Oran Knight is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Lamie-senpai and Counter
Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
In the morning, I was called by Lamie-senpai. Carrying my beloved gun, Counter, the two of us walked side by side on the path to the Military Building, our footsteps echoing softly.
Along the way, Lamie-senpai asked me with concern.
“I called you out, but are your plans for the day alright?” (Lamie)
“Yes, I’m fine until the evening. Oh, that’s right! Actually, I have plans to have dinner with Linkert-san at the mansion this evening. Would you like to join us, Lamie-senpai? I’m sure you’d be warmly welcomed.” (Lux)
“Oh, that’s a tempting invitation… Alright, I’ll see if I can adjust my schedule.” (Lamie)
Originally, the mansion’s modest New Year’s party was planned to be held only by those who had stayed behind. But since it’s an opportunity, we decided to hold it on the 7th day of the New Year, so any returning comrades could join us. Ratt-kun and Frank were scheduled to arrive around midday if things went smoothly. Maria had also said, “I’ll make sure to return”, so if everything went according to plan, it would be the first gathering of the entire Catrap team this year. A lot had happened at the end of the year, leaving us with plenty to talk about.
As expected, the Military Building at this time of year was deserted. I learned for the first time at this academy that such unpopular places are extremely cold. Although I was satisfied with life in this city, I couldn’t seem to get used to the cold. To protect against drafts, I made sure to snugly wrap my scarf around my neck.
As usual, when I opened the door to the Club Leader’s room, warm air seeped out from inside, making me sigh in relief. Upon entering, I found Saras-senpai had warmed the room and was preparing tea to welcome me.
“Saras-senpai, you’ve returned already? That was quick. Happy New Year, and please take care of me again this year.” (Lux)
While exchanging New Year’s greetings, I asked…
“Were you back so early?” (Lux)
“Yes. After returning home for the New Year, I went to Lamie’s house. So, we came back together.” (Saras)
Due to the commotion caused by Lamie-senpai’s uncle last year, it seemed they decided to greet him early and secure peace of mind.
“Huh? But I thought you didn’t mention anything like that at the end of the year…” (Lux)
When I greeted her at the end of the year, I thought she was just going back to her family home.
“Yes, that was the plan. But Lamie’s uncle was insistent…” (Saras)
Ah, I see. I can vividly imagine that uncle making a fuss and demanding she bring someone over.
“So, in the latter half of the holidays, I ended up staying at Lamie’s Via house.” (Saras)
“That must have been a lot to deal with…” (Lux)
“No, it was actually a good opportunity. Lamie’s parents are nice people. Besides, the Via Household is relatively close to Rodon, so traveling wasn’t too difficult.” (Saras)
Amid this pleasant conversation, Lamie-senpai interrupted.
“By the way, Saras, do you have any plans for later today?” (Lamie)
“No? Nothing in particular. I just got back, so I was planning to relax after this conversation.” (Saras)
“Good. Then join us for the dinner with Chairman Linkert this evening. I’m looking forward to it.” (Lamie)
Declaring this as if it were already decided, Lamie-senpai looked at Saras-senpai with a delighted expression. Saras-senpai chuckled wryly.
“Alright.” (Saras)
Somehow… the people of the Via Household seem to be very assertive.
“Well then, let’s get to the main topic.” (Lamie)
After it was decided that Lamie-senpai and Saras-senpai would join the New Year’s party, Lamie-senpai changed her expression, resting her chin on her hand.
I’ve recently noticed that this is her sign of being focused.
“So, it’s about the person named Zel, right? How much do you and the others know about this case, Lamie-senpai?” (Lux)
“Ah, well, regarding Gaila Zell, as you know, he was the mastermind targeting our lives. The Via Household had also been searching for him. Before Zel served our household, he was a mercenary who roamed battlefields. He was skilled, knowledgeable about war zones, and valued highly by our family.” (Lamie)
“Why would such a person do this?” (Lux)
“I don’t know. We investigated his lifestyle while he served our family, but there were no signs of debt or vulnerabilities. While I wouldn’t call him a paragon of virtue, he lived moderately, without anything particularly noteworthy. It’s most likely connected to his mercenary days. While discussing this at home, we received news of your attack. That’s why I cut my plans short and returned to the academy. I’ve read the reports, but I want you to recount the situation in your own words.” (Lamie)
“Understood.” (Lux)
I carefully recounted the conversation I overheard between two suspicious figures in the northern town. Though the account wasn’t very lengthy.
“What color was their coat? Were they wearing hats?” (Lamie)
Lamie-senpai asked.
“Their coats were gray. Long coats, reaching about ankle-length. They were also wearing hats—military-style ones. The color was black, and… now that I think about it, the hats had two white lines.” (Lux)
“Oh? Where were the lines positioned?” (Lamie)
“Um… near the upper part of the hat.” (Lux)
“I see… Got it. Thanks. Did you notice anything else?” (Lamie)
“I think they were probably accustomed to snowy terrain. I tried to follow them, but they walked briskly through paths that were difficult for someone like me, who’s not used to snow.” (Lux)
“I see. Anything else?” (Lamie)
“No, that’s about it. I’m sorry I don’t have much more information.” (Lux)
“No, this was valuable information. Thank you. Let’s move on to the next topic.” (Lamie)
“You mean about my beloved gun, Counter? Did you find anything out? Oh, and by the way, I met a General Isaiah at the northern fortress who knew my grandfather. He told me that my grandfather was a colonel.” (Lux)
“General Isaiah, you say? …I see, so he knew Colonel Ross as well…” (Lamie)
“You know General Isaiah, Lamie-senpai?” (Lux)
“Of course. On the northern front, he’s considered one of the top three commanders. You didn’t know that, Lux?” (Lamie)
Not at all. I only thought he seemed important.
Lamie-senpai went on to explain how my beloved gun, Counter, came into my grandfather’s possession.
—
That gun was truly a prototype. Crafted by a skilled artisan, it was presented as a supreme piece of work. The first recipient was the then princess, who apparently praised it for its magnificent design.
This praise from the princess led to the allocation of funds by the country for the mass production of the Counter. It was around this time that serial numbers were engraved on the guns. The reason why the engraved serial number appeared on the presented gun was unclear, but it might have been to mark it as a special item.
Afterward, the gun was kept on display in the royal palace for some time before being given to a certain individual. That person was none other than the Duke Lengrad, who had once resided in the area of this academy.
“The Duke Lengrad!?” (Lux)
Yes. The details surrounding this transfer weren’t very clear, but there were records confirming it. The Duke Lengrad then gave the Counter as a reward to Colonel Ross, a figure from the military, around the time when this location began to serve as a military base.
It was recorded that Colonel Ross had saved an entire battalion, who had been wiped out in a surprise attack at Solar, and was praised by the Duke Lengrad, so the gift was likely a form of recognition for that act.
—
“Grandfather… from the Duke Lengrad…” (Lux)
“Indeed, when I first heard that Colonel Ross’s full name was Fort Ross, I was also quite surprised. You never mentioned this to me.” (Lamie)
“Yes, I only found out when General Isaiah told me recently. I didn’t know my grandfather had been a military officer either.” (Lux)
“I see. But still, the fact that you ended up at this academy feels somewhat fateful, don’t you think?” (Lamie)
“Yeah… I suppose so.” (Lux)
Lamie-senpai didn’t know this, but we had actually gone around searching for the Duke Lengrad’s hidden inheritance.
I don’t really believe in fate, but I can’t help but feel that this is some kind of coincidence.
“Well, now that we’ve figured out the mystery behind the serial number, I feel much better. You should cherish it.” (Lamie)
“Yes, thank you for looking into it.” (Lux)
“No, it was just something I wanted to know. Don’t worry about it.” (Lamie)
With the conversation wrapping up, we promised to meet again in the evening and parted ways outside the Military Building.
Once alone, I briefly glanced at my beloved gun, Counter, resting on my shoulder.
And then…
I lowered my head slightly toward the direction of the practical training area, where the Duke Lengrad’s hidden room was rumored to be, as a small, silent gesture of respect.
Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 