Part 3 – Chapter 015 (Chapter 352)
The Difference in Power
T/L: IonMan
Editor: Zioming
Raw Chapter: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9511bs/406/
ED: Sorry for the prolonged hiatus. I fell into a loop of work delays, health issues and getting hooked on another novel… I’ve also finished editing the previous one somewhere in the meantime.
This was posted on novelupdates as “v3c15 part3” due to some miscommunication between me and IonMan (basically, my laptop died right as I finished editing the chapter, so I asked him to post it instead). This is the full chapter, there are no parts 1 and 2.
On that topic, the “Chapter 352” notation was something that the previous translator, DarkSilencer, came up with. It was pretty confusing, since he skipped some chapters and then translated some out of order (here’s the full list). It was also the reason why chapters 21 and 22 got translated out of order when this page took over the translation (before I joined). Since it’s as good of a chance as any, I’m gonna drop it and go back to the original notation of “Part 3 – Chapter 15” or “v3c15” from now on.
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Year 7448, Month 9, Day 17
“For now, let’s go home.”
Zenom called out to Toris, who got all white, when he heard that his territory was most likely to be the target of the upcoming attack.
“…I don’t think I’m feeling so well…”
Toris looked back at Zenom, with a queasy face.
“There are already troops deployed out there, should you really be so worried about it?”
Ginger chimed in to comfort Toris.
“That’s right, and there are telltale signs before Devas’ side moves, they won’t just casually attack your village.”
Binsu added, trying to help out.
“You… that doesn’t help…”
Contrary to Toris, Rodrick was blatantly frustrated.
Raddo Village, a little north-west of Toris’s Garhe Village, was given to Rodrick by the way.
It was also possible for it, to become the main target, depending on the Devas’ side’s strategy.
Of course, the same thing could be said about Kamu’s Beige Village.
“Kamu…?”
This is pointless. She’s completely out of it, there’s even drool coming out of her mouth.
“Everything is crystal clear! Vested Knight Tolkeris Kalstalan! What do you plan to do now? Return to Bell with such a pitiful face? What will your slaves say!?”
Miduchi stood in front of Toris with both her hands on her hips to invigorate his spirit.
Of course, she wasn’t only addressing him, but also the other two.
Un. I would have said something similar if you didn’t say it.
“Zenom. Gather everyone at the Murowa when we get back. We’re gonna have a little chat.”
We departed back for Baldukk.
・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・
“…And that’s the situation… also, please rest assured that we will not move out this time around.”
All members gathered at Murowa to discuss the situation.
It naturally started with the summary of my investiture ceremony, as Toris and the others talked about how they were conspicuously seated among the nobles’ seats. No one interrupted us, so now, we got to the point where we have obtained information on Devas’ upcoming invasion.
There were a number of people, such as Jeru and Misu, who looked like they had some things to ask about, but they apparently decided to let us finish the story first.
If you still have some questions, I’ll listen to them afterwards, so please be patient a little longer.
“Henry, Mekku….and Bilsain. I want to hear your opinions. Do any of you know the city of Bondai to begin with?”
All three were originally from Devas, before we purchased them, so I decided to ask them for any geographic information they might have. However, they all seemed to be from rural areas of Devas Kingdom, similar to Zulu, so they didn’t know much about the region near the border. Still, being former knights, they did receive elementary education, and had some basic knowledge of the kingdom’s geography, same as Bell, who was also born in Devas.
Putting it all together, I managed to get a general idea of towns and villages in the southern part of the Dirt Plains, that they’d been to in the past. These included a city called Bondai, though obviously they didn’t know its exact location, and even if they did, the three’s memories were not a very reliable source of information to begin with. The places on the map they pointed to differed by almost 10 km.
ED Reminder: Zulu, Henry, Mekku and Bilsain all served as knight in the Devas army, where they got captured during previous skirmishes over Dirt Plains, and got sold as slaves afterwards, since their families didn’t have the money to pay for their ransom. As such, even being from other parts of the kingdom, they still had some memories of Dirt Plains from the time they were stationed there.
While watching the three nod, I confirmed each of their statements.
“It’s believed that Riguru territory is gonna be their next target. What do you think?”
When I mentioned that, everyone else looked at the three in curiosity.
“…I apologize, master. I only know that the city of Bondai is located in the western part of the Dirt Plains, but I think that that assumption is correct, based on its location.”
“I think so too.”
Henry and Mekku both stated.
It’s not something you need to apologize for.
No, could it be that you’re apologizing for not being able to accurately point to it on the map?
Either way, I have no intention of blaming you.
“I think… the last time around, the kingdom’s… the Devas Kingdom’s army gathered in the city of Lacoste [1]. Because of that, it became the deployment point for the last battle… that is, the invasion of Ransell territory. Lacoste also seems to be in the southwestern part of the Dirt Plains, though it’s quite a distance east from Bondai, from what I’ve heard. Ransell territory is east of Riguru territory, right? So, if they’re gathering at Bondai, west of Lacoste… that means… I think it’s very likely that Riguru territory is their goal.”
Bilsain, Toris’s head slave, also agreed with a bitter expression.
Because he took part in the last year’s invasion, his memories should still be fresh.
His deduction, about Riguru territory being their next goal, also seemed correct.
I recalled the map, that I was shown at the royal castle.
On it, the city of Bondai was also marked south of Riguru territory, about 30 km south of Toris’s Garhe Village. I also remember that the city of Lacoste was more than 50 km east of Bondai.
If that map was reasonably accurate, there was very little doubt that their goal was Garhe Village, or one of the nearby villages.
“Really then…”
I muttered as a reply while reviewing the map in my head.
Will they make it in time?
“This time around, it seems that the troops, that appear to be the Devas Kingdom’s invasion unit, gathered at the city of Bondai about a month ago. When do you think they will commence their attack? For now, let’s assume their target is Garhe Village. The distance from Bondai to Garhe is at least 30 km. The invasion force should be as good as the average Devas’ units that you’re familiar with.”
All three gave almost the same answer.
To sum it up, “It will take about 10 weeks for deployment exercises, if they are a standard unit. It will take about 3 days to reach Garhe Village from Bondai, since the are no roads.”
In other words, it will take about two more months, even based on the shortest estimate.
“Rodrick, Kuro, Mary. What do you guys think?”
I checked with the knights on the Rombert side just in case, but it wasn’t too different from Henry’s opinion.
Based on the conclusion, the Devas Kingdom’s unit will arrive near Garhe Village by mid-next month.
It can be said that the information we’ve heard at the royal castle was generally correct.
“Didn’t the Rombert Kingdom’s additional units already depart? If the logistics units don’t fall behind… then shouldn’t they make it there within a month?”
Kuro chimed in.
Previously, I had Gwine make a map on our way back to Baldukk.
So then, let’s compare it with the simplified map, that Kuro and Mary made on their way from Dirt Plains to Baldukk, and try to get a time estimate.
ED Reminder: The last time they visited Al’s home village, Bakkudo, they took a slightly roundabout way back, in order to map both highways with Gwine’s Unique Ability. He also had Kuro and Mary swing by Riguru territory, since he couldn’t go himself, and it was only a slight detour on their way from Keel, where the two served as Knights, to Baldukk.
The Kingdom’s Army will have access to well-maintained highways within the royal territories, and the highways themself properly extends all the way south through the Kaido [2] region to the larger towns in the northern part of the Dirt Plains, even if they’re not as well maintained at places.
Kuro’s calm assessment seemed to be correct.
According to Gwine’s statement, “Since in a straight line it’s about 600 km, even counting the whole route as 800 km long, arriving within a month… I think they should make it somehow.” was her quick estimate.
Vested Knight Barkis already rode ahead with a company from the First Knight Order. They are accompanied by a dedicated high-mobility logistics unit fully equipped with carriages. The horses they use are also not regular pack horses, but war horses that were well trained and used in combat, so they can be used immediately by simply exchanging the harnesses if any problems arise with the ones used by the combat unit.
They have an average speed of 10km/h, so they should arrive in about 2 weeks, even if we estimate they’ll travel 7 hours per day.
“…So then, will they be able to defend Garhe Village?”
Bell worriedly asked. Even the always calm Bell couldn’t help but worry.
“Since the Devas Kingdom’s invasion unit completed its rally in the city of Bondai and started its deployment exercises in the middle of last month, I think it should be okay. The commander of the defence force, Vested Knight Barkis, already departed with a company from the First Knight Order. It apparently consists of two elite platoons, and I hear there’s an additional platoon led by His Royal Highness Prince Richard.”
Besides, the unit dispatched to the Dirt Plains from Duke Zarm’s territory should now be stationed in the city of Weed, for both vacation and training. They number around 200 men, so Vested Knight Barkis will probably incorporate them under his command on the way to Garhe Village and use them as part of the defence force for the time being.
“Second Knight Order has also dispatched two battalions, twice the usual amount. Although the number of Devas Kingdom’s troops seems large, it seems to be roughly the same as during previous years, and their troops have just been drafted. It should mostly consist of hastily trained low-morale conscripts, so the defence force should be able to handle them without any problems.”
Well, even if I say so, it’s merely an opinion based on the weak premise of Devas’ unit’s strength being as usual. That being said, the strength of their military shouldn’t vary that much, so it shouldn’t be too far off.
Also, regarding the Devas Kingdom’s military skill and low morale, it’s based on both the information from my combat slaves: Zulu, Henry, Mekku, Ruby, and Jesu; who used to serve in Devas army, Rodrick, who fought against Devas army in the past, and the people from the First Knight Order. Especially Rodrick’s information, as a former Japanese, should be pretty reliable.
ED Reminder: If you look at the first map, Rodrick’s family’s territory is the one that borders both Devas, Lail and Kanbitt kingdoms, so, as the first son of the next Count Faruelgaz, and a Knight of the Faruelgaz Knight Order, he should be pretty well informed when it comes to the strengths of the bordering kingdom’s armies.
I want to avoid underestimating the other party, but I can’t help but wonder if I’m being a bit paranoid. We’re not going to directly participate in battle this time around, so it’s important to reassure everyone.
“What I’m saying, is that the Rombert Kingdom’s army is superior, compared to the other force. Master, please rest assured.”
After our discussion was over, Bilsain mentioned to Toris.
On top of that, all the Slaughterers have purchased combat slaves, and they’ve all underwent proper combat training. We concluded that they should inform them about what’s happened at their own discretion.
・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・
Afterward, I went with Zulu to Shuni, the inn where my slaves reside, to tell Rubi and Jesu, who were looking after Toru, about our discussion.
It’s not something we had to keep secret from Toru, so I briefly summed it up to the two, “This time, we don’t have to be directly involved and there shouldn’t be any problems, so you can rest assured.”.
“Toru, how are you fairing?”
Since Toru’s unique skill, [Super Dexterity], allows MP to recover during its use, there’s no issue even if it’s used continuously. He also possesses 7 MP, which is three points more magical power capacity than an average person at that age.
By the way, he’s now making moulds for making various tools through casting in order to test out how dexterous his hands are. As for the material of the mould, it’s made from molybdenum ore obtained in the labyrinth that was refined into an ingot by a trader.
The reason for that, being its high melting point, plus it’s hard, so it will last a long time… Ah, unlike the ordinary moulds for casting, which are made out of sand, it takes time to manufacture this kind of mould, but in turn, it can be used to make much more detailed shapes, with its surface being a lot smoother.
There are various types of moulds being made. For example, precision files, parts for minced meat machines, and large parts for the main body of thread cutting machines. Parts made of cast iron through mass production have a much shorter lifespan than the ones made out of durable tungsten or molybdenum, but they are more convenient to use and easier to sell.
Of course, it would be quicker if I made them out of tungsten or a magic metal like mithril, but I want to keep those for our own use.
Only the wedges and chisels used for cutting the moulds were made from mithril, in various shapes and sizes.
“…Only I was able to, do this… that is.”
Looking at his work, you could really appreciate his attention to details.
The file’s eyes themselves are very precise, but the carving is a bit deep. Combining both halves of the mould, it will make the file thicker than 5 mm. But isn’t it easier to use when it’s thinner?
When I mentioned that, he responded with, “But if you pour the cast iron inside, the sprue needs to have a certain width…”. That’s correct if you ask me.
But, I think that the large parts of the minced meat and the thread cutting machines have reasonably good moulds. Fumu… this surface will be pretty smooth. It seems that precisely curved surfaces are difficult to achieve, but certain flat and large curved surfaces have higher achievable accuracy than an Ace’s workmanship, even if they are not as good as what I had made. (ED: You can sculpt in clay, and then turn it into metal, that’s pretty hard to beat…)
Well, there’s no choice for the time being but to attempt this method.
It is helpful in saving myself the trouble of explaining the various details, since Toru is a former Japanese, so it’s much more convenient than using the Orth’s craftsman, and getting them to understand the simplified structural drawings of the schematics.
“Toru, what’s up with that look? You don’t look too well.”
There shouldn’t be any reason though.
“…Pretty much so… I’ve gone back to being a slave again, and forced to make tools like this.”
Rubi and Jesu rebuked Toru after hearing his reply.
“Are you dissatisfied with this?”
“I am dissatisfied! This isn’t right.”
Toru responded in regrets. Yet, his ending statement was polite, either because he recognized the pair as his seniors, with how perfect the pottery they crafted was, or simply because he was afraid to cross them.
“Then, what are you planning on doing? Do you want to run away?”
“…Even if I run away, I’ll just…”
Toru was looking down with a dark expression, fumbling his answer.
“Fu-n. It’s hard for anyone to lack hope. Hey you, since you use a knife and a short sword… Rubi, Jesu, prepare some wooden swords.”
“What is it?”
“Follow me.”
I made sure he remained barefoot without wearing his leather boots.
We walked for about an hour as I took Toru to a training site designated for the Slaughters outside the outer ring of the mountain.
In addition to Maru and Rinbi, Ben and Eri were practising there as well.
The teenage slaves were in the way, so I ordered them to move over to the remote corner and then faced Toru.
“Pick it up.”
I threw a wooden knife and a short sword at him.
Toru picked them up slowly as ordered.
“Toru, I’ll give you one chance, since you seem to still cling to the carefree attitude leftover from your criminal life. You’re going to have a mock battle with me. I’ll release you unconditionally if you win. Of course, I will not touch one hair on your family.”
A joyful look appeared on Toru’s face.
“By the way, I’ll give you some handicaps. First of all, I won’t move from here for a minute from the start. During that time, I won’t chase you if you plan on running away. You’re welcome to try, if you think you can do it. If you can manage to evade me for an hour after you run away and I can’t find you, that’s your win. Then again, if you either don’t want to run away, or you think you can’t, and decide to take me on in a mock fight, you win if you can land a single blow within an hour from now. I will neither use attack magic that could directly hurt you, nor use magic that restrains your movement. Of course, I didn’t bring any guns either.”
My combat slaves that heard the conditions looked surprised for a moment, but they soon realized the situation.
Not surprisingly, Toru immediately states his suspicions.
“How do I know you will keep your word?”
Oh my, where did all the politeness go?
Oh well.
Zulu and the others also calmed down.
“Are you stupid? You think you’re gonna get a better guarantee than my word? It would be shameful for a Count to lie. Plus, there are seven of my slaves here, listening to our conversation as witnesses right now. I can’t help you if you don’t think that’s enough.”
I ridiculed him some more.
“What if I lose?”
“Are you seriously stupid? I’ve already paid the fine for your crimes, and even searched for the whereabouts of your family. You should be thanking me for making you a slave under the direct control of a Count. Don’t look at me all dissatisfied. For a criminal like you, I’m just trying to make you understand your position.”
It might be easier for him to obediently follow if I show him a big enough difference in power, even if I am doing this on a whim.
Of course, I don’t think there’s a chance of me losing to Toru since he never underwent any proper training.
“So then, do you understand?”
“Aah.”
“If so, let’s start.”
Immediately after I said that, Toru turned around and started running.
The direction he was heading down to was likely the outer ring of mountain, away from the city of Baldukk.
As expected…
So then, even if Lios people have high physical ability, for how long can he keep this up without having exercises for the past three months. This location is like running down a forest-covered mountain slope without proper roads.
The answer is simple.
At first, his speed should be able to reach a few hundred meters per minute.
But that won’t last too long.
ED Reminder: Lios people’ [Special Ability: Instant Speed] gives them a boost to physical abilities, albeit for a short period of time.
One minute later.
I used {Detect Life} to expand my sensing range.
…Fu-n, he managed to travel quite a bit.
I darted off.
I could immediately see Toru’s flickering figure through the gaps between the trees.
He glanced back.
I couldn’t see his facial expression since he was still a bit too far away.
I activated {Trap Discovery} for detecting basic traps, rope trap, snares, trip wires, and pit falls just in case.
There were no traps within the field of vision.
He shouldn’t have enough time to set up such a thing, but just in case, right?
Toru appeared to have accelerated a little, but soon slowed down.
I ran using the shortest route possible, while stepping on dead branches and fallen leaves with my rubber-soled boots with rough footing.
Toru glanced back again.
I could comprehend his facial expression since I was closer this time.
Don’t be surprised.
Twenty meters to Toru… 15 meters…
Hey hey, are you letting me catching up to you?
Perhaps hearing my footsteps rapidly approaching him, Toru looked back.
His facial expression had a mix of feelings of astonishment and fear.
10 meters left.
There was a slight gap between the trees.
I invoked wind magic toward the back.
Then I approach him in an instance!
I touched his back.
“Uwaaah!”
Toru screamed while still running.
Fuun, isn’t this just a mock fight?
I dashed and overtook Toru, and went ahead to cut him off.
“The game of tag is over. Give up on running away.”
“Damn it!”
Toru changed his direction and ran off.
He clearly wasn’t giving up.
Well, I guess I’ll keep you company for a while.
…I let him escape freely twice in a row for about a minute each afterwards, and soon caught up with him.
Toru finally noticed that he was being toyed with.
“Damn it!”
He held onto the wooden sword and thrust it at me.
Let’s entertain him for a while.
However, Toru’s thrust was pretty light, as running at full speed without taking a break wore down his stamina.
It was easy to smack him in succession on his belly and shoulders with my wooden sword .
“Ku aaaah!”
Screaming, with wooden sword and knife in both hands, he desperately tried to land a blow on me somehow.
He didn’t hesitate with his attacks, but he staggered and fumbled.
A water arrow flew out.
Even having no killing ability, it hit Toru’s back with a creaking noise.
He looked back while rolling on the ground.
I kept firing off water arrows one after another onto his face regardless.
“Gubaa~, gahoo!”
Is he alright?
I thrust a wooden sword at his throat and asked, “Do you want to surrender now?“
“Who cares to!”
He outright refused.
Fuun.
Since that’s how you wanna do this.
I use level 5 water magic, causing a large amount of water to fall at him, washing him away.
“Bu fofoh, Geheeh!”
And a second time.
“Gubooh! Gohooh!”
He was laying face down.
Did the water enter his trachea?
“Do you want to surrender now?”
I asked Toru with my left palm still pointed at him.
The surrounding area became really muddy.
“…”
“Since there’s no answer.”
“I got it. I understand. I’m surrendering!”
Toru said in a solemn voice while spitting out the water from his nose and mouth.
“So then. I’ll accept your surrender. I’ll dismiss this rebellion only once. I’m a kind person.”
“…”
“You need to swear here and now. ‘I will be obedient for the rest of my life. No matter what I do, I will not rebel against you with the slaves’.”
“…”
“Say it. The next time I face your rebellious attitude, I’ll be dragging your father right in front of you…”
Do I have to take it that far?
“I will obey you for the rest of my life. No matter what I do, I will not rebel against you with the slaves.”
“That’s it then. Then, I’ll give you a chance. Your salary is set at 20,000 a month. Also, I promise to raise your salary every year as long as you work properly. I will give you a bonus if you work well. If you excel at your job without complaining, I’ll give you 100 or maybe even 200 million. Work hard and buy yourself, your parents, and siblings back.”
・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・
Year 7448, Month 9, Day 20
It was just after I finished my running and had breakfast in the morning. After changing my clothes, I tried to go to the royal castle.
Miduchi dashed into the room.
“Visitors!”
Do you always come before the boy at Boyle Manor?
“Who?”
Please decline them if you noticed a troublesome visitor.
That’s the proper thing to do.
“Hurry up. Zenom-san is talking them up for now.”
“So, who is it?”
“If you come, you’ll understand.”
Miduchi laughed after saying so.
Two dwarves were sitting at the table at the back of the room and talking about something when we came down.
And a number of dwarves surrounded them.
One of the two at the table was Zenom of course.
And the people surrounded him were…
The Gehenna Flare?
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Footnotes:
[1] Lacoste (ラコルーシ – rakorūshi) – a city in southern Dirt Plains, south of Ransell territory.
[2] Kaido region (カンデイル地方 – kandeiru chihō) – the region between the royal territories in the north and Dirt Plains in the south. Previously left untranslated as “Kandeiru”.