Chapter 514 - Eighth Story: The Silver Dragon
The May Festival in the Flatlands has begun.
Since around last year, the third shop of the Class of 175 and the bandits... I mean, Paratroop Jaegers... or rather, the Nakanohara Light Infantry Corps have been playing a role like caretakers, so it's quite busy.
This year, like last year, I performed the ritual to celebrate the arrival of spring as the only Bishop in the Flatlands. The daytime dance by the ladies from the brothel was also performed in front of families. It was quite a success.
Particularly this year, a branch of the guard was established, and a vigilante group was also formally organized. Of course, it's on a voluntary basis, but anyway, our country's hypothetical enemy is Engrio. Since most of the residents of the Flatlands are escapees from Engrio, those of eligible age, both men and women, joined eagerly. That said, being former serfs, they've never received combat training. They don't know how to handle weapons. Of course, most of them can't use magic either. Since it started from nothing, the Light Infantry Corps was in charge of guidance.
The vigilante group was launched in April. A simple ceremony was held, and we welcomed Mr. Adolf, the Nakanohara District Defense Commander; Mr. Owen, the Nakanohara Town Vigilante Group leader; and Mr. Lewis, the Nakanohara Light Infantry Corps Commander, as guests. The debut of that vigilante group was held on the afternoon of the May Festival.
The debut could be said to be one of this year's highlights, and a demonstration by male vigilante members was held. Since they were unfamiliar with handling weapons, only a wrestling tournament was held. Ten gold coins were presented to the winner, five gold coins to the runner-up, and three barrels of beer to each.
Another highlight was that Elf crafts were exhibited.
The existence of Elves was considered a mystery. Some said they were nomadic people who didn't settle. There were rumors they were around the Northeastern Forest. However, the cooperation between the Elves and the Eastern Plains Corps was kept secret, and furthermore, it seems only the Royal Family knew where the Elf village was. Since I became the center of the restoration operation using Light, it was opened to some of the Class of 175, but not everyone knows. Naturally, they have made a Vow of Silence in advance. Even if it became obvious they were living in the Northeastern Forest, no one would be able to reach them, blocked by the scouts of the Eastern Plains Corps and the Elf's camouflage magic.
On the other hand, Dwarves act openly. They bear the main force of mining in the Western Plains mines, and in the towns at the foot, they openly flock to taverns. With their unpretentious and friendly nature, they are completely accepted by the town residents. Craftsmen often participate as helpers to learn Dwarf techniques. Matilda is one such person. Recently, she's also been a lecturer of ancient languages for the Sertoria Royal Palace.
Elf crafts were prized by enthusiasts for their exquisite finish and rarity, and were traded at great prices. Those Elves were exhibiting openly. Because of the advance publicity, many people flocked to see the Elf crafts even once.
"How is it? Our work?"
The Elf Prince, seeing the crowd, was puffing out his chest. Among them were wealthy people who came in their own carriages just to see the Elf crafts.
The items exhibited were one dragon statue and a set of a ring, brooch, necklace, and earrings embedded with pink stones, all made of silver. Their exquisiteness was such that even Matilda, who had apprenticed to a Dwarf and provided technical guidance to continental engineers and jewelry craftsmen in Primordia, said they were something she could never imitate.
"They are magnificent."
I could only reply with that.
"Silver itself is precious on the continent, isn't it? How about it, I don't mind forming a business alliance. We can earn enough just with crafts made of silver. Look at that dragon. That one alone would be worth a hundred gold coins."
Being ambitious is good, but...
"Too bad. Export of silver is regulated, so we can't handle it. I recommend direct dealings with the Royal Family."
"Is that so?"
"Unfortunately. Also, small accessories aside, the sale of such a large lump of silver is regulated even domestically. You all are Elves who exist outside the law, so you might be able to sell it. But probably no one will buy it."
Following the collapse of the black market trade in Regnentes, the three countries with silver mines have tightened regulations even further. It's a deterrent against Engrio.
"Then, can't that dragon be sold?"
The more I looked at it, the more magnificent it was.
The size of the body was about the size of a human head, but because it had wings, the width was many times that. The model was likely the form of the Black Dragon Child when it grew up. Its right hind leg was slightly forward, and it held a jewel in its right hand. It was staring at the sky with its fanged mouth wide open, as if it were letting out a roar just before taking flight. Each scale was carefully carved and outlined in black. The flag of the Sertoria Royal Family is a black dragon drawn in silver lines on a black background, but by reversing the color scheme, it was brilliantly reproduced as a silver statue.
The gathered crowd was looking with sighs. There was a fence in front of the statue so people wouldn't touch it without permission, but several people were leaning on the fence and staring intently. They must be dragon fans.
"A hundred gold coins is fine. I'll buy it."
A buyer appeared suddenly.
It was Eleanor-sama. When on earth did she get here? Moreover, she wasn't in her usual field clothes. Her light green one-piece dress with the Royal crest had embroidery in gold and silver threads, and her slightly darker green hat had a thin cloth hanging down that covered her back to her waist.
"I received word from Lewis, the Nakanohara Light Infantry Corps Commander, that a magnificent silver statue of a black dragon by the hand of an Elf was being exhibited as a sample. I came to see what kind of thing it was."
"Oh! Is that so! As expected."
The Elf Prince was overjoyed, but...
What exactly is 'as expected'? In short, she's just free.
When there was a request for the exhibition from the Elf Prince in advance, Captain Lewis was also there. He said there was no problem with Elves selling crafts but he would report to the Royal Palace just in case, and he was talking with the Elf Prince later.
"As expected of an Elf. It's magnificent. The Royal Family shall buy this and place it in the audience chamber. We must show it off to the gentlemen of various countries."
It was Henry-sama. His way of saying it is nasty.
Henry-sama wasn't in his usual clothes either. No, rather, these might be his original usual clothes. He was dressed properly, though not to the extent of meeting at the Royal Palace. His red tunic had the Royal crest on the chest, and his trousers were the highest-rank knight's attire with black vertical lines with gold borders on a red background. At his waist, he had a long sword with a red jewel embedded in a silver hilt, in a silver scabbard.
"It's the former King and Queen! It's the former heroes Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama!"
When I looked toward the particularly loud voice, it was an acquaintance. He's the vice-commander of the Nakanohara Light Infantry Corps.
"Oh! It's Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama."
"It's true. The former heroes Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama have come! They must have come to buy that magnificent dragon made by the Elf!"
The ones making a fuss on the other side were also familiar bandits. They must be shills.
"I made a truly good purchase today. Right, Eleanor?"
"Yes, Henry. Just as you say. A silver statue of a black dragon with such magnificent modeling will never be obtained again."
The two of them raised their voices together, and it became a purchase as if it were a presentation ceremony. The Elf Prince was also all smiles.
The gathered spectators were mostly farmers of the Flatlands... in other words, people who fled from Engrio. Hearing they were royalty, they stepped back once or twice and began to bow.
"Well, well, young lady over there. I'm in a good mood because I made a good purchase today. With this, why don't you treat everyone to beer?"
"Let's all have a toast together."
She said so, jingling a leather pouch. Apparently, she's not penniless today.
The young lady who was desperately suppressing her laughter at the words of the old couple, who were unusually not in field clothes, was Miana.
"Right away. Please wait!"
She said and immediately went into the fourth shop.
Soon, Beowulf and Will began carrying barrels of alcohol. Miana and Bonnie brought bowls in both hands. Following them were bandits carrying barrels and bowls in the same way. There's no way they usually have that many bowls. No matter how you think about it, they must have brought them from somewhere.
"Oh! It's the Royal Palace's treat! Let's all partake together!"
This time it was Captain Lewis. The bandits who had swarmed out before I knew it handed bowls to the spectators and began pouring alcohol in turn.
"Then, let's all toast to the Elf who made this magnificent dragon! Toast!"
Henry-sama's voice echoed loudly, and all the spectators chanted after him.
Well, it's fine. Everyone's happy.
◆◆◆◆
Crown Prince Richard of the Kingdom of Engrio, who had won a great victory in the first battle, proceeded west through a region that could be called a gap in the West Liber army, repeatedly raiding and looting villages and towns on his path. As if in response to that march, the East Liber army began a full-scale advance in the east, breaking through the forest zone where the border line lay and surrounding one of the large towns. In the west, a noble acting as second-in-command in place of Princess Theresia, who was recuperating in Primordia, commanded the East Liber navy and, in cooperation with the Engrio navy, attacked a port town in the westernmost part of the north coast of West Liber, while simultaneously the main Engrio army led by King Seldic and the main Sertogne army surrounded that town from inland.
Receiving reports from messengers, Richard confirmed that things had gone exactly as he intended in both the east and west, and transmitted the continuation of the operation to his subordinates.
"Look. The opportunity for war had already ripened. Just because Princess Theresia has left the front, it is no reason to miss the timing."
The nobles of eastern Engrio who supported Richard looked at the general acting as military supervisor dispatched from East Liber, as if to say 'I told you so.' The supervisor, who initially thought it was extremely dangerous for a detached force to move before the main army had moved and was reluctant to depart, was surprised that everything was proceeding according to Richard's predictions during the journey so far. Now forced to act as just one of the subordinates, having stopped voicing various opinions as a supervisor. Sometimes, young talent greatly surpasses experience.
"It was as you foresaw. Please forgive me for my useless meddling."
"It is fine. You were only trying to fulfill your role as supervisor. By the way, what is the next target and the movement of the enemy army around the Royal Capital of West Liber?"
"Yes. This is what we found as a result of the scouts we sent out and reconnaissance in force, but currently..."
The supervisor began explaining the gathered information to Richard and his staff while pointing at the map on the table.
The supervisor's unit, which was familiar with the surrounding geography, was scattered around as reconnaissance personnel and was engaged in information gathering. This was at Richard's instruction, and it showed that the influence of him and the supervisor within the army had completely reversed.
"I see. Everyone. Did you hear the report just now? The brave and powerful gentlemen of the West Liber army seem to perceive the damage our army is giving as something minor. Perhaps they are even dozing inside their sturdy fortresses."
At Richard's words, said with a smirk, the staff burst into laughter. They were invading while repeatedly raiding and looting towns with at most a few hundred garrison troops one after another. Since the conquest of one town or village didn't take time, the marching speed was fast. Moreover, refugees who had their stored food completely stolen during the period when they had just finished wintering were blocking the highway as if to flee to nearby large towns. As a result, the West Liber army couldn't keep up with the movement speed of Richard's army. Furthermore, full-scale offensives from the East Liber side began from both east and west. Even for the Royal Capital's judgment, the urgent matter would be to deal with those. Richard's ridicule, knowing all that, was in a sense pleasant for the staff who were continuing to easily conquer relatively safe regions.
"The next target is this town. The garrison is about a thousand men, I believe. Gentlemen, the next catch is the biggest so far."
The place Richard pointed to was a completely different place from the town reported by the supervisor earlier. Having been proceeding west, they would descend slightly south. There was no direct highway, and it was obvious they would face difficulties on the way.
"After raiding this place, we will return to the camp once. It's the last catch of this ride. Let's all be careful not to get injured."
Around Richard, who announced the conquest target while pointing at the map, cramped laughter broke out.
Three days later, Richard's army, which appeared on the outskirts of the target town, sent an envoy for a surrender recommendation. The content was to hand over all property such as weapons, armor, horses, and money, and to evacuate to a designated town carrying only three days' worth of food. He also conveyed that if they followed the recommendation, not a single person would be killed. The deadline for a reply was set within two hours. The sun had not yet reached true south. If they refused, the attack would likely begin within that day.
The town's garrison was about a thousand men. The population was about ten thousand. Among the residents, the number of combat-capable males was estimated at about three thousand, including old and young. Naturally, women would be mobilized for nursing and logistics preparation. It was a town surrounded by town walls. For four thousand soldiers and civilians against an enemy army of ten thousand, they could fight sufficiently.
The town's lord, who judged so, sent an express messenger to the largest nearby town and issued an order to prepare for battle, while rejecting the demand at the very last minute. It was a different path than expected. However, he had made preparations just in case. If he could hold out for half a month, reinforcements would come. He had estimated so.
Richard received the town lord's response and simultaneously ordered the advance, surrounding the town.
However, even though they surrounded it, combat didn't start at all. The lord thought it was strange but instructed the garrison not to relax their tension.
The anomaly occurred in the middle of the night.
"My Lord! My Lord! Please wake up! Three gates, including the main gate, have been broken!"
The lord, who was resting in his bedchamber in preparation for the siege battle that might start from dawn, was dragged out of his slumber by the shouting of his subordinate.
"Are you saying the enemy attacked in the middle of the night?"
On the continent, they usually don't wage war at night. Unlike the White Island where securing light sources by magic is easy, it's because they don't know what kind of accidents might occur. Furthermore, if an unexpected accident occurred in a large unit, it could cause the reversal of superiority. In this case, it was customary for the besieging army to rest while leaving sentries.
"No, it is thought to be infiltration by enemy soldiers. The gates have already been thrown open, and the enemy army is pouring in! Please hurry and prepare to escape with your family!"
Infiltration... That's impossible, not even half a day has passed... No, wait, could it be they had this place as a target from the start and had released their agents more than half a month ago? Come to think of it, I heard many of Richard's scouts can speak the language of West Liber fluently. We brought in a large amount of provisions for the siege just in case. Did they mingle in as laborers at that time...
He hurriedly jumped up and looked out the window. Fires had already been set in various parts of the town, dyeing the night sky red. In the streets illuminated by those flames, there were the figures of his town's residents being ruthlessly massacred after being caught up with while fleeing in terror from the cavalry.