kscans

CHAPTER 6 FYUZARION – Episode 2 The Long Road to the Imperial Capital

1

As Bard was being pulled towards the slaughterhouse, he couldn’t help but wonder if the cows felt the same way. He was on his way to the imperial capital of Goriora, a journey he had been dreading. Yueitan’s enthusiasm only made it more bitter for him.

In hindsight, lingering in the royal capital of Parzam was a mistake. He should have returned to the frontier district promptly. It’s common sense that mistiming a retreat would lead to dire consequences. He had miscalculated.

Ever since it became inevitable for Bard to visit Goriora, his thoughts had been rather pessimistic. Despite knowing it was not the right mindset, he couldn’t help but regret his long life.

In reality, Bard’s situation was the complete opposite of tragic. He had been invited by Emperor Goriora himself and was being welcomed as a state guest in the imperial capital. During his stay, there would be a wedding between the Marquis Fafarlen’s family and the Duke Argolide’s family, and Bard was expected to attend as a distinguished guest from the Duke Argolide’s side. It was an incredibly prestigious position to be in. However, from Bard’s perspective, facing a thousand demonic beasts alone would have been preferable.

Ultimately, Bard had no idea if there had been any progress in the relationship between Karz and Doriatessa. They were frequently in each other’s company, and Karz was always by Bard’s side, so whenever Doriatessa visited, she would inevitably meet Karz as well. However, there was no particularly sweet atmosphere between them. It was hard to imagine Karz exuding a sweet atmosphere anyway.

During the journey, messengers from Goriora had visited Bard multiple times. Since Princess Shernelia of Goriora had married King Julelan of Parzam, Goriora’s envoys had been frequently visiting the Parzam royal palace. With a military alliance established since last year and a trade agreement in place, it was not surprising that there was active communication between the two nations. These messengers had also visited Bard. Initially, it was just a courtesy call, but as the visits continued, it gradually turned into an invitation from the Emperor himself, and Bard found himself in a situation where he couldn’t refuse. Just as Bard was skilled with a sword, his counterpart was a master of diplomacy. It was a battle he had no chance of winning from the start, and he realized that if he didn’t want to lose, he should have retreated before engaging in the battle. Unfortunately, he only realized this when it was too late.

2

Explaining Bard’s reluctance to visit the imperial capital of Goriora would be difficult for anyone. Simply put, he couldn’t stand being treated as a hero, a far cry from his true self. Moreover, the noblewomen of the imperial capital seemed to regard Bard and his companions as characters from some great romantic tale. When he learned of this, he vowed never to go.

Nevertheless, it was an incredibly lively procession. There were a total of twenty-eight carriages, twenty-three of which belonged to the Argolide family.

Doriatessa did not ride in a carriage but sat astride Krildzuka, to Bard’s left. Her expression was radiant. The training of the female knights had progressed smoothly and was completed by May. In mid-June, they were scheduled to return to Goriora, and Bard was persuaded by the envoys to accompany them on the journey.

The distance from the Parzam capital to the Goriora imperial capital was approximately three hundred and twenty koku-ri, and depending on the route, it could exceed four hundred koku-ri. However, if it were just Bard, Karz, and Jurchaga, they could cover the distance in about thirty days. However, the actual journey would not be as straightforward. Furthermore, this time, a leisurely itinerary was planned to accommodate the bride’s health, and they anticipated it would take about eighty days. (t/n: so this mysterious koku-ri measurement unit, i guess can be assumed to be league in english, or ke li in chinese)

The bride in question was Princess Marueria, the daughter of Count Graybuster, who shared the same father as Chantillion. When Marueria had visited with Chantillion while Bard was still asleep, Arflaburne had taken a liking to her. Since Arflaburne had already hit it off with Chantillion, the marriage proposal had swiftly progressed. Upon hearing this, the Duke Argolide decided that Marueria would be better suited for the Argolide main family than the Fafarlen family, and thus, she was to be married off from the Graybuster family to the Argolide family. In early May, an envoy from the Parzam kingdom accompanied by the butler of the Fafarlen family delivered ten carriages as gifts to the Argolide family and made the marriage proposal. On June 12th, the entourage departed from the royal capital. Envoys from the Parzam kingdom were also accompanying them to the Goriora imperial capital.

It was customary to travel through the Gaineria country when traveling from the royal capital to the imperial capital. After all, Gaineria, Parzam, and Goriora had formed a military alliance and a trade agreement, and their relationship was becoming increasingly close. However, on this journey, they were passing through Seion and Thula. It was under the pretext of inspecting the actual situation in both countries, but in reality, it was different. Arflaburne had given strict instructions not to pass through Gaineria under any circumstances.

Marueria had caught the eye of not only Arflaburne but also Jog Ward.

“Hey, Kinkira, stay out of this. The sister of that sneaky guy is mine to marry,” Jog had said. Kinkira referred to Arflaburne, and the sneaky guy referred to Chantillion. By the way, Kirie Halifalth was called “Patchy Beard.” Bard had heard that Arflaburne and Jog had drawn their swords in the room where he was sleeping. He was astonished at what they were doing while someone was asleep. If Marueria passed through Gaineria, she would undoubtedly be abducted by General Jog Ward. Arflaburne had prohibited passing through Gaineria’s sphere of influence. The envoys laughed at Arflaburne’s excessive concern, saying that they wouldn’t engage in such lawlessness as to abduct the bride of a high-ranking noble from an allied country. However, Bard knew that Jog was exactly the kind of man who would do such a thing. Arflaburne’s judgment was correct. (t/n: kinkira refer to something that shines, so maybe he’s calling him golden boy?)

With such a large entourage, finding accommodations was quite challenging, so advance envoys had arranged for them to stay at various noble houses. Through such arrangements, relationships between noble houses of different countries were formed, and the interaction between nations deepened. Consequently, they ended up passing through only major cities. The people of Seion and Thula were amazed by the grandeur of this wedding procession, which they saw as a marriage between two noble families of Goriora and Parzam. They were astounded by the splendid attire of the knights from the Fafarlen and Argolide families and the martial prowess of the procession. They had witnessed firsthand the joining of hands between the great northern and southern powers.

At the same time, there were rumors circulating about the most esteemed old knight in the entourage. The Parzam envoys treated Bard with the utmost respect as the benefactor of their nation and the king’s mentor. It was only natural for the Goriora envoys to treat Bard, a distinguished guest of the emperor, with greater respect than the bridal party of a noble family. Through this journey, the name of Bard Rowen would become known in the countries of Thula and Seion.

Jurchaga often wandered away from the procession, sometimes not returning for several days. It seemed he was conducting various investigations.

“It’s a delight to be able to travel with you again, Lord Bard,” Chantillion said on Bard’s right. She was attending the wedding as the representative of the Duke Argolide. Bard couldn’t help but think that his delight stemmed from being with Lady Doriatessa. Realizing the envious and petty nature of his thoughts, he felt disgusted with himself. (t/n: lord and lady both use -dono)

During this journey, Bard and Karz met Andon Siburni, Karz’s benefactor. That night, Bard was able to hear tales of valor of his mentor, Cantor Edda.

3

When leaving the Toad residence, all the servants bid them farewell. The chief butler, the butlers, the footmen, the maids, the head cook, the kitchen staff, the stablemen, the gardeners—each one was called by name, and they bid them a fond farewell.

The true master of this house had already lost it. He was still imprisoned, as the pardon and commutation had not yet been carried out.

After the end of the war with Shinkai, those who had been his henchmen were brought to justice. The Duke of Fargo and Duke of Ezite, along with their families, were executed, and the property rights of the remaining members of their families were significantly restricted. Count Grismo’s family had their property confiscated and were executed. The spies within the court were exposed, interrogated, and executed.

The court physician who had poisoned the former king was sentenced to death, and his family’s estate was confiscated. The regent who poisoned General Napara Fujimo was interrogated and sentenced to death. This was inevitable. Their crimes were too grave. They had to be punished. Count Zemburji of the House of Toad, the court physician, the regent, and the knight of the royal guard who attacked Julelan all remembered entering the large black carriage. However, they couldn’t recall who they met or what happened inside. Considering the strange behavior of the kings and ministers who entered similar carriages in Thula and Seion, it was inevitable to think that something inside the large black carriage could manipulate people’s minds and memories. However, there were skeptical nobles and ministers who doubted this ability to manipulate minds. Regardless, a crime is a crime and must be judged. Regardless of the circumstances or reasons, people must take responsibility for their actions.

As for Count Zemburji, the younger brother of Barry Toad, his crime was attempted. He commanded his subordinates to attack the crown prince Julelan, but they couldn’t harm him. However, the fact that the attack took place was clear. Julelan had written a script to confiscate most of Zemburji’s territory, sentence him to death, and then commute the sentence* due to the new king’s pardon. Some high-ranking nobles and their backers resisted this. Their aim was to discredit Barry Toad’s authority in the court by accusing Zemburji of a crime. It was undeniable that Barry Toad was highly regarded by King Julelan and his position was gaining weight in the Privy Council. Those who didn’t find it amusing were using any excuse to delay Zemburji’s imprisonment. However, the great victory in the war against other nations greatly strengthened Julelan’s political position. It was likely that Zemburji would soon be released from prison. He would then be placed under house arrest in his estate. His title would be passed to his eldest son, and eventually, he would be given the opportunity to restore his honor. This generous treatment was a reward for Barry Toad’s political achievements. (t/n: for reader who don’t watch drama abotu law firms, commute means the punishment is substituted with something lesser)

Normally, with Zemburji’s imprisonment, the mansion would have been closed, and the servants would have had to leave after being interrogated, bearing the dishonor of having served a traitor. However, Bard continued to reside in the mansion, saving them from disgrace. After all, Bard had led the TriNation’s army as an unprecedented Marshal of the Alliance and defeated the mighty Shinkai army. Adminiring the might of Bard, generals such as Gaineria’s Grand General Jog Ward, Arflaburne from the Goriora Empire who rushed for reinforcement, and Kirie had stayed in the mansion. Not only that, but high-ranking generals such as Cedermont and Chantillion frequently visited to plan strategies. The mansion had been a stronghold in the war to defend the homeland from the invasion of the great nation of Shinkai. The servants were able to spend their final days in this mansion with pride and joy.

When Bard left, the mansion was closed. The older servants retired, while the others had their destinations decided. Except for Kamler. General Jog Ward of Gaineria had invited Kamler. Bard asked why he declined, and Kamler, the eccentric head chef, replied,

“I was deeply moved by General Jog’s offer. However, Gaineria ranked first in Central Plains when it comes to tasteless ingredients. There’s no room for my culinary skills*. I’d rather accompany General Bard on his wanderings in the frontier than go there.” (t/n: he said ‘腕のふるいようもございません。’->i can’t even sift my arm/show my skill. basically being humble)

Bard was perplexed by his strange words and stated that he would continue his wandering journey and never become a chef’s employer.

“I’ll help making end meets at Barry Toad’s orphanage until that day arrived.”

He was still a man who spoke incomprehensibly. Bard felt a sense of embarrassment amidst the respect shown by the head butler and the other servants. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that if he hadn’t come to this country, Count Zemburji might not have become a target of Shinkai’s conspiracy. He also felt sorry for Count Zemburji. Thinking of the knights Nido and Husban who had died, he felt a pang in his heart. The soldiers who had participated in the attack had their wrists cut off by Karz. They had been pardoned and their lives spared, but how will they live from now on? Barry Toad had promised to take care of them.

However, that was beside the point. What had happened couldn’t be undone. If there was something he could do, he would do it. If there was nothing he could do, he would accept it and move on without regret or conflict, living for today and the rest of his life. Bard smiled deeply at the servants, expressing his gratitude for their comfortable stay in the mansion and bid farewell to them.

The assistant priests, Kuri and Shima, who served at the temple in the lower town, also saw him off. They hadn’t brought the children from the orphanage with them. He felt a sense of loneliness as he had become attached to the children at the orphanage.

“We haven’t told the children that General Bard is leaving. Please come back to the capital and visit the children again.”

Kuri’s words were warm.

4

The group is currently resting by the lake while descending the mountain. They had stayed at the Cobushi Castle last night. This place was a strategic point south of the capital of the Goriora Empire. Once they descended the mountain and entered the plains, the capital would be within reach. Along with the proximity, the news Bard had heard from the Goriora envoy last night weighed heavily on his mind.

By the time this group reached the capital, a certain statue should have been completed in the square in front of the imperial palace. It was a statue of Bard and Karz. Bard was depicted looking down at Karz with a stern yet gentle gaze, extending his right hand to seek the knight’s oath. It was a life-sized bronze statue titled “The Knight’s Oath (騎士の誓い),” a masterpiece crafted by the finest artisan.

“I was supposed to keep quiet about it. The plan was for you to be pleasantly surprised when you saw the actual statue. But I ended up talking about it,” said the envoy with a cheerful smile, causing Bard to feel a sense of darkness looming before him. A series of murals depicting Bard’s adventures were also being added. At this point, the feelings Bard had been holding back burst forth.

I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. Is there no way to avoid going? Gods, my guardian deity Patarapoza, grant me protection. Envelop me in darkness, shield me from human eyes, and grant me a new adventure. Then, for the rest of my life, I will fight evil as a servant of the gods and vanquish it. O’gods, great life, do not abandon me!

Bard’s prayer was answered. Suddenly, the center of the lake bubbled and a strange creature emerged. It was a Manuno. No one had ever seen a Manuno up close. Occasionally, the knights of the frontier guard would spot them from a distance, but the only way to get along with them was to keep their distance. The Manuno appeared and swam towards Bard with a splashing sound. The humans were frozen in place. The Manuno spoke directly into Bard’s mind.

“Human, you are Bardoroen.” (t/n: the manuno called him ‘ばるどろえん’, while his name is ‘バルド・ローエン’. similar pronounciation.)

“Yes, I am Bard Rowen. Are you a messenger from the queen?”

The Manuno made another splashing sound and spoke into Bard’s mind again.

“The queen will fulfill her promise. Come to the queen’s chamber.”

“Very well!”

Bard replied loudly and turned around. Against the backdrop of the green and blue space created by the shadows of the trees casting on the lake, Bard, who had conversed with the mysterious creature, radiated the dignity of a general as he addressed the group. His words carried an unwavering force that allowed no room for argument or doubt.

“Envoys, Chantillion, Doriatessa, I must visit the queen of the Manuno.”

“Lord Bard, can you understand what the Manuno is saying?” Chantillion asked in surprise. This meant that the voice echoing in Bard’s mind was not audible to Chantillion and the others. This was convenient. Bard began to explain enthusiastically.

“I can’t go into detail, but you must know that Manuno inadvertently colluded with the recent demonic beast invasion. The Queen of Manuno has sent an envoy. She demands my immediate presence. It is truly regrettable that I cannot meet His Majesty the Emperor. It is truly disheartening that I cannot attend the wedding. However, for the peace of the continent, for the well-being of all nations, I must go. Please convey my regards. If I cannot send word within a year, consider Bard Rowen vanished into the forest. Farewell!”

With those words, Bard swiftly flipped his cloak and leaped onto his steed, Yueitan, riding off with a fluid motion.

In the middle of that, the Manuno had said, “No, there’s no need to hurry. If you have business to attend to, you can do it first,” but Bard ignored her. Karz and Jurchaga followed behind. The people were taken aback, watching the sudden departure of their hero. 😂😂😂