CH 203

The fight's conclusion

***---***

After subjugating the two newly landed Gigases and continuing relief activities until my magical power was about to run out, I learned against Nero in the shadow space and took a nap.

It was past noon when I woke up, but I felt like I was still sluggish in the core of my body.

I twas probably because I had been doped with a medicine that accelerated the recovery of my magical power and continued to use healing magic until I was on the verge of collapsing.

Even so, I was worried about what happened to the Barshanian soldiers, and I didn't feel like sleeping again.

When I went out of the shadow space and went to the water's edge of the cove, I found pieces of Gigas' meat scattered about and a flock of seabirds.

The shape of the sandy beach also seemed to have changed, but, maa, it would return to its original shape as the tides and waves washed it away.

The power of the spear golems was unquestionable, but the fact that it crushed even the magic stones was something that needed improvement.

As I went up the gentle slope, I could see the huge body of the Gigas that had fallen sideways.

The seabirds were also flocking here to get food.

The Barshanian soldiers seemed to be busy collecting the corpses of their comrades and removing the spikes stuck in their bodies, leaving the Gigas' corpse unattended.

There was only one person looking down at the Gigas' severed head.

It was Constant Liforos, Emperor of Barshania.

"Can you stay alone without an escort?"

"In my country, if I can't go out alone, I would be disqualified as Emperor."

Constant bowed his head deeply towards me after showing a wry smile.

"Kent Kokubu. I am truly in your debt, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you."

"No ... Please raise your head. Monsters like this Gigas can't be defeated alone, so it's only natural to cooperate."

"Fuu ... What are you talking about. Didn't you single-handedly defeat three Gigases. To be honest, when the other two appeared, both I and Gregory thought about abandoning Leinef."

Barshanian soldiers shouldn't be weak.

By devising ways to use the Slavery Bola, and using this experience to come up with a strategy, it should be possible to subjugate a Gigas.

However, this time, I think it didn't go well because the Gigas' abilities were unknown, and because they were too eager to get revenge for their allies.

Constant said that he thought about abandoning Leinef, but even now, apart from a house on the outskirts of town, not even one building remained safe.

It was said that the residents who escaped the disaster were staying in the rear camp, but it seemed that the number was less than one-third.

Even if the city was to be rebuilt, it would require money and manpower, and most of all, it would take a long time for the wounds of the survivors to heal.

"Umm ... I recovered the magic stone from this Gigas ..."

"That is, make it yours."

"But ..."

"If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have been able to defeat it, and in fact, it was your hand that killed it. There's no reason for us to accept it."

Seeing Constant's stern expression reminded me of Gain-san, the magic tool craftsman.

It was likely that no matter what I said right now, he would refuse, so I'll just accept it for now.

"I understand. However, it looks like it will come with a fairly high price, so I will offset the cost of the magic tools."

"I see ... I'm sorry."

The expression of Constant, who bowed his head lightly again, showed a deep color of fatigue.

It was only natural since one city was destroyed and many soldiers were lost.

"By the way, what happened in Resenburg after that?"

"Ehh, Resenburg, is it?"

Suddenly, I was asked an unexpected question, and I couldn't help but ask back.

"That's right. With this much damage, it's only natural to be concerned about the situation in neighboring countries."

"I see, that's right. But, don't worry. The Third Princess, Camilla Resenburg, has almost taken full power over it."

I omitted the detailed situation such as the murder of the King that happened in the royal castle of Aldaros, I told him that the current King abdicated, Camilla was scheduled to become the next King, and there was a mountain of problems in domestic affairs, such as countermeasures against desertification, and that they could not afford to go abroad.

"Is that so, then it's safe to assume that the domestic situation has stabilized?"

"Yes, the faction dispute over the succession to the throne has ended, so there shouldn't be any disputes between nobles."

"In that case, even early in the new year, you can bring Seraphima into your house."

"Uuee ... Umm, that's a bit ..."

"What, are you still not convinced to marry Seraphima?"

"N, no, I don't mean to say that, it's because I don't have a house that can welcome the Princess of Barshania ..."

In Volzard, I continued to live in the boarding house, and I told him that I didn't even have a house of my own yet, and that I didn't want to differ from the chairman and Manon, who came from ordinary families.

"I have also consulted with Sera about the number of people to bring in. However, the Princess of Barshania cannot have a bridal procession alone."

"That's right ..."

"Therefore, I will send four skilled female knights, four talented maids, and two cooks with Seraphima."

Even so, 10 people, if I were to hire the same number of people for the other 3, we would have a total of 40 people.

"Fufufu ... Don't look so pathetic. With power like yours, it should be possible to feed 1,000 or even 10,000 people."

"No, no, no, that number is impossible for me."

"If it's you, it wouldn't be strange if you called yourself the King of a country, but it must be difficult for someone who has lived as a commoner. The female knights and maids assigned to Seraphima should also be in charge of the other wives. Let the cooks cook for the whole household. Then there is no problem."

Everyone would work for Seraphima during the bridal procession, and after arriving at Volzard, they would be in charge of the other brides as well.

In other words, it's like handing over ten subordinates to me.

"It's a great idea, but will they agree?"

"Do you think I'd let a person who would object to such a thing accompany Sera's marriage? Besides, do you feel that the people who will be your wives aren't worthy of being served?"

"No, that's not true. They are all very attractive women."

"Then, there's nothing to worry about. I've heard that you can borrow the Guest House in Volzard as a temporary residence, so there won't be any problems, right?"

"Uuh ... Yes, for now ..."

Actually, I hadn't finished greeting the chairman's parents, but it was a little pitiful and I couldn't talk about it.

More than that, I was wondering why he was rushing to bring Seraphima in, even though the country was suffering a great deal of damage due to monsters.

I thought it would be normal to put it off until later.

"What's wrong, are you dissatisfied with something?"

"No, I have no objection to taking Seraphima in, but with the amount of damage caused, I feel that it would be better to postpone it for a while ..."

"That is ... To strengthen the connection with you."

"The connection with me ... is it?"

"That's right. It's natural to want to build a strong relationship with someone who has the ability to subdue three Gigases without any difficulty."

"Haa ... Maa, that might be true."

Certainly, I think that's true, but even in the current situation, if Seraphima called for help, I would rush over like this, and somehow Constant's attitude didn't look right.

"Wh, what is it, do you still have something to say?"

"Umm ... Is there a reason to hurry to bring in Seraphima?"

"That's why, that is, with you ... Haa."

Constant stopped his rebuttal, sighed heavily, lowered his gaze, and shook his head from side to side.

"If it's read by someone like you, Sera will naturally notice it."

"Then, there must be a reason."

"I think I told you a little when you brought in the iron, but Barshania is a country made up of a few tribes. On the surface, it looks like they are united as one country, but there are those who feel that the current situation is not interesting. Various measures have been taken to prevent such people from growing dissatisfied, to correct the gap between the rich and the poor, and to activate exchanges between tribes. And, we have also hinted at our superiority in military strength. In other words, we are maintaining a balance through a mix of hard and soft measures."

"Is that balance likely to collapse due to this damage?"

"That may be the case ... Or rather, the balance will definitely collapse. The problem is whether it will go unnoticed, or even if it is noticed, if the balance can be restored before anything happens."

Some tribes seemed to have people who had radical ideas that relied on military force, and if they didn't respond correctly, there was even the danger of developing into a civil war.

"In the unlikely event that it develops into a civil war, do you mean to have Seraphima stay out of danger?"

"There is that, but ..."

After he stopped speaking, Constant fell silent while directing a strong gaze as if searching for my heart.

After his uncomfortable silence, I was questioned.

"Have you ever killed someone?"

"I've done so by instructing my genus to subjugate bandits."

"Have you killed with your own hands?"

"That ... I haven't."

"Is that so ..."

After hearing my answer, Constant stared at me again.

Yup, I don't know what it is, but it's really uncomfortable.

"What would you do if someone asked you to shoot the attack that subjugated the Gigases?"

"Eeeh, is it aimed at people? That's a bit ... If it's a heinous criminal, I'll think about it, but it's still too powerful. By any chance, are you expecting me to compensate for the decrease in strength from this time?"

" ... That's right. The damage this time has greatly exceeded our expectations. In the first battle, many casualties were suffered by the magicians, and in today's battle, there were casualties among the knights and water-attribute magicians. It's undeniable that there will be a significant drop in strength, and above all, the reduction in the number of personnel means that the range that can be dealt with will also decrease. In the current situation, if there were several rebellions at the same time, we would not be able to deal with it."

"Is there a possibility of such a thing happening?"

"No, there aren't any signs of that, but I can't say it's impossible ... If something like that happens, will you lend us a hand?"

Constant asked with a bitter expression.

I had no intention of not cooperating, but there were things I was worried about.

"I don't mind lending a hand, but is it okay if I lend a hand?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well ... Even if you use force to suppress the rebellion, I think the other party will be able to understand it because it is the regular army of Barshania. But, if I, who has nothing to do with Barshania in the first place, went out, would the other party accept it?"

"Umu ... I see, that might be so."

"On the contrary, if I, who has absolutely nothing to do with them, go out and beat them all up, it may be possible to suppress their hatred towards the Imperial Family ... It's not persuasive for me to say that, as I'm standing in between Barshania and Resenburg, but thinking about the other person's impression, if you can use me well, I will do my best to cooperate. However, I will limit myself to helping you coexist, not to kill each other ..."

"Is that so ..."

Constant folded his arms and began to lose himself in thought again, but his expression seemed brighter than before.

"Is that so ... Then, if it's to prevent bloodshed, is it okay if I use you?"

"Umm ... It depends on the degree ..."

Rather, what is that, that evil grin.

"Hey, I'm not asking you to sweat and work. I'm just asking if I can use your name."

"No, no, I feel like that's more dangerous, but what do you plan to do with my name?"

"We will just announce you as Seraphima's marriage partner."

"No, it's definitely not like that. You have a different aim."

"We, the Barshanian regular army, suffered great losses from the Gigas. However, Serahima's husband-to-be, Kent Kokubu, single-handedly killed the three Gigases. A person with this level of power will become a strong ally of Barshania in the future ... I just want to let the people know that."

"Eeeh, something like that ... I'll be troubled."

"Why should it bother you. It's all true, and a man with the name Kent isn't particularly rare."

"Ehh, I see, it's not like I'm going to parade around with Serahpima. Is my face not known?"

"That's right. When you think of a man who can single-handedly defeat three Gigases, the average person would imagine a big, muscular man. For example, even if we advertise your correct appearance, their own speculation will create a different appearance."

Constant smiled as if this was a great idea, but it was kind of annoying.

Well, I look unreliable, but if you say that to my face, I'll get hurt.

"Haaa ... I understand. If you can prevent a rebellion with just my name, please use it as much as you want."

"Muhahaha, sorry, son-in-law. Please give up because you are going to be in a relationship with us. Nuhahahaha!"

Constant laughed heartily and patted me on the shoulder.

"Everyone, raise your heads! Puff out your chests! We fought a Gigas and were defeated. However, with the help of Kent Kokubu, we were able to defeat the Gigas. My daughter Seraphima has decided to marry this Kent Kokubu. Even if a Gigas attacks again in the future, we have acquired the means to repel it!"

"Ooooooh ..."

Hearing Constant's words, the soldiers roared.

"Listen! We survived this battle! We were entrusted with Barshania! We have many missions! There is no time to rest! Now is the time to swear that we will risk our lives to work in place of our fallen comrades!"

When Constant raised his right fist, the soldiers followed suit, thumping their chests in unison, pointing to the sky and shouting.

"By the pride of Barshania!"

Some of the soldiers were crying, but I couldn't feel the darkness of the defeated soldiers from earlier, and everyone had a proud and determined expression on their face.

Crap, I missed it, I was so fascinated that I forgot to participate with everyone.

Kuu, I'll do it together next time.

I was beckoned by Constant to return to the base together, but I was surrounded by all the Barshanian soldiers and was separated.

"Thank you very much for taking revenge for our comrades."

"Thank you for protecting Barshania."

"It's amazing to use a Storm Cat like one of your limbs ..."

"Damnit, how dare you take our Seraphima-sama ..."

"That powerful magic, how did you do that."

"Barshania will continue to rely on you."

Even if it was okay to be asked for a handshake, patted on the shoulder, it was hard to move forward, also, isn't everyone using the wrong amount of force?

My hands looked like they would break, and my back and shoulders were definitely red.

It was definitely gratitude, but it was full of intentions other than friendship.

I was exhausted by the time I reached the base after passing through the battlefield.

"What's wrong, Kent Kokubu. You look tired."

"Ku! , you knew it was going to happen, so you drew me in."

"Well, what are you talking about. I allowed you to refuse, but you agreed, didn't you."

His triumphant smile irritated me ... If that's what you want, I'll let you draw the treasured sword of family as well.

"Kuu ... that's right. I definitely understand, Father-in-law."

"Wh, what did you say ..."

"Ehh, did I say something strange, Father-in-law."

"Ugigiii ... Th, there's nothing wrong ..."

He seemed to be more of a Stupid Parent than Klaus-san, so I was holding back, but you don't have to grind your teeth, your teeth are about to break.

As Constant and I glared at each other, Gregory approached us with a stack of paper.

"Father, the damage situation of the soldiers has been summarized."

"Umu, tell me."

"Yes, the current number of casualties is 947 knights and 621 magicians."

"Is that the number from today's battle?"

"Yes, it is."

"What happens if you combine it with the previous number?"

"Yes, there were 442 knights and 1,472 magicians who died in the battle previously, so if you add up from the total from this time, there will be 1,389 knights and 2,093 magicians."

I had seen the corpses of the soldiers both during and after the battle, but hearing that more than 3,000 people lost their lives in just two battles seemed unreal.

"It exceeded 3,000 people, huh ... I was prepared, but there are so many."

"Yes, Father, at this rate the Mungia guys ..."

"Don't worry about that. I decided to use Kent's name."

"Kent Kokubu's name?"

Constant explained the story from earlier to Gregory, who was looking at me with a puzzled expression.

"I see ... I don't agree with giving Seraphima as his wife, but I agree with you about using his name. However, the problem is whether the people of Mungia will trust Kent Kokubu's military strength."

"That's right. In that case, should I send them the Gigas' bones as well?"

"No, let's display the skeleton in the Imperial Capital's museum. That way, those who see it will know just how big and dangerous a Gigas is."

"Okay, arrange it like that. After that, rumors will spread on their own, and a rare hero will be born."

"Hahahaha, as expected of Father, those who have heard the rumors will surely inflate their imaginations on their own."

He's dissing me in a roundabout way, but I guess he's already forgotten that if I wasn't there, it would have been a pretty bad situation.

ANyway, there's nothing I can do here, so I should get back to guarding.

We were scheduled to finally arrive at Volzard this evening.

"Umm ... I'll be returning to Volzard soon."

"Ohh, thank you very much. Once again, let me give you my thanks."

"Let me also thank you. Thank you for saving Barshania."

"No, no, I just did what I was supposed to do. Then, excuse me, Father-in-law, Brother-in-law."

"Nuu ..."

"Hey, bastard, just now, what ..."

Leaving Constant, who had an expression as if he had chewed up a bitter bug, and Gregory, who seemed unable to understand what he had heard, I went into the shadows.

These people will become family, so this is normal ...

I'll stop by Seraphima before returning to Volzard.

The rear camp was surrounded by a turbulent atmosphere with the wounded injured in today's battle being carried.

Seraphima seemed to move around busily, giving out instructions one after another.

At first glance, didn't it look like adults being swayed by a little child, but the eyes of the adults around her were filled with a sense of trust.

She looked too busy, so I thought about returning without calling out to her, but a woman who seemed to be Seraphima's maid recommended that she take a rest, so I decided to meet with her.

I put out a shield of darkness in front of Seraphima who was sitting on a chair in the staff tent, and she sighed in relief.

"Sera, thank you for your hard work."

"Kent-sama ..."

Seraphima stood up and jumped into my chest.

Seraphima hugged me tightly, as if confirming my existence.

"I'm glad you're safe. Kent-sama."

"I'm sorry, Sera. I couldn't protect many people ..."

"No, I have heard of Kent-sama's activities. Thank you for protecting Barshania."

"That's natural. It's the precious country where Sera was born and raised. However, just today, more than 1,500 people lost their lives. I should have done better ..."

My excuse-like words were blocked by Seraphima's index finger.

Seraphima appealed to me while looking into my eyes.

"Kent-sama got revenge on their enemies splendidly. No one could have done anything better than Kent-sama. So, please don't blame yourself."

"Sera ... Thank you."

As I was hugging Seraphima once again, someone appeared at the edge of my sight who stepped into the tent and then hurried back.

"Riana, bring some tea for Kent-sama."

"I, I respectfully obey."

A panicked voice came from outside the tent.

I felt like I did something wrong.

"Kent-sama, if you don't mind, have dinner ..."

"I'm sorry, I have to go back to Volzard today. I have to report various things."

"Are you going to report the damage to the Barshanian army to Volzard as well?"

"Hmm ... There's no possibility of an invasion from Volzard to Barshania, so I think it would be better to report it ..."

"I agree. I will leave the decision to Kent-sama."

"Alright. I'll think about making it a good result for Barshania as well."

After that, I drank tea with Seraphima, took a break, and then returned to Volzard.