Senketsu no Elf - Volume 2 - Chapter 1

Volume 2: Chapter 1 – Passing the Fate of Ashes, Arriving at the Green Abyss.

It was midnight when the news of his death came.

From his death, over one week had passed.

To the south, the mountain range Mi Neu lay, overlooking the northern extremities of the Great Plains of Mi Lea – there, the staff officers of the Frontline Troops of the Elven Army had assembled at the Tent of Engagement.

The young girl, who bore the role of messenger, perhaps had turned ten. Even compared to the Elves, who as a whole were considered to be handsome, she had especially beautiful features. There was a lot of deliberate bodily exposure, from the lascivious silk that coiled around her body. That was a major preference of where she was raised.

Behind the tent, she let out a carrying voice, though she was of a slender build.

“Messenger!”

“……From where?”

After a few moments, pausing before he answered, a man in his prime of life made his appearance. He was a warrior with a grim face, and an eye patch over his right eye, frowning at the immodest girl.

However, that only lasted for a moment.

The man – Ji Tig Endveil – had a nimble mind, sensing that the messenger was property of someone else. As far as he knew, having a maiden of such a young age under one’s control,

“Nokt and Mikt, is it.”

It could only be those twins, those daughters of the poisonous flower.

“Yes.”

As her Chiefs’ names were called, the messenger bowed her head.

“The contents?”

“It is important, highly classified information. For your personal ears only.”

Ji Tig looked behind him, glancing at the innermost part of the tent while shaking his head.

“Doesn’t matter. Speak here. Only the Clan Leaders are here.”

She couldn’t feel the presences of any other people. “It’s fine, isn’t it.”, she thought.

“Understood. Then…..”

Unlike humans, Elves never utilise letters for the transmission of information. The reason for that is because when the contents of a letter fall into the enemy’s hands, it is a simple matter for the information to be leaked.

Especially if the state of affairs was that the humans were the enemy – as if a messenger could shamelessly be caught by a human. And, incidentally, if an Elf were to be caught, it would be too proud to confess – the chances would definitely be zero. “Compared to the chances of carelessly dropping the letter, the chances of it being stolen are much higher”, was the view shared by the Elven tribe.

The girl spoke the message that she had relayed from her Chief.

Before long, though it was a normal day, Ji Dig’s face became more grim than ever.

“……Is that so?”

After he had heard the contents, he nodded weakly.

“The message has definitely reached me. ……Please pass on to Nokt and Mikt that I will contact the others, including the bereaved family. Everything shall be carried out. As it is wartime right now, I guess that the funeral will need to be postponed.”

“I have heard you.”

Together with the answer, her lowered head bowed even further. When she moved, a scent of white lotus drifted from her silk.

Before the fragrance had disappeared, the girl stood up and returned.

“Then, I will get going.”

The environment around the tent was the profound “Elven Forest”. The overgrown, emerald-green darkness of the spirit grass and spirit trees which housed highly-concentrated spirit energy. As one of the Elven tribe, who were good in the dark, the messenger disappeared in the middle of darkness.

Ji Dig passed under the tent’s curtain while letting out a faint sigh.

He turned toward the young man who had sat himself down at the Table of Command – at the inside of the tent.

“Did you hear it?”

To the question, the man answered,

“……Yes.”

Their gazes dropped to the map of the Great Plains of Mi Lea that lay outstretched on the Table of Command, which was elevated.

His hair, which flowed like mercury, was illuminated in the flames of the candlelight, sparkling faintly. His extended, slender ears, lying down in the opening next to his hair, were red – faintly exposed by the steam from the candle. On the one hand, his complexion was white, resembling ice. His beautiful face, often mistaken for a woman’s, which had a shuddering amount of sex appeal, also balanced with his solemnity, which inspired awe in others.

“I heard all of it, Dig, my uncle.”

The young man who was the nephew of Ji Dig Endveil and the Clan Elder of the Endveil family, while simultaneously being the Commander-in-Chief of the Frontline Troops of the Elven Army – Shirjis Endveil, nodded while wearing a neutral expression.

His emotions were impossible to perceive.

Him suffering could be sensed, along with him being disappointed too. One could sense sorrow from him, along with regret. However, at least – it was natural – he was not happy.

Anyhow, what Nokt and Mikt had told him about was the news of someone’s death.

And also,

“Kuzan has…… I understand.”

Because it was news of someone close to both Shirjis and Ji Dig.

Kuzan Demiendveil.

In brief, the young man was associated to the two, the Endveil Clan, by blood. Shirjis’ confidant, a man worthy of being granted the name as one of the “Six Flowers”.

“It’s an unexpected circumstance. Enough for us to suspect falsehood.”

Ji Dig muttered without thinking, while he stroked his chin.

That’s right – it was unexpected.

Because he was one of the “Six Flowers”. Handpicked by the Endveil clan, an elite employed by the group named the Six Flowers; an influential, skillful person, who never had been inferior to the other members of the group.

Even so, he was said to be dead.

Yes, they had said that he was killed – moreover, in a fight with a Human.

According to the report, it seemed that he, acting arbitrarily and on his own authority, head out to the extremities of the front line, to a city on the other side of the mountain range, and was killed by an avenger while he tried to start something. That he had lost his temper over that the war over there was in a stalemate, was certain.

Did negligence invite that outcome? Certainly, there was too much self-conceit within him. He was full of pride about his “Common Art”, having a boasting nature. Condescending humans, disdaining enemies, he had those bad habits. I thought that it was because he was young, that it was childish mischief that could be stopped with light rebukes, but it wasn’t good enough, I guess.

Glancing at Ji Dig’s pondering face, Shirjis responded with a lower voice than usual.

“Attacking as he himself pleased, it was really like that guy, wasn’t it.”

“Yes, that’s right…… That’s right, I guess.”

The young man, who bore a burden worth the Clan Leader to carry, faintly displayed his strong feelings.

The two were relatives, while they also where childhood friends. Kuzan was three years his senior. If one were to consider Shirjis, who had aged and calmed down since he was a child, the arrogant Kuzan, whose self-esteem had grown high through his sarcastic attitude, had been an existence similar to an older brother who was a nuisance to others, even if just a little.

It was a troublesome matter – Shirjis’ eyes wordlessly indicated.

Just like when they had been younger, he had gazed at Kuzan in wonder from a distance as he pissed off the kids of his generation quite a lot with his cynical way of speaking. Or, perhaps, he yearned for the memories of that time.

Within his eyes, there definitely was sorrow that he had lost a close friend. However, that feeling lasted for only a moment. Shirjis’ emotions had already been concealed because of his cool-headed attitude.

“They said that Kuzan did a covert action, didn’t they?”

Not as Shirjis Endveil, but as the Commander-in Chief of the Frontline Troops, the young man inquired.

“As it is information that those twins have got hold of, it probably isn’t a mistake.”

Therefore, Ji Dig also answered him as the Commander’s aide and not as his uncle.

“To summarise, that guy fought and died beyond the Great Fortress, alone. In other words…… both that guy’s actions and his end, must not be discovered by Lillithgrave.”

If the Elven Khan, Radiaata Lilithgrave were to find out about Kuzan’s arbitrary acts, the question of responsibly would, of course, fall to Shirjis. For the Endveil clan at the current time, that was a situation that needed to be avoided. It had been four years since Radiaata had become the the Khan. The Endveil clan had through boldness and cautiousness established their reputation; unexpectedly losing their status because of this matter was not acceptable.

Though it, of course, wasn’t Kuzan’s real intention, it still had happened. Though he was a man with a disposition for danger, the feelings to other blood relatives remained the same within the Endveil clan.

Shirjis understood those feelings about the decreased.

“If that’s the case, there’s no problem.”

Consequently, the mood became devoid of emotion, looking toward the future.

“The matters after this, along with everything after them, it’s best to leave them to Nokt and Mikt. There’s nothing we should be concerned about. We are us, and we should concentrate our effort on this front.”

His lips did not even put together any mourning words for the dead.

That was because of the weight of the duties born by the Clan Elder, along with the strength that the young man held, while – there also was a part that did the impossible.

–That was why, instead, being the uncle, he sighed instead.

“Indeed…… It still was too early for him to return to Mother Earth’s spiritual embrace. What should I say to his father? I am pathetic. That I have let young people die before my very eyes, and so on?”

“It ain’t your fault, uncle Dig. He was one of the “Six Flowers”. That’s why Kuzan’s death was……”

“It’s not your fault either.”

Ji Dig bluntly denied him.

“Clan Elder…… No, Shirjis. There is no need for you to take everything upon yourself. We “Six Flowers” exist for the purpose of shouldering everything with you, do we not? We exist alongside you in order to share even your burdens. That ain’t a mistake. ……Therefore, Kuzan dying was his own responsibility. For now, that guy attempted to battle, and lost. That’s all.”

Shirjis slowly closed his eyes.

Tightening his lips, he breathed out deeply:

“I get it. Thanks.”

That beautiful face, which was particularly extolled even at the Country of Elves, smiled a little.

That reminded Ji Dig of his older brother, who was the Clan Elder of the previous generation and the previous king – Eiis Endveil – when he was small.

“This guy really resembles his father”, he thought. In both his face, his presence, his mannerisms, and his sense of responsibility too. Perhaps the shadow of his decreased father, who was similar to Shirjis, still could be seen within him. In order to splendidly accomplish the eternal role of the clan, just like his great father.

“Even so.”

Anyhow – the emotions were left behind.

At the bottom of the tent, Ji Dig muttered a semi-monologue to himself, while the candlestick shone down at the map of the Great Plains of Mi Lea.

“Who exactly could have done in a person of Kuzan’s level?”

Kuzan’s ability was certain. Even if it was said that he held pride and self-conceit in his heart, this was a tale told by the older people, like Ji Dig. Though, as a warrior, Kuzan was unmistakably able.

It’s hard to think that he was surrounded by numbers. What Kuzan did, was covert action, by operating behind the scenes. In other words, a surprise attack – there was no way to immediately conjure a large army, or anything like that. Assassination and poisoning approaches weren’t possible either. If that were the case, the messenger would have said that. The girl had used the expression “killed in battle”.

In other words, there was only one possibility.

He had fought normally and lost, against either one single opponent, or possibly, very few opponents–.

“Could it be said that he would have skill, even among other people? A strong man, capable of surpassing us.”

“One could say that.”

Shirjis stood up from his chair, turning his back from there, while he shook his head softly.

“Nevertheless…… even it is a strong man, I must out-rival him. If I don’t recover from Kuzan’s embarrassing defeat. I cannot slow down my course of events for the likes of humans.”

Then–.

He continued, perhaps half-unconsciously, only through a small murmur.

“……Because the one man that can stop me is not here any more.”

Before Ji Dig asked “What do you mean?”,

“I want to change my way of thinking a little. I will take a walk.”

With that, Shirjis pushed away the curtain, and slipped out of the tent.

Afterwards, what remained was silence.

The faint, distant howls from magic beasts, which could be heard from the depths of the forest, were further emphasized by the silence.

The Mi Nou Mountain Range, which lead to the Empire of Mid Garz, spanned over 200 kilometres, over a mountainous region. The mountains which belonged to it were generally high and steep. It was a place where the mountaintops whitened even during summer, a place where safe overpasses were few.

Sandwiching the mountain range by the north banks, great plains spread out. The name of them wass “The Great Plains of Mi Lea”.

The size was approximately 50 square kilometres. If one was to look out, the horizon could be seen to become circular because of the open terrain. Regardless of that, no person lived there. The reason was simple – it was soil unfit for dwelling on. Nearly no vegetation grew from the naked ground, which was becoming a wasteland. It was a place scattered only with muddy wetland underfoot. The reason was because the Mi Shia river system that ran from the mountain range, which ran shallowly under the ground, en route to the plains. By hardening the ground, excavating water wells, and patiently reclaiming land, possibly even produce would grow. However, any amount of places suitable for living abundantly existed in other places. so there was no special reason to reclaim the land.

Although, if one were to read history books, it seemed to have been blessed, fruitful earth – paradise-like land that Beasts, humans, and Elves had shared. However, in the Period of Myths, a battle took place between the humans and the Elves – in the Elven War, large-scale battle was carried out there. Both parties had exerted iron, blood, and inorganic necromancy, cooking the forest and killing the beasts, spoiling the earth. On top of that, the spirit veins of the earth were severed as if they had worn out. As a result, it had become a place unfit to live in.

However, perhaps through the fate of passing time, the Great Plains of Mi Lea had once again become battlegrounds, through the Second Elven War. The Elven military forces, which slowly but steadily expanded their territory from the north-east, and the human military forces which held them at bay, glared at each other through the front-lines.

The Elves had encamped, and were in the middle of the Great Plains of Mi Lea.

The humans’ encampment was in the mountain range, a place which was a natural stronghold; constructing a giant fort halfway up.

Once upon a time, during the epoch when the Empire had been in nothing but civil wars, the old fort had been constructed. After about two years had passed of renovations, it had become the first line of defence for this war.

Crowning the house name of the family which governed the Empire, Astzeelen. Said to carry the dignity of the nation, and keeping the Elves’ invasion at bay, a resolute determination could be surmised there.

Then–.

The war went back and forth, the stalemate continuing – it was a winter day. One single girl of the Astzeelen Royal Family, bearing the same name of the Great Fortress, visited it, accompanied by few troops.

In posterity, that day was to be remembered as a historic moment.

The mountainside’s altitude was high while the temperature was low.

The rampart, where hewn stone had piled up, dammed up the downwash, sending it back, granted that there weren’t any violent winds – the coldness while walking through the castle was biting.

Therefore, when Milifica Yusala Astzeelen walked into the multistoried building in the heart of the fort, she reflexively let out a sigh of relief. She was relieved that it didn’t cloud the air.

If one were to look back, all her comrades had similar faces.

The party consisted of six people including Milifica. All were young boys and girls.

Among them, there was a girl who probably had the must unsuitable character for the battlefield, with a timid manner – Laimi Selea-Shutimeryl, whose teeth met, chattering. Her round-frame glasses pitiably fogged up in an instant in the indoor warmth. It was probably necessary to procure something like a new, thick, overcoat, she thought.

About half a month had passed since the Yusala Drill Academy had been destroyed.

She had bid farewell to the days that she had spent as a Military Cadet until now, setting off with few comrades and passing the Mi Lou mountain range – finally having arrived there.

At the opposite frontline of the Elven War – it was the place with the same name as her own blood, the Great Fortress of Astzeelen.

The instant they passed through the door beside the tough soldiers which defended the back, the atmosphere changed. From the stone-built, unrefined, boundless outer walls of the fortress, one could overlook the Great Plains of Mi Lea located under one’s eyes. The multi-storied building whose maximum preference was that of robustness and practicality with not even one particle of beauty; the palace guards that stood side-by-side, emitting roughness and wildness, their hanging magical swords and magic wands emitting severity. They were completely overwhelmed.

And then, the party had walked though the multi-storied building in the central part of the fort, and were lead to the Control Room. The corridor, where small fireplaces doubling as torches were arranged, clumsily carried the heat, the laid-out carpet worn-out and tough. For every step that she took, Milifica’s heart throbbed with tension.

If one were to speak frankly, the place’s atmosphere was overwhelming.

Therefore, she spontaneously spoke to one of her comrades which stood behind her.

“This is what they call the battlefield, so to say.”

“Hum.”

Spoke that boy – Imina Haimatie, while facing the ceiling.

“Ah, well…… I guess.”

He said, while he briskly stroked his dark-red hair, lost in a fairly indifferent mood.

Milifica was let down. The excitement was dampened, one could say.

“……That was a considerably half-hearted reply, you know?”

“That Imina and the others are like that, aren’t you used to it?”

The boy with a large build, who was number one behind her, Fream Eiza, said with a firm voice. The mental strain when they stepped into the Great Fortress, was evident for both him and Milifica.

“No, not at all.”

Imina indifferently shook his head.

“Even for me, it is the first time that I have come to such a large battlefield.”

“That guy is different from us, he has guts of steel.”

The boy named Sashtal Dei bantered, with a faint smile.

Even here, Imina was in a state of relaxedness – fundamentally he would aimlessly roam with a flippant attitude, not fearing anything. Therefore,

“You’re the ones that are brave, aren’t you?”

Imiya knit his brows at those who had an amazed mood.

“E, everyone is awesome. I may be a little……uh, you know……useless.”

Said Raimi, who chattered her teeth. Even though she had entered the warm indoors, therefore removing the need to complain about the cold, her legs shook from tension.

“U, ultimately, we came here. We came to the frontline……”

She cradled a grimoire in her chest to the full extent of her powers,.

In addition, she had a carrying frame 1 on her back, carrying a stack of books – however, before they entered the building, she was stopped, and had turned it over to the sentinels. She could have been anxious because of that.

“Raimi, it’s not only you, y’know. It’s me too.”

Because she was pitiful as well, she amusedly laughed.

“Uh, Lady Milifica”

“Naturally, everything is different from Yusala.”

Even though the Drill Academy was completely devoted to the unrefined design of utilitarianism, even the meaning of the word “utility” differed, as expected from the buildings that were exposed to the battlefield and their practice buildings.

“For this reason, seeing as you haven’t been a former drill student, I want to know what your view is about this, Imiya.”

Milifica once again looked at the red-haired boy.

Imiya shrugged his shoulders as if he was in trouble.

“However much you ask, as I said before, it’s the first time that I’ve been in a fort. However,”

“……However?”

After that, with only his line of sight going around to everyone,

“The building is solid, but it’s not like I’m swallowed up by it or anything.”

Behaving as if he somehow was instructing everyone, he spoke bluntly.

It was an excessively blunt reply.

That was why they knit their brows in disapproval, and unintentionally grumbled back objections.

“That is, because you, unlike us, have experience on the battlefield. We……”

“It’s the same.”

He said, with those interrupting, covering words, and a faint smile.

And then, his broad smile,

“You guys have already experienced the battlefield.”

He drove a wedge into Milifica and the other’s hearts, which had begun to feel suffocating with nervosity.

“……Uh.”

The battlefield.

The gruesome incident which had occurred at Yusala Drill Academy half a month ago.

Milifica’s trusted retainer had betrayed her, inviting in the Elven opponent, the drill students had been sacrificed en masse during that pitiful tragedy – however, they had, the Elf and the Demon, along with that damn Demon Beast, been at their wit’s end. However, they had been trampled down, only frightened off. The one who had fought in practice, and killed the enemy was,

“That was……Imina, you have.”

However, the boy ultimately shook his head.

“It is unrelated. You were thrown into the battlefield, and survived facing them. Therefore, don’t hesitate to something of this degree. Because however solid the fort is, even if the scale is large, the enemy will not change.”

He declared that, as if he was convinced.

“It’s all A-OK, Milifica.”

He said, so that he could flatter her.

The girl who always walked quietly next to Imina, nodded deeply.

It was a girl of a small stature, who formally wore a cloak. While covering her abundant, bluish-grey hair with a hood, she tenderly narrowed her cute, round eyes, and laughed.

“Everyone’s all right. There is no need to worry. Everyone is strong, and can properly fight…… because even if an enemy comes out and there is no other way, Imina and I will surely protect you.”

Everyone looked at the girl – Ellis Endveil.

Milifica and the others’ tension loosened up and was smashed into pieces.

“Yeah, indeed….That’s how it is, isn’t it. It’s no good to be fainthearted.”

Their hearts had stiffened. Imina had driven a wedge into their hearts, and Ellis had swung down the hammer.

While their gazes met Ellis’, their cheeks unconsciously slackened.

Though it was from relief, it was also simultaneously in respect.

If she were calm, the girl would be the only one among all of them. Anyhow, Ellis was, properly speaking, the existence who couldn’t be there the most, in the Great Fortress of Astzeelen.

Within the hood, her bluish-silver hair was beautifully tied-up. While that was her appearance, said to be her modesty as a woman, she skilfully hid both of her ears – the pointed tips, a characteristic of the Elves’ ears.

Ellis was a part of the Elven tribe. As they were on the forefronts of a war against the Elven tribe, they could not afford to let her true character be known. Nevertheless, she braved the danger, and came there.

Disobeying her tribe, in order to fight. In order to be helpful to her most cherished existence, Imina.

That Ellis was laughing, and encouraging them. If that was the case, what else would they do rather than cheer up?

The situation where she – even more than anyone else – was to be overawed and become hesitant, would certainly not do.

Because, as a soldier, in order to fight, the first necessary thing was, Milifica Yusala Astzeelen’s resolute attitude.

“We are almost at the Command Room, Princess.”

Without looking back, the leading Sentinel informed her, only his tone of voice being formal.

“Right, I understand.”

The corridor approached the corner. In all likelihood, they would arrive once they had turned the corner.

She firmly closed her lips. Calmly taking a breath, she started to relax.

Depending on the answers of the person that they soon were to meet, Milifica and the others’ movements were to be decided. To be turned away with an “It would be unthinkable for you to become soldiers”, or being granted the idea to join the frontline?

That person’s name was Dali Shukua Astzeelen.

The Duke, and the head of the family of Shukua, which was related to the Royal Family of Astzeelen, was entrusted to have the supreme command over the Great Fortress of Astzeelen as well as being the Supreme Commander of the front line troops of the Second Elven War.

What was to be conducted with him were not negotiations. It was politics.

A conference between the two people of the Royal Family would, ultimately, be concluded there.

The first impressions that Imina held of that person was that he was a man of small calibre.

As the expectations were high, their disappointment was intensified. At any rate, the Duke was the person who was to bear the role of being the Supreme Commander of the War at the front-line. They had heard that the military power on the humans’ side was about 30,000 man strong. If this was to be lost, the front would need to not only retreat back, but the likelihood of losing several important cities for the domestic industry was large. In brief, it was a war the the Empire staked its prestige on. If that was the case, it would be natural to imagine that the Supreme Commander that was selected would be a great man, who held both brilliant merits and outstanding ability.

Nevertheless, everyone present greeted the man, who was plump and in his prime of life, whose haughty manner and menial smile coexisted in his body. The “Emperor’s Moustache” which had been grown on his upper lip did not suit him, which even let out feelings of absurdity.

In regards to the royal family, they would be exceedingly disrespectful. However, even if they were disrespectful, they were not in the least incorrect, which his first words made evident.

“Well, well, Princess Milifica. I sincerely appreciate your effort, for coming to such a remote place.”

As for him having the status of the Supreme Commander of the Front Line, his first words were cynical, regarding the girl who was younger than him.

Honestly speaking, even feelings of disdain seemed to be held by him.

However, the person herself, whom he had thrown cynical remarks at – Milifica – did not return the malice.

“All hands, attention!”

With a short cry, they stood perpendicular to the floor, showing the back of their hands, their fingers extended, and their faces facing horizontally. It was a salute that was used at the Yusala Drill Academy, which was shown from Non-Commissioned Officers toward a Superior Officer in the Empire’s Army.

Imina and the others, which had lined up in the back, simultaneously followed suit.

Setting aside Sashtal and the others, who were former Drill Students – Imiya and Ellis’ salutes were hastily prepared in relation to them. The other party did spitefully not fail to overlook the somewhat mismatched, seemingly out-of-place movements.

“My goodness, how unsophisticated. So those are the prided subordinates of the Princess?”

“……Though they are discourteous, my sincere apologies. They are not all accustomed to it yet. However, they are certainly reliable on the battlefield, and reassuring comrades.”

“I simply cannot see that. Are the majority the same as you, Drill Students?”

“Former, Sir. The Drill Academy has already dissolved.”

“Regarding never having stood on the battlefield, it’s the same, isn’t it?”

“No, we have already experienced it. ……There should have been a fast horse sent out with a letter.”

“Ah, that, yeah, that.”

Dali Shukua Astzeelen smiled disgustingly while he stroked his moustache.

“I have certainly received it. However, believing in that all of a sudden is incredible. ……Only you lot drove back the assaulting Elves, and?”

Before he was going to believe it or not, he had a tone of voice full of contempt.

“……What’s this, I say.”

As if he was unable to bear it, Fream, who stood next to Imina, softly grumbled. The others reflexively felt dread, but fortunately, because of his low voice, neither Dali not the soldiers heard him.

Although, as one would expect, Imina was of the same opinion as him.

Why must his attitude be so full of spite? How come they didn’t suit him to that extent? Was he criticising those greensters, who ignorant of how the world worked, fickly came to the front-line at a whim? Even so, he went too far.

However, the protests that Imina and the others had raised, only amounted to Fream’s grumbling. All members bore their indignation and disgust, without showing it on the surface. Exerting themselves to stay expressionless, they kept on standing at attention.

The reason being, because before they had arrived at the Great Fortress, they had been severely told off by Milifica.

With a, “whatever happens in the meeting with General Dali, stay quiet, and leave it to me, somehow or other”.

Milifica said,

“I would like to implore you to please cease your malicious behaviour, Your Highness.”

Astonishingly, he did not become furious or raise his voice, but to the contrary.

“In truth, do you not already know everything? Since Your Excellency leads the Front Line Troops, it should not be unbelievable if the circumstances, which I have written in the letter, have been heard already.”

Though it was his appearance from behind, it clearly could be seen that he gently – laughed.

All of the people, which stood in the background, unconsciously breathed in.

It was not from amazement. It was the opposite. It was because they were overwhelmed.

It was at his courage, where within those feelings of tension, he insisted on cynically showing contempt to the other party, while he maintained his gentle attitude.

“I see.”

General Dali’s slackened jaw shook with a jolt, and his mouth warped into a pleasant one.

“Before one knows it, that bloody tomboy shows her skill.”

“I am but a scrap of the Royal Family. I cannot stay a young girl forever.”

Unintentionally behaving as a spoiled child, Milifica answered.

“By saying that you are but a scrap, you are too humble. Isn’t the princess’ right of inheritance far greater than mine?”

“That’s discourteous. However, for Your Excellency, who has piled up brilliant merits in this war, is it not but a matter of time for your rights of succession to be increased?

Again, within that gentleness, surreptitious cynicism was blended in with his words.

As they faced each other, General Dali forcedly shrugged his shoulders,

“Erm. Then, Princess, you too, especially, have a great need of accumulating merits in this war.”

Similarly acting in concert, he surmised that, with a suggestive tone of voice.

“Nay, that is an unnecessary concern. As I stated in the letter, what I ultimately wish for is to become a soldier and fight. With that, I mean that the sword that I will wield at your side will become Your Excellency’s sword. If we accumulate any merits in this war, they are Your Excellency’s merits.”

With an awfully inferior attitude, Milifica added a bow, with a bob of her head.

Imina, who looked at the chain of the exchange back and forth, finally noticed it.

The reason for why she didn’t let her other comrades interrupt her. The reason for why she, who had been swallowed up by the atmosphere until now, hadn’t shown her courage before the Supreme Commander.

In other words, this negotiation was a battle without using swords.

And Milifica was used to fighting.

It probably was an indirect, disagreeable, exchange, peculiar to the Royal Family – no, high-ranking nobles. While feinting, awaiting the opponent to show its belly, without showing your own – finding out what way one could get to a conclusion and take the winning place.

The graceful attitude was a shield. The subtle sarcasm was poison, the words which caressed the other party were the blades.

This was no act for Imina and the others. Because the only one who could take out the opponent was Milifica.

While thinking of that, he could roughly see the reasons for why they weren’t told, before that fact.

She had said, “General Dali, the Supreme Commander, is expected to be weary of us joining the battle. Therefore, I must negotiate, as it is necessary for him to nod his head at us.”

At the same time as Milifica took them to the front-line, she came there to get him to agree.

However, if General Dali was to refuse, he would like them to return if possible, if they were able to.

That was the reason why she brought out the story of the rights of succession to the throne. Concretely, people did not know who had the greater position in terms of the throne succession order, but from hearsay it seemed that Milifica’s chances were higher than General Dali’s.

And that seemed to be the the reason for why he seemed to be unpleasant to Milifica.

If he were to be a nobody according to her impressions, he would not want to give out merits of war to those with higher rights of succession than him, and he wouldn’t even want to bear the responsibilities from when she was looked after and under her command.

After Milifica had seen through that, she handed over her merits, tackling that problem.

And then, General Dali, who opposed her,

“Anyhow, that is a splendid way of thinking. Those feelings of defending your country, patriotism, I truly admire them. ……However. Nonetheless, as the Supreme Commander, being entrusted with the Princess of Yusala is a headache-inducing problem……”

In answer to his assumed importance,

“Head of Shukua, Sir. My family name is not related to this. This is only my selfishness speaking.”

The next matter – the whereabouts of the responsibility, was promptly tackled.

“I am 18, and my body has recently become that of an adult’s. Whatever my father thinks, the obligations of my speech and conduct are already mine only. Not to mention that it is wartime. What inconvenience is there, for a person of the Royal Family which governs this nation, to come to the front-line and fight? It should be the same for you, Your Excellency.”

“……I see.”

Once again, General Dali stroked his moustache in a disagreeable manner.

Somehow, it seemed to be a habit when he had realised his superiority.

“In other words, Princess. Do you have the resolution to, no matter what happens with your body, bear everything below your name?”

“Naturally. Such are the rules on the battlefield. And I shall indeed abide by those rules.”

With a calm presence, Milifica reacted to General Dali’s diversion.

Stopping the blow – guessing what the other person thought from straight in front of them.

“However…… If I fall on the battlefield, the honour of that death in battle, will not be offered to you, Your Excellency. I would like to offer you my merits of war only.”

“Even if I were to die, it would not be your fault, nor the surroundings.” That she pledged there.

If one were to look from his side, the terms could hardly be more favourable from her presentation.

As for Imina and the others, it was a compromise to the extent of them wondering if they had needed to be there until that point. Of course, because it seemed like they were necessary, it was not hard to imagine. Perhaps, Milifica’s social status – her title as Astzeelen royalty, the daughter of the house of Yusala, the dukeship – could be a burden for her, above what one could imagine.

At the problems which had been tackled, General Dali finally nodded deeply in assent.

“Hmm, I see…… No, the extent of your resolution is quite commendable. If you speak to that extent, it would be discourteous for a person like to me to stop you any longer. Very well.”

“Is it all right for you to grant me this honour?”

“Yes. Your Highness, Princess Milifica, along with your servants, please wield your swords to your hearts’ content in our army!”

While hitting his knees, and declaring that in a loud voice,

“Thank you, Your Highness. We are delighted.”

Milifica said, reverently kneeling and bowing her head. Imina and the others also continued to do so.

While they fell to their knees, Fream, Raimi, and the others, exhaled in relief. Leaving aside their feelings that it wasn’t necessary for Milifica to treat him with that much courtesy, they were finally released from that stress, and became relieved. In any case, the negotiations were successful, and they felt joy.

However – just before their gazes fell to the carpet as they bowed their heads.

The instant that they left his field of view, General Dali’s facial expression changed, which probably Imina only noticed.

His smile.

It was obviously different to the haughty and menial smile tinged with sarcasm that he had shown until now. It was a sly and wile face, which smiled in delight as if to say “I did it!”.

–What’s with that guy?

Imina’s spine chilled.

Those chills were correct, which became evident at once.

The Royal Family of Astzeelen.

During the 1,500 year-long history of the Empire of Miðgarð, successive Emperors had appeared one after another throughout nearly half of it – 650 years – the Empire having the most famous tribe.

Those who were born as royalty, and those who were connected to them by blood, were to live close together in the light and the darkness, and the glory and schemes of the Royal Family, without any exceptions.

And then – Dali Shukua Astzeelen, who Imina had thought to be a nobody, still was a part of the Royal Family, and while he had lived to see months and years as a part of the Royal Family, Milifica still could not hold a candle to him, seemingly still a young girl.

It was the night of that very day.

Until the final decision about their posting had been made, they were led to beds and food, in the lodging houses for guests – to one part of the building which had been raised adjacent to the multi-storeyed building.

Imina and the others were summoned by Milifica, and gathered into her room.

It was a plain bedroom. The space was about four metres all around, with nothing more than a fire place and a bed, a desk for official purposes, and a clothing rack. Though a carpet was laid out, there were no other decorations. For example, if a part of the Royal Family were to come here, wouldn’t it be a little too frugal, even if it was the battlefield? Was it the way of life of the Empire Army, or was it simply that General Dali’s reception was poor?

However, it was better than the rooms that Imina and the others had. There, each gender was shut up in one room apiece, with no fireplace nor a desk for official purposes.

Everyone who was assembled looked at Milifica, who had sat down on her bed, first saying something in a frustrated manner.

“……I’ve done it.”

On the rough stone wall, the fireplace’s flames, which illuminated the Her Highness, the Princess’ shadow, wavered.

“It’s my lack of ability. I was too soft.”

As soon as they were invited, she said something incomprehensible, as well as in an anxious manner. With a bewildered face, Sashtal Dei asked on behalf of everyone, while frowning,

“Nn, you’re not calm in any way. Anything happened, Princess?”

His tone of voice was the same as always, to put it better, leisurely; if one was to deprecate it, it was a flippant way of speaking. However, regarding the place, his attitude succeeded in rebuking the other party.

Milifica suddenly smiled.

“I’m sorry. It was too sudden, wasn’t it.”

However, even so, the the atmosphere clad in heaviness did not clear up.

“It’s this. ……Please have a look.”

Standing up, holding the sealed letter that was on the desk, she took out the contents and opened them.

Presented with that, Sashtal received it as the representative, and everyone peered into it from his behind.

On that short letter, a family crest-like, patterned stamp, with a rose and quiver, was applied.

It was a notice of personal change. What was written down, was:

“The assignment and rank of Milifica Yusala Astzeelen and her accompanying party, bearing the following responsibilities:

Assignment: Third Army, Second Division, Eighth Battalion ‘The Order of the White Wolves’

Milifica Yusala Astzeelen: New Commander of the Aforementioned Order

Sashtal Dei: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned Order

Fream Eiza: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned Order

Imina Haimatie: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned Order

Laimi Selea-Shutimeryl: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned Order

Ellis Ivy: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned Order

Furthermore, regarding the Five names which have the Rank “Assistant Commander”, the contents of their duties will be completely entrusted to the New Commander.”

“Is anything wrong with this?”

To Imina, it looked like a fairly ordinary notice of personnel change. Ellis’ name was properly changed to “Ivy” as opposed to “Endveil” – he was simply relieved at that assumed name, which was used in human society. Though it was different when they were in villages and towns around there, at the frontlines that the military maintained, the enemy side’s clan names could be well-known.

However, no-one answered Imina’s question.

After several seconds of silence, the one who opened his mouth was Fream.

“What’s…… this.”

It was a low voice.

It was truly the same as when they had discussed with General Dali earlier during the day, the irritation when he had screwed around, earlier on.

However, the surprise and confusion which were mixed within his voice and words was beyond what had happened before. And, if you were to take a look, all members’ presences were dyed with anger and bewilderment, just like Fream, with the exceptions of Imina and Ellis.

“It ain’t a joke. Aren’t we new recruits?”, Fream said.

“I thought that we weren’t welcomed, but this?”, Sashtal said.

“Th, this……I, what should I do……?”, Laimi said.

Only Imina and Ellis, who didn’t understand the meaning, stared blankly.

As one would expect, he asked.

“Could you please explain how this is bad? You guys, why do you look so depressed?”

Fream raised his voice from behind, in exasperation.

“Oi, matie, surely you ain’t saying “This ain’t a big deal”, are you? Still, this sure is an important thing, you know?”

“No, it’s different, Fream.”

Sashtal shook his head in a strained manner, his tone of voice differing from his usual flippant one.

“It’s because Imina and his lot doesn’t understand the organisation of the ranks of the army. Isn’t it?”

“In other words, there’s a problem with the posting?”

He asked again.

Though he descended a mountain in order to volunteer for the army, it wasn’t like he knew everything about it. Fream and the others, who had attended the Drill Academy over there, were knowledgeable.

“Well, I will speak. In brief, this is what has happened.”

Like that, Fream started to speak to Imina and Ellis.

“I wonder if that’s fine……”

The reason–.

Ultimately, the army is a group of soldiers bound under command.

Therefore, in order to lead them, it is necessary to divide them into units to organise them easily.

In the Empire Army, the smallest unit consists of ten squadrons.

Literally comprised of one group of ten people, so that whatever situation came up in times of war, those ten people can always fight together, cooperation in combat being mandatory. One person is appointed to lead and compile that Squad of Ten, similarly transmitting orders from above to the troops, and taking responsibility regarding their duties. As a class, the Squad of Ten is no different to normal rank-and-file soldiers, while the rank which the Commander holds is that of a non-commissioned officer.

Gathered together, ten of those Squads of Ten becomes a unit of one hundred people – a Company of One Hundred.

Those which command this Company are arranged for differently from those who command the personnel in the Company of One Hundred. The person who leads the Company of One Hundred, is named a Commander of One Hundred. Those who assist the Commanders of One Hundred, are non-commissioned officers, their ranks higher than the Commanders of Ten. Due to the progress of battle and the details of the tactics, the Companies are to be divided in half, of fifty people each, and moved as platoon units, the commanders, by convention, being the Commanders of One Hundred and their assistants.

Finally, multiple Companies of One Hundred are to be called Battalions, or Orders of Chivalry.

The supreme commanders of those, a non-commissioned officer – are either nobles of high standing, or people of many merits, which had repeatedly been promoted. As for those commissioned officers, it is normal to have multiple, exclusive, assistants, holding the roles of military staff and messengers. The Orders of Chivalry, private to the nobles, typically has, compared to the Companies of One Hundred, from two to seven times the scale of troops; if one only were to look at faces, the individual state of war and tactics, those Orders of Chivalry would be the largest units.

Naturally, depending on the scale of war, even greater units – brigades of 1.000 units, divisions of 5.000 units, and corps of 10.000 units can be formed, and those who command those units would become well known – their names would reverberate as heroes. In order for them to hold this role, it would be necessary for them to hold nobility, above a marquis’ level.

Here, the total number of soldiers who fought at the Great Fortress of Astzeelen, is approximately 30.000. An unit the size of three Corps, a body of a large army, the size being on a scale that practically can not be seen, even if one were to look back into the history of the Empire. Since the invention of inorganic necromancy, the optimization of the army has increased due to the soldiers’ remarkably increased personal strength, it is the first number of soldiers from the reduction of the army’s numbers.

“In brief, that’s that.”

After Fream had spoken that much in one breath, while he briskly shook his head, the same facial expression, with intermingled anger and bewilderment, reappeared.

“I do not know how large the scale of this ‘Order of the White Wolves’ is.”

Milifica took over his explanation, with a serious face.

“Lord Dali says to me, that I shall take command of several hundreds of soldiers, from tomorrow.”

“……I get it.”

Finally, Imina understood.

Surely, this notice was – seeing that they were simply only new recruits which had come to the battlefield, not a joke.

“It is my fault. I looked down on Sir Dali. I never thought that it would happen this way……”

“As for the ‘New’ Commander, it seems to be bad.”

While Sashtal held up the notice and flapped it around, he sighed, wearing a bitter smile too.

“In other words, this ‘Order of the White Wolves’ either had no leader from the beginning, or it was denoted with this notice – one of those two options, right?”

“In what way is it bad? Please tell me properly, now.”

In relation to this subject, Imina was completely ignorant, and could not even grasp the details. Therefore, he frankly asked the question.

Smiling and nodding, Sashtal continued.

“As an army, however much one is to tear off the arms and legs of it, what is kept alive, first and foremost, is the head of the army. That is the nature it holds. In a case where there is no leader, in other words, if they have been killed in battle, or thought to be discharged, that indicates the value of the group. Was the leader killed in the confusion in the background of the battlefield, or was the party so bad that the leader wanted to resign? Well, if the leader was of a depraved character, the former case wouldn’t be impossible…… Anyway, assuming command of that Order of Chivalry all of a sudden is a lot of responsibility.”

“Because it may be a jumble of people who are good-for-nothing, you mean?”

“Aye. ……Well, there are different possibilities too. But, there is trouble in that. It’s because the predecessor has been denoted and replaced with Milifica. If the former leader was liked, the soldiers will hate us. Even if that isn’t true, the predecessor is sure to hate us. I guess, becoming, for instance, the same Order of Chivalry’s Assistant Commanders is probable.”

–That’s how it was.

That surely was an evil notice, full of inner feelings.

“Whatever we choose, it’s not we’ll be well thought of by the other soldiers.”

Fream raised his voice in indignation and excitement.

“For a rank-and-file, isn’t the boss is the one who you entrust your own life to? By one single order by the Commander, you can be either kept alive or killed. Depending on the situation, you can die if you don’t abide by the orders. To the soldiers, making the impossible possible is the leader’s own trust and accomplishments. However, it’s hard to say, but……”

“It’s not necessary to be afraid of what others think, Fream. It’s obvious. If looked at from the viewpoint of a soldier, I am but a young girl from the Drill Academy, who does not yet know war. Of course, I have neither any trust nor any accomplishments.”

“But, we’re the same as you.”

Though he showed signs of agreement, Sashtal didn’t become comfortable.

“If Milifica is a young girl that does not know war, we are the young boys who tag along.”

She couldn’t deny that.

The guys in the ‘Order of the White Wolves’ would certainly hold that impression, when they met them.

“In that case, it would be standard practice installed on an Assistant Commander of the Order. If our princess were to complete the assignment on the battlefield without a hitch like that, it would unmistakably be like that.”

“……I see.”

It would be out of the question for the people with high standing and royalty to be stationed among normal rank-and-file soldiers and non-commissioned officers; even if they were to be promoted, a a commissioned officer’s standing still would be higher. One one hand, they couldn’t suddenly take command of a location, nor perish in battle if it went wrong. Therefore, they took the middle road, making do with becoming mere decorations side by side to experienced commissioned officers – that’s how it was.

If they had no talent, they would not become hindrances, if they had talent they would distinguish themselves – however it turned out, the configuration was good. In reality, there were many nobles and much royalty which had done so, historically speaking.

“I, I knew it…… No matter how I look at it, this, it’s weird.”

Raimi said, with an uneasy face and a quivering voice.

“Isn’t this left out from the letter? H, however much maliciousness the General has……. It’s, too cruel. It’s impossible, innit!?”

With an “Isn’t there an error in that notice?”.

Hanging her petite head with round-framed glasses on,she asserted with a face that seemed to cling to hope.

However, Milifica shaked her head to Raimi.

“No. That is not the case. This is surely intentionally arranged by General Dali. I…… I lost to him. I mistook his objective, and I looked down on his skill.”

Regarding politics.

Milifica added those few words to what she just had said.

Politics. In other words, the conflict and antagonism of the fellow royalty, surrounding power.

That was transmitted to everyone in that place – finally, it was possible for the confusion to be settled, each time – that girl spoke in a simple way.

“Indeed, it would be strange if he didn’t think to that extent. What he was fixated on was, first and foremost, his status and self-perservation, that’s why he was the same as royalty…… Nevertheless, my succession rights to the throne being higher than him, I thought that he would disagree with my actions. He wouldn’t want to carry the duties of such a person’s subordinates. If it were to turn for the worse and they would die in battle, it would also be a mistake. If by any chance they were to accept merit, it would be yet another burden, if he could, he would like them to return – he thought to that extent.”

At the conversation at the time, Imina and the others thought the same. He looked to be such a man. Because they were of the impression that he would be a nobody with a sharp tongue, a dull man who held both haughtiness and meniality.

They were wrong – it was an outrageous misunderstanding.

“General Dali was truly both bold and cunning. He aimed further ahead. And to the contrary of my compromise ‘If we were to perish in battle, our responsibilities will be our alone.’, he looked forward, his hand of cards advancing forward step-by-step, and he used it. ……No, possibly, I may have been induced to say that. He might have been waiting for me to get overconfident and be lured in.”

“You don’t say…… The rights of succession, you mean?”

Sashtal inquired – yet again trembling in amazement and surprise.

“But, Milifica. You’re definitely in twelfth place, are you not……”

“Yes. General Dali is in fifteenth place. Ordinarily, if we were to think, the likelihood of ascending to the throne is practically none, for both myself and him. However, some people among the royalty think like so: ‘If I defeat around ten people or so, I can become the next king.’ And General Dali…… Was a person who would think like that.”

Everyone just understood Milifica’s regret and the gloomy atmosphere that she was clad in.

Not only Sashtal, everyone trembled.

“In brief, General Dali seemingly wants to kill me, if there is a chance.”

The intention of Milifica, who said that she wanted to fight on the front line, was surely granted – as she was to become the Commander of an Order of Chivalry.

However, the Order of Chivalry probably would not welcome her at all. On the contrary, they would look down on her, ostracise her, and perhaps be prone to shoot her from the background of the battlefield.

The promise that no-one would bear the responsibility if they were to perish in battle, was taken from her. These were the front-lines, the blood-drenched battlefield where violent struggles were made. It would not be strange if a commissioned officer were to perish in battle.

Of course, even if she were to escape the death in battle, the satisfaction and assessment of Milifica’s leadership would plummet. If her assessment were to fall, she would be dismissed and sent back to the Royal Capital. And like that, it would be the final failure of the foolish Princess who, of her own accord, proceeded toward the battlefield and usurped one single Order of Chivalry. Her rights of succession would surely also be moved down.

“Pardon me, it’s my duty. I erred in predicting this.”

At that apology which was repeated a countless amount of times, not one single person answered.

Within that pensive atmosphere, the silence coldly resounded on the stone walls.

Of course, no-one blamed Milifica. Everyone was aware that there was nothing that she could have done. Even thinking about it after all his tricks had been revealed, after that “discussion” that was more like a “negotiation”, no one could think of a good idea for what they should have done instead.

Even so, quitting the participation in the war, and returning? Impossible.

Bowing their heads and asking to change their assignment and post? There was no chance that their wishes would be granted.

However, if that was the case.

The one thing they were to do – the one thing they could do, there was no choice to do.

“However I say it, it won’t be redone.”

Imina lifted his head, looking out over everyone, and weakly smiled.

“Prepare yourself for the worst, Milifica. This is your battle. There is no helping it if you lose your first battle, but it doesn’t mean that you’ll die the next time, right? Then, you’d better stand up and fight.”

–He was the same.

Even if his limbs were cut off, even if his heart was pierced.

Even if he was defeated and his home town was burned, his acquaintances slaughtered – thus, he currently lived for nothing more. As long as you live, you can fight in order to win.

“If you aren’t welcomed, make them yield to you by force. If they are jabbering, make them silent through your abilities. If they look down on you, glare back at them. Even if they shoot arrows at you from behind, everyone will protect you.”

Of course, it wasn’t like Imina didn’t have any feelings of irritation.

Even though he had arrived at the battlefield at great pains, even though he wanted to thrust his sword into the throats of the Elves at quickly as possible, he was obstructed by humans who were supposed to be his allies. Were the foolish things that had happened really good? Was it really possible to be superior in this war, when in a foolish tug-of-war?

However. Nay – for that reason.

It was impossible for him to lose the comrades who he had gained at great pains again.

“This is a good opportunity. No matter the shape and circumstances, you have acquired one Order or Chivalry.”

General Dali’s plans took advantage of that Milifica would perish in battle, or possibly that she would be overthrown within that war.

Overturning that annoying scheme and getting the better of him was the only chance for survival.

Receiving Imina’s glance, Milifica showed a face that seemed to be troubled and amazed.

“A commissioned officer that that doesn’t know about war at all, leading soldiers who will shun me, receiving merits of war…… it it? So that’s what you mean, do you?”

“Aye, indeed. That’s what I’m saying. However, it’s not like it’s completely absurd.”

As for cohesive power, Milifica had an aptitude for that nature. It wasn’t just her demeanour from her being raised as royalty. Her face, voice, and so on, all had the power to charm people, it was said. Though he felt a little ill at ease when thinking back about her face, which was just like his older sister’s – thinking back, Uruha too had such a disposition, where hers too mysteriously was liked by other people. In that aspect, their faces could be the same.

Therefore, if she demonstrated her abilities and showed the results, the people who accompanied her surely would increase.

Moreover–,

“You know, Milifica. Everyone too.”

Ellis, who had been silent so far, spoke, seeing everyone from behind.

Excluding Imina, everyone had a puzzled face.

That was because she was smiling.

“I don’t get much about neither the war nor the army. However, I think I was glad…… about this notice.”

She looked at the notice that lay on the desk – with relief.

“Because our posts are the same. Because we have the same posts in the same unit. Because, that means that everyone can be together, even though we are on the battlefield. I’m relieved that we aren’t all scattered around, you know?”

Everyone was amazed at what she had pointed out.

“Ah……”

“……Indeed.”

“So, that’s it.”

“When you say that, it’s a blessing in disguise.”

Everyone unanimously changed into facial expressions that seemed to say that they had obtained salvation.

Imina took a glance at Ellis’ profile, and secretly smiled.

Because her words spoke for Imina, who was embarassed and couldn’t say them.

In reality, this was a move that General Dali had missed.

When he had created the plan to advance in the Right of Succession, he hadn’t seen Milifica as a target. He perceived that Imina and the others were mere supplementary attendants and nothing special, throwing them into the same basket without exerting caution. It was natural. For instance, if you were to burn a criminal, there would be few people who would think to strip him and set aside the clothes. Even more if those clothes looked like rags. Even if the clothes were made of asbestos that surely would protect against the fire, he could not imagine the blade, hidden within the sleeve, that was to cut the rope of crucifixion.

“Milifica ain’t alone, and we ain’t alone either. It’s fine, as along as we can be together. If we all fight together, there won’t be any scary people, y’know.”

Ellis’ positive words became hope and spread to everyone, sublimating into some kind of fighting spirit-like uplift. She had that sort of character. The quality differed from Milifica’s cohesive power, but Ellis still had something similar – it was because they both were born and raised in a sovereign lineage.

“Ha, somehow the atmosphere grew enormous. I’m both scared and trembling with excitement, yo.”

While Fream’s face grew red through tension, he still clenched his fist and spoke.

“Some kids that just have left the Drill Academy, to control an Order of Chivalry that has ganged up against them? I’m laughing.”

Sashtal’s flippant tone of voice reverberated gallantly somewhere.

“I, I’m hiding behind you…… But I’ll do my best, even though I’m behind you!”

Raimi spoke timidly, yet mustering her courage.

“Yeah. ……General Dali held us in contempt. I will make him regret it.”

Milifica looked over them, clad in some kind of roguish naivete.

All while Imina sensed that everyone, both male and female, were trustworthy.

“If that lot in the Order of Chivalry gets all noisy, I’ll silence them.”

With one stroke, he gripped the hilt of the sword worn on his back — “Exellis”, and bared his teeth.

“Slaughtering Demons and Demon Beasts, thrusting my sword into Elves’ hearts…… Is this the guy that can do it well, on this battlefield? If that’s the case, I’d better do it.”

One could say that everyone’s anxiety had cleared out like mist.

Nevertheless, Imina and the others’ morale and determination was higher than their uneasiness.

At least for the night, there would be no-one who could disturb their sleep through fear. Even if they wouldn’t sleep, that would undoubtedly be through their uplift, for sure.

The sky that had dawned after the night, was fair, as if it was clear.

That was completely unsuitable for a battlefield smeared with blood; however, on the other hand, what unfolded made people realise that the conflict was completely unrelated to the weather.

Of course, Imina and the others had yet to go down to the battlefield, which lay on the Great Plains of Mi Lea. First of all, a rite of passage was necessary in order to acquire the qualifications to go there – even if it was disagreeable.

In one corner of the Great Fortress of Astzeelen, in one office within the walls.

There, the Eighth Battalion of the Second Division of the Third Army’s Front Maintenance Forces of the Great Fortress of Astzeelen – “The Knights of the White Wolves”, lay assembled, only in order to receive the just-assigned new leader.

It was a group of outlaws that seemed, at a glance, not to have one single ounce of dignity.

At a glance, the characters of the appearances that could be felt were few and far between.

A grim man with an unshaven face, who had renounced his care of them.

A military man, whose many wounds on his limbs and face made him look ill-mannered.

A gaudy woman who looked similar to a prostitute.

A giant, often mistaken for an ogre, with a ferocious countenance within his big frame.

A middle-aged man, whose demeanor looked more suitable for the position of a thief, rather than a soldier.

A girl with a sadistic appearance, whose hobby could be said to harass the men with her scimitar.

Indiscriminate even though he was in the battlefield, a man of slender build – his tidy looks being that of a cheater.

A boy with dull eyes on whom a menial smile rested, his clothes filthy–.

Within that bunch, the gender ratio was five to one. The rank and files were disorderly lined up far away, everyone glaring at Milifica, who stood on the bench of the military command.

What was put into their gazes was hostility and bloodlust, along with ridicule and mockery.

Even to Imina who was waiting in the background, it was painful. How much of the attention was at Milifica, who stood in the front of the military command; directly opposite?

Their feelings were that they had swallowed a bitter bug. 2

The night before, they had investigated to some extent on what kind of force the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves was. Sashtal Dei snuck into a soldier’s lodging house with a bottle of sake in one hand, and skilfully got some information.

Their reputation was terrible.

According to the soldiers, they were a group of people who were crowded out, a jumble of problem children, unmanageable, the final garbage dump for those who were driven off. Even if they went out on the battlefield, they wouldn’t try to fight properly. They would go after the weakened prey that other squads had left behind, and present them as their own merits of war. Some would even say that it would be proper to call them not wolves, but foxes.

When actually seeing them before their eyes, the critique could be said to be quite reasonable.

Indeed, this was a group of bandits more than an Order of Chivalry, a crowd of robbers.

“I have been appointed to become the Commander from this day. The name’s Milifica Yusala Astzeelen.”

While the ruffians listened, Milifica raised her voice, passing well along.

“Though I have become this position under the orders of His Excellency the General, I still am a new recruit who has come from the Drill Academy just a few days ago. There will be many places to where I won’t reach. Together with my assistants, which are behind me, I will receive instructions from you, you soldiers of long military service, and I would like to acquire the strength appropriate for my position.”

As a first greeting, it was not bad. It was not pompous, nor over-deprecating, and as royalty it was friendly. If it were a normal Order of Chivalry, an applause would occur.

However – whatever kind of greeting it would be, it still would not reach a person who was disinterested in accepting it directly.

There was no response from the group members.

In other words, it was negligible.

Assuming an applause was deserved, not even a single jeer or whistle was heard. Even though their presence was that of overflowing malice, they looked back pointedly, not even trying to meet her eyes. Having said that, it was not like any commotion had blazed up, as no-one opened their mouths – in other words, they feigned indifference on purpose.

Inevitably, an awkward atmosphere followed. Although, the only people that felt the awkwardness were the people here.

“What’s this……”

Imina knit his brows.

One could feel that they felt unnatural in their conduct.

In other words, compared to their outward appearances, they were spiteful.

If they were that kind of people, they should have been able to raise their voices in crude banter and throwing stones, doing more of that kind of direct, bullying, behaviour. Rather, they frowned as if they thought of only doing that kind of method. At the very least, it was unlikely that they would intend to use those degenerate, ignorant means.

In other words, was it not like this idea didn’t resemble their idea?

Wasn’t it like they were following someone else’s orders?

And, the one who had spoken the order–,

“You people are disrespectful, aren’t you? The New Commander is meeting you. Do you neither salute nor applaud?”

It was certain that it was because of that man, who calmly walked out of the upper part of the gate.

“……Sir Amaïz.”

Milifica called out his name in a voice lower than usual.

“Why, I’m sorry, Princess. Anyhow, our group members’ manners are bad.”

That person – Amaïz Shulieta, halted at the Table of Command, and looked up at Milifica, and shrugged his shoulders in a significant manner.

The new Assistant Commander of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves. In other words, the former Commander of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves.

It was a young man of a high stature, his characteristic being that his smile distorted like a cramp.

His age could have been around 30 years old. His long hair, gathered at the back, and his tough limbs, were those of an experienced soldier – if one were to see only that, they would get the impression that he was brawny. However, from his facial expression that was full of scorn and his presence, the meniality of his insides revealed itself and was easy to see. Rather than fighting fair-and-square with a sword, he seemed to be proud to shoot a person to death by shooting an arrow from behind.

From then, the first meeting was one hour ago, but on that occasion, everyone understood that with a single glance. That that person was under the patronage of General Dali.

In an unabashed manner, he did not try to hide the rowdiness of the rowdy group members behind him.

“Well, please overlook it. Their manners are bad, but on the flip side their loyalty is high as knights. At the companions which I have approved, understand the etiquette satisfactorily, won’t you?”

–It truly was not a joke at all.

He unconsciously sighed. Though he understood that they would be harassed, from the very beginning?

Still, regarding the young girl of eighteen, would they really sit silently, stone-faced at the meeting in order to harass her?

An urge to kill nearly leaked out from the back of his body. The enemies of Imina were the Elves. The ones who he had to fight were the Elves who would come down from the mountains and camped on the plains. There was no reason for him to be quarrelling with other humans. Nevertheless, for what reason did they stifle him? Was the front-line so slow that one could not help but stand in the way of others of the same race like that?.

Just before his mind sharpened his line of sight, Milifica spoke, as if to hold it back.

“They are promising soldiers. The honour of our Empire, aren’t they?”

With a soft attitude, which ultimately was intended for the soldiers, she gave a broad smile.

That was what she, since she was very young, had cultivated – the ability of royalty. A mesmerizing smile which penetrated other people’s hearts.

“……Oh.”

A few group members, as if they were fascinated, looked blankly. There were also people who whistled, seemingly unconsciously. The amount of people who averted their eyes at the awkwardness was not one dozen, not two. There still, of course, was a majority of people who persisted in ignoring her – however, the still were, in that moment, aware of the young girl named Milifica.

Imina also regained his composure in her attitude,

It was all right, he thought. There was no need to doubt it. The princess was reliable beyond what he could fathom.

“……Judging by the current reaction.”

Sashtal, standing next to him, quietly whispered, with a subdued voice.

“It doesn’t seem like those guys will follow Amais’s orders like monoliths.”

“Aye.”

His line of sight without change, he too quietly responded.

“That Assistant Commander doesn’t seem to have the qualities of one.”

It didn’t seem that Amaïz had gathered enough trust for this group to completely pledge allegiance to him. It was probably through money, or possibly through authority. There could also be people who felt dissatisfied with following orders.

“It seems like many people haven’t come, right?”

It was just like Sashtal had said.

According to the documents that were handed over, The ‘Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves’ was supposed to consist of 342 members, all in all. Within that place, only about 200 people had gathered, at a glance. Following their orders and standing in line since morning; being treated differently than other groups was bothersome for them.

Whatever had happened, it was necessary to break down the current state of affairs first.

That was Milifica’s duty, and there was no choice but to leave it to her as much as possible.

Within the depths of the princess’ dignified voice lay a subtle thorn, addressing the Assistant Commander.

“Nevertheless, for these strong soldiers of long military service to pledge allegiance to me like this, it would be a cruel tale. Because for the members of an Order of Chivalry, the Commander is the one who they entrust their lives to. To give up their lives to a young girl who just has appeared, knowing nothing of war, such a thing is so impulsive that it has passed recklessness.”

“You are quite right. Then, how do you think that it shall be done?”

Milifica responded to Amaïz, who seemed to examine her in order to evaluate her.

“How about you have the command, Sir Amaïz, as it has been entrusted to you until now? For all intents and purposes, I believe that it would be proper for me to learn about your work from your side as the Assistant Commander?”

“Erm. Surely, as you are a commissioned officer of noble birth, that would be customary.”

However – even though he nodded at Milifica’s words, he did not approve of them.

“However, are you not forgetting something, Princess? The one who has placed you here in this Order of Chivalry is none other than His Excellency, General Dali himself, through his notice. Someone like me cannot possibly understand it…… I’m certain that His Excellency has some kind of profound plan that someone like me cannot possibly understand. I cannot disregard this, disobeying His Excellency’s orders.”

Imina’s anger had subsided and he started to snicker.

There were no words for this much hypocritical courtesy. He admired even the glimpses of maliciousness from Amaïz’s indirect manner,.

“……In other words, you.”

Behind her gentle manner, she, sharpening her presence, retaliated.

“You say to me, that according to the notice, I must take command of this battalion as a leader to the end, do you? However, the group members do not accept me as it stands. In these circumstances, it seems like we cannot face war at all. Then, what should I do?”

“It’s easy, Princess.”

Amaïz Shulieta’s corners of his mouth cramped, as if she had hit the nail on the head.

“It would be fine if the group members were to approve of you. Right now, right here. Whatever technique you use, it’s no problem. You may also speak only through enthusiasm, or you may bow your head and request this of them.”

And he threw that extremely coarse banter at Milifica.

“How about that you persuade every person one-by-one through their bedrooms? As someone as beautiful as yourself, there might be some people who change their minds, haha!”

He raised his hand while he spoke. The group members, united, roared with laughter.

“Those guys……!”

Fream, who was behind Imina, unconsciously raised his voice. Of course, he was not alone in his blood rushing to his head. Likewise, Raimi, who looked down, also frustratedly shook her fists. Even Sashtal, who usually was cool, wore a bitter face.

Possibly through Amaïz’s order, someone shouted from among the group members.

“Oi, she’s nice, I’m tired of nothing but cheap hookers!”

In response to that, jeering spread all around.

“Eh, feel grateful that royalty will service you, will ya!”

“Her body’s a little thin but her face is the best, isn’t it.”

“Ah, I might be curious about her wielding a sword.”

“Gyahaha, what sword!”

“Hey, how about the little sissy attendants help her?”

“The glasses are a little bit small, but the material ain’t bad.”

“Oi, look at the other side, ain’t there an outrageous woman there, huh?”

“You serious? The chick on the left side, take off your hood and show us, will you?”

He couldn’t bear to listen to even one of the voices that were raised.

“……Milifica, what should I do?”

Imina took one step forward, and asked at the back of the girl, who bore the full brunt of it.

“It’s different from the arrangement…… Is it OK for me to silence them?”

However, she shook her head.

“No, it’s fine. I will return the current.”

She faintly looked back, and smiled.

And, immediately turned around – after a few paces.

“Amaïz Shulieta, I inquire from you!”

Milifica shouted.

The volume was not so great. It was not related to the thirst for blood either. It pierced through the gaps in the mockery that flew about, which did not go past her well-projected voice. However through that – only through that, the half-open mouths of the shouting group members solidified, as if water was poured on them.

The jeering stopped. The atmosphere fell silent.

Before they were aware of it, everyone looked at Milifica.

It was not like she would be paralyzed from being overpowered. Within her presence, there was no sternness.

That was her “cohesive force”.

With her voice only, she drew the interest of the crowd of ruffians toward her. Rather than following the orders of their former leader, it seemed it was more fun to look at the tendencies of the new leader.

In the silence, Milifica continued.

“So this is the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves? Which you have raised up until yesterday, who have advanced in the battlefield with you, who have pledged allegiance to you – is this the state of your Order of Chivalry?”

“A……about that.”

Amaïz hesitated.

“A commissioned officer is the one who leads the Order of Chivalry, in waging war. The Order of Chivalry is what is lead, and what wages war. Both the commissioned officers and the Order of Chivalry are in the same boat, namely that the war that the commissioned officer wages is also a war of the Order of Chivalry. Then…… This is the war that you wage? So, you mean to say that throwing vulgar words like stones at a young girl like me is the war of Amaïz Shulieta?”

“Uh……”

There was no reply. Instead, what she heard, was the sound of teeth grinding.

It was natural, it seemed. He could neither affirm nor deny those words. Even if he were to answer yes; even if he were to answer no, Amaïz’s position would be lost.

The only one who could possibly stay cheerful here, was now Milifica alone.

Therefore, she came down from the Table of Command, glaring at Amaïz, and surveyed the group of ruffians.

After that, she glanced at Imina and the others–.

“The people that are here, are soldiers who are with me. Though it is a small force, it is my, daring, Order of Chivalry. With this small Order of Chivalry, shall I have you see our war from now on?”

“Wh, at……”

Before being asked what he were to do, his sword was pulled out from his waist.

Thrusting the tip of the sword before Amaïz’s eyes, she said bluntly:

“What you are supposed to say, is ‘Please let me see your war’. Where is the closest point of exit to here? Let’s make our debut, and through one single military gain, show everyone. We will teach you how a war of an Order of Chivalry can be any kind of war, primarily speaking.”

The atmosphere became as silent as broken ice.

Of course, not even Amaïz spoke, nor did anyone in the Order of Chivalry raise their voice.

Not even one jeer flew around. Everyone gasped.

That was of course bacause all of the boys and girls which accompanied Milifica wore deadly serious faces.

Without showing fear, it wasn’t a bluff – but, they were indifferent.

It was like a matter of course that she, with only six people, was to make her debut.

“……Then…”

In order to comply with Milifica, Imina produced the Falchion which he wore at his waist.

Lightly shaking the sword with a slight wag – he restrained the urges to kill which were overflowing at present.

Of course, he did not display that on purpose.

It was in order to inspire the comrades who were to go towards the front-line.

It was a demonstration, facing the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves.

And, above all, it was for himself.

Imina laughed.

“I got tired from waiting. At last, it’s the first campaign. …….Let’s go and kill, to our hearts’ content.”

About one third of the members of the Order of Chivalry reacted to Imina’s thirst for blood with a jump; about one half of them opened their eyes wide, their eyes tainted with the colour of cowardice. Though it was only a few people, there were some who curved the corners of their mouth as if they were intrigued.

Anyhow, even among the cowards, there seemed to be some decent people – even if they were few.

FOOTNOTES:

1. A kind of frame which is strapped to your back and loaded with stuff.
2. An idiom for not liking something.

Volume 2: Chapter 1 Passing the Fate of Ashes, Arriving at the Green Abyss.It was midnight when the news of his death came.From his death, over one week had passed.To the south, the mountain range Mi Neu lay, overlooking the northern extremities of the Great Plains of Mi Lea there, the staff officers of the Frontline Troops of the Elven Army had assembled at the Tent of Engagement.The young girl, who bore the role of messenger, perhaps had turned ten. Even compared to the Elves, who as a whole were considered to be handsome, she had especially beautiful features. There was a lot of deliberate bodily exposure, from the lascivious silk that coiled around her body. That was a major preference of where she was raised.Behind the tent, she let out a carrying voice, though she was of a slender build.Messenger!From where?After a few moments, pausing before he answered, a man in his prime of life made his appearance. He was a warrior with a grim face, and an eye patch over his right eye, frowning at the immodest girl.However, that only lasted for a moment.The man Ji Tig Endveil had a nimble mind, sensing that the messenger was property of someone else. As far as he knew, having a maiden of such a young age under one's control,Nokt and Mikt, is it.It could only be those twins, those daughters of the poisonous flower.Yes.As her Chiefs' names were called, the messenger bowed her head.The contents?It is important, highly classified information. For your personal ears only.Ji Tig looked behind him, glancing at the innermost part of the tent while shaking his head.Doesn't matter. Speak here. Only the Clan Leaders are here.She couldn't feel the presences of any other people. It's fine, isn't it., she thought.Understood. Then..Unlike humans, Elves never utilise letters for the transmission of information. The reason for that is because when the contents of a letter fall into the enemy's hands, it is a simple matter for the information to be leaked.Especially if the state of affairs was that the humans were the enemy as if a messenger could shamelessly be caught by a human. And, incidentally, if an Elf were to be caught, it would be too proud to confess the chances would definitely be zero. Compared to the chances of carelessly dropping the letter, the chances of it being stolen are much higher, was the view shared by the Elven tribe.The girl spoke the message that she had relayed from her Chief.Before long, though it was a normal day, Ji Dig's face became more grim than ever.Is that so?After he had heard the contents, he nodded weakly.The message has definitely reached me. Please pass on to Nokt and Mikt that I will contact the others, including the bereaved family. Everything shall be carried out. As it is wartime right now, I guess that the funeral will need to be postponed.I have heard you.Together with the answer, her lowered head bowed even further. When she moved, a scent of white lotus drifted from her silk.Before the fragrance had disappeared, the girl stood up and returned.Then, I will get going.The environment around the tent was the profound Elven Forest. The overgrown, emerald-green darkness of the spirit grass and spirit trees which housed highly-concentrated spirit energy. As one of the Elven tribe, who were good in the dark, the messenger disappeared in the middle of darkness.Ji Dig passed under the tent's curtain while letting out a faint sigh.He turned toward the young man who had sat himself down at the Table of Command at the inside of the tent.Did you hear it?To the question, the man answered,Yes.Their gazes dropped to the map of the Great Plains of Mi Lea that lay outstretched on the Table of Command, which was elevated.His hair, which flowed like mercury, was illuminated in the flames of the candlelight, sparkling faintly. His extended, slender ears, lying down in the opening next to his hair, were red faintly exposed by the steam from the candle. On the one hand, his complexion was white, resembling ice. His beautiful face, often mistaken for a woman's, which had a shuddering amount of sex appeal, also balanced with his solemnity, which inspired awe in others.I heard all of it, Dig, my uncle.The young man who was the nephew of Ji Dig Endveil and the Clan Elder of the Endveil family, while simultaneously being the Commander-in-Chief of the Frontline Troops of the Elven Army Shirjis Endveil, nodded while wearing a neutral expression.His emotions were impossible to perceive.Him suffering could be sensed, along with him being disappointed too. One could sense sorrow from him, along with regret. However, at least it was natural he was not happy.Anyhow, what Nokt and Mikt had told him about was the news of someone's death.And also,Kuzan has I understand.Because it was news of someone close to both Shirjis and Ji Dig.Kuzan Demiendveil.In brief, the young man was associated to the two, the Endveil Clan, by blood. Shirjis' confidant, a man worthy of being granted the name as one of the Six Flowers.It's an unexpected circumstance. Enough for us to suspect falsehood.Ji Dig muttered without thinking, while he stroked his chin.That's right it was unexpected.Because he was one of the Six Flowers. Handpicked by the Endveil clan, an elite employed by the group named the Six Flowers; an influential, skillful person, who never had been inferior to the other members of the group.Even so, he was said to be dead.Yes, they had said that he was killed moreover, in a fight with a Human.According to the report, it seemed that he, acting arbitrarily and on his own authority, head out to the extremities of the front line, to a city on the other side of the mountain range, and was killed by an avenger while he tried to start something. That he had lost his temper over that the war over there was in a stalemate, was certain.Did negligence invite that outcome? Certainly, there was too much self-conceit within him. He was full of pride about his Common Art, having a boasting nature. Condescending humans, disdaining enemies, he had those bad habits. I thought that it was because he was young, that it was childish mischief that could be stopped with light rebukes, but it wasn't good enough, I guess.Glancing at Ji Dig's pondering face, Shirjis responded with a lower voice than usual.Attacking as he himself pleased, it was really like that guy, wasn't it.Yes, that's right That's right, I guess.The young man, who bore a burden worth the Clan Leader to carry, faintly displayed his strong feelings.The two were relatives, while they also where childhood friends. Kuzan was three years his senior. If one were to consider Shirjis, who had aged and calmed down since he was a child, the arrogant Kuzan, whose self-esteem had grown high through his sarcastic attitude, had been an existence similar to an older brother who was a nuisance to others, even if just a little.It was a troublesome matter Shirjis' eyes wordlessly indicated.Just like when they had been younger, he had gazed at Kuzan in wonder from a distance as he pissed off the kids of his generation quite a lot with his cynical way of speaking. Or, perhaps, he yearned for the memories of that time.Within his eyes, there definitely was sorrow that he had lost a close friend. However, that feeling lasted for only a moment. Shirjis' emotions had already been concealed because of his cool-headed attitude.They said that Kuzan did a covert action, didn't they?Not as Shirjis Endveil, but as the Commander-in Chief of the Frontline Troops, the young man inquired.As it is information that those twins have got hold of, it probably isn't a mistake.Therefore, Ji Dig also answered him as the Commander's aide and not as his uncle.To summarise, that guy fought and died beyond the Great Fortress, alone. In other words both that guy's actions and his end, must not be discovered by Lillithgrave.If the Elven Khan, Radiaata Lilithgrave were to find out about Kuzan's arbitrary acts, the question of responsibly would, of course, fall to Shirjis. For the Endveil clan at the current time, that was a situation that needed to be avoided. It had been four years since Radiaata had become the the Khan. The Endveil clan had through boldness and cautiousness established their reputation; unexpectedly losing their status because of this matter was not acceptable.Though it, of course, wasn't Kuzan's real intention, it still had happened. Though he was a man with a disposition for danger, the feelings to other blood relatives remained the same within the Endveil clan.Shirjis understood those feelings about the decreased.If that's the case, there's no problem.Consequently, the mood became devoid of emotion, looking toward the future.The matters after this, along with everything after them, it's best to leave them to Nokt and Mikt. There's nothing we should be concerned about. We are us, and we should concentrate our effort on this front.His lips did not even put together any mourning words for the dead.That was because of the weight of the duties born by the Clan Elder, along with the strength that the young man held, while there also was a part that did the impossible.That was why, instead, being the uncle, he sighed instead.Indeed It still was too early for him to return to Mother Earth's spiritual embrace. What should I say to his father? I am pathetic. That I have let young people die before my very eyes, and so on?It ain't your fault, uncle Dig. He was one of the Six Flowers. That's why Kuzan's death wasIt's not your fault either.Ji Dig bluntly denied him.Clan Elder No, Shirjis. There is no need for you to take everything upon yourself. We Six Flowers exist for the purpose of shouldering everything with you, do we not? We exist alongside you in order to share even your burdens. That ain't a mistake. Therefore, Kuzan dying was his own responsibility. For now, that guy attempted to battle, and lost. That's all.Shirjis slowly closed his eyes.Tightening his lips, he breathed out deeply:I get it. Thanks.That beautiful face, which was particularly extolled even at the Country of Elves, smiled a little.That reminded Ji Dig of his older brother, who was the Clan Elder of the previous generation and the previous king Eiis Endveil when he was small.This guy really resembles his father, he thought. In both his face, his presence, his mannerisms, and his sense of responsibility too. Perhaps the shadow of his decreased father, who was similar to Shirjis, still could be seen within him. In order to splendidly accomplish the eternal role of the clan, just like his great father.Even so.Anyhow the emotions were left behind.At the bottom of the tent, Ji Dig muttered a semi-monologue to himself, while the candlestick shone down at the map of the Great Plains of Mi Lea.Who exactly could have done in a person of Kuzan's level?Kuzan's ability was certain. Even if it was said that he held pride and self-conceit in his heart, this was a tale told by the older people, like Ji Dig. Though, as a warrior, Kuzan was unmistakably able.It's hard to think that he was surrounded by numbers. What Kuzan did, was covert action, by operating behind the scenes. In other words, a surprise attack there was no way to immediately conjure a large army, or anything like that. Assassination and poisoning approaches weren't possible either. If that were the case, the messenger would have said that. The girl had used the expression killed in battle.In other words, there was only one possibility.He had fought normally and lost, against either one single opponent, or possibly, very few opponents.Could it be said that he would have skill, even among other people? A strong man, capable of surpassing us.One could say that.Shirjis stood up from his chair, turning his back from there, while he shook his head softly.Nevertheless even it is a strong man, I must out-rival him. If I don't recover from Kuzan's embarrassing defeat. I cannot slow down my course of events for the likes of humans.Then.He continued, perhaps half-unconsciously, only through a small murmur.Because the one man that can stop me is not here any more.Before Ji Dig asked What do you mean?,I want to change my way of thinking a little. I will take a walk.With that, Shirjis pushed away the curtain, and slipped out of the tent.Afterwards, what remained was silence.The faint, distant howls from magic beasts, which could be heard from the depths of the forest, were further emphasized by the silence.The Mi Nou Mountain Range, which lead to the Empire of Mid Garz, spanned over 200 kilometres, over a mountainous region. The mountains which belonged to it were generally high and steep. It was a place where the mountaintops whitened even during summer, a place where safe overpasses were few.Sandwiching the mountain range by the north banks, great plains spread out. The name of them wass The Great Plains of Mi Lea.The size was approximately 50 square kilometres. If one was to look out, the horizon could be seen to become circular because of the open terrain. Regardless of that, no person lived there. The reason was simple it was soil unfit for dwelling on. Nearly no vegetation grew from the naked ground, which was becoming a wasteland. It was a place scattered only with muddy wetland underfoot. The reason was because the Mi Shia river system that ran from the mountain range, which ran shallowly under the ground, en route to the plains. By hardening the ground, excavating water wells, and patiently reclaiming land, possibly even produce would grow. However, any amount of places suitable for living abundantly existed in other places. so there was no special reason to reclaim the land.Although, if one were to read history books, it seemed to have been blessed, fruitful earth paradise-like land that Beasts, humans, and Elves had shared. However, in the Period of Myths, a battle took place between the humans and the Elves in the Elven War, large-scale battle was carried out there. Both parties had exerted iron, blood, and inorganic necromancy, cooking the forest and killing the beasts, spoiling the earth. On top of that, the spirit veins of the earth were severed as if they had worn out. As a result, it had become a place unfit to live in.However, perhaps through the fate of passing time, the Great Plains of Mi Lea had once again become battlegrounds, through the Second Elven War. The Elven military forces, which slowly but steadily expanded their territory from the north-east, and the human military forces which held them at bay, glared at each other through the front-lines.The Elves had encamped, and were in the middle of the Great Plains of Mi Lea.The humans' encampment was in the mountain range, a place which was a natural stronghold; constructing a giant fort halfway up.Once upon a time, during the epoch when the Empire had been in nothing but civil wars, the old fort had been constructed. After about two years had passed of renovations, it had become the first line of defence for this war.Crowning the house name of the family which governed the Empire, Astzeelen. Said to carry the dignity of the nation, and keeping the Elves' invasion at bay, a resolute determination could be surmised there.Then.The war went back and forth, the stalemate continuing it was a winter day. One single girl of the Astzeelen Royal Family, bearing the same name of the Great Fortress, visited it, accompanied by few troops.In posterity, that day was to be remembered as a historic moment.The mountainside's altitude was high while the temperature was low.The rampart, where hewn stone had piled up, dammed up the downwash, sending it back, granted that there weren't any violent winds the coldness while walking through the castle was biting.Therefore, when Milifica Yusala Astzeelen walked into the multistoried building in the heart of the fort, she reflexively let out a sigh of relief. She was relieved that it didn't cloud the air.If one were to look back, all her comrades had similar faces.The party consisted of six people including Milifica. All were young boys and girls.Among them, there was a girl who probably had the must unsuitable character for the battlefield, with a timid manner Laimi Selea-Shutimeryl, whose teeth met, chattering. Her round-frame glasses pitiably fogged up in an instant in the indoor warmth. It was probably necessary to procure something like a new, thick, overcoat, she thought.About half a month had passed since the Yusala Drill Academy had been destroyed.She had bid farewell to the days that she had spent as a Military Cadet until now, setting off with few comrades and passing the Mi Lou mountain range finally having arrived there.At the opposite frontline of the Elven War it was the place with the same name as her own blood, the Great Fortress of Astzeelen.The instant they passed through the door beside the tough soldiers which defended the back, the atmosphere changed. From the stone-built, unrefined, boundless outer walls of the fortress, one could overlook the Great Plains of Mi Lea located under one's eyes. The multi-storied building whose maximum preference was that of robustness and practicality with not even one particle of beauty; the palace guards that stood side-by-side, emitting roughness and wildness, their hanging magical swords and magic wands emitting severity. They were completely overwhelmed.And then, the party had walked though the multi-storied building in the central part of the fort, and were lead to the Control Room. The corridor, where small fireplaces doubling as torches were arranged, clumsily carried the heat, the laid-out carpet worn-out and tough. For every step that she took, Milifica's heart throbbed with tension.If one were to speak frankly, the place's atmosphere was overwhelming.Therefore, she spontaneously spoke to one of her comrades which stood behind her.This is what they call the battlefield, so to say.Hum.Spoke that boy Imina Haimatie, while facing the ceiling.Ah, well I guess.He said, while he briskly stroked his dark-red hair, lost in a fairly indifferent mood.Milifica was let down. The excitement was dampened, one could say.That was a considerably half-hearted reply, you know?That Imina and the others are like that, aren't you used to it?The boy with a large build, who was number one behind her, Fream Eiza, said with a firm voice. The mental strain when they stepped into the Great Fortress, was evident for both him and Milifica.No, not at all.Imina indifferently shook his head.Even for me, it is the first time that I have come to such a large battlefield.That guy is different from us, he has guts of steel.The boy named Sashtal Dei bantered, with a faint smile.Even here, Imina was in a state of relaxedness fundamentally he would aimlessly roam with a flippant attitude, not fearing anything. Therefore,You're the ones that are brave, aren't you?Imiya knit his brows at those who had an amazed mood.E, everyone is awesome. I may be a littleuh, you knowuseless.Said Raimi, who chattered her teeth. Even though she had entered the warm indoors, therefore removing the need to complain about the cold, her legs shook from tension.U, ultimately, we came here. We came to the frontlineShe cradled a grimoire in her chest to the full extent of her powers,.In addition, she had a carrying frame1on her back, carrying a stack of books however, before they entered the building, she was stopped, and had turned it over to the sentinels. She could have been anxious because of that.Raimi, it's not only you, y'know. It's me too.Because she was pitiful as well, she amusedly laughed.Uh, Lady MilificaNaturally, everything is different from Yusala.Even though the Drill Academy was completely devoted to the unrefined design of utilitarianism, even the meaning of the word utility differed, as expected from the buildings that were exposed to the battlefield and their practice buildings.For this reason, seeing as you haven't been a former drill student, I want to know what your view is about this, Imiya.Milifica once again looked at the red-haired boy.Imiya shrugged his shoulders as if he was in trouble.However much you ask, as I said before, it's the first time that I've been in a fort. However,However?After that, with only his line of sight going around to everyone,The building is solid, but it's not like I'm swallowed up by it or anything.Behaving as if he somehow was instructing everyone, he spoke bluntly.It was an excessively blunt reply.That was why they knit their brows in disapproval, and unintentionally grumbled back objections.That is, because you, unlike us, have experience on the battlefield. WeIt's the same.He said, with those interrupting, covering words, and a faint smile.And then, his broad smile,You guys have already experienced the battlefield.He drove a wedge into Milifica and the other's hearts, which had begun to feel suffocating with nervosity.Uh.The battlefield.The gruesome incident which had occurred at Yusala Drill Academy half a month ago.Milifica's trusted retainer had betrayed her, inviting in the Elven opponent, the drill students had been sacrificed en masse during that pitiful tragedy however, they had, the Elf and the Demon, along with that damn Demon Beast, been at their wit's end. However, they had been trampled down, only frightened off. The one who had fought in practice, and killed the enemy was,That wasImina, you have.However, the boy ultimately shook his head.It is unrelated. You were thrown into the battlefield, and survived facing them. Therefore, don't hesitate to something of this degree. Because however solid the fort is, even if the scale is large, the enemy will not change.He declared that, as if he was convinced.It's all A-OK, Milifica.He said, so that he could flatter her.The girl who always walked quietly next to Imina, nodded deeply.It was a girl of a small stature, who formally wore a cloak. While covering her abundant, bluish-grey hair with a hood, she tenderly narrowed her cute, round eyes, and laughed.Everyone's all right. There is no need to worry. Everyone is strong, and can properly fight because even if an enemy comes out and there is no other way, Imina and I will surely protect you.Everyone looked at the girl Ellis Endveil.Milifica and the others' tension loosened up and was smashed into pieces.Yeah, indeed.That's how it is, isn't it. It's no good to be fainthearted.Their hearts had stiffened. Imina had driven a wedge into their hearts, and Ellis had swung down the hammer.While their gazes met Ellis', their cheeks unconsciously slackened.Though it was from relief, it was also simultaneously in respect.If she were calm, the girl would be the only one among all of them. Anyhow, Ellis was, properly speaking, the existence who couldn't be there the most, in the Great Fortress of Astzeelen.Within the hood, her bluish-silver hair was beautifully tied-up. While that was her appearance, said to be her modesty as a woman, she skilfully hid both of her ears the pointed tips, a characteristic of the Elves' ears.Ellis was a part of the Elven tribe. As they were on the forefronts of a war against the Elven tribe, they could not afford to let her true character be known. Nevertheless, she braved the danger, and came there.Disobeying her tribe, in order to fight. In order to be helpful to her most cherished existence, Imina.That Ellis was laughing, and encouraging them. If that was the case, what else would they do rather than cheer up?The situation where she even more than anyone else was to be overawed and become hesitant, would certainly not do.Because, as a soldier, in order to fight, the first necessary thing was, Milifica Yusala Astzeelen's resolute attitude.We are almost at the Command Room, Princess.Without looking back, the leading Sentinel informed her, only his tone of voice being formal.Right, I understand.The corridor approached the corner. In all likelihood, they would arrive once they had turned the corner.She firmly closed her lips. Calmly taking a breath, she started to relax.Depending on the answers of the person that they soon were to meet, Milifica and the others' movements were to be decided. To be turned away with an It would be unthinkable for you to become soldiers, or being granted the idea to join the frontline?That person's name was Dali Shukua Astzeelen.The Duke, and the head of the family of Shukua, which was related to the Royal Family of Astzeelen, was entrusted to have the supreme command over the Great Fortress of Astzeelen as well as being the Supreme Commander of the front line troops of the Second Elven War.What was to be conducted with him were not negotiations. It was politics.A conference between the two people of the Royal Family would, ultimately, be concluded there.The first impressions that Imina held of that person was that he was a man of small calibre.As the expectations were high, their disappointment was intensified. At any rate, the Duke was the person who was to bear the role of being the Supreme Commander of the War at the front-line. They had heard that the military power on the humans' side was about 30,000 man strong. If this was to be lost, the front would need to not only retreat back, but the likelihood of losing several important cities for the domestic industry was large. In brief, it was a war the the Empire staked its prestige on. If that was the case, it would be natural to imagine that the Supreme Commander that was selected would be a great man, who held both brilliant merits and outstanding ability.Nevertheless, everyone present greeted the man, who was plump and in his prime of life, whose haughty manner and menial smile coexisted in his body. The Emperor's Moustache which had been grown on his upper lip did not suit him, which even let out feelings of absurdity.In regards to the royal family, they would be exceedingly disrespectful. However, even if they were disrespectful, they were not in the least incorrect, which his first words made evident.Well, well, Princess Milifica. I sincerely appreciate your effort, for coming to such a remote place.As for him having the status of the Supreme Commander of the Front Line, his first words were cynical, regarding the girl who was younger than him.Honestly speaking, even feelings of disdain seemed to be held by him.However, the person herself, whom he had thrown cynical remarks at Milifica did not return the malice.All hands, attention!With a short cry, they stood perpendicular to the floor, showing the back of their hands, their fingers extended, and their faces facing horizontally. It was a salute that was used at the Yusala Drill Academy, which was shown from Non-Commissioned Officers toward a Superior Officer in the Empire's Army.Imina and the others, which had lined up in the back, simultaneously followed suit.Setting aside Sashtal and the others, who were former Drill Students Imiya and Ellis' salutes were hastily prepared in relation to them. The other party did spitefully not fail to overlook the somewhat mismatched, seemingly out-of-place movements.My goodness, how unsophisticated. So those are the prided subordinates of the Princess?Though they are discourteous, my sincere apologies. They are not all accustomed to it yet. However, they are certainly reliable on the battlefield, and reassuring comrades.I simply cannot see that. Are the majority the same as you, Drill Students?Former, Sir. The Drill Academy has already dissolved.Regarding never having stood on the battlefield, it's the same, isn't it?No, we have already experienced it. There should have been a fast horse sent out with a letter.Ah, that, yeah, that.Dali Shukua Astzeelen smiled disgustingly while he stroked his moustache.I have certainly received it. However, believing in that all of a sudden is incredible. Only you lot drove back the assaulting Elves, and?Before he was going to believe it or not, he had a tone of voice full of contempt.What's this, I say.As if he was unable to bear it, Fream, who stood next to Imina, softly grumbled. The others reflexively felt dread, but fortunately, because of his low voice, neither Dali not the soldiers heard him.Although, as one would expect, Imina was of the same opinion as him.Why must his attitude be so full of spite? How come they didn't suit him to that extent? Was he criticising those greensters, who ignorant of how the world worked, fickly came to the front-line at a whim? Even so, he went too far.However, the protests that Imina and the others had raised, only amounted to Fream's grumbling. All members bore their indignation and disgust, without showing it on the surface. Exerting themselves to stay expressionless, they kept on standing at attention.The reason being, because before they had arrived at the Great Fortress, they had been severely told off by Milifica.With a, whatever happens in the meeting with General Dali, stay quiet, and leave it to me, somehow or other.Milifica said,I would like to implore you to please cease your malicious behaviour, Your Highness.Astonishingly, he did not become furious or raise his voice, but to the contrary.In truth, do you not already know everything? Since Your Excellency leads the Front Line Troops, it should not be unbelievable if the circumstances, which I have written in the letter, have been heard already.Though it was his appearance from behind, it clearly could be seen that he gently laughed.All of the people, which stood in the background, unconsciously breathed in.It was not from amazement. It was the opposite. It was because they were overwhelmed.It was at his courage, where within those feelings of tension, he insisted on cynically showing contempt to the other party, while he maintained his gentle attitude.I see.General Dali's slackened jaw shook with a jolt, and his mouth warped into a pleasant one.Before one knows it, that bloody tomboy shows her skill.I am but a scrap of the Royal Family. I cannot stay a young girl forever.Unintentionally behaving as a spoiled child, Milifica answered.By saying that you are but a scrap, you are too humble. Isn't the princess' right of inheritance far greater than mine?That's discourteous. However, for Your Excellency, who has piled up brilliant merits in this war, is it not but a matter of time for your rights of succession to be increased?Again, within that gentleness, surreptitious cynicism was blended in with his words.As they faced each other, General Dali forcedly shrugged his shoulders,Erm. Then, Princess, you too, especially, have a great need of accumulating merits in this war.Similarly acting in concert, he surmised that, with a suggestive tone of voice.Nay, that is an unnecessary concern. As I stated in the letter, what I ultimately wish for is to become a soldier and fight. With that, I mean that the sword that I will wield at your side will become Your Excellency's sword. If we accumulate any merits in this war, they are Your Excellency's merits.With an awfully inferior attitude, Milifica added a bow, with a bob of her head.Imina, who looked at the chain of the exchange back and forth, finally noticed it.The reason for why she didn't let her other comrades interrupt her. The reason for why she, who had been swallowed up by the atmosphere until now, hadn't shown her courage before the Supreme Commander.In other words, this negotiation was a battle without using swords.And Milifica was used to fighting.It probably was an indirect, disagreeable, exchange, peculiar to the Royal Family no, high-ranking nobles. While feinting, awaiting the opponent to show its belly, without showing your own finding out what way one could get to a conclusion and take the winning place.The graceful attitude was a shield. The subtle sarcasm was poison, the words which caressed the other party were the blades.This was no act for Imina and the others. Because the only one who could take out the opponent was Milifica.While thinking of that, he could roughly see the reasons for why they weren't told, before that fact.She had said, General Dali, the Supreme Commander, is expected to be weary of us joining the battle. Therefore, I must negotiate, as it is necessary for him to nod his head at us.At the same time as Milifica took them to the front-line, she came there to get him to agree.However, if General Dali was to refuse, he would like them to return if possible, if they were able to.That was the reason why she brought out the story of the rights of succession to the throne. Concretely, people did not know who had the greater position in terms of the throne succession order, but from hearsay it seemed that Milifica's chances were higher than General Dali's.And that seemed to be the the reason for why he seemed to be unpleasant to Milifica.If he were to be a nobody according to her impressions, he would not want to give out merits of war to those with higher rights of succession than him, and he wouldn't even want to bear the responsibilities from when she was looked after and under her command.After Milifica had seen through that, she handed over her merits, tackling that problem.And then, General Dali, who opposed her,Anyhow, that is a splendid way of thinking. Those feelings of defending your country, patriotism, I truly admire them. However. Nonetheless, as the Supreme Commander, being entrusted with the Princess of Yusala is a headache-inducing problemIn answer to his assumed importance,Head of Shukua, Sir. My family name is not related to this. This is only my selfishness speaking.The next matter the whereabouts of the responsibility, was promptly tackled.I am 18, and my body has recently become that of an adult's. Whatever my father thinks, the obligations of my speech and conduct are already mine only. Not to mention that it is wartime. What inconvenience is there, for a person of the Royal Family which governs this nation, to come to the front-line and fight? It should be the same for you, Your Excellency.I see.Once again, General Dali stroked his moustache in a disagreeable manner.Somehow, it seemed to be a habit when he had realised his superiority.In other words, Princess. Do you have the resolution to, no matter what happens with your body, bear everything below your name?Naturally. Such are the rules on the battlefield. And I shall indeed abide by those rules.With a calm presence, Milifica reacted to General Dali's diversion.Stopping the blow guessing what the other person thought from straight in front of them.However If I fall on the battlefield, the honour of that death in battle, will not be offered to you, Your Excellency. I would like to offer you my merits of war only.Even if I were to die, it would not be your fault, nor the surroundings. That she pledged there.If one were to look from his side, the terms could hardly be more favourable from her presentation.As for Imina and the others, it was a compromise to the extent of them wondering if they had needed to be there until that point. Of course, because it seemed like they were necessary, it was not hard to imagine. Perhaps, Milifica's social status her title as Astzeelen royalty, the daughter of the house of Yusala, the dukeship could be a burden for her, above what one could imagine.At the problems which had been tackled, General Dali finally nodded deeply in assent.Hmm, I see No, the extent of your resolution is quite commendable. If you speak to that extent, it would be discourteous for a person like to me to stop you any longer. Very well.Is it all right for you to grant me this honour?Yes. Your Highness, Princess Milifica, along with your servants, please wield your swords to your hearts' content in our army!While hitting his knees, and declaring that in a loud voice,Thank you, Your Highness. We are delighted.Milifica said, reverently kneeling and bowing her head. Imina and the others also continued to do so.While they fell to their knees, Fream, Raimi, and the others, exhaled in relief. Leaving aside their feelings that it wasn't necessary for Milifica to treat him with that much courtesy, they were finally released from that stress, and became relieved. In any case, the negotiations were successful, and they felt joy.However just before their gazes fell to the carpet as they bowed their heads.The instant that they left his field of view, General Dali's facial expression changed, which probably Imina only noticed.His smile.It was obviously different to the haughty and menial smile tinged with sarcasm that he had shown until now. It was a sly and wile face, which smiled in delight as if to say I did it!.What's with that guy?Imina's spine chilled.Those chills were correct, which became evident at once.The Royal Family of Astzeelen.During the 1,500 year-long history of the Empire of Migar, successive Emperors had appeared one after another throughout nearly half of it 650 years the Empire having the most famous tribe.Those who were born as royalty, and those who were connected to them by blood, were to live close together in the light and the darkness, and the glory and schemes of the Royal Family, without any exceptions.And then Dali Shukua Astzeelen, who Imina had thought to be a nobody, still was a part of the Royal Family, and while he had lived to see months and years as a part of the Royal Family, Milifica still could not hold a candle to him, seemingly still a young girl.It was the night of that very day.Until the final decision about their posting had been made, they were led to beds and food, in the lodging houses for guests to one part of the building which had been raised adjacent to the multi-storeyed building.Imina and the others were summoned by Milifica, and gathered into her room.It was a plain bedroom. The space was about four metres all around, with nothing more than a fire place and a bed, a desk for official purposes, and a clothing rack. Though a carpet was laid out, there were no other decorations. For example, if a part of the Royal Family were to come here, wouldn't it be a little too frugal, even if it was the battlefield? Was it the way of life of the Empire Army, or was it simply that General Dali's reception was poor?However, it was better than the rooms that Imina and the others had. There, each gender was shut up in one room apiece, with no fireplace nor a desk for official purposes.Everyone who was assembled looked at Milifica, who had sat down on her bed, first saying something in a frustrated manner.I've done it.On the rough stone wall, the fireplace's flames, which illuminated the Her Highness, the Princess' shadow, wavered.It's my lack of ability. I was too soft.As soon as they were invited, she said something incomprehensible, as well as in an anxious manner. With a bewildered face, Sashtal Dei asked on behalf of everyone, while frowning,Nn, you're not calm in any way. Anything happened, Princess?His tone of voice was the same as always, to put it better, leisurely; if one was to deprecate it, it was a flippant way of speaking. However, regarding the place, his attitude succeeded in rebuking the other party.Milifica suddenly smiled.I'm sorry. It was too sudden, wasn't it.However, even so, the the atmosphere clad in heaviness did not clear up.It's this. Please have a look.Standing up, holding the sealed letter that was on the desk, she took out the contents and opened them.Presented with that, Sashtal received it as the representative, and everyone peered into it from his behind.On that short letter, a family crest-like, patterned stamp, with a rose and quiver, was applied.It was a notice of personal change. What was written down, was:The assignment and rank of Milifica Yusala Astzeelen and her accompanying party, bearing the following responsibilities:Assignment: Third Army, Second Division, Eighth Battalion The Order of the White Wolves'Milifica Yusala Astzeelen: New Commander of the Aforementioned OrderSashtal Dei: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned OrderFream Eiza: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned OrderImina Haimatie: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned OrderLaimi Selea-Shutimeryl: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned OrderEllis Ivy: Assistant Commander of the Aforementioned OrderFurthermore, regarding the Five names which have the Rank Assistant Commander, the contents of their duties will be completely entrusted to the New Commander.Is anything wrong with this?To Imina, it looked like a fairly ordinary notice of personnel change. Ellis' name was properly changed to Ivy as opposed to Endveil he was simply relieved at that assumed name, which was used in human society. Though it was different when they were in villages and towns around there, at the frontlines that the military maintained, the enemy side's clan names could be well-known.However, no-one answered Imina's question.After several seconds of silence, the one who opened his mouth was Fream.What's this.It was a low voice.It was truly the same as when they had discussed with General Dali earlier during the day, the irritation when he had screwed around, earlier on.However, the surprise and confusion which were mixed within his voice and words was beyond what had happened before. And, if you were to take a look, all members' presences were dyed with anger and bewilderment, just like Fream, with the exceptions of Imina and Ellis.It ain't a joke. Aren't we new recruits?, Fream said.I thought that we weren't welcomed, but this?, Sashtal said.Th, thisI, what should I do?, Laimi said.Only Imina and Ellis, who didn't understand the meaning, stared blankly.As one would expect, he asked.Could you please explain how this is bad? You guys, why do you look so depressed?Fream raised his voice from behind, in exasperation.Oi, matie, surely you ain't saying This ain't a big deal, are you? Still, this sure is an important thing, you know?No, it's different, Fream.Sashtal shook his head in a strained manner, his tone of voice differing from his usual flippant one.It's because Imina and his lot doesn't understand the organisation of the ranks of the army. Isn't it?In other words, there's a problem with the posting?He asked again.Though he descended a mountain in order to volunteer for the army, it wasn't like he knew everything about it. Fream and the others, who had attended the Drill Academy over there, were knowledgeable.Well, I will speak. In brief, this is what has happened.Like that, Fream started to speak to Imina and Ellis.I wonder if that's fineThe reason.Ultimately, the army is a group of soldiers bound under command.Therefore, in order to lead them, it is necessary to divide them into units to organise them easily.In the Empire Army, the smallest unit consists of ten squadrons.Literally comprised of one group of ten people, so that whatever situation came up in times of war, those ten people can always fight together, cooperation in combat being mandatory. One person is appointed to lead and compile that Squad of Ten, similarly transmitting orders from above to the troops, and taking responsibility regarding their duties. As a class, the Squad of Ten is no different to normal rank-and-file soldiers, while the rank which the Commander holds is that of a non-commissioned officer.Gathered together, ten of those Squads of Ten becomes a unit of one hundred people a Company of One Hundred.Those which command this Company are arranged for differently from those who command the personnel in the Company of One Hundred. The person who leads the Company of One Hundred, is named a Commander of One Hundred. Those who assist the Commanders of One Hundred, are non-commissioned officers, their ranks higher than the Commanders of Ten. Due to the progress of battle and the details of the tactics, the Companies are to be divided in half, of fifty people each, and moved as platoon units, the commanders, by convention, being the Commanders of One Hundred and their assistants.Finally, multiple Companies of One Hundred are to be called Battalions, or Orders of Chivalry.The supreme commanders of those, a non-commissioned officer are either nobles of high standing, or people of many merits, which had repeatedly been promoted. As for those commissioned officers, it is normal to have multiple, exclusive, assistants, holding the roles of military staff and messengers. The Orders of Chivalry, private to the nobles, typically has, compared to the Companies of One Hundred, from two to seven times the scale of troops; if one only were to look at faces, the individual state of war and tactics, those Orders of Chivalry would be the largest units.Naturally, depending on the scale of war, even greater units brigades of 1.000 units, divisions of 5.000 units, and corps of 10.000 units can be formed, and those who command those units would become well known their names would reverberate as heroes. In order for them to hold this role, it would be necessary for them to hold nobility, above a marquis' level.Here, the total number of soldiers who fought at the Great Fortress of Astzeelen, is approximately 30.000. An unit the size of three Corps, a body of a large army, the size being on a scale that practically can not be seen, even if one were to look back into the history of the Empire. Since the invention of inorganic necromancy, the optimization of the army has increased due to the soldiers' remarkably increased personal strength, it is the first number of soldiers from the reduction of the army's numbers.In brief, that's that.After Fream had spoken that much in one breath, while he briskly shook his head, the same facial expression, with intermingled anger and bewilderment, reappeared.I do not know how large the scale of this Order of the White Wolves' is.Milifica took over his explanation, with a serious face.Lord Dali says to me, that I shall take command of several hundreds of soldiers, from tomorrow.I get it.Finally, Imina understood.Surely, this notice was seeing that they were simply only new recruits which had come to the battlefield, not a joke.It is my fault. I looked down on Sir Dali. I never thought that it would happen this wayAs for the New' Commander, it seems to be bad.While Sashtal held up the notice and flapped it around, he sighed, wearing a bitter smile too.In other words, this Order of the White Wolves' either had no leader from the beginning, or it was denoted with this notice one of those two options, right?In what way is it bad? Please tell me properly, now.In relation to this subject, Imina was completely ignorant, and could not even grasp the details. Therefore, he frankly asked the question.Smiling and nodding, Sashtal continued.As an army, however much one is to tear off the arms and legs of it, what is kept alive, first and foremost, is the head of the army. That is the nature it holds. In a case where there is no leader, in other words, if they have been killed in battle, or thought to be discharged, that indicates the value of the group. Was the leader killed in the confusion in the background of the battlefield, or was the party so bad that the leader wanted to resign? Well, if the leader was of a depraved character, the former case wouldn't be impossible Anyway, assuming command of that Order of Chivalry all of a sudden is a lot of responsibility.Because it may be a jumble of people who are good-for-nothing, you mean?Aye. Well, there are different possibilities too. But, there is trouble in that. It's because the predecessor has been denoted and replaced with Milifica. If the former leader was liked, the soldiers will hate us. Even if that isn't true, the predecessor is sure to hate us. I guess, becoming, for instance, the same Order of Chivalry's Assistant Commanders is probable.That's how it was.That surely was an evil notice, full of inner feelings.Whatever we choose, it's not we'll be well thought of by the other soldiers.Fream raised his voice in indignation and excitement.For a rank-and-file, isn't the boss is the one who you entrust your own life to? By one single order by the Commander, you can be either kept alive or killed. Depending on the situation, you can die if you don't abide by the orders. To the soldiers, making the impossible possible is the leader's own trust and accomplishments. However, it's hard to say, butIt's not necessary to be afraid of what others think, Fream. It's obvious. If looked at from the viewpoint of a soldier, I am but a young girl from the Drill Academy, who does not yet know war. Of course, I have neither any trust nor any accomplishments.But, we're the same as you.Though he showed signs of agreement, Sashtal didn't become comfortable.If Milifica is a young girl that does not know war, we are the young boys who tag along.She couldn't deny that.The guys in the Order of the White Wolves' would certainly hold that impression, when they met them.In that case, it would be standard practice installed on an Assistant Commander of the Order. If our princess were to complete the assignment on the battlefield without a hitch like that, it would unmistakably be like that.I see.It would be out of the question for the people with high standing and royalty to be stationed among normal rank-and-file soldiers and non-commissioned officers; even if they were to be promoted, a a commissioned officer's standing still would be higher. One one hand, they couldn't suddenly take command of a location, nor perish in battle if it went wrong. Therefore, they took the middle road, making do with becoming mere decorations side by side to experienced commissioned officers that's how it was.If they had no talent, they would not become hindrances, if they had talent they would distinguish themselves however it turned out, the configuration was good. In reality, there were many nobles and much royalty which had done so, historically speaking.I, I knew it No matter how I look at it, this, it's weird.Raimi said, with an uneasy face and a quivering voice.Isn't this left out from the letter? H, however much maliciousness the General has. It's, too cruel. It's impossible, innit!?With an Isn't there an error in that notice?.Hanging her petite head with round-framed glasses on,she asserted with a face that seemed to cling to hope.However, Milifica shaked her head to Raimi.No. That is not the case. This is surely intentionally arranged by General Dali. I I lost to him. I mistook his objective, and I looked down on his skill.Regarding politics.Milifica added those few words to what she just had said.Politics. In other words, the conflict and antagonism of the fellow royalty, surrounding power.That was transmitted to everyone in that place finally, it was possible for the confusion to be settled, each time that girl spoke in a simple way.Indeed, it would be strange if he didn't think to that extent. What he was fixated on was, first and foremost, his status and self-perservation, that's why he was the same as royalty Nevertheless, my succession rights to the throne being higher than him, I thought that he would disagree with my actions. He wouldn't want to carry the duties of such a person's subordinates. If it were to turn for the worse and they would die in battle, it would also be a mistake. If by any chance they were to accept merit, it would be yet another burden, if he could, he would like them to return he thought to that extent.At the conversation at the time, Imina and the others thought the same. He looked to be such a man. Because they were of the impression that he would be a nobody with a sharp tongue, a dull man who held both haughtiness and meniality.They were wrong it was an outrageous misunderstanding.General Dali was truly both bold and cunning. He aimed further ahead. And to the contrary of my compromise If we were to perish in battle, our responsibilities will be our alone.', he looked forward, his hand of cards advancing forward step-by-step, and he used it. No, possibly, I may have been induced to say that. He might have been waiting for me to get overconfident and be lured in.You don't say The rights of succession, you mean?Sashtal inquired yet again trembling in amazement and surprise.But, Milifica. You're definitely in twelfth place, are you notYes. General Dali is in fifteenth place. Ordinarily, if we were to think, the likelihood of ascending to the throne is practically none, for both myself and him. However, some people among the royalty think like so: If I defeat around ten people or so, I can become the next king.' And General Dali Was a person who would think like that.Everyone just understood Milifica's regret and the gloomy atmosphere that she was clad in.Not only Sashtal, everyone trembled.In brief, General Dali seemingly wants to kill me, if there is a chance.The intention of Milifica, who said that she wanted to fight on the front line, was surely granted as she was to become the Commander of an Order of Chivalry.However, the Order of Chivalry probably would not welcome her at all. On the contrary, they would look down on her, ostracise her, and perhaps be prone to shoot her from the background of the battlefield.The promise that no-one would bear the responsibility if they were to perish in battle, was taken from her. These were the front-lines, the blood-drenched battlefield where violent struggles were made. It would not be strange if a commissioned officer were to perish in battle.Of course, even if she were to escape the death in battle, the satisfaction and assessment of Milifica's leadership would plummet. If her assessment were to fall, she would be dismissed and sent back to the Royal Capital. And like that, it would be the final failure of the foolish Princess who, of her own accord, proceeded toward the battlefield and usurped one single Order of Chivalry. Her rights of succession would surely also be moved down.Pardon me, it's my duty. I erred in predicting this.At that apology which was repeated a countless amount of times, not one single person answered.Within that pensive atmosphere, the silence coldly resounded on the stone walls.Of course, no-one blamed Milifica. Everyone was aware that there was nothing that she could have done. Even thinking about it after all his tricks had been revealed, after that discussion that was more like a negotiation, no one could think of a good idea for what they should have done instead.Even so, quitting the participation in the war, and returning? Impossible.Bowing their heads and asking to change their assignment and post? There was no chance that their wishes would be granted.However, if that was the case.The one thing they were to do the one thing they could do, there was no choice to do.However I say it, it won't be redone.Imina lifted his head, looking out over everyone, and weakly smiled.Prepare yourself for the worst, Milifica. This is your battle. There is no helping it if you lose your first battle, but it doesn't mean that you'll die the next time, right? Then, you'd better stand up and fight.He was the same.Even if his limbs were cut off, even if his heart was pierced.Even if he was defeated and his home town was burned, his acquaintances slaughtered thus, he currently lived for nothing more. As long as you live, you can fight in order to win.If you aren't welcomed, make them yield to you by force. If they are jabbering, make them silent through your abilities. If they look down on you, glare back at them. Even if they shoot arrows at you from behind, everyone will protect you.Of course, it wasn't like Imina didn't have any feelings of irritation.Even though he had arrived at the battlefield at great pains, even though he wanted to thrust his sword into the throats of the Elves at quickly as possible, he was obstructed by humans who were supposed to be his allies. Were the foolish things that had happened really good? Was it really possible to be superior in this war, when in a foolish tug-of-war?However. Nay for that reason.It was impossible for him to lose the comrades who he had gained at great pains again.This is a good opportunity. No matter the shape and circumstances, you have acquired one Order or Chivalry.General Dali's plans took advantage of that Milifica would perish in battle, or possibly that she would be overthrown within that war.Overturning that annoying scheme and getting the better of him was the only chance for survival.Receiving Imina's glance, Milifica showed a face that seemed to be troubled and amazed.A commissioned officer that that doesn't know about war at all, leading soldiers who will shun me, receiving merits of war it it? So that's what you mean, do you?Aye, indeed. That's what I'm saying. However, it's not like it's completely absurd.As for cohesive power, Milifica had an aptitude for that nature. It wasn't just her demeanour from her being raised as royalty. Her face, voice, and so on, all had the power to charm people, it was said. Though he felt a little ill at ease when thinking back about her face, which was just like his older sister's thinking back, Uruha too had such a disposition, where hers too mysteriously was liked by other people. In that aspect, their faces could be the same.Therefore, if she demonstrated her abilities and showed the results, the people who accompanied her surely would increase.Moreover,You know, Milifica. Everyone too.Ellis, who had been silent so far, spoke, seeing everyone from behind.Excluding Imina, everyone had a puzzled face.That was because she was smiling.I don't get much about neither the war nor the army. However, I think I was glad about this notice.She looked at the notice that lay on the desk with relief.Because our posts are the same. Because we have the same posts in the same unit. Because, that means that everyone can be together, even though we are on the battlefield. I'm relieved that we aren't all scattered around, you know?Everyone was amazed at what she had pointed out.AhIndeed.So, that's it.When you say that, it's a blessing in disguise.Everyone unanimously changed into facial expressions that seemed to say that they had obtained salvation.Imina took a glance at Ellis' profile, and secretly smiled.Because her words spoke for Imina, who was embarassed and couldn't say them.In reality, this was a move that General Dali had missed.When he had created the plan to advance in the Right of Succession, he hadn't seen Milifica as a target. He perceived that Imina and the others were mere supplementary attendants and nothing special, throwing them into the same basket without exerting caution. It was natural. For instance, if you were to burn a criminal, there would be few people who would think to strip him and set aside the clothes. Even more if those clothes looked like rags. Even if the clothes were made of asbestos that surely would protect against the fire, he could not imagine the blade, hidden within the sleeve, that was to cut the rope of crucifixion.Milifica ain't alone, and we ain't alone either. It's fine, as along as we can be together. If we all fight together, there won't be any scary people, y'know.Ellis' positive words became hope and spread to everyone, sublimating into some kind of fighting spirit-like uplift. She had that sort of character. The quality differed from Milifica's cohesive power, but Ellis still had something similar it was because they both were born and raised in a sovereign lineage.Ha, somehow the atmosphere grew enormous. I'm both scared and trembling with excitement, yo.While Fream's face grew red through tension, he still clenched his fist and spoke.Some kids that just have left the Drill Academy, to control an Order of Chivalry that has ganged up against them? I'm laughing.Sashtal's flippant tone of voice reverberated gallantly somewhere.I, I'm hiding behind you But I'll do my best, even though I'm behind you!Raimi spoke timidly, yet mustering her courage.Yeah. General Dali held us in contempt. I will make him regret it.Milifica looked over them, clad in some kind of roguish naivete.All while Imina sensed that everyone, both male and female, were trustworthy.If that lot in the Order of Chivalry gets all noisy, I'll silence them.With one stroke, he gripped the hilt of the sword worn on his back Exellis, and bared his teeth.Slaughtering Demons and Demon Beasts, thrusting my sword into Elves' hearts Is this the guy that can do it well, on this battlefield? If that's the case, I'd better do it.One could say that everyone's anxiety had cleared out like mist.Nevertheless, Imina and the others' morale and determination was higher than their uneasiness.At least for the night, there would be no-one who could disturb their sleep through fear. Even if they wouldn't sleep, that would undoubtedly be through their uplift, for sure.The sky that had dawned after the night, was fair, as if it was clear.That was completely unsuitable for a battlefield smeared with blood; however, on the other hand, what unfolded made people realise that the conflict was completely unrelated to the weather.Of course, Imina and the others had yet to go down to the battlefield, which lay on the Great Plains of Mi Lea. First of all, a rite of passage was necessary in order to acquire the qualifications to go there even if it was disagreeable.In one corner of the Great Fortress of Astzeelen, in one office within the walls.There, the Eighth Battalion of the Second Division of the Third Army's Front Maintenance Forces of the Great Fortress of Astzeelen The Knights of the White Wolves, lay assembled, only in order to receive the just-assigned new leader.It was a group of outlaws that seemed, at a glance, not to have one single ounce of dignity.At a glance, the characters of the appearances that could be felt were few and far between.A grim man with an unshaven face, who had renounced his care of them.A military man, whose many wounds on his limbs and face made him look ill-mannered.A gaudy woman who looked similar to a prostitute.A giant, often mistaken for an ogre, with a ferocious countenance within his big frame.A middle-aged man, whose demeanor looked more suitable for the position of a thief, rather than a soldier.A girl with a sadistic appearance, whose hobby could be said to harass the men with her scimitar.Indiscriminate even though he was in the battlefield, a man of slender build his tidy looks being that of a cheater.A boy with dull eyes on whom a menial smile rested, his clothes filthy.Within that bunch, the gender ratio was five to one. The rank and files were disorderly lined up far away, everyone glaring at Milifica, who stood on the bench of the military command.What was put into their gazes was hostility and bloodlust, along with ridicule and mockery.Even to Imina who was waiting in the background, it was painful. How much of the attention was at Milifica, who stood in the front of the military command; directly opposite?Their feelings were that they had swallowed a bitter bug.2The night before, they had investigated to some extent on what kind of force the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves was. Sashtal Dei snuck into a soldier's lodging house with a bottle of sake in one hand, and skilfully got some information.Their reputation was terrible.According to the soldiers, they were a group of people who were crowded out, a jumble of problem children, unmanageable, the final garbage dump for those who were driven off. Even if they went out on the battlefield, they wouldn't try to fight properly. They would go after the weakened prey that other squads had left behind, and present them as their own merits of war. Some would even say that it would be proper to call them not wolves, but foxes.When actually seeing them before their eyes, the critique could be said to be quite reasonable.Indeed, this was a group of bandits more than an Order of Chivalry, a crowd of robbers.I have been appointed to become the Commander from this day. The name's Milifica Yusala Astzeelen.While the ruffians listened, Milifica raised her voice, passing well along.Though I have become this position under the orders of His Excellency the General, I still am a new recruit who has come from the Drill Academy just a few days ago. There will be many places to where I won't reach. Together with my assistants, which are behind me, I will receive instructions from you, you soldiers of long military service, and I would like to acquire the strength appropriate for my position.As a first greeting, it was not bad. It was not pompous, nor over-deprecating, and as royalty it was friendly. If it were a normal Order of Chivalry, an applause would occur.However whatever kind of greeting it would be, it still would not reach a person who was disinterested in accepting it directly.There was no response from the group members.In other words, it was negligible.Assuming an applause was deserved, not even a single jeer or whistle was heard. Even though their presence was that of overflowing malice, they looked back pointedly, not even trying to meet her eyes. Having said that, it was not like any commotion had blazed up, as no-one opened their mouths in other words, they feigned indifference on purpose.Inevitably, an awkward atmosphere followed. Although, the only people that felt the awkwardness were the people here.What's thisImina knit his brows.One could feel that they felt unnatural in their conduct.In other words, compared to their outward appearances, they were spiteful.If they were that kind of people, they should have been able to raise their voices in crude banter and throwing stones, doing more of that kind of direct, bullying, behaviour. Rather, they frowned as if they thought of only doing that kind of method. At the very least, it was unlikely that they would intend to use those degenerate, ignorant means.In other words, was it not like this idea didn't resemble their idea?Wasn't it like they were following someone else's orders?And, the one who had spoken the order,You people are disrespectful, aren't you? The New Commander is meeting you. Do you neither salute nor applaud?It was certain that it was because of that man, who calmly walked out of the upper part of the gate.Sir Amaz.Milifica called out his name in a voice lower than usual.Why, I'm sorry, Princess. Anyhow, our group members' manners are bad.That person Amaz Shulieta, halted at the Table of Command, and looked up at Milifica, and shrugged his shoulders in a significant manner.The new Assistant Commander of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves. In other words, the former Commander of the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves.It was a young man of a high stature, his characteristic being that his smile distorted like a cramp.His age could have been around 30 years old. His long hair, gathered at the back, and his tough limbs, were those of an experienced soldier if one were to see only that, they would get the impression that he was brawny. However, from his facial expression that was full of scorn and his presence, the meniality of his insides revealed itself and was easy to see. Rather than fighting fair-and-square with a sword, he seemed to be proud to shoot a person to death by shooting an arrow from behind.From then, the first meeting was one hour ago, but on that occasion, everyone understood that with a single glance. That that person was under the patronage of General Dali.In an unabashed manner, he did not try to hide the rowdiness of the rowdy group members behind him.Well, please overlook it. Their manners are bad, but on the flip side their loyalty is high as knights. At the companions which I have approved, understand the etiquette satisfactorily, won't you?It truly was not a joke at all.He unconsciously sighed. Though he understood that they would be harassed, from the very beginning?Still, regarding the young girl of eighteen, would they really sit silently, stone-faced at the meeting in order to harass her?An urge to kill nearly leaked out from the back of his body. The enemies of Imina were the Elves. The ones who he had to fight were the Elves who would come down from the mountains and camped on the plains. There was no reason for him to be quarrelling with other humans. Nevertheless, for what reason did they stifle him? Was the front-line so slow that one could not help but stand in the way of others of the same race like that?.Just before his mind sharpened his line of sight, Milifica spoke, as if to hold it back.They are promising soldiers. The honour of our Empire, aren't they?With a soft attitude, which ultimately was intended for the soldiers, she gave a broad smile.That was what she, since she was very young, had cultivated the ability of royalty. A mesmerizing smile which penetrated other people's hearts.Oh.A few group members, as if they were fascinated, looked blankly. There were also people who whistled, seemingly unconsciously. The amount of people who averted their eyes at the awkwardness was not one dozen, not two. There still, of course, was a majority of people who persisted in ignoring her however, the still were, in that moment, aware of the young girl named Milifica.Imina also regained his composure in her attitude,It was all right, he thought. There was no need to doubt it. The princess was reliable beyond what he could fathom.Judging by the current reaction.Sashtal, standing next to him, quietly whispered, with a subdued voice.It doesn't seem like those guys will follow Amais's orders like monoliths.Aye.His line of sight without change, he too quietly responded.That Assistant Commander doesn't seem to have the qualities of one.It didn't seem that Amaz had gathered enough trust for this group to completely pledge allegiance to him. It was probably through money, or possibly through authority. There could also be people who felt dissatisfied with following orders.It seems like many people haven't come, right?It was just like Sashtal had said.According to the documents that were handed over, The Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves' was supposed to consist of 342 members, all in all. Within that place, only about 200 people had gathered, at a glance. Following their orders and standing in line since morning; being treated differently than other groups was bothersome for them.Whatever had happened, it was necessary to break down the current state of affairs first.That was Milifica's duty, and there was no choice but to leave it to her as much as possible.Within the depths of the princess' dignified voice lay a subtle thorn, addressing the Assistant Commander.Nevertheless, for these strong soldiers of long military service to pledge allegiance to me like this, it would be a cruel tale. Because for the members of an Order of Chivalry, the Commander is the one who they entrust their lives to. To give up their lives to a young girl who just has appeared, knowing nothing of war, such a thing is so impulsive that it has passed recklessness.You are quite right. Then, how do you think that it shall be done?Milifica responded to Amaz, who seemed to examine her in order to evaluate her.How about you have the command, Sir Amaz, as it has been entrusted to you until now? For all intents and purposes, I believe that it would be proper for me to learn about your work from your side as the Assistant Commander?Erm. Surely, as you are a commissioned officer of noble birth, that would be customary.However even though he nodded at Milifica's words, he did not approve of them.However, are you not forgetting something, Princess? The one who has placed you here in this Order of Chivalry is none other than His Excellency, General Dali himself, through his notice. Someone like me cannot possibly understand it I'm certain that His Excellency has some kind of profound plan that someone like me cannot possibly understand. I cannot disregard this, disobeying His Excellency's orders.Imina's anger had subsided and he started to snicker.There were no words for this much hypocritical courtesy. He admired even the glimpses of maliciousness from Amaz's indirect manner,.In other words, you.Behind her gentle manner, she, sharpening her presence, retaliated.You say to me, that according to the notice, I must take command of this battalion as a leader to the end, do you? However, the group members do not accept me as it stands. In these circumstances, it seems like we cannot face war at all. Then, what should I do?It's easy, Princess.Amaz Shulieta's corners of his mouth cramped, as if she had hit the nail on the head.It would be fine if the group members were to approve of you. Right now, right here. Whatever technique you use, it's no problem. You may also speak only through enthusiasm, or you may bow your head and request this of them.And he threw that extremely coarse banter at Milifica.How about that you persuade every person one-by-one through their bedrooms? As someone as beautiful as yourself, there might be some people who change their minds, haha!He raised his hand while he spoke. The group members, united, roared with laughter.Those guys!Fream, who was behind Imina, unconsciously raised his voice. Of course, he was not alone in his blood rushing to his head. Likewise, Raimi, who looked down, also frustratedly shook her fists. Even Sashtal, who usually was cool, wore a bitter face.Possibly through Amaz's order, someone shouted from among the group members.Oi, she's nice, I'm tired of nothing but cheap hookers!In response to that, jeering spread all around.Eh, feel grateful that royalty will service you, will ya!Her body's a little thin but her face is the best, isn't it.Ah, I might be curious about her wielding a sword.Gyahaha, what sword!Hey, how about the little sissy attendants help her?The glasses are a little bit small, but the material ain't bad.Oi, look at the other side, ain't there an outrageous woman there, huh?You serious? The chick on the left side, take off your hood and show us, will you?He couldn't bear to listen to even one of the voices that were raised.Milifica, what should I do?Imina took one step forward, and asked at the back of the girl, who bore the full brunt of it.It's different from the arrangement Is it OK for me to silence them?However, she shook her head.No, it's fine. I will return the current.She faintly looked back, and smiled.And, immediately turned around after a few paces.Amaz Shulieta, I inquire from you!Milifica shouted.The volume was not so great. It was not related to the thirst for blood either. It pierced through the gaps in the mockery that flew about, which did not go past her well-projected voice. However through that only through that, the half-open mouths of the shouting group members solidified, as if water was poured on them.The jeering stopped. The atmosphere fell silent.Before they were aware of it, everyone looked at Milifica.It was not like she would be paralyzed from being overpowered. Within her presence, there was no sternness.That was her cohesive force.With her voice only, she drew the interest of the crowd of ruffians toward her. Rather than following the orders of their former leader, it seemed it was more fun to look at the tendencies of the new leader.In the silence, Milifica continued.So this is the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves? Which you have raised up until yesterday, who have advanced in the battlefield with you, who have pledged allegiance to you is this the state of your Order of Chivalry?Aabout that.Amaz hesitated.A commissioned officer is the one who leads the Order of Chivalry, in waging war. The Order of Chivalry is what is lead, and what wages war. Both the commissioned officers and the Order of Chivalry are in the same boat, namely that the war that the commissioned officer wages is also a war of the Order of Chivalry. Then This is the war that you wage? So, you mean to say that throwing vulgar words like stones at a young girl like me is the war of Amaz Shulieta?UhThere was no reply. Instead, what she heard, was the sound of teeth grinding.It was natural, it seemed. He could neither affirm nor deny those words. Even if he were to answer yes; even if he were to answer no, Amaz's position would be lost.The only one who could possibly stay cheerful here, was now Milifica alone.Therefore, she came down from the Table of Command, glaring at Amaz, and surveyed the group of ruffians.After that, she glanced at Imina and the others.The people that are here, are soldiers who are with me. Though it is a small force, it is my, daring, Order of Chivalry. With this small Order of Chivalry, shall I have you see our war from now on?Wh, atBefore being asked what he were to do, his sword was pulled out from his waist.Thrusting the tip of the sword before Amaz's eyes, she said bluntly:What you are supposed to say, is Please let me see your war'. Where is the closest point of exit to here? Let's make our debut, and through one single military gain, show everyone. We will teach you how a war of an Order of Chivalry can be any kind of war, primarily speaking.The atmosphere became as silent as broken ice.Of course, not even Amaz spoke, nor did anyone in the Order of Chivalry raise their voice.Not even one jeer flew around. Everyone gasped.That was of course bacause all of the boys and girls which accompanied Milifica wore deadly serious faces.Without showing fear, it wasn't a bluff but, they were indifferent.It was like amatter of course that she, with only six people, was to make her debut.ThenIn order to comply with Milifica, Imina produced the Falchion which he wore at his waist.Lightly shaking the sword with a slight wag he restrained the urges to kill which were overflowing at present.Of course, he did not display that on purpose.It was in order to inspire the comrades who were to go towards the front-line.It was a demonstration, facing the Order of Chivalry of the White Wolves.And, above all, it was for himself.Imina laughed.I got tired from waiting. At last, it's the first campaign. .Let's go and kill, to our hearts' content.About one third of the members of the Order of Chivalry reacted to Imina's thirst for blood with a jump; about one half of them opened their eyes wide, their eyes tainted with the colour of cowardice. Though it was only a few people, there were some who curved the corners of their mouth as if they were intrigued.Anyhow, even among the cowards, there seemed to be some decent people even if they were few.FOOTNOTES:1.A kind of frame which is strapped to your back and loaded with stuff.2. An idiom for not liking something.