Merchant Noble is out (2/4 chapters for today)
Prelude to Battle
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“Rishu-sama, all units are in position.” (Subordinate)
A report came in from a subordinate. It seemed that the defense forces under Rishu, as the overall commander, had completed the deployment of all troops to their designated positions.
“Has General Randal also positioned his troops in the right place?” (Rishu)
“Yes. He has set up camp on the high ground along the border with Laplace.” (Subordinate)
“Good. I was starting to worry whether he’d follow orders if a real battle started.” (Rishu)
When Rishu received the report that Randal had followed orders, she felt a sense of relief. Given Randal’s recent behavior and the way he was viewed, it was very possible he might disobey orders. For now, it seemed that despite his complaints, he was following them.
“The enemy forces will be arriving soon.” (Subordinate)
“I understand. Send my sword to General Randal.” (Rishu)
It was still too early to feel completely relieved that Randal was obeying orders. He still needed to properly carry out his role as a general. If he fought halfheartedly and allowed the frontlines to be broken, it would all be over. To show him some goodwill, Rishu decided to send him her sword.
“General Jeanne’s 20,000 troops will be the vanguard, and they will arrive shortly.” (Subordinate)
“I see. All units, perform another check of your weapons and confirm your positions.” (Randal)
Randal, positioned at the frontlines, was efficiently giving orders to prepare for the enemy’s arrival. From the way he gave orders without hesitation, it seemed his demeanor hadn’t changed. But the soldiers who had served under him for years could tell. Randal lacked fighting spirit. He was preparing to face the enemy mechanically, without the inner fire that would drive him to defeat them.
Then, a messenger came from Rishu.
“General Randal, I have brought this from Rishu-sama.” (Messenger)
“…A sword.” (Randal)
Randal gazed intently at the sword that had been handed to him. It was a magnificent weapon. An adventurer’s sword, its blade coated in black to prevent beasts from escaping by reflecting light. It was polished so well that it gleamed brightly, matching its black sheen.
“You have a fine sword for an adventurer.” (Randal)
The sword was clearly well cared for. Sending it to Randal meant that Rishu was trying to show him the utmost respect. Randal carefully sheathed Rishu’s sword and handed it back to the messenger.
“I am a warrior. Unlike adventurers, I have only one sword. I will fight with this sword, the one I have used to survive countless battles. I cannot accept this sword. Please send it back with respect.” (Randal)
“Y-yes.” (Messenger)
“Now, we can hear the enemy’s battle cry. Let us meet them head-on.” (Randal)
Thus, the clash between Randal and Jeanne at the border of Kali and Laplace began, marking the start of the final battle between Arc and Casablanca. The winner of this battle would become the ruler of the kingdom. However, for the first few days, small-scale clashes that hardly seemed like a final battle continued.
“…Today’s report has arrived from Rishu-sama.” (Yuna)
“Good work.” (Arc)
Arc, who received the report from Yuna, frowned when he saw its contents.
“Is this all we’ve accomplished today?” (Arc)
This battle was supposed to continue until one side was killed. They had started with that resolve. Yet, judging by the report, the clashes so far had been minor skirmishes, far from a decisive battle.
“Randal’s movements are suspicious. Why isn’t he fighting seriously?” (Arc)
The reports from Rishu made it clear that Randal wasn’t fighting with full strength. It was no wonder Arc had doubts about him.
“General Randal is Tyr-sama’s successor. Surely his actions must have some meaning behind them.” (Yulia)
“Yes, I hope so…” (Arc)
Yulia tried to offer some comfort, but to Arc, who had never trusted Randal in the first place, it was little more than empty reassurance. Arc decided to confront him directly.
“Summon Randal here. I’ll ask him myself.” (Arc)
“But, sir, if General Randal leaves the frontlines now, it will cause great disruption.” (Yulia)
Yulia gently counseled, but Arc remained resolute. It was more important to confirm whether the frontline commander was truly on their side than to worry about disrupting the frontlines.
“Once he shows signs of two-facedness, it will be too late. We need to keep relying on Rishu to maintain the front.” (Arc)
“I understand.” (Yulia)
Meanwhile, Jeanne and Renoir, who were facing Randal, were also confused.
“The frontlines aren’t moving much.” (Jeanne)
Having fought against the Warden Household before, Jeanne found Randal’s slow and drawn-out approach to the battle highly uncharacteristic.
“Is this really Randal we’re facing?” (Jeanne)
“Randal is known for his leadership. The enemy soldiers are fighting well together, so it’s safe to say he’s the one leading them.” (Renoir)
“But, you know, the enemy doesn’t have any fighting spirit. No heart.” (Jeanne)
Jeanne was having a hard time accepting it. Randal wasn’t the type to face such an opponent.
“There’s just no resistance.” (Jeanne)
“It’s like…” (Renoir)
“Like what?” (Jeanne)
“No, it’s just a guess. Forget I said anything.” (Renoir)
Naturally, when someone says “forget it,” it only makes others more curious.
“Just say it.” (Jeanne)
Jeanne urged Renoir, who hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“It’s like he doesn’t actually want to fight us.” (Renoir)
“Ha! Randal? Not want to fight us? No way!” (Jeanne)
Jeanne laughed loudly, dismissing the idea. That could never be true. Randal had lost his mentor, Tyr, to Jeanne, after all. Before Jeanne’s laughter could subside, a soldier rushed into the room.
“Excuse me! Jeanne-sama, Renoir-sama, something terrible has happened!” (Soldier)
“What is it?! Is it an ambush?” (Jeanne)
As Jeanne and Renoir stood up, the soldier hurriedly spoke.
“No, it’s not an ambush. A man claiming to be General Randal has come alone!” (Soldier)
“What?!” (Jeanne/Renoir)
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