Chapter 87: Nord Federation
If you keep going north through the [Forest of No Entry], you will eventually find yourself in the [Forest of Confusion]. That place is already the territory of the Saint Miriam Kingdom.
Even though it is called a territory, the domination has not progressed at all. The depths of the forest belong to spirits and magical beasts. And part of it belongs to the elves who live there with the help of the spirits. What can be called the territory of the Saint Miriam Kingdom is only the northern edge of a very small portion of the entire forest.
It takes about a month to reach that place from the Church's side. It is much faster than going around from the east or west. But that is on foot. The story would be very different if they were to travel with a horse-drawn carriage loaded with a lot of baggage. The group from the Nord Federation spent twice as long as planned to traverse the forest.
From there, they proceeded to the eastern edge of the country, and then headed north along the coastline to reach the border between the Saint Miriam Kingdom and the Nord Federation. A fort on the side of the Saint Miriam Kingdom. About 1000 Saint Miriam troops were gathered in front of the fort.
"We failed completely. It seems we have been overtaken."
"It's because we went through those woods, where there are no roads."
"I was told that if we went through there, we could get there in half the time."
"If we didn't have the carriages."
"Yes. That's because I don't want to tell Mion-san."
"You just don't want to tell her the remnants of the Anti-Hero Alliance."
"Mion-san would have noticed. I was fine with being noticed, but I somehow hid it. I knew it was a mistake."
The army's target in front of them is clearly Ren and his group. The army has already caught sight of Ren and his group and has begun to form up.
"It's good to talk nonsense. So what are you going to do?"
Ralph interrupted the conversation between Ren and Shizuku. It's not a situation where they're actually talking nonsense.
"Is there any other path to enter the Nord Federation?"
"...If there is a ship"
"There is no such thing. Then, we have no choice but to break through here."
"Can you do it?"
"I have to do whatever I can"
"You know..."
"Well, you'll see. I'm pretty fucking pissed off as it is."
"...Should I just watch?"
"Yeah, just watch. The people in front of me have no value. They'll die here for nothing."
Ren's words were meant to discourage the former Anti-Hero Alliance knights standing behind him. For those who seek a place to die, it's a perfect situation to face an enemy that exceeds ten times as many.
But Ren has no intention of allowing them to die in vain. Without regard for the knights, Ren moved the horse he was riding, or rather, the horse-like magical beast, forward.
Luna, astride Ron, followed by Rin, riding the same magical beast as Ren. And one more.
"You can stay."
"I can fight too."
"You're not fighting, you're protecting. You're here to protect everyone here from the enemy's magic."
"But"
"This is an order. Follow the order."
"...I understand."
Shizuku reluctantly withdraws after being told by Ren with a stern look. After confirming that, Ren slowly moved the magical beast forward.
"It's the first battle"
"Ah, yes. This is war."
"Is it a war of three against one thousand?"
"Grrr"
"I'm sorry. Including Ron, it's four against one thousand."
Three people and one dog have no fear. If they were afraid of something like this, there's no point in doing it in the future. They know that. Because they are going to fight the world.
"I will not accept surrender! All of you will die in this place!"
They must have thought that Ren and the others, who came forward with only three people, were messengers to surrender. Mocking voices were heard from Saint Miriam's army.
"Surrender!? Are you an idiot!?"
"What did you say!?"
"As the King of the Nord Federation, Kaiser Ren Breintkreutz! I will not forgive your rudeness!"
"The new king!? I will not tolerate disrespect from you! I'll kill you right now, so prepare yourself!"
Even if he calls himself the king, the other person's attitude does not change. It means that he doesn't need to hold back. Ren doesn't think about that from the beginning.
About a hundred cavalrymen from the other side came forward.
"It's only a small number. What a hassle."
Despite his complaints, Ren also gets ready for battle. When he makes a slight pretense of doing a chant, the mana in Ren's body swells like an explosion.
"......Thunder Moon, manifestation."
From the sword held above his head, mana that turned into light stretched toward the sky, and it curled up into a sphere that floated in the air. It's a sphere that bursts with lightning.
"Strike!"
With Ren's voice, a band of light like a bolt of lightning rained down toward the oncoming cavalry. Immediately afterward, a violent, thunderclap spreads, followed by a dazzling light that blinds the people who see it.
After it subsided, there were the charred figures of the knights lying on the ground.
"...Power adjustment failed"
"It's the first time we've seen something of this magnitude, so it can't be helped."
Luna comforts Ren, who reflects on the situation.
"But you must be careful about the consumption of mana."
If Luna was consoling him, Rin was speaking from the opposite position.
"I've been told many times to stay calm in any situation."
Knowing that he was feeling excited, Ren speaks of remorse. A mage, a general who leads an army, must always remain calm. This is something that Rudolph had taught Ren in addition to teaching him magic.
"I'll be careful with the next."
The enemy is clearly shaken by the fact that a hundred of their allies have been crushed by a single blow.
◇◇◇
Of course, there are border forts on the Nord Federation side as well. After passing the fortress of the Saint Miriam Kingdom, it was a day's distance from the road. Ren doesn't know if it's close or far. It turns out that the fort on the Nord Federation side is too small compared to that of Saint Miriam Kingdom and can only serve as a watchtower at best.
When he actually went inside, it was just as Ren thought. There were only about ten soldiers there.
Moreover, hearing that it was more than usual, as expected, Ren was astonished.
"It can't be helped. If we expand the fort or increase the number of soldiers, Saint Miriam will make a fuss that our country is preparing for war."
Ralph's father, who had come to pick him up, Lautrec Jungling, the Left Minister of the Nord Federation, explained the situation to the astonished Ren.
"I see. Even after 200 years, you're still small."
"Ah, yes. Even after two hundred years, our country has not recovered from the defeat of the war."
"I wish there was something I could do."
(TN: Boku was used here for "I".)
Listening to Ren and his father's conversation, Ralph's face is sour. It's been a long time since he had seen Ren's "boku" mode. That is proof that his father is not trusted.
"I'm counting on you."
His son told him about Ren. Even Ralph's father knows. He doesn't say anything because he thinks it's useless to say anything.
"What are your future plans?"
"We should head for the royal castle right away."
"Now?"
"It won't take long. We could get there before the sun goes down."
"…………"
Ren's gaze turns to Ralph, who stands diagonally behind the Left Minister Lautrec. It is a gaze of protest that he has not heard such a story.
"I told you. Didn't I say it's just over the border?"
"Isn't it too close?"
Only one day from the border with the Saint Miriam Kingdom. If a raid were to be made, the castle would be surrounded before they had time to intercept. Ren does not know why the Nord Federation, with its great depth, has its main castle in such a place.
"It is surely close."
"...Is it an impregnable castle?"
"No, it's a worn-out castle whose walls have not been repaired."
"I see. So you're pretending to be like that, but behind the scenes you're preparing an amazing castle, right?"
"There is no such thing"
"How can you protect the country with that!?"
"They won't attack us."
"That's because of the Iliad Agreement! The agreement will expire soon!"
Ren can't believe that the Saint Miriam Kingdom, which has ill will toward the Nord Federation, will do nothing after the pact expires.
"...It's not worth attacking"
"Even if they don't want a territory, they have other things to plunder."
"We know that."
"I never thought I would have to think about the defense of the capital…"
The national capital must be well-defended. For Ren, who thought so, it was an unexpected situation.
"The city is not a place that can be called a capital. It's just a castle and the people who run the country."
"...What about the people?"
"They live on land that is more suitable for farming and by the sea where it is easier to fish."
"...I see. Then it's a different story."
Ren, who had been frowning the entire time, has a smile on his face after hearing Ralph's explanation.
"...What are you thinking?"
That smile made Ralph uncomfortable.
"Nothing yet. Just recognizing that's the way it is."
"I see……"
"Then, Lautrec-san, shall we go to the castle… Ah! I forgot!"
Ren thinks of something and shouts out.
"What is it?"
"I don’t think they will suddenly attack, but they may come to protest."
"What are you talking about?"
"Even if a messenger from the Saint Miriam Kingdom comes, insist that you don’t know anything. If they smell war, you can say that you will appeal to the agreement. Ah, and as king, I should just deal with them."
"......What have you done"
"Nothing. Now, let's go to the castle."
Left Minister Lautrec hurriedly looked back at Ralph behind him. But Ralph's reply was just a meaningful shake of his head left and right. Seeing that, Left Minister Lautrec decided to stop pursuing the matter and prioritize guiding him to the castle.
There should be plenty of time to talk.
◇◇◇
It was practically a short walk from the fort to the castle. Not long after leaving the road, one can see the castle ahead. Even from a distance, one can clearly see how old it looks. The exterior is exactly as it was at the end of the war 200 years ago, so it is no wonder.
After the defeat, many restrictions were imposed on the Nord Federation. Military matters were particularly severe.
The royal castle in a more remote location was demolished, and the current castle, originally intended for border defense, was forced to become the royal castle. Building new castles and forts was forbidden, and no extensions were allowed. The army was disbanded, and only a domestic security force, which was greatly reduced in size, was allowed to be formed.
This restriction made it impossible to attack other countries, let alone defend one's own country. It is ironic that it is thanks to the Iliad Agreement that the country has been able to survive.
They crossed the suspension bridge over the moat and entered the castle. Ren was worried about what it would be like inside, but as expected of an inhabited place, the building was neat and tidy.
"What should I do?"
"Ren-dono, please say hello to the Ministers. The rest will unload the cargo. The room is ready, so I'll have them show you right away."
"It seems so. Do your best."
After receiving Ren's instructions, the party immediately took action.
Luggage is unloaded one after another from the carriage. Seeing the luggage that was unloaded first, the Left Minister Lautrec's eyes opened wide. It's an armor that he had seen somewhere.
"That is?"
"...Ah, I found it on the ground, so I picked it up. It's a waste, isn't it? It's as good as new."
"On the ground..."
It can't be. Guessing the contents of the protest from the Saint Miriam Kingdom, the Left Minister Lautrec felt a pain in his stomach.
"Come to think of it, does this castle have a workshop?"
"Yeah, there is. It is prepared for maintenance."
"For maintenance... is it okay?"
"For the craftsman you brought?"
"Yes. Can you show him around? I'd better have him take a look at it as soon as possible to see if it's any good."
"Understood. Then Ren-dono will proceed to the building. The horses will be left in the stables, so you can leave them as they are."
"...Is it okay?"
"What now?"
"I'd better not. All right, Ran, I'll call you if I need you. You're on your own for now."
While tapping his neck lightly, Ren tells the magical beast he named Ran. As soon as he heard that, Ran flew out of the castle like he was flying. After that, another magical beast follows. It's Run, the magical beast that Rin was riding.
"……Is it alright?"
"It'll come back if I call it."
"I see. A well-trained horse."
"Ah, it's not a horse. It's a magical beast. I met him in the forest and he seemed to like me, so I brought him along."
"...A magical beast like you."
"Didn't you know? I'm also a magical beast tamer."
"No, I know"
Seeing it in person is another thing. His gaze naturally turned to Ron, the remaining magical beast.
"Come on, shall we go?"
"Ah, this way then."
The Left Minister Lautrec walked in front of him to guide him. Ralph and Ren followed behind him.
And Luna still riding Ron behind them.
"The magical beast too?"
"He's an escort."
"……I understand."
The group moves deeper into the corridor of the building. The occasional passerby is surprised to see a giant wolf walking around, and even more surprised to see a beautiful, out-of-this-world girl riding on top of it.
The Left Minister Lautrec, while controlling them with a glance, led Ren and the others along the path.
Finally, they arrived at a room for welcoming guests who never appeared. Four chairs were lined up in front of the room, and men were sitting in three of them.
"Welcome. Hero-dono."
One person stood up and called out to Ren.
"Hero? Am I not a king?"
"Not yet."
"Not yet?"
"When you ascend to the throne, there is a lot of preparation that needs to be done."
"Preparations... how long is that?"
"Half a year"
"Eh!?"
"Ah, no, if we hurry, it will take about three months."
"Still three months?"
"If we announce the enthronement to the whole country and invite guests, it will take about that much."
"I see……"
A coronation ceremony of a major power would require a longer period of time. However, this is because it takes time to send out invitations, to confirm attendance, and for the guests to travel. Nord would not need such a long period of time.
The evidence is that the man who stood up does not think well of Ren's accession to the throne.
"And the proof of the oath?"
"Proof of oath?"
"I mean, the status board?"
"Ah, Ralph has it."
"I see, Ralph-dono. Please give it to me."
"Yes, I understand"
Ralph gave the man Ren's status board as he was told.
"I see, so it was true..."
The man immediately began to check the status board he received. He seemed satisfied with the information about Ren written there.
"Can you show me too?"
The other two also peer into the status board. Surprise comes at first, and soon it turns into joy.
"So what should I do?"
"Ah, I'll prepare a room for you, so you can rest there."
"No, not that, but for the three months leading up to my coronation."
"I see. What will we have you do?"
The man tries to consult with the other two.
"If I don't ascend to the throne, the contract won't be concluded. Until then, am I just a guest?"
"What?"
"That's what it's all about, isn't it?"
"No, but..."
"Yes, that's right. How about an inspection?"
"Inspection?"
"I'd like to see the country before I ascend to the throne. I want to know what kind of country it is, what kind of people live here."
"……That's"
"Okay, let's do that. Let's get going."
"Wha!?"
"We need to hurry up and stop unloading. Okay, I'm out of here. See you in three months."
"Hey! Wait a minute!"
Ignoring the voices of restraint, Ren left the place and returned the way he came. Left Minister Lautrec rushed after Ren in a panic.
"Wait. We haven't even finished greeting yet."
"No need."
"What?"
"I don't need to know their names. I refuse to tell them my name."
"…………"
The atmosphere changed at once, and Left Minister Lautrec froze in his tracks. The first time he saw the real Ren, he saw the ruthless Ren.
"Ralph, please leave the group of armor craftsmen and the former nuns behind."
"Yes, all right."
"Well then, Lautrec-san. See you in three months."
Ren smiles and says so. But Lautrec felt nothing but fear in that smile.
◇◇◇
A faint white skin floats in the darkness. With her standing, her hands on the tree, Shizuku was poked by Ren from behind.
She's trying hard to endure it, but an uncontrollable gasp wafts through the camp at night.
"Have you reflected on that?"
"Ah... Nhh..."
"You're not complaining about the tent?"
"Ahh, Uu, Nhh"
Shizuki opens her mouth to answer Ren's question, but all that comes out is moaning.
"...Huh? Isn't this a punishment?"
Suddenly, Ren stops moving.
"Ah, don't stop"
Shizuku whispered softly while directing her flirtatious look at Ren.
"As expected, it's not punishment. If you want me not to stop, I will stop."
"Then stop"
"You know, there's no way I'm going to continue with that, is there?"
"That's terrible. Punishment is just a pretext, right?"
"...I admit to being a little frustrated. But my frustration has subsided, so it's okay."
Punishing Shizuku for complaining is a pretext. In the first place, it is always the case that Shizuku complains about the treatment. The reason why Ren reacted to it more than usual was because he was still irritated with the Nord Federation's Ministers.
"Aren't you just venting your frustration on me?"
"Just venting, sure. That's what it meant by being a comforter."
"......I've been putting up with a lot of embarrassment."
"Even though you like this kind of thing"
"That's not true. I'm sure people will ask me. I'm so embarrassed, what am I going to do tomorrow?"
"It's fine if they look at you with disdain. You like that sort of thing, don't you?"
"...That's wrong."
"There was a pause. You imagined it, didn't you?"
"No, I didn't."
"Anyway, let's end this. I'm embarrassed, too."
"...Then in the tent"
"Why?"
"Because I was so happy to be able to sleep on a bed for the first time in ages, and now because of Ren, we're camped out again today."
"If you complain any more, I will never do it again with you."
"I won't complain if it's inside the tent."
"...To be able to say things like that without hesitation, you're no longer hiding your perversity."
"No, I'm not. I'm very embarrassed. I'm very embarrassed and I'm saying it. I'm embarrassed, but when I say it, I'm still embarrassed, and that's something...... different."
"You finally admit you're an M?"
"It's because Ren is an S."
"I'm normal"
"Normal people don't do things like this outside."
"That's why I stopped"
"...Enough. Turn around."
Giving up on the idea that the mood is completely gone, Shizuku begins to get dressed. The only thing she has to do is to take down the clothes that had been rolled up and pull up the underwear that had been down to the ankles, but Shizuku is extremely shy about these acts and never wants to show them to Ren.
"What are you going to do now?"
"I'm going to sleep."
"No. I'm asking what you're going to do once you leave the castle."
"I'm going to get power. The power to unite the land."
"How?"
"I'll get more allies."
"And how will you do that?"
"I'm going to make them follow me one by one. I'm going to be king of this country."
He is not going on an inspection for no purpose. If the ceremony for the accession to the throne comes first, Ren thinks that he will do what he can do before that day.
"Perhaps, will it turn into battle?"
"I don't know if that's going to happen. I'd like to end it with a talk if possible, but I don't know if that's something they'd be willing to accept."
"Who are they?"
"First of all, the vampire race. I mean, that's the only place I know of."
"...Hey, that's a demon race, right?"
"That's right."
"We're suddenly fighting demons!?"
She has learned the horror of the demons at Church Academy. Shizuku is very upset when she hears that she will suddenly have to fight with these demons.
"Isn't it obvious?"
"What do you mean by obvious!?"
She had heard about the unification of the country, but the order was completely different from what Shizuku had thought. The difference between Shizuku, who is conscious of herself as a human, even though she is from another world, and Ren, who hates humans, is the difference in their thinking.
"Haven't you heard? More than half of the territory of the Nord Federation is controlled by demon races. It's a form of occupation by many races, though."
"No way..."
"It is called the land where the demons live. But don't talk about it. It's a derogatory term used by people from other countries."
"...Can we win?"
"Rather than win, I'll have them obey me. With that power in the background, I intend to become the king of this country."
"I see……"
If one can really make the demons one's ally, that's a big power. Even Shizuku knows that. If only they could make them their allies.
"Did you regret it?"
"No way. I'll be fine if I follow Ren. After that, I can live a little better, eat delicious food, get beautiful dresses and jewelry, and then..."
"You..."
"I'm kidding. But it's true that I don't regret it."
"Even if you regret it, it's too late. I won't let you escape from under me anymore."
"……I'm happy."
Hearing Ren's thoughts unexpectedly made Shizuku blush with joy.
"Ah, it's not that. If you know this much information, I won't let you escape. If you try to escape, I'll kill you to keep your mouth shut."
"……That's terrible."
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