The Hero King, Reincarnate to Master the Art of War (LN) - Volume 7 - Chapter 2

Chapter II: Inglis, Age 15—The Eastern Front (2)

The Highland Archlord Evel had turned the ancient dragon Fufailbane, who had once slumbered beneath this land, into a mechanical ancient dragon, and departed from the lands surrounding Leclair’s ruins. His plan of manipulating Alcard into attacking Karelia had been only a secondary objective compared to obtaining the ancient dragon, and with that complete, he had returned to Highland unperturbed about lesser matters. The dragon’s presence had provided a temporary relief to the food shortage, but his might was also far beyond what Lahti and the people of Alcard could muster, which had left him a threatening loose end.

Thus, the absence of both Fufailbane and the scheming Evel led the locals to breathe a sigh of relief. Only Inglis, bereft of a chance to fight the mechanical ancient dragon, was pained by their leaving, but she also had something to look forward to.

Two urgent reports had suddenly arrived at the camp.

The first was that Alcardian forces previously stationed at the Karelian border were now approaching Leclair.

The second was that far away, on the eastern borders of Karelia, the war front against Venefic had begun to collapse; the Prismer that the Paladins had relocated to the eastern border was pushing back the Karelian forces. The Prismer appeared to be advancing toward Chiral.

Upon learning of this, Rafinha had insisted that her brother, the holy knight Rafael, and the hieral menaces stationed with him, Eris and Ripple, would surely be able to handle the situation well on their own. She believed their group should complete their duties in Leclair first—that is, that they should prioritize dealing with the Alcardian forces marching on them.

Inglis, however, shook her head in disagreement. It was extremely rare for her to disagree with Rafinha once her cousin had made up her mind, so Rafinha reacted with shock. “I’m surprised you’re picking the option that will give you fewer fights, Chris. Or are you worried that Rafael will take down the Prismer without you if you don’t hurry? I already told you, we’re the ones who can protect the people here, so that’s what we need to do! Okay?!”

“No, Rani, that’s not okay. That’s very not okay.”

“Chris...? You always want me to decide what to do... Did I do something to upset you?”

“That’s not what I meant. Just...Eris and Ripple want me there. That’s why we need to hurry.”

The messenger had not said that Rafael had been killed in action. If he had, that surely would have been the biggest news. From that, Inglis thought she could deduce a bit more about the situation.

First, Rafael was safe. Second, the Prismer, now active again, was advancing on Chiral. If Rafael had taken a transformed hieral menace as his weapon and fought to stop the Prismer, the tidings would have been one of two things: “The holy knight has died in battle, but he stopped the Prismer,” or “The holy knight has died in battle, and he failed to stop the Prismer.” There would be no possibility of a different message.

Since it was neither, Rafael hadn’t yet committed to a decisive battle with the Prismer. The farther the Prismer advanced toward Chiral, the more damage it would cause. Inglis had known Rafael since she was a baby in her new life, and he was a mature, levelheaded guy, but definitely not the type to sit back and watch the Prismer do its worst. Inglis could just imagine Eris and Ripple trying their hardest to hold him back, doing their best to keep the damage to a minimum while they waited for her to arrive and destroy it.

That way, Rafael won’t have to die. That’s the one ray of hope they’re betting on. To me, he’s family. And even more importantly, if anything happens to him, Rafinha will be heartbroken. It would haunt her for the rest of her life. I can’t let that happen to her.

“They want you there? Why? Once a Prismer’s active, the longer you let it go, the more damage it does!” Rafinha didn’t understand.

“So you mean Lady Eris and Lady Ripple are avoiding a full-on fight with the Prismer?” Leone asked. “But why?”

“Now that I think of it...” Liselotte interjected. “When the larval Prismer appeared in Chiral, neither Lady Ripple nor the principal had a kind ear for Silva’s request for Ripple to transform, nor did Leone’s brother take a shine to the idea. In the end, Inglis intervened and it became irrelevant...”

“She did make quite the entrance, knocking him out...but maybe she had a reason beyond just wanting to fight it herself?” Leone reasoned.

“Chris! Are you hiding something from me?! What is it?!” Rafinha demanded.

“Well...” Inglis trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Trying to hide it any longer would be pointless. Inglis figured the truth would have a significant impact on Rafinha’s decision here. If she knew, Inglis doubted she’d be able to prioritize dealing with the Alcardian force led by Lahti’s brother, Prince Windsel. If she knew and still insisted on staying, Inglis would go along with it, but...

At any rate, she can’t make a proper decision until she knows the full details of the situation. I need to make sure she gets the truth.

“Yeah. Sorry, Rani. There’s something I haven’t told you, but before I do...” It had been better to stay quiet until now. Inglis turned her eyes toward Lahti’s knights—no, beyond them, to one of the civilians nearby. “Sorry, Leon, but could you explain to Rani and the others what Eris and Ripple are thinking?”

“Huuuh?!” Rafinha and the other girls gawked in surprise.

The man she called out to slumped his shoulders, accepting his defeat. “Saw right through me, didn’t ya? I’m impressed you could figure it out so easily. This is probably putting it a bit bluntly for a cute girl like you, but you’re like an animal.” As Leon pulled back his hood to reveal his face, his familiar wry grin emerged.

“I pride myself on sensing the powerful,” Inglis answered with a grin of her own.

“Give it a rest. I’m not gonna fight you.”

“Unfortunately, those weren’t my plans either.” Good timing he has, though, Inglis thought. Having someone here to back up my story will make Rafinha and the others more likely to accept it.

“Leon?! Incredible, it really is him!” Liselotte gasped.

“Brother! When did you worm your way in here?!” Leone yelled.

“Just a little while ago,” Leon replied. “You kids were having so much fun, I thought it’d be a shame to interrupt, but maybe it’s a good thing she spotted me.” In other words, he had probably arrived around the same time as the messengers.

“I was under the impression that the Steelblood Front had decided not to intervene in Alcard, though?” Inglis asked.

“Well, kind of. I’m not here because of Alcard. The boss sent me here because of you.”

“And how can I help you today?”

“Half of it’s already done. You just heard what’s happening with the eastern front. As for the rest...the Steelblood Front’s stepped in to handle the Prismer’s magicite beasts that the knights can’t, but you know. May as well be spitting into the wind if we don’t deal with the Prismer itself. And that’s why the boss wants you. More specifically, he wanted me to find you and bring you to him. You ready to go? Ride’s here.” Leon pointed up at the sky, where a large ship’s shadow was emerging from the clouds.

“I see. That’s certainly quite kind of you, but I’m going to have to ask you to wait a moment. We need to explain things to Rani and the others first.”

“Yeah, sure. Just try not to take too long. We’re short on time. Oh, and I know it probably doesn’t mean much coming from me, but...help Rafael. Please.”

“Of course. That was my plan. Rani, everyone, shall we go somewhere without listening ears?” Inglis pointed to the cabin where they’d been barracked. “And maybe you too, Leon?”

“Nah, thanks, but I’ll pass. Doesn’t seem like it’s gonna be a very fun conversation. Instead, I’m gonna head up and get ready for departure. Just...everyone, what Inglis is about to tell you is one hundred percent true. Pay attention, even if it hurts.” Having said his piece, Leon turned on his heel and left.

“He wants you to help Rafael?” Rafinha asked, her voice turning soft. “I mean, I guess fighting alongside him would be helpful, but...”

“That is something to consider,” Leone said.

“Indeed,” Liselotte agreed. “But anyway, let’s get going.”

Another voice rang out from overhead, interrupting them. “Lady Inglis! Lady Ingliiis!” It was a deep, booming male voice. Inglis recognized it, and the face it emanated from.

“Reddas?!”

Reddas, captain of Karelia’s Royal Guard, had appeared on a Flygear.

“I can’t believe even he’s here,” Rafinha mused, surprised.

“The captain of the Royal Guard...” Leone said.

“Why in the world is he here?” Liselotte asked.

Reddas was a surprisingly friendly man for someone with his looks and had an unusual reverence for Inglis, but his position as captain of the Royal Guard was in no doubt. Acting as a messenger was far below him. This was unusual.

“Ahh, Lady Inglis! I’ve been looking so hard for you! But simply beholding your beauty wipes away all the exhaustion!”

“Ha ha ha...uh, thanks,” Inglis replied. “When you say you were looking for me, is it about the matter of the Prismer awakening?”

“Ah, so that news has already reached here! Indeed, Lady Inglis! But the special orders I bear are from before that!”

“From before? What do you mean?”

“The two hieral menaces, having determined that the Prismer was likely to awaken soon, requested your presence on the front lines!”

“Eris and Ripple? I see...” Inglis’s deduction from the first messenger’s report that Eris and Ripple were waiting for her had been correct. Not only that, the call had come before the Prismer had actually awakened—though she had received the news in the other order.

“After receiving the news from Prince Wayne and Ambassador Theodore, His Majesty ordered that it be done. I was chosen to transmit such a weighty order that it not be forgotten—though I apologize for taking so long to find you.”

“No, you did well. Thank you.” Inglis bowed politely to Reddas.

“Huh, Chris, you were right! Eris and Ripple really do want you!” Rafinha remarked.

“And the Steelblood Front is calling for you as well...” Leone said.

“It seems you’re quite popular, Inglis,” Liselotte said.

“I suppose. Fufailbane and Evel didn’t seem to be very interested, so I’m glad there’s someone who wants me.”

“Just what is it about you that makes you the first choice for something with implications to the country as serious as a Prismer?” Rafinha asked. “I don’t get it.”

“It’s because I’m not bound by anything, you know? That’s what they need. Eris, Ripple, even Rafael,” Inglis said.

“Huh?” Inglis’s soft smile was met with looks of confusion from the other girls. And from Reddas—presumably he didn’t know the truth either.

“Anyway, there’s something I need to tell you all. Let’s go.” Inglis led Rafinha and the others into the house they were staying in.

◆◇◆

After Inglis explained the true nature of hieral menaces and holy knights, Reddas’s shock echoed in the room. “Wh-What?! Is that true, Lady Inglis?!”

“Yes, it is. I’m sure of it. I understand why you may have your doubts, but...”

“It is true that in all the stories I’ve heard, the holy knight has died after the battle with the Prismer—but I thought it was simply because of how intense the battle was, and that my brother Silva would fight well enough to provide a counterexample.”

“It’s not like that. To Highland, holy knights strong enough to defeat a Prismer must be put down before they can bare fangs against Highland as well,” Inglis explained. “The surface is their garden, and they keep it well pruned by not only destroying the Prismer but also the holy knight who embodies the surface countries’ ultimate strength—it’s a clever plan, one that enforces the status-quo relationship between the surface and Highland.”

Reddas grunted in disdain. “Lady Inglis, are you saying that the hieral menaces who are our guardians are also, to my brother Silva, reapers here to take his life?!”

“You could say that. And, I believe, that is why the number of people who know the truth is kept to a minimum. If this were widely known, the hieral menaces would be resented, even opposed, which would be a matter of concern for the rulers of the country. As a practical matter, there is no way to protect the countries of the surface other than with hieral menaces—so, to ensure unity, it is far preferable that they are revered as guardians. That not even you, the captain of the Royal Guard, know of this is proof in itself. I imagine the information is limited to holy knights themselves and the royal family.”

“But that’s—Lady Inglis, even if it’s you saying it, I can’t bring myself to believe it so easily.”

“But, Sir Reddas,” Liselotte interjected warily, “i-it must be true. Remember what Leone’s brother—what Leon said just now. That what Inglis was about to tell us was true. He knew immediately what she was going to talk about.”

“Yeah. That’s right, Liselotte,” Inglis confirmed.

“I... Leon... I didn’t know... I had no idea...” Leone stared at the floor, her voice wavering.

“He must have decided that such an arrangement couldn’t truly protect the people of the surface. Holy knights may be able to protect the people from Prismers, yes, but not from Highland or the Highlanders,” Inglis explained.

“Y-Yes, I suppose... Ah, how I wish he had come with us...” Leone clenched her trembling hands in front of her chest.

Inglis couldn’t see Leone’s face, tilted down as it was, but she was sure that the girl was trying her hardest to hold back tears. “But he did cause trouble for you, and for the people of Ahlemin. I think he just thought he couldn’t face you after that.”

“That’s so like him. He always acts so frivolous, but he’s actually incredibly sincere.”

“Yeah.” Inglis smiled and placed a hand on Leone’s shoulder. As she did, Liselotte reached from the other side, and their hands overlapped. “Rafael is a little bit different from Leon. I think he believes—even if it doesn’t change things with Highland—if a Prismer appears, someone has to fight and protect the people from it. Neither of them is right or wrong; they just look at it differently. They both understand that about the other. That’s why Rafael doesn’t hold a grudge against Leon, and that’s why Leon said he wants us to help Rafael.”

“R-Right...” Leone mumbled, nodding deeply.

“They carry such burdens we never knew about...” Liselotte remarked.

Rafinha, meanwhile, silently hugged Inglis.

“Rani... That must have shocked you. I know it’s a hard thing to hear. Are you okay?” Inglis asked.

“I’m sorry, Chris,” she said meekly.

“Huh?”

“It must have been rough to keep this a secret. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

“Rani...thank you. That’s so kind.”

Rafinha must have been shocked to hear such dire news hitting so close to home, yet she still took the opportunity to show concern about how it affected others. Inglis was glad Rafinha had grown up kind and true to herself—glad, and proud as a self-described ersatz grandparent.

“I’m fine. Sorry for hiding it all this time. Ripple asked me to, so...” Inglis added.

“Well...that part does make me a little bit mad.” Rafinha’s embrace of Inglis tightened sharply.

“Ow! C-C’mon, I’ll make it up to you!”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. That’s why Eris and Ripple are calling for me, right? I’m not bound by anything. So if I defeat the Prismer, Rafael doesn’t have to die. No one has to feel that pain. I’m sure it’s hurt Eris and Ripple to watch holy knights die over and over. And I’m not exactly complaining about the chance to prioritize fighting a powerful foe. So it works out for everyone.”

“That’s so like you, Chris!” Rafinha snapped out of her dejected slump. A few drying tears remained, but her expression had regained its usual brightness. “I’m not really sure what being pleased about the situation says about you, but I guess let’s fight fire with fire!”

“Well, that isn’t very polite, but yeah, I’m going to take down that Prismer with the sword Fufailbane gave me.” Inglis chuckled to herself. “It’s nothing but a big fat magicite beast anyway!”

A mighty sword forged from the scales of an ancient dragon—a Prismer would make a perfect first foe for it. Magicite beasts really did make great enemies. They held a single-minded focus for fighting—not like Fufailbane or Evel, with their scheming and plotting to avoid disadvantageous battles.

“I, uh, don’t think Mr. Dragon gave you it.”

“Right, right, more like you took it from him by force,’” Leone observed.

“I do suppose that’s fighting fire with fire,” Liselotte said. “Ancient dragons are dangerous beings.”

“That’s the thing with your approach, Chris! Everyone gets burned!”

“Sheesh, why are you all being so mean!” Inglis complained. “Ah well, I guess that means you’re feeling better. Anyway, then, what shall we do? This was my reason for suggesting we should return quickly, but...”

Rafinha now knew the truth about holy knights. Inglis would suggest heading back to Karelia now, but if Rafinha decided against it, she’d acquiesce.

“Hmm...” Rafinha’s brow furrowed.

Leone spoke up. “There’s no need to worry about it, Rafinha! Return right away!”

“Leone... But—!”

“I understand your concern! Liselotte and I will remain here to try and deal with the Alcardian army! We’ll split up, with you and Inglis returning now! Okay, Liselotte?”

“Precisely! If you hadn’t said so, I would have myself!” Liselotte added.

“Thanks, both of you...” Rafinha began.

“If you hurry, you’ll make it in time! You can save Rafael! If you do, I’m sure it will lighten Leon’s guilt,” Leone said.

“Thanks!” Rafinha responded. “Then, the two of us will head back to Karelia. Lahti, Pullum, I’m sorry we couldn’t see this through with you!”

Lahti shook his head. “No, I’m just grateful for everything you’ve done for us. I wish we could all go together to Karelia.”

“Inglis, Rafinha, take care!” Pullum said. “Once you take care of the Prismer, come back to Alcard! I’ll make sure there are plenty of treats!”

“Well, that’s something to look forward to! Right, Chris?”

“Yeah, we definitely can’t lose!”

Inglis and Rafinha nodded to each other, then turned to Reddas, who was waiting nearby. “All right, Reddas. Let’s hurry back to Karelia.”

“Yes! Thank you, Lady Inglis! Then, we should stop by the camp where Duke Bilford is stationed and change to a clipper—”

“No, that won’t be necessary. We have a ride.”

Vrrrm... Vrrrm... Vrrrm...

As if responding to Inglis, the throb of an engine sounded from above the roof. The Steelblood Front ship that Leon had brought had come down to meet them.

“And there it is now. Let’s go, Rani. Reddas, you too.” Inglis led them outside, where they saw a hovering battleship above them, large enough to cast the entire camp in shadow.

“Ah?!” Reddas gasped. “This is a Highland—”

“The one the Steelblood Front captured when Lord Evel visited the palace.” They had repaired it and were using it for their own ends. Of the ships available to the knights of Karelia, probably only Ambassador Theodore’s personal vessel was a match.

They were as well equipped as the royal forces.

“The Steelblood Front?! N-No, Inglis! To think you’ve joined forces with such knaves!”

“Any port in a storm. Our first priority is carrying out His Majesty’s orders, is it not?”

“B-But if we board that ship, the enemy will have us in the palm of their hand! We don’t know when they might decide to attack us!”

“And if they do, I’ll be grateful. It’ll be a good warm-up while we travel. I’ve been wanting to try out my new sword anyway.”

Reddas sighed. “So bold as always, Lady Inglis. Understood. I shall accompany you no matter the risk!”

“Of course. Let’s go—Rani, you’re okay with this, right?”

“Yeah,” Rafinha said. “But...maybe it would be faster if we took the Star Princess?”

“It’d be slower with three aboard. And even with just two, I don’t think it would hold up to full speed all the way back to Karelia. It’d work for the last leg, but to an extent I think it’s better if we stow it on this ship. And besides...”

“Yeah?”

“A ship that big can haul that.” Inglis’s eyes turned to the area outside the camp where Leone and Liselotte had set up their butcher ship. There, a fresh dragon tail, cut not too long ago, lay imposingly.

“Fresh meat?! You mean you want to bring the whole thing?!”

“Yeah. If we get it there fast, it’ll still be good. Let’s bring it back with us and feed it to Rafael.”

“That’s a great idea! I just know he’ll love it!”

“All right, then! Let’s get it right back to him!”

With that decided, they took no time at all to prepare for departure.

“Let’s go, Rani!”

“Yeah! Just wait, Rafael! We’ll help you, and even bring back Mr. Dragon’s tasty meat as a souvenir!”

Inglis and Rafinha nodded to each other, serious expressions on their faces. Inglis had the whole dragon tail slung over her shoulder, Rafinha held a large amount of dragon jerky. Even Reddas was pressed into service as a porter for more of the jerky.

“The look on her face doesn’t match the rest of her at all,” Lahti remarked.

“Well, she’s always like that. And bringing such a souvenir to Rafael really shows how enthusiastic she is to help,” Leone said.

“Yeah, it is just like them. Probably beats showing up all gloomy, right?”

“They’ll be fine!” Pullum said. “And then, we need to make sure they don’t regret going on ahead!”

As the remaining onlookers watched, the cargo bay of the Steelblood Front’s flying battleship opened, and a face peered out. “Wow, you’ve sure got some luggage! Hold on a minute, we’ll bring it down!”

“No need, we’re in a hurry! Could you stand back for a moment, though?” Inglis asked.

“Huh? What are you gonna— Ahhhh?!”

When the Steelblood Front fighter responded, Inglis had already begun to sprint, still carrying the dragon tail. As she did, she looked back at Leone and the others. “See you all at the knights’ academy! Haaaaah!” Leaping forcefully, as if the dragon’s tail were weightless, she nimbly soared into the sky—and into the cargo hold of the ship.

Thuuud!

The impact of her landing made the entire ship sway.

“Ahhhhh!”

“She... She jumped?! Carrying that huge thing?!”

“That wasn’t something a human’s capable of! No wonder our leader wanted her!”

Inglis politely bowed to the shocked Steelblood Front fighters. “I’d appreciate it if you could carry this to Karelia for me.”

“Uh, sure...?”

“Looking at her close-up...”

“Wow, she’s really cute. Maybe even cuter than Sistia.”

Leon emerged from among the men. “C’mon, don’t let Sistia hear you say that. She’s not a big fan of Inglis.”

“I don’t particularly mind her, though...” Inglis remarked.

“You know Sistia, always itching for a fight.”

“Indeed. And I do so enjoy being around belligerent people.”

Leon laughed. “You haven’t changed. Good. That’s just what we need right now.”

Rafinha appeared in front of them on the Star Princess, bringing it into the hold as she followed Inglis. “Leon! Shouldn’t you be talking to Leone? You can still—!”

“Nah, we’re in a race against time here. If I don’t get you there fast— Anyway, I don’t really think I can face her yet. No matter how I try to patch things up, she’s been through a lot because of me, right? Even if she knows why, she’s got a purpose—taking me down and redeeming our family’s name. I don’t wanna take that away from her too. I haven’t been a very good brother.” Leon scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, turning away from Inglis and Rafinha.

“It’s okay. She told me that no matter what reasons you had, she was still determined to defeat you,” Rafinha said.

“Er, Rani?” Inglis interjected. “I don’t remember Leone saying that.” Looking, she could see Rafinha shushing her.

“I see... Well, I guess that’s fine. She still has that,” Leon said.

“I was kidding,” Rafinha said.

“Huh?!” Leon blurted out.

“She told us she wanted us to hurry—that if we help Rafael, it would ease your guilt too.”

“Ah...! So she—”

“Which would you prefer it to be?” Rafinha smiled as she asked Leon teasingly.

“C’mon, don’t ask me questions like that.” Leon threw his hands up in exasperation.

“Leave helping Rafael to us. But...even if right now isn’t the time, I want you to give Leone a good apology and make up! Okay?!”

“Rafinha—”

“Well, it’s going to be less ‘us’ and more just Chris, but whatever!”

“No, that’s fine, Rani,” Inglis said. “You can use my power as you will. And doesn’t that make it your power too?”

Leon laughed. “You two get along so well. Yeah, Rafinha, I hope things turn out like that.”

“Great!” Rafinha cheered. “Anyway, let’s get going! Full speed ahead!”

“Come on, Rani. They’re being kind enough to bring us home,” Inglis reminded her.

“Nah, it’s fine,” Leon said. “There’s something about Rafinha that makes me want to listen to what she has to say.” Leon turned to the fighters around him, and raised his voice to give the order. “All right, let’s go! Cast off!”

“Aye-aye!” In response, the Steelblood Front fighters scattered to their stations.

“Anyway, let me show you to your cabin,” Leon began. “But first—here.” He handed Inglis and Rafinha each a folded square of thick black fabric.

“What’s this?” Inglis asked.

“The same uniform as everyone else here. That’s the women’s version. You won’t draw as much attention around here in those. Try ’em on if you feel like it. Or just trash ’em otherwise.”

“Well...Chris, should we?” Rafinha asked. “They’re nice, but...”

While they were working together for now, the Steelblood Front was an anti-Highland guerrilla band. From the perspective of a knight of Karelia, they must be suppressed. Rafinha was worried about whether it was really okay to wear their uniform, even if just for a short time. Nonetheless, she definitely liked the design and wanted to try it on. She was hesitant, but she’d still said they were nice.

“I think it’s fine. The clothes themselves didn’t do anything wrong, after all.” Even Inglis found the uniform pleasing to look at, and she did really enjoy trying on new clothes.

She was looking forward to admiring herself in the mirror later.