Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 68: At that time pt1
Proxia Empire ―― Clearly a military empire that ruled over the northern region of Strahl region.
Contrary to its scale, it was actually a very young country about 40 years after it was founded, if one were to describe its history in one word, war would be appropriate for it.
The first emperor, Nidol, was born as an orphan in a poor and small country located in a very thin land.
After his growth into adulthood, he turned into a mercenary and became a rare existence after distinguishing himself with military strength.
In the blink of an eye, after he seized the royalties of the country he came from, he resurrected the Proxia Empire within a generation because of his charisma.
Previously, they invaded countless small countries in the northern lands that existed in large numbers and were owned by local warlords in the area.
They are still expanding their territory even now.
At the core of their strength was the strongest Dragon Knight Order composed by the dragon sub-species.
The most favorite tactic of the strongest dragon knights was the blitzkrieg, the number of small countries raided by the Proxia Empire using this method exceeded twenty in number.
But, there was no strongest warrior who could support the order of the dragon knights in Proxia Empire.
Yes, it is true that Nidol became famous for his military power as the strongest empire either in the past or present.
His physical body that was nearing sixty boasted of his great body that did not show his old age even until now, he massacred many soldiers with that body.
That military exploitation still reverberated in the great Strahl region, and now, without a doubt, he was a cut above the strongest people in the Strahl region.
「Yo, Nidol. What happened to your mood？ 」
To Nidol who was looking at the sight of the imperial capital spreading beneath him in the corner of the imperial palace―― ―― A man welcomed the empire's strongest existence with a relaxed tone.
「Fu, Boring. Nothing disappointing other than country 」
Nidol snorted in a bad mood, looking at the imperial capital without turning around to see the owner of the voice.
He's on the hunt.
For a battle that would make his blood boil, for a fight to burn his life, for a battlefield where he would be blessed with death.
"As you say . We need to make preparations for the best stage. So ease your boredom with small entertainment for now 」
The man standing behind Nidol revealed a smile tinged with joy.
「Does the production you just talked about have anything to do with tinkering with tricks?」
「It's a bad way to say it's a hoax. Although it feels good to win from the front, there is an even higher win in the world 」[TL: Riajuu] [ED: Why?]
The man objected to the joking tone.
Nidol eyebrows slightly knitted.
「As I thought, the hobby is definitely suitable for you」
So he answered.
The man revealed a mysterious smile.
Section 2
「Nah, look. Preparation for a grand stage that will be dyed in despair and . All will- 」
Perhaps because of his excitement, when the man would say it gallantly.
「Stop saying something recklessly」
Nidol interrupted that with a harsh tone as if trying to stop the man from saying it.
「Kaykay. You are polite as always. …… By the way, what happened？ About your relationship with Bertram kingdom. Unlike me participate in it 」
The man slightly shrugged his shoulders while asking Nidol.
「That place has already returned the ambassadors we sent to exchange」 [ED: as in exchange of ambassadors for better relations between countries]
Nidol answered honestly.
「Hah, faster to destroy the kingdom as opposed to sooner or later」
Contrary to his words, the man smiled happily from ear to ear.
「In that case I agree」
Nidol showed a mocking smile as he said that.
The man's name is Nidol Proxia.
The emperor who ruled the northern region of Strahl region, one of the men who would leave his name as an important figure in the history of this era.
It's two weeks after the heroes are summoned to Strahl territory.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Ten days later, on the northwestern border of Galwark kingdom.
「A-What the fuck？ Magical ship?」
A man who was on guard for his surveillance duty as a soldier saw a giant object flying high in the distant sky, and muttered in panic.
His jet-black body could be seen easily even from afar.
「A-....」
His co-worker reacted to his voice and looked in that direction.
Dazed, his mouth opened and closed repeatedly.
He could not even mutter a voice of wonder.
Section 3
「DD-Dragon!」
After taking a deep breath, the soldier finally spoke.
The other soldiers in charge of watching saw the voice and sporadically looked towards the sky.
「S-Stop saying jokes like that！ How can a dragon come to a place like this!」
A man tightly caught his co-worker in a confused manner.
「I know you know！ It was a dragon because of its large size right！ If you say that it's not a dragon, then what the hell is that?」
The soldier shouted back.
The subclass dragons used by the person on the side, basically almost no one had ever seen a race dragon *. [TL: May refer to wyvern (subclass-dragon) and dragon (purebreed)]
Although his figure is very famous from the fact that it is repeatedly depicted in ancient tales.
Although of course the silhouette was very different due to its type, the creature currently flying in the sky resembled the type of dragon seen in the picture book by warriors during his childhood.
Moreover, it was a black dragon that had a famous reputation. [TL: Is that you, Acknologia-san?]
「AAAAAAAh, GODDAMNIT. DID YOU MAKE ME, MON IF THAT MONSTER CAME TOWARDS US, WE WOULDN'T DO IT！ DON'T COME LE PLEASE DON'T COME TOWARDS US！ 」
The man put his hands together as if praying to heaven.
The other soldiers who also witnessed the dragon-looking creature also took the same pose as him.
Their minds fell into a state of panic.
They knew that it was a huge dragon even by looking at it from afar.
For example, in the case of large creatures of the same size who were not dragons, they would be helpless if it came to attack them when they did not even take on battle status.
In the worst situation, if it was a pure type dragon, they would not be able to win even if they had already assumed a state of battle.
「Motion ……. . 」
Perhaps because the warrior's prayer had passed, the black dragon-like creature immediately moved southward from the north.
The soldiers kneeled as if they had become weak upon seeing that scene with dumbfounded expressions.
「Should we report this?」
「...... What should we report?」
「A flying dragon in the sky」
「Will they believe our report?」
Rumors of a black dragon appearing on the western border of Galwark Kingdom were transmitted to every city using the magic tool of communication.
The rumors soon grew cold as there were no eyewitnesses afterward, though for a while every Galwark Kingdom city entered a state of alert.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Section 4
Ten days passed again, a certain day after more than a month had passed since six heroes were summoned in the Strahl region.
Liselotte Kretia visited the guests who stayed in the mansion of the trading city, Almond.
The identity of the guests were the important people of the anti-revolutionary forces of Bertram Kingdom, they were Second Princess Flora, Duke of Euguno, Roana daughter of Duke Fontin, and the fourth was the hero, Sakata Hiroaki.
Liselotte immediately welcomed the important guests as she could not ignore their position, she made a quiet dinner in the dining room of the mansion.
「There are so many amazing dishes. However, pasta that is the main dish has one or two different flavors, right? 」
Flora who finished eating said that with a satisfied smile.
「I'm so grateful to receive such high praise from someone from your position. I will extend such high praise and gratitude to our head chef. Princess Her Highness Flora 」[TL: She speaks foreign language in raw text] [ED: Maybe formal stupid?]
Liselotte respectfully gave her gratitude.
Although that gratitude was done towards the noble families of other countries, he did not really feel the necessary atrophy.
Duke Euguno was looking while sighing at such dignified behavior.
「Yes, it was really a surprise that I could eat pasta in a different world. This is definitely the most delicious dish I have eaten since I came to this world. Almost like a special case among the dishes I ate until now 」
Even Hiroaki sitting next to Flora gave a positive impression.
Hiroaki helped himself with the second portion until two sakazuki* were removed. [TL*: ⁇ - Sakazuki, otherwise known as shallow bowl because of sake but since we are talking about pasta, it must be the one used in pasta]
Even if this is referred to as bad behavior in eating, there is no persuasive power.
「I'm certainly happy if it suits your taste. Because I felt anxious when I heard that Hero-sama is someone from a different world. 」
Liselotte replied with a sweet smile.
「You don't need such humility. Although the dishes in this world are inferior compared to the dishes in the world I came from, the cuisine I eat today is comparable to the cuisine in my world 」
Hiroaki reviewed the many dishes that were issued with a joyful expression.
There were many dishes that Hiroaki ate at the Liselotte mansion with his favorite taste ranging from pasta.
He had no satisfying food at the time of their movement after his summoning, either, how inferior the dishes he ate during their movements other than the dishes served during their stay in the city of Marquis Rodan were compared to the dishes in this place. .
To be honest, even though he had already lost all hope of the dishes in this world, Hiroaki changed his mind after coming to this city.
「I mean, why pasta is the specialty of this city? To be honest, there are foods similar to this in my world. Other ingredients are used as well, many of which are similar. Honestly I am really grateful because it makes no difference to the one I eat in my world 」
「Good. Did ya? It seems that the people in your world are similar to ours, could it be to the point that there is no difference in the ecosystem？ 」
Liselotte showed an amazed expression while her hands covered her lips.
Although for the person doing it, it is a seemingly unnatural behavior. It still exuded elegance when the person who did it was well-bred like Liselotte.
Hiroaki was unintentionally fascinated by his figure and actions.
And then, in that place.
Section 5
「Hiroaki-sama」
Roana called Hiroaki's name with a sweet smile on her face.
「Y-Yes. Whahuh? 」
Hiroaki replied to Roana with a slightly excited voice.
「You forgot to answer Liselotte-san」's question [ED: possessively so the letter "s" but the -san. . ]
Roana added those words while erasing her smile.
After which, Hiroaki coughed slightly.
「Aah, you are right. Although I don't know about it very well. It seems like there are living beings similar to the ones living in my world but, there are also living beings that I did not know when I heard the story from Roana-tachi 」
He replied while looking at Flora and Roana with slightly embarrassed faces.
Both of them seemed to enjoy the smell of black tea after eating.
Hiroaki let out a short breath.
「Truly very interesting story. I wonder what kind of world Hero-sama used to live in is like 」
As he asked that question while maintaining his smile, Liselotte eyes suddenly became sharp.
Hiroaki looked back at Liselotte without noticing the small change in her expression.
「This is a civilization more advanced than this world. Although the country I come from, Japan, is a very developed country even in the world it is 」
"Japanese? Although I have a question .... 」.
Liselotte said the following words with her head slightly tilted, showing a troubled expression.
「I wonder why Hero-sama can communicate with us?」
「N? What mean?"
Hiroaki answered Liselotte question with another question.
「I mean, don't you think that it's weird that you can communicate with us like this using a different world language?」
"I saw . That is indeed true .... 」.
Hiroaki agreed as if finally understanding.
「I wonder why it changed like that?」
Meanwhile, Flora who was sitting next to him asked with a curious expression.
Section 6
「Although there is a hypothesis about how old the first and original language is, the development of the same language in two different places is absolutely impossible for you to know. Especially to say, Hero-sama language that comes from different world 」
"I saw . …… 」
Flora nodded in admiration at Liselotte explanation.
「Although that is so, isn't Hiroaki-sama using the same language as us. Isn't that something that can be called development？? 」
After which, Roana entered the conversation.
He seems to be positive about it.
Liselotte glanced at Roana at a glance and then, muttering 「As expected, that's how others heard it. So ..... 」with small voice.
No one heard his voice.
「Maybe so, right? Well, even if we think about it, there will be no answer to that question. My deepest apologies for asking such strange questions
Liselotte said her words apologizing while putting on an innocent face.
「No, I also think it's weird. Although I didn't think that far on allusion when I was summoned to this world 」
「Trope?」
Liselotte asked with her head slightly tilted.
「Good. Hero-sama is a fairly diligent reader, I saw 」
And Liselotte praised Hiroaki as if trying to make a pause between the two.
「You-No, well, it's not really wrong also」
Hiroaki showed an embarrassed expression while being humble.
And for a while after that, due to Liselotte proficient conversational art, Hiroaki revealed the stories one by one with a good mood.
Liselotte listened to Hiroaki's story happily with her expression changing in order.
Just like that, time passed in the blink of an eye.
「Ara, it's this late. The stories of Hero-sama are so interesting that I accidentally lost time 」
After sending a fleeting glance towards the watch, Liselotte said that with a gesture that could be called beautiful.
"Is it so . Too bad. Uhm, although I'd like to talk to Liselotte for a little more 」
Hiroaki frowned in disappointment, with an expression that said he had not spoken enough.
Section 7
「Ufufu. Because there are some stories I want to hear from Duke Euguno, so I have to hear the story also 」
After saying that, Liselotte bowed lightly with an expression that seemed to regret it.
「My deepest apologies. Duke Euguno's. I became very engrossed with 」 stories
Following after that, he apologized to Duke Euguno.
「Haha, It's nothing. Because I've already said that it's not the kind of talk that should be told while eating. It seems that Hero-sama and Her Highness Princess Flora are satisfied, you have just fulfilled your duties as a hostess in this place. I also heard a very interesting story, so I have no problem with it 」
As he said so, Duke Euguno shook his head and smiled lightly while devoting himself as a listener during the meal.
「I'm happy if you feel so. Thank you very much"
Liselotte thanked him while smiling sweetly.
As he said, Liselotte was the perfect entertainer for the sake of the hero and the princess.
Duke Euguno was completely astonished from the bottom of his heart over Liselotte skill.
Sending an envoy to inform in advance to adjust his schedule with them, eating the best best dishes that could not be eaten in the daily diet even by nobles, he said, and adequate acceptance skills to pay attention to the wishes of the conversation partner.
No matter how much training he received as a noble, how difficult it was to digest for a girl who was only 15 years old.
（Nothing different from the talented lady in the rumors. Although Roana-kun himself is quite talented, he is quite left behind）
Duke Euguno updated his evaluation of Liselotte.
While at the same time also raised his vigilance.
「Then, As for the story of what I want to hear. Although I felt that it was a very shameless and brash act, I had a desire for Liselotte-kun 」
Although he could not catch the tiger cub just by being vigilant.
Duke Euguno raised the conversation without hesitation.
Shamelessness was one of the special skills of nobles.
If he was careless, he would be dragged down by the opponent's speed and slowly get his commitment taken away.
「Ara, so yes. What kind of hope am I thinking？ 」
Liselotte showed a surprised expression with her eyes opened slightly wide.
「I want to ask Liselotte-kun as our support」
「When you say request, could it be as anti-revolution power?」
「Yes. Right"
"I saw . If it's for military support, wouldn't it be better to ask directly from my father？ 」
Section 8
Liselotte said that while smiling as if understanding the request.
In reality, Liselotte was nothing more than a mere Duke's daughter.
Except for the governor of Almond, his political power was essentially zero.
Though it was something that was well known even by Duke Euguno.
「I don't expect to military power」
Duke Euguno replied with a wry smile.
「I want you to be a supporter of our economy」
And then immediately said his request after that.
「Monetary help?」
Liselotte was staring straight at Duke Euguno despite maintaining her smile.
「Hope my request is for Liselotte-kun as the chairman of Rikka company. Be it funds, materials, Rikka company has its own link in Galwark Kingdom. Even though we are like this, don't you use it for us? 」
Rikka company is the best trading company whose name is famous in neighboring countries.
Not to mention about the nobles, it constantly produced items that skillfully captured the hearts of the masses, its influence even reaching the neighboring countries and not stopping just inside the kingdom.
That Rikka firm was something that was built in just one generation by a 15-year-old girl.
That influence does not fit with small countries.
The Rikka Company was a power that could not be left alone even by the big countries around it even now.
That was why, by getting someone like Liselotte as an ally, in a sense, Duke Euguno was confident that he would receive more benefits in military aid from the Galwark Kingdom.
「Before I say my answer, allow me to ask one thing」
"What's that?"
「Judging from the fact that he came to this place, is it permissible to regard hero-sama as part of the anti-revolution force?」
Liselotte asked as she sent a quick glance to Hiroaki.
There is no evidence to identify Hiroaki as a hero except by Flora-tachi's testimony.
Although the words of Flora-tachi are good evidence as an important figure.
Liselotte asked that for the sake of their promise.
「Yes. Hero-dono participate in our movement 」
Duke Euguno nodded in agreement.
Liselotte turned her gaze to Flora and she also agreed to that fact.
「Gosh, I just want to live peacefully and without burden」 [TL: Jungle is your answer, my recommendation is amazon]
Section 9
Hiroaki shrugged his shoulders while releasing a short breath.
Liselotte smiled lightly at his reaction.
「I'll gladly accept your request only if you meet some of my」 requirements
Is answer.
「Hou. That was unexpected yes. Though to be honest I think that you might be hated. …… 」
Duke Euguno looked at Liselotte vigilantly.
「Ara, although Rikka company will not do charity work, so it is natural for us to provide our support if there is any benefit」
「Merit huh」
"Yes nih . That is why we can achieve mutual understanding if you can apply the terms and conditions in this place. We will then make a note of the terms and conditions of 」
While saying that, Liselotte gave a piece of parchment to Duke Euguno.
「Fuu, as expected. So it can be said that you anticipate our previous intentions 」
Liselotte predicted beforehand regarding Duke Euguno applying for help, and thought as far as the terms and conditions to accept that.
（It is regrettable that someone as skilled as him was not born as a male）
Find out what profit you might get.
Is something that can be called a first-class trader.
But, the best traders will find a profit on what it was before, and sometimes even create a flow of such events.
Liselotte is undoubtedly the best trader.
And, a noble who would not be defeated even by the scheming old fox noble.
That was Duke Euguno's judgment.
「The officials of the upper echelon of the Galwark Kingdom expect Princess Flora to succeed the throne of the next era. My father was in it. It would be useless if I as his daughter were against his wishes, right. It is natural that we will provide our help as long as our interest meets 」
"I saw . Although I wonder if we will accept those terms and conditions .... 」.
Duke Euguno was looking at the parchment while narrowing his eyes.
「I want to know what your consideration is for this？ Her Royal Highness Princess Flora」
After he briefly scanned the terms and conditions in his head, the Duke of Euguno asked Flora the question.
「Uhm ……. . I will leave it to the decision of Duke Euguno 」
Section 10
Even if she looked at the parchment, Flora could not judge well the advantages of the terms and conditions presented.
It was already known to Duke Euguno.
It was too cruel to expect the same level of judgment as Liselotte who was a girl of her age.
In reality, Duke Euguno also did not want Flora to have such a skill.
But, the top position of anti-revolution is Flora.
Duke Euguno could not accept those terms and conditions with just his own judgment when ignoring Flora.
「Understood」
Duke Euguno respectfully received the parchment sent back to him.
「I want to know what services he can by giving his help to us .........」.
Flora muttered in a low voice while thinking about her own lack of ability.
Hiroaki who was sitting next to him caught what he had just said.
「Uhm, because Almond is positioned very close to the national border and the Bertram Kingdom. I think our defeat will not be interesting even for Liselotte 」
And then Hiroaki spoke about his own opinion.
"As expected . Hiroaki-sama 」
Roana immediately praised Hiroaki.
During that time, Duke Euguno and Liselotte discussed the terms and conditions of the contract for the aid.
That day, Hiroaki-tachi's group stayed at Liselotte's residence, and set off towards the royal capital of Galwark Kingdom the next day.
And the next day, after seeing Flora-tachi leaving Almond, Liselotte faced her subordinate, Aria, in her mansion office.
「Facing duke Euguno is really exhausting. He's a tough old tanuki 」[ED: Tanuki \= Raccoon]
He complained to Aria, his close aide.
「Thank you for the hard work. How is your majesty and hero？ 」
Aria asked with an incomprehensible expression.
This was also a relationship of stress divergence for the sake of his master.
「Yes, I feel that Your Majesty is your typical box princess. The hero also felt like an ordinary young man. She let out too many small careless comments, although it seemed like she had a strong character, it was easy to make her dance in the palm of your hand. I wonder if I should congratulate Duke Euguno or not for getting a piece that is easy to control 」
Section 11
「Once, your assessment is as sharp as usual」
「I don't hate him too much. In addition to personal preferences, it has become a kind of habit for me to do an analysis to pick up personnel whether the other party is good or bad 」
That's right, observing and accurately seeing what kind of person the opponent is, is an indispensable skill for living in a noble society.
And then, even if the other party had an unwanted hobby, one would have to face the other party with a smile and not show contempt or disgust.
It was also one of the essential traits required for the noble.
The chain that firmly connects the two sides is nothing but a common interest, in this place, a person carrying his own emotions would not be able to endure.
That's Liselotte's theory.
Although Liselotte was also included as someone in that society, it was difficult for her to implement it perfectly.
Moreover, the nobles who moved with negative emotions such as hatred and jealousy in many cases flaunted their authority, although doing so was extremely troublesome, it was eliminated for now.
「After I heard that, the hero has a childish personality?」
「Ara, are you not sharp enough by yourself」
Liselotte laughed shortly.
「Well, is he childish or not on the side, it feels like some kind of game extension for him right?」
He added those words.
「Taste like the game?」
「True. Well since no one but me is aware of it, I cannot explain it in an easier way for anyone to understand it 」
Liselotte took a short breath, and.
「Maybe a bit cruel want him to shoulder responsibility for his own actions」
And then take a breath.
Hiroaki has a condescending attitude, with that quality he will have a tendency to deny everything and show a strong attachment and concern for everything that suits him.
He is the type who will become happy when his topic suits his liking, weak to praise.
Perhaps, he was not someone who truly cared about the world.
That was what Hiroaki had from Liselotte's perspective.
「On the other hand because he is easy to handle, Duke Euguno does not need to pay much attention to him. Well, maybe I shouldn't worry too much either. I was also quite troubled in accepting his grief but, I think Duke was also aware of it 」
Although there is currently no problem and the preparation is smooth, from past cases, such a type in most cases will carelessly shift its responsibility to another if it fails.
In that case, even Liselotte would be a little troubled.
–But,
「Maybe it couldn't be better because heroes are a kind of irregular factor, right?」
Liselotte muttered with a painful expression after letting out a short breath.