Kays Translations

Chapter 167: Storm Clouds Gather

Plazzo has been attacked by magic giants, golems—armed with this shocking news, Isamu immediately heads to the frontier Margrave Nazario Innocenti.

“What did you say!?”

Even Nazario, upon receiving the news, was speechless.

“Just yesterday, we were hoping everything would be fine, but before we could even catch our breath… Is Zambrotta Trading Company okay?”

Isamu weakly shakes his head in response to Nazario’s question.

“I don’t know. But the fact that Silvio’s message only said that much suggests that the information he received was similarly brief. He must have hurried to send the hawk…”

“Hmm…”

“If it’s the southern part of Plazzo, it’s likely they attacked Capolfi, the major city where Zambrotta Trading Company has a large branch.”

“Capolfi, huh… Do you think it’s Zun’s doing?”

“I think the possibility is high, but if that were the case, it should have been Zun’s magic golems… The mystery aspect is bothering me.”

“Indeed. If there were magic golems large enough to take over a city, they would boldly display the country’s flag.”

Gascoigne murmured, tilting his head slightly.

Due to the circumstances, Gascoigne had also come along as the deputy representative of the Eriksen territory.

“That certainly makes sense. If that’s the case, there are so many things I don’t know, including whether it’s Zun or not…”

“That does make sense. So, I’m thinking of heading there immediately. With the magic car, we should be able to reach Balshan in about three days.”

“Three days to there? Even rushing with a carriage, it would take about six days, normally eight. To travel at the speed of the fast horse would be impressive.”

“Well, it was designed for times like this. Not exactly the happiest use…”

“I’ll send some troops too, but we can’t keep up with that marching speed. The situation is the same for Lubinda and his guys. If that’s the case, you’ll be diving into enemy territory with a squad of less than a platoon, without knowing the enemy’s numbers. Don’t take unnecessary risks, okay?”

Nazario looked straight into Isamu’s eyes.

“I understand. It’s mainly reconnaissance, and I don’t intend to waste lives.”

“Good. However, … There’s been no declaration of war from the enemy, no formal request for reinforcements from Plazzo, and of course, no orders from His Majesty to deploy. It’s impossible to rush in with a large army…”

Nazario said with a bitter expression.

“How many more people can fit in that magic car?”

“I think one more person is the limit. If we slow down the speed, maybe up to three.”

“Speed is our top priority for now. Understood. I’ll send one person who can use magic and is skilled enough from our side. Take them with you.”

With that, Nazario called out to the knight captain standing behind him.

“Mercurio, prepare to send out Wakkein immediately. Equip him with Type I field gear.”

“Understood.”

Upon receiving the instructions, Mercurio quickly left the room.

“Wakkein is a young promising magic knight from our house. He even participated in the recent court competition, so you should find it easy to talk to him. He should be of some help.”

“… Thank you very much. I appreciate it.”

“Hah, ideally, I’d want to send at least a small platoon… I’m sorry it’s just you. We can’t keep up, and we can’t afford to send a large number. Oh, and change into our armor. It should provide better defense.”

The “our armor” Nazario mentioned was the earth-attribute magic armor proudly worn by the Innocenti family, also worn during the court competition. Although leather, it boasted defense comparable to metal armor and reduced the effect of lightning swords.

“Really? Is that okay!? Isn’t that a confidential magic item of the Innocenti family?”

“It’s precisely because it’s a confidential magic item. If knights of the same faction know that they are riding into enemy territory with only a few people, not giving them even one piece of confidential magic item would damage the reputation of the noble.”

“Thank you very much. It helps a lot.”

“Haha, what are you saying? I still haven’t returned half of what I received. It’s really sudden, so I can’t do detailed size adjustments, but I’ll bring several items of different sizes for you to try. Hey!”

Saying that, he then called out to the elderly gentleman who appeared to be the steward.

Shortly thereafter, a young knight brought several armors of various sizes on a cart.

“These are before adding emblems or decorations. Wearing our emblem armor would complicate matters.”

Wearing armor with emblems was synonymous with being a member of that family.

If a noble wore armor with emblems from another family, it would mean that they were under the control of that family.

“I appreciate your concern… Let me try on the medium size right away!”

While expressing his gratitude for Nazario’s concern, Isamu’s expression stiffened as he reached for the armor he intended to try on.

“…..”

Gascoigne reaches out to try on a larger size, then tilts his head in confusion.

“…… Nazario-san, may I have a private consultation?”

Isamu gazed directly at Nazario and spoke.

“A consultation? Sure, but what’s this all of a sudden… Could it be!?”

“Yes. I can read this magic circle. May I make a few modifications to it?”

*Giiin!*

From the backyard of the Innocenti family’s lord mansion, a sharp metallic sound could be heard.

“This much change…”

Nazario, gripping his sword, couldn’t help but grunt.

“We’re short on time, so for now, I’ve only adjusted the hardness.”

Isamu said with a wry smile.

Upon realizing he could read the magic circles, Isamu hurriedly deciphered what effects were hidden within. As a result, he discovered it was akin to an armored version of their earth magic sword, Ferris Type I.

The effect primarily increased “durability,” and the increased hardness seemed to be just the outward manifestation of that result. Moreover, it seemed that increasing durability itself might have been an incidental purpose.

This was because it had been depicted as focusing on enhancing resistance to lightning magic, which significantly inhibited the effectiveness of their lightning swords during the court match.

While parameters for resistance to lightning magic and durability could be specified numerically, the numbers for durability were surprisingly modest. This might have been due to considerations of magic energy consumption, aimed more at prolonging endurance.

Fortunately, Isamu and the others had mantles with strong defense against lightning magic, so Isamu raised the durability parameter while lowering the lightning resistance parameter.

The prototype he had just tested with Nazario slashing it was significantly enhanced in durability parameters.

Though not tested, similar to how the magic sword couldn’t be effectively imbued with anything other than blades, it was likely only applicable to armor-like items.

The reasoning behind this was unclear, but magic circles often applied abstract human concepts.

“It’s good to see the visible change in hardness. Since we have no idea how long the effect lasts, I’ll verify it while we’re on the move.”

“Indeed, the ability to draw magic circles is truly extraordinary…”

Nazario sighed. Given that only a few hours had passed since they discovered he could read magic circles and began testing the prototype, his frustration was understandable.

“I thought we had just returned a small favor, but it seems we’ve only accumulated more debts.”

The contract was that in exchange for being allowed to use the magic circle of the hidden magical tool, all magic circles based on this one, including the prototype this time, would be provided to the Innocenti family.

Unintentionally benefiting once again, Nazario sighed softly, furrowing his brow.

Having unexpectedly acquired a new magic circle and strengthened their forces, Isamu and the others quickly began preparations for departure this time.

Returning to the guest house for the time being, Isamu immediately instructed the members to prepare for departure and also made a request to Pietro.

“Most likely, we will depart from Inotia this afternoon. After letting the hawk rest for a day, please deliver this letter on our way back tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

While hawks could fly long distances without rest, once flown, they needed more than a full day to recover magic energy based on the distance flown.

Given the distance to Klaufendam from here, it would likely need about two days of rest.

Since Isamu planned to depart soon, he couldn’t send it himself, so he asked Pietro to do it instead.

The lord and lady of the manor should already be aware of what’s happening, as should the Bisseling family and Zabadak family of the same faction in the north.

Therefore, Isamu’s letter only acknowledged their future movements.

Firstly, it stated that they wanted half of the magic cars sent here. Of those to be sent, two-thirds would go to Balshan, and the remaining one-third would be redirected to the nearest town on the Plazzo border of the Margrave Balsham frontier territory.

Additionally, he added that he wanted Silvio to accompany them to the nearest town on the border.

About 40 days had passed since Isamju and the others set out on their journey.

By that time, they should have produced approximately 20 units of light magic cars in 2 days each, and cargo magic cars in 3 days each.

Secondly, half of the magic weapons were to be sent to the Balsham family’s garrison near the border with Plazzo.

Thirdly, they requested a large shipment of non-attribute magic stones along with the magic weapons.

With that settled, they hurriedly headed towards Balshan first, planning to proceed directly to the town near the border depending on the situation.

Isamu finished writing, handed the letter to Pietro, and with the members, they once again headed to the lord’s mansion in the magic cars.

“Let’s minimize our food and supplies. Since we might be facing magic giants like golems, I want to bring along the leg parts we brought.”

“Understood. We’ll procure supplies from villages and towns along the way to reduce weight.”

“Thank you.”

Immediately after returning from the ruins, they received urgent news, so they hadn’t touched the spoils brought back from the ruins at all.

However, if they were to fight a magic giant golem, analyzing those parts might provide hints for overcoming it, if not weaknesses.

With that in mind, they decided to bring along the leg parts even at the cost of reducing food supplies and continue deciphering.

After continuing their work at a rapid pace, loading the brand-new armor they had received last for inscribing magic circles, a knight rushed over.

“Sorry to keep you waiting! My name is Wakkein. I serve as a squad leader in the knights.”

The young man introduced himself as Wakkein, standing tall and saluting before Isamu.

“Oh, you’re Wakkein. I remember you were in the rear during the court match.”

“You remember me? Yes, I’m presumptuous to take on the role of a magic knight, so I served in the rear during the court match. It’s an honor to be able to serve with the Klaufeldt family who won, as well as the esteemed Eriksen family… It’s a knight’s dream come true.”

“Haha, it’s flattering to hear that. It’s a sudden request, but I’m counting on you.”

“In that match, the vanguard collapsed early, so he didn’t have much chance to shine… He has the ability to hold the vanguard, so please make good use of him. I’m counting on you, Wakkein.”

“Yes, sir!”

Next to Isamu, Nazario, who had been observing the work together, lightly patted Wakkein’s shoulder.

Suddenly, a loud voice came from the magic car.

“No no no, there’s no way I’m getting on that thing! I’ll chase after you by riding a horse, so just leave me alone!”

“What are you talking about! There’s no way you’re going solo! Besides, you can’t just ride another lord’s horse without permission!!”

Gascoigne, prone to carriage sickness—or rather, magic car sickness—was steadfastly refusing to board, while Tiramisu, who was riding with him, seemed to be scolding him logically.

“Ugh. Then I’ll catch up with you on foot.”

“That’s impossible! Just get on without complaining!”

“Shut up! Anyway, there’s no way I’m getting on—”

“Meow.”

*Splat*

“Ugh…”

*Thud*

“Nice one, Sensei!! Now, Mizeloi-san, tie him up and throw him in while you can!”

“…Ah.”

“Isamu-sama, personnel and cargo loading are complete. We’re ready to go whenever you are.” 

Felix reported calmly, as if nothing had happened.

“Not very formal, huh…” 

Nazario chuckled in amusement.

“Yeah, but I guess that’s just how Isamu and the others are. Take care on your way. We’ll be sending out a squadron ahead for now, so don’t try to do everything yourselves, okay?”

“Yes, understood. Safety is our motto, after all.”

 Isamu replied with a smile, firmly shaking Nazario’s offered hand.

“Alright then, off we go.”

“Got it. Counting on you.” 

Isamu nodded slightly and turned to face everyone.

“Now, Tiramisu, we’re counting on your usual skills.” 

“Roger that! Seems there’s some mysterious magic giant golem causing trouble in Plazzo. It’s a bit big-headed, so we’ll teach it a lesson, yeah?!”

“YEAH!”

“Please, stay safe!!”

“Stay safe!”

And so, on that afternoon of the urgent report, Isamu and the others hastily set off towards Balshan in a convoy of three magic cars.

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