Chapter 42: The Mire in the North

　The following morning, Kelvim again prepared for battle.

　The territory bordered the unexplored northern forest and always remained vigilant. Now the condition of neighboring Ziemeld to the northeast was unknown, and the northern people, hardened by generations of fighting beasts, began preparing in earnest.

　Meanwhile, Gilbert had Flora and the others make him leather armor.

“Gilbert, raise your arms and remain still, please.”

“Huh! P-please…!”

　Gilbert obeyed. Holding a leather strap, Flora stepped very close and reached around his back. She was simply measuring his chest, but her nearness felt almost like an embrace.

　—Flora smells wonderful!

　Her expression was entirely serious, so Gilbert voiced none of his thoughts and screamed only within his mind.

“Now stretch your arms sideways at shoulder height. Take a deep breath and hold it.”

　He nodded and obeyed, growing hot, sweaty, and restless.

　Beside him, Dolph smiled warmly while shaping a thin iron plate. Barbara cut the measured leather and murmured something about springtime. Contrary to the cheerful mood inside the wagon, rain had fallen throughout the morning.

　The new protective gear would keep rain from soaking him and stealing his body heat as the wet season approached. In their spare moments, Dolph, Barbara, and Flora had been making a breastplate, shoulder guards, gauntlets, and cloak.

　A new braided cord also adorned his battle-axe. Flora had even sewn him spare clothes, so almost everything he wore had passed through her hands.

　—My gifts are nowhere near enough to repay her…

　Gilbert’s gaze settled on the wooden flower ornament swaying in Flora’s hair, which he had risen early to make. She also wore his brooch. Seeing her use his gifts brought a sweet ache of happiness.

　Restlessly, he considered what to give her next and imagined learning glasswork from an artisan.

　◆◆◆

　While they worked, Lionel came for Gilbert and Dolph. The Ziemeld knight had regained consciousness, and Count Kelvim and the others involved in the fighting had gathered at the church.

“Thank you for saving me. I know I ask still more of you, but… please save Ziemeld.”

　Still badly weakened, the young man struggled upright in bed and bowed, his voice cracking.

“First, tell us what’s happening. The Knights of Ziemeld are said to swear absolute loyalty to their lord. Yet judging by your condition, you fled, did you not?”

　Count Kelvim spoke to him, and the young man nodded with a bitter expression.

“Yes… Pride in defending the harsh north for generations means few dare oppose Duke Ziemeld’s commands. But many voiced fear or tried to protect their families. Everyone who objected to His Excellency’s policy was arrested.”

“Policy? Is Duke Ziemeld planning something?”

　　The young knight began to speak with a frightened look on his face.

“He’s increasing the number of undead beasts inside the barriers. Instead of destroying them, his forces capture them alive…”

“Absurd! Why would he do such a thing? Does he not understand the horror of undead beasts?”

　Count Kelvim cried out in shock, but the young man weakly shook his head helplessly.

“I’m only a low-ranking knight, so I don’t know his objective. But even to an outsider, the creatures plainly can’t be controlled. And something is wrong with the duke himself.”

　Lionel and Gilbert listened grimly.

“His son and heir, Count Agreas, is in the royal capital. Duke Ziemeld has long been bedridden and issues commands through his aides. No one has seen him in person for approximately six months. Yet sometimes in the middle of the night, His Excellency’s voice can be heard coming from underground!”

“From the ground ……?”

“Yes. Perhaps some form of magic is involved. I can’t make out his words, but he sounds in pain. Many people have heard him.”

　Gilbert frowned in confusion.

“Could Duke Ziemeld already be dead, and that voice belong to his ghost?”

“Rumors initially claimed so. But why conceal his death? His heir, Count Agreas, lives and enjoys the territory’s complete support as successor.”

　Everyone’s confusion only deepened.

“We still lack a complete picture. But if we marched into Ziemeld and confronted its knights…”

　Count Kelvim frowned. Beyond the difference in size and skill, the northern lands had been plagued by beasts for generations. Human wars were rare, leaving their soldiers unaccustomed to fighting other people.

“As I said, attempts to control the undead beasts have failed. The barriers can scarcely contain them, and the command structure is collapsing. I exploited the disorder to escape and warn the outside world.”

　Lionel’s expression turned even more grim.

“Has the royal capital been informed?”

“Forgive me. I was imprisoned and don’t possess that information.”

　Count Kelvim exhaled deeply.

“I sent a messenger to Ziemeld’s southern gate this morning, but this is no longer a simple inquiry. We must prepare and deploy. From what we’ve heard, we can’t wait for a reply from the capital. If Ziemeld collapses, this territory will suffer first.”

　Everyone nodded. Acting on one knight’s unsupported testimony was dangerous, but if his account was true, waiting for proof might leave them too late.

“Fortunately, yesterday’s operation succeeded quickly, giving us some freedom. Once preparations are complete, we march for Ziemeld.”

　At Lionel’s words, everyone sprang into action..

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