Chapter 337: 337

Rafen Outskirts .

Fireee!

Smoke bursts from the barrels of ten cannons, propelling shells which obliterate the target watchtowers into tiny pieces .

Next fireee!

In succession, another ten cannons unleash their loads .

First squad, 3 hits! Second squad, 5 hits!

Once the report comes in, cheers erupt from the second squad while the first squad lets out a frustrated groan .

Alcohol will be added to todays meal for the second squad!

After Celia shouts, the second squads cheering gets louder .

Happening in front of our eyes is the training of my army .

A large scale training session is being held at the request of Leopolt and Myla .

I say request, but they even had the daily schedule prepared so they really only asked for me to press the stamp of approval .

Now that I think back, it was actually Celia who did the final seal . I didnt do anything .

Get into anti-cavalry formation . Now switch . Get into attack formation .

There was a vigorous shuffling of infantry holding spears, bowguns and swords .

Too slow . Reduce the time by 30 seconds more .

Leopolt commands with his usual unchanging expression .

My soldiers compared to those of other feudal lords have plenty of battle experience from fighting so frequently, yet daily training is indispensable .

It is especially important to give the cannoneers an opportunity to practice .

There is a risk of a few cannons breaking down during testing and gunpowder isnt cheap .

Even so, its imperative they shoot their cannons to get familiar with them, else they may hesitate during actual combat .

Chargeee!

The cavalrys war cries match the volume of the deafening booms of the cannons as they rush forward .

Without losing speed, they would run past targets created from cloth and wood while piercing them with their spears .

It may appear like a spectacle at a long distance, but upon closer inspection several cavalry have either failed to pull their spears back out or have collided into the targets and fell off their horses .

The idiots who fell off will continue practicing until the day is over!

After Myla shouts, there was an intersection of screams and sneering .

Wahahahaha! Ill send you flying!

Gyah!

Ugyaa!

Irijina is practicing her combat moves against heavy cavalry .

Shes whipping around a training spear with a rounded tip is everything going to be okay?

Change course to the right and advance, maintain formation .

The bow cavalry are moving according to Lunas instructions .

They have mastered the use of horses and bows through their daily life activities and hunting so they dont need to do much additional training .

What they need to practice is their collective action in a proper formation .

Their eagerness to hunt is very obvious when they happen to spot a fox or deer during a march .

Pochi, turn right .

There was a single rider among the cavalry who stood out .

It was Pipi riding the giant lizard . Shes really out of place .

Its excessively strange for her to be surprisingly fast .

Pochi crawls around on all fours even quicker than the horses .

Meanwhile, the horses are frightened by the beast and keeping a distance, causing the formation to be distorted .

I guess its not really possible for a lizard to mix in with the cavalry .

Hm? She stopped all of a sudden oh, Messerschmitt fell off .

That dog is really useless .

Hes being carried in Pochis mouth and looks really sleepy .

Look at that bone-headed face . He looks exactly like Tristan .

um, thats not very appropriate now, is it?

Tristan lets out a long sigh beside me .

Im actually motivated during the times Im not feeling lazy though . More importantly, is it okay for that?

Tristan gives a subtle glance to the side . Hes obviously referring to the information officer Mirkura .

Monitoring the army is part of His Majestys orders . You are not allowed to interfere .

The small Mirkura tries her best to stand up straight, and shes been taking notes on something for a while now .

The number of cannons, the skill of our bow cavalry, everything will be exposed . Are you fine with that?

Shell eventually find out about it during her stay in the mansion .

I know its not something which should be leaked, but it would arouse more suspicion if we try to hide it .

Well the important thing is how we use them so I guess it doesnt matter if they know how many we have .

Tristan doesnt seem too concerned .

Where do you normally keep the cannons?

The weapons storage in the third building is a semi-basement so we put them in there . We cant have spies messing around with the cannons so we have them under tight security .

Mirkura nods and writes in her notepad .

that doesnt mean you have to tell her yourself .

Did Tristan say something?

A lot of horses here are nice and big . Did you breed them within the territory?

Well, we have a horny horse who has year-round mating seasons, and he only knows how to mate during the times were not at war so plenty of mares ended up getting pregnant . Most of the horses are that guys children who have grown up .

I kick Schwartzs belly when I make the comment and he lets out a snort .

Dont be saying like youre one to talk, Ill kick you over .

Fumu, fumu .

Mirkura was initially going around to Celia, Leopolt and Myla to get comments, but ended up coming back to me . So that must mean she wants to become my woman .

No, its because youre the most willing to talk about everything . AahMyla-san is definitely going to get angry at me later .

It cant be helped . Mirkura looks so cute when shes taking notes so seriously .

Can I ask a question of you?

If its something I can answer, then sure .

Mirkura looks up at me with a curious face .

Could you tell me your name?

Her face warps slightly .

Its Mirkura, just like I said in the beginning .

I jump off Schwartz and approach Mirkura .

Not your family name, I want to know your given name .

I will also be addressing you as Lord Hardlett . Theres no problem referring to each other by our surnames .

I get even closer to her .

Arent we friends? Well deepen our relationship if we call each other by name .

The nearby soldiers start whispering .

As expected the feudal lord-aama has laid his hands on her

Yeah, this is the feudal lord . It doesnt matter that shes an officer from the capital .

So the feudal lords thing went in that small body is she okay?

Mirkura furrows her brow .

Youre going to cause unwanted misunderstanding so please dont say those strange things!

Shes cute when shes angry too .

Then tell me your name .

I refuse! Now Im going back to my room to organize my documents!

She ran away .

Tristan, Im gonna give you some work .

I have a bad feeling about this, but lets hear it .

Its an important job, failure is not allowed .

Identify her name . The faster the better .

I really dont have anymore words .

Tristan sighs and then goes to work it was rather easy to find out her name .

A Few Days Later .

Good morning .

When were sitting happily in a circle after breakfast, Mirkura drops by the living room .

Oh, morning .

I return the greeting and offer her tea, which she declines .

Is it because Myla and Celia are giving her an irritated look?

I want to take a look at the security within the territory today, is that okay? These are the kings orders, but I thought I would confirm .

I appreciate you doing your job . My lord is still eating so could you talk about work later?

Although Nonna is polite on the surface, she is basically declaring for her to go away this instant .

Somewhat predicting such a response, Mirkura gives an ambiguous nod to Nonna and waits for my answer .

mumumuuu .

The pressure from Myla and Celia mounts, turning the mood tense .

This meat soup is so good! I love it when its piping hot! Oops, spilled a little!

Hooot!!

Something is going on between Irijina and Casie, which I keep my distance from .

Im obviously on the side of my family, however I dont want to be cruel to Mirkura .

Lets soothe the atmosphere a bit here .

I dont mind you looking . Were close, arent we Peticheri .

Hoeeh!?

Celia and the girls look up in confusion when Mirkura shrieks .

Puchi? Aegir-sama?

Whats that all of a sudden?

Wahahaha! I guess I have to wipe up the soup I spilled!

Aaah, dont wipe my head with such a dirty cloth!

The source of that voice was Mirkura no, it was Peticheri .

Her real name is Peticheri Mirkura, which is a cute and appropriate name .

W-where did you get my name I kept my personal information secret as an information officer!

Is that so? Well, learning your name is not a big deal .

According to Tristan, Rebecca was glad to tell him .

So its fine if I call her Peticheri from now on, right?

Of course not!

Why is she turning so red? Shes looking exactly like her name, like a tiny little cherry .

Peticheri I see . Got it, Peticheri-dono then .

Everytime Myla repeated her name, Peticheris face turns one shade redder .

Peticheri-san is it? I think its a nice name .

Celia also praises the girl with a beaming smile .

Ara, how adorable .

Its a wonderful name .

Ufufu, Ill keep it in mind .

This meat is so tasty .

The name seems popular with Mel, Maria, and Melissa too .

Claudia only has the meat in her eyes .

Grrrr Ill excuse myself now!

Yet for some reason Peticheri runs out of the room with tears in her eyes .

Crap, did I upset her?

I quickly chase after her .

Wait, why is she mad?

Isnt it obvious!? You were humiliating her mocking her, right!?

What does she mean mocking? I only called her by name .

Did she think I purposely called her name to sneer at her?

If so, then thats sad . As a man, I have to make it up to her .

Peticheri!

Youre still saying that!?

I embrace the girl as she turns around .

While she resists, our great difference in height and strength make her flailing mere entertainment at best .

I addressed you by name because I wanted us to get along better .

Let go of me, Im supposed to be keeping watch over you! You are not allowed to do any harm to me!

The girl struggles fiercely in my arms . If I let her go now, things will only get more awkward between us .

I didnt mean to mock your name . I truly think its a cute and beautiful name . I mean it .

Y-youre squeezing too hard! Stupid muscle head urggh

Her resistance doesnt stop and my embrace only gets tighter .

I know you will inevitably butt heads with everyone because of your job . However I want you to know Rafen is not full of enemies . Im on my familys side but not your enemy .

I get it cant breathe aaggh

Her struggling weakens . Oh, its working .

I want to get to know you better . Im really really fond of women its going to be hard for me if Im hated by a nice girl like you .

She pretty much stops moving and leans against me .

One more push .

I will help as much as I can with your investigation too, so lets get along . Maybe we can go one round to make amends

She doesnt have any reaction so I look down to check on her .

Kyuu .

I hugged her too tight and ended up strangling her . I was too engrossed with persuading her that I used too much strength .

After confirming shes still breathing, I make sure no one is around me and take her to the bedroom .

Third Person POV

Farm Village Near Vandola .

In a certain village close to the capital city Vandola, a village which can be said to exist only to send wheat to the capital, there are almost 10 000 soldiers from both sides crowding around the perimeter .

Her Majesty Wilhelmina has arrived!

The feudal lord who governs the village was also thrown outside and a dozen people or so were in his mansion Wilhelmina, Zaphnes, and the upper echelon of Vandolea have gathered there .

This small village close to the current frontlines has become the stage where the negotiations for peace will occur .

It is a pleasure to meet every one of you from Vandolea .

Wilhelmina curtsies politely in front of Vandoleas leaders .

Her attitude showed no trace of intimidation from holding an advantageous state in battle, nor did it seem pointed enough to affect any particularly keen individuals .

It was clear to everyone that she was not used to being here based on her tight expression and how she occasionally tried to relieve her stress by taking deep breaths .

This way please .

Ye-yes!

One of the ministers points her to a seat when Wilhelmina had trouble deciding where to sit .

She clears her throat in an attempt to smooth over her flustered response and then takes her seat .

Sitting silently beside her is a large man dressed in formal uniform and on the other side is an effeminate man sitting with a composed look .

I am the representative of Vandolea currently your nation and ours are in an unfortunate situation . While the blame is solely on your side, we are not here to denounce you but to have a meaningful discussion .

Ri-right!

Wilhelmina quickly takes the hand offered by Vandoleas representative .

Seeing that happen, one would never imagine Wilhelmina to be the aggressor .

Hey, is that really the ruler of Altair? Shes not a fake?

Its been confirmed . She is without a doubt queen Wilhelmina

Those present from Vandolea whisper among themselves .

Then let us agree to peace right away!

Your Majesty, you must first present the conditions .

The effeminate man politely advises Wilhelmina and then the negotiation with Vandolea begins .

To display so openly how badly peace is wanted, that puts us at an advantage

What a complete amateur .

Diplomatic negotiations are about hiding ones true intentions while getting the opponent to compromise as much as possible .

Wilhelminas one sentence made it clear her side is looking for peace no matter what . That meant Vandolea could be more demanding in their offers .

Errr I understand . What should I do then

Be firm and decisive as a queen .

The large manZaphnes, gives advice to Wilhelmina .

I prepared quite a few guards to be cautious knowing that the representative will be coming

From what it looks like, they might not have thought things through too much .

Normally, the supreme leaders of two nations at war with each other would not meet in person to conduct peace talks .

Even if the discussion was to be held, they would limit themselves to showing up for the final greeting .

For something like that to be desired from the beginning, they were obviously worried about assassination attempts, but the Vandolea side relaxes slightly after seeing Wilhelminas attitude .

After that, Wilhelmina would panic as the negotiation heats up, and she would be openly overjoyed when one condition was agreed upon repeatedly displaying actions overflowing with human weakness .

Dear me, the reactions of Her Majesty the Queen were so refreshing .

I-is that so? Ive only just become queen . Ehe

She smiles despite the sarcastic comment .

Puppet was the word which popped up in the minds of the Vandolea side .

They did not think she was capable of usurping the throne in Polpo or overthrowing the regime in Altair or pushing themselves to this point .

In the case she did do those things, the discussion would move to who was controlling her behind the scenes .

The candidates for that are the two individuals sitting beside her .

Zaphnes, who was staying silent and occasionally offered some advice, only appeared to be Wilhelminas aid .

In that case, the easy guess would be the other man who proactively pushed the negotiation forward .

I see, so you absolutely wont yield on this condition fumu . I see .

Yes, on the other hand this condition is not important to us . We can compromise .

Both the Vandolea side and the effeminate man have profound expressions on their faces, and it was likely Vandolea who truly felt like bursting out in laughter .

This man is incompetent .

All those who were seated held such a belief .

Fumu, this is tough . I guess we can allow that .

We cant back down so easily . If that condition is not swallowed, we cant come to an agreement no matter what .

He acts like a big deal but has a narrow field of vision and lacks creativity .

He tries to advance strict negotiations but actually focuses on trivial conditions and completely concedes on all the important points .

The negotiator on Vandoleas side instantly realized that as well, taking advantage by leading the effeminate man around by the nose .

Amazing . Im really glad to have you here .

Hahaha, anything for Your Majesty .

Wilhelminas cheering also served to put their side at a disadvantage .

It revealed which points they valued the most .

Furthermore, Wilhelmina turned red and looked feverish whenever her eyes met with the negotiating effeminate man .

Everybody could tell she didnt view him as simply her subordinate .

I see she appointed this idiot based on her romantic feelings .

That large man must be a bodyguard and caretaker who doesnt understand complicated things .

This is ugly .

That thought could not be voiced out loud but everyone on Vandoleas side were thinking the same .

Having anticipated an intense back-and-forth negotiation with an arrogant invader, those on Vandoleas side were a bit let down .

However, it was a happy miscalculation .

Negotiations went unusually smooth between two warring countries .

All of a sudden, Wilhelmina stands up and walks to the window .

Everyones eyes were drawn to her .

Im sorry . I saw a parent and a child albino fox and couldnt help it

It was at that moment the moment she shyly stuck her tongue out .

A loud explosion and the accompanying impact assaulted the participants of the meeting .

Thick clouds of rising smoke obstructed their sight .

Guwaaaaah!!

W-what was that!? What happened!?

The representative! Protect the representative!!

The once peaceful atmosphere instantly becomes hectic and people start shouting .

With the window opened, vision gradually returns to normal .

At the same time, soldiers hurry through .

Countless bodies were not littering the space .

Is the representative safe!?

Y-yeah . He only has a cut on his forehead . Its nothing serious,

Theres no fire?

Something undoubtedly blew up, but it wasnt incredibly powerful and only a few people suffered minor scratches .

N no way

There was one man who wasnt so lucky .

Wilhelmina walks unsteadily towards that man .

Noo nooooo!!

He must have been close to the explosion . The effeminate man who was negotiating up until this point fell over covered in blood .

A ah

His legs were on the verge of being torn apart, his stomach looked like it burst from the inside and his guts were spilling out .

Wilhelmina clings to the man who could no longer speak .

Her dress gets wet from the blood .

Your Majesty Wilhelmina, are you hurt

Marco! Dont die Marco! I dont want thiiiiiis!!

Not responding to Vandolea, Wilhelmina wails loudly as she clutches to the bloody man .

it doesnt look like he was behind the schemes .

Yes .

The rest of the upper echelon also agree with what the representative said .

It was clear to them that Wilhelmina could not have possibly devised such plans based on her appearance, nor can she have carried it out to begin with .

Your Majesty, its dangerous here . Let us retreat quickly .

She vigorously shakes her head when Zaphnes tries to pull her hand .

C-call a doctor! Marco is Marco is!

Not saying anything else, Zaphnes looks over at the individuals from Vandolea .

Get a doctor here . Even if its just for forms sake .

Sure

All those who saw what happened to him knew he could no longer be saved .

Naturally, peace negotiations would be suspended, but in order to confirm the explosion was caused by the intervention of an unrelated third party and to discover the truth, it was decided that both sides will be under a ceasefire agreement until the next negotiation .

Wilhelmina signs the temporary agreement document with tears still streaming down her face .

This meeting ended in a truly detestable way but at the very least we have reached an agreement to ceasefire . I hope we can find our real enemy by the next time we talk .

Vandoleas representative comments tentatively .

Sniff yes

The sobbing Wilhelmina shakes the hand of the representative with a trembling hand .

Vandolea was the one who was invaded, yet it was their soldiers who seemed at a loss for what to say .

Wilhelmina should have been the primary suspect, except her behavior made people rule her out .

In fact, they felt sad enough to start thinking it was their own fault, having been the one responsible for arranging the meeting location and stationing the guards .

Nobody even thought of Marco as merely a loyal subordinate of hers .

Sniff then if you would please do so .

Wilhelmina boards the carriage returning to her own camp while being supported by Zaphnes .

Who would have thought we would be comforting an invading king .

The representative smiles wryly .

You said it . But this is practically the same as peace and she probably wont be attacking us anytime soon judging by how she is now .

They couldnt care less about whether Wilhelmina truly felt sad or not .

They would welcome anything as long as it leads to prosperity for the motherland .

We cant ignore the subversive activity though . Do we know any details?

Yes, there was gunpowder placed under the chair of that man named Marco it was probably put in porcelain .

The subordinate continues .

The size and impact of the explosion was small so the wooden floor was left almost unscathed I cant think of it being powerful enough to damage anything besides the man it was closest to .

The representative tilts his head .

I dont get it theres no meaning in what they did . It actually makes us suspicious .

Is that their aim?

The representative shakes his head .

That would be pointless . Were in the middle of war here . I could understand if they set it up so they can declare war on us, but they wouldnt expose the king to more danger when theyve already invaded their opponent .

Nobody said anything for a short moment .

So as expected, the natural thing to think about is a third party interfering because they dont want us to make peace . Did you pat down the people who entered or exited during our negotiation?

Yessir, I have done it to all of them . There is a strict check before anyone enters the room . I dont believe anybody had gunpowder

Security had to be stringent with two of the supreme leaders in the room .

No, they might have sacrificed power so they could sneak it in easier . Its not like a check was done on every hole of their bodies, and its not impossible for them to roll it under the chair after occupying our eyes .

Understood . Then I will do an investigation on all of their relatives and circle of friends .

The subordinate takes his leave .

In any case, its quite fortunate that our next negotiating partner will be that queen .

The corners of the representatives lips curl up as he grins, then he takes a seat and drinks some water .

Inside the carriage .

It was good that his stomach burst open nicely, or it would have been troublesome if he survived . I think we should really have used one thats a size bigger .

Not a single tear dripped from Wilhelminas eyes at this point .

She had her legs crossed as she complained to Zaphnes .

dont be ridiculous . Anything thicker and it wont fit .

Gunpowder was taken into the meeting room to be more accurate, it was Vandolea who had the porcelain container with the gunpowder and also the ignition device .

Zaphnes did the transportation and even now his hips are slightly hovering in the air .

Well enough about that . However even if Marco dying is fine, nobody on their side died .

Wilhelmina doesnt answer and hands a glass to Zaphnes .

We can talk after a toast . Ill be in trouble if I let you rest .

Haah

Zaphnes and Wilhelmina both finish everything in their glasses in one gulp .

Gehoh! Goho! What is that!? My stomach is burning!

dont panic . Its the cure for fire pox, drink it all .

Zaphnes swallows the liquid he was about to spit back out and then comments in discontent .

Its that medicine? I dont remember being infected

You are . I am, you are, everybody in that room were .

Zaphnes drops his glass in disbelief .

Marco had the fire pox . It was at the stage before symptoms showed however it will spread if you directly touch his blood . Its been thoroughly tested .

Marcos blood sprayed everywhere in the room after his leg and stomach blew up .

Not only that, Wilhelmina clinged to Marco after he died, getting his blood on her .

Then she made contact with the Vandolea leaders in that state .

B-but why weve been isolating all the patients

I put an infected patients blood in his food .

Wilhelminas face warps from the bitter smell of the medicine as she returns the cup to its place .

Its a hard task to round up all the leaders and get rid of them at once, so I decided to use the fire pox disease .

Wilhelmina continues in front of the frozen stiff Zaphnes .

After that I just have to break down crying for one week . It will be my first time doing it and it actually consumes quite a bit of stamina also we cant have the disease spreading within our camp so find a random spot to dump Marcos body and burn it . Ill prepare a similar looking one for the state funeral so you can kill that one .

As soon as she finishes explaining, Wilhelmina opens the window of the carriage and begins to cry once again without the use of eye drops .

The escort soldiers who saw that tear-stained face swore their loyalty in sadness while the woman waved back with a smile and tears streaming down her cheeks .

Protagonist: Aegir Hardlett . 24 years old . Autumn .

Status: Goldonia Kingdom Margrave . Great Feudal Lord of Eastern Area . Mountain Legend . Friend of the Dwarves . Friend of the King of Aless . Dragon Slayer Hero .

Elf Mediator . Sex King of White City .

Subordinates:

Celia (smiling), Myla (smiling), Peticheri (formerly Mirkura), Pipi (lizard rider)

Citizens: 187,000 . Refugees: 24,000 .

Major Cities Rafen: 33,000 . Lintbloom: 5500 . Special Cultivation District: 13,000 .

Army: 9350 men

Infantry: 6500, Cavalry: 1000, Archers: 1000, Bow Cavalry: 500, Cannoneers: 350

Cannons: 40, Large Cannons: 20, Dwarven Cannons: 16, Chariots: 30

Troops Dispatched to South: 2200 men

Refugee Guards (Light Infantry): 2200

Other

Reserve Army: 2500 men . Security Unit: 200 men .

Assets: 15,000 gold (increased military preparations -500), (large scale training -600)

Sexual Partners: 555, children who have been born: 66 + 555 fish