The sky was dyed a sunset red; it was fast approaching noon. Despite the late hour, the capital city of the kingdom of Albanian was bustling with the liveliness of its people.
Among that crowd, the figure of a young teenage girl dressed in a beautiful green dress was mixed in with the crowd. Her long, silky green hair cascaded down to her slender waist; her figure was both graceful and slender. Naturally, she was endowed with an otherworldly beauty; it was naturally the wind spirit, Alya.
Following her from a step behind was a young, slender woman who was blessed with alluring beauty. She seemed to be roughly seventeen or nineteen years of age; her long silver hair flowed down to her waist.
Furthermore, the silver-haired beauty had two fox ears on her head and nine silver tails that moved gracefully behind her rear. Both Alya and Nikita were making their way back towards the direction of the inn.
"Once we get back, let's take a nice hot bath and then have a warm meal."
Alya suggested cheerfully, as she walked next to Nikita, who had a beaten-up Haruto on her back.
"A warm meal sounds really good, especially after such a wonderful battle."
Nikita replied, her fox ears stood up as her tail swayed in happiness.
"Please, Mom, turn the air conditioner off! I thought I was going to be frozen to death."
Haruto, who was being carried on Nikita's back, suddenly mumble nonsensical to himself. His black hair was messy, and his complexion was slightly pale, as though he lacked blood, and his body trembled occasionally as though he was placed in an ice bath.
His current self seemed like a harmless little kitten as he rested on her back. During the climax of his battle with Nikita, she had used a secret technique of her race. A tsunami of ice and snow completely engulfed him, turning him into an ice statue.
It took the efforts of Alya and Nikita to thaw him out of the ice; by then, he was already suffering from frostbite.
"N-No-No more ice..."
"He hehe... I think you went overboard with your last attack; Haruto looks like he was suffering from some kind of trauma."
Seeing the state Haruto was in, Alya couldn't help but chuckle to herself. Nikita puffed up her ample chest as she replied.
"Even with his senses amplified through spirit arts, it's completely useless if he can't even move or react his body to the attack in time."
Nikita responded, bluntly.
"Oya, aren't your expectations a little too high there?"
Alya said that while blinking blankly, she sent Nikita a look of exasperation. After all, while Haruto's physical body had been enhanced, outrunning that tsunami of ice and snow that covered the entire sky and had exceeded a distance of roughly several kilometres was an impossible feat. Even Alya wasn't confident she could escape such a technique, unless she used her release form.
(Seriously, the fox race is just as monstrous as I remember.)
"Hmph, of course not. This level is naturally not enough; he won't be able to give me a satisfactory battle unless he is at the dragon slayer, Sir Leo's level."
Nikita replied as she huffed through her nose.
"A-Are you kidding? You know he is very inexperienced in battle, right?"
Alya responded, dumbfounded. Haruto had lived a modern and peaceful life up until now, while the dragon slayer had been training his entire life, wanting Haruto to fight at the same level as Leo, the infamous dragon slayer was, as expected, it was unreasonable.
(Come to think of it, she reminds me of a certain silver-haired woman I met from the fox race in the past.)
Alya couldn't stop the twitching of her brow.
(I guess we need to work on his reaction time and his agility, on a later day.)
Nikita's brow furrowed in thought as she pondered to herself.
During their battle, she had noticed he made a lot of wasted movements while he was swinging his sword. He hadn't had any sword training from an experienced master before and could only swing his sword instinctively. His stance was sloppy and full of openings, and even with his senses enhanced through spirit arts, his physical body couldn't keep up.
Nikita had naturally taken advantage of that, easily closing in on him before he could use his sword. Of course, Haruto used spirit arts to keep her away, but, unfortunately, with Nikita's tremendous speed, such things were meaningless. Though she had already thought of a way she could help him improve in that area.
She then strengthens her grip on Haruto's body as they move through the busy streets. As the sky was gradually getting darker, the artefacts used for artificial lighting became active. Lighting up the capital in a beautiful glow.
"Are you still worrying about the seal?"
Nikita suddenly asked, as she peered at Alya's side profile. Despite her smile, it was obvious she was worrying inwardly from the sudden shock. After all, she was the one tasked with guiding Haruto on his journey; however, before he could truly progress in his training, the seal of the demon race was broken prematurely, leaving her at a loss for what to do.
"... It would be a lie if I said I wasn't worried; the demon lord and his demon kings are not to be taken lightly. In his current state, he isn't capable of facing them."
Alya sighed as she glanced at Haruto's sleeping face.
(Haruto is too soft; he still hasn't completely discarded his pre-existing values from his previous world.)
She knew he wasn't someone who would take the life of another living being. After all, in the modern world where he had lived a peaceful life, he would never take the life of another human; while demons weren't considered human, they could communicate just like any other ordinary human. Alya knew Haruto would hesitate and even sympathise with them; he would probably try to settle the conflict in a peaceful manner. She also loved that innocent side of him; at the same time, she knew such a mentality could be detrimental in the midst of battle, where the only outcome of a battle can only be settled with the death of either side.
(If he does eventually face a strong opponent where he has no choice but to kill, would he recover from it?)
Such woes filled her head, making her face grow dark in worry.
Nikita furrowed her brow slightly, seeing her like that, her lips parted as she was about to say something when, suddenly-
"Can you all hear me? People of the kingdom of Albanian, and those listening in the kingdom of Watanabe."
The voice of an elderly man echoed through the capital, instantly gathering everyone's attention.
"Hm, this voice, where is it coming from?"
Nikita asked, as she glanced around the surrounding area in confusion.
"Th-This is... The communication transmitter! Is there some kind of emergency? Why did it suddenly become active?"
A young gentleman standing within the crowd asked, with a confused expression. Those in the area also seem to be thinking the same, as they wore similar expressions on their faces. The capital was rather peaceful right now. No immediate danger or turbulence was happening anywhere nearby. This left everyone equally perplexed at the moment.
The communication transmitter was an artefact that allowed long-distance communication, to send messages to each kingdom; all nations had at least one of them. The artefact can also be used during a large crisis where the evacuation of the citizens of the capital was necessary.
As the citizens of the capital were becoming more confused by the moment, the speaker continued.
"I am a knight serving his majesty, King Zestril! I am announcing we have already defeated the Alberta kingdom, and the king who refused to serve his majesty has already met his end, the kings of the Albanian kingdom and the kingdom of Watanabe... Will you surrender, or will you also resist and share the same fate as the king of the Alberta kingdom? The choice is yours to make."
After giving such a simple announcement, the communication transmitter was deactivated, and silence suddenly filled the capital city. Those who had just heard the message from the communication transmitter were dazed for several seconds. There was shock, there was confusion, and there was panic. The once peaceful city became chaotic.
"I-Impossible! This is impossible!"
"The Alberta kingdom was the strongest nation, and yet it lost."
"Won't we be next?!"
"What's going to happen to us once we come under the jurisdiction of the Zestril kingdom?!"
Cries erupted everywhere in the capital city.
"Such a shame, it seems the Alberta kingdom has lost."
Nikita mumbled as though she found it regrettable.
"So, it seems, how bothersome. Looks like everyone's lives won't be easy from now on. And I was getting used to the peaceful air around the city, too."
Alya uttered in frustration.
Meanwhile, the loud noise of the commotion had roused Haruto from his sleep.
"W-What's going on?"
He inquired in confusion, as he rubbed his heavy eyelids.
"Haruto!"
"Master!"
Both Alya and Nikita called out. Haruto let go of where he clung to Nikita's back as he got to his feet.
"Did something happen? Why is everyone so on edge?"
Haruto asked, glancing around the surroundings in puzzlement.
"To put it short, the Zestril kingdom had just announced their victory over the Alberta kingdom. As well as the death of the former king, they also gave the option to choose between submission or annihilation to the Albanian kingdom and the Watanabe kingdom."
Nikita gave a summary, with a shrug of her shoulder. Despite her nonchalant tone, her expression was furrowed in a slight frown as she explained. Although she didn't care about the internal conflict between the neighbouring kingdoms, she knew the defeat of the Alberta kingdom would also hurt them as well.
"I see... Sigh, so in the end, the winner was the Zestril kingdom. Then, I heard the king of that nation was greedy and someone who enjoyed wars. The expenses of our travels might increase from here. The Alberta kingdom has the largest companies and industries. And now all of that is in the hands of a greedy king."
Haruto winced at the thought of what could happen in the future. Alya, who stood beside him, also had a frown on her face as well.
"What should we do, Haruto?"
Alya inquired; she was probably asking if he intended to intervene in the conflict between the nations. Haruto heaved a sigh as he shook his head. He did not have the adventurous spirit to go sticking his nose into their affairs, and he had absolutely no intention of getting involved unless he had to.
"For now, let's continue observing."
He responded after a moment of consideration. He had no knowledge, no experience, and no confidence that he could overturn the situation. That was to be expected, as the thought of participating in a war was not something he could casually do.
In the first place, he had never been subjected to the air of war in his previous world before. In this world, monsters could attack at any moment, and lives were lost easily. The outbreak of war could occur at any moment, but he didn't have the necessary mentality for that.
"But what about that princess? If I recall, her name was Scarlett, right? Her kingdom is also in danger as well; would you turn a blind eye if she does end up in danger as well?"
Alya peered at his face closely as she awaited his response. Haruto's eyes widened faintly when Scarlett's name was mentioned. What would he do if she ended up in danger? Would he turn a blind eye? Or rather, could he?
For a moment, Scarlett's beautiful face appeared in his mind. Her long, fiery-red hair and eyes. And her beautiful, innocent smile. Thinking of her being in danger made Haruto subconsciously clench his fist. And seeing that, Alya raised an eyebrow in interest.
"Oh, it seems like you have already found your answer."
Her soft, sweet lips curved upwards as she said that.
"While I have no interest in getting involved in their conflicts, if the Watanabe kingdom were to find itself in dire situations, then we shall support them; they were the ones who had helped me out when I first wandered into this world after all."
Not only had they prepared a place for him to sleep, but they also gave him food and large funds for his travels. Haruto wasn't about to abandon them just because they were in an unfavourable position.
"Hehe... Hehe. Good, as your contracted spirit naturally, I shall also assist you to the best of my abilities."
Alya added. She moved closer to Haruto's body and leaned into his space coquettishly, as she rested her head on his chest. Haruto was slightly surprised by her sudden action. He didn't avoid her; instead, he caressed her silky green hair.
"H-Hey, Alya! What do you think you're doing!"
Nikita exclaimed, taken aback. She moved to separate the pair who were embracing each other.
"Bleh! If it bothers you so much, why don't you hug him from behind? Could it be doing something like that is too much for a filthy beast?"
Alya suggested as she wrapped her slender arms around Haruto's waist, while sticking out her tongue provocatively at Nikita. That seems to have hit a nerve as her crimson eyes gleamed at Alya.
"Tch, shut up! Why are you acting all lovey-dovey while having such an important conversation? Annoying spirit!"
Nikita retorted as her face was dyed a shade of red when thinking about Alya's suggestion. Her distinctive fox ears drooped as her nine tails swayed violently. From the point beneath her feet, the ground was frozen in layers of frost for roughly ten meters in diameter from her emotions.
"Oh my, your face is so red, I wonder what in decent thoughts you're having, fufufu. As expected of a beast."
"Shut up, or I'll really freeze you!"
Meanwhile, Haruto heaved a sigh at their playful banter.
(If he does participate in their conflicts, maybe the influence of war could stimulate his fighting spirit. I can't keep babying him; only when he has washed his hands of blood will he be able to grow. At least those nations can be excellent training for him. He is fated to battle against the demon lord after all.)
Alya secretly thought with a cheerful grin.
Even if someone has been opposed to taking the life of another, when put into a situation where their own life is in danger could easily act instinctively to defend their own life.
"Let's continue our training for a few more months, at least until my spirit arts have reached a high enough level where I can cast high-level spirit arts in an instant."
"Yes, if we are going to get involved in the conflict of those nations, spirit arts would come in handy."
Alya nodded in approval.
"Hmph, don't forget about me! If the master wishes to face the Zestril kingdom, then so will I. I wasn't able to beat those jerks black and blue back home after all."
As a member of the silver fox race, Nikita naturally knew of the Zestril kingdom. After all, while the Zestril kingdom was located far away, they were the only large kingdom in the northern parts of the continent. It was home to the silver fox species, which enjoyed the cold climate.
"Then, for now, shall we get ready for training tomorrow morning?"
"Yup!"
Alya said cheerfully.
"You can leave your spirit arts training to me!"
Nikita responded, cracking her knuckles. Her lips spread into an alluring smile, which could easily melt the hearts of those lucky enough to witness it. However...
Haruto's body shuddered visibly, his face pale as he thought back to their earlier battle. The sight of that tsunami of ice and snow, which towered above his head, was traumatic. He definitely didn't want to experience that again. His face twitched in trepidation.
"Hehehe."
Alya chuckled at his reaction.
"Then, shall we go?"
"Yeah!"
Their response overlapped.
Seeing their determination, Haruto also exhibits a smile.
...
Meanwhile, inside a meeting room of the royal castle...
The king of Albanian had a stern expression on his face. Like those in the capital, those inside the royal castle had also heard the announcement moments ago. The Zestril kingdom was truly fearless; the announcement just now was as good as a declaration of war. A kingdom like the Zestril kingdom, which was located so far away, would normally be ignored in normal times.
However, the defeat of the once mighty Alberta kingdom had naturally shaken the hearts of those who knew of their majesty. With the barrier surrounding their kingdom, one of the highest qualities, and their wealth of artefacts, which couldn't be easily acquired, the Alberta kingdom had truly earned the title of 'most advanced nation' on the continent. And yet, such a powerful kingdom was defeated.
Not to mention....
(Does this mean the strongest knight, Matthew, the sword master. Was defeated as well?)
The king creased his brow in concern when he thought that. That would also mean the Zestril kingdom also has the sword, said to be capable of annihilating all evil. A powerful magic sword that was the national treasure of the Alberta kingdom. With that sword, the strength of the Zestril kingdom could reach unprecedented levels.
"I never would have thought the Alberta kingdom would actually lose."
Princess Sofia, who donned a beautiful golden dress, mumbled to herself; her purple eyes were widened with surprise. And she wasn't the only one; the first prince also had a rather complicated expression on his face. Their shock was understandable; after all, a powerful military country like Alberta had fallen, the kingdom with the highest defence and had been the most prosperous for countless years, since its establishment.
"It seems that old fart didn't declare war impulsively. He seems to have a way to back up his words after all."
King Albanian said, as he furrowed his brow in worry.
(Sigh, it seems I have no choice; I will have to ally with Watanabe to have any chance of opposing them.)
He thought to himself, rubbing his beard. Considering the relationship between Watanabe and Alberta, he could already imagine that he must be extremely angry; someone who was like a brother to him had been killed.
"What are we going to do now?"
Princess Sofia asked, curiosity laced in her voice. She stared intensely at her father, the king, who had occupied the main seat of the discussion. After a moment of consideration, he finally spoke.
"For the time being, we will wait for the Watanabe kingdom to make contact with us. Now that the Zestril kingdom had conquered the Alberta kingdom, I doubt they would make any movements for some time."
He explained in a calm tone.
"How can you be sure they will make contact with us?"
The first prince asked sceptically.
"Now that the Zestril kingdom has killed the king of the Alberta kingdom, I'm sure he now has a lot of resentment towards the Zestril kingdom."
The king replied, his lips spread into a slight grin.
"... I see. You're going to use that to our advantage."
Princess Sofia smiled slightly at that. In a way, they were taking advantage of the animosity the king of Watanabe felt towards the king of Zestril to work in their favour. It was a rather cunning way of going about things. It was so typical of a king who has been in the position of power for a long time that Princess Sofia couldn't help but find it funny.
He was certain the king of Watanabe would come knocking on his doors himself, offering an alliance. If the king of the Albanian were to be the one to bring it up, then he would have to think of several contributions for their help, but the situation changes if it were coming from the side of Watanabe.
(For some reason, I can't help but feel somewhat bitter inside.)
She thought secretly. It was impossible not to feel guilty.
The first prince glanced at the young black-haired woman sitting opposite him and showed a fearless smile as he got to his feet. Seizing the opportunity, he dramatically placed his hand at his chest as he did a light bow.
"Worry not, father, I, as the first prince of this country, will naturally stay on the front lines and defend my kingdom!"
He flicked his slightly long blond hair as he said that. Sofia sighed in exasperation when she heard his bold declaration. Such cliche lines sounded like a valorous knight, ready to lay down their lives for their country.
Indeed, in normal times, such a person would be showered with raving praise for their courage and chivalrous spirit; they would be held in the highest esteem.
"...."
However, the young black-haired woman was indifferent to his sudden declaration; she sat quietly, sipping her tea. The first prince's face twitched slightly. She didn't even care about his bravery; he made an expression as though his heart was torn to pieces.
"Brother... You really should learn to pick the right moment to announce such things."
Princess Sofia said, gently patting her brother on the back.
Sitting on the seat next to Princess Sofia was a young, beautiful Japanese woman, dressed in clothing of the highest quality. The hero summoned to the kingdom of Albanian, Katsumi Aiuchi, had her long black hair tied into a one-sided ponytail.
She sat with her legs crossed as she drank her tea; despite her laid-back attitude, she was listening to their conversation rather seriously.
(A war, huh. I guess this world isn't exactly as peaceful as I thought. Considering I hold the title of hero, am I expected to also participate in their war?)
Katsumi thought to herself as she stared out the window, which showed the beautiful view of the night sky.