Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

He traveled two days south from Randel on horseback.

Eventually, a deep forest came into sight. It was the self-ruled domain of the dark elves, the God-Protected Forest.

This was Halberts third time coming to the forest. The first time had been to provide aid during a disaster, and the second to be an escort for Souma when coming to pay his respects to Aishas father before marrying her.

When Halbert told the dark elf warriors standing guard outside the forest that he wanted to go to the village, he was quickly allowed through because he was a familiar face.

They said they would send out a messenger kui to inform the chief he was coming, so Halbert thanked the guards and proceeded into the forest on horseback.

During the bumpy horse ride, Halbert thought about things.

It sure was bad back then. Like something out of hell...

He felt as though the feeling hed gotten watching Fuuga was akin to a natural disaster. As if something beyond human knowledge was wielding an incredible power, and he was but a fly before its might.

This forest was the place where Halbert was first made to keenly feel his own powerlessness.

That was exactly why hed chosen it as the first place to go when taking a fresh look at himself.

Have I changed since then? Im commanding the Dratroopers under Kaede now, yes. And Ive gained a reliable partner and mount in Ruby. I also received an incredible weapon from the Turgish craftswoman Taru. But as for me, myself...

While he was thinking these things, he suddenly came out into an open area.

In the God-Protected Forest, which with its many trees was gloomy even in the middle of the day, this was the one place without any tall trees, the open sky spreading out above him.

It was where the landslide had happened. Because the landslide had mowed down all the tall trees, this was the only open place.

Halbert dismounted to look at that scene.

Back then, the dirt covering the ground had been a dark brown, but now it was blanketed with green, and there were young trees as tall as Halbert.

Sensing someone behind him, Halbert turned around to find a smiling dark elf warrior.

Why, Sir Halbert, I havent seen you since Sir Souma came to visit.

The young man was Aishas father and the chief of the God-Protected Forest, Wodan Udgard.

Its been too long, Sir Wodan, said Halbert. Im sorry for coming on such short notice.

Halbert was sorry to impose, but Wodan spread his arms wide to welcome him.

Think nothing of it. Youve done much for us, so you are always welcome. Im sure Sur and Velza would have been happy to see you if they were here.

Are they away now? Halbert asked.

Yes. It seems they left the forest on some urgent business a few days ago.

I see... Im a little disappointed to hear that.

The twelve-year-old dark elf girl, Velza, had become attached to him after hed saved her during the disaster. Since he was at the God-Protected Forest anyway, it would have been nice to see her, but if she wasnt here, that was that.

Wodan asked, So, what is it that brings you to the God-Protected Forest?

...Im in training now. To reevaluate and improve myself.

Training... is it? I believe I recall hearing you would be wed soon, am I correct, Sir Halbert? At the same time as my daughter is to marry His Majesty.

Well... yes, but...

Hm, it seems you have your reasons. Would you mind telling me them?

When Wodan asked that with sincerity, Halbert related the sequence of events that put him on this journey. When he spoke about Fuuga, Wodan groaned with a difficult look on his face.

There is a warrior out there who can even make my Aisha acknowledge his superiority? Honestly... Its a wide world out there, isnt it?

For Wodan, who knew Aishas strength better than anyone, it was hard to believe there was a being out there that even she feared. However, when Halberts tortured expression told him it was the truth, he shuddered.

Halbert sighed and said, Im... afraid of that man. If he becomes an enemy someday, will I be able to win against him? Will I be able to protect Kaede and Ruby, my wives-to-be? I overthink that, and it even makes me start to doubt whether I should be marrying them at all.

Hmm... Wodan seemed to think about what hed been told for a little while. The silence was awkward, and while Halbert was waiting for him to please say something, Wodan suddenly came out with, Thats weakness.

Huh?! When directly confronted with his weakness, Halbert gulped.

Seeing the reaction, Wodan realized his poor choice of words and corrected himself. Ahh, Im not saying this as a criticism of you. We all carry weakness in us to one degree or another. What is important is whether or not we can face it.

Face our weakness, you mean? Halbert asked.

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Yes. Youre doing that. Now its just a matter of whether you can look at the true nature of that weakness. Weakness is never just weakness. These words have been handed down among the warriors of the God-Protected Forest.

Wodan crouched down, running his hand along the moss on the ground.

In that disaster, the grass and trees were mowed down by dirt and mud. We can say that they were weak when compared to the land. Our power, too, was small and insignificant.

Halbert was silent.

Yet, look. Now grass covers that same dirt. Grass is knocked over easily, but it has a strength that more than compensates for that. It sprouted just a few days after the disaster, and in mere months, the area was covered in green. Now that about a year has passed, new trees have begun to grow, too. There is a strength in those we think to be weak. The same is true of people.

When Wodan stood up, he turned to face Halbert.

The heart that knows fear is cautious and averse to recklessness. The heart that wishes to run away is thorough when it comes to securing its own safety. That is why we say in the God-Protected Forest that you should not reject your fear.

Dont reject fear...

Was it important to fear Fuuga?

It certainly may be true that caution is important. However, that said, when I stand in front of Fuuga, will I be able to fight? When I fight Fuuga, who I fear, will I be able to defend this country, defend my family?

As Halbert thought it over, Wodan chuckled.

If you wish to know more of the heart that knows fear, is there not someone close to you who would be well-suited to teach you? Why not try asking them?

Huh? Who are you talking about?

There is, isnt there? The one who bears the greatest fear in this country, and the one who must also act the most cowardly. In the capital of Parnam.

When he said that, it hit Halbert.

It was true, that guy was in a position where he always had to be afraid of something. To fear, to prepare, and despite his weakness, to somehow overcome his terror.

They were supposed to be friends, so it might not be bad to go and talk.

While Halbert was thinking that, Wodan for some reason drew and readied his bow.

Sir Wodan? Halbert asked.

Heh heh! Well, that aside, you came to this forest to train, did you not? How about it? Will you train with the father of the girl they say is the strongest in this country?

When he put it that way, a warrior like Halbert couldnt pass it up.

Halbert readied his two favorite spears, grinning. Sounds good to me. Compared to using my head, this is way more my style.

You mustnt abandon using your head. Even during this battle, keep thinking at all times.

Yes, sir!

While they shared an exchange like instructor and pupil, the two started to fight.

Finally, having carried out combat training with Wodan, Halbert left the God-Protected Forest behind, turning his horse north-northeast.

The next place Halbert arrived was the familiar capital city of Parnam.

When Halbert reached the capital, he immediately headed for the castle.

The guards knew who he was, and he already had clearance from Souma, so despite the suddenness of his visit, he was led to the kings governmental affairs office with only a simple check first.

When Halbert knocked, a listless voice came from the other side. Come in...

When he entered the room, the provisional king, Souma, was there on the other side of a mountain of paperwork.

Next to him were a number of bureaucrats and the Black-robed Prime Minister, Hakuya.

When he noticed it was Halbert, Souma, who looked a little exhausted from all his paperwork, cocked his head to the side.

Hal? Thats unusual. You came all this way just to see me?

Well, I just wanted to talk with you for a bit... I can come back later if this is a bad time.

He obviously couldnt get in the way of Soumas duties.

Souma let out a big yawn. Hmm, I was just thinking I needed a break, so sure. Hakuya and everyone else, lets take a short breather.

Very well. Hakuya bowed and then left the office. The bureaucrats departed, too, leaving only Souma and Halbert in the room together.

So? You came here because you had something to talk about, right? Souma said, indicating that he should speak.

Halbert resigned himself and said, Fuugas been on my mind ever since we came back from the Union of Eastern Nations.

Oh, yeah? Have you awakened to the way of the warrior now?

Dont be silly... Im trying to talk seriously here, Halbert said resentfully.

Souma shrugged his shoulders. It was a joke. Hes been on my mind, too. He comes after my newborn children, Liscia and the others, and this mountain of work, though.

Hes pretty far down on the pile.

What is it about Fuuga?

Halbert suppressed his desire to keep up appearances, and decided to be forthright. If we end up fighting Fuuga at some point down the line, Im the one whos going to be facing him, right?

...You would be, yeah. I think that, probably, the only ones who could put up a proper fight against Fuuga and Durga would be you and Ruby. If Aisha was the one whod made a contract with Naden, I could have relied on them, but Im not going to cut it myself. I dont see the other wyvern cavalry being able to stall him, either.

Souma crossed his arms and rested them on the back of his chair as he spoke.

Honestly, Im worried the soldiers will flee just because Fuuga and Durga charge them. Itd be bad if they ended up doing the, I-Its Lu Bu! thing.

Lu Bu? Whats that?

...No, never mind. Anyway, in order to prevent that sort of situation, we need a great man of our own whos just as majestic as Fuuga. Like, If Wei has Zhang Liao, Wu has Gan Ning.

Zhang Liao? Gan Ning?

Its a shame that no one gets my Romance of the Three Kingdoms references, Souma said with a straight face after spouting a bunch of nonsense no one else understood. For my part, I have high hopes for Hal the Red Oni. I need you to become someone the people will think of when theyre afraid of Fuuga, saying, Well, we have Hal the Red Oni. Im never going to have that sort of flowery presence on the battlefield.

As Elba pinched the sleeve of the wedding dress Ruby was wearing, she narrowed her eyes. Let me tell you about this dress. Its the one I wore when I came to marry into the House of Magna, you know.

Huh?! It is?!

Elba giggled. Yes. Ive never had a daughter, so I was wondering when it would ever see the light of day again. Im sure the dress is happy to have you wear it.

I-Is it okay to let me wear something so important?! R-Rather than me, shouldnt the head wife, Kaede, be the one to wear it?!

Kaede smiled wryly. In the House of Foxia, we have our own garments for these sorts of wedding ceremonies, you know. My elder brother has already inherited the house, but there is a traditional outfit our women are supposed to wear. Were a family that originally drifted here from the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago, you see.

The wedding outfit used by the House of Foxia was a pure white shiromuku, a colorful iro-uchikake, and a long-sleeved hikifurisode, closely resembling the Japanese style wedding dresses of Soumas world. The House of Foxia wanted Kaede to wear that traditional dress, so she wouldnt be able to wear Elbas dress.

Thats why Im leaving the dress to you, Ruby, Kaede said.

I see... But it sounds like your kimono will be lovely, too. Ruby was delighted by the description of it.

Hee hee, its going to be pretty, Kaede giggled. But Aunt Elbas dress is lovely, too. Id have liked to wear it.

Oh, then why dont you wear both? Elba clapped her hands as if shed come up with a brilliant idea. Youre both about the same height, so why not trade outfits halfway through the banquet? Ill get permission from the House of Foxia.

I think that would be lovely, but... recently, I feel like Rubys chest has been getting larger, Kaede sighed, glancing at it.

D-Dont look at me like that! Ruby hurriedly brought her arms up to cover it.

A dragons human form started out androgynous, but then changed to the sex which matched that of their partner. Rubys body was becoming more and more feminine, and Pai, whose knight had been a woman, was becoming a man.

That said, Naden, who had contracted with Souma, was as puny as ever, so there was individual variation in how those changes manifested.

As Kaede eyed Rubys chest with jealousy, Elba smiled wryly. Well, youll just have to do what you can with padding there.

The world is unfair, you know, Kaede complained.

If Naden heard you complaining with your breast size, I think shed snap... Ruby commented.

While the three of them were chatting, one of the servants entered the room with a knock.

My lady, there is a person who says they wish to meet with the three of you, he told them.

It turned out the person in question wanted to see Kaede and Ruby as well, so Elba had that person seen through to this room. It turned out to be a young man, accompanied by a dark elf girl of about twelve.

Oh? Ruby said. If I recall, you two were...

The dark elf girl bowed her head. Its been too long, Lady Ruby. And its a pleasure to meet you, madam. I am Velza, daughter of Sur, of the God-Protected Forest.

Ahh, so youre Velza! Elba said. Ive heard about you from Hal. If I recall, you were the girl Hal saved during that disaster.

Velza gave an energetic response. Yes! I truly must thank you for what he did.

Hee hee, what an energetic and adorable girl you are, Elba said fondly.

So, what have you come for today? Ruby asked. What is your business here, Sir Sur?

Sur smiled wryly and shook his head. Oh, no, Im just here accompanying my daughter...

Velza stared hard at Kaede. Fox ears... Would you happen to be the one who will become Lord Hals head wife, Lady Kaede?

Huh? Uh... yes, I am. Why do you know my name?

I heard about you before when Lord Hal and Lady Ruby came to visit the God-Protected Forest. I see... So youre Lady Kaede.

Velza suddenly dropped to one knee, lowering her head.

I have come today with a request!

A... a request?! Kaede yelped. Of m-me?!

Yes! I... I want... Velza raised her face, full of determination, looked straight at Kaede, and said, I want to serve Lord Hal! Please, make me a retainer of the House of Magna!

It was decided they should talk this over calmly. After Ruby got changed, they moved to the reception room and listened to Velza speak.

Velza brought a hand to her chest and explained her reasoning. Lord Hal saved my life. I wish to repay that debt, and to swear loyalty to Lord Hal. We dark elves pride ourselves on remaining by the side of those we swear our loyalty to and defending them until the day we die. So, please, place me at your side.

Now that you mention it... Madam Aisha did say something like that, Kaede said, recalling Soumas second primary queen to be.

If she remembered correctly, the reason Aisha had become Soumas self-imposed bodyguard was because shed sworn loyalty to him.

Seeing the seriousness in Velzas eyes, Kaede and Ruby were taken aback, and Elba smiled, saying things like, Oh my, oh my, and, Ah, to be so young again.

Kaede broke into a cold sweat as she asked, But, in that case, shouldnt you be asking Hal directly?

When he came to the God-Protected Forest before, I did tell him subtly. However, Lord Hal thought it was a childish joke, and he wouldnt take me seriously. He would only say, When you get bigger.

That dense oaf! Kaede and Ruby thought simultaneously.

There was a faint romantic yearning visible through Velzas words. Their fiancs complete inability to understand how serious the girl was gave both of them headaches.

Velza kept on going. You will be marrying Lord Hal soon, correct? That being the case, I wanted you, who will be his wives, to know my intention in advance. And I want your permission. When I am bigger, please, allow me to be at Lord Hals side.

Velza stared straight into Kaedes eyes. Her seriousness was apparent.

Ruby looked at Elba, but this time she only smiled, saying nothing. It seemed she intended to leave this to Kaede and Ruby.

Meanwhile, Kaede stared probingly at Velza. There was a brief silence, and Ruby, who could no longer handle the stress in the air, cried out and clutched her head.

Augh! What is with this atmosphere? ...What do you think, Kaede?

Kaede was silent.

She looked into Velzas eyes and gently spoke. You said you wish to serve Hal as a retainer of House Magna, but will you really be satisfied with just that?

Thats... Velza was suddenly at a loss for words.

About two hours later, Halbert, having finished his training, stood in front of a hand-pump well (though, this being a carrier, it was attached to a water tank), naked from the waist up, pouring water over his head.

When he was washing the sweat of training from that manly body and catching his breath, someone who was passing by called out to him.

You! Are you Commander Halbert of the Dratroopers?

Huh?

When Halbert turned in response to the sudden question, the person standing there was Castor, the captain of this island carrier, the Hiryuu.

The Dratroopers were a land combat force, so, strictly speaking, he belonged to a different organization than Castor, but as long as he was aboard the Hiryuu, Captain Castor was effectively the highest in rank.

Halbert hurried to salute. Ah! Captain, pardon me!

No need to be so stiff, Castor said. I heard you were on leave, though?

Y-Yes. I am, but, um... stuff happened...

Everyone kept pointing out that same thing, and Halbert was getting tired of explaining, so he tried to laugh it off.

Castor, sensing he didnt want to talk about it, simply said, Hmm... with a gesture as though he were thinking. So, youre free now, then?

Huh? Err, well, yeah.

Castor grinned. Then will you join me after this?

Castor brought Halbert to his private room, which was separate from the captains room, and had him sit on the sofa. Meanwhile, he took a bottle of wine from the shelf, a glass, as well as crackers and nuts as a snack.

My second-in-command is on leave, too, you see, Castor explained. Ive been bored.

It seemed that Halbert was being asked to join him in drinking.

Castor sat down on the opposite sofa and asked, Commander Halbert... Ah, can I just call you Halbert? How are you with alcohol, Halbert? Strong, or weak?

Huh? Uh, normal, I guess.

Castor gave a satisfied nod. I see. Well, normal is best. My mother-in-law is such a heavy drinker, the mornings after Im forced to join her are rough.

O-Oh... Is that right?