Kays Translations

Chapter 209: Each Role

As Yaliskov mentioned, while the first-generation golems were indeed energy-hungry, they were equipped with reserve magic stones. Under normal circumstances, they would not exhaust their magic supply so easily.  

Thanks to Isamu’s quick thinking and the knights’ efforts, they couldn’t secure a large number of magic stones from Klaufendam.. However, they had enough preparation to ensure the fall of Meraja. 

In a town the size of Meraja, there were several large magic equipment trade guilds, making it possible to procure magic stones locally and maintain combat operations without issue.

“Ah, it seems the strategist has joined the fray. Whew, that was close,” 

Isamu said, watching from Meraja’s watchtower. He observed a group of cavalry merging with the first generation’s stationed forces.  

With the cavalry’s arrival, hit-and-run tactics would become harder to execute, and their plans might even be exposed to the enemy strategist.  

It was a race against time, but it appeared that the scales had tipped in Isamu and his allies’ favor by the narrowest margin.

“To think you’d actually manage to neutralize the first generation…” 

Liliene, standing beside Isamu, was astonished.  

“It was a gamble since we didn’t know exactly how much it would take to disable them. But even if we couldn’t fully incapacitate them, we’d at least reduce their operational time significantly. So, it was worth a shot,” 

Isamu replied with a look of relief.

The strategy Isamu and his group adopted was straightforward: exhaust the magic from the magic stones powering the golem giants, ideally causing them to run out of fuel.  

A direct confrontation offered little chance of victory, so they exploited their advantage in specific areas to turn the tide.  

The first generation’s reputation for inefficiency played to their favor. Additionally, the enemy had only small, non-attribute magic stones, and their use of magic stones was left entirely to the discretion of the pilots.  

Though the first generation was equipped with reserve stones, they typically had enough magic power for ordinary marches and capturing towns. Moreover, having just been deployed in combat, no standardized system for magic stone management had been established.  

The blitz through the forest further disadvantaged the enemy since they lacked a proper logistics unit to support them.

On Isamu’s side, they had an ample supply of non-attribute magic stones and had modified their equipment to operate in overdrive using small magic stones.  

Research conducted by Isamu and his team had revealed that rapid bursts of heavy magic power usage and repeated activation and deactivation significantly decreased magic stone efficiency.  

Furthermore, a prior battle had demonstrated that dispersing powdered magic stones with the Scatter Magic Orb, initially thought to disrupt controls, instead increased the rate of magic power consumption.

Using this knowledge, Isamu’s group applied constant pressure to the enemy’s magic armor while alternating between attacks and retreats, draining their magic stones at an accelerated pace.  

While Isamu’s forces consumed magic power in the process, their ability to rely on smaller magic stones became a decisive factor, leaving the enemy drained and vulnerable.  

“Some first-generation golems are still pursuing Samuel’s group, but all of our magic giants are fully operational. It’s unlikely the enemy will make the first move.” 

Isamu noted, observing the inactive enemy camp.

“True. Especially with their strategist back in their ranks, they won’t act recklessly,” 

Liliene agreed with a nod.

“Well then, it’s time for one last job.”  

“Understood. The enemy’s main cavalry force will regroup shortly, so let’s finish this before that happens.”  

With those words, they nodded to each other and left the watchtower.

Isamu and his group launched an assault with their second-generation golems and Meraja’s knights. Though the enemy attempted to fight back, they were heavily outnumbered.  

Five operational first-generation golems and the cavalry formed a shield, enabling the enemy general to escape.  

In the end, Isamu’s forces captured over ten first-generation golems and a number of soldiers, including Yaliskov, the enemy strategist, achieving a decisive victory in Meraja.

“Mm… I feel like I’ve had a proper sleep for the first time in a while. Looks like there wasn’t any surprise attack last night either.”

“Nyaffuuu~”

Late the next morning, Isamu woke up, opened the bedroom window, and stretched widely. 

On the bed, Orihime also stretched, mirroring his movements. 

The night before, after a modest celebration of their victory, they stayed at the mansion of Viscount Mersch, the lord of Meraja, along with Annemarie and her knightly guards.

Afterward, they strengthened their nighttime surveillance against a potential second raid by the cavalry unit they had encountered but, in the end, the night passed without incident. 

According to the captured Yaliskov, the enemy general was no fool after years in the military, so retreating after regrouping was the logical move, and that’s exactly what happened. 

Yaliskov himself, when asked if anyone would come to rescue him, bitterly laughed and said, 

“I’m not well-liked, you see.”

“Ah, Isamu-san, good morning!” 

“Oh, good morning, Matsumoto-dono. Did you sleep well last night?”

After tidying up lightly at the guest room’s washstand using magically summoned water, Isamu headed to the dining room, where Annemarie and Viscount Mariente Mersch, greeted him.

“Good morning, Mariente-san. Annemarie, good morning to you too. I slept very well, thank you. I apologize for waking up so late…”

“Given everything you’ve been through in battle until yesterday, it’s no surprise. I’m glad you could rest properly,” 

Mariente replied with a smile to the apologetic Isamu.

“Matsumoto-dono, Lady Annemarie, let me express my gratitude once more as a noble of the Plazzo Kingdom. Truly, thank you for everything you’ve done.”

While chatting over breakfast, followed by a relaxing tea prepared by the maids, Mariente straightened his posture and bowed deeply.

“Mariente-san, please, raise your head. We only did what we could in the face of the situation before us. Besides, this battle isn’t just a Plazzo matter—it’s crucial for our Staleen Kingdom as well.”

“That may be so, but many lives were saved thanks to you. No amount of gratitude would ever suffice. I will repay this debt someday.”

Mariente bowed his head once again as he spoke.

“Understood. But let’s discuss that after things have settled in the royal capital, shall we?”

Realizing there’d be no end to it if he didn’t accept the thanks, Isamu moved the conversation forward.

“Indeed… While we’ve yet to receive any reports from the royal capital, it seems certain, as Matsumoto-dono suggested, that an invasion is imminent,” 

Mariente replied, smiling wryly at the abrupt change of subject.

Interrogations with the captured Yaliskov confirmed similar reports. 

“We’ll likely collaborate with neighboring lords to dispatch knights to the capital tomorrow. What about you, Matsumoto-dono? What are your plans?”

Although an attack on the capital seemed unavoidable, it was essential to retain enough defensive forces to protect each domain. Mariente estimated a united force would be formed, led by the highest-ranking noble in each region, to head for the capital. 

Couriers had already been sent out the previous night to notify others.

“I plan to wait for reinforcements from Staleen, which should arrive shortly.”

“Ah yes, you mentioned the Felker Territory, the Zabadak Territory, and the Kahlenberg Territory would also join?”

“That’s correct. Samuel estimated a force of nearly three thousand soldiers.”

“Three thousand… By the time we reach the capital, we should have around two thousand more joining us, making it a considerable force once we combine.”

“Additionally, a similar-sized force is expected to march north from the southern region. While the main Zun army has superior numbers, we should have the advantage of a pincer attack.”

“Understood. We’ll proceed with preparations for deployment. Please inform your reinforcements to merge with us if possible; we’ll be slower due to gathering forces and should be easy to catch up with.”

“Understood. I’ll relay that message without fail.”

“Thank you.”

After confirming their plans, Mariente shook hands with Isamu and left to prepare for the dispatch of troops.

“What are your plans, Isamu-san?” 

Walking beside Isamu as they left the room, Annemarie inquired.

“Until Zvarl’s unit arrives, I plan to examine the first-generation equipment we seized.”

“Here, at this mansion?”

“No, I’ll need various tools and the help of Eto and others, who are excited about it. I’m thinking of using a branch of the Zanbrotta Trading Company. Silvio-san has apparently notified all branches to cooperate fully with us.”

Having signed an exclusive contract with Isamu’s Orihime Trading Company, Silvio had instructed his branches to prioritize their requests. While half of this was goodwill, the other half was motivated by the belief that it would be more profitable for the company. 

Knowing this, Isamu had no hesitation in seeking their help.

While chatting, they arrived at the Zanbrotta Trading Company branch, where an unexpected pair awaited Isamu.

“Oh, Isamu. Long time no see.”

“Kahaha, sounds like you’ve been causing quite the stir. Glad to see you’re doing well.”

In the reception room, where Isamu was directed upon learning guests awaited him, he found Zvarl Zabadak, the Margrave, and Eleonora Eriksen, the Count.

“Wait, Zvarl-san? And even Eleonora-san!? Why are you both here?”

The branch manager, noticing Isamu’s shock, explained.

“They arrived early this morning. I offered to guide them to the lord’s mansion, but they insisted you’d come here and suggested waiting to avoid surprising the lord.”

“That magic vehicle sure is nice. Unlike a horse, it doesn’t need rest, so we arrived much faster.”

“I’m also using a magic vehicle. Old man Lubindah told me to head toward Isamu and the others instead of worrying about them.”

“I see.”

Isamu chuckled wryly, realizing that the people who followed along had ended up in a tough situation.

“If anything comes up, please don’t hesitate to call on me!”

The branch manager, who had been at his wit’s end entertaining the important guest from a neighboring country until Isamu arrived, looked utterly relieved. Entrusting the two to Isamu, he promptly left the reception room in a fluster.

As the branch manager practically fled the scene, Isamu silently apologized to his retreating back and then sat down on the sofa with Annemarie.

“Is it alright for you two to leave your territories unattended?”

“Ah, it’s fine. Alexei’s brat is being monitored, and thanks to young Nicolette’s scheming, they can’t make any rash moves. That girl is something else.”

“As for my territory, it’s run by mercenaries. Leaving it unattended is the norm for us. That’s why it’s so small in the first place.”

“I see…”

Isamu thought he heard something unsettling from Zvarl but decided to let it slide for now.

“Today, I came in a hurry to tell you something important, Isamu.”

“So did I. Old man Lubindah said the same thing.”

“Something important?”

“We’re sorry for making you fight so much in this incident, Isamu. Please forgive us.”

“Indeed. It’s not in your nature to fight, yet we left everything to you just because the enemy was a magic giant golem. We sincerely apologize.”

The two lords deeply bowed their heads.

“Huh? W-Wait a minute! Please raise your heads!”

Isamu, flustered by their sudden apologies, hurriedly spoke up.

“It’s not like I was the only one fighting! Besides, it was a conflict they started with the Klaufeldt family! I couldn’t just stand by when my wife’s family was insulted!”

“Even so, disputes between nations are matters that we nobles should handle.”

“Exactly. You can read magic circles and craft magic devices. Of course, you’re well-suited to face this enemy. But that doesn’t mean we should leave everything to you.”

The two lords smiled gently at Isamu’s words.

“Still, leaving it all to you is different. While it’s fine to accept help, we nobles must stand at the forefront. Everyone has their role to play.”

“That’s right. And fighting isn’t your role. While your unique abilities can be used in battle, they’d be much better suited for something else.”

“Indeed. When I visited your home and saw you crafting magic devices, your face was alight with joy. You were creating incredible things, yet you looked like a child playing with toys.”

Closing his eyes briefly, Zval reopened them and continued with conviction.

“So, leave the rest of the battle to us nobles.”

“I’ll also be at the front lines for the first time in a while. You can return to your territory and focus on developing magic devices.”

“Exactly. I’m sure you’ll research the captured magic giant Golem and create something extraordinary again. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Ha ha ha, no doubt about that!”

“Zval… Eleonora…”

Hearing the two lords laughing cheerfully, Isamu found himself at a loss for words.

“Annie, I’m sorry as well for dragging your husband into this mess. Once you’re back, take your time and relax with Orihime.”

“Exactly. Newlyweds like you shouldn’t be in a blood-soaked place like this.”

“Both of you…”

Tears welled up in Annemarie’s eyes as she struggled to respond.

“Anyway, the rest of the magic vehicle unit should catch up by the end of the day, and we’ll head to the royal capital, Racherio, tomorrow. The main force should follow a few days later.”

“I’ll head to the royal capital ahead of you by magic vehicle and scout around while causing a bit of a stir.”

“Understood. Then, I’ll prepare as many parting gifts as I can by tomorrow. Please take those with you, and I’ll return to Klaufendam.. Be sure to end the battle quickly and visit Klaufendam. for a change of pace!”

Isamu, wiping his eyes firmly, answered with determination.

“Ha ha ha, that sounds delightful.”

“Indeed. The fools of Zun truly picked the worst person to mess with.”

“Well then, now that we’ve spoken with Isamu, it’s time to greet the local lord.”

“Right. It’s a hassle, but we should at least show our faces. We’ll head to the viscount’s mansion. Looking forward to tomorrow’s gifts.”

Having finished their conversation, the two lords left the Zambrotta Trading Company and headed to Viscount Mersch’s mansion.

“That was a relief, wasn’t it, Isamu?”

“Yes, it was. I’m grateful to everyone for their concern. I acted on impulse to come here, but… let’s go home, to Klaufendam..”

“Yes, let’s.”

“Meow~”

As they watched the two heading to the viscount’s mansion, Orihime, perched on Isamu’s shoulder, rubbed her face against him and let out a soft purr.

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