The Previous Night
Its because you are very beautiful, Your Highness.
Its not a complint if you say it here.
People are jealous of you in the courts, and treat you like a vase in this fort it must be hard on you.
Hmm... I wonder what should I do??
It would be fine for Your Highness. Everyone will love you. Because you are super cute, Princess So cute, Your Highness, so very cute.
Clarisse caressed Altinas cheeks and neck lightly as she brushed her hair.
It was itchy.
Hmmm Wait, stop. I dont need things like love. I want to be a real commander, so what I need is trust and loyalty!
You had a hard ti living in the capital, but the general in this fort is a hardened veteran, and the soldiers are elite, Your Highness.
Yeah.
It is safe if I pass my ti quietly.
I know that very well but
That isn't much different from a jail Altina bit her lips.
To earn the trust of the troops, she needed to let the regint see her. And so, Altina started patrolling inside the fort every day.
She wore the minimum amount of armour on her dress, and hung a longsword at her waist.
The sword she was bestowed with after much drama when she left the capital Grand Tonnerre Quatre
Was inconvenient to use.
That sword was custom made according to the height of the founding Emperor, and was 26Pa (192cm) long.
In the narrow corridor of the fort, she would often scratch the wall and knock things and people over with her sword.
For practical purpose, she wore a normal longsword at her waist.
Clarisse followed cheerfully.
Going for a stroll, Your Highness?
Its a patrol. Pa! Troll!
Alright. Ti for a stroll lala~~
Ehh. I think I should start by earning respect from Clarisse.
What do you an!? I have always held the greatest respect and loyalty to the Princess!? I will offer my life if you order to do so, and can strip right here if you will it!
I wont ask for that!
Fufu I really adore you, Your Highness.
Clarisse had been her personal maid for over six years, although she has been saying strange things since Altina knew her.
Normal maids would refrain from talking and keep their distance to avoid offending their mistress.
However, Clarisse was quieter than other maids in the presence of people other than Altina.
Loud shouting could be heard the mont they exited the central tower.
The soldiers were training in the courtyard.
Hah!!
Hei!!
Slash faster! You are all so slow that dragonflies can stop at the tip of your weapon!
Ah hah!!
The soldiers did their training as well as they maintained their equipnt spontaneously, which showed the discipline of the army.
Altinas impression of the garrison unit in the courts felt graceful, but this was how all units in the frontlines were like.
She turned and walked on.
Her patrol route followed such a schedule:
The living space of the officers in the east.
The northern gate and parade square.
The zone of the rank and file to the west, which was the ssiest place.
And finally, the warehouse and stables in the south.
When they passed by the plaza in the south, Clarisse pointed to the warehouse.
Your Highness, there is a dispute over there.
It seems so! Lets take a look!
In front of the warehouse.
About a dozen n were glaring at each other.
If not for the armour they were wearing, Altina would have mistaken them for hooligans.
A young knight was being shouted at.
Ahh!? Sir Knight, you must have gotten sothing wrong!?
What, you are the ones who stole it right!?
Hahh!? No one will do that! Wheres your proof, you greenhorn knight!
Why you! I am a proud mber of the Black Knights! I wont stand for your insult!
He was going to draw his sword.
Altina charged over there and took a deep breath.
Stop!
She roared.
The place turned silent instantly.
Altina coughed dryly.
And felt a little nervous.
Soldier of the honourable Imperial Army shouting at each other like mad dogs is disgraceful. If you have sothing to say, just let know.
She felt a little happy to act the part of a commander.
The delinquent looking soldiers frowned.
The knight in black armour lowered his head carefully.
This I am sorry for the disturbance This is an internal matter There is no need to trouble Your Highness, just a small issue.
Not Your Highness, it should be commander.
That is true I misspoke.
Since it is an internal matter, I will need to know. After all, I am responsible for the Regint now.
Y-Yes
So, what happened?
Altina urged, and the knight explained anxiously.
He held an account book in his hand.
I am Aubert of the Black Knights, and Im tasked with the managent of this warehouse.
He then showed the account book made by bundling papers in his hand, which listed the ti sothing was received and the balance stocks.
By the way, papers were produced by paper mills using wood, which was popularized fifty years ago. It has widespread usage among the populace now, but it was a high grade item comparable to silk in the past.
Altina tilted her head.
A knight managing the warehouse?
Erm Yes. The warehouse manager isnt here, so
Aubert looked troubled, and it was clear he didnt take on the task on his own accord.
He was a young knight, so his seniors probably forced him.
The problem was with the account book.
The high quality wine listed here is gone.
All gone?
An entire crate of grape wine for the exclusive use of the officers is missing.
The entire crate!?
Its too heavy for one person to move, and it is too much for anyone to drink. This is obviously embezzlent!
Altina opened her eyes wide.
Theft. Embezzlent.
Both were serious cris in the army!
A tall man on the other side shouted:
Hey, dont keep shooting your mouth off!!
The delinquent who was acting like a squad leader stood in front of the five armoured n.
Princess, dont believe what that knight fellow said!
I will listen to what you have to say. Also, I am the commander
I am the sentry of the warehouse, just call Deffand. This warehouse is guarded in shifts at all tis by five n, its impossible for thieves to break in! Hey, it must be you who miscounted, jerk ass knight!
The guard commander Deffand snorted.
Aubert showed an angry expression with his accounts book in hand.
Thats impossible! Isnt the guard commander the most suspicious!? You all are the only ones who hold the keys!
Damn it! We are the one who will be punished if things go missing in the warehouse!! Its impossible for us to steal!
The guards behind Deffand concurred: Thats right! Thats right!
I see.
If she believes what Aubert holding the accounts book says, then it is the responsibility of Deffand and his guards.
If Deffand and the others were innocent, then it was the fault of Aubert, the temporary manager of the accounts book.
They were still arguing
At this mont, a man who was sitting at the side barged in.
He ca from a group of three without armour, just here to help carry the cargo. The man Indri was their representative.
Erm Can we go back now?
There was one more person.
A middle aged trader called Trepreneur who frequents Fort Sierck for business.
He brought woven products from the capital today, such as curtains, tablecloths and clothing.
Erm, it would be troubling for us too. I still have another trade to make, and it is almost ti for to go.
... I will listen to what you all have to say alright
These were the things that happened this morning:
The trader Trepreneur brought the woven products over.
He was hired to transport the goods, and ca with Indris group to carry the cargo.
The Knight Aubert had his hands on the accounts book at all ti.
The guard commander Deffand and four of his n kept guard over the warehouse.
Deffand held the key to the warehouse.
When Trepreneur carried his goods into the warehouse, it was discovered that a crate of high grade wine that was stored inside half a month ago was missing.
Embezzlent!
And so, the group started squabbling.
While they were doing that, Altina and Clarisse arrived.
... So thats it?
Yes, I swear its the truth Your Highness
The accounts knight Aubert said.
My n and I didnt enter the warehouse, Princess. Guard commander Deffand said.
Princess, we are not involved, right? Indri who was helping out chipped in.
Erm, I have to go for my next business deal The trader Trepreneur said.
Altina frowned.
I cant get rid of this princess thing She decided to pursue the matter next ti.
Wrong! The missing wine is the real issue here!
Silence.
Thinking.
I see I dont get it at all.
She gave up.
Clarisse sighed softly.
But she didnt say anything, Clarisse could only keep quiet like a normal maid right now, as there were other people around.
She approached Altina quietly.
Even though Clarisse didnt say anything, Altina knew what she wanted to say.
Altina could wield a sword taller than she was, but she was not good at thinking.
But wrist power was useless right now.
T-This doesnt an I am stupid! Nobody here knows the answer, so this question must be too difficult.
She decided.
Delegating tasks to subordinates reasonably was the duty of the commander, so she had to rely on soone smarter than her to work out the problem! Probably!
Altina poked the maid besides her.
Clarisse, do you know the answer?
No.
Anything at all? Did you notice sothing?
There is a simple way to solve the problem.
The n shouted Really, Im counting on you! Oh, lets solve this quickly! We have other work to do, thats a big help! Ah Can I go to my next deal now?
Clarisse was expressionless.
She raised her finger to her throat and moved it side to side.
And in a calm tone,
...Just execute all of them, Your Highness.
These fools had all forgotten.
In this era where the authority lies with the lords, aside from criminal proceedings in accordance to the law, the aristocrats could issue capital punishnt in their territory.
But most lords avoid acting in such a devilish manner so that their vassals and family wouldnt accuse them of being inhumane.
The girl with vermillion hair might be fourteen, but she was a royal and the commander of the Border Regint. Who dare say she wont execute anyone? No one could guarantee that.
The groups face turned green.
Altina slouched her shoulders and sighed.
She then waved her hands.
I wont do that. Wouldnt the innocent be punished too if I do that?
Yes... pardon .
The brown haired girl bowed deeply.
She showed a happy smile montarily on her face hidden behind her fringe. No matter what, I cant execute innocent people Altina chided.
Phew The n sighed in relief.
Altina crossed her arms.
Sound of friction ca from her chest armour.
She couldnt think of a good plan.
Ugh Anyway, lets check the warehouse. Since the crate was stolen, there might be a hole or sothing.
Idle Conversation in the Book Shop
After Regis graduated from Military Academy, he joined the Marquis army as a staff.
After working for two and a half years, he moved up a grade which made him a Fifth Grade Admin Officer.
But good tis didnt last.
Thnezay died in battle.
... Even though he was a good man.
That was the first ti Regis cried since his parents funeral.
Before the War Administration Ministry decides on his assignnt, he has a short vacation. But if he leaves the capital, there was a chance he would be charged with desertion.
Which ant that he was waiting for his punishnt.
He would probably be demoted.
There was sothing that was certain, his next posting would be to the front lines at the borders.
The Belgaria Empire right now was at war with its neighbouring countries, and was embroiled with raids by barbarians and internal strife.
There were countless battlefields.
Well I wont have a say on where I would be posted Gillianus' work 'rleau's adventure also stated No matter what troubles tomorrow brings, there is no need to stop and sigh this day.
Regis visited the book shop as usual.
The one he frequented was along the main street, a grand two storey building.
The book shelves ford narrow aisles.
Decades ago, books were written by hand, and were valuable items only the upper crust of society could access.
But because of the spread of paper and the printing press, the commoners could get books easily too. It was rare to see soone like Regis who was always reading he called himself an avid reader, but he was actually Le rat de bibliothque.
Ara, welco Mr Regis.
Ah, hello.
The one who greeted him was the lady shop owner.
She had shoulder length black bob haircut, pale skin and wore a blue apron.
Her na was Carol, and inherited the book shop from her parents.
Mr Regis, what kind of books are you looking for?
... Any strange books?
Strange books?
I just feel like reading sothing novel now.
Ahh, is that so? How about this one?
What is it about?
The main character is a dog.
Fufu, I see a mystery story huh
While they were conversing, a traveling rchant with a cape on his shoulders entered.
Regis judged him to be a traveling rchant because he always had his bag on him, and wore comfortable and tough boots. Those who wore boots on the streets were usually travellers with a small bag on them.
In the Crate
Half a month later, Fort Sierck.
Clarisse jogged with the receipt that was prepared earlier in hand.
She handed the docunt signed by the Princess to the rchant Trepreneur.
... Sorry for the wait.
Not at all, thank you Is Her Highness busy?
Yes Her Highness doesnt have ti to leave her room.
Is that so? Its a sha that I couldnt see her beautiful figure
Trepreneur said as he sent the goods he brought from the capital to the warehouse.
The wooden crate about the size of a coffin was really heavy.
The one helping was still Indris group.
They ca to help as they asked Trepreneur to give them tips.
A vague reason
The accounting knight Aubert recorded the items carried into the warehouse.
The guard commander Deffand and his n had a tense aura around them.
It was different than usual.
Aubert asked Trepreneur:
Ah T-This looks really expensive?
He said his line stiffly. It was obviously an act, but on an amateur level.
Trepreneur frowned and Clarisse sighed quietly.
Auberts face turned green.
Ermm
Ah ha!! Thats right!! This is a sculpture gifted by a certain grand noble An unimaginably valuable item!!
Trepreneur said exaggeratingly.
According to the original plan, Aubert should be the one asking but judging that to be impossible, Clarisse asked in his stead:
... An expensive piece of art huh. How much can it be sold for if you sell it in the city?
Ara, the price would be above 1000 Livres!!
Thats a lot.
Clarisse didnt have much reaction, but the soldiers opened their eyes wide.
The annual inco of a soldier was typically 20 Livres.
So it would take them 50 years to earn that amount.
Hahaha! Its a huge sum, so be careful everyone!
Trepreneur raised his voice, Indri and his group carrying the crate nodded.
They carried it to the wall of the warehouse carefully.
Indri and his group looked at each other and smiled.
Late at night
The thick walls in the warehouse isolated the room from the outside, as temperature dropped drastically.
However, the stone walls not only kept light and sound out, it also kept heat in.
There wasnt any light or sound in this place.
The crate with the expensive sculpture lay quietly amidst food stocks and other resources.
Click crack
A sudden noise.
It was the sound of hard objects colliding with each other.
Followed by stones sliding against each other.
A ray of light illuminated the darkness.
A large slab of stone was lifted off the ground.
The slab was held in place by a piece of log.
One man slipped out from the gap. The lantern in his hand lit up the dark warehouse.
Hey Lift it higher, the crate wont fit.
The man who was suppressing his voice was Indri.
How about breaking the crate open?
His friends voice ca from below.
Indri shook his head.
No, the sound of nails being removed could be heard outside through the stone walls and tal gate. Alright, lets get to it, adjust the height of the jack. Lift the slab higher.
A creaking sound could be heard, like the grinding sound of a mortar.
The log turned as it lifted the slab higher.
After reaching the adequate height, three n erged from below the slab.
Ok, lets carry it out.
Fuhahaha, a treasure worth 1000 Livres!
Lets sell this off and live a life of luxury! We dont need to return to the army anymore!
The n laughed quietly.
And put their hands on the crate.
Which shook.
The loud voice of a girl ca out from it.
Thats as far as you go!!
The cover of the crate then flew off. A violent sound echoed in the warehouse. The n retreated.
What is that Ughh.
Indri groaned as he shivered, the other two showed the white of their eyes.
A pair of legs ca out from the crate that supposedly had a sculpture inside.
And the figure of a person rose slowly after the legs.
This was the person who kicked off the cover from the inside.
Under the shine of the lantern, the figure of a person beca clear.
A girl.
She had a slender waist and her chest was covered by a plate, she also armour on her thin wrists.
And then there was her beautiful face.
If this was a sculpture, it would be worth more than 1000 Livres. On her pretty face, ruby like eyes were gleaming.
The n forgot the situation they were in and lost themselves looking at her.
The girl had hair that was redder than the flas of a lantern.
Fu, I see. A tunnel huh? And lifting the stone slab with jacks used for building houses.
Ah Ugh
Indri couldnt say anything.
He was found out by the commander of the Border Regint, the Princess.
There was no way he could talk his way out.
Did a person of her status not care about nailing herself into a crate that looked like a coffin!?
The girl looked at the n.
You helped to carry the cargo in order to identify the highly valued items. And to avoid placing anything onto the slab, you covered the tunnel Isnt that right?
Tchhh
Indri gritted his teeth.
Relaxed his shoulders.
And sighed.
... Hmm, I see Princess So you already knew we are the culprits?
That rchant Trepreneur knew an excellent strategist. He identified the culprit just by listening for a while, and even taught him how to apprehend you all.
I see So there was such a person here But did he forget to warn you?
Warn ?
Warn you You cant defeat us alone, Princess!
Indri drew his short sword.
The other n drew the blades on their waist too.
A-Are we doing it Indri!?
Shes a Princess!?
Thats not important! Just kill her and run! Thats the only way!!
The three n lifted their swords.
Altina sighed.
Its just as that strategist said I thought preparing this was unnecessary, but
She squatted down into the coffin like crate.
Grabbed a decorative hilt.
And pulled it out.
If it was just Altina, the crate didnt need to be so big. Furthermore, it wouldn't have been too heavy if it was just Altina in there.
While she was inside the crate, there was sothing else inside that made the n work so hard to carry it.
It was taller than the girl.
A heavy sharp blade that was gleaming silver.
It was a sword.
Several tis larger than a normal one.
Altina lifted the colossal sword Grand Tonnerre Quatre.
There was a relief engraved on the mirror like body of the blade, emphasizing that this was a sword of a conqueror.
As Imperial soldiers, you should be defending the Empire, but you all are stealing military necessities for your selfish greed. Dont think you can escape!
Ku Theres no way she could wield such a huge sword!
W-We have to do it!
Shes just a woman! Dont be scared! Kill her and run!
Reviews
All reviews (0)