Moto Sekai Ichi – 219 | Sousaku – 創作

219　 Off he goes, the former Imperial Knight

Arc 11: The Empire

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Gordo Marubell: Emperor
Clearla Marubell: The Emperor's Wife
Melson Marubell: Princess, Eldest Sister
Light Marubell: Prince, Younger Brother

Seram: A spy for Melson?
Nat Shaman: General of the Marubell Empire, Leader of the Imperial Guard

Laska Promenade: Alpha's father, an emerging aristocrat
Alpha Promenade: Big-breasted, plain-looking elf with glasses, Eishou Battle Contestant

"Well, it's been a while, Alpha."

When that cheeky prince named Light left the mansion, I spoke to Alpha in my usual manner.

Judging from the expression behind her glasses, Alpha seems to have already noticed. That I'm Second Firstest.

"So, that's how it is, after all……"

Alpha muttered a few words, fell silent, turned to the maid, and slowly opened her mouth.

"The Promenade family will surely be wiped out. Thank you for taking care of me for so long. I will give you a small severance payment."
"My lady, I cannot accept that! Even though it was the Lord's order, wasn't it us who kept the young lady locked in her room! ? "
"Yeah. Because of my father, you have stained your innocent hands with evil deeds. That's why I hope that next time, at least, you'll be able to find a decent job."
"……Young lady……! "

A woman who appears to be the head maid timidly accepted a considerable amount of money from Alpha with tears in her eyes.

She gathered all the servants in the mansion and divided the money evenly in front of Alpha.

"Goodbye. Now, off you go."

When Alpha spoke, the servants bowed deeply and left the room.

"Is that okay? "

When I asked, Alpha nodded.

"These are my savings. The money in the house will probably be needed for future compensation."

Hoh. I don't know if I should say it's in her nature……

"Don't people often say you're too kind? "

I said that, thinking that she should have given them her father's money.

Then Alpha chuckled and replied, turning back to face me.

"Well, yes…… But isn't that true of you too? "

Her thin voice, timid demeanor, and lack of confidence remain unchanged. However, there was something about her now that I hadn't felt before, as if she had broken free from something.

Then, facing me directly, Alpha broke the silence with a serious expression.

"Thank you very much. Once again, thank you for your help."
"Last time I was lured by the boobs, but this time it’s different."
"Fufufufu. Yeah, I know. Also, last time too……"
"Don't try to beautify it."
"……Well, let's just leave it at that."

It's true that I was attracted by her breasts. Nothing more, nothing less.

Then Alpha fidgeted for a moment, and slowly began to speak.

"By the way, I am now completely penniless. What should I do…… Master."

Master, huh? Have she decided to call me that from now on?

Alpha, with a slightly embarrassed expression, looked down and said that with a look of concern.

……Are you doing it on purpose or unconsciously? Well, it doesn't really matter. In any case, I'm weak when it comes to things like that.

"Let me correct two things so that you don't misunderstand."
"? "
"Indeed, disciples can rely on their masters. However, don't become complacent. Just think of me as a useless idiot who's only good for nothing when it really matters. I'll help you out once in every ten times you find yourself in a pinch. I don't know about the remaining nine."
"Y-Yes."
"Also, I'm not a nice guy. I'm just being kind on a whim."
"O-okay."

Gloria looked at me with a stunned expression, as if to say, “Are you saying that yourself?” But it was the unmistakable truth, so there was nothing I could do about it.

"Well then, you go back first. Let's send Gloria to the royal capital while we're at it."

While saying that, I used 《Monster Summoning》 on Anko.

Alpha reacted as if she understood, but Gloria looked confused.

"It's better to check it out for yourself. Look at Alpha."

Anko used 《Darkness Transfer》 on herself to move home, then immediately used 《Darkness Summon》 on Alpha.

"Eh! "
"She's gone, she disappeared."

"Anko can instantly teleport anywhere in her memory and instantly summon anything she has memorized. How about that? Isn't it amazing? This is the true power of Anko!"

"Um, yeah, it's definitely amazing, but......"
"Why are you bragging? Why are you so proud? "

……Now that she mentions it, I guess so. Why, I wonder? But even though it's not about me, I can't help wanting to brag about it.

"Eh, then Second."
"I have a question, one question."

"Why didn't you use it on that child? "
"We could have rescued her anytime, we could have saved her anytime."

Oh, you mean why I didn't use it in Alpha.

"If they see Anko, they'll know it's me. I knew there was a risk, and I was willing to go ahead with it late at night, but I never imagined it would turn out like this."

"That makes sense. I understand."
"Is the outcome satisfactory? "

"Right. Now I think this was the best timing. Well, it seems that our military strategist adjusted it nicely."

I think it was resolved in the best possible way.

"Well, it was a short trip, but this is goodbye. It was fun."

It's almost time. Anko's cooldown is over, and it's about time for Gloria to be summoned to the Firstest residence with 《Darkness Summon》.

"Yeah. I had fun too."
"I want to travel again, and I hope you'll invite me again."

"Alright. If I get the chance. You can ask me first if you want."

"Then I'll definitely invite you."
"I have so many questions, and so much I want to talk about."

"Ahh, that's right. You should stop by my library before you go home. I have all the Grimoires up to the Fourth Form for all attributes, and I have tons of skill books. There are all kinds of books, such as ones that the maids wrote down from my conversations and compiled into books, old books I picked up in the underground library of Isoreus, and books that aren't sold anywhere else, so I'm sure you'll enjoy them."

At the moment of parting, I said such a thing on a whim.

Gloria quickly approached me and breathed heavily through her nose.

"I-I! I'm not going home until I finish reading it all――"

And then Gloria disappeared. I guess one minute has passed and she was summoned.

I'm sure she said she wouldn't go home until she finished reading all of them. As someone who wants Gloria to grow up, I welcome this, so I send Yukari a message asking her to prepare a room for Gloria.

"……………………"

So, I've finished one task.

What should I do now?

Currently, I am alone in the Promenade house, whose owner is away.

Windfield had told me that if I came here with Gloria, things would start to happen.

Indeed, I think things are starting to move. The more you knock on Laska Promenade, the more dust will come out, so Prince Light, who secured it, will be credited with the achievement. He will be praised for eliminating one of the empire's scourges, and he will also be able to keep his sister Melson Marubell and the Commander of the Royal Guard, Nat Shaman, in check. It's a case of killing two birds with one stone.

But will that alone cause the empire to collapse?

I wonder. Besides, the piece called “me” isn’t moving at all, so I don’t feel quite right. That military strategist who loves to fit things together perfectly would surely have enjoyed conquering the empire in a more fun, flashy, and spectacular way.

"That being said, though……"

Even though I am confident that Windfield was the right choice, I am troubled because nothing is happening at the moment.

Well, there's no point in staying here any longer. For now, let's get out of this mansion……

"――You came out at last, rude man."

……I see, that's how it is.

No, but I never thought that the prince whom I had just lectured would be waiting for me.

"What do you want from a rude guy like me? "

When I looked him in the eye and replied in the same way, Prince Light shrugged his shoulders and became red in the face. This one is quick to anger. Seems like he's lacking calcium.

"Hmph, fine. I know you don't have the brains to use polite language with me. I'll let you off this time."
"Who do you think you are?"
"I am a prince. And from now on, I will be your master. Come on, say hello."

………………What?

"Your Highness, are you…… sane?"

See? Even the imperial guards said so.

"Shut up, no-name guard, don't give me advice. I already said you were fired in the first place. From now on, this man named Seven will be your replacement."
"! ? "

Hey, wait a minute.

So what is this? Not just a servant, but a knight, and a royal knight at that?

"Seven, you need to get ready too. Tomorrow, I have official business in Akaa. Get everything ready by the morning after tomorrow and come with me to the imperial capital."
"W-Wait, Your Highness! You want to make such a suspicious and rude person a member of the Imperial Guard! ? "
"Yeah. The decision has already been made. You're so annoying. You don't just want to be fired, you want your head chopped off too? "
"……uh……! "

The male imperial guard was silenced with a single sentence.

Apparently, Prince Light seems to think that there is no way I would refuse. He's acting like a typical spoiled prince.

……Well, I won't refuse.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to infiltrate the empire.

"I understand. I'll lend you my strength. However, there is one condition."
"Uh? A condition? You're giving me conditions, even though I'm a prince? "

I can tolerate it to a certain extent, but when the title match is referred to as a game, even if it is temporary, it is impossible to continue the master-servant relationship.

"……Try being cheeky in front of me again. I'm going to hit you."

"――! "

So, let this be a warning.

I leaned in close, peered into his eyes, and spoke in a low voice.

His eyes were moist when I was whispering to him. Those eyes, this was definitely effective.

This prince has good ears. Even someone like him has ears that can listen carefully to my words. In that sense, he's similar to Maine.

"What an impolite man! Be sure to learn some polite language by the day after tomorrow! "

Prince Light shouted angrily, turned away, and walked quickly to the carriage as if to escape.

"Hey! What am I supposed to do!? "
"Learn some manners from the guard over there, you impudent fool! "

That guard over there, isn't he the one who's been fired?

Well, it's probably necessary to hand over one's work.

"Regards."
"……You bastard, you dare speak like that not only to His Highness but also to me?"

I was taken aback.

Oh boy, this is going to be tough……

＊ ＊ ＊

That evening.

The men of Prince Light's imperial guard gathered at a tavern in the center of Akaa, drinking and complaining to each other.

"That guy called Seven is such a rude jerk."
"How dare he speak to His Highness like that? Doesn’t he value his life? "
"Well, to be honest, that lecture was refreshing. It was his arrogant attitude afterwards that was the problem."
"I'm impressed that he dared to speak so casually to us! "
"At this point, I am simply speechless."

"That's a quick way to get fired. Furthermore, if he's lucky, he'll end up in jail, and if he's unlucky, he'll die."
"Once His Highness grows tired of you, your fate is sealed. Sooner or later, he'll be erased."
"No, he might stick around for longer than you think. That guy looks thick-skinned for no reason."

"One drink says he'll be gone."
"I'll bet one too."
"Then, I'll bet two drinks that he stays."

"In any case, His Highness's selfishness is nothing new... I wish he would stop being so unreasonable."
"…………"

While everyone was complaining and betting on Seven's future over drinks, there was one man who remained silent with an unhappy expression on his face.

He was a knight of the imperial guard who had been sentenced to death.

The reason was that he was frustrated.

I clearly advised Prince Light for his own good, but I was fired. On the other hand, Seven lectured him in harsh words and became an imperial guard.

It is extremely unfair――He thought to himself.

He's extremely rude, his sword skills are unknown, and his origins are unknown. How did such a man suddenly become the prince's bodyguard? Then, why was I fired?

There's no way I can accept that.

However, being able to leave the selfish Prince Light was a positive thing for him. On account of this, he felt rather grateful to be fired.

Therefore, the man's hatred is focused on Seven.

"Hey, what's wrong? You should drink some too."

The man opened his mouth to his colleague who offered him a drink.

"Say. Let's fuck him up!"
"What? "
"His Highness has official duties tomorrow, right? While the prince is away, let's take advantage of the situation and push him to do something unreasonable, saying it's a task from His Highness. Then he won't show up at the meeting place the day after tomorrow."
"……But won't His Highness find out?"
"Don’t worry. If we give him a plausible assignment, even if he finds out, we can cover it up by saying it was to teach him a lesson or something like that."
"Well, I guess that's possible."
"Yeah. Besides, I'm going to get fired anyway. When push comes to shove, just say I gave the assignment and keep quiet."

With these words, the imperial guards became very enthusiastic.

Then, everyone started brainstorming ideas, and began devising a plan to trap Seven.

At that moment, an unexpected group of people entered the bar.

"――Oh? Why are those guys here?"

One of the imperial knights noticed a group of about ten imperial soldiers entering the tavern.

The soldiers were still unaware of the presence of the imperial knights.

"Hey! Say hello! "

When a drunken imperial guard shouted this, the soldiers who noticed him rushed over in a panic.

"I apologize for the late greeting."
"That's right, you noticed it late. Normally, lowlifes like you should notice us before we notice you and come over to say hello. That's the proper etiquette."
"Yes. You are absolutely correct."

The Marubell Empire was a thoroughly meritocratic society. In other words, it was a very strict vertical society.

Those who are capable and talented will quickly rise through the ranks, while those who are incompetent and lacking in ability will remain in the same position no matter how much time passes.

From the perspective of mere imperial soldiers, the imperial knights were like gods. They were opponents who could not be defied.

"This calls for punishment."
"What! Please forgive me. I have a mission to complete tomorrow."
"Ohh? A mission? What kind of mission is it?"
"It's a survey. I've been ordered to investigate the boss of the Class B Dungeon, Greeze."

The Imperial Guards smiled slyly at the soldier's words.

"Hoo! That's gonna be a tough one."
"Yes. I don't know how many weeks it will take……"

It was truly the perfect mission.

"Alright. I'm going to give you guys one instruction."

With this, that guy won't be able to come back the day after tomorrow. The male imperial guard grinned, thinking this, as he gave orders to the soldiers.

"――Starting tomorrow, our new rookie will be in charge of you guys."

=====
Thank you for reading.

Cheat sheet

Status Details

HP　Hit Points
MP　Magic Points
SP　Stamina Points
STR　Short range attack skill power, strength, physical power.
DEX　Long range attack skill power, dexterity, hit rate.
AGI　Quickness, avoidance rate.
INT　Attack Magic skill power.
LUK　Good luck, critical rate.
VIT　Simple defense.
MGR　Magic defense.

Skill Ranking

From lower (16th) to higher (1st) class, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade

16th class
15th class
14th class
13th class
12h class
11th class
10th class
9th class
8th class
7th class
6th class
5th class
4th class
3rd class
2nd class
1st class
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9 (Can challenge Title when all related skills are at this level)

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
Lance(Kyousha)
Knight (Keima)
Silver General (Ginshou)
Gold General (Kinshou)
Bishop (Kakugyou)
Rook (Hisha)
Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

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List of Swordsmanship skills

【Swordsmanship】　Damage： STR Dependent.

《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack forward + stun.
《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack in all directions.
《Rook Swordsmanship》　Very strong single-target attack.
《Bishop Swordsmanship》　Quick and powerful penetrating attack.
《Gold Swordsmanship》　Ranged attack in all directions.
《Silver Swordsmanship》　Strong, single-target attack.
《Knight Swordsmanship》　Precision attack＋added damage against vital points.
《Lance Swordsmanship》　Penetrating attack.
《Soldier Swordsmanship》　Normal attack.

(Rook＋Knight, Silver＋Knight, Lance＋Knight, Soldier＋Knight are possible for Combine)

List of Jojutsu (cane) skills

【Jojutsu】Thrust・Strike・Sweep

《Dragon King Jojutsu》　Extremely powerful wide-area attack
《Dragon Horse Jojutsu》　Wide range defense + knockback
《Rook Jojutsu》　Very powerful ranged attack
《Bishop Jojutsu》　Rush piercing attack
《Gold Jojutsu》　Very strong defense
《Silver Jojutsu》　Powerful ranged attack
《Knight Jojutsu》　Rush attack
《Lance Jojutsu》　Piercing attack
《Soldier Jojutsu》　Conventional attack

List of Spearmanship skills

【Spearmanship】

《Dragon King Spearmanship》　Extremely powerful single-target attack
《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》　Powerful long-range attack (shockwave)
《Rook Spearmanship》　Rush attack (charge thrust)
《Bishop Spearmanship》　Powerful ranged attack (Cleave)
《Gold Spearmanship》　Counterattack (Counter)
《Silver Spearmanship》　Powerful single-target attack (charge thrust)
《Knight Spearmanship》　Forward leaping attack (leaping thrust)
《Lance Spearmanship》　Ranged attack (Cleave)
《Soldier Spearmanship》　Normal Attack (Thrust)

List of Archery skills

【Archery】

《Dragon King Archery》　Powerful on-impact ranged attack.
《Dragon Horse Archery》　Powerful piercing ranged attack.
《Rook Archery》　Very strong single-target range attack.
《Bishop Archery》　Strong piercing range attack.
《Gold Archery》　Range attack with added knockback.
《Silver Archery》　Strong single-target range attack.
《Knight Archery》　Precise sniping range attack.
《Lance Archery》　Piercing range attack.
《Soldier Archery》　Normal range attack.

List of Shield Arts skills

【Shield Arts】

《Dragon King Shield Arts》　Very powerful ranged attack to the front.
《Dragon Horse Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense + all-range attack.
《Rook Shield Arts》　Powerful forward Rush attack (VIT converted to STR and added to net STR)
《Bishop Shield Arts》　Great Reinforced Defense (16th class: 250% ~ Grade 9th: 600% Defense)
《Gold Shield Arts》　Range homing defense ＋ Knockback（While active, attacks within a certain range would redirect themselves towards the shield）
《Silver Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense (parry grace time reduced by 0.01 second, successful parry triggers counterattack effect)
《Knight Shield Arts》　Defense + Knockback.
《Lance Shield Arts》　Piercing Reflective Defense
《Soldier Shield Arts》　Normal defense.
Success condition for parry: Activate the skill 0.287 to 0.250 seconds before the attack reaches the target.

List of Magic skills

【Magic】 (Four attributes: fire, water, wind, and earth)
Advantages and disadvantages: Fire>Earth>Wind>Water>Fire
・First Form　Normal Attack （Preparation time： Super short. Cooldown： Super short）
・Second Form　Extended range attack （Slow. Long）
・Third Form　Strong single-target attack （Short. Short）
・Fourth Form　Powerful extended-range attack （Super slow. Super long）
・Fifth Form　Very powerful extended-range attack （Slowest. Longest）

【Magical Magic】
《Combine》　Combines two magic skills into a single attack.
《Synergy》　Overlays two magic spells on top of another magic spell.
《Charge》　Magic attack that increases in magnitude the more it is charged up.

List of Martial Arts skills

【Martial Arts】　Attack：(STR+DEX+AGI)/2.56

《Dragon King Martial Arts》　A very powerful wide-area attack in the front (shockwave)
《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》　Accelerated forward strike (Dash Punch)
《Rook Martial Arts》　Very powerful single-target attack + charge (Punch)
《Bishop Martial Arts》　Omni-directional attack (Roundhouse kick)
《Gold Martial Arts》　Short-range attack plus defense (Tackle)
《Silver Martial Arts》　Strong single-target attack （Punch）
《Knight Martial Arts》　Forward jumping attack （Jumping kick）
《Lance Martial Arts》　Short-range attack (Kick)
《Soldier Martial Arts》　Normal attack （Punch）

List of Sword-drawing skills

【Sword-drawing】 (STR+DEX+AGI+VIT)/5.12+remaining SP/10^4（fire power when using a sword at the belt 128％）

《Dragon King Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful area of effect attack.
《Dragon Horse》 Range attack in all directions.
《Rook Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Bishop Sword-drawing》 Quick and powerful thrust.
《Gold Sword-drawing》 Counter (Single attack + defense)
《Silver Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Powerful Sword-drawing attack.
《Knight Sword-drawing》 Large movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Lance Sword-drawing》 Movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Soldier Sword-drawing》 Sword drawing attack (Single attack)

List of Thread Manipulation skills

【Thread Manipulation】
《Dragon King Thread Manipulation》　The most powerful single attack, limited to the restrained target.
《Dragon Horse Thread Manipulation》　Simultaneously emits multiple threads, forcibly restraining the touched object.
《Rook Thread Manipulation》　Very powerful single attack using a bundle of threads
《Bishop Thread Manipulation》　Powerful penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Gold Thread Manipulation》　Thread restraints on objects within a 4-meter radius.
《Silver Thread Manipulation》　Powerful single-target attack with a bundle of threads
《Knight Thread Manipulation》　Manipulate monsters, humans, and puppets using strings for a certain period of time.
《Lance Thread Manipulation》　Penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Soldier Thread Manipulation》　Single target attack with a bundle of threads
(Gold + Lance or Bishop can be Combined)

ToC