Altina the Sword Princess Book 1: Chapter 2

Regis was deep in slumber.

A voice reached him from a very close distance.

He couldn't tell if it was a dream or reality, but it was the voice of a girl.

"He is totally not getting up! Is he dead?"

"Fufufu... Hes probably exhausted. Princess, since there are no urgent tasks, let him rest."

"... Mu, can't be helped."

There was still so ti before he awakened.

Regis was woken up by a chorus of angry yells.

"Hah!"

"...ugh?"

Regis opened his eyes.

Before him was an unfamiliar ceiling.

It was built with stones in the shape of an arch, a grey ceiling without any decorations.

A curved line could be drawn from the ceiling to the wall.

This looks like a dungeon, Regis thought in a daze.

Regis was lying on the innermost bed in the room.

He could touch the uneven walls if he stretched his left hand. A window was carved out of the cold wall, and it was open.

Sunlight was shining in from it.

A loud, spirited, manly yell could be heard from sowhere.

"Hya!"

That was probably the soldiers training; the sound of the wind from the slashing weapon and the stomping of the feet could also be heard.

"... Ah... So that's it."

I was banished to Sierck Fortress Regis recalled as his mind started churning.

The soft bed was heavenly compared to the carriage of the caravan. He was glad to be alive after recalling yesterday's event.

"... Is it morning?"

"Hoh!"

The weird noise started again.

Regis cupped his ears.

"Is it... Always like this here? What a terrible alarm clock..."

He pushed himself up.

He was frozen stiff by the ti he had reached Sierck Fortress last night. After getting so warm water, he was told to use this room he couldn't rember anything after that.

He surveyed the room again; it was spacious enough for four beds and desks. A pillar was placed right in the middle. Ten soldiers bunk in one room. A non-commissioned officer (NCO) like Regis was assigned to a four-n room.

But there was only one bed beside the wall in this room.

Next to the bed was a desk so grand Regis thought soone had mistaken his rank and grade. And it ca with a shelf!

It was spacious enough from the bed to the door to accommodate six more big shelves.

Instead of happy, Regis felt uneasy.

"Is it because there are excess rooms in the countryside? But this fortress is small and cramped... Did they really mix up my rank and grade?"

A fifth grade admin officer was ten ranks down from the very top.

Field marshal, general, lieutenant general, major general, brigadier general. These were the general ranks.

Officers were divided into admin and combat officers, first grade, second grade grade and third grade admin officers were commissioned officers.

This was followed by the NCOs, from grade four to six.

This ant the fifth grade admin officer was just two ranks from the bottom.

The rank and file has the rank of lance corporal, trooper first class and light trooper. Even a light trooper in the empire's regular army would enjoy good welfare and wages. Conscripted farrs forming militias and underaged apprentice soldiers were considered voluntary soldiers and were not paid.

And so for an admin officer two ranks from the bottom to be assigned to such spacious quarters, this must be a mistake, Regis concluded.

"If I don't find soone to lead to my actual room... Ah, who is my commanding officer?"

The commanding officer of an admin officer would guide Regis in various things as his supervisor.

Regis hadnt t him yet.

Regis took his clothes off in the room.

It was cold even though it was indoors during dayti. He realised again this really was the north.

He put on the brand new uniform laid out on the desk.

The Belgarian military uniform was elegant with the color palette of green, red and white. But the border regint's uniform was dull in design with a dark green color that was almost black as its base color. However the material was thick and the pockets were plentiful, a practical design.

"Hmm, the uniform is well thought out, as expected of the regint at the most forward position."

After dressing up, he heard the shouts of a horde of n.

"... Doesn't seem like anyone is coming. Guess I have to find him myself."

He left the room.

When he opened the door, the stone corridor extended to his left and right.

It could barely fit two people walking side by side. The path andered slightly, with a few wooden doors adorning the wall.

He headed to the very end of the left corridor and entered the courtyard.

"Hei!"

A chorus of shouts rose again.

The courtyard that was surrounded by stone buildings was a training field where the ground had been compacted by the soldiers stomps. 30-odd soldiers were practicing their sword swings here.

In front of the orderly ranks was a huge and bulky man.

This man who was made up of muscles and swinging his fauchard with sweat all over his body was about 40 years old.

He had a thick black beard and bald head.

Regis was so cold that he wanted to wear a scarf, but this man was showing off his body full of battle scars, and also dissipating heat.

He smiled after looking at his way.

"Ugu, you are awake, young man!"

What a loud voice.

The muscular youths training in front of him were also shouting "hei!" and "hah!".

They were also topless, hot and sweaty.

The bald man offered his halberd to Regis.

"Good! Co and swing this too! Your fighting spirit will rise with a bang! Swing it swing it, make the wind howl! Wahaha!"

Regis backed away and said:

"No, no... I am an admin officer so using swords and spears is a bit... By the way, you are the knight that aided us yesterday right?"

The man nodded after Regis asked.

"Yes. I am Evrard de Blanchard, First Grade Combat Officer. I am the Knight Commander of the Beilschmidt Regint!"

"I am Regis Auric, Fifth Grade Admin Officer. I am grateful for your aid... You really saved us."

"Wahaha! I was wondering why I couldn't find the princess. So she disguised herself as a wagon driver and snuck into town. And the bandits are rampant lately. That gave a scare."

"Hahaha, too."

To think the wagon driver was the royal princess.

"But if it is the princess, she might wipe the bandits out instead!"

"Ah... She is really strong."

"Because she is a goddess!"

After Evrard finished, his subordinate knights nodded and agreed. "Yes! A goddess!"

Regis didnt understand what they ant.

"I think the princess is a princess...?"

"She is a goddess!"

"... Ah, I rember there is a religion of La Victoire in the north."

"Yes! A goddess!"

"I see..."

The worshiping of idols was banned by the church, but things were less stringent here in the border regions. The restrictive doctrine of the church was less influential 100 Li (444 km) away.

With the way she wielded her giant sword with her thin arms, it was not a stretch for the soldiers to think of it as a holy miracle.

"She scattered the grey wolves with a single strike yesterday! Marvelous! Wahaha... Cough hack hack!"

When Evrard laughed so hard that he choked, these young charges were smiling happily.

"Wahaha!"

Manly voices.

Regis was grateful for their assistance, but he was not comfortable with the manly atmosphere.

"Haha... I will take my leave then..."

Evrard stopped him with a "wait!" just as Regis was going off. He shouldered his heavy halberd and approached with heavy footsteps.

He breathed slowly as he leaned closer.

"I want to ask just in case."

"Wha, what is it?"

"Did you do anything weird to the princess?"

The gaze of the subordinates sharpened suddenly.

Blood vessels appeared on Evrards bald head.

Regis took a couple of steps back.

"Anything weird?"

"The princess looked different yesterday. What, did you do?"

"I didn't do anything... Just chatted with her."

"What did you talk about!?"

"Erm, rumors from the capital and stuff..."

The youths muttered among themselves. "He said rumors from the capital." "It must be about the social world." "For farrs, it will be about the yam harvest of so family or which family's cow has given birth." "That's not rumors." "Damn, guys from the cities piss off." "The capital sucks!"

Regis felt that he was in danger.

Evrard leaned further in, their lips almost touching.

"Ugh~! The princess was acting just like my daughter after her first date! What did you do, brat!"

"Wait, wait! I told her how the capital thinks about the fourth princess and stuff about politics. How can I say those things to a child... And I am not boasting, but I have never held hands with a girl ever!?"

Silence.

The noise was gone.

Evrard smiled gently like a saint depicted in paintings.

His knights showed angelic expressions.

"Be strong, young man."

"Good things will happen one day."

"Fighto."

I don't need such sympathy Regis thought.

Regis shouldered the useless and gentle encouragent and carried his heart heavy with defeat, leaving the sad courtyard behind.

He went to the corridor before his room and headed down the path to the right instead.

He heard humming.

"Hmm hmm, hmm~"

"Huh?"

He peeked in from the open door and saw a big room.

There were eight long tables and fifty chairs arranged in rows.

"Is this the officers dining hall?"

The stony walls gave off a rugged impression, but the vase with flowers decorating the place made it feel elegant.

A maid was cleaning the table with a rag.

She was the one humming.

Wearing a maid uniform with a red base, with her brown hair tied behind her. She was swaying to the rhythm of her humming.

She was about Regis' age.

The lady's hazel eyes and lovely smile left a deep impression. Her beautiful hair and light skin was really charming when she worked.

"Mmm mmm, hmm hmm~ la, lalala~ the lady maid just like Cinderella told the mouse~ there will be a party in the castle tonight~"

She was singing now.

Her tone was a bit off though.

She twirled around and the food scraps fell to the ground. Was she cleaning or dancing?

Their eyes t.

She noticed Regis standing at the door.

The maid beca stiff.

Her singing stopped.

Regis felt the atmosphere becoming tense.

"Oh... what a nice song."

"Eh, really?! You were moved by my song?"

"I didn't say I was moved..."

"This is a popular song that is trending lately~"

"I see, but this is the first ti Ive heard it... Is it popular in this fortress? Or is it famous in the streets of Tuonvell?"

"Wrong, its trending in my heart!"

"So it's just you!"

"I ca up with it just now."

"Didn't you say it's trending lately?"

Ignoring Regis' retort, the maid explained the song with a smile.

"Ara, is everyone that worried about ? My relationship with Jero is not that good, but just telling his story wouldn't upset ."

"You might not be aware princess... But the soldiers think of you as an important guest."

"That's an, Clarisse. No matter what, they won't be that distant.... Probably."

"Really? What Mr. Regis just said... I heard it from the soldiers before."

"What did you say?"

Altina was surprised by the explosive content that was delivered calmly by Clarisse.

The maid smiled and continued.

"I am an easy to approach person after all."

"What, that ans I am an unapproachable person?"

"How could that be. The princess is the princess. Not anything else."

"Well... You are right but... Ugugu."

"Please relax. Even if the soldiers in the fortress ostracise you, I will always be at your side. I am your only companion, my princess. The princess belongs only to ... Fufufu~"

Clarisse consoled the princess as if she was chanting a magic spell.

Although so of the content seed inappropriate.

But going by her nature, she was probably joking.

Regis continued the topic.

"Well, that's all I know about Sir Jero. It is normal for the soldiers in the fortress to trust him more than the princess. He wasnt supposed to command a border regint, but a division or an army."

"Ugh... I get it. I don't think I have gained more trust than him among the troops. But it won't be long till I change that!"

"That's a great line to say when conceding. Although those saying it in the books I read are the minor characters..."

Altina glared at him unhappily.

"That's it for the issue of command authority. Now, think of a way to handle the bandits."

"Erm... I need a certain number of soldiers to nab the bandits. If possible, I would prefer troopers over cavalry. Hence... I need Jero to give the go ahead."

Regis' sight fell on the table.

Be it chasing out the admin officers or his relations with Altina, Jero was definitely hard to get along with.

To be honest, Regis felt depressed.

Altina stood up spiritedly.

"Now is a good chance! Let's try talking properly with Sir Jero. He is definitely troubled by the bandits too."

"You sure are enthusiastic."

"Of course! It's better than being down all the ti."

She said with a smile.

Altina pulled Regis along and headed for Jero's chamber from the officers dining hall in the central tower.

Clarisse stayed behind to do her other chores.

With their footsteps echoing along the corridor, Altina happily chatted with Regis.

"Youre really popular."

"Popular with whom?"

"Clarisse. You didn't notice?"

"Are you misunderstanding sothing? She keeps toying with though."

"People will only joke around with others they get along with. This is proof of you making her happy. Clarisse is normally silent and stays in her room all the ti."

"Silent?! Stays in all the ti?!"

"Yes. Emotionless, just like a doll."

"... Is the one speaking with a different maid with the sa na? Or is she ssing with you too? I can't trust things anymore."

"Ahaha!"

Altina laughed like a child as she ascended the spiral stairway.

They were heading towards Jero's chamber on the third floor.

They tried knocking on the plain wooden door several tis but there was no answer.

Altina pouted.

"That man seems to be out."

"As the de facto commander, he is probably busy."

"Hmm~ I don't think hes that passionate about work... Forget it. I will show you around the fortress as we look for Jero!"

"That will be a big help."

"This way Regis! Hurry up!"

Altina rushed him.

They climbed the stairs again to the very top of the tower.

Regis breathing turned ragged.

The top floor was a conference room with a black table.

Be it the map of the border region pasted on the wall, the empire's flag or the bare stone floor... This room gave off the atmosphere of war.

The wear and tear of the conference table alerted Regis of the fact that here was the most forward of the front lines.

"Over here!"

Altina crossed the room and opened the huge windows.

It opened with a bang.

The wind blowing in through the windows made the flag and map flutter noisily.

Altina let her hair flow with the wind from the window. Her hair basked in the sunlight. Altina pointed into the distance.

"Hey, look!"

"Be careful, I might bump into you and make you fall."

"Yeah yeah..."

Regis headed for the balcony, the wind that carried the aroma of the forest blew through Regis' hair.

The lush scenery took Regis' breath away.

The cloudless blue sky and the snowcapped mountains painted a majestic picture. The sun shone warmly over the entire world.

The sky and the mountains were within his reach, he felt like a bird flying high in the sky.

"Amazing", Regis said under his breath.

Altina who looked satisfied nodded.

"Isn't this great?"

"I finally found a treasure after braving the storm to these far lands. Although I can't keep it in my pocket, it will never disappear from my heart. I can rember that scene of the sky even when I close my eyes right now."

"What is that?"

"Quoted from Frenson's autobiography. He was a very active painter in the empire, but he worked as a delivery worker because his pieces didn't sell when he was young. After experiencing a harsh storm, he was inspired by the beautiful sky at his destination. The doubts in his heart and the fatigue to his body vanished at that mont, and he uttered these words in tears. After that, he focused on painting the sky. Shortly after, the 'Frensons Sky' beca a highly acclaid piece."

"I see. That ans you can't do a job well if you stay at ho all day."

"Eh? No, this is talking about how he was moved by that scene..."

Shifting his gaze nearer, he could see the fortress clearly. This was obvious since this observation post was ant for commanders to grasp the battle situation and make tactical decisions.

Fortress Sierck was built halfway up the mountain.

To the gentle slope to the north were six connected walls, with an observation tower.

In the middle was the central tower for the commander and staff to use. Regis and Altina were on the balcony of the top floor of this building.

Be it the NCO block in the east or the troopers buildings in the west, they were all rectangular stone buildings.

Most of the soldiers reside in the west, so it occupied a lot of space with twenty connected rectangular buildings.

The courtyard where Regis t Evrard was between the central tower and the eastern block. The north that was closest to the enemy was the main gate and parade square.

It couldn't be seen from this position, but the food warehouse, armory, and stables were to the south of the fortress, Altina explained.

Regis set his sights on the construction works of the outer wall. Wooden scaffolds were set up at a part of the outer wall.

"Is restoration work going on over there?

"Yeah. The Varden Grand Duchy attacked three months ago; the walls were damaged by their cannon fire. It usually holds up fine, but seems like the opponent used very powerful cannons this ti, so the walls were slightly breached."

"Powerful cannons? Please tell more."

"Erm... I just took on my post back then, so I stayed in my room back then. I was told to not co out. So I didn't see anything."

"But you are the commander..."

"When I get up from my chair, they will say 'princess, please leave this to us' and was escorted back, it can't be helped!"

"Well, I can imagine that. Do the neighboring countries attack frequently?"

"About once every three months. But its hard to traverse the forest during winter, so they probably won't co this ti."

The distance between Varden Archduchy and the empire was just 30 Li (133 km), but there was a forest with barbaric tribes residing between them Regis had read in a book.

"What about the barbarians?"

"I have not seen them before, but I heard they climbed over the outer wall when they attacked in the sumr, it was a fierce battle."

"Ugh..."

When battling the ill-equipped savages, the situation might change abruptly either to their advantage or disadvantage. The empire's cavalry was overwhelmingly superior in the open plains, but there were examples of the barbarians counterattacking them in the forest.

There were cases of barbarians scaling the walls with their bare hands. They were opponents you couldn't take lightly.

Altina turned around.

"That's about it. It's about ti we visit the next place."

"Ah, thank you. You showed a wonderful view."

"That's great. But where has that man gone?"

They didn't find Jero in the central tower.

After taking a spin at the parade square and the eastern block, Regis and Altina headed for the south of the fortress.

They were going to the stables.

It was a series of small buildings made for the horses. The work horses and war horses numbering 600 were reared inside.

The pungent odor of beasts was strong.

"This surprises ."

"What is it?"

"Youre a princess, Altina... But you have no reaction after slling this."

"Instead of learning music and dance, I prefer fencing and riding classes. So I can take care of horses too."

"That's impressive."

Altina ran to one of the horses.

"Good afternoon! How's your leg? Sorry about yesterday!"

The skinny horse neighed in reply.

It was hard to differentiate them, but it seed to be the horse that was pulling the wagon yesterday. Its right hind leg was bandaged.

Altina caressed the head of the horse as she fed it so vegetables.

It was a big one. The scene of the horse munching its food was aninglessly charming.

"Isn't it cute? Do you want to try feeding it?"

"Never mind, it feels like it will bite my hand off as well, so I will pass..."

"Ahaha, this child won't do that. Horses are smart alright?"

"If that's true, I am the type that is disliked by horses. They keep throwing off their back during riding classes."

"Eh? So you can't ride a horse?"

"Its nothing to be proud of, but Ive never made a horse run before."

"Thats really not sothing to take pride in."

Altina started to smile.

"Then, let teach you!"

"I don't want to trouble you."

"Which horse should we choose? One that is small and kind?"

"Hey hey... Don't I have a choice? I have the right to refuse orders that are beyond my capabilities. By the way, hierarchy is ant to be broken..."

Altina went to the back of the stable, ignoring Regis' protest.

They arrived at a place full of horse feed.

Suddenly, a woman appeared from the shadow.

It was soone who didn't fit in a place like a stable. She was not in military or maid attire, but dressed in peasant clothing, with a basket of apples. She averted her eyes in a panic when she saw Altina.

"Ah, the princess?"

"Hmm? Who are you?"

"I am... That is... Ex, excuse !"

She fled in a hurry after finishing.

Altina saw her off silently.

"... Who was she? Seems like a civilian from town?"

"Did she co to peddle?"

"She was carrying a basket of apples."

"Ah. It is still dayti... So she was not a courtesan."

Regis had a slip of tongue.

The young girl beside him asked.

"What was that?"

"Eh?"

"What is this courtesan you ntioned?"

He was careless. Altina was still underage.

But not really. She could marry at 15, so it was not surprising for her to know at 14.

But she was royalty.

She probably doesnt have any shady friends or adults around her.

Why did it turn out like this! If this goes on, he would beco a bad person teaching useless things to a naive young girl Regis shivered when he thought about that.

Altina pressed him:

"Why are you not saying anything, Regis? Teach properly.

"Ugugu... That is... That... ans female rchants who work at night..."

"Hmm~? Now that you ntion it, normal shops only open during dayti."

"That's it."

As Regis was still conversing with Altina

A man who seed to have rendezvoused with the female rchant ca out from the place the woman appeared from.

He was wearing general grade attire.

Muscles could be seen from the chest that was exposed due to his untidy attire. The man was tall with broad shoulders.

His black hair was combed back and he sported a stubby beard. He was in his mid-20s.

He had light brown skin and sharp eyes.

Although preferences differed from people to people, but Regis had to admit that objectively, he was a handso man.

But this man had a deanor of a drunkard.

An apple in his left hand, a beer bottle in his right.

His hiccups slled of alcohol.