kscans

t/n : this was a slightly long chapter, read with patience

CHAPTER 7 CHALLENGE TO THE LABYRINTH – Episode 7 Beyond the Great Barrier (Part 1)

1

Bard woke up on February 18th. It had been about a month and a half* since he had fallen asleep. He was kept in a secluded room in the palace, and Karz had been taking care of him, together with Taranka and Quinta. A week later, when he was able to speak properly, Julelan came to visit him. (t/n: it says a month and 2 10-day, since their month longer than my earth, it was half month)

“Old man. You’ve been giving me one surprise after another. But your companions have surprised me as well. When I learned about Karz and Jurchaga, I wondered where you found such exceptional men. And now it’s the same thing again. Tell me, who exactly are Taranka and Quinta? I thought they were just servants, but…”

Since Bard didn’t fully understand the situation, he asked for more details.

2

The countless light projectiles that Bard had fired from his magic sword were visible to everyone present. The wyverns that were struck by those light projectiles lost consciousness and crashed. The Dragonoids likely lost consciousness as well. The wyverns and Dragonoids soon regained their consciousness, but only around twenty or so were able to regain their composure before hitting the ground. The remaining 180 were unable to stabilize themselves and crashed into the ground. Even so, there were not many wyverns or Dragonoids who died at that point, which demonstrates their incredible sturdiness. However, the Dragonoids who fell to the ground were still severely injured. They had fallen outside the castle walls, where an open space was maintained to prevent enemies from taking cover.

Seizing the opportunity, the knights charged out of the castle gates on horseback. The spearmen followed behind on foot. They rushed towards the fallen Dragonoids who were lying on the ground.

That’s when someone noticed something was approaching from the eastern sky. It was a new wave of wyverns and Dragonoids. They numbered around two hundred, the same size as the initial force. The knights were filled with despair.

However, the behavior of the two groups of Dragonoids was peculiar. About twenty of the Dragonoids who had come first were now trying to flee from the new Dragonoid fleet, who were chasing and capturing them. And then one of the new Dragonoids descended to the ground near the palace balcony and stay hovered in midair to say something.

“You humans, listen up. I am Chichiruarchichi, the daughter of Popolbarpopo, the chief of the Sasaiya tribe. These are rebels from the Sasaiya tribe, but our Sasaiya tribe has no intention of engaging with you humans. The fallen dragons and Dragonoids are to be taken back after receiving treatment, so do not interfere.” (t/n: saiyan are monkey, not dragonewt)

Dragonoid Chichiruarchichi said only that and was about to fly away, as if it didn’t matter whether the other party was listening or not. But someone called out to her in a loud voice. It was Quinta. Quinta had jumped out onto the balcony from the side passage and addressed the Dragonoid. Incidentally, at this time, Bard was lying in the side passage, supported by Karz.

“Wait!! Chichiruarchichi, the daughter of the Sasaiya tribe chief. Do Dragonoids not understand human etiquette, even if they understand human speech? Do you have no pride or sense of duty?”

Chichiruarchichi turned the wyvern’s head and hovered near the balcony. The Dragonoid’s face was in front of Quinta’s eyes.

“Do you say that Dragonoids have no pride or sense of duty?”

“Yes, that’s right. We were attacked by Dragonoids and fought back. We had brought down 180 out of 200 troops and were about to deliver the finishing blow. But then you people showed up, wanting to take back the defeated ones. There are proper etiquette for retrieving the defeated.”

“Boy, I could tear you all to pieces before taking my comrades back. Shut your mouth.”

“You must have your own oaths and restrictions, you Sasaiya tribe. Didn’t you yourself say that the Sasaiya tribe has no intention of engaging with humans? If you have no intention of engaging, then fulfill the proper etiquette to resolve the matter.”

The Dragonoid glared at Quinta with its terrifying, expressionless snake-like eyes. Quinta glared back without flinching. Eventually, the Dragonoid said, “What do you demand?”

Here, Quinta looked at Taranka, who had also come out onto the balcony. Taranka stepped forward and spoke in a calm voice.

“I would like an explanation of the events. Why did you desire the spirit sword and its wielder? Why did you fight amongst yourselves? Why do you not engage with people? And I also want to ask this. It is said that the Dragonoid was the one who manipulated the Manunos and created numerous demonic beasts to attack the human countries. It is also said that the Dragonoid performed sorcery under the Shinkai General Lugurgoa Geskas to control the hearts of people. I would like to know what you know about these matters. We have the right to know the background and reasons for the treatment we have received.”

The Dragonoid Chichiruarchichi replied after a moment, alternately glaring at Taranka and Quinta.

“I need the permission of the tribe chief to answer that.”

Taranka immediately made the next request.

“Then, guide us to your tribe chief.”

After a brief silence, the Dragonoid Chichiruarchichi said, “That’s not possible right away. The tribe chief is unwell at the moment. And I must first return and treat our wounded comrades whom you defeated and take them into custody.”

“That does not work for us either. Then, send an escort for us on April 1st. Our party will be no more than ten people. Have them come to this place, take us to the tribe chief, and then return us here when the discussion is over. The tribe chief can then decide what can and cannot be discussed. Pledge that you will not harm us in the meantime.”

“I swear. What is your name?”

“I am Taranka of Fyuzarion.”

3

“Ah, I’m impressed. The elders were in the back and didn’t directly receive their attacks, but even so. To be able to speak so boldly to that fearsome Dragonoid in that situation. I wish I had been there to witness it. And the request was so well-reasoned, as if carefully considered. In the end, the haughty Dragonoid was made to pledge, whether they liked it or not. Truly remarkable. Does Fyuzarion have such retainers crawling around?”

The one who was surprised was Bard. It is remarkable that Taranka boldly conducted the negotiations in such a scene. They had heard from Engdahl that the Dragonoids were unusually arrogant, but the way he used that arrogance to draw their attention was also brilliant. Bard asked what happened after that.

Quinta had run to Chantillion with Karz, and reported that a peace had been made with the Dragonoids. Taranka had rushed to the inner sanctum of the palace, reported the details to King Julelan, and pleaded for the king’s order to cease hostilities.

In the end, it took the Dragonoids about two days to recover all their injured. During that time, messengers under the instructions of the ministers tried to negotiate several times, but the Dragonoids did not respond at all to their calls. No, there was apparently one response. It was “the agreement has already been made between the chieftain’s daughter Chichiruarchichi and Taranka of Fyuzarion.” There was no island to grab onto. (t/n: 取りつく島もなかった。 japanese idiom, which mean a hopeless situation or no support or sympathy is available)

After the battle ended, Engdahl said they would return home. Julelan held a banquet of gratitude, and asked Engdahl there.

“Lord Engdahl, I am grateful for your assistance this time. Our Parzam Kingdom has deeply engraved the bravery of the Zoe clan. By the way, I will be going to the Dragonoids’ abode on April 1st, will you not accompany me?”

“There is nothing to talk to them about. If they make another move, call the Zoe clan. They will see painful consequences again.”

Engdahl’s group was led back to their residence by a messenger appointed by Julelan. He said to tell Bard that he should come again whenever he wakes up.

This is the sequence of events that Julelan told. Three days later, a council of ministers was held to discuss the future response to the Dragonoids.

The day before, Bard had performed the knight inauguration ceremony for Taranka and Quinta. Taranka was nineteen years old, and Quinta was seventeen. They were somewhat young, but their martial arts were such that they could have won the frontier martial arts tournament. The density of their accumulated experience was far beyond that of the carefree knight apprentices of noble families.

Now, Taranka was also summoned to attend the council of ministers along with Bard. The high-ranking officials also voiced criticism of Taranka. It was regarding the fact that Taranka, who was merely a subordinate of another country, had negotiated with the Dragonoid on his own, bypassing those of proper standing.

On the other hand, there were also voices of praise. It was because if Taranka had not approached them there, the Dragonoid Chichiruarchichi would have withdrawn, and the negotiations would not have been possible.

Moreover, while Taranka was just a subordinate, he was also the close aide of Lord Bard Rowen. Lord Bard was an independent knight who could be considered a benefactor to Parzam, so the opinion was that the merits of Taranka’s negotiations should be judged based on Lord Bard Rowen’s intentions.

In any case, it was decided that they would first inquire about the true intent behind Taranka’s statement, and then proceed with the discussion.

When Taranka was asked to speak, he boldly and proudly raised his voice.

“I am Taranka, a knight of the Orgazard family of Fyuzarion. At the time of the Dragonoid’s attack, I was still a squire, but yesterday I was made a knight under the guidance of Lord Bard Rowen. I apologize for any overstepping of my bounds. However, what Quinta and I did at that time was to create a bridge to the future, and I would appreciate it if you would kindly proceed with the matter as you see fit after some discussion.

Now, the reason Quinta addressed Chichiruarchichi, the Dragonoid, at that moment, was because there were no prominent figures of Parzam present within speaking distance of Chichiruarchichi. The King, his retainers, and the high ministers were all moving towards the inner parts of the palace. And among the knights present in the square, those who could speak were outside the castle gates. But that was the only chance we had to converse with the Dragonoid Chichiruarchichi, a being who speaks the human tongue and holds a position of leadership. Someone had to take action, and it happened to be Quinta and myself.

Furthermore, Quinta and I were speaking as representatives of Lord Bard Rowen, who is directly involved in this matter. We have been thoroughly briefed by Lord Rowen on this issue, and we acted in accordance with his intentions.”

Here Taranka paused for a moment, closing his eyes, as if organizing his thoughts. But in reality, he was waiting for the meaning of his words to sink in with the listeners. “Yes, yes”, Bard nodded inwardly, approving of Taranka’s explanation.

“Next, I will explain the content of what I requested from the Dragonoid Chichiruarchichi. First, I asked them why they desired the magic sword and its wielder. Without understanding this, I cannot comprehend what they hope to gain by obtaining the magic sword and its wielder. How will that benefit them? If I understand that, I may also discern what significance providing them with the magic sword and its wielder would have for the countries of the continent.

Next, I asked them why they were fighting amongst themselves. I heard that the Dragonoid who appeared at this palace last June claimed to be the servant of Totorunostoto, not the servant of the tribe chief. On the other hand, Chichiruarchichi claimed to be the daughter of the tribe chief. Likely there is a faction loyal to the tribe chief and an opposing faction. What reason did the anti-tribe chief faction have for intervening in the human world, even going so far as to break ancient oaths and long-held vows? There may be a key to revealing the invisible crisis currently enveloping the continent.

Taranka paused his speech, then continued in a forceful voice.

Next, I asked them why they do not engage with humans. From the Gerkaast’s testimony, it became clear that the Dragonoids were banished beyond the Great Barrier by an ancient and mighty king, and were made to swear an oath not to interfere with humans. But for them to continue obeying that oath, there must still be some reason why they do not wish to break it. If I understand that, I may see a way to protect ourselves from them. And I said, I want to know what role did the Dragonoids played behind the First and Second War of Nations. I phrased it that way because I was unsure to what extent it was a problem involving all Dragonoids. But there is no doubt that the Dragonoids were involved in some way behind those wars. I believe their actions were connected to the inexplicable aspects of those wars. Knowing that would be important for the peace of the continent.

Finally,” Taranka paused, swallowing hard, and continued his speech.

“I said that they should come to pick me up on April 1st. I also said that the maximum number of people coming from our side would be ten. With that much time, I thought we could have sufficient discussions and decide who would go and with what kind of policy. As I have already mentioned, I have listed the questions I would like to inquire about in rapid succession, and secured the promise for them to pick me up, bring me back, and ensure my safety during the process. There was a need to do so at that time. This is because, from the Dragonoid Chichiruarchichi’s perspective, they would not have known what kind of attack it was that brought down 180 of their attack force to the ground, and that Bard Rowen, the wielder of that attack, had lost consciousness. It was a situation where they should have suspected that we had unknown means of attack. Moreover, 180 of their comrades had fallen to the ground, and the knights were rushing to deliver the finishing blow. It was a situation where they were held hostage, and it was the one and only opportunity to negotiate from an advantageous position. Now, as for the breakdown of those ten representatives, it is up to all of you to decide, but…”

Taranka looked around at the assembled ministers and delivered his final words.

“I would like to request that among those ten, my master Bard Rowen be included.” (t/n: he called bard Wa Ga Shifu, teacher/master)

The assembly hall erupted in an uproar.

4

“Foolish! What are you thinking? They are seeking the magic sword and its wielder. It is like a moth flying into the fire!”

“They can manipulate people’s hearts, you know. What if they take control of Loard Rowen?”

“When the Dragonoids attack again, how can we fight without Lord Rowen?”

Amidst the shouts of the ministers, Bard was filled with emotion. ‘Ah, I see. That’s how it is. Now I understand.’

Bard had been puzzled. The fearsome Dragonoids, the embodiment of destruction. The daughter of the tribal chief, Chichiruarchichi, who had led 200 Dragonoids. Yet, Quinta and Taranka had been able to speak to her, more than just speak. They had confronted her as equals. As if they had planned it in advance, they had been able to assert their demands and their justifications. Yes, they had planned it in advance. That was the moment that Quinta and Taranka had been waiting for.

Bard had explained to them the purpose of this journey. They had met with Yemite and Engdahl together. Bard wished to know the mystery of the demonic beasts, the secrets of the spirits, and the true nature of what is targeting Bard and the spirit sword. Taranka and Quinta made Bard’s wish their own. (t/n: if you been wondering, magic or spirit sword, because the word used are different. 魔剣 maken magicsword 霊剣 reiken spirit sword)

The Dragonoids hold the key to the secrets. The Dragonoids are said to be marching towards the royal palace of Parzam. These young people thought this was an opportunity. A rare chance to directly question the Dragonoids and learn the answers to the mysteries.

While everyone in Parzam was focused on how to defeat the Dragonoids, these young people were likely considering how to open a path for negotiation with the Dragonoids. That is why they were able to confront the Dragonoid chieftain’s daughter so quickly and precisely. As Bard’s wish became their own, these young people sought to forge that path.

No, they are still doing so. Bard watched Taranka stand tall, with his eyes shining, holding out his chest against the barrage of insults. Taranka is fighting with all his bravado. For Bard’s sake. To fulfill Bard’s wish. To allow Bard to speak with the one who holds the answers he seeks.

Confined deep within the grand palace of the great nation. Surrounded by the lavish and ominous decor and furnishings. Facing the assembled group of high-ranking, experienced officials. Without flinching, Taranka stands tall, ready to answer any questions, fighting for Bard.

Bard felt his heart grow warm.

5

After venting his thoughts, the officials also calmed down. After some discussion, they concluded that Bard Rowen meeting with the Dragonoid chieftain was not such a bad idea after all. The Dragonoids are overwhelmingly superior to humans, whether or not they obtain the magic sword. So the question is how much can they see and hear from the Dragonoids. There is no one more qualified for that than Bard. Besides, the promise has already been made. The only question left is who will go. On this point, Taranka gave the decision-making power to Parzam’s high officials. However, to put it bluntly, they abdicated it. In other words, Parzam will not send anyone. Parzam claims it will not be involved in this matter. It is Lord Bard Rowen of Fyuzarion, and his attendants who will go to meet with the Dragonoid chieftain. This has been decided.

This conclusion was extremely surprising and disappointing for the Bard. This is a problem that cannot be overstated in its importance. So why are Parzam’s high officials unwilling to get involved? It was expected that they would send a prominent representative to take the lead in these negotiations. However, they have not even dispatched a representative, and have entrusted the negotiations to Bard and his party. It was puzzling. The reason for this was something Julelan told him after the meeting.

“The truth is, the behind-the-scenes negotiations were already settled while you was sleeping, old man. The conclusion of the senior officials is that Parzam Kingdom will not dispatch a representative for this matter. At first, I was also surprised and opposed it. I thought the Dragonoids were a major problem for this country. Their scale, military strength, whereabouts, intentions, and strategies. We need to investigate these things in order to ensure the peace and stability of this country. It was like we were suddenly attacked. We needed to settle this properly, or the country’s reputation would be at stake. That’s what I thought. However, the senior officials were not at all enthusiastic about it. And there is a reason for that.

Right now, this country is on an upward trend. Well, that is largely thanks to you, old man. We have won two major wars, suppressed Fargo and Ezite rebellions. Our commercial exchanges with the Goriora Empire are thriving, and imports from the southern countries have increased explosively. The TriNation Trade Alliance now has eight new member countries. Many countries and cities wanted to come under Parzam’s protection. Having been ravaged by Goriora, Thula and Seion are now seeking very favorable defense and trade agreements with us, separate from the TriNation Trade Alliance. There is a tremendous amount of vested interests at play here.

The senior officials want to concentrate their efforts on that. There is even competition among them to expand their own power and influence. Those who fall behind now will continue to lag behind in the future. I could have ordered some of my subordinates to be dispatched to negotiate with the Dragonoids. But then those involved would fall behind in the power struggle over the vested interests. In other words, I would be undermining my own faction’s influence. Moreover, it has become clear that the Dragonoids have the ability to manipulate people’s hearts. No one wants to go, as they may end up being seen as someone who has been manipulated by the Dragonoids for the rest of their lives. There doesn’t seem to be any real benefit in dealing with the Dragonoids, who live beyond the great barrier. We can’t fight them, and even if we win, there is no territory to be seized. So the senior officials have decided to just pass the whole Dragonoid issue to someone else.

They want to pretend it never happened. Or rather, since Chichiruarchichi, the daughter of the Dragonoid Sasaiya tribe chief, has said she has no intention of getting involved with humans, the ministers think there is no need to have any further relationship. I thought that was not a good idea, but after thinking it over, I’ve changed my mind. Sending a national representative means that the report they bring back will become widely known. But it’s better not to carelessly spread the secret that those Dragonoids are holding onto. I have a feeling some outrageous secret might come out. So, old man. When you get back, report only to me. And you know, old man, earlier I used the term “vested interest,” but this is actually a rare opportunity. Parzam is a great nation, but there are many poor people as well. Even in this capital city, the living conditions of the lower class residents are terrible. And in the villages throughout the kingdom, the poor areas are truly destitute. There are not a few parents who have to sell their children to get through the winter. We must become prosperous. For the poor to become wealthy, the whole country must first become prosperous. And for that, a thriving commerce with active circulation of goods is necessary. Now is that rare opportunity. Haha, old man. Let me tell you. One of the catalysts for the trade with the southern regions was the tea trade. The feudal lords who had tasted the renowned teas from the south became eager to engage in trade. But still, the country of the Dragonoids, huh. Sigh. If I wasn’t tied to this chair, I’d want to go there myself. I wonder what kind of place it is. It’s really exciting, isn’t it? Old man, I’m looking forward to your report. So please come back safely.”

What a thing. The ministers were not at all welcoming of Taranka’s opening the path for negotiations with the Dragonoids. They see it as just meddling in unnecessary matters. They think that’s enough since Chichiruarchichi, the tribe chief’s daughter, said she has no intention of getting involved with humans. They just think, if we don’t have to deal with them, then that’s fine.

Bard was boiling with frustration at the ministers’ stubborn narrow-mindedness. How can they not believe the words of the Dragonoids? If their circumstances change, the various countries will immediately be at their mercy. Aren’t they concerned about the movements behind them?

‘It doesn’t concern me. That’s not the priority right now. Even if some danger awaits us tomorrow, there are vested interests right in front of us now. Seizing as much profit as possible is for my own sake, for my family’s sake, and for the country’s sake. We cannot afford to neglect the immediate benefits.’ That is how they are thinking.

Then, was Taranka’s desperate argument all in vain? Was it just a farce?

No, no, that’s not the case. It was an event where the old tree (Parzam) yielded to the young branch (Fyuzarion).

Parzam is an old country. The spirit of progress has faded, and the defensive mindset has enveloped the ministers. For them, involvement with the Dragonoids is something that has no apparent benefit. Parzam would prefer to have as little to do with the Dragonoids as possible. Even after witnessing their terrifying nature firsthand, the Dragonoids’ existence does not register as a threat in their hearts. They may say various things, but they do not truly feel threatened from the bottom of their hearts. Their minds cannot accept something as unprecedented as the Dragonoids. Parzam has continued on so far, and they believe it will continue to do so. The only issue is how to take advantage of the situation.

In contrast, Fyuzarion is a new country. It may not yet have the full scale of a nation, but in its aspirations, it can be considered a country. It is brimming with the energy to seek out, discern, and absorb the unknown and the mysterious. It is trying to expand and develop outwards. This youthful growth force is attempting to overcome even major obstacles and extend its branches.

In this recent event, one could say that the vitality of the young Fyuzarion overwhelmed the lethargy of the aged Parzam. Indeed, when the Dragonoid tribe chief’s daughter appeared, the only ones who could speak up to her were the young Quinta and Taranka. Even the pillars of this country and those said to be crucial for diplomacy could only flee in fear and panic. Only Taranka and Quinta were able to stood tall against Chichiruarchichi. Even in the council of senior ministers, he was able to eloquently explain the meaning of his actions. In the end, the senior ministers were overwhelmed by it. Taranka and Quinta challenged the political monsters of the great nation of Parzam in debate and won magnificently.

What if he look at this from a different perspective? A mischievous smile appears on Bard’s face. For now, Fyuzarion is still a very small existence. But eventually it will become a major power in the frontier. And when Fyuzarion confronts Parzam, Parzam will not be able to gain the upper hand over Fyuzarion. Even in a contest of beastly prowess, once one has tucked its tail, it will never be able to raise its head against its opponent again. This time, for whatever reason, the senior ministers of the Parzam nation have tucked their tails before Taranka and Quinta. Before those two young people. When Taranka becomes the Prime Minister and Quinta becomes the Knight Commander, who in Parzam will be able to stand up to them?

Furthermore, it’s a matter of how one look at it. The fact that no representative is coming from Parzam means that there will be no interference. It means that Bard’s dialogue with the Dragonoids can proceed as he wishes. Isn’t that a very good thing?

Hehe. The tea trade, huh? So Princess Shernelia was not just a princess confined to the inner palace after all.

Now then. Where do the Dragonoids live? It is said to be outside the Great Barrier. In other words, Bard will step beyond the Great Barrier. That is the world outside of what Bard knows. He wonder what kind of world will he see.

6

Bard did not waste the time until April 1st. While consulting with High Priest Barry Toad, he recruited immigrants for Fyuzarion. What he wanted the most were papermakers and ink makers. He also needed woodcarvers, joiners, brick makers, engineers for metal refininig, carpenters, and glassmakers. After all, iron, copper, tin, and quartz mines are being discovered one after another. But there is a lack of technology to utilize them. Barry Toad was delighted and recruited forty people, mainly orphanage graduates.

Various types of equipment were also purchased. Bard had still kept most of the reward he received from the king at the royal palace, so his funds were plentiful. Fifteen carriages were arranged. While they decided to attach Quinta, they still lacked enough escorts. Such a grand group would naturally be an easy target for bandits. Hiring mercenaries would be a good idea, but hiring incompetent escorts would turn them into a wolf pack. This dilemma was solved by Chantillion. Chantillion lent them the knight Natz Cajnel as an attendant, and also provided five squires under the pretext of training. Bard was deeply moved. Later, Bard learned that Knight Natz had been given a secret mission from Chantillion, which somewhat diminished his gratitude. The secret mission was to gather information about the unknown deeds of Lord Bard Rowen from Knight Quinta and the people of Fyuzarion. Of course, Bard also met Princess Shernelia and Prince Balrant (t/n: barudo from bard). He had never seen such a noble and adorable infant. Bard’s eyes were drooping with emotion.

Quinta was greatly disappointed to learn that he would not be able to visit the Dragonoids home. But he obeyed Bard’s orders. Bard was also anxious about whether they could safely return after entering the Dragonoid territory, so he wanted to avoid losing both Taranka and Quinta. On March 32nd, the migration group was sent off, and Bard waited for April 1st.