Kays Translations

Chapter 169: Invaders’ Objectives

“I see, so you found something like that in the ruins…”

Lubinda muttered upon hearing about the Avalushi magic giant golem found in the ruins.

“Yes, it matches the characteristics the captain mentioned earlier. I brought the actual item with me, thinking it might reveal something when analyzed. Perhaps it would be good for the captain of the reconnaissance team to check it out it later.”

“I see. The overall appearance and the individual parts might give different impressions, but it should be quite informative. I doubt just anyone could create something like this…”

“Yes, most likely they unearthed a fully operational specimen. I’m not sure how they learned to operate it, though.”

The magic giant golem, once activated, wasn’t just an ordinary magic item that would work straightforwardly. Since they couldn’t read magic circles like Isamu, even if found in perfect condition, operating it would be challenging.

“Whether there’s someone like Isamu, a series of coincidences, or if they found documentation on how to operate it that even we can understand… There are many possibilities, but speculating won’t get us anywhere.” 

Lubinda said, closing his eyes.

“Since they have a purpose, we have no choice but to investigate that area.”

“There’s still so much we don’t understand. I think we should depart this afternoon.”

“True. Sending someone to where we know there are dozens of magic giant golems is risky… But Isamu and the others are well-equipped and knowledgeable.”

“That was our intention from the beginning, so there’s no problem.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll immediately send an urgent message to the capital, seek His Majesty’s instructions, and reinforce the border defenses. We must avoid being invaded ourselves.”

“That’s right. Since they haven’t attacked us yet, His Excellency shouldn’t act independently. I’ll also operate from here as Orihime Trading Company to avoid any weaknesses.”

“That’s a front… but it might be for the best.”

“Then, as soon as the disguise for the magic car is ready, I’d like to depart.”

“Ah, I’ll leave it to you. But don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

“Thank you.”

Isamu shook hands with the concerned Lubinda and left the room, immediately issuing the command for departure preparations.

From the magic car, instead of the Kraufeldt family crest, a silhouette of Orihime, facing sideways, was affixed as the logo of the Orihime Trading Company.

“Meow.”

Whether understanding it was a mark based on herself or not, Orihime proudly meowed in the same pose on the roof of the magic cart, drawing the attention of the Balsham knights who had assisted with the work.

Since they had received an anonymous set of armor from the Innocenti family, there was nothing left around them to indicate the Kraufeldt family.

Additionally, after the leader of the reconnaissance had just finished eating and was about to rest, he was asked to check out the legs of the golem they found in the ruins, he received the response, “I think they’re quite similar.”

It might not be exactly the same, but it seemed highly likely that it was a magic giant golem with a connection to Avalushi.

Thus, having prepared, the Kraufeldt family, now known as the Orihime Trading Company, departed Balshan towards the town near the border with Plazzo.

They stayed overnight on the way and arrived in the nearest town on the border the next afternoon.

Tension and a sense of unease permeated the city, brought about by the latest report from the reconnaissance team.

Upon confirming the latest situation at the soldiers’ post, it was noted that monsters continued to appear on the highway, and there were no notable movements from the self-proclaimed Avalushi Giant Corps.

Although it was eerie how they swiftly occupied one major city and then fell silent, since the situation hadn’t worsened, they decided to wait for the magic car from Kraufendamm as planned.

With the magic car’s speed, barring any irregularities, it should arrive by the day after tomorrow.

Until then, they decided to rest and spend time decoding magic circles for earth-attributed magic armor in the mobile workshop attached to the bath magic car.

By the way, Isamu had initially attempted to dismantle and examine the legs of the magic giant golem, but with the tools at hand, he couldn’t do it properly, so he had to abandon the attempt.

“Meow.”

*Clang!*

“Oops.”

“Meow meow meow.”

*Clang!*

“Here you go.”

“Meow meow!”

*Thud.*

“Huff!?!”

“Meowff.”

“Hey, Orihime! You promised to stop just before the crucial moment! Damn it… Huh? What’s all the commotion?”

The next day, Gascoigne, in a good mood since he didn’t have to ride in the magic car, noticed a disturbance near the gate’s side barracks while engaged in what seemed like genuine combat training—self-proclaimed “playfulness”—with Orihime in the courtyard.

“What’s going on? It feels like someone has arrived.”

“I’ll go take a look.”

“Yeah, I’ll come too.”

Isamu, accompanying Gascoigne and observing their playfulness, walked towards the gate.

“Have the Avalushi people arrived!?”

“No. They only handed over a letter; they haven’t come.”

There, several knights in unfamiliar armor were being questioned by the town’s knights, surrounded.

“They’re knights from Plazzo.”

“Which means they’re messengers from the occupied territory…”

“They did mention something about a letter. Doesn’t seem like they’ve come fleeing.”

Gascoigne, who had been fighting in various places, quickly confirmed their identity.

“They should have been dispatched to the border with Viscount Felker’s territory as well.”

“To there too! Is the content the same?”

“They said it was the same, but I haven’t been able to confirm it since I haven’t seen the contents.”

From the situation and snippets of conversation, it seemed that they had come to deliver a letter from the self-proclaimed Avalushi Giant Corps.

There were many questions Isamu wanted to ask, but joining the conversation might complicate things, so he decided to quietly wait for it to end.

“We have indeed confirmed the receipt magic seal. Well then, we’ll return to Capolfi. Without evidence of delivering the letter, we don’t know what might happen to the town…”

After about 30 minutes of questioning, the magistrate who had arrived earlier handed over a receipt with a magic seal.

“Ah, it looks like they’re done talking. I’ll go over there for a bit.”

Isamu, who had been observing from a distance, stepped forward.

“Excuse me, may I ask just two questions?”

“And who might you be?”

Seeing Isamu suddenly appear, the knight from Plazzo looked puzzled.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Isamu Matsumoto, chairman of Orihime Trading Company, which has a major store in your country and an exclusive contract for magic tools.”

“Isamu Matsumoto!? So you’re the one with the extraordinary skills…”

The knight widened his eyes upon hearing the name.

“Oh? So tales of wanderers have reached your country as well?”

“No, I apologize. It’s not because of his extraordinary skills, but because the details of Matsumoto-san’s publicly announced abilities were shocking, his name has spread to our country’s nobility and even reached the ears of knights like us.”

“I see. So, that’s how it is.”

“Well then, what are your questions?”

“The first is, how did you come all the way here? We heard there are quite a number of monsters along the highway.”

“We’re only three knights, so we detoured through the monster-free forest. As you say, there are still monsters on the highway…”

“I see, thank you. Then the second point. As I mentioned earlier, we have an exclusive contract with Zambrotta Trading Company. I believe there was a fairly large branch in Capolfi. Is everything alright there?”

“Indeed, there was a quite large store. Unfortunately, we were at the lord’s mansion at the time and were quickly subdued and detained by giants, so I haven’t been able to confirm. However, based on the information coming in and the state of the city when we arrived here, I don’t think the residents have suffered major damages so far.”

“I see… I understand. If there’s a chance to talk to someone from the trading company, please convey that I came to this town out of concern.”

“Understood. However, we hardly go out, so it’s difficult…”

“No, no, it’s my selfish request. If it’s possible, please. Thank you. That’s all I wanted to ask. Sorry for keeping you.”

“No, it’s understandable to worry…”

With an apologetic expression, the knight said this and turned back to return to Capolfi.

“Sorry for taking up your time. So, what does the letter say?”

After lightly bowing his head, Isamu called out to the magistrate and the captain of the guard who had been looking at the letter.

“The letter details the objectives of the thieves or rather the conditions for lifting the occupation…”

Frowning, the magistrate handed the letter to Isamu.

“Excuse me… Hmm, I see.”

Isamu’s expression became serious as he read through the letter.

“Let me see… What’s this?”

Peering over Isamu’s shoulder, Gascoigne looked astonished.

“They write with grand words, but it’s essentially just complaining about what they don’t have…”

“Haha, do you really think so?”

With a wry smile, Isamu responded.

The letter, written on behalf of the Avalushi Giant Corps, contains the following content:

“In recent times, the concentration of wealth due to the monopoly of magic tool technology and manufacturing by major nations has become unbearable. Furthermore, the monopolistic price hikes utilizing their dominant position in high-demand magic stones are deeply regrettable.

We, the Avalushi Giant Corps, have risen as an independent organization unaffiliated with any nation or faction to rectify this unfairness and imbalance.

Thus, we present our demands to each nation.

While our power, as demonstrated by the magic giant golems, is well known for occupying large cities in a single day, we deeply regret involving innocent civilians.

We assure not to interfere as long as our demands are met, but we have no hesitation in fully utilizing our power if they are not.”

And among the demands written for each country, it was stated as follows for the Kingdom of Staleen:

“Firstly, disclosure of various magic circles monopolizing their benefits under the guise of concealed magic tools.

Secondly, as a country producing magic stones, the provision based on the mining cost of various magic stones. Especially, the massive supply of attributeless magic stones, the only one produced.”

“…What do you think, Matsumoto-sama?”

The magistrate asked Isamu, who pondered with his hand on his chin.

“Fundamentally, these are demands that cannot be negotiated. At the very least, it’s certain they aren’t made out of goodwill to improve the world. They’re undoubtedly scapegoating some country.”

Isamu replied without hesitation, showing no sign of distress.

“At first glance, it may seem like a fair argument to rectify inequality, but in reality, not all countries in the world can be equal. While it may be unfair that some places produce magic stones and others don’t, it doesn’t mean we can avoid making efforts to address that.”

Continuing his words, Isamu added.

“Another thing is, while they complain about unfairness in magic tools and magic stones, they hardly mention the imbalance caused by military force and power, which is rather suspicious.”

Looking around, everyone nodded quietly.

“But what I don’t understand is why they would go ahead with such a claim that anyone would find questionable upon a little thought.”

“Maybe they’re expecting other countries or groups to follow suit?”

Gascoigne suggested after a moment of thought.

“I did consider that at first, but their demands for countries other than Staleen are too arbitrary. For example, the demands regarding Zun, a neighboring country suspected of excessive magic tools, and the relaxation of cooperation with the Empire.”

“Yeah, that demand is almost nonsensical.”

“Exactly, right? Considering that the place they occupied was Plazzo, it’s almost certainly a scheme aimed primarily at Staleen.”

Isamu concluded decisively.

“The real issue is their objective. I understand the magic circles part, but what do they intend to do with the attributeless magic stones…? It’s probably what they’re aiming for as their achievement, but not knowing their purpose is quite unsettling…”

With a grimace as if he had bitten into a bitter bug, Isamu said that and shrugged his shoulders lightly.

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