08:17:55Z

Moratorius: /* Mimizuku and the King of Night (Full Text) */

[[Image:MimizukutoYorunoOuCover.png|thumb|Cover]]

Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou (ミミズクと夜の王 ''Mimizuku and the King of Night'') is a light novel by Kougyoku Izuki, and happens to be her first work. It won the Grand Prize in the 13th Dengeki Novel Contest. The book is a stand-alone work, but the author has also written a continuation volume entitled Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi (毒吐姫と星の石 ''The Poison-Breathing Princess and the Star Stone'').

The ''Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Mimizuku_to_Yoru_no_Ou_~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Portuguese (Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==

Mimizuku, a small girl with chains on her wrists and ankles and the numbers "332" branded onto her forehead, wanders into the Forest of Night seeking to be eaten by a monster. However, when the ruler of the monsters, the mysterious and beautiful "King of Night," refuses to eat her, she tries to formulate a way to convince him otherwise.

==Translation==

=== [[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Registration Page|Registration]]===

'''Translators are asked to [[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

==Updates==
*17 April 2011
**Project complete
*19 March 2011
**Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou project officially underway
==''Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou'' by Kougyoku Izuki==

===Mimizuku and the King of Night ([[Mimizuku and the King of Night: Volume|Full Text]] - [http://kylechong.com/misc/epub/Mimizuku%20and%20the%20King%20of%20Night.epub EPUB])===

::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Prologue|Prologue - The Forest of Night]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Suicidal Mimizuku and the Human-Hating King of Night]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Threshold to Blessings]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Purgatory Flowers]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Deliverance]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Gentle Lapse]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Seal of the King of Night]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Knight and Maiden]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Deliverance II]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Epilogue|Epilogue - Mimizuku and Fukurou]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Author's Word|Author's Word - What Lies Beyond Prayers]]
::*[[Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou: Commentary|Commentary /Hiro Arikawa]]

==''Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi'' by Kougyoku Izuki==
===The Poison-Breathing Princess and the Star Stone===
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Prologue|Prologue - The Temple of Stars]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Abandoned Child Erza]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Mute Princess's Wedding]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Dinner and Chalices]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Goodbye, Prince]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Vion's Poison Breath]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Night the Castle Fell]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Good News on Bare Feet]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - About Stars and Divine Destiny]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Epilogue|Epilogue - The Poison-Breathing Princess and the Aberrant King]]
::*[[Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi: Author's Word|Author's Word - Halfway Down this Long Road]]

==Project Staff==

===Translators===
:* [[User:Amazing Buffalo|Amazing Buffalo]]

===Editors===

All editors who speak English proficiently are welcome.

[[Category:Dengeki Bunko]]