Chapter 10 |
Side Story 2 Chapter 10: Impressive
At the northern border of the Allegard Kingdom, I teleported to the location and asked Wilfred, who had come with me, about the "Oni Princess."
"Who is this 'Oni Princess'?"
"She is the princess of the Orcan Kingdom, a military power to the north that shares borders with our country."
"I figured that she was a princess, but why does she want a one-on-one duel with me?"
"She’s a born battle maniac. At the age of twelve, she plunged into the battlefield and for seven years, she has fought in countless battles without a single loss. She finds joy in fighting strong opponents, to the point of even going into the battlefield without orders."
So she’s a completely uncontrollable battle junkie. What a troublesome person to have set their sights on me.
"It seems that I’ve caught her eye."
"It's too soon for her to know about the battle with the Raun Kingdom. She probably heard about the bandit extermination and decided to act. Even then, it's too fast."
Even so…
"Does she not consider the possibility of starting a war with the Allegard Kingdom?"
"She probably thinks that we’ll hand you over if she demands it. Our country is weak compared to the great powers of this continent."
"You’re being underestimated."
"It’s better to be underestimated as she doesn’t attack the weak. So for us, she’s been the northern shield, but Silver's appearance has changed the situation."
"Don’t make it sound like it’s my fault. This is troublesome for me as well."
I replied to Wilfred while turning my gaze to the army of the Orcan Kingdom. There were only about five thousand soldiers, but they were clearly elite troops.
This must be the royal guard.
To other nations, having such elite troops moving freely would be a significant concern.
"H-Hey... can’t we just tell her that we’ve already left?"
"Do you think that would work?"
Allen, who was looking a bit queasy next to me, said something hopelessly optimistic. There’s no way a woman who leads an army and requests a duel would easily give up.
"Even if she understood, she’d still invade our territory to chase you. Once she sets her sights on a prey, she doesn’t let it escape."
"Is she really a princess? Aren’t princesses supposed to be more refined?"
"That depends on the princess."
At my reply, Allen looked disheartened with his shoulders drooping. It seems that his image of what a princess should have been had shattered. If all noblewomen were refined, my life would be much easier.
As I was thinking this…
"H-Hey! Someone’s coming forward!"
Someone on horseback moved out alone.
In this situation, there could be only one person who would do that. She must be the Oni Princess. She’s tall for a woman, with long black hair tinged with purple and blue eyes. Contrary to the ominous nickname, she exuded a cool and composed aura.
Allen, who had probably imagined a wild and unruly woman, was stunned. The woman he was seeing now was far more elegant and beautiful than he had expected. She wore loose clothing similar to that from Mizuho, giving the impression of anything but a warrior that was heading to the battlefield.
"A silver mask and a black robe... You must be Silver."
"Indeed."
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Reina Orcan, the princess and general of the Orcan Kingdom."
"I am Silver, a traveling mage. I’m in a hurry, so let’s get this over with quickly."
I projected that sentiment: If we’re going to fight, let’s get it done.
Reina’s eyes widened slightly before she smiled softly.
"I like men who get straight to the point."
"I’d prefer to end your interest here and now. It would be a nuisance if you kept following me."
"Every man I face on the battlefield says the same thing. I just want an exhilarating duel. I wonder why?"
"H-Hey... isn’t this woman kind of dangerous?"
Allen took a step back, unnerved by Reina’s euphoric expression as she spoke. Reina glanced at him and murmured,
"He seems to have potential. With more experience, he could become a good opponent. But right now I only have eyes for you, Silver."
"You’re a nuisance. Go back."
"You’re so cruel."
Laughing, Reina drew a large sword.
Seeing this, I teleported Allen and Wilfred to the rear. They might not have noticed, but Reina had been emitting a strong killing intent since earlier.
She was fully ready for battle.
Reina slowly raised the large sword overhead. Wielding such a large sword with one hand alone was enough to show that she wasn’t just any woman. Moreover, dense magical energy began gathering around the sword.
"Very few men can withstand my sword. Will you be one of them?"
Reina smiled brightly and swung her sword down.
She probably saw this as a warm-up, but the power behind the attack was extraordinary. She coated the blade with magical energy and unleashed it as a massive slash.
I took it head-on since the barrier I had in place prevented any injuries, but I was blown far back.
"As expected of Silver. You’re wonderful."
"Thank you. But I don’t usually accept gifts from others, so I’ll return this to you."
I extended my right hand. The magical energy from the slash was trapped in my barrier, and I returned it to Reina exactly as it was. However, Reina seemed pleased as she deflected the attack with her sword.
"Magnificent. It seems that we’re in for a good fight."
"Let’s hope so."
I murmured while preparing to fully engage in battle with Reina.
TL's Notes:New waifu????
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