Translator: “Hakou” Editor: “Weasalopes”
Landbarn, the frontline city of the Empire, west of the Royal Capital.
An office overlooking the central plaza to the south. Starting from the Margrave which is the lord of this territory, the other executives were gathered there.
「The Ghost Knight!?」
The bald, middle-aged man, the Margrave, shouts in surprise at Grim Reaper’s explanation.
Count Rosehip and Handle mustache, their feelings were the same. They had never expected that they would encounter a Ghost Knight in the middle of wasteland like that.
「And there’s five of them you say?」
The Margrave wiped off the sweat that had broken out on his forehead with a towel. He was shocked because he thought there was only one of its kind.
At the same time, this also means that the Grim Reaper has taken on several powerful long-distance attack magicians by himself.
「You did well coming back here alive」
The Margrave had nothing but admiration for him.
He successfully defeated the five Ghost Knights. Moreover, he brought back both of the frontier knights he had sent with him safely.
(The two B-class Knights of the frontier knight order wouldn’t be able to compete with the Ghost Knight)
The Margrave thought so even though they were his subordinates. But that was a fact.
The Grim Reaper just shrugged his shoulders at his compliment.
「If it were me only, then I would’ve been dead by now. It was also thanks to the other Knight」
「There’s another Knight?」
The Grim Reaper continued his explanation to the Margrave.
After he defeated one of the horsemen by surprise, he continued to be whittled down one-sidedly by magic attacks.
「As expected, at that time I was ready to embrace death」
A gloomy smile appeared on the corner of his mouth the moment he recalled that scene.
The desperate situation was overturned by a single attack magic shot from somewhere. A ghost knight was shot down by it.
Another white light arrows followed after, and another Knight’s head was blown off and fell to the hole.
「I took advantage of their flustered state and defeated one of them myself. After that, I crawled to the surface but…」
He was astonished by the scenery he saw there.
Magic missiles were shot from the top of the rocky mountain, and the Ghost Knight was running away from them in a zig zag.
Even from the eyes of the Grim Reaper, he knows that the Ghost Knight had no leisure while dealing with those. It narrowly escaped and disappeared to the north.
「The next one would be me, so I thought. However…」
He cut off his words and lightly shook his head from side to side.
「The other party went down behind the rocky mountain. I couldn’t catch his figure, and I didn’t know his goal」
He wanted to confirm his identity, but he didn’t have the strength to do so, so he just returned.
That was the end of Grim Reaper’s explanation.
「Those Ghost Knights were painted green and white with silver ornaments, huh?」
A middle-aged man with short, gray hair groaned while putting his hand on his chin.
He has a muscular body that does not match his age.
「Those types of Knights… I completely have no idea about them」
Count Rosehip, the leader of the Rose Knights, naturally knows a lot about Knights. If this man with short white hair didn’t know, then it couldn’t be an official Knight.
As he twisted his thick neck, the Grim Reaper added another explanation.
「Although I did say Ghost Knight, I can’t be absolutely sure. The reason for this is their fire power」
A glint of curiosity appeared in Count Rosehip’s eyes. He looked at him and continued to speak.
「I took a few hits, but they were not enough to destroy an A-class Knight with a single blow. I don’t think they’re the same Knight that attacked the expeditionary force」
The Empire’s expeditionary force, led by the Marquis, aimed to capture Awoke. They lost two A-class Knights to a magic attack from long range and were forced to retreat.
After a short pause, Count Rosehip expressed his opinions.
「Could it be that they are models with reduced power in exchange for more stability? Or perhaps an improved version of the experimental Knights owned by the merchant guild?」
“I see”, along with such expression, an air of understanding spread through the room.
「Then, does the one Knight that was hiding itself, the one who performed an overwhelming magic attack was the original?」
The large man with short white hair answers the question of the civil servant with a handlebar mustache.
「It’s possible. But if that was the case, I don’t understand why the Ghost Knight was shooting at each other. And why did it spare Lord Reaper?」
「Maybe it went crazy, leading to a friendly fire?」
The Margrave, who had not joined the conversation but was listening, nodded in agreement with Handlebar mustache’s words.
『Ghost knights are unstable and sometimes will go berserk』
That’s how the Empire side perceived it. In fact, at the Battle of Landbarn, the Kingdom’s flagship Knight, the 『Sheltered Girl』, attacked its ally, a fellow kingdom’s Knights.
But the Grim Reaper denied it while furrowing his eyebrows.
「I felt a clear intention in its actions. I don’t think it was because it went berserk or out of control」
The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock as no one opened their mouths. The Margrave’s head moved like a pendulum, reflecting the lights dazzlingly across the room.
「If the Knight in hiding was the Knight of the Kingdom, it would’ve shot Lord Reaper already. Because even though we are currently signed a truce, the place was out of both countries and his figure was out of sight」
After listening to his superior’s monologue, Handlebar mustache opened his mouth to sort out the situation.
「Ghost Knights, which is the Knights of the Kingdom, and a mysterious Knight who is hostile to them」
He folded his fingers in two and continued.
「If that’s the case, then this mysterious Knight can’t possibly be the original Ghost Knight. On the contrary, it might be an enemy of the Kingdom. There is a possibility that we share similar interests」
Count Rosehip looks unconvinced. He crossed his thick arms while tapping his own arm with his fingers.
「This is troubling. In my opinion, I can’t shake off the possibility that it was the original instead」
There, he turns his head and makes a gulping sound.
「However, if we look at the result, we can see that he supported Lord Reaper. We don’t know if he’s an ally or not, but for now, he’s not an enemy」
Count Rosehip closes both eyes and sighed. I guess this is where he’s at.
Seeing that everyone has voiced their opinions, the Margrave asked the Grim Reaper.
「Have you been able to get any kind of proof?」
He is the lord of this region, but their status in the Empire is equal. The tone he directed at him naturally different from that of the others.
The Grim Reaper lightly shrugged his shoulders.
「I’m sorry, but I didn’t have the leeway to do that. We only barely survived after all」
No one can blame him for that. If the Grim Reaper can’t do it, then no one can.
The Grim Reaper put his hand on his thin chin as if he was remembering something. After a short pause, he continued.
「The fallen Ghost Knight was surrounded and began to get eaten by the golems. But they are supposed to only eat stones. So maybe there’s a leftover of it」
The main raw material for Knights is minerals. However, the area around the cockpit is often made of wood, cloth, and leather.
These are all things that mineral golems do not eat.
An understanding look and anticipation spread across everyone’s face.
「If that’s the case then let me go next」
Count Rosehip declared and puffed out his chest.
「We will deal with the golems with the full power of the Rose Knights. Even if the Ghost Knight appears, we will be able to oppose it with our numbers」
Before all the Knights are shot down, they charge while holding their large shield. The power of numbers will destroy the advantage of distance.
If their only advantage was taken away, the Ghost Knight wouldn’t be able to do anything.
「I guess we have no choice but to take a bet here」
At his insistence, the Margrave makes up his mind.
There are still some worries left. Like the remaining number of the Ghost Knight and the unclear standing of the mysterious Knight. However, doing nothing is also a bad idea.
After confirming that his superior agreed, Count Rosehip turned his head towards the Grim Reaper.
「I will leave the defense of Landbarn to you. I’m sorry to burden you while your Knight is in the middle of being repaired but, I beg for your cooperation」
The Grim Reaper nodded his thin, pointy chin.
「I understand. What, it’s not like there will be an enemy attack soon. My Knight will be finished repairing itself as we wait」
The A-class Knight of the Grim Reaper that was damaged by the Ghost Knight.
It is currently resting in a curing magic circle in the hangar and is in the middle of self-repair.
The Margrave sighed loudly when they had reached a decision on their course of action.
「The kingdom and my rival in the career race. Until now, that’s the only things I have to be concerned about」
He said it as if it was troublesome as his expression on his face twisted in displeasure.
Count Rosehip smiles looking at him like that. The way they look at this matter is the same, but the way he takes it is slightly different.
「Isn’t this interesting? Let’s just think of this as a way to put our skills to practice. I’m sure there are those who envy us for being here at this time」
The Margrave showed a small smile at his words.
He wants to test his strength, but he doesn’t have the chance to do so. There are definitely others like him in the past.
If the crown prince hadn’t found him at that time, he would probably still be a commoner, sitting in the corner of the city while complaining about his life.
「It seems I unconsciously put myself on the defensive」
He regained his energy in an instant and spoke out loud.
「I shall obtain a great achievement here and quickly take the seat of Imperial Chancellor」
And at the inauguration ceremony, he will make his rival, the Marquis, read a lengthy congratulatory speech.
The Marquis, a man of high standards, whose behavior is flawless in every way.
And such a man, hides his shame as he delivers a congratulatory speech that he never intended to read. Doesn’t the mere thought of it make your heart flutter? He thought.
「Born in a turbulent era, he wishes to test his own strength. The moment I will be referred to as such by the future generation is now!」
Let’s think of it that way.
At the Margrave’s words, everyone aside from the Grim Reaper laughed together.
No, looking at him closely, the edge of the Grim Reaper’s mouth was also slightly curved.
Translator: “Hakou” Editor: “Weasalopes”
Now, the stage moves to the east, to the royal capital.
The headquarters of the merchant guild that stands facing the plaza. In the guild leader’s office on the top floor of the building, surrounded by a strange atmosphere.
「The Grim Reaper and a knight of unknown nationality, is it?」
A small old man who looks like a goblin, raised one eyebrow while sitting in his overly large chair.
I, who had gone to the giant hole in search of mineral resources, but gave up and retreated.
After talking to the herbivore mechanic, I took him with me and came to report back as soon as possible.
「B-class Knights, painted green and white, with silver ornaments all over its bodies」
I tried to explain with hand gestures while standing.
The guild leader crossed his arms and groaned loudly.
「About the Grim Reaper, there was no helping it. You will have no chance of winning if you fought that man」
There, I sighed lightly.
「The fact that the Empire had realized the existence of the giant hole. Their quick ears got us this time」
A look of defeat crept across his face, which was unusual for him.
A team of adventurers had been sent to Awoke to retrieve the golem. The expense for that was also wasted.
「Still, Knights painted in green and white, huh? On top of that, they had the same fighting style as Tauro-kun」
Sitting on the couch, the vice-guild master, who looks like Santa Claus and Goblin jii-chan looks at each other.
Santa Claus, who seemed to have no idea of who they are, lightly shook his head from side to side.
「Fumu」
The guild master crosses his arms and makes a sullen face. His gaze turns to the herbivore mechanic standing next to me.
He seems to want his opinion from a technical point of view.
「The Knights of unknown nationality, used a rifle as their main weapon, and fought by shooting magic from a distance」
Herbivore mechanic who understands, speaks out his opinion.
「In regards to their movement method, they’re continuously casting wind magic on their legs to move around」
Just like my hover movement.
With this, they eliminated the Old lady’s advantage in mobility.
「What all of this shown us, is that the pilot must have an unusual amount of magic power」
Goblin jii-chan and Santa Claus nodded. Me? I feel a bit complicated because I’m the same as them.
「I’m excluding the possibility that they’re using a technology that are several times more efficient than us, because that’s highly unlikely」
Including me, the three of us listened in silence.
「Abundant amount of magic power and high magic power control ability that make them able to move using wind magic without crumbling their posture. And there are five pilots who have both of these aspects. There are too many of them to be considered outstanding individuals. It’s better to consider them as a some kind of military force」
A look of realization appeared on the face of Herbivore mechanic as he continued. He looked a little lost, but continued with his words.
「Based on racial traits, it is more likely that they are the elves」
I haven’t mentioned the possibility of them being an elf yet. Because I didn’t want to give them a false impression.
And it’s only based on my personal impression.『The Knight’s design was similar to an elf-branded bag』is the base of my assumption.
However, Herbivore mechanic came up with the idea of them being an elf through his own build-up of evidence. It’s safe to say the certainty just increased.
「I see」
「But I never heard the existence of Elves Knight and pilots」
The guild master and vice-guild leader share their opinions.
「Maybe because they don’t see the need to show it to the world. They’re all so secretive after all」
「Certainly, their species does have what it takes to become a pilot」
The conversation between the two old men gets more lively.
While this is happening, the Herbivore mechanic is busy mumbling to himself.
「ーーand so, it all makes sense if we assume as such」
Herbivore mechanic turns towards me. He looked at me with both eyes and his mouth wide open.
「….I see now」
I wonder what it is.
I stared back at the herbivore mechanic with a bad feeling in my heart.
I had a feeling that if I looked away, I would lose.
「Guild master! Vice-guild master! Please listen to me」
At the sound of a loud voice that almost sounded like a shout, the old men looked at us to see what was going on.
「I finally… I finally figured it out! Now I know why Tauro-san is so special」
(Could it be, I got found out that I have a cheat from the stone statue!?)
For a moment, my heart almost stops. But there should be nothing that could lead him to such a conclusion with how this talk is going.
(What does he mean?)
I was silent, waiting for his next word.
Herbivore mechanic pointed at me and shouted.
「Hear me and be surprised… Tauro-san is an elf!」
The guild master’s office fell into silence.
Goblin jii-chan blankly looked at me.
「……He doesn’t look like one, though?」
「It’s possible that he’s a half!」
Santa Claus raises an eyebrow at his words.
「I’ve known half-elves, but they should be looks cooler, appearance-wise」
There are some harsh looks thrown at me about my looks, but I can’t help it.
What I don’t understand is how the herbivore mechanic came to this conclusion.
「His amount of magic power, and his ability to manipulate magic, there can’t be any other possibilities other than this!」
Herbivore mechanic shouted as he didn’t get the reaction he expected.
I was somehow convinced.
(Data supreme principle)
He’s dancing around the numbers and began losing sight of reality.
Otherwise, he would have known at a glance. That I don’t have an elf element in me, if I do say so myself.
「You are sure one strange elf then, aren’t ya!」
Goblin jii-chan jumped down from his overly large chair and poked me with the butt of his pen.
Santa Claus sighs while shaking his head from side to side.
「To think you’re an elf with that look, it must’ve been difficult for you. I feel sorry for you」
I’m not sure what he means by feeling sorry for me, but I do know that he’s being rude.
「Don’t take it to heart, he was just joking」
Under my piercing gaze, Santa Claus shrugged his shoulders and apologized.
Goblin jii-chan, on the other hand, turned his head and laughed.
「I can assure you that Tauro-kun has no elven blood running through his vein. There is no elf like him, not in smell, not in atmosphere」
At that explanation, Herbivore mechanic’s tension dropped to the right angle.
「If the guild master says so, then it must be true」
I’m not an elf, that’s for sure. However, if you are convinced of that by his explanation just now, it makes me feel a bit sensitive.
「Then, let’s assume that the Knights painted in green and white is from the elves side and move on to the next topic」
Santa Claus claps his hands and gets back on track after the discussion derailed significantly.
「The question is, why would the elves send their Knights to the great hole?」
What do you think? He continued as he looked at me.
(That’s a difficult question)
That place is far from the spirit forest, and there are no trees or water that the elves like. It’s a rough place with only rocks and gravel.
「Maybe because recently, the price of mineral resources has been rising rapidly, so they tried to develop the mine themselves?」
I said that, but I’m not convinced myself.
「The place is too far away from them to maintain it themselves. It’s more like them to let the humans develop it and wait for the price to drop」
I agree with that opinion.
(Then, for what purpose?)
I tried to put myself in the elves’ shoes, but I couldn’t figure out why they would show up there.
We all wondered about it for a while, but no one could come up with a plausible answer.
「I’m putting this on hold, then」
The guild master sighed disappointedly.
「We’ll have to give up the mineral resources in the giant hole. The empire, the elves, it’s too dangerous to mess with」
We all shook our heads in unison.
This was not a problem that could be handled by a single guild of a country.
Thus, the meeting came to an end.
Translator: “Hakou” Editor: “Weasalopes”
Now, the stage moves to the east, to the royal capital.
The headquarters of the merchant guild that stands facing the plaza. In the guild leader’s office on the top floor of the building, surrounded by a strange atmosphere.
「The Grim Reaper and a knight of unknown nationality, is it?」
A small old man who looks like a goblin, raised one eyebrow while sitting in his overly large chair.
I, who had gone to the giant hole in search of mineral resources, but gave up and retreated.
After talking to the herbivore mechanic, I took him with me and came to report back as soon as possible.
「B-class Knights, painted green and white, with silver ornaments all over its bodies」
I tried to explain with hand gestures while standing.
The guild leader crossed his arms and groaned loudly.
「About the Grim Reaper, there was no helping it. You will have no chance of winning if you fought that man」
There, I sighed lightly.
「The fact that the Empire had realized the existence of the giant hole. Their quick ears got us this time」
A look of defeat crept across his face, which was unusual for him.
A team of adventurers had been sent to Awoke to retrieve the golem. The expense for that was also wasted.
「Still, Knights painted in green and white, huh? On top of that, they had the same fighting style as Tauro-kun」
Sitting on the couch, the vice-guild master, who looks like Santa Claus and Goblin jii-chan looks at each other.
Santa Claus, who seemed to have no idea of who they are, lightly shook his head from side to side.
「Fumu」
The guild master crosses his arms and makes a sullen face. His gaze turns to the herbivore mechanic standing next to me.
He seems to want his opinion from a technical point of view.
「The Knights of unknown nationality, used a rifle as their main weapon, and fought by shooting magic from a distance」
Herbivore mechanic who understands, speaks out his opinion.
「In regards to their movement method, they’re continuously casting wind magic on their legs to move around」
Just like my hover movement.
With this, they eliminated the Old lady’s advantage in mobility.
「What all of this shown us, is that the pilot must have an unusual amount of magic power」
Goblin jii-chan and Santa Claus nodded. Me? I feel a bit complicated because I’m the same as them.
「I’m excluding the possibility that they’re using a technology that are several times more efficient than us, because that’s highly unlikely」
Including me, the three of us listened in silence.
「Abundant amount of magic power and high magic power control ability that make them able to move using wind magic without crumbling their posture. And there are five pilots who have both of these aspects. There are too many of them to be considered outstanding individuals. It’s better to consider them as a some kind of military force」
A look of realization appeared on the face of Herbivore mechanic as he continued. He looked a little lost, but continued with his words.
「Based on racial traits, it is more likely that they are the elves」
I haven’t mentioned the possibility of them being an elf yet. Because I didn’t want to give them a false impression.
And it’s only based on my personal impression.『The Knight’s design was similar to an elf-branded bag』is the base of my assumption.
However, Herbivore mechanic came up with the idea of them being an elf through his own build-up of evidence. It’s safe to say the certainty just increased.
「I see」
「But I never heard the existence of Elves Knight and pilots」
The guild master and vice-guild leader share their opinions.
「Maybe because they don’t see the need to show it to the world. They’re all so secretive after all」
「Certainly, their species does have what it takes to become a pilot」
The conversation between the two old men gets more lively.
While this is happening, the Herbivore mechanic is busy mumbling to himself.
「ーーand so, it all makes sense if we assume as such」
Herbivore mechanic turns towards me. He looked at me with both eyes and his mouth wide open.
「….I see now」
I wonder what it is.
I stared back at the herbivore mechanic with a bad feeling in my heart.
I had a feeling that if I looked away, I would lose.
「Guild master! Vice-guild master! Please listen to me」
At the sound of a loud voice that almost sounded like a shout, the old men looked at us to see what was going on.
「I finally… I finally figured it out! Now I know why Tauro-san is so special」
(Could it be, I got found out that I have a cheat from the stone statue!?)
For a moment, my heart almost stops. But there should be nothing that could lead him to such a conclusion with how this talk is going.
(What does he mean?)
I was silent, waiting for his next word.
Herbivore mechanic pointed at me and shouted.
「Hear me and be surprised… Tauro-san is an elf!」
The guild master’s office fell into silence.
Goblin jii-chan blankly looked at me.
「……He doesn’t look like one, though?」
「It’s possible that he’s a half!」
Santa Claus raises an eyebrow at his words.
「I’ve known half-elves, but they should be looks cooler, appearance-wise」
There are some harsh looks thrown at me about my looks, but I can’t help it.
What I don’t understand is how the herbivore mechanic came to this conclusion.
「His amount of magic power, and his ability to manipulate magic, there can’t be any other possibilities other than this!」
Herbivore mechanic shouted as he didn’t get the reaction he expected.
I was somehow convinced.
(Data supreme principle)
He’s dancing around the numbers and began losing sight of reality.
Otherwise, he would have known at a glance. That I don’t have an elf element in me, if I do say so myself.
「You are sure one strange elf then, aren’t ya!」
Goblin jii-chan jumped down from his overly large chair and poked me with the butt of his pen.
Santa Claus sighs while shaking his head from side to side.
「To think you’re an elf with that look, it must’ve been difficult for you. I feel sorry for you」
I’m not sure what he means by feeling sorry for me, but I do know that he’s being rude.
「Don’t take it to heart, he was just joking」
Under my piercing gaze, Santa Claus shrugged his shoulders and apologized.
Goblin jii-chan, on the other hand, turned his head and laughed.
「I can assure you that Tauro-kun has no elven blood running through his vein. There is no elf like him, not in smell, not in atmosphere」
At that explanation, Herbivore mechanic’s tension dropped to the right angle.
「If the guild master says so, then it must be true」
I’m not an elf, that’s for sure. However, if you are convinced of that by his explanation just now, it makes me feel a bit sensitive.
「Then, let’s assume that the Knights painted in green and white is from the elves side and move on to the next topic」
Santa Claus claps his hands and gets back on track after the discussion derailed significantly.
「The question is, why would the elves send their Knights to the great hole?」
What do you think? He continued as he looked at me.
(That’s a difficult question)
That place is far from the spirit forest, and there are no trees or water that the elves like. It’s a rough place with only rocks and gravel.
「Maybe because recently, the price of mineral resources has been rising rapidly, so they tried to develop the mine themselves?」
I said that, but I’m not convinced myself.
「The place is too far away from them to maintain it themselves. It’s more like them to let the humans develop it and wait for the price to drop」
I agree with that opinion.
(Then, for what purpose?)
I tried to put myself in the elves’ shoes, but I couldn’t figure out why they would show up there.
We all wondered about it for a while, but no one could come up with a plausible answer.
「I’m putting this on hold, then」
The guild master sighed disappointedly.
「We’ll have to give up the mineral resources in the giant hole. The empire, the elves, it’s too dangerous to mess with」
We all shook our heads in unison.
This was not a problem that could be handled by a single guild of a country.
Thus, the meeting came to an end.
Translator: “Hakou” Editor: “Weasalopes”
Landbarn, the frontline city of the Empire, west of the Royal Capital.
An office overlooking the central plaza to the south. Starting from the Margrave which is the lord of this territory, the other executives were gathered there.
「The Ghost Knight!?」
The bald, middle-aged man, the Margrave, shouts in surprise at Grim Reaper’s explanation.
Count Rosehip and Handle mustache, their feelings were the same. They had never expected that they would encounter a Ghost Knight in the middle of wasteland like that.
「And there’s five of them you say?」
The Margrave wiped off the sweat that had broken out on his forehead with a towel. He was shocked because he thought there was only one of its kind.
At the same time, this also means that the Grim Reaper has taken on several powerful long-distance attack magicians by himself.
「You did well coming back here alive」
The Margrave had nothing but admiration for him.
He successfully defeated the five Ghost Knights. Moreover, he brought back both of the frontier knights he had sent with him safely.
(The two B-class Knights of the frontier knight order wouldn’t be able to compete with the Ghost Knight)
The Margrave thought so even though they were his subordinates. But that was a fact.
The Grim Reaper just shrugged his shoulders at his compliment.
「If it were me only, then I would’ve been dead by now. It was also thanks to the other Knight」
「There’s another Knight?」
The Grim Reaper continued his explanation to the Margrave.
After he defeated one of the horsemen by surprise, he continued to be whittled down one-sidedly by magic attacks.
「As expected, at that time I was ready to embrace death」
A gloomy smile appeared on the corner of his mouth the moment he recalled that scene.
The desperate situation was overturned by a single attack magic shot from somewhere. A ghost knight was shot down by it.
Another white light arrows followed after, and another Knight’s head was blown off and fell to the hole.
「I took advantage of their flustered state and defeated one of them myself. After that, I crawled to the surface but…」
He was astonished by the scenery he saw there.
Magic missiles were shot from the top of the rocky mountain, and the Ghost Knight was running away from them in a zig zag.
Even from the eyes of the Grim Reaper, he knows that the Ghost Knight had no leisure while dealing with those. It narrowly escaped and disappeared to the north.
「The next one would be me, so I thought. However…」
He cut off his words and lightly shook his head from side to side.
「The other party went down behind the rocky mountain. I couldn’t catch his figure, and I didn’t know his goal」
He wanted to confirm his identity, but he didn’t have the strength to do so, so he just returned.
That was the end of Grim Reaper’s explanation.
「Those Ghost Knights were painted green and white with silver ornaments, huh?」
A middle-aged man with short, gray hair groaned while putting his hand on his chin.
He has a muscular body that does not match his age.
「Those types of Knights… I completely have no idea about them」
Count Rosehip, the leader of the Rose Knights, naturally knows a lot about Knights. If this man with short white hair didn’t know, then it couldn’t be an official Knight.
As he twisted his thick neck, the Grim Reaper added another explanation.
「Although I did say Ghost Knight, I can’t be absolutely sure. The reason for this is their fire power」
A glint of curiosity appeared in Count Rosehip’s eyes. He looked at him and continued to speak.
「I took a few hits, but they were not enough to destroy an A-class Knight with a single blow. I don’t think they’re the same Knight that attacked the expeditionary force」
The Empire’s expeditionary force, led by the Marquis, aimed to capture Awoke. They lost two A-class Knights to a magic attack from long range and were forced to retreat.
After a short pause, Count Rosehip expressed his opinions.
「Could it be that they are models with reduced power in exchange for more stability? Or perhaps an improved version of the experimental Knights owned by the merchant guild?」
“I see”, along with such expression, an air of understanding spread through the room.
「Then, does the one Knight that was hiding itself, the one who performed an overwhelming magic attack was the original?」
The large man with short white hair answers the question of the civil servant with a handlebar mustache.
「It’s possible. But if that was the case, I don’t understand why the Ghost Knight was shooting at each other. And why did it spare Lord Reaper?」
「Maybe it went crazy, leading to a friendly fire?」
The Margrave, who had not joined the conversation but was listening, nodded in agreement with Handlebar mustache’s words.
『Ghost knights are unstable and sometimes will go berserk』
That’s how the Empire side perceived it. In fact, at the Battle of Landbarn, the Kingdom’s flagship Knight, the 『Sheltered Girl』, attacked its ally, a fellow kingdom’s Knights.
But the Grim Reaper denied it while furrowing his eyebrows.
「I felt a clear intention in its actions. I don’t think it was because it went berserk or out of control」
The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock as no one opened their mouths. The Margrave’s head moved like a pendulum, reflecting the lights dazzlingly across the room.
「If the Knight in hiding was the Knight of the Kingdom, it would’ve shot Lord Reaper already. Because even though we are currently signed a truce, the place was out of both countries and his figure was out of sight」
After listening to his superior’s monologue, Handlebar mustache opened his mouth to sort out the situation.
「Ghost Knights, which is the Knights of the Kingdom, and a mysterious Knight who is hostile to them」
He folded his fingers in two and continued.
「If that’s the case, then this mysterious Knight can’t possibly be the original Ghost Knight. On the contrary, it might be an enemy of the Kingdom. There is a possibility that we share similar interests」
Count Rosehip looks unconvinced. He crossed his thick arms while tapping his own arm with his fingers.
「This is troubling. In my opinion, I can’t shake off the possibility that it was the original instead」
There, he turns his head and makes a gulping sound.
「However, if we look at the result, we can see that he supported Lord Reaper. We don’t know if he’s an ally or not, but for now, he’s not an enemy」
Count Rosehip closes both eyes and sighed. I guess this is where he’s at.
Seeing that everyone has voiced their opinions, the Margrave asked the Grim Reaper.
「Have you been able to get any kind of proof?」
He is the lord of this region, but their status in the Empire is equal. The tone he directed at him naturally different from that of the others.
The Grim Reaper lightly shrugged his shoulders.
「I’m sorry, but I didn’t have the leeway to do that. We only barely survived after all」
No one can blame him for that. If the Grim Reaper can’t do it, then no one can.
The Grim Reaper put his hand on his thin chin as if he was remembering something. After a short pause, he continued.
「The fallen Ghost Knight was surrounded and began to get eaten by the golems. But they are supposed to only eat stones. So maybe there’s a leftover of it」
The main raw material for Knights is minerals. However, the area around the cockpit is often made of wood, cloth, and leather.
These are all things that mineral golems do not eat.
An understanding look and anticipation spread across everyone’s face.
「If that’s the case then let me go next」
Count Rosehip declared and puffed out his chest.
「We will deal with the golems with the full power of the Rose Knights. Even if the Ghost Knight appears, we will be able to oppose it with our numbers」
Before all the Knights are shot down, they charge while holding their large shield. The power of numbers will destroy the advantage of distance.
If their only advantage was taken away, the Ghost Knight wouldn’t be able to do anything.
「I guess we have no choice but to take a bet here」
At his insistence, the Margrave makes up his mind.
There are still some worries left. Like the remaining number of the Ghost Knight and the unclear standing of the mysterious Knight. However, doing nothing is also a bad idea.
After confirming that his superior agreed, Count Rosehip turned his head towards the Grim Reaper.
「I will leave the defense of Landbarn to you. I’m sorry to burden you while your Knight is in the middle of being repaired but, I beg for your cooperation」
The Grim Reaper nodded his thin, pointy chin.
「I understand. What, it’s not like there will be an enemy attack soon. My Knight will be finished repairing itself as we wait」
The A-class Knight of the Grim Reaper that was damaged by the Ghost Knight.
It is currently resting in a curing magic circle in the hangar and is in the middle of self-repair.
The Margrave sighed loudly when they had reached a decision on their course of action.
「The kingdom and my rival in the career race. Until now, that’s the only things I have to be concerned about」
He said it as if it was troublesome as his expression on his face twisted in displeasure.
Count Rosehip smiles looking at him like that. The way they look at this matter is the same, but the way he takes it is slightly different.
「Isn’t this interesting? Let’s just think of this as a way to put our skills to practice. I’m sure there are those who envy us for being here at this time」
The Margrave showed a small smile at his words.
He wants to test his strength, but he doesn’t have the chance to do so. There are definitely others like him in the past.
If the crown prince hadn’t found him at that time, he would probably still be a commoner, sitting in the corner of the city while complaining about his life.
「It seems I unconsciously put myself on the defensive」
He regained his energy in an instant and spoke out loud.
「I shall obtain a great achievement here and quickly take the seat of Imperial Chancellor」
And at the inauguration ceremony, he will make his rival, the Marquis, read a lengthy congratulatory speech.
The Marquis, a man of high standards, whose behavior is flawless in every way.
And such a man, hides his shame as he delivers a congratulatory speech that he never intended to read. Doesn’t the mere thought of it make your heart flutter? He thought.
「Born in a turbulent era, he wishes to test his own strength. The moment I will be referred to as such by the future generation is now!」
Let’s think of it that way.
At the Margrave’s words, everyone aside from the Grim Reaper laughed together.
No, looking at him closely, the edge of the Grim Reaper’s mouth was also slightly curved.
Translator: “Hakou” Editor: “Weasalopes”
Now, the stage moves to the east, to the royal capital.
The headquarters of the merchant guild that stands facing the plaza. In the guild leader’s office on the top floor of the building, surrounded by a strange atmosphere.
「The Grim Reaper and a knight of unknown nationality, is it?」
A small old man who looks like a goblin, raised one eyebrow while sitting in his overly large chair.
I, who had gone to the giant hole in search of mineral resources, but gave up and retreated.
After talking to the herbivore mechanic, I took him with me and came to report back as soon as possible.
「B-class Knights, painted green and white, with silver ornaments all over its bodies」
I tried to explain with hand gestures while standing.
The guild leader crossed his arms and groaned loudly.
「About the Grim Reaper, there was no helping it. You will have no chance of winning if you fought that man」
There, I sighed lightly.
「The fact that the Empire had realized the existence of the giant hole. Their quick ears got us this time」
A look of defeat crept across his face, which was unusual for him.
A team of adventurers had been sent to Awoke to retrieve the golem. The expense for that was also wasted.
「Still, Knights painted in green and white, huh? On top of that, they had the same fighting style as Tauro-kun」
Sitting on the couch, the vice-guild master, who looks like Santa Claus and Goblin jii-chan looks at each other.
Santa Claus, who seemed to have no idea of who they are, lightly shook his head from side to side.
「Fumu」
The guild master crosses his arms and makes a sullen face. His gaze turns to the herbivore mechanic standing next to me.
He seems to want his opinion from a technical point of view.
「The Knights of unknown nationality, used a rifle as their main weapon, and fought by shooting magic from a distance」
Herbivore mechanic who understands, speaks out his opinion.
「In regards to their movement method, they’re continuously casting wind magic on their legs to move around」
Just like my hover movement.
With this, they eliminated the Old lady’s advantage in mobility.
「What all of this shown us, is that the pilot must have an unusual amount of magic power」
Goblin jii-chan and Santa Claus nodded. Me? I feel a bit complicated because I’m the same as them.
「I’m excluding the possibility that they’re using a technology that are several times more efficient than us, because that’s highly unlikely」
Including me, the three of us listened in silence.
「Abundant amount of magic power and high magic power control ability that make them able to move using wind magic without crumbling their posture. And there are five pilots who have both of these aspects. There are too many of them to be considered outstanding individuals. It’s better to consider them as a some kind of military force」
A look of realization appeared on the face of Herbivore mechanic as he continued. He looked a little lost, but continued with his words.
「Based on racial traits, it is more likely that they are the elves」
I haven’t mentioned the possibility of them being an elf yet. Because I didn’t want to give them a false impression.
And it’s only based on my personal impression.『The Knight’s design was similar to an elf-branded bag』is the base of my assumption.
However, Herbivore mechanic came up with the idea of them being an elf through his own build-up of evidence. It’s safe to say the certainty just increased.
「I see」
「But I never heard the existence of Elves Knight and pilots」
The guild master and vice-guild leader share their opinions.
「Maybe because they don’t see the need to show it to the world. They’re all so secretive after all」
「Certainly, their species does have what it takes to become a pilot」
The conversation between the two old men gets more lively.
While this is happening, the Herbivore mechanic is busy mumbling to himself.
「ーーand so, it all makes sense if we assume as such」
Herbivore mechanic turns towards me. He looked at me with both eyes and his mouth wide open.
「….I see now」
I wonder what it is.
I stared back at the herbivore mechanic with a bad feeling in my heart.
I had a feeling that if I looked away, I would lose.
「Guild master! Vice-guild master! Please listen to me」
At the sound of a loud voice that almost sounded like a shout, the old men looked at us to see what was going on.
「I finally… I finally figured it out! Now I know why Tauro-san is so special」
(Could it be, I got found out that I have a cheat from the stone statue!?)
For a moment, my heart almost stops. But there should be nothing that could lead him to such a conclusion with how this talk is going.
(What does he mean?)
I was silent, waiting for his next word.
Herbivore mechanic pointed at me and shouted.
「Hear me and be surprised… Tauro-san is an elf!」
The guild master’s office fell into silence.
Goblin jii-chan blankly looked at me.
「……He doesn’t look like one, though?」
「It’s possible that he’s a half!」
Santa Claus raises an eyebrow at his words.
「I’ve known half-elves, but they should be looks cooler, appearance-wise」
There are some harsh looks thrown at me about my looks, but I can’t help it.
What I don’t understand is how the herbivore mechanic came to this conclusion.
「His amount of magic power, and his ability to manipulate magic, there can’t be any other possibilities other than this!」
Herbivore mechanic shouted as he didn’t get the reaction he expected.
I was somehow convinced.
(Data supreme principle)
He’s dancing around the numbers and began losing sight of reality.
Otherwise, he would have known at a glance. That I don’t have an elf element in me, if I do say so myself.
「You are sure one strange elf then, aren’t ya!」
Goblin jii-chan jumped down from his overly large chair and poked me with the butt of his pen.
Santa Claus sighs while shaking his head from side to side.
「To think you’re an elf with that look, it must’ve been difficult for you. I feel sorry for you」
I’m not sure what he means by feeling sorry for me, but I do know that he’s being rude.
「Don’t take it to heart, he was just joking」
Under my piercing gaze, Santa Claus shrugged his shoulders and apologized.
Goblin jii-chan, on the other hand, turned his head and laughed.
「I can assure you that Tauro-kun has no elven blood running through his vein. There is no elf like him, not in smell, not in atmosphere」
At that explanation, Herbivore mechanic’s tension dropped to the right angle.
「If the guild master says so, then it must be true」
I’m not an elf, that’s for sure. However, if you are convinced of that by his explanation just now, it makes me feel a bit sensitive.
「Then, let’s assume that the Knights painted in green and white is from the elves side and move on to the next topic」
Santa Claus claps his hands and gets back on track after the discussion derailed significantly.
「The question is, why would the elves send their Knights to the great hole?」
What do you think? He continued as he looked at me.
(That’s a difficult question)
That place is far from the spirit forest, and there are no trees or water that the elves like. It’s a rough place with only rocks and gravel.
「Maybe because recently, the price of mineral resources has been rising rapidly, so they tried to develop the mine themselves?」
I said that, but I’m not convinced myself.
「The place is too far away from them to maintain it themselves. It’s more like them to let the humans develop it and wait for the price to drop」
I agree with that opinion.
(Then, for what purpose?)
I tried to put myself in the elves’ shoes, but I couldn’t figure out why they would show up there.
We all wondered about it for a while, but no one could come up with a plausible answer.
「I’m putting this on hold, then」
The guild master sighed disappointedly.
「We’ll have to give up the mineral resources in the giant hole. The empire, the elves, it’s too dangerous to mess with」
We all shook our heads in unison.
This was not a problem that could be handled by a single guild of a country.
Thus, the meeting came to an end.
Translator: “Hakou” Editor: “Weasalopes”
Now, the stage moves to the east, to the royal capital.
The headquarters of the merchant guild that stands facing the plaza. In the guild leader’s office on the top floor of the building, surrounded by a strange atmosphere.
「The Grim Reaper and a knight of unknown nationality, is it?」
A small old man who looks like a goblin, raised one eyebrow while sitting in his overly large chair.
I, who had gone to the giant hole in search of mineral resources, but gave up and retreated.
After talking to the herbivore mechanic, I took him with me and came to report back as soon as possible.
「B-class Knights, painted green and white, with silver ornaments all over its bodies」
I tried to explain with hand gestures while standing.
The guild leader crossed his arms and groaned loudly.
「About the Grim Reaper, there was no helping it. You will have no chance of winning if you fought that man」
There, I sighed lightly.
「The fact that the Empire had realized the existence of the giant hole. Their quick ears got us this time」
A look of defeat crept across his face, which was unusual for him.
A team of adventurers had been sent to Awoke to retrieve the golem. The expense for that was also wasted.
「Still, Knights painted in green and white, huh? On top of that, they had the same fighting style as Tauro-kun」
Sitting on the couch, the vice-guild master, who looks like Santa Claus and Goblin jii-chan looks at each other.
Santa Claus, who seemed to have no idea of who they are, lightly shook his head from side to side.
「Fumu」
The guild master crosses his arms and makes a sullen face. His gaze turns to the herbivore mechanic standing next to me.
He seems to want his opinion from a technical point of view.
「The Knights of unknown nationality, used a rifle as their main weapon, and fought by shooting magic from a distance」
Herbivore mechanic who understands, speaks out his opinion.
「In regards to their movement method, they’re continuously casting wind magic on their legs to move around」
Just like my hover movement.
With this, they eliminated the Old lady’s advantage in mobility.
「What all of this shown us, is that the pilot must have an unusual amount of magic power」
Goblin jii-chan and Santa Claus nodded. Me? I feel a bit complicated because I’m the same as them.
「I’m excluding the possibility that they’re using a technology that are several times more efficient than us, because that’s highly unlikely」
Including me, the three of us listened in silence.
「Abundant amount of magic power and high magic power control ability that make them able to move using wind magic without crumbling their posture. And there are five pilots who have both of these aspects. There are too many of them to be considered outstanding individuals. It’s better to consider them as a some kind of military force」
A look of realization appeared on the face of Herbivore mechanic as he continued. He looked a little lost, but continued with his words.
「Based on racial traits, it is more likely that they are the elves」
I haven’t mentioned the possibility of them being an elf yet. Because I didn’t want to give them a false impression.
And it’s only based on my personal impression.『The Knight’s design was similar to an elf-branded bag』is the base of my assumption.
However, Herbivore mechanic came up with the idea of them being an elf through his own build-up of evidence. It’s safe to say the certainty just increased.
「I see」
「But I never heard the existence of Elves Knight and pilots」
The guild master and vice-guild leader share their opinions.
「Maybe because they don’t see the need to show it to the world. They’re all so secretive after all」
「Certainly, their species does have what it takes to become a pilot」
The conversation between the two old men gets more lively.
While this is happening, the Herbivore mechanic is busy mumbling to himself.
「ーーand so, it all makes sense if we assume as such」
Herbivore mechanic turns towards me. He looked at me with both eyes and his mouth wide open.
「….I see now」
I wonder what it is.
I stared back at the herbivore mechanic with a bad feeling in my heart.
I had a feeling that if I looked away, I would lose.
「Guild master! Vice-guild master! Please listen to me」
At the sound of a loud voice that almost sounded like a shout, the old men looked at us to see what was going on.
「I finally… I finally figured it out! Now I know why Tauro-san is so special」
(Could it be, I got found out that I have a cheat from the stone statue!?)
For a moment, my heart almost stops. But there should be nothing that could lead him to such a conclusion with how this talk is going.
(What does he mean?)
I was silent, waiting for his next word.
Herbivore mechanic pointed at me and shouted.
「Hear me and be surprised… Tauro-san is an elf!」
The guild master’s office fell into silence.
Goblin jii-chan blankly looked at me.
「……He doesn’t look like one, though?」
「It’s possible that he’s a half!」
Santa Claus raises an eyebrow at his words.
「I’ve known half-elves, but they should be looks cooler, appearance-wise」
There are some harsh looks thrown at me about my looks, but I can’t help it.
What I don’t understand is how the herbivore mechanic came to this conclusion.
「His amount of magic power, and his ability to manipulate magic, there can’t be any other possibilities other than this!」
Herbivore mechanic shouted as he didn’t get the reaction he expected.
I was somehow convinced.
(Data supreme principle)
He’s dancing around the numbers and began losing sight of reality.
Otherwise, he would have known at a glance. That I don’t have an elf element in me, if I do say so myself.
「You are sure one strange elf then, aren’t ya!」
Goblin jii-chan jumped down from his overly large chair and poked me with the butt of his pen.
Santa Claus sighs while shaking his head from side to side.
「To think you’re an elf with that look, it must’ve been difficult for you. I feel sorry for you」
I’m not sure what he means by feeling sorry for me, but I do know that he’s being rude.
「Don’t take it to heart, he was just joking」
Under my piercing gaze, Santa Claus shrugged his shoulders and apologized.
Goblin jii-chan, on the other hand, turned his head and laughed.
「I can assure you that Tauro-kun has no elven blood running through his vein. There is no elf like him, not in smell, not in atmosphere」
At that explanation, Herbivore mechanic’s tension dropped to the right angle.
「If the guild master says so, then it must be true」
I’m not an elf, that’s for sure. However, if you are convinced of that by his explanation just now, it makes me feel a bit sensitive.
「Then, let’s assume that the Knights painted in green and white is from the elves side and move on to the next topic」
Santa Claus claps his hands and gets back on track after the discussion derailed significantly.
「The question is, why would the elves send their Knights to the great hole?」
What do you think? He continued as he looked at me.
(That’s a difficult question)
That place is far from the spirit forest, and there are no trees or water that the elves like. It’s a rough place with only rocks and gravel.
「Maybe because recently, the price of mineral resources has been rising rapidly, so they tried to develop the mine themselves?」
I said that, but I’m not convinced myself.
「The place is too far away from them to maintain it themselves. It’s more like them to let the humans develop it and wait for the price to drop」
I agree with that opinion.
(Then, for what purpose?)
I tried to put myself in the elves’ shoes, but I couldn’t figure out why they would show up there.
We all wondered about it for a while, but no one could come up with a plausible answer.
「I’m putting this on hold, then」
The guild master sighed disappointedly.
「We’ll have to give up the mineral resources in the giant hole. The empire, the elves, it’s too dangerous to mess with」
We all shook our heads in unison.
This was not a problem that could be handled by a single guild of a country.
Thus, the meeting came to an end.
