conversations
listlengths 2
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[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Holy Princess in the Forest of Spirits"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Holy Princess in the Forest of Spirits"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’M SO SLEEPY,” I mumbled. “It’s morning, but…I’m way too comfy here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was in my bed all wrapped up in a blanket when my friend came to wake me. My body reacted on instinct, burrowing even further into my happy place. Seeing this, my cheeky friend reached out to peel the blanket away from me, but I was having none of it. I burrowed down and clenched the blanket tightly around myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then my friend—the spirit boy—let out an exasperated cry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t be so lazy, Fi! If you’re this sleepy in the morning, stop training your magic at night. Do it during the day instead.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have to admit that he had a point. I gave up struggling, poked my head out from under the blanket, and turned it in the spirit’s direction. Then, with as bright a smile as I could muster, I said the perfect morning greeting—exactly what my friend would want to hear."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0013.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Holy Princess in the Forest of Spirits"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good morning! What a beautiful start to the day! Everything is sparkling!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fi, you can’t see a thing. How can you even tell if it’s sparkling?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Phooey. Nothing gets past you, Seven.” I clamped my mouth shut awkwardly, not knowing what to say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because my cute spirit friend was exactly right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My name is Serafina Náv, and I was born as the Náv Kingdom’s second princess. I’m turning six this year."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My ladies-in-waiting tell me I have red hair, which is a good color because it means I’m loved by the spirits. My hair goes about halfway down my back—although, sadly, I have never seen for myself what I look like. This is because I was born without eyesight, and I can’t even open my eyelids."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since my eyes can only sense a bit of light, I couldn’t even tell whether it was sunny or cloudy that morning—just like the spirit said. This was the reason why my parents sent me to their villa in the Forest of Lent right after I was born—they were worried about my well-being, and they thought a life surrounded by beautiful nature would be good for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bet my parents were secretly hoping that the forest springs, which apparently improved your health, would cure my eyesight, but despite almost six years of drinking from them, nothing changed. Doctors and saints also came by from time to time to attend to my eyes, but none of them were able to help me either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since my eyes weren’t improving, everyone thought it was pointless for me to be at the villa and that I ought to return to the castle. But as for me, I was just really glad to live where I was—because I made a lot of friends that only I could see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For a while after I was brought to the villa, people wouldn’t take me outside because they thought my blindness would be a hindrance. But when I turned three, they let me step into the forest as long as I had my ladies-in-waiting and knights to escort me. There were no monsters in the Forest of Lent, and I had no trouble walking, so they figured it was fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The day I first went out into the forest, there was a restlessness in my chest. I just knew that something special was going to happen, and it filled me with anxiety all morning. I had this weird feeling that the forest was calling for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I tried to steady my beating heart, I stepped into the woods, but my eyes only showed me the same darkness they always did. Nothing special happened at all. It made me kind of sad, because I thought it meant my intuition was off. But after a short while, these tiny, flickering white orbs appeared in my vision. It was my first time seeing anything other than darkness, and I had no idea what to make of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At first, I stood frozen in shock, but then I quickly became fascinated by the white light. Slowly, I walked toward it and held out my hand. I waited super, super patiently, and then the light made its way into my palm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sat in the shade of a big tree, and the white light sat in my palm the whole day. It felt so nice! The wind blew gently, as if it were trying to tell me something. Unfortunately, my ears couldn’t figure out the meaning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None of my ladies-in-waiting or knights were able to see the white light I was sensing. To them, it looked like I was smiling at my empty palms. But still, none of them dismissed me when I said, “There’s a shiny white thing on my hand.” Instead, they treated it as a fact. “You can see what we cannot, Princess Serafina,” they said. “Perhaps something good came of us protecting you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It turned out that the white light belonged to young spirits. Through spending time with them every day, I gradually learned to discern their shape and understand their language. Weirdly enough, though, nobody else ever saw them or heard them speak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess that’s why everyone else called the spirits the “invisible blessings.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The “invisible-blessing”-slash-adorable spirit came into my room that morning to wake me up like usual. The one who looked out for me the most was a boy about the same age as me named Seven."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although the spirit children couldn’t be seen, I did get a sense of how they would look as I got older. I could clearly see Seven’s pure-white form, right down to his facial features."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the moment, his eyes were wide as he tugged on my sleeve. “Fi, stop mumbling in bed and get up already,” he said impatiently. “You’ve got special visitors from the capital today. You have to get ready to see them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? From the capital?” I instantly sat up and faced Seven in shock. “But it’s not my birthday yet. They wouldn’t have presents from Father and the others, would they? Why else would anyone come see me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The knights gave me seasonal gifts, but this never involved a formal messenger. The spirit’s choice of words made it sound like a birthday celebration, but I couldn’t be sure. One thing I did know was that the spirits were never wrong about anything, so there definitely were visitors heading our way…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh well, they’ll tell me why they’re here. I should just get changed now, yup. Hmm, since they’re from the capital, I guess I should wear a super nice dress?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I paced around the room in my pajamas, Seven sighed in exasperation. “Your ‘super nice dress’ is all covered in mud after you tripped and fell in the forest while trying to show it off to us. Your ladies-in-waiting were so mad about it. How have you already forgotten?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh-oh, you’re right. Then I guess I’ll wear a normal dress without the mud.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As if on cue, a lady-in-waiting swooped into the room right then. After she helped me get dressed, she let me know my breakfast was ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I turned to Seven, and he muttered, “One man…and ten others far behind.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I told the lady-in-waiting, “I have a feeling visitors will come today. It’ll be just one at first, but after a while, there’ll be ten more. He’ll be here real soon, so I’ll have breakfast with him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, really?” The lady-in-waiting sounded flustered. “Your intuition is always right, Princess Serafina, so I’m not doubting you for a moment. But, oh, how could there be a visitor so early in the morning?! What a peculiar individual he must be! And eleven people! I shall request extra food from the kitchen at once.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hurried out of the bedroom, and I headed out into the foyer after her. I was part of the family that owned the villa, after all—I felt like I ought to welcome the visitor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a short wait outside the foyer, I heard the sound of a galloping horse. I could tell that there was only a single rider and that the horse was going very fast. It made me think that the visitor was a knight, not a nobleman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the visitor reached the entrance, he stopped his horse smoothly and dismounted. He approached me next to the pillar I was standing at and stopped when he was a few paces away from me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You must be Serafina. It’s a pleasure. I am your cousin, Sirius Ulysses.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ohhh! You’re the national hero!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even a sheltered girl like me had heard his name before. I covered my mouth in surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I quickly remembered that I was supposed to be polite, so I lifted the sides of my dress and did a curtsy. “It is nice to meet you. I am Serafina Náv. Thank you for traveling so far to see me. Please make yourself at home.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Judging by your choice of words, it sounds like you know we’ve never spoken before.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was at your birth ceremony nearly six years ago now. You were just a baby back then and I figured you wouldn’t remember, so I didn’t put much effort into saying hello. Looks like I’m paying the price for my rudeness now, though.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I gazed mutely up at Sirius, surprised at the sudden familiarity in his tone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh, sorry.” His awkward voice fell on me from above. “It’s my first time talking to a little kid, so I tried to lighten the mood. Did I make you uncomfortable? I’ve always talked a little roughly, so I’m sorry if I upset you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“N-no! Not at all! I should have said a proper hello six years ago… My ‘waaah’ meant ‘nice to meet you.’”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius laughed cheerfully at my answer. “Ha ha ha! Is that right? Looks like I was the poor listener. The thing is, when I approached you six years ago, you took one look at me and started bawling your eyes out for some reason. I didn’t want to upset you any more than I already had, so I panicked and ran out. To think that that was just your way of saying hello.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then he crouched down and offered his large hand to me. There was an earnest air about him, different from before. I could sense that he was smiling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s try this once more. ‘Hey, Serafina, we meet again. It’s me, your cousin Sirius.’”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh? Uh…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, you’re supposed to say, ‘It’s been ages, Sirius.’ We’re old pals catching up again after six years. No need to act all stuffy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Really? Well, um…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I stood there, lost for words, Sirius took my hand and led me into my house. He took short and deliberate steps, conscious of how I couldn’t see. He was a nice person, I thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The thing is, I could actually make out Sirius’s shape, thanks to the spirits. Lately, they’d caught on to how I could see a dim outline of the things they were close to. Whenever a new person came by, the spirits scrambled around the person’s face and body. Today, those kind spirits stuck fast to Sirius’s hands and legs. They moved when he moved, so I was able to sense his rhythm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But for some reason…there was only a single spirit hanging around Sirius’s mouth, not the usual crowd. This was my only guide to his mouth movements, which made his expression hard to make out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as I was puzzling over why this was, Seven whispered into my ear. “The spirits were taking pity on him, you see. Sirius was suuuper clumsy when he was talking to you. This is their way of being kind.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He went on to say that it would be unfair to me if I couldn’t see the person’s expression at all, hence why there was one spirit around the mouth. This was all very surprising to me. Those cheeky spirits were being very considerate in their own way, but as I walked, I couldn’t help but wish I’d seen Sirius’s face. If he was a nice person, I wouldn’t have been bothered by any awkward faces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From my mental map of the villa, I was pretty sure that Sirius was headed to the reception room, but then the steward guided him to the breakfast room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You haven’t had breakfast yet, Serafina?” Sirius said. “I might’ve shown up too early.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have you already eaten, Mr. Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Try that again,” he insisted. “Remember, we’re friendly cousins meeting again after six years.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um…have you…eaten, Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I fixed my phrasing, he patted me on the head fondly. “Nah, but missing a meal isn’t a big deal. I can go without food for days as long as I have water.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, wow.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just as we were entering the breakfast room, Sirius stopped in confusion. He was probably wondering why there was breakfast for two on the table."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I didn’t know you were okay without breakfast,” I said timidly, “so I asked the cooks to make something for you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How did you know I was coming?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His tone was sharp, which made me feel like he was angry at me. “Oh, no, I didn’t know,” I answered, flustered. I only knew there would be a guest, not that it was Sirius. I hung my head down in shame, feeling like I’d screwed up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius patted my head again. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to scold you. My tone was too harsh for a child. I’ll try not to do that again. What I wanted to say was…thanks, I was just getting hungry.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, yay!” I lit up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius put a hand on my back, led me to the highest chair, and sat across from me. He signaled to a lady-in-waiting, and we began our breakfast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to say, it was super fun eating a meal with Sirius. Although he wasn’t the talkative type, he paid close attention to me and made his words count. Plus, he had nice things to say about all the dishes. Maybe it was because he knew I was the one who asked for his breakfast. Living in the capital, I would’ve bet that Sirius had been eating way better meals every day, so his kindness made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After we were done, I was sipping on some milk when the sound of multiple clattering feet rang out from the entrance hallway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sounds like they’re here,” Sirius muttered as ten knights cascaded into the dining hall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve finally caught up to you, Vice-Commander! We’re begging you, please stop going ahead by yourself! Our job is to protect you, so what are we supposed to do if you go off alone?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s fine,” he said. “I’m not injured.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Glad to hear it, but that’s beside the point!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I sat there, overwhelmed by the sudden commotion in the hall, the ladies-in-waiting appeared out of nowhere and started setting down cutlery."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t have to worry yourselves over these knights.” Sirius swiftly attempted to stop the women, only for the head lady-in-waiting to take a step forward and bow her head to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am sorry to refuse your request, Your Excellency,” she said, “but their meals have already been prepared. I hope they can partake while it is still fresh.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Sirius gazed suspiciously at the head lady-in-waiting, the knights behind him cheered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Woo-hoo! It was worth dragging ourselves through the cold for this!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What an honor for Her Highness to invite us to breakfast! It would be rude to refuse!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then one of the knights turned to look at Sirius. “Don’t be so on edge, Vice-Commander Sirius. Anyone would have guessed that we’d be trailing you! Nobody in your position would move alone, you know? Yes, anyone could predict that the expendables would struggle to keep up… Oh man, saying it out loud is making me tear up.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that, the knights turned back to me and bowed politely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your Highness, we thank you for your generous breakfast invitation! We truly didn’t expect such good fortune.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We got going as soon as the sun rose this morning, so we are positively starving! Thank you so much for your kindness and consideration, Princess Serafina.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The knights sat where they pleased and eagerly dug in. They talked a lot and ate just as much. I’m pretty sure each one of them scarfed down about ten times more than what I could. The chefs prepared a feast, thinking that the knights wouldn’t be able to eat all of it, but by the end, they cleared their plates and then some."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Later on, I heard that the chefs moaned at the empty plates: “Ugh, we lost! But it’s nice that they ate it all up!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After breakfast, Sirius took me to the reception room. We sat facing each other on opposite sofas, a table in the middle of us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the silence, I felt Sirius’s gaze on me. Just like before, the spirits never rose above his mouth, which made his expression hard to make out, but I could sense his eyes focused on me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I fiddled with my dress sleeve in discomfort, Sirius began to speak. “There’s no way to sugarcoat what I’m about to say, so I’ll just give it to you straight. Your father, King Procyon, asked me to come here. He is concerned for you, not as a king but as a father. He sent you to this forest hoping that your eyes would heal, but he misses your presence and cannot stand the loneliness any longer. That’s why he has asked me to bring you back to the castle.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I rubbed my hands together in hesitation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You see, when I first came to this villa, my entire world was in darkness. The knights and ladies-in-waiting wanted to shut me inside because they wanted to keep me safe. But when the forest beckoned for me when I was three, I witnessed something other than darkness for the first time: the white light of the spirits. To me they were a light of joy in my dark world. I lived with the spirits that day forth, grateful that they showed and taught me so much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But they only lived in this forest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I went to the capital, I would have to part ways with them and be all alone. But if I rejected my father’s wish to see me, I would be a terrible daughter. I stayed silent, unable to respond to Sirius."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually, I sensed him standing up from the sofa. He walked around the table and sat down next to me before he lifted me lightly from my seat and placed me on his lap. My head fit snugly against his chest, and he wrapped one of his arms around my back. My jaw dropped in surprise, but he didn’t stop what he was doing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since I’d always lived away from my family, I couldn’t remember ever being held like this by a relative before. And because I was a princess, my knights and ladies-in-waiting only touched me when it was absolutely necessary, like when they were guarding me or changing my clothes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was the first time, for as long as I could remember, that someone had ever touched and held me outside the line of duty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was so shocked by the touch that my entire body stiffened, but Sirius didn’t seem to notice. “The king doesn’t know that you are happy here,” he went on quietly. “He called you back because he imagined that you were lonely living so far away from the capital by yourself… He had your best interests in mind. If you’re happy staying here, then I can tell His Majesty your wish.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What?! R-really?” I asked, surprised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius must have noticed from my hesitation that I wanted to stay, but my father was the king. I didn’t think that Sirius could go against his orders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius smiled reassuringly. “Of course. We’ve been friends for a long time. A knight must use their full authority for a friend.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wow!” That was a surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry, I was just making a bad joke,” Sirius said apologetically. “The king wants you to be happy, so I just plan to tell him that you’re happy here. That said…we didn’t know what a fulfilling place this was for you, and you don’t know what the castle is like either.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah.” Sirius was right; I didn’t know any different."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So how about you visit the castle once and see for yourself what life is like there? Who knows, you might like it more. But if you do find yourself preferring life here, then I’ll deal with your father, mother, and siblings, and I’ll bring you back.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s proposal was brilliant. He made sense, and he was so kind and considerate too. At first, he told me that the king was lonely, but as soon as he found out that I wanted to stay here, he completely stopped talking about Father’s feelings. He didn’t want me to blame myself for wanting to stay, even if it meant not being with Father."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius was such a kind person, thinking so far ahead in just a short amount of time. A warm, fuzzy feeling grew in my chest, but I still wasn’t able to give him an answer straight away. He put a hand on my head in reassurance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I would like to accompany you back home, but I don’t think you should rush such an important decision. I’ll stay here for a while, and you can tell me what you want to do when it’s time for me to leave.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t fully grasp it then, but Sirius was from the kingdom’s most important noble family, and he was very busy as a knight brigade vice-commander. His time had to be extremely valuable. Even just making the trip between here and the distant capital was a big strain on him, but he decided to extend his stay because he didn’t want me to make a quick decision that I could regret later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t know any of that, though. I was just happy to have him around for a while longer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry, Serafina.” His lips twisted in self-deprecation. “I didn’t know you were happy here until I actually saw you. I want to see for myself how fulfilling this place is for you and make sure the king gets an accurate picture. Even if you do decide to live in the capital, I’ll tell the people there how much this place means to you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was so shocked that I couldn’t think of what else to say. He was still finding new ways to surprise me with his kindness. He was telling me that, no matter what choice I made, he would make sure the happiness I felt right now would be understood by my family."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, anyone would look up to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was incredible how he was so kind to a little girl he had just met. After just a few hours with him, Sirius was already my hero."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From that day forth, Sirius and the ten knights lived at the villa. Fortunately, the rustic villa had plenty of rooms, so there was no problem finding space for everyone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The knights insisted that they provided ingredients for their meals, so they went into the forest every day to hunt. They always came back with so much meat that the chefs had to work hard to cook it all. “You’ll never be able to finish all this!” the chefs would say smugly as they put the dishes on the table, only to keel over in shock when the knights packed it all away. This was a common sight over the next few days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius never went hunting with the others, though—he spent most of his time with me. To be specific, he went into the woods and watched from afar as I played with the spirits—although like the others, he couldn’t see them. I have no idea how I looked, muttering and murmuring to what must have seemed like my imaginary friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He also told me all kinds of stories about the capital. “I have my own room in the castle. If you come to the capital, we can still chat like we do now,” he said, which gave me an image of what life was like over there. Sirius was giving me all the information I needed to make my decision, it seemed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One bright and sunny day, I was sitting under a big tree in the forest with Sirius, enjoying the light breeze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your intuition is very sharp, Serafina,” he muttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I heard that on the day we arrived, you told a lady-in-waiting to prepare breakfast for eleven people. That sounds like more than just a good intuition, but I have no other way to describe it. And from what I’ve seen, you haven’t taken a single tumble. It’s strange—even though you’re blind, you have no problem avoiding obstacles in your path.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wanted to explain that the spirits were helping me, but I hated the thought of him brushing it off as a kid’s imagination, so I kept my mouth shut."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Over the past few days, Sirius had told me a lot of things I’d never heard before. He said it was common knowledge that spirits always took on an adult form and anyone could see them. Also, it seemed no one could understand the spirit language."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When he told me that, I finally understood why my knights and ladies-in-waiting called the spirits around me “unseen blessings,” no matter how many times I explained that I was being helped by a bunch of spirit children. The beings I spoke of sounded completely different from the spirits everyone else saw and knew. They all thought that I couldn’t possibly be seeing spirits."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I told Sirius what he already knew. “I’m being helped by unseen blessings.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius knew that I’d been insisting that the blessings were actually spirits, but he didn’t bring that up at all. “I see. You’re loved by the land.” He smiled gently. “I’m impressed at how something in this land can know and trust you so well. I’d say it’s proof that you’re a lovable person.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He looked around the forest. “I’ve never seen such a mysterious forest—it’s huge, yet there isn’t a single monster. I’ve been strolling around day and night trying to find a reason for this, but it looks no different from other forests.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wonder if it’s because…the spirits have been protecting the forest?” I voiced my theory timidly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "According to Sirius, every spirit who had a pact with a saint had an adult form. But spirits had childhoods too, and they needed a place where they could grow. This forest was probably that place. It would explain why nobody else was able to see the spirit children—they were keeping themselves hidden so that they could survive into adulthood. Maybe I would never have been able to sense them if I had proper eyesight. And maybe the reason why there were no monsters was because the adult spirits were protecting the children from danger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An interesting theory. I’m sure you already know this, but they say the royal family’s great ancestor is the Spirit Lord. The villa was built all the way back in those days. The Spirit Lord chose this forest, vowing that it would never be overrun… I wouldn’t be surprised if the spirits were protecting this place.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, wow.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d never heard this story before, but it did explain why the spirit children would be here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius went on. “That might be why the forest has taken a liking to you. You may not be able to see it for yourself, but you have beautiful red hair, the likes of which is rarely seen. The spirits are fond of red hair, so I think that seeing you made them want to protect you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not every saint fights on the battlefield. There are many who heal the wounded or specialize in making healing potions. Those are some possibilities for you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My chest tightened in pain at Sirius’s gentle words. He was telling me that I could be a talented saint out of pure kindness and consideration. But if a saint was what they called a woman who could heal the sick and injured—or one who formed a pact with a spirit—then I already was a saint."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I remembered what Sirius said before, about his work as a knight. “You said that, because you’re the vice-commander, you fight for everyone. If there are saints who fight in battle, does that mean you fight with them?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. Usually, I escort them to the field. The basic unit has five knights and one saint. People tell me that I’m not good at dealing with saints, though, so they don’t want to team up with me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius was so, so nice. I couldn’t imagine why the saints wouldn’t want to fight alongside him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My confusion must have shown on my face, because Sirius smiled awkwardly. “I’m told I ask for the impossible,” he answered. “My top priority as a knight is defeating the enemy quickly and making sure as many people survive as possible. I tend to tell the saints what they could do better, and they typically don’t agree.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They don’t like your advice?” I asked, thinking that his priorities were pretty reasonable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius shook his head. “No, we’re all on the same page. It’s just that my expectations are unrealistic, they say. I’m a knight, not a saint. I don’t understand what they have to go through, but here I am telling them how to do their job. That’s why they’re mad, they tell me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I cocked my head, not really understanding what Sirius was getting at."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“For example,” he explained, “I’d say something like, ‘Why don’t you take two more steps forward so you can use your magic on all the knights?’ and they’d reply, ‘We don’t need to cast magic on all the knights.’ They have their own way of doing things that’s tried and true. They learn all the tricks of their trade in a unit called the Fourth Saint Knight Brigade… My suggestions would go against what they learned there, apparently.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, I see.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Judging by what Sirius said, I still thought he was right, but I guess the saints had their own way of going about things too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I fell quiet, Sirius took my hand. Maybe he thought my silence meant I was feeling down. “Serafina, I’m sure you’ll find a role that suits you perfectly,” he insisted. “Your blindness might limit your options, but there are still many things you can do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I realized that he was comforting me, I turned my head in his direction. “Sirius,” I said, my voice firm and clear. “I’m not upset about not being able to see.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think my blindness is a blessing. Blocking my eyes is what makes me able to see the important things.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was certain that I was able to sense the young spirits because of my blindness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh. You’re a wise one.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was all Sirius said as he stroked my head with his large hand. It felt nice, so I stayed quiet and let him keep doing it to me. Sirius stopped speaking too, and for a while we listened to the sounds of the gentle breeze. It reminded me of how we were silent like this on the day we met as well. Back then, I thought the silence was uncomfortable, but it felt completely different now. Now I knew that doing anything with Sirius was fun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We enjoyed the comfortable silence for a while after that, taking in the sounds of the wind…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Princess Serafina, we found some rare fruit in the forest! This is called the ‘Sweet Red Fruit.’ Usually it’s bitter, but sometimes it can be unbelievably sweet,” said a knight as he placed five pieces of fruit into my palm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, quit it! You’ll traumatize Princess Serafina if you give her a bad one.” Another knight snatched away all the fruit I’d been given."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, then how about this scone? They’re going to be today’s snacks, but I was able to pinch one from the food tasters.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hold up! That was meant to be tested for poison! Why are you serving it to the princess?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ack! You’re right!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The knights kept handing me food and taking it away, squabbling all the while. I could feel my cheeks about to burst from grinning. The knights were always cheerful and trying to make things fun for me—it made me really happy. Some of the ladies-in-waiting disapproved and thought they were being too casual with me, but I was just a kid, so of course people wouldn’t be overly formal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After chatting happily for a while about food, the knights started talking about Sirius."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Vice-Commander Sirius is vital to the knight brigade. Without him, the knights would just be a disorderly rabble since we’re all prone to doing our own thing. We need a person with a strong presence to keep us in line and tell us what to do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But his standards are way too high for the rest of us. He makes the right calls, but nobody can live up to his demands.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If nobody can meet his standards then his idealism is merely wishful thinking. Oh, I’m just talking about the knights and the saints here. Although it might also apply to his love life, given his looks.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This reminded me of how the spirits only lit up Sirius’ mouth. But his looks didn’t matter to me at all because he was so kind and well respected by the other knights."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think Sirius is wonderful. I’d love to be able to fight with him,” I muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The other day, when Sirius encouraged me to become a saint, he mentioned that saints and knights fought together on the battlefield. If I ever became able to see and trained to become a good saint, then I might be able to fight alongside him one day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe I was attached to that possibility because I was looking for ways to keep Sirius in my life in the future since he was going back to the capital soon. He never directly mentioned it, but I sensed that we would soon be saying goodbye. He was an important person who juggled so many different jobs, but he’d been staying with me for nearly ten days now. Any longer and he would be letting down all the people who relied on him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, I really am blessed to have met Sirius, I thought as I walked through the forest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven and a bunch of other spirits joined me, and I chatted with them as we took a nice walk to the lake. Whenever I spoke with them, the others thought that the “blessings” were communicating with me, so they gave me some space."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My guards for today were a couple of knights who came with Sirius from the capital. They made sure to keep their distance as they watched over me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sat by the edge of the lake in the Forest of Lent and scooped the water into my hands. The water here was said to improve your health, and even though it never had any effect on my eyes, I still drank it out of habit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Later, I was sitting in the shade under a tree, thinking that today was awfully hot, when a cold chill suddenly ran up my spine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Wh-what is this feeling?!” I let out a frightened yelp. I’d never experienced anything like this before, so I had no idea what was happening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven instantly jumped out in front of me. “Fi! Are you okay?!” He looked around to see if everyone around me was fine and then said frantically, “You have to hurry back to the villa! Monsters have gotten into the forest!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Whaaat?!” I cried in shock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d never seen a single monster in all my years of being here. In fact, I’d never seen a monster in my entire life. I knew that something major had happened, and my heart began to race."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I began pacing around in a panic, which caused my guards to sharply question me. “Princess Serafina, is something the matter?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Monsters! They might be in the forest!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I let them know what Seven told me, the knights gasped in surprise. One of them crouched in front of me and spoke. “Princess Serafina, this is an emergency. May I have your permission to carry you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From his voice, I knew that it was Xeno, one of the knights who came with Sirius."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Xeno lifted me up, one of the other knights blew a horn to signal an emergency. The shrill noise rang out while Xeno clutched me and began running for the villa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The monsters are plant-types,” a floating Seven explained to me as he kept pace with Xeno. “I’m guessing that birds dropped a bunch of monster seeds in here. They’re not considered threats when they’re just seeds, so that’s what got them through the spirits’ barrier and into the forest. And thanks to the heat today, they all sprouted at once.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, no!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You sense it too, right? The monsters are getting stronger. They’re the type to grow superfast.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I blinked, startled. It was just as Seven said—the bad energy in the forest was growing stronger. A wave of sickness unlike anything I had ever felt before washed over me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just then, Xeno came to a halt. I heard the other knights’ footsteps stop as well. I looked up warily and could sense some kind of creature was moving in front of us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was bad, no doubt about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seven?” I called out hesitantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yup,” he said tersely before launching into an explanation on what I couldn’t see. “There are monsters in front of us. They look like carnivorous plants with long vines, and they’re twice as big as the knights. There are five, six, seven of them—and five more behind us. We’re surrounded.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But they’re plants…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s just their type. They’re monsters, so they can move around. Worse, this species is really fast.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While Seven was explaining this to me, I heard the sound of swords being drawn from their sheaths at multiple points around me. There was a loud crrrrk, as if the swords were striking the plants, followed by a harsh metallic noise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I held my breath at the sudden start of battle. I heard a whoosh, as if something had just gotten slashed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Soon after, the knights started crying out in pain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-Seven?” I asked, my voice trembling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a short silence, Seven responded in a strained tone. “The knights are in a bad position. The monsters are strong, and there are a lot of them. They’re steadily closing in on us too. I dunno how we can get out of this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that moment, I felt a rush of wind near my face, accompanied by a sharp whipping noise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some kind of liquid splattered on my face, and the knight carrying me groaned in pain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Xe…Xeno?” I shakily called out the knight’s name."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Xeno replied with ragged breath. “My shoulder took a wee bit of damage. We’re in a bit of a pickle—I can’t find an escape route.” He paused. “You’ll have to wait until help arrives from the villa.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That won’t be easy,” was my immediate thought. The lake was located deep in the forest, much too far from the villa for anyone to come help us right away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What was I to do? I was sure that pretty much every knight here was injured, and none of them could use healing magic—only me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let me down, Xeno.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Knowing this, I had to help the knights. It was a saint’s role to save people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Xeno, please! You can’t dodge the monsters while you’re carrying me. You have to hold your sword to protect me.” When I changed my wording to sound more reasonable, Xeno finally lowered me to the ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But…I couldn’t see. When I decided to help the knights, I didn’t know where they were, or where the enemy was. I strained my ears, trying to work out where everyone was standing, but all I could hear was a stream of painful cries. My stomach twisted in panic and confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, Sirius!” I muttered the name pleadingly, without even thinking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina! Are you okay?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unbelievably, Sirius’s voice came ringing back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? S-Sirius?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My voice came out sounding hoarse, but luckily Sirius seemed to notice me. “Serafina, it’s going to be okay!” he said reassuringly. “Leave it to me. I’ll be there with you in a bit!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oddly enough, just hearing that put me at ease."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even though the villa was so far away, Sirius realized the danger and arrived faster than anyone could have imagined. He did the impossible, and now that he was here, I knew I would be just fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But of course, things weren’t so simple. At some point, more monsters had joined the first twelve. As if to affirm my fears, I heard the sounds of bodies being pierced from all directions, plus the knights crying out in pain. This was followed by Sirius’s unending assurances of “You’ll be okay” and “This will be over soon.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I clenched my hands together, breathing in and out slowly, and went back to focusing on my surroundings. Although Sirius’s appearance had changed the situation for the better, I could sense that the knights were still getting hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wanted to help them, even if it was only a tiny bit. I was a saint, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As soon as that thought ran through my head, everything around me fell into a hush. I tried to figure out what was going on, but since there was no sound, I couldn’t tell what had happened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Later on, I heard that the monsters surrounding the knights stopped in unison at that moment. The knights had readied themselves in preparation for some kind of attack—and that was when the monsters all began spewing pollen at the same time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even without my eyes, I could tell that a strong magic spell had just activated—a status affliction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Every knight in the area got paralyzed. The tiny pollen-like magic invaded their bodies and froze them in place instantly. The seriousness of the affliction depended on how tough the person was and how much pollen fell on them, but over half the knights were unable to move at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Urk…!” “Argh!” They groaned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hold your breath!” Sirius’s voice rang out. “Don’t inhale the pollen!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, good,” I thought. The sound of his strong voice relieved me. It meant that he hadn’t taken too much damage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the situation was definitely getting worse by the second."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina, hold your breath as much as you can!” Sirius called out to me as he struck a monster."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was worried that I might take a lot of damage because I was so tiny…but since I was a saint, my body automatically cured any paralysis I received. I could defend myself against the affliction before it even affected me. This meant that I was as healthy as ever. I concentrated hard on my surroundings—my head was shouting that I had to do something for the knights who were protecting me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But there was a part of me that wanted to start crying."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because, just like before, I couldn’t tell who was injured, who was in danger, or even where the knights and enemies were. A blind girl like me couldn’t save her knights."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For the very first time, I cursed my inability to see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since I’d been blind from birth, I’d always thought of it as normal. My condition made it possible for me to sense the spirits, which made it easier to accept. Only now did it occur to me that my abilities weren’t enough. It wouldn’t have mattered if all I wanted to do was just survive, but I wanted to be a saint. I needed my eyes to see the battlefield if I was going to save those knights."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was no wavering in my mind at that moment. The answer came to me right away…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll be a saint and save those knights."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That feeling was stronger than anything in the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I reached my hands out to the sky and spoke in the spirit language."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O Spirit Lord, I thank you for all the blessings you have given me. You have been so gracious with me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As the sky swallowed my voice, multiple peals of light began glimmering around me. They belonged to Seven and all the other spirits."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina understands us, Your Majesty.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina can speak with us, Your Majesty. That voice you hear is hers.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please show Serafina this beautiful world, Your Majesty.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Somewhere far, far above me, all the way beyond the sky, I felt someone break out into a smile. And then something bright and glittering came falling from the heavens. The moment the light touched my eyelids, the weight over my eyes disappeared, and the block in my vision vanished in an instant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For the first time in my life, I opened my eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Although I didn’t mention it when I was talking with Sirius, I vaguely suspected that the root cause of my blindness was a “blessing”—specifically, a blessing from the Spirit Lord. I thought this because the spirits had been teaching me how to control and use my power, and I was secretly casting heals on my knights and ladies-in-waiting. I knew exactly how to cure my eyes, but the spell never worked on them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In other words, a force way stronger than my magic was sealing my eyes shut. Since I was a member of the Náv royal family, I had the Spirit Lord’s blood in me. There was no way he would curse his own descendants, which meant that my blindness only seemed unfortunate at first glance. It was actually a blessing from the Spirit Lord himself in disguise. I learned to sense the young spirits because of my blindness, and thanks to that, I also learned to speak their language."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once, when I told a physician about my “unseen blessings,” he said, “Any part of you will wither if you have no use for it. Your ears are the same. For example, the Arteagian language has many sounds that don’t exist in our language, so an adult who hears their language for the first time won’t be able to pick up on those unique sounds very well. That is because our language has no need for them, and so over a long period of time, they become impossible to hear. I suspect that you are able to hear these ‘unseen blessings’ because you are young, Princess Serafina.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Spirit Lord had connected my world to that of the spirits. As the warmth of gratitude gushed through my heart, I opened my eyes for the first time and took in the world…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina?!” Sirius cried out in surprise when he saw me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His reaction made sense since large tears from my newly opened eyes were streaming down my face…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius, the world is so pretty…” After everything that had happened, that was all I could say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The only world I had known was one of darkness and occasional spots of white light. But the world was actually full of light, with blue skies and lush green trees. And the people were all unique, from their body types to their sparkling different hair colors. I’d never known that the world could be so beautiful, so diverse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I… I want to protect this beautiful world. Oh, now that I know how beautiful it is, I…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I snapped my eyes wide open so that they could take in all the sights around me. I stood here as a saint, sworn to protect this beautiful world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gazed at Sirius with sorrow. My vision showed me all the knights who were injured because I acted too late."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius, I am a saint.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, you are.” Sirius agreed without hesitation. He couldn’t understand me when I spoke in the spirit language, so he must have thought that I cured my eyes by myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please let me help, Sirius,” I begged him. “I know I’m in the way because I’ve never fought before, but I want to protect the knights.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius’s eyes widened at my dead serious expression before nodding firmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay. Thank you, Serafina.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was probably able to say this because of his great strength. He could defeat every monster here by himself—just at the cost of many injured allies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wanting to repay his kindness, I opened my eyes even further and carefully looked around the scene. It felt strange taking in a bunch of information just by opening my eyes—like how many opponents were present, how many people were on my side, and how strong they all were. I understood it all instinctively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I scrambled to sort all of this information in my mind, I looked at Sirius. Even suffering with a paralysis affliction, the brave knight was incredibly strong. He could cut down every foe who came his way. Because he was strong enough to protect me—all of us, rather—he took on more of the burden, more of the wounds. In his kindness, he even prioritized my wish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius knew the battlefield far, far better than I did. A saint at her first battle was practically a useless baby. And yet he let me do as I wanted without even a frown—because he respected my desire to move forward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, my knight. My kind and thoughtful knight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I so desperately wanted to protect him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stood behind all the knights so that I wouldn’t drag them down. Since I’d never fought with them before, I didn’t know how they did things. I wouldn’t want to get in their way, but I didn’t want to get separated from them either, so I made sure not to stand too far back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius sighed in relief when he saw where I had positioned myself. He wanted a first-timer like me to be in a secure place where he could protect me. That only made sense, of course. He didn’t know that I had a pact with a spirit, so he had no way of figuring out how strong I was as a saint. He was treating me the same way he would any saint on her first mission."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll help you out, Fi.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven’s voice rang out as he appeared in front of me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, Seven.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was my first time actually seeing my contracted spirit. He was a boy with mottled green hair who looked about the same age as me. He gave me a cute smile and waved both his hands casually, likely knowing that this was the first time I had laid eyes on him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looking at him took me back to the days we spent together in training. Day after day he was at my side, teaching me what it meant to be a saint. Healing the wounded. Reviving the fallen. Curing the sick. Making potions for light injuries. I thought that this was everything a saint did, but Seven and the other spirits taught me otherwise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A saint…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Could remove status ailments like paralysis and charm. Cast buffs to increase speed and attack power. Wield defensive spells to ward against physical or magical attacks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was the true might of a saint."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could use those spells because the spirits had taught them to me over the years. By drawing upon Seven’s strength for them, my powers could reach every corner of the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hi there, Seven!” I called out to him in the spirit language."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This made Seven grin in delight. As he twirled high in the sky, I channeled his power into my spell. As if in response, the pact sigil on the back of my hands lit up—it was bright red, the same color as my hair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I was sure that the spirit’s power had been completely absorbed into my spell, I pointed a hand straight up at the air and unleashed the magic at every knight I could see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I uttered a single word—but it said everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As my voice cried out, a sparkling red light burst out from my hand and fell over the knights. Every wound closed up and completely disappeared before they could even blink."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The knights’ eyes widened in shock, which was a natural reaction to what just happened. Their wounds had been no laughing matter; some had broken arms or legs, while others lost chunks of their bodies or had holes in their stomachs. Each and every one of them was well past the point where a simple healing spell would work. At least, it was way beyond what they thought I could achieve without a spirit pact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I turned to the dumbfounded knights and chanted another spell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shatter the chains that bind and ensnare the knights’ bodies—Paralysis Cure!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At my words, an explosion of sound rang out across the scene, and the chains around the knights’ bodies fell away. With that, it dawned on the knights that their status affliction was cured, and they blinked in confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wha… Whaaaat?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The knights looked like they didn’t have the foggiest idea what had just happened. They patted themselves all over, swung their arms around, and stared in puzzlement at their healed bodies. Slowly but surely, they turned to me with questioning eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I didn’t have the time to answer them—I still hadn’t finished casting all the spells they needed. I held my hands over the knights to give them protection."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Bequeath impenetrable armor upon these knights’ bodies—Paralysis Defense: +30%!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The knights gazed at their bodies in shocked silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And finally, just to top things off, I chanted one more spell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Invigorate! Attack ×2; Speed ×2!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every knight’s jaw dropped, including Sirius’s, and they stared at me in utter confusion. Since they were all reacting in the same way, I was worried that I might have done something wrong. I had no experience fighting as a saint, so I must have made a rookie mistake if I was surprising all those veteran knights. Clenching my dress, I furrowed my brow and gloomily gazed back at them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius was the first to return to his senses. “Serafina, what did you do?!” he demanded sharply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Er, um, I used a saint’s supporting magic!” I insisted. I wanted them to know that, even if the outcome wasn’t what they expected, I had tried to do what I could in my role."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For some reason, everyone frowned very deeply. A profound silence filled the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then the knights around Sirius started scratching their heads in disbelief. “No, Serafina, you’re mistaken!” they roared. “This isn’t saint magic!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Paralysis Cure?! Paralysis Defense?! Invigorate?! None of those are saint spells! Those spells have never existed before! Nobody’s ever heard of them!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Princess Serafina, have you gotten saints mixed up with almighty goddesses?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that last knight’s words, the commotion ground to a halt. “Oh, right! This is all a misunderstanding!” they agreed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then one of the knights bowed his head very low and shouted, “Princess Serafina, we are ever so grateful for your miraculous defense! I still don’t understand what’s happening, but I do know that I’m a new man! My body is patched up, and I feel so strong I can hardly recognize myself! We are definitely going to win now! O Mighty Saint of Crimson Hair, I vow to bring you victory!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The other knights spoke similarly. “We shall bring victory to the Crimson Saint!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With a bold declaration so loud the leaves trembled, the knights threw themselves onto the monsters with surprising vigor. Yes, I knew I had cast a buff on them, but the difference was so big it was like they were a completely new team. After a series of slashes and stabs, the monsters fell one after another. It was all so one-sided—not a single one of the knights even suffered a scratch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-wow! You’re so strong! No wonder you’re knights of the kingdom!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The knights cleaned up all the enemies as I watched on in wide-eyed wonder. Within practically seconds, the knights and I were the only ones left standing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thanks to the efforts of our kingdom’s brave knights, the monsters were gone in a flash. I gazed at the knights in wonderment as they approached me wordlessly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Everyone was super strong!” I said excitedly to Sirius, who was closest to me. “And they’re so nice for looking out for me since I don’t know much about being a saint! I can’t imagine how hard everyone must have worked to make sure I didn’t have to do too much. I mean, nobody got hurt at all after I joined in!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Sirius frowned. “What are you saying, Serafina?!” he shouted incredulously. “The reason everyone fought like demons is because of your spells! I’ve never heard of them before—what in blazes were they? Who in blazes are you?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius spoke much more roughly to me than he did before. I’d noticed he’d been blunt throughout the battle, but I thought that he would go back to his usual fatherly tone once things were over. The fact that he was still talking roughly made me feel like he’d accepted me as one of his team. What a nice thought!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Heh heh.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn’t help but smile and giggle, which only made Sirius’s frown deepen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Behind him, the knights pressed their hands to their mouths. “Oh my goodness! Is that the fabled smile of a goddess?!” they exclaimed hoarsely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“P-Princess Serafina, are you more than you appear? You look like an adorable little princess, but maybe you’re actually a goddess? Who else could turn us into super soldiers?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You have my worship and adoration! I’m certain I’ll never see magic as mighty as yours again!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the knights clapped their hands together and bowed their heads before me, I looked at them and thought, Oh, I suppose this is what they do after they win a battle. I glanced around hesitantly, not sure if I was supposed to copy them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My eyes met with Sirius’s, and I grinned at him instinctively. He bit his lip and knelt in front of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, um…?” I squeaked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When Sirius came down to my eye level, he spoke in a lower voice than usual. “Serafina, your magic is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s truly amazing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Really?!” I jumped, startled. I really didn’t expect Sirius to praise me out of the blue."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Being a gentleman, Sirius did not draw any attention to my awkward jump. He smoothly took my hand and said, “It must have taken an indescribable amount of effort for you to master such powerful magic while blind, and I was ignorant to all of it. Anything I say would only sound frivolous, but I want you to hear me out anyway.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Er, um, okay?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius used a lot of big words that I didn’t fully understand, but I nodded anyway. If he wanted something from me, I would do it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then Sirius said something I never expected. “I want you to lend me your strength. Serafina, come with me to the Royal Capital.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius said he respected my wishes when it came to where I wanted to live, so his forceful request took me by surprise. But as his words sunk in, I could feel my cheeks flush with happiness. This was Sirius’s desire. He knew fighting better than anyone, and he chose to invite me—I guess this meant that he valued my ability as a saint. That made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Being blind, everyone had always looked after me, but for the first time ever, I was being seen as a comrade."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My hand squirmed in his as I tried to figure out how to respond. I had a lot of fun spending time with Sirius and the knights, but they lived in the capital, and I always knew that they would all have to leave one day. I’d been thinking of taking a visit to the castle, like Sirius suggested, but I figured that I would eventually return to the forest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d already accepted that we would part ways, and yet… All of a sudden, it felt so hard to bear. Knowing that now was the time for me to make a decision, my breath was unsteady."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah…this was going to be the most important choice in my whole life. But I had to pick: Leave the spirits or say goodbye to Sirius and his knights. Which one?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The spirits had been by my side for as long as I could remember, and they taught me so many things. The thought of leaving this place had never once crossed my mind. The land had been so good to me; it had everything I wanted. If I chose to stay and live with the spirits, I’m sure I would be as happy as I’d always been."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But on the other hand…Sirius was so brave and righteous that I was sure he would find himself suffering in more battles, and would come to face greater danger than what he dealt with today. I wanted nothing more than to be at his side and heal him when the time came. We’d only been together for ten days, but I already felt so strongly about him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Caught in indecision, I gazed up at Sirius. His eyes peered straight back at me, not wavering for even a second. Then, as he clenched my hand, he slowly and deliberately spoke."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina, let’s go back to the capital together. I know that you’re happy here. I swear that I’ll make you just as happy as this place makes you. So…come with me.” He’d said the same thing on that first day of his visit. Oh, he was always as straight and true as an arrow. And his kindness toward me never changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As my heart welled with emotion, he continued, “Your eyes have been healed, and you demonstrated a rare power when they did. No matter where you choose to live, people will come for you because they’re interested in that power. You used your magic to heal us today, but I’m sure some would try to take advantage of your compassion. I can’t bear the thought of you being in danger somewhere I can’t reach you, so let me protect you.” He paused and then added, “I’ll take you to the capital even if it means kidnapping you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” My eyes widened in surprise at that last bit. K-kidnapping is a crime, Sirius!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he went on speaking without a hint of shame. “Please, Serafina. Whether you make the decision yourself or I make it for you, you’re going to end up in the same place… If you can’t choose, then give up and let me abduct you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, hmm… “Let me abduct you?” I understood what he was getting at, but…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I blinked in confusion, the knights behind me started cheering in excitement. “Oh gosh, is this what I think it is?! My eyes are not deceiving me?! Proposing to royalty in public… Ooh la la, I had no idea our vice-commander was so bold!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m just blown away! I always thought the vice-commander was scary, but he can be suave when he wants to! I mean, he was always good-looking, but who knew he was such a sweet talker? Gee, I can’t imagine how Her Highness can resist his swagger when he gets up close and personal!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve never seen the vice-commander ask for anything with such intensity! Princess Serafina might be tiny, but is she a secret seductress?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then every one of them lowered their heads at the same time. “Your Highness, we make the same request! Please come to the capital with us! We’ll do anything for you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t understand half of what they were saying because there was some slang (I think?) from the capital mixed in, but the knights looked so cheerful and enthusiastic that I couldn’t help but giggle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius looked at my face and immediately scooped me off my feet for some reason. “Ohhh?” I squealed as he stood up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since he was so tall, my feet were completely swept off the ground when he carried me. I loved it so much that I let out another giggle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius gazed back at me with a bright smile. “Then it’s settled, Serafina! Your place is with me. I’ll be sure to make you happy.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh my!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I blinked, completely stunned—who knew the vice-commander of the knight brigade could be so forceful!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your eyes are finally open,” he went on, unbothered by my surprise. “I’m sure you’ll be taking in a lot of new sights. Serafina, I vow to show you what’s beautiful about the world. It’s what your eyes deserve to see, nothing less.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wow, Sirius was more overprotective than I thought. Glancing at the knights behind us, they all looked astonished. I guess this meant that the serious Sirius usually didn’t show this side of himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I faced the doting vice-commander…and gave him a firm no. “Sirius, I don’t want to just look at pretty things. I want to see the same things you do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s eyes widened in surprise. “You saw that battle. I’m sure you’re well aware what kind of life I lead. You say that’s what you want?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes!” I answered emphatically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius pressed his head against my shoulder as he carried me. “You’re full of surprises. Something tells me you’ll come to my aid one day…or maybe you already did that when we met. Serafina, are you fine with me taking you to the capital? And never coming back to the forest?” Even though he made a big show of abducting me, Sirius still asked for my opinion in the end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I nodded firmly. “Yes, Sirius. Let’s go to the capital!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so I chose Sirius, even if it meant leaving the spirits behind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I muttered a farewell in my heart, I felt something like a gentle breeze rustling inside me. How soothing—I knew I’d made the right choice. Something told me that the time had come to “graduate” from this forest. This place was for children; the reason only young spirits lived here was because they all left when they grew up. In the three years I’d gotten to know them, many had already left the forest behind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And now, it was my turn…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tears pricked my eyes—it hit me that I was going to have to say goodbye to Seven."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But at that exact moment, Seven appeared out of nowhere in front of me. He floated up to my eye level and grinned when he saw how high I was above the ground. “Congrats again, Fi! I’m glad your vision was restored! Oh, and if you’re going to the capital, then you can bet on me coming with you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, wow! R-really?!” I shouted in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven nodded as if it was totally obvious. “I’m your contracted spirit, Fi. Of course I’m going with you. Besides, if I let you go off by yourself, everyone in the forest would worry themselves sick over you. I’m doing this so our friends can sleep easy too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My face broke out into a smile. Although I was still sad, some of these new tears came out of joy. “Yay! Thank you, Seven!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re welcome!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Seven and I grinned at each other, Sirius spoke up. “Serafina, is that child your spirit?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, you can see Seven?” I asked back, startled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He nodded firmly. “I can. I’ve never seen a spirit child before, but… I see… So he must be an ‘unseen blessing.’ They were spirits all this time, weren’t they?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m guessing that your spirit used a strong force to conceal himself. He must have purposefully lifted the veil, which is why I’m able to see him now too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that what you did, Seven?” I asked, wondering if he was capable of something so fancy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My spirit shrugged. The fact that he didn’t deny it meant that Sirius was probably right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s generally accepted that spirits don’t speak… Serafina, can you hear your spirit’s voice?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hm? Um, yes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see,” Sirius said thoughtfully. “You’re an odd case in more ways than one. I wonder if I’ll be able to protect someone as out of the ordinary as you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyone could tell from Sirius’s tone that he was joking, but Seven didn’t seem to like the punch line. He let Sirius know his feelings by giving him a big kick to the shoulder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-Seven!” I chided him, shocked. But Seven merely turned away, not looking the least bit sorry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius tried to smooth things over. “Serafina, don’t be too harsh on your spirit. I’m in the wrong for making a joke in bad taste. He was willing to leave his birthplace to be with you, so of course he would be mad at me for making light of your safety.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I eyed Sirius, I got to thinking… I still didn’t know him very well, but I wondered if he was testing Seven in some way. Maybe he said something to make him mad on purpose so that he could see just how much my friend cared about me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I squinted at Sirius, trying to work out what he was really thinking, but he just smiled cheerfully, pretending not to notice. “All right, let’s all get ready for the return trip! I suppose everyone, including the knights, ladies-in-waiting, chefs, stable hands, and tutors in the villa will come along. There’s no use in them being here without the princess around, after all. Oh, and we’ll take anything they want to bring along. Doesn’t matter if it’s furniture or trees from the garden, it’s in for the ride!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“By ‘furniture,’ you’re not talking about beds, are you?!” one knight cried in dismay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Trees?! Please say you’re joking!” moaned another."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They knew they would get stuck with carrying everything anyone requested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It truly was an eventful day. When we made it back to the villa, everyone cried tears of joy at how my eyes could now see. And at the end of it all, we started packing our bags for the capital."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0015.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Family Introductions"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Family Introductions"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“DON’T BE NERVOUS, Serafina. You’re meeting up with your parents, it’s just been a while since they last saw you. Besides, I’ll be with you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I gave a timid little nod and gripped Sirius’s hand tightly as we walked along. The hallway to my royal bedroom stretched on forever, and the walls were lined with knights who towered over me. Sparkly, oddly shaped stones lined my path; my shoes made a loud thumping sound against them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I squeezed Sirius’s hand harder. This place was completely different from the villa. Only now did I start to regret coming here. Jeez, what was I getting into?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right up until I went into the castle, I had enjoyed taking in all the new sights without a care in the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, wow! Is that the castle?!” I squealed as I gazed up in wonderment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right you are, Serafina.” Sirius smiled at me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everything looked so unusual to my country bumpkin eyes, but Sirius never got annoyed with me. He explained everything, like how the stalls sold everyday necessities, or how the guard tower in the castle was the tallest building in the capital."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Would you like to go there together sometime?” he would say at the end of each explanation, giving me something to look forward to in the future. The unfamiliar didn’t seem scary at all when I knew he would be there with me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was all smiles as I gawked at my surroundings—until I went inside the castle, where everything was completely different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was such a grand and splendid place, filled with nobles in equally splendid outfits. I don’t know whether there was some kind of unspoken rule inside of the castle, but everyone had blank expressions, and nobody said a word when they walked past each other. People glanced at me out of curiosity, but they always looked away without a single word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just the tall ceilings and endless space would have been enough to intimidate me, but all of the gorgeous sights made me feel incredibly out of place. As I shuffled along nervously, my feet got caught on something and I tripped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank goodness Sirius was holding my hand. He kept me steady, so I didn’t end up falling over and making a huge scene. But before I could completely regain my balance, Sirius’s other hand went around my waist. In the blink of an eye, he was practically hugging me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” As I squeaked in surprise, he lifted me up and carried me down the hallway. “S-Sirius!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The blank-faced knights standing in the hallway widened their eyes in surprise when Sirius picked me up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“L-let me down, you hear!” I pleaded with him, not wanting to cause a fuss. “A fine knight like you isn’t meant to carry a little kid like me!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He responded by bringing his mouth to my ear. “Serafina, this is just between us, but I like carrying small children,” he whispered, as if he was sharing a big secret. “But I can’t exactly say that without risking my position, so I’ve never once picked up a child. Let me have this, just for today.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When he put it like that, I couldn’t turn him down. I ended up being carried most of the way down the hallway like a little doll. It was such a strange experience that my fear of the castle disappeared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Tee hee, you’re such a great bodyguard, Sirius!” I giggled, clinging to his neck. Maybe the nervousness was making me act all funny."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius smiled. “I appreciate the compliment, Princess.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He took me to my royal bedroom, where the king and queen were waiting. When Sirius walked in with me in his arms, the two of them stood up, blinking in surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t know my parents because I’d been separated from them since birth, but they clearly knew me. They ran up to me, their faces pale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“S-Serafina! Are you hurt?!” said King Procyon, a kind-looking man with blond hair and blue eyes who looked about forty years old."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My goodness, do you need Sir Sirius to carry you?! I hope you are not terribly unwell!” Queen Spica seemed tense. She had auburn hair, green eyes, and also looked around forty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My parents stopped in front of Sirius and peered at my face. Their eyes widened in amazement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-Serafina, your eyes…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My word, they’re wide open! Are you perhaps…able to…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The royal couple trailed off into silence, apparently lost for words."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius spoke up. “Serafina is as healthy as can be and not injured in the slightest. And yes, she can see.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina!” The king and queen shouted my name, overcome with emotion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When they plucked me from Sirius’s arms, I felt wet tears plop on my face. I didn’t know who they belonged to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Father…? Mother…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I called out to my parents, they lifted their tear-stricken faces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Serafina! I’m your father! I’m amazed you know who I am when we haven’t met since you were born. You must be a genius!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, my dear, adorable Serafina. You’ve gotten so big in just six years.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My heart gushed with warmth at their abundant love. It made me so happy to know that Mother and Father really cared about me. I smiled at them, and they sat me down on the sofa. Well, I was on their laps, not the sofa; they each used one knee to prop me up."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0016.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Family Introductions"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I was in my new, comfy seat, Mother and Father smiled and stroked my head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Jeez, if you were this sweet on her, you should have called her back to the castle sooner,” Sirius muttered exasperatedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The king looked up. “Yes, yes, but Serafina was blind this whole time!” he retorted. “I never thought a blind girl would be able to put up with life in the castle—you know what it’s like! Anyway, when did she learn how to see?! I never heard a word about this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The king stared at Sirius."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, but of course! Only a prince’s kiss could lift the curse on a fair and beautiful princess! S-S-Sirius! I know that Serafina is simply adorable, but how could you make a move on such a young girl?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whatever the king was imagining, it was making his face turn bright red. Sirius threw him a look of deep annoyance and then said something that only added fuel to the fire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You know me better than anyone, Your Majesty. If you say I have a fondness for little girls like Serafina, even if I never knew it till now, then it must be true. I’ll take responsibility, so please give her to me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A-absolutely not…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the king shook his head frantically, the queen pulled on his sleeve. “Darling, Serafina’s eyes are golden.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s beside the point, dea…wait, really?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The two of them then squinted at my eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They are golden… ’Tis the Spirit Lord’s blessing!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I cocked my head, not really getting why the king and queen were so amazed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, the Spirit Lord is the royal family’s ancestor, and he had golden eyes,” Sirius explained. “Though every single descendant receives the special divine protection thanks to the Spirit Lord’s blessing, very few of them have the same eyes as him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, Sirius,” the king said timidly, his face apologetic. Though he was still hugging me, his attitude had completely shifted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius cast him a sharp glance. “What is it? I thought you had no business with a man of my proclivities.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Er, um, sorry about that. I completely forgot that you dislike all women, which includes little girls.” The king probably meant that as an apology, though it was probably not a smart thing to say, seeing how Sirius silently glared at him. The king didn’t seem to notice the hostility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The truth is there in Serafina’s golden eyes,” he said sheepishly. “No wonder she didn’t open her eyes before. The Spirit Lord must have sealed them while she was young so that she would not see too much.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was basically saying, “Sorry for jumping to conclusions.” Instead of answering, however, Sirius picked me up from my parents’ knees and put me on his own."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wha—?” I gasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius?!” the king exclaimed at the same time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius wrapped his arm around my stomach, ignoring us both. “So apparently, despite never knowing it myself, I dislike young girls and grown women. Oh, but for some reason, Serafina’s the sole exception.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only when Sirius said this did the king seem to notice that he was mad. “Oh, Sirius, I was just talking hypothetically! Not being a womanizer is a good thing—means you’re a man’s man. Why, if I had your face, I’d be playing around with the ladies every day, but you’re married to your sword. Now that’s what I call impressive, even if it does mean your life is a sausage fest. Ha ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was the point where I realized something: Oh, my father is the type who puts his foot in his mouth whenever he talks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who knew that just talking would stir up so much trouble? As soon as Father mentioned “playing around with the ladies,” Mother’s face turned scary—and Father didn’t seem to notice a thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "P-please don’t die, I mentally prayed for Father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius sighed, “You can stop there. I understand what you mean.” After many years of knowing him, he seemed to have resigned himself to the king’s personality. “Anyway, I agree with you that the Spirit Lord’s blessing was likely responsible for keeping Serafina’s eyes shut. She opened her eyes to save me when I was in danger.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She saved you?” The king cocked his head in sheer bafflement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius nodded. “When we encountered monsters in the Forest of Lent, Serafina saved me and the other knights. She is a fine saint.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Say what?!” The royal couple gaped at the young princess on Sirius’s lap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I thought there weren’t any monsters because of the forest’s protection!” the king shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re telling me our little Serafina got mixed up in a battle?!” The queen paled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius explained what he saw at the villa to the panicking couple. It was nice how he made it sound like I did a better job than I actually did, but…his voice was like a lullaby to me. Before long, I was fast asleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That night, I ate with my entire family, including Sirius. He stayed with me the whole time I slept and woke me up when it was time for dinner. He took one look at me and said, “You’re good to go,” before taking me to the dining hall…but I was gobsmacked when I saw myself in the mirror there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My dress was all wrinkly and my hair was a total mess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Noooo!” I shouted in dismay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Three boys who looked like they could be my brothers were already seated at the table. “Ha ha, you look like a wreck!” one of them called out to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, I haven’t seen such a bad case of bedhead in ages!” said another."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m guessing this is what’s hip and happening out in the countryside. You’re bound to be behind the times when you live outside the capital for so long.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius must have noticed how the teasing was making me glum because he shot a glare at the owners of the voices. “You seem to have more than enough energy if you’re running your mouths so much. Care to work it off? I expect the three of you at the training grounds tomorrow at 5 a.m. sharp!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As my brothers groaned, Mother and Father walked into the dining hall. Now that everyone was here, I stopped messing with my hair and stood in the middle of the room. Then I lifted the sides of my skirt and bowed at the gathering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Pleased to meet you all. I’m Serafina, and I’m six years old.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a brief moment of silence, Father applauded. “Serafina is such an incredible girl!” he shouted excitedly, a big smile on his face. “Only six, and she can already do a proper curtsy! And her hair is so curly now—she looks like an angel! It was worth having five kids!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re right, Serafina is already quite the lady,” said Mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My parents were soft on my manners because they knew I was blind until very recently, but it still made me happy to hear them praise me. “Tee hee hee.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I sat down in my seat, my brothers introduced themselves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m Vega. First prince. Nineteen years old.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Capella. Second prince. Seventeen.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rigel. Third prince. Sixteen.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their introductions were very simple, which made me breathe a sigh of relief. Thank goodness it wasn’t too much to remember. Vega was blond, Capella had brown hair, and Rigel was a redhead—got it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My big sister spoke up next. “I’m Shaula, the first princess, and I’m twelve years old. Your face is ever so adorable, Serafina.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Really?!” I gasped, not expecting to hear that at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shaula tilted her head slightly in confusion. “Oh, was that so surprising?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I mean…I’m not very cute.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No way!” Shaula exclaimed. As I lifted the corners of my eyes, she spoke in a scary voice, “Serafina, what makes you think that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Er, um, well…” I glanced up at Sirius."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then Father spoke in an even scarier voice. “Did you say something, Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Realizing that Father thought that Sirius had been mean to me, I waved my hands frantically. “N-no, he didn’t do anything wrong!” But I soon realized I couldn’t say more, because if I said what I really thought it would sound like I was insulting Sirius."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I sat there listlessly, Sirius peered at my face from where he was sitting next to me. “Serafina, you should speak honestly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But if I do…it’ll make you sad, Sirius.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then just say something nice afterward to make up for it. I’m sadder that you’re keeping secrets,” he declared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I steeled myself and said, “I-I mean…you’re ugly, Sirius! And if I compare myself to you, then I’m super ugly!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment, nobody even reacted to what I said. Then…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone’s jaws fell to the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re saying…I’m ugly.” Sirius covered half his face with a hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seeing him look so shaken, I felt really bad. I should have kept my mouth shut."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But before I could take back what I said, Father came to his wits first and burst out laughing. “Ha ha ha! So you’re ugly, Sirius! Oh, my sides! I have to say, I’ve always been jealous of how good you have it! I told myself it was petty to feel that way about my own nephew, but now look! Ha ha ha, glad to get that out of my system!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mother whipped her head up and glared at Father. “You’re past forty, and you’re acting like this? If Sirius is ugly, what does that make you, darling?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everyone was reacting as if they didn’t agree with what I said at all, which really confused me. When I glanced timidly at Sirius, he looked back at me with a straight face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, be honest,” he said. “Do you dislike my face?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? No, I love it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even if his features weren’t the best from what I’d heard, he was still the coolest to me. He had beautiful gray hair and silver eyes—what wasn’t there to love?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And yet you think I am ugly?” Sirius pressed me, his expression dead serious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shook my head quickly. “Oh, no…I’ve got different standards from other people, so I think you look cool. But Seven said…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven had said that Sirius was “suuuuuper ugly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was about to say as much aloud, but then I realized I would be tattling on my friend, so I quickly shut my mouth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I gazed up at Sirius, biting my lip in worry, he nodded in understanding. “Oh…now I get it. Your little punk spi—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But before Sirius could finish, Father’s voice boomed: “Serafina, I can’t judge a fellow man’s attractiveness, but there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re the cutest in the world!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Really?!” I exclaimed in surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mother concurred. “Your father is right. Serafina, my dear, you are the cutest.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Really? Really? Really?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, were they saying that just to be nice? That would make sense, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As my eyes were glazing over, Mother went on to share something even more shocking. “Besides, you should know that half the women in this country think that Sirius’s looks are second to none. He didn’t get voted ‘Most Handsome Member of the Horned Beast Knights’ for three years straight for nothing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh gosh!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait, really? But didn’t Seven say…? Ah!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now it all made sense. That cheeky little—! I should have known he’d tell me the exact opposite of the truth!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, um, Sirius is good-looking?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I blinked up a storm in confusion, Father reacted with a lightning-fast objection. “Serafina, your mother is exaggerating. Only around two percent of ladies think Sirius is handsome. The knights aren’t known for their good looks, you know. The bards are bound to inflate the reputation of anyone who happens to be the best of a bad crop.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What a petty man you can be!” Mother fumed. “Our girl has only recently been able to see. Don’t you dare feed misinformation to a child who’s still learning about what’s considered good-looking.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Father looked bummed out at what Mother said. He sat in thought for a short while, before finally he reluctantly spoke up, “Okay, Serafina, I’ll tell you the truth. The handsomest man in the kingdom is your Father, and Sirius is second. And since you’re the spitting image of your good-looking papa, you’re the cutest in the world.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn’t tell what was true anymore. “Is he right, Sirius?” I asked, looking up at him uncertainly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius patted my head with his big hand. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I can’t say for certain. But based on my personal standards, you’re the cutest person I’ve ever met.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wha—? Whaaaa—?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t know how to react to being told straight to my face that I was the cutest. I looked away because my face felt hot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, everyone else looked stunned. “Did Sir Sirius just tell someone they’re cute?” Mother’s eyes were wide as dinner plates."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a matter of fact, so were my big sister’s. “Holy cow, Serafina! I can’t believe you managed to win over the impregnable Master Sirius in just a matter of days.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Father hurriedly changed the subject. “Okay, let’s not wait for the food to get cold!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, the dinner finally started."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sort of."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I looked at the cutlery on the table, tears welled in my eyes. There were so many knives, forks, and spoons placed to the left, right, and on top of the plates. What was I meant to do about all of this? Was I supposed to hold two pieces of cutlery in my right hand and three in my left?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because of my former blindness, I was used to having all my food prepared in bite-sized chunks, and so I only ever needed to use one fork or spoon. And the meals I ate on the journey to the castle were also simple, so I’d never seen so much cutlery before. I had no clue about the correct table manners here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I racked my brains as hard as I could but only drew a complete blank. As I sat there, defeated, with my hands on my knees, my neighbor reached an arm out to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then, before I could even blink, I was sitting on Sirius’s lap."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius, what are you doing?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Father instantly shouted in protest, but when Sirius gave him some kind of signal, his expression softened. “Oh! I-I see,” he frowned sheepishly. “Um, Serafina, since you’re still so little and all, could you let Sirius help you eat?” Father had probably realized that I didn’t know my table manners, so he wanted Sirius to help me out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius promptly picked out a single knife and fork from the pile of cutlery. He cut the appetizer up into bite-sized pieces and then tried to put one in my mouth… Unfortunately, he didn’t take the fact that I was a small girl into account, so I was only able to chomp on half of it even when I opened my mouth wide. Still, I did my best to manage. I closed my mouth and started chewing as best I could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry, Serafina.” An apologetic voice fell on my ears. “I didn’t think you’d have such a tiny mouth.” Then Sirius glared sharply at all my family members, who were gazing at us in fascination. “Hey, this isn’t a show! Focus on your own food.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My family hurriedly looked away, only for them to resume glancing at Sirius soon after. I’m guessing this was what they called “morbid curiosity.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I found myself wondering if I’d failed at the dinner party by not being able to eat by myself. It was a depressing thought, but I still tried to shove down all the food slipping out of my mouth, even if it meant using my hands. I chewed through it as quickly as I could, but just when I thought I’d cleared my mouth, Sirius brought another mouthful to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I finished swallowing and then glared huffily up at Sirius."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s the matter, Serafina?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My jaw’s gonna hurt if you make me rush. And you haven’t had anything yet. Feed yourself something, okay, Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh, right…” he responded, sounding confused. The next time he put a fork to my mouth, the portion was just the right size for me. After just a few mouthfuls of this, he tilted his head as if he was completely mystified. “These tiny portions hurt your jaw? You’re as dainty as a spirit.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, Sirius, it’s because Serafina is a child,” Father argued immediately. “And besides, even if she weren’t a child, you shouldn’t compare others to yourself. Everyone looks dainty as a spirit next to you!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After the awkward start, the family dinner got more relaxed as time went on. My family went from observing me and Sirius silently to peppering the dinner with some talk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From what people were saying, I worked out that, as my three brothers were considered full-grown adults, they belonged to the knight brigades, and they all helped out with government stuff. This was what members of the royal family were expected to do, apparently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, Shaula had a beautiful mane of crimson hair, which made her a good fit as a saint. She was training hard for that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wanna be a strong saint just like you, Shaula!” I mustered my courage to say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius wrapped his hand around my tummy. “Serafina, you don’t need to ask your sister’s permission. If you want to be a saint, I can arrange for you to undergo training.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shaula’s eyes widened in total shock. “Who are you and what have you done with Master Sirius? You’ve never shown interest in anyone outside the knights. Why are you so devoted to Serafina?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can be nice to kids too,” Sirius mumbled in reply, only for my entire family to shake their heads wordlessly at him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Remember when I was born?” Shaula said exasperatedly. “You barely noticed me as a kid.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She’s right,” Father agreed. “You’ve only ever paid attention to the knights. What happened to you, Sirius? Did all that overtime mess up your ability to tell knights apart from other people?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius raised an eyebrow as if to say that comment was uncalled for. “I’m always in my right mind. And anyway, weren’t you the one who said I should go around singing Serafina’s praises?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Excuse me?! That was supposed to be until you got to the castle. And I’ve given you many, many requests before, and you’ve never taken any of them so seriously. What gives?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve always taken things seriously. You know I would never abandon any of my duties.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Sirius stubbornly insisted that he was merely carrying out the king’s orders, Father turned to Mother, looking very disgruntled. “Would you look at this? He’s twisting my words so that he has an excuse to look after Serafina! What a sly man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Mother just beamed at him. “Isn’t this a good thing? I don’t know anyone more upright than Sirius. I expect that Serafina will grow up into a proper lady under his care.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, my queen! You’re not seeing the issue! If Serafina spends all her time with Sirius, she’ll have unrealistic standards for men! Why, I suppose she’ll even snub her nose at me one of these days!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mother said nothing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oof! Don’t give me the silent treatment! Tell me it won’t happen, even if it’s a lie!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I giggled at the lively dinner table conversation. Who knew that eating with your family could be so fun? I never had a clue about any of this when I was living at the villa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the sound of my laughter, Mother and Father stopped their arguing. “Are you having fun, Serafina?” they asked me expectantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked up at my parents with a smile. “Yup! I’m so happy I got to eat a meal with my family!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment, my parents looked as if they couldn’t muster any words. Then their faces erupted in smiles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’re so happy too!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, let’s make family dinners a priority from now on!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As my parents nodded smilingly, Sirius’s voice rang out above my head. “Good. You’re finally back in the right place. Welcome home, Serafina.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I looked directly upward and was greeted with the sight of Sirius’s smiling face. It blew away any worries I might have had about not being able to live in the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Sirius!” My heart bubbled with nothing but excitement. “Let’s be together forever!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I said that without thinking too deeply about it, but it made Sirius’s eyes widen for a moment. And then…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. Together forever,” he replied in a deep voice that tickled my chest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mother, Father, and Shaula started yelling about something after that."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0018.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The “Ugly” Discussion Between Serafina (the Airhead) and Seven (the Schemer)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The “Ugly” Discussion Between Serafina (the Airhead) and Seven (the Schemer)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT took place before Serafina became aware that Sirius was not, in fact, ugly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That day, Seven and I were taking a break on the road to the capital. We passed the time sitting on a large tree branch chatting away, taking turns swinging our legs while the knights rested their horses nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It actually took us days to get to the capital because it was so far from the villa, but we didn’t have any trouble finding places to stay overnight. This was because there were a whole bunch of nobles along the way who were happy to let us sleep in their mansions. Sirius normally used local inns or camped in the wild like he did on his way to the villa. He only took up the offers to stay with the nobles on the return trip so that I could be comfy. Wasn’t Sirius so incredibly thoughtful?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Seven was just as good to me as Sirius was, so I didn’t want to hurt his feelings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Seven,” I said casually, as we were sitting on the big tree branch. “You know, I don’t care about people’s looks.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mentioned this as an aside in the middle of other topics, but Seven didn’t read between the lines. “Uh, what are you trying to say?” he asked bluntly. “It’s so rare for you to be indirect. Can you just spell it out for me, please?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Darn it, and I spent so long thinking about a good way to put it…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, I know you’re not…good-looking…by people’s standards. But I—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh, hold on a sec!” Seven interrupted me, blinking in surprise. “Why do you say that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You know, um, well…” I stammered. “Didn’t you say that Sirius was super ugly?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven paused. “Oh, yeah.” It sounded like he was talking to himself. “I did say that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You and Sirius have kinda similar faces in my opinion. If Sirius is ugly, then I guess you would be too?” I said nervously, not wanting to hurt Seven’s feelings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed to understand what I was getting at, because he said, “Ah, okay.” Then he muttered something else that I couldn’t quite hear. Something about “that backfired” and “digging myself into a hole.” He seemed oddly restless, which made me feel guilty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry, Seven!” I shouted hurriedly. “Looks don’t matter for spirits!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, they do!” he retorted instantly. “We’re the same as demons! Our faces are as perfect and symmetrical as the top rung of humans. You can tell how strong we are from our beauty.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh my…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had no idea. How was I supposed to cheer up Seven now? What a depressing thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I was racking my brains, Seven muttered something else under his breath. “Crud! She thinks I’m ugly and weak!” He spoke so fast that I didn’t quite catch it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I looked up, he was smiling in a way that was very obviously forced. “Of course, the general idea is that an adult spirit is stronger than a child one. But I’ve got enough talent to stand toe to toe with the adults. You can count on my strength for sure, yup!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyone could see that Seven was powerful. “It’s okay, Seven,” I said soothingly. “I’m a kid too. We’ve both got a lot of growing to do.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven stood up on the branch, looking awfully flustered. “That’s not what I’m talking about! You’re just feeling sorry for me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, no, don’t worry about it, Seven. You can vent your heart out. I’m all ears,” I said, trying to show I cared, but this only made Seven ruffle his hair wildly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, fine! I’ll tell you the truth! Sirius isn’t ugly, he’s actually a handsome stud!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, Seven, you’re so kind and considerate!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When Seven first met Sirius, he glossed over the fact that the man had a hideous face because that was “what spirits did to be nice.” And now he was covering for Sirius by claiming that he was a “handsome stud.” A spirit’s kindness knew no bounds!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m so proud to have a pact with such a compassionate spirit.” I was so happy, a smile broke out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven did a nimble somersault on the branch. “Argh, it’s hard to get you on the right track once you’ve gotten the wrong idea in your head! Now you think I’m praising Sirius just to be nice… All right, fine! Have it your way! Sirius and I are just as ugly as each other!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He spoke with a sort of wild desperation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You sure are. But I don’t mind one bit, nuh-uh,” I answered gently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed. After Seven validated Serafina’s assumption, they were back at square one. Serafina came to the logical conclusion that Seven was both ugly and weak. When Seven realized that, he frantically tried to correct her…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fi, I take back what I said! I’m really strong and cute, I swear!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course you are, Seven. I accept everything about you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Serafina’s response made it all too clear that she didn’t believe a word out of Seven’s mouth…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The rest, as they say, is history."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In a showdown between an airhead (Serafina) and a schemer (Seven), the airhead emerged the victor."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0019.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Developing the Garden"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Developing the Garden"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I WOKE UP ONE DAY bubbling with excitement. From my bed, I could see the beautiful morning rays peeking in through the window. I just knew that today was going to be a great day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hee hee, a perfect day for gardening!” I said to myself as I sprang out of bed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My personal chambers in the Royal Castle took up three rooms. One of the rooms even had a garden attached—what a lucky girl I was!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to arrange the garden to make it a comfy place for Seven. The flowerbed already had some pretty seasonal flowers, but they weren’t quite his style, so I moved all the flowers to a different garden and started planting a bunch of trees instead. Seven had abandoned the forest he’d always known just to stick with me, so I was determined to give him a garden that reminded him of home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Today was the day to put my plan into action. I eagerly put on some outdoorsy clothes and boots before heading to my personal garden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The gardeners were already there, starting their work, even though it was so early in the morning. I hurried over to them and apologized for my lateness. Their job was to help fix up the garden, but they looked confused at how I’d pulled up all the cute flowers a little girl would like in favor of average-looking three-meter-tall trees, all neatly packaged and arranged. When they found out that the trees were taken from the Forest of Lent, though, they helped with the planting, even if they did look uncertain about the whole thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I tried planting some smaller saplings, the gardeners stopped me. “Your Highness, do you really want to have more trees?” they asked worriedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The trees you’ve already planted block most of the sunlight from getting into your room. If you plant saplings here, they will spring up very quickly and make your room dark even in the daytime.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’re no expert in these things, but with the trees covering so much of the princess’s room, it’s hard to see it from the outside. Wouldn’t there be the risk of a thief sneaking in? They could hide out pretty easily.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm, maybe.” The amount of sunlight in my room only affected me, so that wasn’t a big concern. As for the security problems… Well, better to ask for forgiveness than permission! “I’ve got it! I’ll plant them before anyone can stop me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? But that’s…that’s just asking for trouble, isn’t it?!” the gardeners wailed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After I got them to calm down, we planted as many saplings as we could. I patted the dirt around them, praying they would grow up nice and strong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I was done, I stood up, looked around at my surroundings, and scraped the dirt off my hands, satisfied with my handiwork. My face, hands, feet, and clothes were all dirty, but it felt really nice knowing that I’d done a good day’s work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hee hee hee,” a giggle slipped out of me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A moment later, Seven’s annoyed voice fell on my ears. “Fi, care to explain what happened to your garden? I take my eyes off of you for just a few hours, and now all the flowers are gone! Why? They were in bloom, weren’t they? This place is practically a gloomy forest now!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My cheeky spirit friend was finally back after spending the morning goofing around somewhere."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Heh heh heh, you’ve got a good eye! Yup, it’s a gloomy forest—a perfect double of the Forest of Lent!” I answered proudly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven’s eyes widened. “What? You were trying to make the Forest of Lent?! Er, uh, yeah, I kinda see it now that you mention it. The trees are the same ones from the forest.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I also heard Seven mutter something about how “I can’t blame Fi for this when she was blind this whole time,” but I didn’t pay too much attention to that. I spread my arms and peered at him expectantly. “Yes they are! Aaaall the trees are from the forest—from the ones even bigger than Sirius to the saplings that are tinier than me. See the biggest tree over there? You were always napping under that one.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven gazed around the garden in wonderment, but when he turned to me, he looked confused. “Fi, you had such a pretty garden. Why’d you turn it into the Forest of Lent?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I grinned back at him. “So that you could settle in easier, of course! You left the forest for my sake, so I wanted to give it back to you in some way.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven looked like he was about to cry, which was rare for him, so I gave him a big hug. “I loooove you, Seven! I was super happy when you came with me. So I wanted to make you happy too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven sniffled and wiped his eyes. When he spoke, his voice sounded more cheerful than normal. “If you want to make me happy, you gotta spoil me eeeeven more! It’s nice knowing that you care.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So what you’re saying is that you love me, huh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So what? You love me too, Fi,” Seven half mumbled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You bet I do! You’re my bestest friend,” I said, letting go of Seven’s body so that I could peer at his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His eyes and nose were red. “I got something in my eyes and rubbed my nose too much, that’s all,” he muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I pretended not to notice, as a proper lady should, and smiled at him. “The other spirits brought a bunch of your favorite trees. Let’s take a look around to see how they’re growing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I took Seven’s hand and turned my eyes to the garden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was only then that I noticed that the gardeners were staring at me. “What’s the matter?” I asked, tilting my head slightly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who were you, um, speaking to just now, Your Highness?” they asked back, looking awfully nervous. “We didn’t see anyone with you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Surprised at the gardeners’ words, I turned to Seven. He was back to sporting his usual cheeky grin. “You know how no saint ever has formed a pact with a spirit child? And how saints only meet their spirits for the first time after they summon them? I’m basically the only spirit child with a pact, not to mention that we’ve been together since forever.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You might draw the wrong kind of attention if people knew about me, which is why I cast a veil so that only you can see me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? You can do that?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Course I can. Remember how the adult spirits can put a veil over everyone in the entire forest? But yeah, it’s a tricky spell to pull off by yourself, and it eats up a lot of magic. I reckon I’m the only spirit outside the forest who can do it. Besides, spirits aren’t usually joined at their pact owner’s hip, so they don’t really need a veil to begin with.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven went on to explain that most spirits found it boring to stick with humans since none of them other than me could understand the spirit language."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, so that’s the reason why the spirits only appear when the saints call for them?” My eyes widened in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven twirled in the sky. “That’s reason enough, wouldn’t you say? Spirits can’t stand boredom.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Speak for yourself, I thought. But anyway…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I turned back to the confused-looking gardeners and pasted a smile on my face. Apparently, it was a bad thing for people to know about Seven, so I had to think of a way to talk myself out of this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Er, um…sorry for startling you. You see, uh…I’m always talking to the, um, toys in my room. I have this habit of talking to them even when they’re not around.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A look of understanding came over the gardeners’ faces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right. Your Highness is only six.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ha ha, that’s so adorable!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, phew. They swallowed that one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the tension drained out of me, I looked at Seven. He seemed satisfied, like a cat who had just gotten his fill of milk. “Fi, are you trying to say I’m as adorable as a soft plushie? You bet I am! I’m cute and strong enough to veil myself.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My spirit was a bit full of himself…but that was what I liked about him. “Yup! You’re the cutest and strongest spirit in the world!” Giggling, I hugged him again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Later, after the gardeners left, Seven and I took a slow stroll around the garden. He seemed to like it, saying it was “fun-looking.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Feeling satisfied, I sat under a tree and began to nod off…only for someone who looked like the head gardener to come by and start yelling something. “I-I-I can’t believe it! How could this venerable castle garden have such plain, ordinary trees?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he was wrong. Sure, this species of tree was very common, but these were special. They were grown in the Forest of Lent, where they were protected by the spirits."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew I had to explain this, but the drowsiness put a clamp on my mouth. Without understanding my feelings, the head gardener, pattered away into the distance in a panic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before long he was back, this time with Sirius in tow. My ears picked up the sound of Sirius’s amused voice. “Oh, I get what she did with that tree. Ha ha ha! And she even planted saplings. So she’s planning to turn this entire strip into a replica forest?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-Sir Sirius! This is no time for merriment. How can you stand by and let her turn this elegant garden into a forest?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This garden is Serafina’s,” Sirius said crisply. “It’s for her to live comfortably, not for demonstrating elegance. But the poor visibility does create a security threat. I’ll reassign the knights’ positions and take care of it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The head gardener seemed to have nothing to say to that. “Very well, Sir Sirius,” he said as his footsteps faded off into the background."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius didn’t seem to notice me dozing under the tree, so he was surprised when he found me as he was surveying my forest. “Serafina, why are you sleeping here all covered in dirt?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His tense voice snapped me awake briefly, but my drowsiness soon took hold again. “Well, you know…I get sleepy around trees.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius couldn’t possibly have understood my half-asleep mumbling…which was why he interpreted my words literally."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That night, a meter-tall potted plant was delivered to my bedroom along with a card that said: “Hope this helps you sleep.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sender was Sirius…of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I stared at the gift, dazed and lost for words, Seven hopped around me. I guess it doesn’t need to be said that he was clutching his sides in laughter."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0020.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My Personal Knight"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My Personal Knight"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "AFTER A MONTH of living in the royal castle, I settled into a daily routine: Wake up early—technically, Seven would wake me up to practice healing magic with him—followed by breakfast and lessons with my tutors; a nap after lunch, followed by more healing practice with Seven; then dinner, where I would chat with Sirius; and finally going to sleep while reading a book about magic. That was basically how my days went."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The big changes in my life after coming to the castle were my tutors, being able to talk with Sirius, and the fact that I could read books now. Sometimes, Mother, Father, Shaula, and Sirius took me outside of the castle, but I felt overwhelmed by the complicated things they would explain to me, so we never did anything big."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One day, while we were at breakfast, Father called out my name excitedly. “Serafina, today’s the day you pick your personal knight! Look forward to it—Father’s prepared a special list of candidates just for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mother and Shaula immediately shot him a glare. “Master Sirius was the one who picked out the elites,” said Shaula."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s pathetic of you to take credit for what your nephew did,” said Mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Father stood his ground. “What are you talking about? I gave the final approval on Sirius’s list, which makes it my decision, doesn’t it? And besides, by sheer, pure coincidence, his top one hundred picks were exactly the same as mine.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, really now?” The other two didn’t look convinced in the slightest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Father pouted at their reaction, but he soon turned his attention back to me. “Serafina, you’re free to pick whichever one’s your favorite.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay,” I chirped happily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mother and Shaula looked like they had a bone to pick with Father, but they quietened down after my response. “Well, I’m sure if Sirius vouched for all of them, then she’s fine to have her pick,” they muttered under their breaths. “I suppose any one of them is capable.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Members of the royalty had their own personal knight protector, and I was no exception. I would be picking my bodyguard off of a short list of one hundred candidates."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When Sirius took my hand and led me to my personal chambers, I looked up at him excitedly. “I’m getting a personal knight, Sirius!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That you are. They’ll be there to serve you for life. You should make your choice carefully and pick the best person for you. No matter who you decide on, I’ll make sure to assemble the finest royal guard.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s a royal guard?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s a group of knights specifically sworn to protect you. Most of the members have been chosen already, but I’ll make the final call after I’ve seen your personal knight. I might have to adjust the team depending on who you choose, since they all need to work well together.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s explanation was too complicated for me to understand, so I just giggled. Next thing I knew, he reached out to me and lifted me up. Surprised at how I was suddenly off the ground, I looked at him blankly. “Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Didn’t the king and queen tell you to watch out for kidnappers because you’re too cute?” He grinned mischievously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now that was funny. “Tee hee. I’ll be fine with you around, Sirius,” I said, clinging to his neck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, I see.” He sighed deeply. “You want me to take on some of your personal knight’s work. Kidnappers would surely be no threat to you then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He chuckled as he walked down the corridor, which earned him some bewildered stares from the knights standing on guard duty. Their reaction worried me. “That’s not the first time people have stared like that. Maybe a fine knight like Sirius isn’t supposed to spend time with a little kid like me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bit my lip, which prompted Sirius to say, “Are you nervous? Don’t worry. I’m right here.” That made me feel better, at least."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I entered the hall where I would be making my selection, there was an impressive crowd of knights standing up straight and tall, each body spaced the same distance apart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whoa, they’re so cool, was my first thought. Meanwhile, Sirius brought me to a platform, where I could stand and look over the room as a whole. A few high officials were waiting for me there. “Princess Serafina, please state the name of your personal knight,” they told me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was easier said than done. Since I wasn’t able to see the knights up close, it was hard to tell who fit best. So I hopped off the pedestal and made my way over to them. The officials let out a cry of surprise behind me, and I could also hear Sirius chuckling. But the main thought in my mind was that I simply had to say a proper hello to the knights. I grabbed the sides of my dress and did a curtsy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is nice to meet you all. I am Serafina, the second princess. Today, I shall choose one of you to be my personal knight.” I was just so happy that a giggle naturally came flowing out of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My plan was to take my time walking around and looking at all the knights, but my feet came to a sudden halt before I was even halfway done."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was shocked, you see, because of this one tall and very brawny man with dark-brown skin and navy-blue hair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re strong… What’s your name?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Canopus Blazej, Your Highness,” he replied, sounding very stoic and serious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I grinned, pleased with his answer. “Canopus, will you be my personal knight?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone else in the room stiffened in shock, and then the high-ranking officials came hurrying over. “Y-Your Highness, please—this isn’t your personal knight. You have a name already, remember? Go on! Say it, won’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh right, the officials did give me a sheet with a name on it. But…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Father said I can choose who I want.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“P-p-perhaps, yes. The name we’ve given you is of course a mere suggestion,” said one official, “but every member of royalty before you has heeded our wisdom in this matter. I implore you to do so as well.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-yes! And behold the hair, the skin—this man is one of those islanders, is he not?” appealed another. “He lacks the appropriate background to be your knight, Your Highness.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The officials were very eager to dissuade me, but their words only brought a grin to my face. By “islander,” they were talking about a minority group from the south who had webbed hands that I bet made them really good at swimming. Canopus was sounding more wonderful by the second."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you for the advice, but I choose Canopus. What say you, Canopus? Will you be my personal knight?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canopus glanced at the officials, but he quickly lowered his eyes and got on one knee in front of me—a knight’s salute."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I, Canopus Blazej, pledge to serve Your Highness Second Princess Serafina Náv with all my being. Glory and blessings be to Your Highness,” he said, his gaze never leaving the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then he pressed his lips against the sleeve of my dress."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked back over my shoulder at Sirius, filled with glee. He took that as his cue to unsheathe his sword with an elegant sweep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To guard the royal family, you must be willing to give up your life at any moment,” he intoned as he drew near. “I do hope you won’t place your life before that of Her Highness.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then he handed his sword to Canopus."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Receive this blade and be officially dubbed the personal knight of Her Highness, the Second Princess Serafina.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that was how I chose a super awesome person as my personal knight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canopus started guarding me the very next day. I already knew he was a great knight from how he swore to be by my side forever, but I was still amazed at how seriously he took his job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was so knightly, in fact, that when I tripped in the hallway, he looked so apologetic about it, as if he personally stuck his leg out in front of me. All that had happened though was that I had tripped over my own two feet since I was just sleepy and focused on getting my breakfast. He didn’t listen to me when I told him that it wasn’t his fault that I stayed up too late and couldn’t walk straight—to him, anything bad that happened to me was his responsibility."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This all came to a head one day when three other knights ganged up on Canopus. He was a tall man, but the other knights were just as big. They were in the rear of the castle, in a spot where people rarely ever went."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My first thought was that they were about to have a private chat about something, so I tried to get out of the way quickly. It was no good sticking your nose into other people’s business, after all. But when the voices got louder as if they were having an argument, my feet stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Damn islander! Who do you think you are?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why don’t you hurry up and quit already? You know that’s what’s best for Her Highness!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The knights were speaking aggressively, yet Canopus wasn’t saying a word in response. I didn’t think twice about stepping in. “Um…did Canopus do something wrong?” I asked, worried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The three scowling knights swung around, but they hurriedly dropped to their knees when they saw me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your Highness!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Apologies for the unseemly sight!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The three men shuffled away from Canopus, who’d been pinned against the wall. Canopus straightened himself up and adjusted his disheveled uniform."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was curious to know what they were fighting about, but nobody said anything—not Canopus, the three kneeling knights, nor the two guards at my side. A part of me wondered if I had better not say anything either, but I pushed through anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did Canopus do something?” I asked hesitantly. “He’s a fine knight, so…I bet it’s my fault if there’s some kind of problem.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said that based on past experience, but the three knights wouldn’t stand for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What a ridiculous notion, Your Highness!” they insisted. “The fault surely lies with Canopus! He is an islander, after all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your personal knight was supposed to be Sargas of the Aldridge marquisate! And yet this commoner swooped in uninvited!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was surprised at how seething they were. “But Canopus has webbed hands. Isn’t that amazing?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The three knights only scowled at my compliment. “Canopus might have sworn his fealty to you, but a personal knight is not a mere bodyguard, Your Highness!” they retorted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He lacks the qualifications to be a personal knight!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I am sure he disappoints you in matters beyond security!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Really?” I asked in return, because I was so taken aback at how sure of themselves they sounded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was always the one causing a fuss, so the idea that Canopus was the disappointment was completely new to me. I examined Canopus from head to foot, wondering what on earth he was doing that was so bad. Maybe he was actually a total pig who emptied out the castle larders? Or maybe he could only sleep in some special way?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh!” I gasped, figuring out what the three men were getting at."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus bit his lip and looked at me expectantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Canopus, don’t tell me,” I said nervously, “can you not sleep unless you’re in water? Oh no, that puts us in a pinch! Umm, I could lend you my bathtub, but I bet it’s too small for you. I think you’ll manage if you use the knight brigade’s big bathhouse.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus frowned down at me. “Apologies, but may I interject? I can sleep anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Although I believe I could sleep on water, doing it while submerged would prove rather difficult.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh. Then have you, um, been eating everything in the castle larders?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, I eat average portions. I am incapable of eating so much as to cause stock issues, and I can rein in my hunger if need be.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then how are you a disappointment?” I gazed up at him in confusion, unable to think of anything else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus grimaced. “The personal knights of the princes and the first princess are individuals of high noble standing. I, however, am an islander. My ancestry could very well besmirch your honor, Your Highness.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I turned back to the three knights, who were all nodding fervently."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We mainlanders are a different sort from the islanders!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Their race has dark skin and webbed hands. Disgusting is what it is!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“One of those people serving as your personal knight would affect your good name, Your Highness!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I gazed at Canopus and the three knights in turn. “Don’t tell anyone about this, but,” I said, putting my pointer finger to my lips, “I was born blind and lived in a separate house.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise, Canopus included."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A lot of people said they felt sorry for me, but it never bothered me one bit. You see, I have a pact with a spirit child. And I was only able to do that because I was blind. So what everyone else called a misfortune was, to me, actually pretty lucky.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone listened to me in stunned silence, as if I’d hit them with a bolt from the blue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So who’s to say what’s ‘good’ and what’s ‘bad’?” I asked, looking at them all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No response."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I turned to Canopus next. “Canopus, you seem proud of being an islander.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The issue lies in how others see me, not in how I see myself,” he mustered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I started walking toward him, causing the three knights kneeling in front of me to hurriedly clear the way. I thanked them quietly, then took Canopus’s hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He blinked back at me in shock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think your webbed hands are wonderful. Is that wrong of me?” Looking at his hand, I giggled in wonderment. I had to marvel at their shape."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This caused Canopus to frown as if he was very troubled. He got on one knee and peered straight into my eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Princess Serafina, you are my liege,” he said after a pause. “I value your words above anyone else’s. They speak to my heart…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He trailed off into silence, as if he was carefully choosing his next words."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am truly sorry,” he said finally. “Even though I believe that the discrimination against islanders is baseless and I should be proud of my background, I have experienced so much bigotry that it became my habit to hang my head in silence. I apologize that you had to reveal such a thing for my sake…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus’s face twisted in anguish. “I am a fool. I only wish I could rend myself asunder…but I know that would make you unhappy. My foolishness is not so grave that I would disregard your feelings after you confided a national secret to me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canopus’s words were too big for me to understand, so I put on a thoughtful frown so that I would at least look like I was following along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meanwhile, he bowed his head to me deeply. “Thank you so very much. Because of your kind and considerate words, I am sure that I can carry myself with pride, no matter what anyone says about my homeland.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canopus lifted his head once more, but now his expression was totally different. He looked so at ease with himself, as if all his previous worries had been blown away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight. “That’s good to hear! Don’t you quit on me, Canopus.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I certainly won’t. I pledge my eternal service to you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now wasn’t that a nice thing to hear?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Next, Canopus stood up and faced the three knights, who were still kneeling. “You heard her, yes?” he said. “You’re the ones who made it necessary for Princess Serafina to bare her secret—you ought to be ashamed of yourselves. I, for one, will bear my shame for the rest of my life.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The three men nodded wordlessly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have resolved to feel no abashment over my background,” Canopus continued. “I owe at least that much to our revered princess. Should you speak to me again the way you did earlier, I will not hesitate to voice my disagreement.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The three knights stood up and each offered a hand to Canopus."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We won’t pick a fight with you again. Her Highness made me see the light. I respect that you are the one she chose. Sorry for projecting my jealousy onto you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“To my utmost regret, my immature conduct caused our liege to share what should have been a closely kept secret. I vow not to repeat the same mistake again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Canopus, I know it may be difficult, but could you let this matter go? From now on, we’ll help you out in whatever way we can.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tee hee hee, aren’t knights so grand? I thought as I watched the three knights exchange handshakes with Canopus. The three of them turned back to me and bowed their heads deeply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your Highness, we apologize profusely for our undignified conduct!” they shouted in unison. “We will inform the vice-commander of our actions and await his punishment.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, you’re telling Sirius?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t know it at the time, but it seemed everyone thought that Sirius was my guardian. Who knew when that happened? That’s why the knights were trying to get Sirius involved, but…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, Sirius is very busy. I don’t think he’d want some problem involving me taking up his time. So please don’t tell him, okay? For my sake. In return…let’s see…I’d prefer you not tell anyone the secret I just told you. Only Father, Mother, and Sirius know about it,” I said, trying to smooth things over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I got the feeling that Sirius was a little overprotective; something told me that he would probably show no mercy to the three men if they admitted that I told them my secret. I felt sorry for them, you know?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was really all I was thinking, but for some reason the three knights all looked deeply moved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“T-to think you shared such a deep secret and that you would shield us from the vice-commander’s wrath! I cannot thank you enough.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I vow not to breathe a word of your secret to others!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I swear it upon my life!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meanwhile, Canopus grimaced in apparent regret. “Princess Serafina…as much as I appreciate the extent to which you will go to aid your personal knight, this was a most terribly unfortunate situation. I swear, I will put my very life on the line to serve you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The four of them were too much, but hey, whatever worked. I would do what I could to stop people from fighting with Canopus for becoming my personal knight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that’s what I told myself, but…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For some reason, Canopus crossed swords with Knight Commander Wezen the very next day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How…could this be?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I watched the two of them gravely square off against each other, I had to remind myself why this had even begun in the first place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I was pretty sure that it all started when I bumped into Sirius in the hallway…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just a few minutes ago, I was walking down the hallway when I saw Sirius coming from the opposite direction. Naturally, I said a cheerful hello to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius came over and gently picked me up. “Whoa?!” I squeaked, eyes widening in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’s someone I want you to meet,” was all he said before turning on his heels and walking straight back down the hallway in massive, confident strides."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All I could do was blink repeatedly in confusion as he carried me along in his arms. I mean, all I did was call out to him, right? I was pretty sure that was it. Sirius was always busy, so he didn’t have time to look out for me constantly. And it’s not like my schedule was empty either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, where are we going, Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You were off to the library to borrow a book, weren’t you? I’ll let the librarian know you’ll be visiting later,” Sirius said crisply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He cast a single glance at one of the knights at his flank, which was all it took to get a “Yes, understood!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, that took care of that, I thought as I watched the knight trot off to the library. “Hey, Sirius, how did you know I was going to the library? Oh, wait, do you know my whole schedule? Wow, you’re a genius!” I gasped in wonderment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s lip curled up in amusement. “No one’s called me a genius since I came of age. Nice to have some reassurance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was only because everyone was too intimidated to say so to his face, but I didn’t really get that at the time. “Tee hee hee!” I laughed, feeling amused. “Look at me, I figured out something you didn’t! Yup, you’re a genius, Sirius.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m honored by your praise, Princess.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We had a nice little laugh together, which did not prepare me for where we ended up: a serious-looking place crammed with armor and swords. It was probably the knights’ training grounds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius lowered me to the floor, and I held his hand as I gazed around the scene nervously. My eyes met with a beefy guy standing with his arms folded in the middle of the area. As soon as he saw me, a fearless grin appeared on his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t believe we’ve met. I am Wezen Wald, commander of the Náv Horned Beast Knights.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Commander Wezen was smiling, but his ferocious energy stood out like a sore thumb in this calm and quiet space. My hand instinctively squeezed Sirius’s."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nice to meet you. I’m Serafina Náv,” I introduced myself timidly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Commander Wezen watched me tremble with a single eyebrow raised. I would guess he looked a bit puzzled? Then he looked at Sirius, who had picked me up again out of worry. His eyebrows creased into a frown, as if he couldn’t believe his eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius, are you seeing yourself right now?! I thought you only had knight vision. Turns out you can see Princess Serafina just fine. I heard that you’re always carrying her too! I thought you’d finally put her down when you came in, but all I do is say hello and she’s back in your arms. Wait, don’t tell me she has trouble walking?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina is perfectly healthy,” said Sirius. “But she does have a young girl’s physique, so I thought it would be quicker to carry her. Besides, she is a princess, and her needs come above all else.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Commander Wezen smirked wryly. “Ha, quit the jokes! You’d make anyone walk if you needed them to—doesn’t matter if they’re a prince or a princess. How many times have I seen you run those princes ragged? And you treat Princess Shaula the exact same way.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius gazed back, silent and expressionless. There was enough pressure in his stare to make anyone shiver, but the commander looked completely unbothered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And look at yourselves!” he went on. “You’re not going anywhere! Why does she need to be held if you’re not even moving? Care to explain why you won’t let the princess down?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“These are the training grounds. You never know what danger could come Princess Serafina’s way. I’ve taken the appropriate measures to protect her.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you being serious right now? What happened to you? You’ve never had the personality or time to play nanny!” Commander Wezen blanched. “Hey, stop glaring at me! You made your point. I get it, the training grounds are full of danger. Enough that the brigade’s strongest swordsman has to carry the princess at all times!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The commander’s tone was dripping with sarcasm in that second part. He swung his head toward Canopus, who was standing behind us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, aren’t you meant to be Princess Serafina’s personal knight? Draw your sword. Let’s have a go at it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, without even waiting for Canopus’s reply, the commander pulled out the sword at his hip. Canopus drew his sword too, while Sirius carried me off to a safe distance away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? Are they about to have a serious fight? Isn’t that dangerous?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It is, but you’ll never be able to gauge someone’s true strength otherwise,” Sirius declared flatly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It finally hit me. Oh, so this is what it means to be a knight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But still, they could get injured if they were having a full-on battle. The thought made me sick with worry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It could be tough on you to watch the knights fight each other,” Sirius said as he noticed my clenched fists. “You can bury your head in my shoulder if you don’t want to see it. I should add that Commander Wezen is a first-rate swordsman. He knows how to pull his punches, so I doubt that your personal knight will come to harm.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although I was grateful to Sirius for his concern, Canopus was my personal knight. I felt like I shouldn’t look away from his fight. I steadied my gaze on the two knights, and then Sirius gave the signal for the fight to begin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus instantly thrust his sword directly at Commander Wezen. A harsh clang rang out as their swords clashed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As their swords met—twice, thrice—the commander’s expression turned serious. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Sirius giving an impressed nod."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t expect this,” he muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Commander Wezen’s voice rang out at the same time. “Ha ha! Nice swordplay!” He sounded like he was having a blast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus was the only one attacking. Commander Wezen was just blocking, but their swords screeched against each other so many times that I found myself clinging to Sirius’s neck. Silently, I prayed that neither of them would get hurt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After blocking about ten more times, Commander Wezen finally swung his sword down for the first time. A high-pitched noise rang out as Canopus’s sword flew from his hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus gazed at the commander’s sword, which was pressed against his throat. “You win,” he said calmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The commander sheathed his sword in a flash and then bumped his massive fist against Canopus’s shoulder. “Canopus is your name, right? You’ve got some skills! I reckon they’ll come in handy for protecting the princess,” he said as he stepped back and studied Canopus’s body. “Who knew there was a knight of your caliber in the brigade? Ha ha, you oughta drop by the training grounds every once in a while instead of just showing up for meetings.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0021.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My Personal Knight"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The commander turned his back to Canopus and strode toward me next."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m very sorry about beating up your knight, Princess Serafina,” he said without a hint of remorse on his face. If anything, he looked proud of himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh wow, Commander Wezen. You’re twice as old as Sirius, but you’re just as much of a child as he is,” I blurted out, wide-eyed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius frowned, not appreciating my comment. “I’ve been an adult for a long time, Serafina! Nobody has ever called me a child.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Commander Wezen cracked up at Sirius’s sour face. “Ha ha ha! Never thought I’d see someone treat Sirius like a youngster! And from such a tiny little princess, no less! Sirius, looks like you’ve finally met your match!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Commander Wezen was grinning broadly as if to say “Congratulations,” but Sirius did not look happy. “Serafina is a gifted individual, yes, but it’s not like I’m a total brute to everyone else.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, really?” Commander Wezen smiled in amusement. “When putting you on a monster-culling mission means we have to deploy less than half the regular squad numbers, I’d say that’s proof of your brute strength right there. And I, for one, definitely welcome it with open arms.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He then turned to look straight at me, snuggled in Sirius’s arms."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As soon as he noticed the color of my eyes, he was shocked. “Would you look at that? Golden eyes! Now, I’m something of a good-natured old man, if I do say so myself. Kids tend to like me, but you…you’re afraid of me. You see past the surface, and it frightens you. Those are some good eyes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sighed in relief at the commander’s good-natured words. Thank goodness. He didn’t seem to mind that I was intimidated by him earlier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you! I’ve been told that golden eyes are blessings from the Spirit Lord,” I answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the commander shook his head in disagreement. “I reckon that any asset goes to waste if you don’t use it well. You might have been blessed with golden eyes, but it’s your strength that makes you capable of using them, Princess.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have to hand it to you, Commander Wezen,” Sirius said. “Not everything that comes out of your mouth is rubbish.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His enthusiasm sounded forced, which made the commander grin. “Whaddaya mean? I’m always right on the money! And hey, you’ve got some good eyes yourself. You noticed Canopus’s talent way before I did. I showed off my whole rear end by overlooking him.” His smile widened. “So, Princess, I owe you an apology! I made some shallow assumptions about Canopus because of his pretty face. I worried you might’ve picked him based on looks, like he’d be an ornament instead of a knight. That’s why I got it into my head to train him up—but what do you know? He was way more skilled than I imagined.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh my.” I giggled, pleased to hear such nice things about Canopus."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I smiled, Commander Wezen blinked frantically and turned to Sirius. “Hey, Sirius! What kind of bullcrap is this? She’s got blessed golden eyes and the smile of an angel! She’s way out of your league.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius nodded and added, “I should also mention that Serafina is the most talented saint I’ve ever seen.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re kidding me! The best you’ve seen? As far as saints go, only the cream of the crop can team up with you. No one else could hack it against high-ranking monsters. And you’re saying the princess is better than all of them, without a shadow of doubt?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Commander Wezen gulped at Sirius’s words. “Come to think of it, she does have shockingly red hair… If she’s this young and already the best of the kingdom, wouldn’t that make her even more brutal than you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s what I’ve been saying. From her perspective, I’m just a regular old knight, not a brute monster.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve always thought the day you call yourself a regular knight is the day hell freezes over,” the commander said gravely as he put a hand to his forehead. “You’ve never exaggerated about anything ever. And if that’s the case here, then you’re the only match for the princess. I see why you’ve changed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The commander then staggered to the doorway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh my. Looks like I got the chills, Sirius. Definitely the sign of a bad illness, so I’ll be off to my home to rest for the day. You take the reins!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For all his tottering, Commander Wezen suddenly switched into an energetic sprint before he was even finished talking. When I blinked, he was gone, leaving only me, Sirius, and Canopus in the massive training grounds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wha—?” My eyelids fluttered in surprise. “Um, Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Commander Wezen is a capable knight…but he has the occasional habit of running off, sad as it is to say. He usually doesn’t lift a finger to do the paperwork and pushes it all on me instead. When I was off at the villa, I’m told he finally sucked it up and did the work himself. Maybe the stress of it got to him.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh…okay.” I stared at the door, unable to think of anything else to say. I was indirectly the reason why Commander Wezen had to do paperwork. I hoped he got a nice good rest, at least for today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I was praying, Sirius approached Canopus and tapped him lightly on the shoulder. “You’re a fine swordsman, Canopus. Be a good shield for Serafina.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clear, unmistakable words of praise—Canopus’s eyes lit up with delight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every knight looked up to Sirius. It was easy to imagine how proud they would feel after hearing positive feedback from him of all people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seeing Canopus beaming made me happy too. “Wow! Sirius respects you!” I squealed. “But I’m not surprised, tee hee. Of course my knight is the best! Canopus, you’ve got to guard me forever and ever.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canopus nodded fervently at my smiling face. “I will put my very life on the line to serve you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the exact same thing he swore to me yesterday. Wow, I didn’t expect to hear such a heavy vow twice. It made me realize what a wonderful, devoted knight I had. Who wouldn’t be thrilled about that?"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0023.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius - The Tragic Tale of the Nutshells"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Point of View: SiriusThe Tragic Tale of the Nutshells"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "WHEN YOU’RE THE VICE-COMMANDER of the knight brigade, you get your share of paperwork duties. And since Commander Wezen never did his part, it resulted in twice the workload on an already stacked plate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To make matters worse, my daytimes were hectic, leaving me no time for sifting through documents. This meant that it was now my habit to take the paperwork home with me in the evenings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, and speaking of habits, I munched on nuts from a crystal container on my table during those nightly workouts. They were covered in stiff, hard shells, but they were easy enough to split open when they ripened—you just had to dig into the little slits. So I developed a routine: read a document, crack open a nut, and put it in my mouth as I signed off on it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That night, I was going through the motions when a visitor came knocking on my door. Given the late hour, there was only one person who would casually show up to my room. As soon as I heard the knock, I stood up and opened the door myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There stood Serafina, dragging Canopus behind her, just as I expected. “Listen to this, Sirius!” She gazed up at me with sparkling eyes. “I might be a genius!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina genuinely was a genius, but she only called herself one in situations where she was anything but. Just the other day, she put the finishing touches on a magic formula that no one else could conceive, and it never even crossed her mind that this was an incredible feat. Meanwhile, the word “genius” flew off her tongue whenever she did something pretty much anyone could do, like telling the difference between an embroidered rose and a real one, or skipping on her tiptoes. I put this down to her long years of living in a forest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, what’s she calling herself a “genius” over this time? I wondered as I gave her a curious expression."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina thrust a plate at me, a proud grin on her face. “I wrote with sauce, Sirius! See?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wordlessly, I looked down at her hands. The plate was stacked with vegetables with melted cheese and sauce on top—a simple but readily digestible meal. Upon further examination, there was indeed something resembling writing on the plate. The words were almost impossible to decipher, but if you squinted and relied heavily on guesswork, then it came out looking something like…“You do great work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Warmth pricked my chest. “You came all this way at night just to show me this?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Although we both lived in the castle, our rooms were on different floors. The distance to my room would have felt like a marathon to her little legs. And besides, I never had any problems doing paperwork at night—I had the ability and stamina to do the job well. Nobody would have thought to fuss over me like this…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I don’t think Serafina quite understood what I was asking. “Yup!” she responded with a sunny smile. “You stay up every night working, so I got you a snack.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So this is for me to eat?” I appreciated the thought. With a smile, I took the plate from her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Being a duke, the king’s nephew, and the vice-commander of the knight brigade, I received my fair share of gifts. But Serafina’s presents made me feel the happiest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Although it was late, I felt bad about sending her straight back to her room after all that, so I invited her inside. She plopped down on the sofa and peered at the nut container with great curiosity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Those are my late-night snacks,” I explained. “They’re good to chew on while I’m working.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serafina turned her sparkling eyes my way. “Can I have one, Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, but only one because it’s late. There’s a shell on the outside, so you split it open with your hands and just eat what’s inside.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serafina did not need telling twice. She grabbed a nut and eagerly tried to split open the shell—but unfortunately, she couldn’t quite manage it. Maybe she wasn’t strong enough for the task."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I watched her wobbling hands and frowning face, I decided: Yeah, this isn’t going to work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Give it to me, Serafina. I’ll do it for y—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I never finished that sentence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because Serafina put the nut—shell and all—into her mouth and bit down on it forcefully. The crunching noise that rang out was deeply unnatural."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thrust a flustered hand in front of Serafina. “Serafina, spit out everything in your mouth!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was worried that there might have been a rock inside the nut. This had never happened before, but that noise didn’t sound like anything that would come from a nutshell, hence my fears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One thing led to another, and I looked down at what she spat into my palm…only to gape in abject horror."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the first time in my adult life, my hand trembled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, hell! Did I accidentally hurt Serafina? I shouldn’t have let her eat that nut!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because, you see, Serafina’s tiny teeth—two of them, in fact—adorned my hand. I suspect that her delicate teeth were unable to withstand the slightest bit of stiffness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Call a saint! And a doctor! Shake them out of bed if need be!” I yelled at Canopus as I flew off the sofa."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus’s eyes boggled at this impossible order. But I meant everything I said; I felt ill enough to hurl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius?” Serafina smiled in an attempt to reassure me, revealing a wide-open gap in the place of her missing front teeth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My eyes were drawn to the blood oozing out from where her teeth should have been."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How could this be? What travesty was this? Could a saint even restore missing teeth?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I picked up Serafina and patted her on the back to reassure her, causing her usual energetic giggle to spill out of her tiny body. Oh, what a wretch I was for harming such an adorable being! I vowed to restore Serafina’s teeth, even if it meant squandering my entire fortune."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as I was set in my resolve, I realized that Canopus was standing by the doorway, even after I’d told him to fetch a saint and doctor. “Canopus, why are you standing there?! We’re in a race against time!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Undaunted by my shouting, Canopus approached me with a very measured expression. “Vice-Commander Sirius, may I ask Princess Serafina a question first?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before I could tell him “No, just get on with it,” Serafina spoke up. “What is it, Canopus?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Were those two missing teeth feeling wobbly before?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup!” Serafina said promptly. “They’ve been like that for days. It hurt to eat.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus seemed to take this as some kind of confirmation. “Makes sense,” was all he said, before looking at me as if he expected me to have some kind of epiphany—but nothing came to mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Get to the point, Canopus!” I told him irritably."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canopus was quiet for a moment before responding. “I believe Princess Serafina is growing a new set of teeth. At her age, baby teeth start to get replaced by adult teeth. If you look closely at where her teeth fell out, you can see her adult teeth are sprouting.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I turned to Serafina in surprise, the clever little princess opened her mouth wide."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ah!” I exclaimed. “You’re right! I can see some tiny teeth growing there.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the space left behind by her missing teeth, the tiny tips of new teeth were peeking through."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We all look after the children together in Sutherland,” Canopus continued. “There was always some child kicking up a fuss about losing teeth. That was how I realized that Princess Serafina was also going through that phase.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Having never cared for children before, it failed to cross my mind that they grew new teeth. Canopus, it seemed, was trying to make me feel better about my ignorance. As far as I was concerned, however, the key takeaway was that Serafina’s teeth weren’t broken. I couldn’t care less about the details."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s good news, Serafina!” I said to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled. “Yup! Now I can eat more solid stuff.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This gave me a mental image of her crushing her teeth against other hard foods. Needless to say, I wasn’t smiling back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From then on, it became a habit of mine to step in whenever Serafina was about to put something hard into her mouth. Nutshells were a given, of course, but I broke up every portion of solid food for her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whenever I did this, everyone looked at me as if I’d grown another head. “Aren’t you being a little overprotective?” they would say, but I ignored them all. I told myself bitterly that they were only able to say that so easily because they’d never witnessed the terror of Serafina’s teeth loss for themselves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so I resigned myself to the snide comments, for there was no greater fear in my mind than that which I had seen."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0024.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Saint Knight Brigade"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Saint Knight Brigade"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I FELT KIND OF RESTLESS—two months after coming to the royal castle, I still hadn’t met a fellow saint."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d always dreamed of becoming a saint since I was little. At first, I thought of it as a way to help people while being blind, but even after I became able to see, I still really wanted to be a saint. Sirius acknowledged me as one, and I came straight to the capital when he said he wanted my strength. I thought I would be working with the other healers over here…but the chance never arose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My tutor had told me about the standard training course for saints. Much like how knight brigade candidates went to “knight school,” a bunch of different places had a “saint school” for aspiring saints."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Half the women in this country had a spirit pact and could use healing magic, which qualified them as saints. But Seven told me: “It’s only because of their pacts. Most of them are weak and can only use a bit of healing magic.” Basically, they stuck to minor spells that helped around the house. But there were more powerful saints too, like the ones who tried to cure my eyes. They could heal serious illnesses and make really effective potions. Almost everyone who worked for the good of the people studied at a saint school."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then there was me. I was a saint, but I had no idea how good I was at it. I had no one to compare myself to since I learned everything I knew about healing magic from the spirits and trained by myself. What if I picked up bad habits or learned things the wrong way? I wanted to do it the proper way, but I gave up on that after I found out that saint school would take three years."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why? Because Sirius was already fighting monsters as a knight. While I was taking my sweet time at school, Sirius could wind up badly hurt. So although I was still worried about my abilities, I got the idea of tagging along with the Fourth Saint Knight Brigade, which was where most of the saint school graduates went."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No harm giving it a try, right? I could always go to school if it turned out I really needed to. And if I was only a little behind, then I could just put in a bit of extra study at home every day. It was the perfect idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, but…what if I’m not good enough? Or maybe there’s some other reason why I can’t go to battle. Maybe that’s why Sirius isn’t so sure about letting me meet with the saints,” I muttered to myself on my sofa."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right then, there was a knock on the door, and you know who walked in? Sirius himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was always visiting my chambers after dinner and chatting with me about all kinds of stuff. Today, he was carrying a few picture books, which made me wonder if he was going to read me a story. When he saw the confused look on my face, he put the books on the table."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is there a problem, Serafina?” he asked. “You don’t seem to be in the mood for reading. Is something bothering you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to tell him what I wanted. “Sirius, I…I want to join the Saint Knight Brigade and learn how to be a saint!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This made him stiffen in shock for a moment. Then, without saying a word, he walked over and sat down next to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that felt crummy. Did I upset him? He had this uneasy look on his face and remained silent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius, if I’m causing trouble for you, just say so,” I said, tugging on his sleeve. “I don’t wanna do anything that upsets you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius shook his head slightly, still grimacing. “You’ve done no such thing. I’m not upset, just thinking about what to do.” He put a hand against his lips, as if he was pondering something. “Right…I can’t just put it off forever. I do think it’s about time we have a talk about this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He took my hand and gripped it lightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina, I’ve been worried about your future ever since I brought you to the castle.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was surprising—he’d never shown any hint of that. “Oh? Really?” I asked back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s lips twisted into another grimace. “Yeah,” he said, nodding. “Your saint abilities are so extraordinary that they stand out.” He gazed out the window thoughtfully. “Can I tell you something about myself?” Without waiting for my answer, he said, “I am a knight, one many regard as the strongest in the brigade. So whenever a strong monster shows up, I’m always ordered to slay it. But…people never wonder if I can beat it—they assume that if I can’t, then no one can. That’s the burden I carry with me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh no, really?!” I gasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That sounded crazy—people would rely on Sirius if there was a strong monster around, without wondering whether he could even win or not? But what would happen if he was up against a really strong monster—one he couldn’t beat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The question probably showed on my face, because Sirius smiled wryly. “As you might have imagined, I’ve fought many battles where my odds of winning were slim. But I have to do it, so long as there are people who see me as their only hope. Helping those people is what keeps me going…but I have to admit that it’s not an easy life.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius let go of my hand, took hold of my shoulders, and looked me straight in the eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, when people discover what a powerful saint you are, they’ll start demanding things of you. You’ll never not be a saint again. Everyone alive has to face things they don’t like, things they fear—but you’ll never have the luxury of running away. Take the stage just once, and the people will pin all their hopes and expectations on you. You will struggle to make your own choices and step off the pedestal. I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s hard.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t understand half of what Sirius was trying to tell me. He fought on the battlefield all the time, and I’d never fought once—we were worlds apart. No way could I grasp the weight of his words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was Sirius right? My heart didn’t agree with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But still…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You might…have a point.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I gave the answer he wanted to hear, his face cleared with relief. He reached out and ruffled my hair. “Serafina, when I brought you back to the capital, I asked you to lend me your strength. I still want that just as much as I did back then. But it doesn’t have to be immediate—I know it’ll happen one day. And besides, that’s only what I want. If you grow up and decide that you don’t want to be a saint who participates in battle, or even a saint at all, I’ll respect that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His expression was much calmer now compared to when he plucked me from the Forest of Lent. This was surely the conclusion he came to after a lot of thinking and worrying. I knew I should probably let it be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Looking back on that day in the forest, I asked for your help without giving you time to think about it. I’m sure you felt obligated to live up to what I said. But I…completely forgot that you are only six.” Sirius looked regretful as he shook his head. “That’s too soon for a person to decide what to do with their life, not to mention much too young to have such immense pressure weighing on you. Now’s the time for you to experience things you find ‘beautiful,’ ‘fun,’ and ‘happy.’ Those feelings will guide you to what you want in your future.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said nothing. It was getting harder to simply nod along. Sirius was only thinking about me. After spending so much time with me these past two months, he’d realized that I was a kid who acted her age. He decided to treat me not as a saint but as a child like anyone else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He thought only of me, not about himself at all. My heart hurt at his kindness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius held my hand. I think he saw my crumpled expression and was trying to cheer me up. “Serafina, you don’t need to hurry. I brought you to the castle on impulse after the talent you showed in the forest that day, but…you’re at an age where you should be playing and spending time with your parents.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what if Sirius got hurt in battle while I was playing? I bit my lip and stayed quiet, unable to bring myself to answer him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius spoke up again in a light tone, attempting to change the mood. “Besides, you have your lessons as a royal. The king and queen both hope you become a fine princess who shines for the people…enough to make up for the time you were away. They want you to make the most of your education.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mhmm…” I could only nod when he brought up my parents. I knew that Father and Mother thought dearly of me, and I wanted to be a good daughter for them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Since coming to the royal capital, you’ve reunited with your family and met many new faces. I’m sure your world is going to get even bigger. I believe I was right in bringing you here—you should be living with people, not spirits. Even so, your spirit came with you to the capital,” Sirius said as he picked me up and put me on his knees."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He peered at my face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I swore to you as a knight that I would make you just as happy as the Forest of Lent did—and that I would show you what’s beautiful about the world. Let me live up to that vow before you think of doing anything for me. To be perfectly honest, I never really spent my childhood years living like a kid. Going through it with you has been a brand-new experience for me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius spoke with such joy about the future, but…I couldn’t get what he said earlier out of my mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That he had to fight monsters he couldn’t beat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was a horrible way to live. And yet despite that, he wanted me to put off making my official battlefield debut until some vague, distant future. Was that really the right thing to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My heart throbbed with pain. I clenched my hand over my chest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The reason I came to the royal capital was because I wanted to protect Sirius—because I knew that a brave and righteous man like him would surely come to harm one day. When it happened, I wanted to be there as a saint. I would rush to the field straight away if it helped him…but I just couldn’t say with confidence that I was capable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d never seen a saint on the battlefield, so I didn’t know how I measured up. Things went okay in the Forest of Lent, but that was because of all the strong knights at the scene, Sirius first and foremost among them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was I strong enough to make a real contribution? Sirius acknowledged my abilities, but that didn’t necessarily mean they’d hold up in an actual fight. There was a big chance I would be deadweight instead. If there was one thing I definitely didn’t want to do, it was exposing Sirius to danger because of my rookie mistakes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was why I wanted to do what I could to become a better saint. And if learning from the saints in the knight brigade was the quickest way to do that, then so be it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I looked up at Sirius, my hand gripping his sleeve. “Thank you, Sirius. You have my best interests in mind.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius’s eyes lit up at this unexpected compliment, but I didn’t stop to react to it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You don’t have to worry about me,” I went on. “I love doing fun things every day. Even funny things! Lots of funny things happen when Seven’s with me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right…” Sirius groaned. Maybe he was thinking about all those pranks Seven got up to after he came to the capital."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But I also wanna be a strong saint. So yeah, I still wanna join the Saint Knight Brigade and learn stuff.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was firm in my thinking: I wanted to become the kind of saint who could help Sirius, and I was happy with taking it one step at a time. As I waited for Sirius’s reply, his mouth curled upward suddenly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina, you won’t be swayed no matter what I say. I’m betting that passion is the source of your brilliance. I admire it.” He squinted in thought. “Still, you haven’t seen other saints in battle. But in any case, the fact that you pulled off what you did in the Forest of Lent means you have a gift… Someone with your talent wouldn’t need to hang around the knight brigade, but I’m sure there’d be a lot for you to take in regardless. You have a way of making the best out of any situation.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gazed at him, eyes wide in anticipation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius gave me a defeated little smile. “All right, fine. Let’s pay a visit to the Saint Knight Brigade.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whoopee! A grin spread across my face. I had permission now!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you, Sirius!” I said with a smile and hugged him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Being “competent” means being good at everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I realized this the very next day, when Sirius showed up at breakfast and declared that I would be visiting the Saint Knight Brigade in the afternoon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? Today?!” I asked, stunned. “But I just asked you last night!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only the two of us were in the dining room, making me the sole witness to his very matter-of-fact expression. “Yup, it was yesterday.” He nodded. “And a whole day has passed since then. Plenty of time to get things done.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, but we talked at night…and it’s only morning now…” I mumbled, although it occurred to me that Sirius experienced time differently from the rest of us. This kind of lightning pace was probably an everyday thing for him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius calmly turned the subject away from the timing of the visit. “Serafina, there is one problem with visiting the knight brigade: Only adults can join the brigade, so you’re not qualified.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh no!” I had no idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the Náv Kingdom, people normally had a coming-of-age ceremony when they were around fifteen or so. As a six-year-old, I still had a long wait ahead of me. The idea that a child couldn’t join the knight brigade was…well, a surprise, but kind of obvious when I thought about it. I mean, a saint wouldn’t have enough magic to use healing spells unless they had a spirit pact, and only adults could form pacts. It was similar to how people’s bodies weren’t fully grown until adulthood, so it made sense that the knight brigade would restrict itself to adult saints. Of course the knights in general would draw a line in the sand, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I spiraled into gloom, a kind voice fell on my ears. “Every rule has its exceptions, Serafina. If you really want to join, I’ll make it happen for you. Don’t worry.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You will?!” I lifted my head in surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He nodded at me, his serious expression never wavering. “I’m the vice-commander. And you know what else? I get to make the final decisions because our commander doesn’t do a shred of paperwork. If you want me to, I can make a special exception for you. I could even change the rules entirely.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-oh dear! You mustn’t do that!” I shook my head frantically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh-oh. It wouldn’t be right if someone in charge did whatever they wanted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius furrowed his brow at my response, but he shrugged and continued, “Just go there today for a taste, Serafina. Try it for half a day and see how it goes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay! I’ll try!” I nodded obediently. I got the impression that nobody questioned Sirius as an authority figure—or, to put it less nicely, he used his position to force his way through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius held a finger in front of my face. “All right, I want you to promise me two things. The first is that you hide your identity. You’re royalty. If we were following the formal procedure, you’d need to apply two weeks beforehand just to observe the knight brigade, and there’d be a lot of rules for you to follow. So today, you’ll be going as a different person.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who am I going to be? Your daughter?” I asked, tilting my head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius scowled. “I’m nineteen, not old enough to be your father.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How about my brother?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Forget about my family. You’ll be…let’s see…a cute little flower spirit I found in a field. How about that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That sounded a bit too far from reality. I wasn’t even human anymore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I threw an annoyed look at Sirius, causing him to make an awkward cough. “Sorry. You know I make bad jokes. But, you know, a flower spirit isn’t that far-fetched… All right, fine, I’ll stop. Don’t look at me like that.” He sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, let’s go with something generic. You’ll be a young lady from a branch line of my…the Ulysses family. Nobody will buy that, but I doubt anyone would challenge me to my face.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I clapped my hands together at Sirius’s suggestion. “What a great idea! I always lived at the villa, so I’m still learning how to be a lady. Make sure you tell everyone I’m from the countryside, okay?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“For a princess of the nation, you really put yourself down,” Sirius muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I definitely was a country bumpkin, still stuck on the basics of etiquette. Only Sirius and Father treated me like a proper princess. The problem was that they didn’t realize they were going easy on me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius changed the subject. “Anyway, the second thing you need to promise me is that you’ll keep your full saint powers hidden. You don’t want to cause an incident.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” I raised my head slightly. Since I was going there to learn, wasn’t I supposed to show what I could do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The saints will be shocked to the core if you were to say, ‘These are my saint skills,’ and then brandish spells no one’s ever seen before,” Sirius explained. “I can easily imagine pandemonium breaking loose.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Brandish. Pandemonium. What big words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh dear. Sirius always used big words whenever he got carried away about something. It was really hard for me to understand him when he got like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seemingly unaware of my thoughts, Sirius went on talking with even more complicated words. “The knight brigade is a tight-knit order. Even if you were to reveal the extent of your talents, I could enforce a gag order. This is a way for you to experience what it’s like to be a saint before you make your official debut. Like I said before, just give it a shot, and if active battles don’t suit you, you can become some other kind of saint.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But that’s a discussion for later. Today, you’ll be watching the saints at work. Stay put and don’t draw attention to yourself, otherwise everyone will want to know about your spells and it will defeat the entire point of the trip.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Phew. I think I got my head around that last bit. He was basically telling me to watch the saints and don’t make a scene."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I gave a big nod to show that I understood, Sirius patted me on the head with his large hand. “You’ll be fine. I’ll be there for you no matter what happens.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That afternoon, Sirius took me to the Fourth Saint Knight Brigade, just like he promised. He should have been way too busy to hang around with me for half a day, but apparently that was the plan. Maybe he was worried about me because Canopus stayed behind—if he tagged along, everyone would know I was royalty. That was when it finally hit me that Sirius was being literal when he said, “I’ll be there for you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When he left his office, there were a bunch of knights in tears. This made me worry that he might have ditched some kind of important job, but he bluntly said, “I’ve done everything I need to do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He and the knights were definitely not on the same page. I bet they wanted him to do more work, but they gave up on it because they knew that he wouldn’t budge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven wasn’t with us either; he said he didn’t wanna see the adult spirits. He probably didn’t like the idea of them treating him like a child."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since I’m only here to watch, I’m probably fine without him, I thought as I entered the Saint Knight Brigade’s training grounds…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only for all twenty of the saints to turn at the same time and look at me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that was a shock. My body instantly tensed up, and before I knew it, I was clinging tightly to Sirius’s sleeve."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After my initial surprise faded, I took another look at the saints and realized that almost all of them had red streaks in their hair. They definitely had the skills, and they all looked really cool in their white-and-red uniforms. Their faces remained very alert as they studied us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whoa, they’re so awesome!” I blurted out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius silently put a hand to my back and walked in step with me to the middle of the training grounds. He must have told the saints beforehand that we were coming, because they all seemed to know about him and greeted him with smiles on their faces. It was such a huge difference from the previous tense greeting that I found myself entranced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were adorable!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ahhh, I want to be just like them,” I mumbled vacantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius looked down at me quizzically, clearly not understanding what was going through my head. Meanwhile, the captain and vice-captain of the Saint Knight Brigade hurried over to us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Vice-Commander Sirius, it’s a pleasure to have you!” Both the captain and vice-captain had gentle smiles on their faces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius definitely had the wrong idea when he said that the knight brigade saints disliked him. If anything, they were clearly fond of him, while he showed no interest back. That was the impression I got from him when he handed his documents over to them and talked about work-related stuff. He wasn’t mean or anything, just…indifferent. It was hard to imagine that this was the same person who always had a smile for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While I stood there in surprise, he looked up from what he was doing. When his eyes fell on my face, I took that as my cue to step up next to him and curtsy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This girl will be joining the Saint Knight Brigade for today,” he said. “Let me introduce her. Her name is Sera…Seraphi.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since we hadn’t decided on a name beforehand, Sirius came up with something on the spot. It sounded awfully close to my real name, though, I had to say. All he did was take off the “na.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The captain was a handsome woman with short red hair by the name of Adara. The vice-captain was named Mirfak, and she had shoulder-length purplish-red hair. They looked like kind and helpful people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Adara faced Sirius with a confident, masculine smile. “Since you’ll be with us for today, Vice-Commander Sirius, we’re planning to take on some monsters in Starfall Forest. I think the best way for the young lady here to learn what we saints do is to watch us in action.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s brow knitted into a frown at hearing me called “young lady,” but he didn’t seem to want to pick a fight in front of me. Lowering his eyes, he swallowed his words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meanwhile, I was captivated by how cool and suave Captain Adara was—she had such slender limbs and a smooth, symmetrical face. I knew she was a woman, but…no, maybe her womanliness was what made her so handsome."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius blankly looked at me as I mentally gushed over Captain Adara. “Very well. Our escorting knights will join the battle as well.” Since Sirius was such an important person, he had three knights tagging along to protect him. I recognized them all from their visit to the Forest of Lent. When I gave them a little wave, they waved right back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Starfall Forest was an hour-long horse ride away from the royal castle. Captain Adara and Vice-Captain Mirfak rode their mounts without any fuss, which told me that proper saints could manage a horse by themselves. I added this to my list of things to study."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since I was the only one who couldn’t ride, I went on Sirius’s horse. I sat in front of him and giggled whenever the horse’s trotting got me wobbling. But since we weren’t making any progress that way, Sirius used one arm to hold me steady."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I looked up at him, Sirius frowned in worry. “When you ride, you’re meant to rise and fall with the horse so that you don’t bruise your rear. I don’t think you’re big enough to manage it since you can’t even get your legs around its back. I’ll hold on to you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? You will?” Since I didn’t know the first thing about riding a horse, I looked up at Sirius in surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He nodded like it was obvious. I wondered if he was planning to hold me for an entire hour—that seemed a bit much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t you worry, Sirius. I have a hard butt, so I can handle a bumpy ride. You’re going to fight monsters—you wouldn’t want your arm to get all tired from holding me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha, you’re joking. You think I can believe you’re all tough and strong when you lost your teeth from eating a nut? Either way, I wouldn’t worry about my arm; you’re as light as a spirit.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Um, I was as big as your average six-year-old. I wasn’t that light. His arm would definitely get numb from the weight over time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or so I thought. Sirius didn’t even bother switching arms—he just held me with his left one the whole time. He even cheerfully pointed out the scenery on the way and never got out of breath once. When we got to the forest and he put me down, I poked his arm a bit because I was scared that he had to be secretly putting up with the pain, but he looked totally fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wow, okay. To a person with a freakishly strong body like him, I probably did seem as frail as a spirit. I finally understood Sirius’s attitude."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone walked into the forest after that. Our group was me, Sirius, Captain Adara, Vice-Captain Mirfak, and the three knights on escorting duty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since I was only familiar with the Forest of Lent, I looked around this new forest with a lot of curiosity. I noticed that Starfall Forest had lots of shorter trees compared to the Forest of Lent. It was just a small detail, but it made a strong impression on me. “It’s weird how this forest doesn’t have many big trees, Sirius!” I called out to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Adara heard my voice and looked back over her shoulder at me. “Wow, you speak to the vice-commander without his title?” she said, sounding mildly incredulous. “I know you’re young, but some would call that rude!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Er, um, Mr. Sirius?” I said, flustered by the sharp comment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Stop that!” Sirius snapped. “Serafina-na-names aren’t an issue for me…Seraphi.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s tone started off so sharp, but he got shaky in the middle there. It sounded like he accidentally said my real name and then tried to cover it up by turning it into a whole sentence… It was hard to say whether that fooled anyone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, okay,” I said simply, since I didn’t want to put my foot any further in anyone’s mouths. I always thought that Sirius was a grand mastermind type, but the fact that he slipped up on my fake name made it seem that he was no good at being sneaky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seraphi is a relative of mine,” Sirius explained. “We don’t need formalities.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s not about your relationship, it’s about respecting the position.” Captain Adara smiled in a way that half-looked like a grimace. “As far as I know, even the princes and princesses refer to you as Vice-Commander.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then she glanced at me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Anyway, this young lady is, what, five? A girl this young isn’t going to take in what she sees. Vice-Commander, you know as well as I do that showing her my magic is pointless, so I can’t help but wonder why you were so insistent on bringing her along. We’re busy people too—if the request hadn’t come from you, I would’ve turned it down.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vice-Captain Mirfak, who was walking next to her, nodded eagerly in agreement. “Captain Adara has a point. You and I are wasting half a day on this excursion, and young Seraphi is only going to remember it as a picnic.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius glowered back at them. “If Seraphi only remembers this as a picnic, then it will mean that my knights and your magic failed to impress! If that ends up being the case, then I would feel ashamed of my skills!” Anyone could tell by his tone that he was angry. Captain Adara and Vice-Captain Mirfak both stiffened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frankly, it came as a surprise to me as well. Sirius always struck me as the type to shrug off light insults, but here he was standing his ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once the two saints recovered from their shock, they gazed at Sirius in wonderment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whoa, is this really the vice-commander?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t think he’d react so strongly.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The three knights on escorting duty, who were following the saints from behind, shook their heads with a smug, knowing attitude."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re behind the times!” they said teasingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, the vice-commander is scarily devoted. It’s common knowledge in the knight brigade these days.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Silver Knight has sworn his love to his princess!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s knights hadn’t changed one bit from their time at the Forest of Lent. They always seemed to be having a good time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After an hour of walking about, our group finally ran into some monsters. My heart pounded in excitement at the idea of seeing other saints’ magic for the very first time in my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At Sirius’s signal, I trotted off somewhere where I wouldn’t get in the way. I’d only noticed this recently, but I had really good eyes. Since I could see what everyone was doing even from far away, I picked a spot that was definitely out of the action. I scrambled over to a distant rock and clenched my hands together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yippee, I’m finally gonna see some saint magic!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I watched in glee as half a dozen monsters came on the scene. Three of them were wolf-types, and the other three were hog-types."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suddenly, I got a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. The wolves had these solid-looking manes on their heads. Were they fenrirs? I was pretty sure they looked just like the illustrations in the Monster Encyclopedia. But then I remembered that fenrirs were top-class monsters that only lived deeper in the woods. Besides, the book said that you needed dozens of knights to take down just one fenrir. Sirius strode toward them without a bit of hesitation, so…I guess they weren’t fenrirs?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I watched, not feeling totally sure of what was going on, the three knights steadily followed Sirius’s lead. Meanwhile, Captain Adara and Vice-Captain Mirfak stopped behind them and started calling for their spirits."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O Spirit, I summon thee to lend me thy strength!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O Great Spirit, manifest thy form!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was what you said when you sealed a pact. Although the saints didn’t use the spirit language, the moment they chanted their summons, two spirits appeared in front of them. Both were the size of adult women. They had green hair and floated slightly off the ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-wow! Adult spirits!” I’d only ever laid eyes on spirit children, so it was thrilling to see a grown-up version. “Oh, yikes, I can’t keep my feet steady!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My heart was pounding so quickly it took my breath away. I squeezed my hands together, trying to calm myself down as I peered straight ahead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A two-meter-tall hog monster was the first to move. It stomped the ground threateningly a few times before charging straight at Sirius."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s a violet boar! The ’cyclopedia said that even when you can see it coming in a straight line, its speed can still blow you away.” I clasped my hands together, praying that Sirius would be unhurt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, Sirius didn’t even flinch at the monster’s furious charge. He waited until the very last second to dodge, luring it in. Then, with a single flash of his sword, the monster’s head came flying off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh my gosh! I knew Sirius was strong from the battle at Lent, but I didn’t know he was this strong!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Back then, I was the only saint at the scene, so the main thing on my mind was doing something to help. Although I got a sense of how strong both sides were in that battle, now I felt more like a captive audience member."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, rats! I was here to observe the saints. “Time to study up!” I told myself as I shifted my gaze to Captain Adara and Vice-Captain Mirfak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The two saints kept their distance from the knights. Surprisingly, they were further from the action than I was in my own battle in the forest. Was this normal?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh dear! I bet everyone thought I was in the way because I was so close!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sure the knights were nice enough to look the other way since it was my first battle, but I had to do it properly next time. Okay, I made a memo to myself, I’ll stay faaaar away from the knights next time!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I kept on watching, but the two saints didn’t cast a single strength or defense buff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, maybe they see how strong the enemy is and decide which spell to cast based on that. Now I feel like a total beginner for casting every spell I could.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, it was my first battle. Of course I acted like a beginner. Now that I could clearly see where I lacked compared to the other saints, I really had to thank Sirius and the knights for praising my skills. They were being much too kind!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, the battle raged on. As I watched, my palms sweaty from anticipation, I felt somebody hit my back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Who else was in this forest? I swung around in surprise, only for my feet to miss the ground altogether."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whaaaa—?” I squeaked at the same time a golden griffon appeared out of nowhere and lifted me by the back of my dress."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Griffons were dangerous monsters with the head of a hawk and the body of a lion. I hadn’t noticed this one get so close because I’d been enraptured by the battle. By the time I realized what was going on, my feet were well off the ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Eeeek!” I wailed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius’s head sprang upward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even though he was in the middle of battle, he still reacted to my voice from far away. When he saw that I was in a monster’s clutches—and that I was six or seven meters up in the air—his eyes boggled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He instantly readied his sword as if he was about to throw it, but then his arm stopped mid-motion. It must have occurred to him that I’d fall if he killed the monster."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina!” he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seeing him get so pale, I couldn’t help but shout back. “I’m so sorry, Sirius!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I felt terrible. He was so kind to bring me along to watch the saints, but now here I was, getting swiped up by a monster in the middle of the battle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It hit me that Sirius was so nice and caring that he might just chase after me, but there were still three fenrir-looking monsters remaining—the others were going to have a rotten time if he left."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius! Don’t you worry! I bet it won’t eat meeee!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So go beat the fenrirs first!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s what I was trying to yell at him, but I don’t think Sirius got the message because he had completely taken his eyes off the battle and was just staring directly up at me. Judging by his expression, he definitely thought that I was just saying stuff to get him to stop worrying. But his despair only lasted for a split second. The next moment, Sirius sheathed his sword and sprinted straight for the griffon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There’s no way, I thought. No matter how great Sirius was, not even he could catch a griffon in flight. And just as I thought, the griffon soared higher—far beyond Sirius’s reach."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I waved my hands frantically to show Sirius that I was okay, but his distraught face very quickly disappeared from view."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The griffon took me straight to its nest, just like I thought it would. Griffons generally flocked in groups and built their nests on cliffs overhanging the sea, but sometimes there were ones who stayed on their own. This particular griffon was one of those, and she lived alone in a nest she built for herself in a cave on a steep cliff next to the forest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Griffons only ever brought their prey to their nests, which meant that I was live bait…although I was pretty sure they only needed that for their children. It was meant to teach the young how to hunt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked around the nest, and there were no baby griffons to be seen. So what was I here for? Maybe she wanted to finish me off at home?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I turned to the griffon nervously. “Madam Griffon, if you’re thinking of eating me, I… Wait, what? You’re giving me food?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The reason my sentence suddenly turned into a question was because the golden griffon hurled something black at me. Since I’d just been talking about food, my first thought was that she was giving me something to eat, but it looked more like a big black furball than a meal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, wait. The furball had ears, and it was around the same size as me. I realized that it was a shaggy, fluffy black wolf."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, not a wolf, a monster,” I muttered to myself. “A fenrir? Oh, wow! A real one! Oh, but black monsters are special, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fenrirs were wolf-type monsters with stiff manes on their heads. I hadn’t been sure about the ones from before because I’d been far away, but I could tell for sure that this one was a fenrir—which meant it was pretty high up the monster food chain. It was probably stronger than the griffon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what was really interesting was…this one was black. Black was a sign that the monster had strong powers. The Two Great Beasts of the continent were both that color, in fact. One was the black dragon, and the other one was…I forgot exactly, but it wasn’t a fenrir. I was pretty sure those were the only two black monsters you could find on the whole continent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So what was this shaggy little thing, then? As I peered at the round furball, it wriggled its arms and legs and stared up at me with red eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had no idea what this pup was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it was definitely black, which meant it was unbelievably strong…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stared at the black fenrir, trying to get my thoughts in order. Maybe it was because of the Spirit Lord’s blessing, but my eyes were getting better at taking in details by the day. I could tell that the black fenrir was absurdly strong. It was a newborn, though, judging by its size, so maybe it didn’t know how to use the power brimming inside its body."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was that why the griffon brought me here—to feed it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was at that moment when I noticed all the red feathers scattered around my feet. I picked one up and—yes, it belonged to a griffon. And a much tinier one than usual, at that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, is there a red griffon baby here?” I took another look around and noticed the eggshells in the corner of the nest. “Ah! Oh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could piece together what happened based on the clues. I bet the golden griffon gave birth to a red griffon chick. Then maybe the mother caught the black fenrir, hoping to feed it to her child…only for the black fenrir to eat the chick instead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Being a red griffon, it would have been stronger than other, regular-colored griffons, but the black fenrir was even stronger. In a clash between two babies, black would have beaten red."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh my, the monster world is ruthless…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shot a nervous look at the black fenrir, then at the golden griffon beside it. The next thing I knew, the griffon crouched down and used its beak to straighten my hair, which had gotten ruffled from the flight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I saw the monster’s tender gaze, a new thought occurred to me. “Oh! Have you mistaken me for your child?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come to think of it, I was wearing a red dress and my hair was red. Maybe the griffon mistook me for her chick because I was red all over. Sirius said I looked like a spirit because my dress sleeves flapped in the wind, but who would have thought I’d be mistaken for a monster!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, I get it,” I said, after some thought. “You must have gone looking for your child after it went missing all of a sudden. You brought me to your nest, thinking the search was over, and you gave me the black fenrir to eat.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I wasn’t hungry—and black fenrirs weren’t my thing anyway…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I stroked the black fenrir’s tummy, wondering what to do, I noticed something slick sticking to my fingers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I looked down at my hand in surprise and noticed it was smeared in bright red blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My eyes went back to the black fenrir. On second look, its body was covered in wounds. I hadn’t realized at first because of all the black fur covering it, but it was bleeding all over. It had only one ear poking out from its fluffy fur—the other was gone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh dear!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While I gripped with shock, the black fenrir pulled in its arms and legs, turning back into a black furball. I suppose it smelled danger and brought out its limbs when the griffon threw me to the ground, but then it decided that there was no urgent threat and chose to save its strength instead. Seeing as it was hurt all over, I bet it barely had the energy to stand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did the golden griffon wound it? No, I think it was more likely that the griffon found it when it was already injured; that would explain why a weaker monster was able to catch a black fenrir in the first place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I approached the black furball nervously. After a bit of hesitation, I called out to it: “Um, Little Black Fenrir… If you, um, swear not to eat me, I’ll heal your wound, I promise.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t sense any hostility from the black fenrir, maybe because it was weak and exhausted. But from inside the ball of fluff, there was a reaction: Its single ear twitched."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fur gave way ever so slightly to a pair of red eyes. The black fenrir looked at me carefully, as if taking stock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then…it seemed to nod in agreement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh! So that’s a promise, then?” I was just about to remind the black fenrir not to eat me when I remembered that Seven taught me a song and dance that would “definitely stop monsters from eating you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, right! I forgot I was meant to perform this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven told me to put on a show if I ever crossed paths with danger. It totally slipped my mind, but good thing I remembered it just in time!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I scrambled to my feet and curtsied to the black fenrir and golden griffon. Then I did a dance—with a musical number, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, you guys, my name’s Serafina!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a bad idea to make me your dinner!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve got red hair, my friend is a spirit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I might look yummy, but I taste like grit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m full of poison, so you better watch out!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One bite of me and you’ll cringe, no doubt!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not all that looks tasty is good for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So don’t eat me, I’m off the menu!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I put my hands together in the shape of an X for that last bit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Phew, I was pretty sure that was all I had to do. I looked at the two monsters, panting. They looked back at me with wide eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I knew I could count on Seven! Looks like that worked.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven said that if the monsters got entranced by my song and dance, they wouldn’t do anything bad to me. Yup, all it took was a dance to win over monsters and turn them into friends!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I approached the black fenrir, this time with a happy grin on my face. It looked up at me quietly with an expression that I thought looked full of trust."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I stroked its neck, then put both my hands onto its black body. And then I chanted…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the sound of my voice, a sparkling red light sprang from my hands and fell onto the black fenrir. Within the blink of an eye, all the wounds on its body disappeared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The black beast immediately sprang up in surprise. The movement was so swift and effortless that I got a clear sense of the great power stored in its body."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh-oh…” Flustered, I gazed at the black fenrir. Now that its wounds were healed, the monster was terrifyingly strong. “Well, it is a child. The injuries made me think it was weaker than it actually was. Now that it’s healed, you’d think it was another monster entirely.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yikes! I thought. Was it a good idea to heal such a powerful monster? As I gazed fretfully at the black fenrir, it started wagging its tail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O-oh, have you realized that I was the one who healed you? Well, you’re a special type of fenrir, so I bet you’re a really good boy! Phew, I’m glad you aren’t turning on me now that you’re all better.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The relief sapped all the energy from my body."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The black fenrir nuzzled me as soon as my bum hit the ground. Not to be outdone, the griffon snuggled close to me as well. How nice it was to have two soft and cuddly creatures curl up with me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I smiled…and my eyelids flickered shut."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before I knew it, I was feeling really sleepy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I usually had a nap after lunch every day, but today I went straight to the Saint Knight Brigade after eating. With a full stomach, a shaggy black fenrir, and a fluffy griffon around, it was only natural that a pleasant drowsiness came over me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were all about to fall asleep together, but then the two monsters suddenly sprang up, which made my eyes snap open too. I saw the black fenrir at my right, growling at something. To my left, the griffon was beating its wings threateningly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Startled, I looked over where the two monsters were glaring and saw a whole bunch of yellow eyes gleaming at the cave’s entrance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh no, a pack of fenrirs?!” I gasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The fenrirs had appeared out of nowhere, blocking the entrance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The griffon had built her nest within a steep cliff, but the cliff itself was slanted diagonally, not vertically. Powerful monsters like fenrirs were probably able to run down the cliff, so…"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0025.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Saint Knight Brigade"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh-oh. I didn’t have to count them to know that there was a crowd. I couldn’t see how many fenrirs were behind the pack closing off the entrance, but there had to be over fifteen of them for sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I had to wonder: Why would the fenrirs expose themselves to danger by running down a steep cliff?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before my thoughts could get any further, I heard a low growl to my right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The black fenrir."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As soon as I remembered its existence, I just knew: Oh, of course that’s what the fenrirs are here for. In fact, the fenrirs were looking only at the black fenrir and nothing else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Actually, I had to wonder if these fenrirs were why the black fenrir got so awfully hurt in the first place. That would explain why they were pursuing him—they wanted to finish him off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It also hit me that Sirius and the others had been fighting a group of monsters with fenrirs in it. I’d been wondering why they showed up when they were supposed to live deeper in the forest. Now I was certain that those monsters had been after the black fenrir too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gosh, you’re all supposed to be friends…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And yet the pack decided as a group to attack the black fenrir, even though it was just a pup—something the fellow fenrirs should have been protecting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do I do? I dunno how to protect the black fenrir and griffon from so many monsters.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although I knew it wasn’t right to butt into fights between monsters, the black fenrir warmed up to me after I healed it, and the griffon doted on me as its child. I really didn’t want to see them hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But although I wanted to protect the black fenrir, it stepped out in front of me. It was a mind-boggling sight. “What?! Y-you’re protecting me from the monsters?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Monsters cared about protecting themselves before anything else—so why did the black fenrir jump in front of me and bare its fangs at the others? It looked like it was raring for a fight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I puzzled over this strange sight, the golden griffon stepped in front of me too, as if she didn’t want to be outdone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Aren’t griffons supposed to be weaker than fenrirs? Why is this one trying to pick a fight?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was unheard of in the natural world. As I gaped at the strange scene unfolding in front of me, one of the fenrirs suddenly lunged forward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ahh!” I shrank back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The black fenrir jumped out to block it, sinking his teeth into the other fenrir’s neck. The beast fell to the ground, writhing furiously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh my!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moment the black fenrir landed on the ground, there was an eerie cracking sound, and streams of blood poured out of the other fenrir’s mouth. Shockingly, the tiny pup took down a massive fenrir many times its size."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The black fenrir was swifter and stronger than the others—watching it fight confirmed it for me. Given how it was wounded earlier while the other fenrirs were unharmed, you’d think the black fenrir was much weaker. But right now, the black fenrir was capable of wiping the floor with the rest. It must have gained this strength over a very short period of time. That…was a scary pace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The other fenrirs must have caught on to this too, because they took a few steps back, bristling with caution. But still…my heart pounded in fear. There were way more of them. As I tried to steady my breathing, I clenched my fists—I had to fight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-okay! So it’s come to this! Time to unveil my Serafina Punch!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I raised my fists as the fenrirs came rushing in, one after the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ahh! Eeeek!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My desperate attempt at throwing a punch went nowhere—my body froze up entirely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before the first fenrir could get to me, the black fenrir jumped out and sent it flying. Then the griffon instantly swooped in for a follow-up attack. (Did they set up a silent communication pipeline at some point?)."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those were some impressive skills for sure, but they were still outnumbered. While one of the fenrirs was down, the others set themselves upon the black fenrir and griffon. The two monsters were covered in cuts and gashes in no time flat, but even then, they refused to move out of the way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were protecting me. It was clear as day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh no, what do I…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do I do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even if I were to tell them to get out of the way, I couldn’t fight on the front lines like they could. So no, I was in no shape to protect them—but at this rate, they were only going to take even more damage for me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Heal!” I chanted, removing their wounds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it only worked for an instant. Before long, they got hit with brand new injuries—and they felt the pain every time. It was an endless cycle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sorry…” Tears sprouted in my eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was useless. All I could do was stand by and watch as they took the hits that were meant for me. We were close enough to touch, and so whenever they got hurt, I felt their pain as if it were my own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that was only my imagination, really. They were the only ones getting injured over and over again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I felt so rotten."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the tears poured down my face, I murmured his name. I wasn’t even hoping for him to come save me—he was just the only thing I could think of."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius was busy fighting the other monsters. He chased after me when the griffon took me, but now I was far out of reach. He didn’t know where the griffon’s nest was either, so I knew there was no hope of him coming for me…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I called out for him anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The odds of anyone rescuing me at all were almost zero, but if anyone could do it, it was Sirius."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s what I thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius! Sirius!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And then, a split second later, a voice called out back to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My head jolted up, because it was the voice of the very person I had called for."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No way…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Standing at the entrance of the nest with a grim look on his face was Sirius himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I tried calling out his name again…but my voice got stuck in my throat because the moment he saw me, his face took on a look I’d never seen before. It hit me that I must have truly gone overboard this time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius closed his eyes for a brief second as if to pray, before immediately snapping them back open. He drew his sword, his expression a picture of deadly serious intent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next moment…there wasn’t even a sound. All I saw was the flash of a sword. One of the fenrirs let out a high-pitched snarl and attempted to lunge. But before it could, it fell to the ground, split in two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A wave of relief came over me. Seeing Sirius as cool and strong as always told me that everything was going to be okay. My racing heart finally slowed down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looking around the nest with a clear head, I could see what I had to do. I was a saint, after all; there was plenty I could do aside from healing magic. It hadn’t even occurred to me until I saw Sirius and stopped panicking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I whipped my head up. “Hey, Seven?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seven appeared as soon as I called out for him in the spirit language. “Hey, Fi, what’s up?” He was all smiles until he spotted all the fenrirs and the griffon. “Hold up, what’s going on here?! What’s with all the monsters?!” He jolted back in surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Er, um, it’s a long story… I’ll explain later. Could you fight with me right now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sure thing!” he said crisply, always quick on the uptake. I grinned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He floated all the way up to the ceiling and started channeling his spirit magic to me. I lifted a hand and unleashed a spell aimed at the black fenrir, the griffon, and, of course, Sirius."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that single word, the two monsters and the sole human were back to perfect health."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was pretty sure that Sirius must have gone through a huge ordeal in order to find me. His uniform was torn up all over, and there was blood dripping from all of his gashes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Invigorate! Attack ×1.5; Speed ×1.5!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hesitated for a moment, but I ended up casting buffs on Sirius. He was the only knight in the area, and there were still ten fenrirs left to beat. Also, I was pretty sure that Sirius would try to take down all the monsters by himself—entirely for my sake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The strength he showed a moment ago was clearly beyond a normal human’s limits. Most people couldn’t slice a fenrir in two with pure upper body strength alone. If he was going to insist on pushing himself harder than anyone else, then the least I could do as a saint was lend him my fullest power."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, I looked at the black fenrir and griffon. Could I buff them too? Probably. But monsters were independent and generally relied purely on their own strength to get by. There was a chance they wouldn’t appreciate the outside help. Besides, I had no idea what they would do with the extra strength. Maybe they wouldn’t be able to use it, or maybe they’d be afraid to even use their normal strength."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After going back and forth about it in my mind, I decided not to cast magic on the two monsters because of all the uncertainty. Besides, now that Sirius was here, we had all the fighting power we needed…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I clasped my hands together tightly and turned my eyes to Sirius once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As far as I knew, a single knight couldn’t possibly take down a fenrir. Unbelievably, though, Sirius was lopping them down one after the other. Next to him, the black fenrir and griffon helped in the attack. Of course, there were still a lot of fenrirs left, so the three fighters on our side still got plenty hurt after that…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But before long, Sirius skewered the last fenrir. When he pulled out his sword, there was a sort of shfff sound, and the beast crumpled to the ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I clenched the front of my dress and cast a nervous look around. The only ones still standing were me, Sirius, the black fenrir, and the griffon. All the fenrirs were collapsed on the ground—I was pretty certain that was all of them, at least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were safe now, right? That was what my brain was telling me, but my body stayed frozen. I couldn’t even make a sound."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But when I saw Sirius shake the blood off his sword and return it to its sheath, a bit of the tension left my body. “Sirius,” I was about to call his name, but I only managed to open my mouth before my voice got stuck in my throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, I thought that Sirius was just going to come close to me—I didn’t expect him to march all the way up to me, scoop me up in his arms, and squeeze my body tightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius was a powerful knight—and he had a strengthening buff on. A proper hug from him was absolutely strangling. The noise that squeaked out of my mouth sounded like a dying frog. I seriously thought I was getting squeezed to death."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius quickly snapped to his senses and relaxed his grip. “Are you all right, Serafina?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Haa…haa… Phew. Wowee, the air tastes nice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius gazed down sheepishly at my bright red face. Then his clean-cut features twisted sharply. “Oh, Serafina, I’m so glad you’re safe. If something happened to you…I…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nothing would’ve happened! Not with me around!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven sure was being haughty for someone who took longer to get here than Sirius did. But, well, he was napping until I summoned him, and I did indeed feel at ease with him around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I grinned. “You’re right, Seven. Thank you! We all pulled through today because of you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seven seemed to sense something, because he blinked for a moment and looked off into the distance. “You’re welcome!” he answered, speaking quicker than usual. “Hm, well, I’ll let you off lightly today, Sirius, as thanks for helping Fi. Tootles!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And with that, he disappeared without even waiting for a response."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Where did your cheeky spirit go?” Sirius asked, looking confused. He was probably wondering why Seven ran off without even getting through half his usual rant. My spirit friend always really let Sirius have it whenever he was upset with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think he went back to the castle garden,” I said. “He doesn’t want to meet the other saints’ spirits, or so he says.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, I see,” Sirius said with a little nod, looking exhausted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was still in his arms. So to thank him, I gave him a big hug this time. “Thanks for coming to save me, Sirius! You were a big help to everyone.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By “everyone,” I was referring to me, the black fenrir, and the griffon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Sirius’s face took on a dark scowl, the complete opposite of my sunny smile. “No, I should’ve rescued you before you got dragged into this nest. It’s my fault you ended up here in the first place.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From his agonized expression, I could tell how deeply he must have been worrying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, don’t say that! It all happened because I wanted to watch the saints from a distance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I insisted that Sirius had nothing to do with it, but he wasn’t buying it. “No, you shouldn’t have been so far away, and I should’ve put a knight with you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ohh, that’s smart. It’s amazing how you can come up with so many ideas. Just keep it in mind for next time, okay? No use crying over past mistakes.” I clung to Sirius’s neck, thinking about how tough it must be to be a genius with a lot of responsibility. “Hey, Sirius. I was crying until you came for me, but now that you’re here, I’m smiling. Thank you, Sirius! So until you say ‘you’re welcome’ and admit you did good, I won’t stop thanking you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, I…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you, Sirius! Thank you, Sirius! Thank you, Sirius! Thank you, Sirius! Thank you—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I get it, Serafina! You’re…welcome.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius didn’t sound like he meant it. He still looked like he thought of himself as a screwup. But I didn’t say it out loud."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Instead, I smiled at him. “Sirius, thanks for coming to my rescue! You’re my knight in shining armor.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius frowned uneasily at what I said. “Me? Today’s the first time I’ve felt like such a pathetic excuse for a knight. I was powerless and couldn’t keep my promise.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Promise?” I tilted my head, confused about what this promise was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius nodded with a completely straight face. “Yeah. I’m the one who dragged you out of the Forest of Lent. And because of that, I made a vow to you as a knight that I would give you the same happiness you got from there. I told you I’d show you what’s beautiful about the world. But today, I only gave you fear and anxiety.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, Sirius!” I looked at him, startled at the extent of his devotion and sense of duty. “Yeah, I was scared when all those fenrirs attacked, but now I’m okay, all because you came. Besides, making me happy or showing me what’s beautiful doesn’t only mean giving me nice things, you know?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you mean?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius’s shocked expression was making me feel surprised. “Well, you know, it’s impossible for everything to be completely perfect. Like yesterday’s dinner. There were things I liked and things I didn’t like in it. But it had more of the things I liked, so when I finished, I thought, ‘That was yummy.’ That’s what I’m talking about. Even if some things are a little sad or scary, it’s fine as long as most of it was fun and happy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was my best attempt at an explanation, but Sirius shook his head to it. “Serafina, I’m not going to settle for second best.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What a stubborn and single-minded knight. I pulled on the collar of his uniform, brought my mouth to his ear, and whispered a secret that was only for him. “Sirius, I want to protect you as a saint. This is a secret, but when you’re happy, I’m happy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Plus, I made a decision, one which was even more secret."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll train real hard and become an awesome saint who can protect you, no matter how little I am."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina!” Sirius cried out my name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stiffened—he couldn’t have heard my inner voice. I pulled my mouth away from his ear and peered at his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What I saw made my eyes widen. “Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He reacted by taking one of his hands from my back and covering his face with it. “You…must be some kind of spirit. You’re a handful, is all I can say. I’m the vice-commander of the Horned Beast Knights, and I’m still no match for you. Not much I can do about it when you beat me down by saving me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius?” I tilted my head, not understanding what he was saying, but Sirius kept his hand over his face and didn’t even notice my confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You save me, you fill my heart,” he went on, still hiding himself from me. “I can’t see anything in it for you. In fact, there’s only a downside since I might get clingy. Ah, maybe I am just a kidnapper.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This reminded me of what Sirius said once back in the castle hallway: “Didn’t the king and queen tell you to watch out for kidnappers because you’re too cute?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was joking, of course, and we laughed about it. But…maybe Sirius thought I was so cute he wanted to kidnap me? Now that was a happy thought—why, it sounded great!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I grinned. “So what you’re saying is that you want to be with me foreeeeever and ever? I like the sound of that!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina…that’s enough temptation,” Sirius groaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With a big shake of his head, he put me to the ground. Then he started repeating words like he was chanting something to himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re the vice-commander of the Horned Beast Knights, got it? You’re the vice-commander of the Horned Beast Knights.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The black fenrir and the griffon quickly took the chance to sidle up to me. The black fenrir dove straight into my arms—what joy! I hugged the pup tightly. Meanwhile, the griffon groomed my frizzled hair back into shape with its beak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius remained close by, peering at the two monsters with deep wariness. Eventually, he seemed to run out of patience, and he said, “Serafina, care to explain those two? I refrained from cutting them down in the battle because I could tell that they were protecting you…but the enemy of my enemy isn’t literally my friend, you know.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, um, you see…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yup, I’d noticed that he’d noticed. He didn’t lay a hand on the two monsters because he saw they were fighting the fenrirs to protect me. However, the fact that he scooped me up away from the monsters after the battle was a sign that he wasn’t totally relaxed. Even now, he had a hand on his sword, prepared to strike at any moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was obvious that he still didn’t trust the two monsters since he was still on guard against a possible attack. I had to explain that these monsters were my friends so that he could properly understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gave a reassuring look at the two monsters by my side before clasping my hands together and turning to Sirius. “This golden griffon sees me as her missing chick. And this black fenrir got attached to me after I healed its wounds. They both protected me from the fenrirs.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see…but…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius looked like he wasn’t about to let the subject go, but then a stream of anxious voices came sounding from outside the nest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you okay, Vice-Commander Sirius?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re in that hole, right? Hold on, we’re coming for you!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hang in there, Lady Serafina!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Vice-Commander! Lady Serafina!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Captain Adara, Vice-Captain Mirfak, and the three knights were calling out to us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’re finally here,” Sirius said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He tried to pick me up, so I quickly reached down to the ground and held the black fenrir. Sirius grimaced as if he wanted to make a comment, but he held back and strode briskly to the cave’s entrance. The griffon trotted after him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we came out from the hole, five voices cheered: “Phew! You’re alive!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I felt bad about their over-the-top joy. Oops, I must have worried them sick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meanwhile, Sirius started unbuttoning the jacket of his knight uniform. It looked like his plan was to put me in his jacket and carry me down the cliff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh no, won’t doing that tire you out?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Heh, so my intentions aren’t ‘dangerous,’ just ‘tiring,’ are they? I take it you’re finally starting to trust me?” Sirius said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I rolled my eyes at him and then turned to the griffon. “Madam Griffon, I know it’s a bit of a strain on you, but could you help take us down the cliff?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The griffon gave a clear nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, goodie! I looked up at Sirius. “The griffon’s willing to help us down.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re not serious? Since when have you been able to converse with monsters?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looking at Sirius’s incredulous face, I realized that he’d gotten the wrong idea. He seemed to think that since I could talk with Seven, who was a spirit, I could talk to monsters as well. We obviously couldn’t understand each other—we basically communicated through vibes…but something told me that Sirius wouldn’t go along with something based on “vibes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Tee hee hee, the weather’s so nice today, I bet it gave me all kinds of powers.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So I avoided Sirius’s eyes and gave a sort of nonsense answer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But maybe he was used to me saying nonsense on the regular, because he just said, “All right,” and accepted my theory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After that, I clutched the black fenrir, while Sirius held me with one hand and the griffon’s leg with the other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As the griffon took flight, shouts of disbelief rang out at the bottom of the cliff. From everyone else’s perspective, the griffon was the bad guy who snatched me away. No wonder they couldn’t wrap their heads around what was going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The griffon didn’t seem to mind, though. She traced an elegant circle in the air before making a slow landing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we were a few meters off the ground, Sirius let go of the griffon. He clutched me with both arms and fell safely on the grass. The other humans came running to us, shouting excitedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The black fenrir seemed surprised by the commotion. As soon as Sirius let me down, the pup jumped out my arms and scampered a short distance away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m so glad you’re unharmed, Vice-Commander! Princess Serafina!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ohhhh, thank goodness!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The knights and saints cheered with visible relief. It made me realize all over again how much I must have worried them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My face fell, and I said, “I’m soooo sorry for all the fuss! I’ll make sure to finish everything on my plate from now on so I’ll be too heavy for a griffon to pick me up!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Captain Adara put a stop to my earnest suggestion. “You’ll make yourself sick well before you get that heavy, so please refrain from doing that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then she and Vice-Captain Mirfak bowed their heads at the same time. “Your Highness Princess Serafina, we deeply apologize for our disrespectful conduct.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I blinked, startled at the “Your Highness.” Wasn’t that supposed to be under wraps? “Umm, I’m not Princess Serafina. I’m Seraphi, a distant relative of Sirius,” I said hurriedly, remembering how I’d promised Sirius to keep my identity hidden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the mention of Sirius’s name, Captain Adara spoke up: “Vice-Commander Sirius kept referring to you as ‘Serafina’ when you disappeared.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina is, um, a nickname for Seraphi,” I insisted (although I wasn’t quite sure if nicknames were allowed to be longer than the full name)."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But then Captain Adara continued with a completely stone-cold expression: “The vice-commander has very few relatives. The only ‘extended family’ he has within our kingdom are members of royalty. To be perfectly frank, we did not think you were royalty at first, so when the vice-commander introduced you as ‘family,’ neither of us believed him. We assumed he was lying—hence our disgraceful conduct. We cannot apologize enough for the distress we put you through.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Um, so basically, they were suspicious of my background from the start? And there was no point trying to hide it anymore?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…I am Serafina. Second princess of the royal family.” Now that I knew that hiding it was no use, I easily admitted defeat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I bowed my head, Captain Adara, Vice-Captain Mirfak, and even the three knights did the same thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then the two saints came up to us, peered at Sirius’s body at close range, and sighed. “Your uniform is torn up all over, but you don’t have a scratch on you. Your Highness, you must have healed him, I take it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Er, um, yes.” I nodded. Sirius told me earlier to stay quiet about my abilities, but I figured that there was no harm in admitting to this one since every saint could use healing magic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their eyes widened in disbelief. “What remarkable power. Vice-Commander Sirius didn’t stop to get healed after he fended off the monsters chasing us. His wounds were terribly deep when he came rushing to you, and yet you managed to heal them all without even calling a spirit. And at such a young age too!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Er, um, uh…I suppose.” I was going to deny it at first, but then I stopped myself. I actually did call for Seven, but then again, I healed the black fenrir and the griffon without his help, so the saints technically weren’t wrong."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Captain Adara brought a hand to her chest and peered straight at me. “I apologize once again for my incivility, Your Highness. For a self-taught saint to unleash such powerful healing magic is a sign of extraordinary talent. Regardless, I am deeply honored that you came for my instruction. I would be more than happy for you to observe our magic again when your schedule permits.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh my! Thank you so much! I’ll come visit you again for sure!” I walked over to Captain Adara and squeezed her hand on impulse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The captain reacted with a breathtaking smile—and as if on cue, Sirius picked me up. “I’m glad we’re all on the same page now. Sorry for hiding Serafina’s identity, but you should have had a bit more forethought about the possibilities. Your conduct was unsuitable for royalty,” he said coldly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Captain Adara and Vice-Captain Mirfak bowed wordlessly in response."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you, Serafina, acted superbly. You abided carefully to my instructions and did your best to keep your secret. You get full marks.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? S-Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean, sure, I was just a kid, but wasn’t Sirius showing too much favoritism? But before I could say as much, though, I noticed one of the knights was carrying what looked like a red bundle of feathers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No way…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was a red griffon chick in his arms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How did you find that little one?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, it was stuck in a crack in the ground not far from here. I think it fell from its nest and couldn’t find its way back.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The knight went on to say that the mother probably went out to search for the chick after it fell. Maybe so, but I couldn’t help but wonder: What if the baby griffon knew it would get eaten by the black fenrir when it came running down the cliff? Perhaps the chick slipped out when the black fenrir was about to attack. That would mean this little one was a clever bird indeed, running when it sensed danger to its life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We suspect this chick belongs to the griffon that abducted you, so we were planning to use it as leverage.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? Oh no, you mustn’t!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I jumped out of Sirius’s arms, sprinted to the knight, and yanked the baby griffon from him. I then quickly ran over to the mother, who was standing some distance away, and presented the chick to her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The griffon gave a startled jump and looked at me and the chick in turn. I placed the chick at the griffon’s feet to reassure her…and at that moment, the little one scampered to its mother and started making high-pitched squawks. The feathers on its head were completely ruffled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The griffon gazed softly at her chick’s unruly head before gently pecking it back into shape. Awww, how wholesome."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What a relief.” I sighed. “I’m so glad the baby bird is okay!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, what next?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My eyes turned to the black fenrir standing a short way off. I walked over and patted it on the head. “Thank you too, black fenrir. We’re all going back home now—I hope you grow up nice and strong.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina.” At this point, Sirius, who had made sure to stick close behind me, spoke up. “I understand that these monsters helped you out. As much as I’d like to let them go, monsters hurt people at the end of the day—it’s in their nature. The griffon is one thing, but black monsters are considered calamities. They’re not creatures you can just let off the hook.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed firm about that. “But, Sirius, they saved me,” I pleaded. “So can’t you look the other way, just this once?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina. You saw for yourself how the fenrirs left their ravine—their safe zone—to chase after the black fenrir. I’m sure they saw this pup as a future threat to the pack.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah…” I nodded in agreement; I’d been thinking the same thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Fenrirs normally raise their young as a pack,” Sirius went on—I could tell he was trying to persuade me. “But this black fenrir’s birth gave them so much fear that they broke their custom. It’s why they tried to kill it…and yet, even as a newborn, it still managed to make it this far.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understood what Sirius was trying to say."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the black fenrir could fight toe to toe with the adult fenrirs as just a little pup, then how terrifying would it be as an adult? His concern totally made sense. But…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius, this pup is a smart cookie! He understands what I say. I’ll tell him to never attack people ever. So please!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m a saint! I cast my magic to save them…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius reacted to my desperate plea with expressionless silence. When I refused to look away, he let out a weary sigh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a very long pause, he said…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re a true saint, aren’t you? You try to save every creature.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just this once.” Sirius pulled his hand away from his sword. “Next time I cross paths with it, I’ll slay it,” he said, sounding defeated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I jumped up and gave him a hug. “Thank you, Sirius!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Monsters hurt people—and it was Sirius’s duty as a knight to protect people from the monsters. It only made sense that he would try to slay any monster he saw."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But…the black fenrir and griffon weren’t hostile—they saved me. So I wanted to return the favor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Besides, the fenrirs and griffons normally lived deeper in the forests and mountains. They rarely came down to human settlements, and they didn’t typically attack people. What’s more, I got the vague feeling that they understood me somehow. I was pretty sure that they would take what I said to heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked at the black fenrir and slowly crouched down in front of it. It came toward me, nuzzling my neck affectionately, and I stroked its neck gently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you so much for saving me. I’m happy we became friends. And…I’m sorry. You have to live on your own from now on.” I took a deep breath. “Hey, Little Black Fenrir, promise me one thing—never ever attack people. Then we can be friends forever.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Arf!” the black fenrir barked back without a lick of hesitation. Its red eyes peered straight into mine, giving me the feeling that it understood and agreed to what I was saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you.” I stroked its firm mane. “Live strong…Little Black Fenrir.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The black fenrir must have understood that this was goodbye, because it gazed up at the sky and let out a howl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It then ran deep into the forest without looking back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In nature, only the strong survived. There was no guarantee that a pup—even a black fenrir—would live to see another day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But still, I prayed from the bottom of my heart that this one would pull through."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that, I made a similar request to the griffon and her child and then said goodbye. The two of them also nodded as if they understood what I said, then returned to their nest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A strained silence fell over the scene as soon as the monsters were gone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The first to break the silence was—as you’d expect—one of the good-natured knights. “Well, today was…well, how do I say it? Everything was so surreal, I can’t make heads or tails of it!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He said that, but his eyes were sparkling as if he’d just had the time of his life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the other knights gave a big nod in agreement, looking just as entertained. “Yeah, when Princess Serafina got swiped, Vice-Commander Sirius cut through those beastly fenrirs like they were chumps! And to top it off, we picked up a mutant griffon, saw a black monster, and let it run off… Chaos, to put it simply!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then the third knight spoke up. “Nah, the biggest surprise was when Serafina yelled ‘Don’t you worry! I bet it won’t eat meeee!’ while the monster was carrying her off. I’d have been bawling in fright if I were her.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At this point, Sirius’s cheek twitched. “Exactly. Just where did Serafina get the confidence to say that? It was on my mind the whole time I was running through the forest.” Then he turned and stared at me. “Serafina, I expect a full explanation from you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I clammed up, sensing that it might not be a good idea to show him the dance Seven told me about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But then Sirius’s mouth curled in amusement. “You don’t need to tell me today. You’re safe—that’s all that matters. Now then, shall we head back?” he suggested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, sir!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Everyone was in sound agreement about that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unfortunately, it took quite a bit of time to get back to the entrance of the forest, since the griffon’s nest had been very deep in the woods. Sirius offered to carry me because he was worried about me getting tired, but I waved both my arms to tell him no."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius, you’ve done a lot of fighting already. I’ll walk by myself.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But it’s a long way to the entrance—too far for you to walk.” He looked at me worriedly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It sure is! Oh, but it’s fun walking home together!” I said cheerfully. “It’s like we’re coming back from a picnic!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But for some reason, everyone recoiled as if I’d declared a death sentence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A picnic!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yeah, Vice-Captain Mirfak did say something along the lines of “Young Seraphi is only going to remember this day as a picnic.” And then Sirius told her in no uncertain terms…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If Seraphi only remembers this as a picnic, then it will mean that my knights and your magic failed to impress! If that ends up being the case, then I would feel ashamed of my skills!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Recalling that conversation, Sirius threw his head up in total defeat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay. Point taken.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Two weeks later, I spotted a hole in my personal garden. It was juuuust big enough for me to crawl inside. My curiosity won out, and I got on all fours…only to find the black fenrir waiting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Whaaaaat?!” I was flabbergasted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, the black fenrir wagged its tail in delight and jumped at me. The next moment, it was on top of me, licking my face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh-oh, now what? I thought, but gosh darn it! The black fenrir was soooo cute, with the way it was wagging its whole tail. I couldn’t help but cling to its soft and fluffy neck. Yeah, I knew it was a monster, but this one wouldn’t do anything bad to me, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And hey, I didn’t have a reputation for being the smartest. Of course I wouldn’t notice a lone wolf pup in this massive garden. Right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From that day forth, I pretended not to notice the black fenrir, not even telling Sirius."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0027.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serafina’s Decision and Sirius’s Vow"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina’s Decision and Sirius’s Vow"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THE DAY AFTER the Saint Knight Brigade visit, I was a nervous wreck. I’d gone into that visit all fired up, thinking, “I’m gonna learn from the saints!” but then a monster plucked me away, and in the end, I didn’t even get to watch a full battle. I was sure that Sirius would tell me off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But surprisingly, he didn’t scold me at all. In fact, in the three times I’d met him since, he didn’t mention the incident once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Weeeell, Sirius can be bighearted like that, I thought, so I bet he’s letting me off the hook. So that night, I pranced over to Sirius’s room, where I munched on some snacks and read a book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then Sirius said, “Ah,” as if he had just thought of something. “By the way, Serafina, for my future reference: Why did you say ‘Don’t you worry! I bet it won’t eat meeee!’ when the griffon took you yesterday?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was then that I remembered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius said: “Just where did Serafina get the confidence to say that? It was on my mind the whole time I was running through the forest. Serafina, I expect a full explanation from you.” Basically, he was waiting for the right time to grill me all about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius squinted suspiciously at my startled face. “Asdfghj? Is that some kind of chant? I’m not versed in healing magic, so I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. Explain it to me simply.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a funny coincidence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had no idea what the “Asdfghj” meant, and I didn’t have the foggiest clue what Sirius meant by “versed” either. Also, I had the feeling that my answer to his question would be very humiliating…but it wasn’t like I could avoid answering him either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeing his stubbornly expectant face, I gave up and said, “Okay, you see, Seven taught me a song and dance that would definitely stop monsters from eating me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius stared skeptically. “A song and dance? You thought that would do something against a monster? And it was your prankster spirit that gave you the idea?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh dear, Sirius didn’t seem to like my answer. But hey, it worked in the end, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stood up from the sofa and moved over to Sirius. “Do you want me to show it to you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Uh, sure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Look at me and pretend you’re a monster.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius folded his arms and watched as I spread my arms for the first dance move. And then I began to sing:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, you guys, my name’s Serafina!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a bad idea to make me your dinner!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve got red hair, my friend is a spirit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I might look yummy, but I taste like grit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m full of poison, so you better watch out!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One bite of me and you’ll cringe, no doubt!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not all that looks tasty is good for you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So don’t eat me, I’m off the menu!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I finished off by putting my arms together in a big X shape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wowee, I sure nailed that one! Panting, I looked at Sirius. He stared back at me, not even blinking. Heh, so I was that good—I grinned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you think, Sirius—no, Monster Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m a monster now?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh-huh, I told you to pretend. The dance only works on monsters, not humans,” I explained, exactly as Seven told it to me. “It won’t have any effect if you see yourself as human!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius frowned and fell silent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sirius?” I nudged him, confused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All of a sudden, he shoved a hand into his hair and started ruffling it furiously. “True, there are poisons that work selectively on certain targets, like weed and bug killers. But…I have to question whether that applies to your dance. Just because it does nothing on me, a human, doesn’t mean it’ll work against a monster. Or would it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seeing Sirius clutch his head in confusion made me worry that the dance might have worked a little too well against him. “S-Sirius, are you okay? Did you get too into being a monster and now you’re all hurt?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I… Sorry, but I was never going to be a monster.” Sirius sounded like he was trying to say something, but his words got all muffled halfway through."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I said, “Anyway, the griffon and black fenrir didn’t attack me when I did the dance.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, really?” Sirius lowered his hands from his head and gave me a look of deep skepticism."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To which I replied cheerfully: “Yup!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment, he was silent. Then finally, he said, “Okay. So you believe that the monsters didn’t eat you because of the dance your spirit taught you. Do I have that about right? It all sounds fishy to me, though, I have to say.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, Sirius, you never believe anything! Actually, I also came up with my own idea for not getting eaten, but I went with the performance because Seven said that would work for sure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius straightened up. “What was your idea?” he asked cautiously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So I told him the theory I came up with a while back. “So you know how because I’m a saint, I can dispel any poison I take? I figured I could do the opposite and fill my body with poison if a monster tried to attack.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Judging by his shock, my idea must not have occurred to Sirius. “What?!” he yelled, more loudly than usual."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wow, my idea had to be great if it could take Sirius by surprise. Nice going, me! “I’ve never tried it out, so I don’t know if it would actually work. I bet it would hurt loads so I couldn’t do it for long, but it would probably be a strong warning to the monsters, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius said nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’d take one bite of me and run away in pain! Then I’d dispel the poison and heal the bit they chewed off me! Easy-peasy! Oh, but when I told Seven my idea he got really flustered and said, ‘No, no, anything but that! I know a dance that works way better!’” That reminded me of an important detail. “Oh yeah, he also said I should call for him before I ever do it. I forgot about that part!” I said, clapping my hands together in apology."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I looked up at Sirius, his face was deathly pale. “Oh…now I get it. The point of that weird dance was to be a diversion while calling for your spirit. Well, that makes sense, at least.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uhh, Sirius?” I pouted—I couldn’t believe he called my dance “weird.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he seemed too preoccupied to care about what I was doing. “I’d suggest the same thing in your spirit’s shoes,” he went on, still looking awfully pale. “Because your idea is the worst I’ve ever heard! No sane person would sacrifice their body like that! I can understand why your spirit would try to stop you from trying that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius covered his face with both hands and sank into the sofa in exhaustion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, Serafina, I get the picture, so let’s not dwell on the reasoning any further.” He sighed. “I suppose your spirit incorporated his disgruntlement in the song—hence the heavy allusion to poison in the lyrics. Either way, this means you need to be kept under guard. In any case, what book were you reading?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a fed-up look, Sirius turned the conversation away from the dance in favor of the book I was reading—so I showed him the cover."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, I see, the Herb Almanac. This is for advanced students, isn’t it? You’re an eager learner, Serafina.” His expression eased into a smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He sounded impressed, but I couldn’t help but think of what my three big brothers said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina, you’re a real dummy, you know that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re six, and you can’t even write? You’re not living up to your royal name, that’s for sure!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And what’re with those weird dances you do for no reason? You don’t have a lick of common sense!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was logical for them to say that. I didn’t know much about the world, and plus I was behind on my studies. Of course I failed as royalty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hung my head and said gloomily, “It’s nice of you to praise me, Sirius, but I’m only good at learning saint stuff. I can’t write, and I’m always dancing without thinking. I’m no good as a princess.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t say that, Serafina! You were blind for so many years! Of course it’s going to take you time to pick up those things. As for your impulsive dances…well, that’s just your personality. You don’t need to change that about yourself.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aww, he earnestly tried to cheer me up. I was so happy that I gave him a big hug. “Thank you, Sirius! But it’s my fault for not trying when I already know where I’m not good enough. I put all my effort into being a good saint instead of a good princess ’cause I’d rather heal people than go to parties.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina…” Sirius blinked, looking conflicted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to tell him something that had been weighing down on me since the other day, when I nodded along to what he said even though my heart wasn’t in it. “You told me before that I made the choice to become a saint too quick. But I know what I want to be. Even when I’m ten or fifteen, I’ll still make the same choice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius frowned and blinked in silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To me, he looked uneasy. I bet he was surprised by what I said and couldn’t figure out how to react."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was now or never. So I pleaded: “I’ll tell Father! If he lets me become a saint, I’ll work really, really hard! And then…could I fight with you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius’s voice sounded shaky. I knew that now was the time to strike. With my arms still around him, I lifted my head and smiled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I told him a secret."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, Sirius. The reason I decided to go to the royal capital is because I wanted to protect you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moment he heard my words, Sirius moaned my name and buried his forehead against my shoulder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina, I told you to put off going to battle until you were grown up… It’s not a decision I made lightly. Don’t think you can change my mind just like that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m sorry.” My words sounded insincere even to my own ears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sirius lifted his head and peered at me, biting his lip. We were so close, I felt sucked into his eyes. “What am I supposed to do about such an adorable, one-of-a-kind saint?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my, what a stupid question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d been repeating the same thing for ages, so of course I was going to say it again now. “Take me with you, Sirius! I wanna be a saint who can protect you,” I declared with my biggest smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius closed his eyes and sighed very deeply. “You know how to get me.” He picked me up, strode to the window, and said, in a very tired voice, “Serafina, just a simple sentence from you can throw me straight off track. You’ve slayed the part of me that listens to reason. All that’s left is my selfish, egomaniacal soul…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He paused and then said…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve always dearly wanted you to be a saint. I’m not going to stop you anymore.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius!” I wrapped my arms around his neck in glee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He stroked my head gently. “Serafina, the night is dark, but when the sun rises, it’ll be a new day for the kingdom… Let’s go and see the king then. I’ll ask if you can take your first step to becoming a saint.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you so much, Sirius!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I let go of his neck and smiled at him, he gazed back at me seriously. “I’m the one who should be thanking you,” he said in a voice choked with emotion. “Thank you, Serafina. I don’t know how deep your resolve goes, but I know you are sincere. I will never forget your decision today. Here and now, I swear to you as a knight that I will protect you for my entire life.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wow! Oh, gosh. Um?” My eyes widened—that was a really, really heavy vow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sirius chuckled in amusement. “Ha ha ha, this isn’t the right place for that. I’ll make a proper vow befitting of you some other time. But just for this moment, let me swear to be your eternal knight.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Gosh, Sirius…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked at him worriedly, but his expression was totally sunny. There was no point in trying to stop him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Tee hee hee!” I couldn’t help but giggle. “Okay, then I’ll be your saint!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, now… How could I refuse such a gracious offer?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At his words, he and I locked eyes and declared our vows, smiling all the while."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That night, the kingdom’s strongest knight and saint found each other."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0028.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius - The Tragic Tale of the Poetry Recital"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Point of View: SiriusThe Tragic Tale of the Poetry Recital"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“SHE’S FLUNKING POETRY?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn’t say I was happy when I saw Serafina’s academic report."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serafina’s education was entirely within my jurisdiction. I kept track of her studies and built a month-to-month curriculum that took into account the overall balance of her workload. So how could the report from her poetry tutor say that she was doing so poorly?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“‘Her poems are unique and eccentric. By most sensibilities, they would be considered bottom-tier.’ This can’t be!” As I read through the report, I shot a look at the attendant by my side. “Poetry is all about saying things like how the stars glimmer at night or how love brings you pain—things like that. Everyone’s got a different sense for these things. The tutor must not have a good grasp on Serafina’s personality if they are rating her skills so poorly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In spite of what the report said, it was wrong to expect a six-year-old to have an expressive grasp on language to begin with. Wasn’t it better to validate the emotions she was describing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I was scowling at the report, the attendant said meekly, “A poet has to be a master at their craft to teach a princess. Sir Sirius, you’re always saying it’s best to get both sides of a story, so why don’t you ask Princess Serafina for her opinion?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That makes sense.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I nodded and headed for Serafina’s chambers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fortunately, Serafina was in her room reading a book. I took a seat next to her and asked her casually about her poetry lessons."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her eyes immediately lit up, and she forgot all about the book on her lap. “I love my poetry lessons! I’m allowed to say whatever I’m feeling!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But then her face clouded over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, but when I say exactly what I’m thinking, they tell me I’m being ‘too liberal.’ I thought I was doing good, so what have I got wrong?” she muttered, before looking at my face. “Sirius, would you like to listen to my poetry? Tell me where I screwed up.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right,” I answered hesitantly, for I was certainly no master poet myself. Far be it for me to tell her what was good or bad about her work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To hell with it, I thought. I decided to praise her no matter what she recited. I straightened up in my seat, ready to hear her out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She promptly stood up and began to speak in a very…individualistic way. At some point, she even got carried away and started moving her arms and legs to an original choreography."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, hey! Squids are ink-redible!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They’ve got ten-tickles, you hear? An octopus only has eight!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Boy, oh boy, they kraken me up!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hey, hey! Octopus has puss in its name!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With so many cats around, where are all the furballs?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was speechless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My entire being screeched to a halt. My mind went totally blank. What the hell was that? Nothing about that performance made sense. Was that really a poem? No, it couldn’t be. Impossible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The clock ticked, and still my lips couldn’t form any words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Confounded, I couldn’t tell whether it was good or bad—it was that inscrutable. Also, I only noticed when she started dancing that her legs were awfully short. Er, well, not that this was relevant in the slightest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A myriad of thoughts flashed through my head, none of them useful. As I continued to sit there, unable to utter a single thing, Serafina gazed up at me with sparkling, expectant eyes. Past experience told me exactly what she was thinking:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wants praise…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For no reason that I could discern, she was brimming with confidence. In fact, she took it for granted that I would praise her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um…let’s see…er…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, no. I couldn’t bring myself to say that her poem was “great.” And I couldn’t follow up with any sort of compliment—my mind had drawn a complete blank."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Canopus, uh… Oh, right! Canopus can tell you what’s good about your poem! Serafina, you did a wonderful job!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I outsourced all the detailed praising to Serafina’s personal knight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uhh?” The normally unflappable Canopus let out a strange noise the likes of which I’d never heard before. He looked at me, eyes wide in disbelief, but I dropped my gaze and refused to make eye contact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canopus, this is your watershed moment as a knight! What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He gazed at me for a little while longer, but when he saw that I wasn’t going to help him, he turned back to Serafina. Then, with an audible swallow, he began to speak nervously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It was, um…a splendid poem. It was very on-theme. I was especially impressed when you repeated ‘meow’ seven times in a row.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Canopus has it right! The seven ‘meows’ were the best part!” I chimed in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Honestly, I thought the “meows” were less on-theme so much as plain old repetition, but I made the rational decision not to quibble when Serafina was beaming."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you, Canopus! Sirius! The teacher made a frowny face, but I really liked it! I knew you two would get it! Tee hee hee, I made a ‘Squid and Jellyfish’ poem too. Wanna hear it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Urk… I’ve, uh, got a meeting with the knight brigade…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said the first excuse that came to mind, but it only made Serafina clap her hands together happily. “Isn’t the meeting room super far away from here? Can I walk with you? I can show you my poem on the way!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was planning on showing off more of that? In front of however many people were in the hallway?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No! I’ve got time! All right, Serafina, show me more.” I sank back down on my seat and steeled myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My (well, our, since Canopus was here too) trial went on for a while yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Several days after that ordeal, I got a message from the poetry tutor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In it, the teacher remarked that Serafina was elated by my praise and had now taken to making poems that just repeated the same word over and over. Attached to the message was her latest creation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My New Poem, by Serafina"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Snake, snake, snake, snake, snake… (×30), lizard!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not a single word passed through my lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a long moment of staring silently down at the message in my hands, I called on my attendant to deliver a special bottle of wine from the storehouse to the poetry tutor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From that day forth, I resolved never to question the teachers’ judgment again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a side note, Serafina handwrote the “Snake and Lizard Poem,” so I had it framed in my room. Since she was the only person allowed in my private quarters, I never had to fear that others would lay eyes on it."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0029.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius - The Tragic Tale of the Hair-Washing"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Point of View: SiriusThe Tragic Tale of the Hair-Washing"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“PHEW, THAT WAS a nice bath.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When Serafina came back to her chambers with unwashed hair, declaring that she was done with the facilities in a highly affected tone, my eyebrows silently knitted into a frown."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was just a short while ago when her lady-in-waiting confided in me. Apparently, Serafina wanted to wash her hair by herself once every two days."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was a princess. It was standard protocol for ladies-in-waiting to attend to her when dressing or bathing. When she insisted on washing her hair alone, her attendant reluctantly left the room, but…she was clearly not actually washing her hair in there. Yet whenever her ladies-in-waiting tried to point that out, she would declare, “I did wash it.” Unable to get to the bottom of the matter, the attendant came to me for help."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so I waited in her room to see what was going on, but when she came back from the bath…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d only wet her bangs, leaving the rest of her hair dry. So the lady-in-waiting was right—Serafina wasn’t washing her hair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, I know you’ve been having fun washing your hair by yourself, but won’t you have an easier time of it if you let your lady-in-waiting help?” I tried to broach the question indirectly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She blinked and said, “Does a lady-in-waiting help you, Sirius?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m an adult. I do it myself, of course.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I immediately regretted my honesty as soon as the answer left my mouth. Darn it! I should have lied and said I got help."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can do it too,” Serafina said, averting her eyes. “Washing my hair and stuff. I don’t need anyone.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I walked over to Serafina and patted her on the head. “Your hair seems dry to me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What?! No, it isn’t! S-see! Touch this bit.” Flustered, she placed my hand on her bangs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This told me that she deliberately wet her bangs just to make it look like she washed her hair. She could have at least dunked her whole head under water if she wanted to sell the deception…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, your bangs are wet,” I said, thinking that Serafina had made an awfully weak argument. I grabbed her hand and placed it on the top of her head. “But the top is dry, see? I wouldn’t call this washed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She groaned. “I-I did wash it! It just didn’t turn out right.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was completely avoiding my eyes now. What else was this but the look of a liar?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Silently, I picked Serafina up and sat us down on an armchair. “Just tell me, Serafina. I won’t get mad. Why aren’t you washing your hair?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It didn’t make sense to me. She probably thought it was a hassle to wash, but then she could have just let her lady-in-waiting handle it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment, Serafina didn’t respond. She merely hung her head in shame. “I heard lots of great saints have bright red hair. I don’t wanna lose mine.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are you talking about?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was evidently trying to explain herself to me, but it didn’t make the foggiest sense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I squinted at her, trying to work out what she was thinking. She looked back at me, dejected. “Rigel said that if I wash my hair every day, the color will go away. He said that’s what happened to him because he washed his hair too much.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, I figured out what was going on here. “That punk,” I muttered under my breath, as Serafina hung her head in sadness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rigel, the third prince, had red hair. It wasn’t as bright as Serafina’s, though. It was a paler shade—and it had been that way since birth. Despite that, he fed his sister a blatant lie about losing his color from washing it. And Serafina, the honest and trusting girl she was, believed what Rigel said without question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, Sirius, is something wrong?” Serafina asked hurriedly. She hadn’t heard my muttering. Seeing her earnest expression made me extra livid at Rigel and his pathetic lie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, Rigel was joking with you. His hair has always been a fainter shade, and it hasn’t changed since he was born.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Besides, when people say that red-haired saints are talented, what they mean is that high-level spirits are fond of red hair, so it’s easier for people with that hair color to form strong pacts. You already have a pact, so losing your hair color won’t affect you. I doubt that your abilities would suffer.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? Um…r-right!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was telling the truth, of course, but seeing her guileless expression made me understand why she fell so easily for Rigel’s nonsense. All the more reason to resent him for being such a brat…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serafina abruptly lifted her head, interrupting my bitter train of thought. “Thanks for telling me, Sirius!” She hugged me tightly around the stomach. “I actually wanted to wash my hair today ’cause I did a somersault in the garden!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looking closely, I could see bits of dried grass sticking out of her hair. “Yes, that would warrant a washing,” I answered as I picked out a blade of grass."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yup! I’ll go wash it right now! Be right back!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She disappeared back into the bathroom, a bright grin on her face. I smiled as I watched her go…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But when she came back, the smile dropped from my face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius, it feels soooo nice to wash your hair! The shampoo smells nice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well…yes,” I answered noncommittally as I peered at her hair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be precise, I looked at the blob of shampoo still left on her head. It wasn’t that there were traces left behind after rinsing—she’d never washed it off to begin with. I was certain of this, since the foam was still there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh, Serafina, have you ever washed your hair by yourself?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Never! But I got the job done.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quite, I was about to finish, but I couldn’t muster the word."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina looked so proud of herself, and her expression was unbearably adorable. So instead, I handed her a glass bottle. I’d prepared it in case she insisted on not washing her hair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, this is Rainbow Hair Conditioner. It’s the biggest thing in the capital right now. It involved two hours of standing in line to get some,” I said, not mentioning that I made my subordinate do it. “Your hair should shine if you use this after shampooing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina clasped the bottle with both hands and peered into it with sparkling eyes. Personally, I thought it was a load of bull, but it did have a rainbow liquid in it, and it seemed like the kind of thing kids would enjoy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While Serafina was engrossed with the Rainbow Hair Conditioner, I stood up and swiftly called for the lady-in-waiting. “Serafina is going to try using the conditioner. Give her a hand.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina heard me, because she lifted her head as if to say, “I can do it myself,” but I continued before she could butt in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That conditioner is special. It’s hard to use it by yourself. Why don’t you learn the right way to use it and make your hair shine?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina trusted my words, nodded happily, and said, “Okay!” She then disappeared into the bathroom with the lady-in-waiting, who was still looking down at her foamy head in disbelief."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Needless to say, I made sure to praise Serafina plenty when she reemerged—without the bubbles this time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It also went without saying that Third Prince Rigel got served an intense training course the day after, enough to leave him reeling for days."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0030.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius - My Little Saint"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Point of View: SiriusMy Little Saint"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“WHO AM I? Where did I come from?” Everyone has wondered this at some point. It’s part of growing up. Anyone who hasn’t thought once about their family background has probably taken it for granted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who’s my father? Who’s my mother? Who am I?” Those people never had a shred of doubt about any of these questions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I finally have an answer to a question from my childhood,” I muttered to myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a dark room, lit only by a single candle, I swished a glass and downed its contents. It was well past midnight, and I was alone in my room in the castle. Nobody would walk in on me here. This was my haven—I could drink myself silly and not have to worry about a thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was hard to say whether I could actually do it, however, given my body’s stubborn resistance to alcohol. But as I gazed at the numerous empty bottles on the floor, I thought: “Please, I want to get drunk, at least for today.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I then reached for a new bottle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ever since I was young, I’ve always questioned my appearance. Where did my gray hair and silver eyes come from? My father was blond, and my mother’s hair was bright vermilion. My father’s eyes were blue, while my mother’s were green."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None of the members of Náv’s royal family had gray hair or silver eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So where did I get it from? I’ve always wondered about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I got my answer from the high-ranking noblewomen. When I turned six, they told me something I wasn’t meant to know. “It’s for your sake,” they said. “It’s best if you know the truth.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "According to them, the continent’s biggest superpower—the Arteaga Empire—arranged my parents’ marriage. My father was the king of Náv’s younger brother, while my mother was the daughter of an Arteagian duke, and their wedding took place the day my mother arrived in the Náv Kingdom. Although they were prominent members of the nobility in their respective countries, forgoing an engagement period notably went against tradition."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was born seven months later, the ladies told me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As you know, Master Sirius, a baby grows inside its mother’s stomach for ten months before it is born.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If a baby is born at seven months, it would be tiny enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand. Yet despite your premature birth, you were a larger babe than average.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was how I learned about me and my parents. They said it as if anyone could see it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was terribly unfair. Because I came from my mother’s stomach, I was unquestionably her child. But even though my mother was married to my father, there was no guarantee that I was his child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What those ladies told me was gossip, not fact, but even if the truth was unclear, I still loved my father. He was a sickly man but possessed a strong will and fine character, and he loved and cared for me as his son from the start. I wrote off the story about my parents as rumor and always treated Father as my kin. But…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To think the truth would come to light after nineteen years,” I muttered as I gulped down another glass."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not long ago, at the eastern edge of the kingdom’s borders, I met my very young cousin—and I saw her converse with a spirit child."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Spirit children never appear in front of humans."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Such was the conventional wisdom about spirits… But after seeing Serafina at work, it hit me that Náv’s royal family was the exception to the rule. The Spirit Lord was their ancestor, which made them exceptionally receptive to the spirits."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina’s talent as a saint stood out so much that I assumed that she must possess a unique sensitivity to spirits, but then I remembered something King Procyon had told me once before: “The Forest of Lent at the eastern edge of the kingdom is also known as the Forest of Beginnings. The Spirit Lord passed that land down to the royal family so that our future could thrive. Unfortunately, I am not able to see the forest’s dwellers myself, but I can always sense a warm presence there.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The king often visited the forest before Serafina was born. I suspect that he made it a point to present his children to the forest that protected the royal family since he wanted them to meet the forest dwellers and their children. The three princes and the first princess had said the same thing the king did when they returned from the forest: “I felt a warm presence.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looking back, the “warm presence” had to be the spirit children. The king’s vague story finally made sense to me when I saw them for myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The forest was probably why half the women in this kingdom carried sainthood potential. From what I’d heard, hardly any spirits lived in other countries, which explained the scarcity of saints abroad. Only the Náv Kingdom had plenty of both to spare, and that was because the spirits were born in that forest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The royal family saw it as their duty to cherish and protect the forest across the generations. And because the Spirit Lord’s blood ran in their veins, they could sense the spirit children and perceive the land’s value. It made them care for the forest all the more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. So that’s why the king never invited me to that forest.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father’s frail constitution made excursions a rare occurrence for him, and so the king often treated me as his representative. He invited me on many of his trips outside the castle, family outings included."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But he never once took me on his near-annual trips to the Forest of Lent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He was being considerate. What if I didn’t sense anything in that forest?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If any member of the royal family—the king, the princes, the first princess—could sense the “warm presence,” then I would surely have questioned it if I was the sole exception: “I’m part of the family, so why don’t I have this blood-inherited trait?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And indeed, I couldn’t sense a thing when I went to the Forest of Lent for Serafina. I only saw a spirit when they removed her blindness spell. Until then, nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That right there was the answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not a descendant of the Náv royal line…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My voice resounded quietly in the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Saying the truth aloud, it suddenly occurred to me that my late father might have known all along. An ironic smile formed on my lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He was a sharp man. He had to have known…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I recalled my father’s perceptive nature, it hit me that I was the only one living in blissful ignorance. What a fool I was. There were so many clues, so why did I never doubt that he was my biological parent?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew, of course. I always wanted him to be my father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Knowing the truth must have been so painful for him. He must have been conflicted. The sight of me, who didn’t take after him in the slightest, was harsh proof of my mother’s betrayal. I’d always believed that he loved and cared for me, but learning that I was an illegitimate child changed everything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To the royals, passing on their bloodline was everything, and my father should never have loved a boy who tainted that. And yet he was so, so kind to me—enough that I felt needed. Loved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He was a greater man than I deserved…and I took it for granted…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Putting it in words made me feel worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I downed bottle after bottle after that, but the drunken stupor I was pining for never came."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mother never bore any children other than me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Given that I was an illegitimate child, this meant that my father—Duke Ulysses, the king’s younger brother—never passed on his blood. At this point, what could I do for this man who had been saddled with a false son?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The answer came to me immediately."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I never inherited his blood, then I should at least carry on his will."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Long before I discovered the truth about my heritage, this was something I had gravitated toward. For all his desire to do something for the country, my father’s physical frailness confined him to bed. If not for that, his standing would have ensured him a position as commander of the knight brigade."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I swore anew that I would become the commander in his place. Even if everyone else had their vague suspicions, nobody would say to my face that I was not my father’s son. Through my upright conduct, I would pass on his good name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the least I could do for the man who gave me everything, save for his blood…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Dry your hair, Serafina! You’ll catch a cold!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In reality, I was living my life far from my lofty ideals and was entirely wrapped around my young cousin’s little finger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although the king had asked me to look after Serafina, that wasn’t the reason why I did it. I simply enjoyed her company. She was only six, but she was already a fine saint."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her life thus far had certainly not been easy. She was blind for many years, for one thing, and her movements in the villa had been restricted. At her tender age, she must have expended a great deal of effort to wield magic that no one else could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In spite of all that, she never showed a hint of worry or misery. Her eyes were always sparkling, and she smiled without a care in the world… I frequently found myself marveled by Serafina’s zest for life. As I sat on the sofa and dried her hair, she peered up at my face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you okay, Sirius? You seem out of it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t you worry. You’re the only one I’d let my guard down for,” I answered as I finished wiping down her hair and threw the towel into a basket."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She shuffled up to me, a cheerful smile on her face. “Sirius, you brought the griffon book?” she asked, pointing at the cover of the book on the table."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, you said you were interested in monster facts, so I got you something from the library.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yay! Thank you! I was wanting to learn about griffons after that golden griffon helped me!” said Serafina as she took the book and started flipping through it. “She mistook me for her child, you know. I was wearing a red dress that day, so I think I looked like her chick.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see. So the parent-child bond was what made it go out of its way to protect you. Blood is thicker than water, as they say.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were talking about a monster, but my thoughts drifted toward myself. If blood was thicker than water, then…my father must have been an exceptional man for loving me…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "These were strictly my inner thoughts. I didn’t speak a word of it, nor did I let it show on my face… But for some reason, Serafina was staring right at me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your daddy passed away, right, Sirius? Are you sad?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My heart jolted. She was one clever child—nothing about my words and actions were out of the ordinary, and yet she worked out that I was thinking about my father."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But still, my thoughts were honestly far different from what she verbalized. A self-effacing smile came over my lips. “Ah, that’s not what I was thinking. I would never be so audacious.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ordasheeus?” She tilted her head up at me in confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For some reason, I got the sudden urge to tell her the truth. Maybe I wanted to confess my sins to a girl who was purer and fairer than anyone else. Even as I knew that this was not for a six-year-old’s ears, the words came spilling from my mouth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Serafina, I tricked my father. Even though I don’t carry one drop of his blood, I pretended to be his son for a long time. I stole so much love and time from him—and I didn’t deserve any of it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strangely, Serafina seemed dejected by my story. “Does that…mean you don’t want to be with me anymore?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What would make you think that?!” I shot back, unable to wrap my head around this out-of-the-blue statement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You think that people who aren’t blood-related shouldn’t share love, right?” she said glumly. “So if you know that we’re not related, doesn’t that mean you don’t wanna look after me anymore?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It never even occurred to me that we had no blood ties until she pointed it out—but that was a different matter entirely from love."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t be silly!” I barked. “I’m not with you because of blood! I just like looking after you!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina’s eyes widened at my reply. “Then…wouldn’t the same be true of your daddy?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was no dullard by any means, but Serafina’s comment was so disconnected from what we were talking about that I struggled to grasp her intent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina grinned at my question. “I bet your daddy loved and cared for you, because who wouldn’t? You’re Sirius!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You…think that’s what my father was thinking?” I asked, not realizing how plaintive I sounded until after the fact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina nodded forcefully. “For sure! Your daddy would be my uncle, right? That makes us really close relatives! I bet he thinks just like me! Take it from me—if I were him, I’d be super proud of you and give you loooots of love!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her face turned bright red from her excitement. Watching her gush, I could not see a single trace of my father’s calm and collected demeanor. I suspected it was rare to find close kin with such a poor resemblance to each other. Her words should not have been persuasive in the slightest…but for some reason, the weight in my heart was gone now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In its place, a warm glow began to trickle through me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see,” I muttered, chewing on my words. “You are closely related to my father. If you say that’s what he’d do, then you must be right.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah!” she agreed eagerly. “I’m definitely right!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then she jumped up and flung her arms around my neck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I love you, Sirius! If I love you thiiiiis much, then your daddy must’ve super loved you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sight of Serafina giggling in delight was the most adorable thing in the world. If my father felt even half the affection flowing through me right now, then he must have enjoyed the time he spent with me. The love and care I sensed from him had been true."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was only able to realize this because I met Serafina—because I doted on her, the way I had once been doted upon. For the first time, I recognized how it felt to simply enjoy someone else’s company and to want to do anything for them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m always learning new things from you.” I buried my head in Serafina’s neck. She smelled like the sun and wind. “You’re a true saint, Serafina. You’re always saving me. I’m forever second best to you, my little saint.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My strangled whisper caused Serafina to flit her head away, before hesitantly peering back at me. “When you put it that way, you’re the winner, Sirius. My tutor said ‘losing is winning.’”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was always saying such kind and considerate words. I couldn’t help but bite my lip. “You’re right. When you’re in my arms, I have everything I want, that’s for sure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sirius?” It was adorable how Serafina tilted her head when she didn’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What I’m saying is that when you’re with me, I’m not going to worry about minor losses. I promised to show you what’s beautiful about the world, but in the end, you’re the one showing beautiful things to me. At this point, let’s just forget the metaphor. Take a break from your studies—I’m going to show you some beautiful scenery. Your spirit can come too, of course.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the loser, I decided to embrace an unconditional defeat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could admit it: Being with Serafina was my idea of fun. So here I was, getting my fill of her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh! Really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. The trip’s just as much for me as it is for you. I have fun when you’re around.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I smiled and gave Serafina the kindest expression I could. She returned it with an even brighter smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See what I mean? I was always losing to her. Despite that, my heart felt light and buoyant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From then on, I would think of my father the same way I did before I learned of my birth. He was the man who loved me, nothing less."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that was how the three of us—me, Serafina, and her spirit—decided to go on a trip together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In reality, it wasn’t just us three. Two dozen knights came along for the ride as well… Also, the king just happened to bump into us at our destination."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that was a story for another day."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0031.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius - The Happiness of Serafina and Sirius"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Point of View: SiriusThe Happiness of Serafina and Sirius"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THIS STORY HAPPENED when I was waiting for Serafina to fall asleep in her bedroom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was sitting on the sofa reading a book with the aid of a single candlestick when I sensed movement in Serafina’s bed. I looked up and saw Serafina licking the palm of her hand. Her eyes were scrunched shut, already well on the road to slumber."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Serafina, why are you licking your hand?” I asked, puzzled by her behavior."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is yummy,” she mumbled, not opening her eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yummy?” I parroted, taken aback by the unexpected description."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Serafina was already in dreamland. Her hand fell on the bedding, and she started snoring softly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, still in the dark about what she was saying, I stood up from my seat and walked over to the bed. As I was tucking her hand under the sheets so that she wouldn’t catch a cold, I noticed the sugary scent wafting from her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now I get it…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A very short while ago, Serafina had been shoveling sweet-looking cookies in her mouth with both hands. “Don’t eat right before bed,” I told her. Looking forlorn, she went off to brush her teeth…but she apparently hadn’t washed her hands. The scent remained on her palms, and she must have licked them as one last little pleasure before bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What a funny little girl,” I said with genuine admiration. “She never fails to surprise me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wet a towel and wiped Serafina’s hands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I generally had a good read on most things. Although I was taken by surprise every so often, it was very seldom. Serafina, though, always came up with something out of the box."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So she licked her hand before she slept to enjoy the taste,” I muttered to myself. “I came up with all sorts of theories before she could answer, but none of them were even close. Seems my imagination is still lacking.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I gazed down at the smile on Serafina’s slumbering face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She looks happy,” I found myself murmuring. “Amazing. She’s always coming up with ideas to make her day more exciting—right up until the moment she falls asleep. I’ve been so caught up in work and duties that I lost the ability to enjoy life… No, that’s not quite right. I never had the ability to imagine how to enjoy myself to begin with.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before I knew it, I was leaning over Serafina, stroking her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Enjoying life… You’re so young, and yet I never stop learning from you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina was snoring pleasantly, but then all of a sudden her foot snapped up and kicked the sheets. “Got it,” she mumbled. “Butter pancakes for breakfast tomorrow…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As soon as I heard those words, a smile sprouted on my face. “Heh, never mind what you do before bed—you’re always hungry for ways to enjoy yourself even while you’re asleep. And it’s all food-related too. Not that I would expect anything different from you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I adjusted her blanket and quietly snuck out of her bedroom."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I headed for the kitchen—so that I could tell the chefs to make the most buttery pancakes tomorrow morning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next day, Serafina’s eyes widened at her breakfast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Something the matter, Serafina?” I asked, feigning ignorance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina took a bite of her pancakes, and her expression melted. “Sirius, my breakfast is soooo yummy! I had a dream last night that I was eating nice pancakes, but these are even better than in the dream! The dream ones had only butter, but the real ones have honey on them too!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? Glad to hear it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was a good thing I dragged those three knights to Starfall Forest after I was done giving instructions to the kitchen. The honey from the berserk bees was famous for its exceptional sweetness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The knights were reluctant…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Vice-Commander, I’ve got night blindness! Don’t count on me to be useful when I can’t see a thing!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Grrr, you lout, why’d you mention that berserk bee nest in front of the vice-commander?! Now I’m mixed up in this too!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please think this through, Vice-Commander! Do you really need that honey right this minute?! Surely you don’t!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, they certainly had a lot to say on the matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nevertheless, they were good at the job. Guided by the moonlight, we found the berserk bee nest and dispatched the monsters in short measure…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Have a taste, Sirius! It’s super yummy!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Serafina’s voice brought me back to reality. Urged on by her wide, sparkling eyes, I swallowed a mouthful of pancake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strangely enough, it tasted better to me than any pancake I’d ever eaten—even though the castle chefs never changed their style and I was no stranger to the taste of berserk bee honey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If there was anything different about this time, it was…Serafina peering at me in delight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see, having you around changes the taste.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mweh?” Serafina looked at me inquisitively, her cheeks stuffed with pancakes. She looked so much like a squirrel that I couldn’t help but laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha, the world’s brighter when you’re around!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sight of Serafina trying to speak with her mouth full brought another smile to my face"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0032.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius - The Happiness of Serafina and Sirius"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? Can’t say my name?” I chuckled and then said, “Serafina, I’m really glad that I didn’t turn down the king when he asked me to come find you. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been because of you. And I’m sure it’ll stay that way, as long as you’re around.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those were my heartfelt feelings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ten years later, I truly understood the significance of my words—my happiness came from Serafina."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn’t wrong about that."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0034.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius Bonus Story: The Serafina Quiz, Hard Mode Challenge!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Point of View: Sirius Bonus StoryThe Serafina Quiz, Hard Mode Challenge!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I WAS IN MY OFFICE burying myself in paperwork when I heard a knock on the door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s funny, I thought. Nobody should have been able to reach my door without getting through the knights guarding the corridor outside. It’s not like I had any appointments at this hour either…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then I saw that my subordinate was standing stiff as a pole as he opened the door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s the matter?” I asked him, only for him to point wordlessly at the floor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mystified, I stood up from my chair and looked where he was pointing—and saw a red lump wriggling about on the floor. No, that was no lump, it was…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The tiny thing crawling on the floor with swaying red hair was, without a doubt, Serafina."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I rushed over to her, worried that something was amiss, she said in a muffled voice, “I’m not Serafina! Whoooo’s that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Excuse me?!” I looked down at her, frowning at her incomprehensible words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was lying with her face flat on the floor, her arms flailing around her. Then she started scooting her way forward with a most undignified-looking crawl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This went on for a while before I asked, “What on earth are you doing?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I stood there, utterly baffled by this inexplicable behavior, my subordinate closed the door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um,” he said hesitantly. “I have a five-year-old daughter who likes pretending she’s an animal. She quizzes me on which animal she’s imitating…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh! So Serafina is pretending to be something?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The hint was what finally made me realize what game Serafina was playing. Carefully, I scrutinized her movements. Judging by that inelegant crawl…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve got it! She’s pretending to be a knight who failed the admission exam!” I declared confidently—nothing else came to mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But before Serafina could even respond, my subordinate contradicted me. “That can’t be it, Vice-Commander. It’s got to be an animal or something! For the purposes of this quiz, Her Highness is no longer human.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What a challenging rule. What did Serafina look like, if not a human?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I puzzled over this quandary, Serafina stopped moving forward and lay on her side instead. She started doing a strange sort of wriggle, drew her hands to her back—and then sprang up, flapping her arms up and down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, you’re a dream bird! Nice job, Serafina!” I answered, convinced I had it this time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But my subordinate shook his head at me again. “Vice-Commander, a six-year-old girl is going to imitate something she likes! It couldn’t be a monster!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, really?” Sadly, nothing else came to mind, so I raised my hands. “Serafina, I admit defeat. Tell me what you are.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With a big, bright smile on her face, Serafina started crawling on the floor again. “Wriggle, wriggle!” she chirped and did her ungainly squirm again. “I’m a caterpillar.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then she went on:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The wings come out my back and whoosh! I’m a butterfly now!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Incredible. Even with her explanation, her choreography made no sense at all. She didn’t move like a caterpillar in the slightest, nor did she look remotely as if she were shedding skin or gaining butterfly wings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But she was looking at me with sparkling, expectant eyes, so I felt the need to say something, even if it was the opposite of what I was thinking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wow. Just like a real butterfly.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Tee hee hee!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn’t have sounded less natural, but Serafina giggled with such genuine delight. I felt bad—next time, I would have to put a bit more emotion into my acting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, Serafina pulled out a small wrapped item from her dress pocket. “Nice effort, Sirius! Here’s a candy for you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks…” I didn’t exactly have a sweet tooth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I made it myself,” she went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, really?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which meant that there was a slight possibility that she might have mixed up salt with sugar, resulting in a not-so-sweet snack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bracing myself, I opened the wrapper—and found five cookie-like objects. It was hard to tell what exactly they were, owing to their inscrutable shape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So what are these, exactly?” I mustered the question finally."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t know?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, that was a surprise. Was this another quiz question? I looked up at my subordinate, but he shook his head silently, all but telling me to give up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d never spent time with little girls before. How was I supposed to solve this conundrum?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Calm down, I told myself. Going by the previous quiz, it was safe to assume that this was something a child liked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With fresh resolve, I pinched a cookie between my fingers. It looked somewhat like a thick pole. Before, this shape would have baffled me, but my quiz experience served me the answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have it!” My face split into a grin. “This is a caterpillar! Ha ha, not bad, huh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my subordinate frowning in exasperation. Quietly, he told me, “The answer to the previous quiz was a butterfly, not a caterpillar! Caterpillars and pupae are the middle stages, not the actual answer! The cookie can’t be a caterpillar either.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I frowned, not fully understanding what he was getting at."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serafina rapped my hand playfully. “Noooope! This is Sirius’s sword!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? This is my favorite sword? But Serafina, the handle has distinctive features…” I drew my sword from its scabbard in an attempt to explain…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only for Serafina to shove the thick pole-like cookie into my mouth. “How’s it taste?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Reflexively, I bit down on the cookie. It made a loud crunching sound in my mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After a long pause, I said…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s sweet. Looks like you used sugar instead of salt. And I can see its use in training one’s jaw. Now I know why these cookies remained intact even after you rolled on the floor.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I chewed on the cookie, producing a series of bone-crunching noises."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seemingly oblivious to my predicament, Serafina smiled with gusto. “Tee hee hee. There’re four more cookies, Sirius.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I said nothing—my trial was far from over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next day, I added an insect encyclopedia to my light reading list. I would have to be well-informed on these topics if I was ever going to keep up with Serafina."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0035.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THANK YOU SO MUCH for picking up this book! This is a spin-off of the A Tale of the Secret Saint series."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The main series focuses on Fia, Serafina’s reincarnation, but as the story goes on, the past resurfaces more and more. I wanted to delve a little further into it, but I ended up writing so much that it threatened to ruin the pacing of the main series—hence why I decided to make a spin-off instead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "chibi has reprised their role as illustrator from the main series. I requested this so that the world remained consistent for readers of both series. The illustrations are as wonderful as ever! The main characters look great. Seven’s outfit has such an intricate design, and the backgrounds have a lot of detail—perfect marks yet again! chibi, thank you so much for the incredible art."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bringing the topic back to the main series, I’m excited to say that it has a million copies in circulation! Every single copy counts, and now we’re at a million. I’m so incredibly grateful to each and every one of my readers. I’m just stoked that so many of you would even read my story at all! Thank you so, so much!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I plan to keep on writing, so I would very much appreciate your continued support."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is a bit off-topic, but you know how there’s a scene in this novel where Sirius and Serafina ride a horse? It was only for a short while, but I’ve actually ridden horses myself. I learned from a vegetarian girl in England."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I love horses. They’re my friends, so I would never eat meat,” she told me with a smile. I didn’t have the heart to mention that I’d eaten basashi, which is basically horse meat sashimi, so I remember answering, “I’m a veggie fan too.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The girl spent most of her time with horses. She took very good care of them, so you can imagine that she was very skilled at handling them. She showed me the ropes, and we ended up riding in a forest. It was absolutely exhilarating to feel the wind as our horses trotted along the serene landscape. I got so caught up looking at the scenery that I screwed up my posture and got caught in the tree branches, but that was fun in its own way. I took genuine joy from the experience."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One day, I’d love to visit that forest again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Finally, I’d like to wrap up by thanking you all for reading this far. Thanks to all of you, this novel was able to take shape. It was a lot of hard work since it’s a new spin-off series and all, but I enjoy the process of putting out a book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope you can enjoy this new tale about the Great Saint!"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_A Tale of the Secret Saint ZERO_A-Tale-of-the-Secret-Saint-ZERO-Volume-01-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0036.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 1: Familiar Friends in an Unfamiliar Country"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 1:Familiar Friends in an Unfamiliar Country"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had no idea what was going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe it was just that those treacherous, prankster twins had decided to take adult form and were playing around with their axes. Or were just messing around in general."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the situation was shocking. Had someone told her it was a particularly perverse nightmare, she would’ve believed it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Listen, Alice!” Elliot would always rave. “There’s a new shop that opened a little while back. And the Carrot Mont Blanc there kicks ass!” His eyes would sparkle, belying his position as the rough, second-in-command boss of the Mob. The bounce bounce of his ears would punctuate his delight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t count the number of times she’d seen him like that. The only time he’d ever threatened her with a gun was when they’d first met. When they didn’t know each other yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet here she stood, her breath caught in her throat, the sun glinting off the dull metal pointing in her direction. The adult twins stood behind him, their axes ready in their clenched fists."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She made a strangled croak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot didn’t flinch. “Bye,” he grunted as he flexed his finger over the trigger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s all this racket? That last job was aggravating enough, thank you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot stopped at the familiar voice from behind Alice. He lowered his gun and stared past her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee brightened. “Boss, you’re back! That was quick.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Welcome home, Boss!” Dum chirped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sank to the ground, her mind racing. She twisted her head around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One look at the man walking through the gate made her think her nightmare might be over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faceless mobsters started pouring from the mansion, rushing to greet their returning boss. As they spilled out into the open, they lifted their voices in a chant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Welcome back, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right,” the man replied, only sparing a quick glance at his people. Then his utterly bored eyes met Alice’s."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His clothing was strange: a tailored suit that looked like a cross between formal wear and an equestrian uniform. But there couldn’t be two men in Wonderland with roses and a numbered card sticking out of his top hat. He ignored the loyal mobsters who crowded around the area, his attention locked on Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed. “Blood…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why wouldn’t he…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who are you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice went rigid. “Huh?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His stare wasn’t the flirtatious gaze she was used to. That rude, searching look from those blue-green eyes…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her memory pulled her back to the Country of Hearts—when she’d first met him. Blood’s gaze had been exactly like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The look of someone who doesn’t know me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was definitely Blood before her, tapping his cane against the ground as he sidled closer. But he kept a healthy distance from her; his appraising eyes were dark with suspicion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that suspicion wasn’t familiar. Blood had never been suspicious of Alice in the past—he’d never had any reason to doubt her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are you saying?” As Alice tried to stand up, she pushed a steadying hand against the ground. “I’m—whoa!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every mobster in the area pulled out a gun and aimed at her. Her brow creasing, she slowly lifted her hands into the air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This isn’t funny, Blood! Why are you doing this?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He hummed. “I couldn’t tell at first glance, but now that I look closer, you’re an Outsider. You seem like someone who would only bore me, and yet I drew to a stand at the sight of you, didn’t I? Hm.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Drew to a stand?” Alice furrowed her brow at the unfamiliar phrase. She had no idea what was going on, but at least this was familiar—only Blood used such vague phrases."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An Outsider who isn’t used to the world yet, I guess. It’s not unheard of…but you’re a strange girl. It’s death to come here. Ignorance is no excuse, even for an Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She waited for him to expand on that, but he said nothing more. Remembering how shaky her legs were, Alice stayed huddled on the ground and held her breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…Have you forgotten me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he had, that would explain the attitude of the people in Hatter Mansion. But the answer to her question didn’t come from Blood—it came from Elliot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t be stupid. Blood’s smarter than anyone—he hasn’t forgotten anything in his life!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice unconsciously cringed at the force in Elliot’s voice. She’d been thrown around this world plenty of times, and she was always facing guns and knives pointed at her…but she wasn’t used to the hatred. And considering who was throwing it at her now…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood seemed to notice her fear, but he only looked curious. He made no move to restrain Elliot, which confused Alice even more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even assuming that Blood had forgotten her, the Blood she knew would never act like this. He’d play coy and tread lightly—like the way he’d acted when she first met him in the Country of Hearts. He wouldn’t be so…defensive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Outsiders are rare around here. And even if I don’t know you, you seem to know me…which can’t be a coincidence.” Blood released a breath through his nose. “Fine. Join me for some tea, young lady. I make a rule of inviting people to my tea parties.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was clearly pretending not to care. She could tell he was trying to hide how cautious he was being. Blood was the type of guy to act casual so he could lure an unsuspecting enemy into a trap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot sucked his teeth. “The hell with this! It was bad enough having the Gravekeeper’s men screwing things up. I’d rather just kill you,” he added as he raised his gun again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“K-kill me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice glanced around at the twins and the other Hatter mobsters in a plea for help, but they didn’t seem bothered by Elliot’s attitude. If anything, they glared at her, as if half expecting her to attack them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was all so wrong. This wasn’t a nightmare—it was worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice knew how short-tempered Elliot could be—and he seemed worse than usual. If anyone was going to stop him… Her gaze came full circle and landed back on Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blue-green eyes glittered at her from under that hat brim. He didn’t look completely indifferent, but if he felt an inkling of sympathy, he didn’t act on it. Those eyes said he had no desire to protect her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She clenched her clammy hands into tight fists."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood!” she pleaded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Stop calling the boss by his first name like he’s some kinda friend!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood cocked an eyebrow at Alice’s cry and opened his mouth—but before he could say anything, Elliot advanced on Alice and shoved the muzzle of the gun against her forehead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I won’t miss this time, girlie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t take the pressure of the metal grinding into her skull. She closed her eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe she’d wake up after the gunshot, back in her familiar bed in Heart Castle. A part of her hoped desperately for that. But the chill of the muzzle and the murder in Elliot’s voice were too real for a dream."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her body flinched back—but she felt no impact or pain. She timidly cracked her eyes open as the gunshot’s echo faded in the air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had no time to be surprised at the rising smell of gunpowder from somewhere else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did someone just shoot at us?!” a mobster shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll call for backup!” someone yelled back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The atmosphere around Alice abruptly changed as the mobsters aimed their guns past her and barked orders. She looked down; a scar charred the ground where a bullet had buried itself. And as she followed the collective gaze of the Hatter Mafia, she finally saw the shadow of a man in the adjacent woods, holding what looked like a lit explosive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before he could throw it, fire erupted from the end of Elliot’s gun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It ain’t that easy!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hrgh!” The shadow collapsed with a moan. An instant later, an explosion shook the trees and released a rush of air that reeked of gunpowder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot jauntily twirled, his brown ears poking up at the sky, then practically scampered toward an exit from the mansion grounds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Was that supposed to be an attack?!” he mocked. “The Gravekeeper’s punks think we’re idiots, huh?! C’mon, boys—you’re all with me!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, sir.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Mafia men sounded less than enthusiastic, but they followed Elliot without question—except for the axe-bearing twins standing guard at the door. They simply scowled at each other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey!” Dee shouted back. “We’re not goin’—we’re doin’ our job at the gate. An’ we’re not your men, bunny boy!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah!” Dum agreed. “Runnin’ into gun fights is your job, bunny barf! I’d never stick my neck out like that without gettin’ paid more!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up!” Elliot snarled, shooting his gun for emphasis. He was clearly in battle mode. “If you’ve got time to complain, you’ve got time to kill something. Move your asses!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But despite the urgency, Dee and Dum wouldn’t even look at him. They shrugged at each other and leaned against the gate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gatekeepers,” Blood called, his low voice booming as loud as the gunfire. “Go with Elliot—that’s an order. Killing people before they break through the gate is part of your job.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had a funny feeling about the new, metallic noises mixed in with the clamor of battle. She turned; sure enough, the click of turning chambers came from Blood’s hands. His cane from a moment before had changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now he held a silver pistol."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” Alice squeaked, the word barely leaking out of her mouth. The question was drowned out by the twins groaning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Crap… If it’s the boss’s orders, we gotta do it, huh? I wanted to clean up that stupid rabbit’s mess an’ steal the glory.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah. But remember us bein’ so good when you’re givin’ out bonuses, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins took off at a light run, grumbling more complaints and demands. Blood didn’t deign to reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although Alice felt a squeeze of nostalgia at the sound of their banter, she never took her eyes away from Blood’s weapon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that…new?” she asked, not sure if he could hear her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The boss of the Hatter Family Alice knew owned a weapon, sure—but it wasn’t a pistol. She was used to his rose-covered machine gun spitting out a deadly stream of bullets, mowing down anything in his path. This new gun was smaller, sleeker…although the rose design was just as pretentious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s blue-green eyes snapped to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The chill of that gaze dropped her stomach, even as he flicked it back to wherever he was shooting. He tilted his head at a few remaining servants."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Take the girl into custody,” he ordered. “But don’t kill her. Yet.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Panic welled up in Alice again as she scrambled to her feet. Two gun-toting maids popped up on either side of her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, sir~!” they chirped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And with that, Blood turned away and walked out. Alice stared at his retreating back as the maids gripped her arms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now, if you’ll come this way~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The boss won’t let us kill you, but please don’t resist~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “I-I know,” she murmured weakly. “I’ll come quietly.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If Blood’s order was the only thing keeping her alive, she knew better than to run. She thanked God the maids wouldn’t casually murder her, at least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She let the maids guide her to a wall by the gate. But she had to ask, so she carefully cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, listen. About Blood’s…I mean, your boss’s weapon. When did he switch from a machine gun?” She remembered him saying it was “a pain” to switch to a new weapon, so something must have changed…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two maids tilted their heads in unison at Alice’s question. They exchanged startled looks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Machine gun~? Did Boss ever use one of those~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t know what you’re talking about~. The boss has always used a pistol~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice blinked. “Always? That pistol?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice expected more of a reaction if they were lying, but the woman nodded breezily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course~. I remember him saying that he wished it had a little more firepower, but…~”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah~. But then he decided to keep the pistol and see how things went~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice gripped her temples in confusion. “That can’t be right,” she insisted. “He—aah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A dull boom shook the gate that hid them. Was that a bomb?! Alice thought frantically as the two maids drew their guns."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still keeping a watchful eye on Alice, the maids took up positions where they could shoot at the enemy outside the mansion. As Alice clapped her hands over her ears at the splitting blam of their guns, she realized something: at the Hatter Mansion she remembered, nobody was asked to keep their eyes on two targets at once. Blood never gave his Faceless that much responsibility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was almost like…the mansion had turned more hardcore. Or Blood was more desperate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice could almost write off the maids’ hostility, since she didn’t know these particular Faceless; the mansion often changed out servants or gunmen to fight attackers or participate in turf wars. But if Blood, Elliot, and the twins acted like they didn’t know her, and the attitudes of the entire mansion seemed different…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She kept thinking about that silver pistol. How Blood had “never” carried a machine gun, even if he was interested in it for the future."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew, from painful experience, that common sense didn’t always work in Wonderland. If some insane truth was staring her in the face, then she had to accept it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice gasped, the smoke and stink of iron twining around her body."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is this place…the way it was before I came…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her tiny voice melted beneath explosions and gunfire. It was so weak, she hardly recognized it as her own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn’t want to believe it, but the theory fit. It even explained the battle currently raging so close to the mansion—the first time Alice had met Blood in the Country of Hearts, the Hatters had already claimed this territory, and everyone knew to fear it. Hardly anyone even visited."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knew the rumors: if you arrived when the Bloody Twins were at work, you’d be cold cuts in no time. Even if you lucked out and they weren’t around, you’d still become a victim of torture for the mobsters who lived inside the mansion. The threatening stories were common knowledge in the territory, which was probably why Alice had never even heard of the Hatters having to defend against a frontal assault."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But if this was the past…a world where the Hatters were still building up a reputation and position in the world…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the maids made a face at her. “Why do you keep mumbling to yourself~?” she asked as she fired beyond the gate. “It’s dangerous here, you know~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh…? Ah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A bullet grazed the gate with a high-pitched screech. Ripped out of her thoughts, Alice ducked into a crouch. She’d become used to guns in her time in Wonderland, but that didn’t mean she had a death wish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They don’t give up easily, do they~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Over there~. Here they come~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maids didn’t sound nervous as they returned fire, but that didn’t make Alice feel better. She scrambled back to her feet and peeked around the gate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Outside—right around where Elliot had attacked a shadowy bomber—she could see a branch shaking. She hoped the surrounding gunfire and explosions had caused it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her stomach tightened as a man jumped out of the shadows of the tree. He raised a gun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sweat trickled down Alice’s back. “Over there!” she whispered at the maids."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Could you please be quiet~? We’re a little busy here~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice tried to warn the maids again, but they were too busy shooting. The muzzle of the man’s gun trained itself on one of the maids."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice didn’t stop to think. She tackled the maid to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Get down!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The bullet exploded into the wall above them, sending bits of stone to sprinkle into Alice’s hair. The maid twisted up on her knees and returned fire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The gunman by the tree crumpled to the ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice breathed a sigh of relief. As the maid pushed herself up to her feet, her gaze briefly met Alice’s."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hint of gratitude flashed on that indistinct face. “Thank you~,” the maid breathed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m just glad you’re okay.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maid resumed shooting by her partner’s side as if nothing had happened. Alice got back to her feet and took a small breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had no idea who the Hatter Family was even fighting. Maybe this was a dispute between mob families, or part of some turf war…or maybe it was just the result of some “rules” Alice couldn’t possibly comprehend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She only knew one thing for certain now: this place was different from the Wonderland she knew. She wiped sweat from the back of her neck as bangs and explosions rang in her ears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, unexpectedly, the sound of gunfire melted away into a flurry of retreating footsteps. Alice blinked as the two maids lowered their weapons."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think they’re done~. What a pain~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No kidding~! I’m beat~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maids sighed as their eyes met, their guns smoothly flowing from a lowered position to Alice again. Alice stared at the trained muzzles, then raised her hands in submission."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know,” she said quickly. “I’m not running away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She catches on fast, huh~? I still don’t know what you were thinking when you covered me with your body~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice let out a breath. “Your boss ordered you to stand guard over me, right? So is it worth it for me to fight that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knew the Role-Holder leader of each territory had absolute authority, especially when it came to Hatter Mansion and its tight-knit mob family. In the Countries of Hearts and Clover, Blood could only accept her as a visitor caught between warring factions because he stood at the top of his organization. But now, if Alice’s relationship with him didn’t exist anymore, all she could do was give up quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a smart prisoner—you should stay that way~. That’ll help us out~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Because if you run, even though the boss ordered us not to shoot, we’d still have to kill you~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, right.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t figure out whether they didn’t want to shoot her because of the mess it would cause, or because they didn’t want to disobey orders. But before she could decide, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps outside the gate—and smelled a drifting stink of iron."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Mad Hatter—followed by his lieutenants and Faceless mobsters—walked in, scowling in the aftermath of the battle. Fresh blood was splattered all over the place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh,” Dee grumbled. “That was kinda sticky. I did a lotta cuttin’, but I never thought there’d be so many. I’m pooped!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We oughta get hazard pay, Boss!” Dum chimed in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hn,” Blood grunted. “Maybe.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot whipped to the twins, his eyes blazing. “You little maggots! We told you it was part of the job—no way are you getting bonuses out of it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the maids guarding Alice took a step toward Blood, her gun still trained on Alice’s forehead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Boss~… There’s something we’d like to talk to you about~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…Right now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood looked like he wanted nothing less, but the maid still started her report. She spoke in a low enough voice that Alice couldn’t overhear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice wondered what the maid was saying. With a restless heart, she stared at Blood…until he turned those blue-green eyes back to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were still cold as ice. She remembered a time when he’d turned that look on her before, but the recollection just made her feel even further removed from the man. He finally stepped toward her, his mouth twisting slightly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You protected one of my people, young lady. That was a pretty reckless thing to do… Perhaps you thought you could weasel into my organization that way.” He sneered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice couldn’t say she’d never acted out of self-interest, but this time, she’d had no ulterior motive. She’d simply saved the maid instinctively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just…don’t like seeing people die in front of me,” she argued. “I wasn’t trying to win any favors.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh?” Blood seemed mildly interested in that answer. His eyes narrowed beneath his hat brim."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is like the first time I met him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d always been so fascinated by unusual things that he couldn’t hurt them, even if he knew they were dangerous. It was a bad habit of his. But before Blood could reply, Elliot cut across him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh. Are you still here?” The March Hare still hadn’t bothered to wipe the blood off his cheeks. He casually lifted his gun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A shiver ran down Alice’s spine. With no apparent hesitation, Elliot put his finger on the trigger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just die, will ya? Pain in the—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice squeezed her eyes shut as the gunshot cracked. A heavy thud sounded at the same moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miraculously, the groans didn’t roll up from her own throat. They came from Elliot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice opened her eyes and gave a short yelp. Elliot was down on his knees, Blood’s foot grinding into the small of his back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who told you to shoot her, Elliot?” Blood murmured, glaring down at his minion in contempt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“B-but Blood…!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We were having a conversation. Never interrupt your boss.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But when she said ‘Blood,’ she—urg!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Blood just wanted to stop the argument; he dug his heel into Elliot’s side. He kicked the obviously hurt man again, then whacked Elliot on the head with his cane. Blood flashed a sneer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m the one who decides what happens to the girl. Raise your gun to her again and I’ll shoot you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-sorry, Boss…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Clearly I need to pound that into your body or it doesn’t stick.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I won’t get in your way anymore, I promise!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’d better not.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice watched the beating, dumbfounded, but the rest of the Hatter Faceless all averted their faded eyes. None of them complained about their boss’s high-handed savagery. Elliot didn’t even resist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt a sense of déjà vu. She remembered a time not long after the White Rabbit had dragged her to Wonderland—when this kind of cruelty was common within the walls of Hatter Mansion. As time had gone on, she’d witnessed fewer and fewer of those scenes, but they’d probably never stopped completely. Maybe the Hatters had just hidden them from her to be polite."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, clearly, they didn’t feel the need."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins suddenly stepped up from behind Blood, absently twisting their hands over their axe handles. “Hey,” Dee interrupted. “If the bunny’s punished now, Boss, what are we gonna do with her? Ya want us to kill her?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eh, I want bonus money if I’ve gotta do somethin’ extra. I hate doin’ freebies. We can throw her in the body pile an’ add her kill to our bonus cash.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood shrugged. “I know the girl looks like trouble, but we can kill her later, if I feel like it. For now, just throw her into one of the cells. At least until we decide how to deal with her.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maid Alice had saved nodded her head. She lowered her gun and re-gripped Alice’s arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As you wish, Boss~. Miss, if you’ll come with us~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice recoiled slightly. “If I…have to?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maid led her into the compound, and down to the inner depths of the mansion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had walked the same route countless times in the Country of Hearts and the Country of Clover. The mansion had some different decorations this time around, but it was essentially the same structure as ever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What country was she in? And who was in it? Alice wished she knew who the Hatters had been fighting outside. She had a million questions to ask…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she knew the Hatters wouldn’t answer. Not if they suddenly didn’t know her—or couldn’t remember her. Whatever the heck was going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maid eventually brought Alice to a basement hallway Alice had never entered before. Alice’s anxiety flared up at the dim light and chilly drafts. They walked past a long line of doors until the maid opened one on the end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In here, if you’d be so kind~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh…thanks for the hospitality,” Alice muttered awkwardly as she stepped inside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her eyes trailed over the stone floors, a bed that could only charitably be called a cot, and a tiny window with iron bars that choked the outdoor light. Like a typical prison, as far as she knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she stared at the cell in a daze, she heard the clang and chak of the door closing and locking behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They didn’t have to lock it, she thought. They know I’m not gonna run."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every employee of the mansion was in the Mob—nobody could escape a place filled with gangsters on guard. Even though Alice knew the mansion pretty well, there was no way she could escape without someone noticing her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With nothing else to do, she sat on the cot attached to the wall. The rock-hard mattress was a good match for the damp air. As she considered sleeping on that thing, her lips unthinkingly curled into a sardonic smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is actually pretty good treatment for a stranger who just happened to appear in a Mafia headquarters.” She rolled her eyes up to the ceiling. “At least I’m not being tortured.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only a few time periods before, the Hatters had insisted she stay as a guest in one of their lavish rooms. And it was more than just her guest room—she’d been invited into the twins’ room. Into Blood’s room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Each and every room was a top secret within the Mob. But they’d also housed good friends, and so she could easily remember the interiors of all those rooms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What happened to those friends…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she lay down on the cold cot, questions spun through Alice’s head. Had there just been another “move”? Did this count as “moving”? But she hadn’t just gone to a different place—the flow of time seemed to have gone upside down on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice reached toward the ceiling in the dim light and clenched her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew that no matter how much she reached into empty space, nothing would come into her grasp. But she still reached out and closed her hand, over and over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A queen who constantly lost her temper and ordered beheadings. A strange knight who was always lost. A stalker rabbit who never listened to what anybody said. Now she longed for them, but she didn’t even know if they existed in this country…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her vision started to swim. She felt a sudden, heavy drowsiness suck away her strength."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her eyelids fell, as if an unseen hand pressed down on them. Sure, it was nighttime, but she couldn’t remember ever feeling such an insistent stupor. She couldn’t stay awake. Maybe it was physical and mental fatigue after everything she’d gone through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wished that when she awoke, she’d be back in the red castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But even as she wished it, some part of her knew it wouldn’t come true."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please let me know when you’re done eating, ’kay~? The boss is calling.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of all the conversations Alice had had with the maid through the cell door…this was different. She frowned as she accepted the tray sliding through the slot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You mean Blood?” Alice asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah~. So eat that up quick, please~. He isn’t very good at waiting~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice heard the maid’s footsteps quickly tap away. Alice stared at her tray."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She could tell the approximate time period through the barred window, so she knew it had been about ten periods since she’d been locked up. She figured Blood had his reasons for imprisoning her, but still…this Blood was a little slower to act than the Blood she knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever. She was sick of sitting in that dreary cell and twiddling her thumbs. Alice practically inhaled the soup and bread, and by the time she was finished, the maid’s footsteps returned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Finished eating~? Then come this way~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A key turned in the door with a chak. Alice watched the door finally, finally open again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even if the maid had heard that Alice was an Outsider, she clearly wasn’t taking chances. Another Mafia member stood in the shadows behind her, his gun holstered but ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This way.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of them flanked Alice as she carefully stepped into the hallway. As they escorted her out of the prison area, she felt harsh stares from all the Mafia members they passed. But she was just walking. How threatening did they think she was?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Hatter mobsters she knew had always drifted around with an air of boredom, but these guys were different. It was like…they were restricted, hardened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They passed Blood’s bedroom; Alice was instead led to a room way in the back of the living quarters. Alice had a distinct memory of staying in one of these rooms before. Was this the only place Blood would see her now? The maid stopped her in front of a fine set of doors, where two mobsters stood guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was something else Alice had never seen—someone standing outside when she visited the boss. After one of the guards rapped on the door, a haughty voice drifted from behind it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you please~.” The maid motioned for Alice to go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed. “Excuse me,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She passed through the door and into a room that she remembered. It was decorated much like a parlor with two large sofas facing each other. Blood sat in the center of one, and as her eyes met his, the corners of his mouth raised slightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An unexpected line of mobsters stood behind him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Long time no see, young lady. You look healthy, for a prisoner.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re too kind. I should thank you for all your consideration—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice made to casually sit down on the opposite sofa, but she froze at the clack clack clack of the men suddenly drawing their guns."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice lifted her hands in her defense. Blood snapped his fingers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The guns returned to their holsters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was losing patience in this whole mess. She furrowed her brow at Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You called me here, and you’re just sitting there, and you still haven’t offered a lady a seat. I think that’s a little rude.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s not very ladylike to sit with a Mafia boss without an invitation,” he answered thinly. “Now I’ll invite you. Have a seat, young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He spread a white-gloved palm and indicated the other sofa. She settled into the seat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The distance between their couches felt like a thousand miles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m happy to be out of that dank cell,” she said, “but what do you want from me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried to choose her words carefully so as not to provoke the mobsters, but she had a lot of experience with them so she knew she could be direct. The Blood of her experience, as a typical mobster, hated toadying and flattery. She hoped this version of him shared that sentiment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure enough, her words didn’t seem to bother him. Quiet the opposite—a wicked smile spread across his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I thought I’d hear what you have to say. The talk we would’ve had before we were interrupted.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What talk?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wanted to hear the reason you protected my employee.” He impatiently tapped the table."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood Dupre, the Mad Hatter, was a territory leader—an extraordinary position among the Role-Holders, someone who attempted to control the game played by everyone living in Wonderland. He tended to be ambiguous, and never relaxed his superior attitude. She liked that flair of his, honestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the actions of this Blood were a little easier for Alice to read. Was he acting more obvious on purpose to lure her into a false sense of security?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I doubt it. To him, she was just some unknown Outsider. He didn’t need to play tricks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Was it that unthinkable for me to save your maid?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not unthinkable. Just pointless, as far as I can tell. You’re not replaceable, so why would you risk yourself for someone worthless like her? It’s suspicious.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Worthless? That’s a nasty thing to say about your servant!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Hatter leaked his breath out in a cold, hissing laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have I disappointed you? Maybe, but you can see how baffled I am at your actions. You risked your life for someone else, maybe hoping I’d spare yours in exchange…but life is too cheap in this world for that. It was a stupid thing to do.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His words were cruel, but Alice gave up on trying to argue with him. She could never successfully talk down the old Blood, and he wasn’t this…new guy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So,” she said at last. “You called me here just to tell me my actions were pointless?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m too busy for that. I want to know what you’re after.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He slowly nodded his head. “You’re an Outsider, but you spoke my name as if we were…close. You knew where this mansion is. Since you seem to know me from somewhere, I need to find out how much you know and what you’re planning.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He spoke the words with an indifferent air, but she kept catching hints of a threat. She knew being humble was her safest bet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Alice decided to talk back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Make any assumptions you want,” she replied. “I don’t think you’d trust anything I could say right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood looked a little surprised, but not angry. A small chuckle escaped his lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was Alice who felt weird at his unexpected reaction. “What?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I never expected anybody to use the word ‘trust’ when dealing with the Mafia. Or to imply that you want me to trust you. Should I take it that way?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So you’re an optimist.” She tried to keep her tone light, but her stomach churned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course Alice wanted him to trust her. But because she knew that was impossible at this point, she held back. She felt empty enough without having her hopes dashed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked around. “Does that end the interrogation?” she asked. “If so, I’d really appreciate it if you set me free.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I still have business with you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Really? Then could we maybe finish it up quickly?” Alice flashed him an expectant look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No matter your goal, the fact is that I still owe you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Owe me…? You mean for protecting your maid?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. The question is how to make good on the debt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a thin smile, Blood peered into Alice’s eyes. The intense stare—as if he didn’t want to miss anything—was a little different from the stare of the Blood she knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But she was still sure he didn’t waste time on meaningless words. After all, he was Blood Dupre—the man who had publically revealed an enemy’s secret name, who had a history of fraying people’s nerves and making enemies. Whoever the man before her was, she figured the awful parts of Blood’s personality weren’t going to change that easily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before things went from bad to worse, Alice opened her mouth. “So that means you’re in my debt, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see you finally want something.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice ignored the look in Blood’s eye that seemed to say, Not that you’ll get it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you’re in my debt, I want you to keep me in the mansion. Is that possible?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It means exactly what I said. I want to stay in Hatter Mansion.” She cleared her throat. “I won’t go into any area you block off from me, and I’ll do my best to stay out of your way. Deal?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It looked like Blood wanted to give her an immediate rejection, but then he closed his mouth. He stared at her, searching."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From Alice’s point of view, an escape would mean heading into the other territories—and she had no idea what other territories even existed here. She wanted to stay with what she knew. Or used to know, anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even if she hadn’t saved the maid’s life for this purpose, she needed all the help she could get."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, her anxieties resurfaced in Blood’s unexpectedly long silence. Did she seem more suspicious now? Through the pounding of her nervous heart, she blurted, “M-maybe I’m asking too much.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood puffed out a short breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You want to stay? Even when you seem to know so much about what goes on here?” His thin lips stretched into a smile. “Your mind works in strange ways…even for an Outsider."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right—you can stay, if a young lady finds so much appeal in a Mafia stronghold. Are you bored or something?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt the blood come back to her face. “I…I wish it was just that. But ever since I came to this world, I’ve never had time to be bored.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It sounded like he was treating her like an exotic pet. So I’m doomed to that every time I meet him, huh? Ugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not asking you to keep me here for free. In lieu of rent…well, you can put me to work, if that’s enough.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Work that a little princess like you can do? I’ll think about it. But it’s a shame.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What is?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He tilted his head and lifted the brim of his hat a bit. “I could’ve had a different kind of fun if you were an enemy operative under cover."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She would never be stupid enough to try to slip into Hatter Mansion as a spy. “Sorry to disappoint you,” she muttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He gave a short laugh at her comeback, but it didn’t sound relaxed. He lacked that incredible sense of calm from the Countries of Hearts and Clover."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She couldn’t “handle” this man. He seemed fiercely private, cold, and intimidating. She could only benefit from his thrill at finding something rare."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, he’d been like that when she’d first met him in Hearts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was a rare Outsider. Someone with a real heart who came from a different world. It was the only reason Alice could stay in Hatter Mansion without fearing for her life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll expect you to show me a good time outside of work hours, too,” Blood drawled. “But let’s get right to it. If you’re going to live in this mansion, you’ll follow my one simple rule.” He flicked up his index finger. “Never leave the grounds without my permission. If you break that rule and leave the house, we’ll hunt you down like a fugitive.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…You think I could actually run off with your secrets?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d acknowledged that she wasn’t an enemy operative, but he was still clinging to his doubts about her? She was a little…wounded, honestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t even blink. “I’m allowing an unknown entity to stay close. I think the rule’s reasonable. If you’re going to argue something this simple, I don’t see how you can live here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fine,” she said quickly. “I get it, kinda. I consider myself warned.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice still didn’t know for sure what kind of man this Blood was, but the back and forth made her feel a little better. He seemed…younger than the Mad Hatter she knew. Like he had the same abilities, but not full control of them yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And maybe he lacks confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as that thought crossed her mind, the door burst open. Two black shadows flew in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Boss! We got the orders for the next job, but that’d be overtime, an’ you said we had a butt-load of vacation time that we could take! Now you’re goin’ back on that?! We never get to go to the castle an’ have fun!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, an’ you’re sayin’ we might not get overtime pay?! Gah! Ya gotta motivate your workers, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins, still in their adult forms, waved their axes around as they complained. It was always a little weird to see them acting like kids in those bodies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was familiar with that trick—every Role-Holder in Wonderland could apparently advance through time at their own pace, taking on the form of a young or old person at will. More often than not, the Bloody Twins looked like youngish teenagers, not these 20-something adults."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In their underage forms, they were so much trouble that only Blood could tolerate them. As adults, they were even more dangerous, and even louder. It was like a storm had blown through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood scowled, his tolerance for them clearly strained. “You two don’t know how to shut up, do you? Elliot was supposed to handle this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As if in response to Blood’s words, the shadow of the third man—beast?—came barging into the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You little brats have balls to ignore me and piss off Blood!” Elliot shouted. “I oughta—hrck!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood threw an ashtray at Elliot that knocked the man (beast?) to the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up, all of you! Didn’t I just say that I’m sick of hearing about this?!” Blood took a long breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee kept going. “Boss—listen, Boss! Isn’t there a whole clause about vacation time in our contract? We lose our juice if we don’t get time off!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah!” Dum added. “We work our butts off an’ deserve the extra pay!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sighed. “The noise never ends…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins spent the next few minutes proving his point, although their clearly annoyed boss wouldn’t answer their demands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Alice felt a little less tense in the noisy room, because she found herself asking, “Are you two ever going back to being kids?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After all, they used the “we’re just kids” excuse for everything they did, even when no one asked. They’d used that excuse to run wild on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice asked it with a bit of nostalgia in her heart, but the twins just cocked their heads and exchanged glances. When Dee answered, he had an odd tone to his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’re you talkin’ about, lady? Go back to bein’ kids?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, I just mean—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dum laughed. “Man, you’re weird! Maybe you think we’re somebody else. Nobody in the Hatter territory’s gonna hire kids!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looking at Alice’s surprised face, Blood continued where the twins left off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You wish they were younger? I never thought your tastes would run that way, but… Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no children here. Although you may see some at the upcoming event.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice bristled. “Don’t talk to me like I’m some kind of pervert, okay? I just mean it feels weird when they… God, how do I put this?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The first time Alice had ever seen the twins as adults, they’d all been at Assembly in the Country of Clover. After that, whenever she saw them take adult form on a whim, it unnerved her—since she had always thought of them as basically kids."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot had recovered from the ashtray to the face. He twisted his head at Blood as he struggled to his feet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Event…? Crap, that reminds me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sucked his teeth. “Exactly. I know it’s a rule, but it’s a pain.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A rule? Do you have to go to an entertainment event again?” Alice asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s eyes widened slightly. But he swiftly erased the expression from his face and raised an eyebrow in question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How long have you been living in this world?” he asked her. “You call us by name, not by title, and you completely lack respect. And now you know about our entertainment events?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The only “entertainment events” Alice had experienced were the Ball in the Country of Hearts and the Assembly in the Country of Clover. She’d learned all about them by participating."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was it stupid for me to say that? Blood looked…edgy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um… Yeah, I guess…” She tried to backpedal a little. “I’ve heard about those events before, but I don’t know which ones take place here. Would you please tell me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s the Survey Meeting,” Dee cut in. “But you can make bets, an’ there’s even a party! Sounds fun, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You can get rich quick on one bet!” added Dum. “It rocks!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A Survey Meeting? She didn’t know what that meant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ll explain the Survey Meeting some other time,” Blood said, as if reading her mind. “All you need to know is that it runs over three separate meet-ups and is a pain in my ass.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it didn’t end in one meeting, it was closer to the Assembly than the Ball. Alice sucked in a breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She needed to mentally prepare before she asked her next question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The White Rabbit had first brought her to Wonderland, leaving her in the Country of Hearts. The first time she’d “moved,” she’d ended up in the Country of Clover."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait. Before finally arriving in this country, had she wandered into some hallucination, too…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shaking off the vague disquiet, she took a breath. “Blood,” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. “What is this country? What’s the name of it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She feared the answer. If he told her the name, and it was a place she’d never heard of…she would have to face that reality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the Mad Hatter’s reply just sounded bored."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t know where you are?” he asked. “This is the Country of Diamonds—under the rule of the Queen of Diamonds.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Country of…Diamonds…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It took Alice a long moment to find the strength to nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice rolled around in bed, ruminating over that. She wasn’t in a dimly lit cell anymore—which was a plus. She appreciated her new guest suite."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the new knowledge had set her emotions churning again. She buried her face in her pillow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So is that why nobody knows me here?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew that “moving” shifted the landmasses around Wonderland. But nobody had ever lost their memories in that process."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Actually, no—the Hatters couldn’t have just lost their memories since the last move, since everyone was acting like they were in a time before Peter had even brought Alice to the Country of Hearts. Or they hadn’t lost their memories, and the Country of Diamonds was a place where Alice had never existed in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She groaned. “Peter,” she grumbled automatically. “Why aren’t you here to help me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Loneliness welled up in her. She filed internal complaints for the white shadow floating in the back of her mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peter had brought her to Wonderland, by literally dragging her down a hole in her garden. He was supposed to be her guide."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice still knew nothing about the Country of Diamonds…but she had a hunch that Peter wasn’t in it. If he were around, she wouldn’t be alone and floundering for answers and recognition."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When they’d come to Hatter Mansion—no, when they’d entered the Country of Diamonds—Peter had suddenly disappeared in a flurry of rose petals. When she remembered that, an unspeakable emptiness opened inside her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t the first time the only person she knew had disappeared in a transition. But losing Peter…she couldn’t help but feel that she’d lost something especially precious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are Vivaldi and Ace gone, too?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heart Castle with all its proud red roses. The tea table set there, steam rising from the teacups amidst the huge assortment of sweets."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She couldn’t count the number of times the Queen of Hearts had announced a tea party with a bright smile on her face. The White Rabbit would coo Alice’s name and guide her through the goodies on the table. The Knight of Hearts would lean over and tease him. She loved that place. It was a precious sight burned into her memory. And even though she knew that common sense didn’t work in this world, it was still hard to accept that she could be separated from them that easily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And even if they were in this country, they might be just like the Hatters—people who considered Alice a complete stranger. The thought sent shivers down Alice’s spine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried not to think of Peter looking at her with a stranger’s eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…Agh, I can’t sleep like this!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sat up in bed and shook her head to clear it. An indigo sky spread out beyond the window."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maids had warned her that battles raged in every region of the Country of Diamonds, and she’d be wise not to wander, not even inside Hatter Mansion. But that meant she could only sit in her room and wait for the next time period to come."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned. “I wonder if there’s something to change my mood… Wait, I know!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Roses bloomed at Hatter Mansion in both the Country of Hearts and the Country of Clover. She thought a look at them might help her mood… Just imagining it made her heart dance a little."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She threw aside her gloom along with her sheets and hopped off the bed. She needed Blood’s permission to leave the premises, but she didn’t need that to check something inside the mansion grounds, did she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She got dressed and headed out. But as she walked through the outdoor grounds, trying to enjoy her little night stroll, she still felt the eyes of mobster servants following her every move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Supposedly, she was considered a guest now, but the servants clearly didn’t accept that. Which probably meant their boss didn’t accept that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice told herself they just needed time. There was no need to panic yet. But even as she told herself that over and over, she still felt her spirits sink under their suspicious eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She needed that rejuvenating walk among the roses. She needed to feel better. But it was that very anticipation that made her crash when she found the garden."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What the… This can’t be right!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d expected a flowering rose nirvana, framing a finely carved tea table and other works of art…a garden to match the one in Heart Castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But instead she stared at a dirty spit of land covered in wilting brown plants. A foliage-draped fence only allowed the occasional space for a small flowerbed. Instead of flowers, weeds choked the ground. Alice fell into new misery."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe it’s just this small area? Alice hoped it was an isolated block of rot, but as she walked the grounds, she saw that it wasn’t. The entire place was an overgrown, dying mess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this was the Hatter garden, and the servants were all tightly wound brutes…Blood probably didn’t throw his tea parties at all. This was the Mad Hatter’s mansion in the Country of Diamonds?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was honestly shocked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After a few minutes of walking aimlessly through the ravaged garden, she came to a halt. She thought she saw a long, white shape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” she murmured. “Is that Blood over there?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As she stared into the darkness, she saw the familiar lines of his back melt into the gloom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was a bit too far away to call out to. And more than that, Alice still wasn’t sure how to approach the guy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Curious, Alice started to follow him. Almost immediately, two servants appeared to block her way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They hadn’t drawn their guns, but their smiles were ice cold."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry, Miss~. No admittance beyond this point.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice frowned. “Really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes—it’s dangerous around here at night~. You should go back to your room~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their voices were calm, but Alice could tell that she wasn’t going any farther in that direction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay,” she murmured at last. “Good night, then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good night~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had no real reason to follow Blood, so she was willing to do as she was told. While walking back to her assigned room, she glanced up at the sky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The half moon loomed like a lord in command of a sky of glittering stars. The moon was the only thing that stayed consistent between the countries of Wonderland, even as its phases forced it through an unending, shifting cycle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She breathed a heavy sigh at the irony."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0006.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 2: The Dance of Numbers"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 2:The Dance of Numbers"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The books lay stacked up in a mountain under the dim ceiling lights. Alice took a book from the pile and read the title. Her eyebrows drew together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Finer Points of Converting Heavy Firearms,” she recited. “What’s this doing here? These shelves aren’t supposed to have anything to do with weapons.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, dear. Did one get mixed in~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice grabbed another book. “Yeah. And this one’s When to Use the Knife, When to Use the Dagger. This shelf isn’t organized at all!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice pulled out another misplaced book, her shoulders dropped in depression. The book stacks cast dark shadows against the moonlight spilling in from the window."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A maid, her arms overflowing with books, shrugged as she threw a glance at Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hardly anyone ever comes into this place looking for books, anyway~. So the people who do just put them wherever they find space~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s no excuse! What’s the good of having a reference library if you’re just going to treat it like a barn?” Alice grunted. “What a waste of a great library.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She checked another book: One Hundred Choices for Drugs. She didn’t even flip through that one—she just stacked it on the tower of books about drugs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a condition of her staying in Hatter Mansion, Blood had assigned Alice a job: to put the reference library back in order. Or, to be more precise, he had first tried making her a mover and then a maid, but after only a short time of each, he’d decided to have her do something else. She’d worked as a maid in Heart Castle, so she knew she’d been handling that one just fine…which meant the Hatters had probably realized that maid’s work would give her access to secrets they didn’t want her seeing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thus giving me the books."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a few time periods as a librarian, they hadn’t shifted her to anything else—which meant this was probably her position now. And she wasn’t terrible at it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was responsible for re-shelving the returned books in proper order—but before that, she had to find and clear those correct spots from the intrusion of other books. Each shelf more or less had a category attached to it, but most of them had books of different sections mixed in. Alice had recruited a maid to help her relocate the interlopers to their proper shelves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They call this a reference library,” Alice muttered. “But not right now, it isn’t.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s worth the time to fix it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The very words she was thinking materialized out loud, from a low voice behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed the complaint stuck in her throat and turned. Blood walked lazily between the shelves, dragging a finger along the books’ spines."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I…didn’t expect to see you here,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wanted to see how hard a guest works.” He pulled a book at the edge of his fingertips—something from the section designated for industry technical manuals. “Hm. It’s looking more organized already.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice watched him silently flip through the book and felt a sense of déjà vu. But not of this dreary reference library…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just of him. His tilted face in profile as he read a book, time and time again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that private room of his, almost a library itself with all its tomes; under the shade in the mansion’s garden; and in that hidden sanctuary with all its red roses in bloom. Blood had always loved reading, so they’d spent many a quiet period together, reading in each other’s company. Hatter Mansion had been a calm, content place that no one would suspect was a Mafia base. Her memories of that were as precious as those of the tea parties in Heart Castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, as she stood beside the Blood of the Country of Diamonds, she keenly felt the distance from her past life. As reflections tumbled through her head, Blood abruptly looked up from his book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you find this work boring?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice blinked. “Huh? No… Not at all. Why would you think that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Because you’re just standing there and looking at me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Urk. Right, sorry.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man gave a snort at her meek apology. “If you aren’t bored, then I envy you. You won’t find a single secret hidden in here—so I thought you might regret the assignment.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I told you that I’m not after secrets,” she reminded him dryly. “Anyway, about this job—this place is a complete mess. How have you been managing it up until now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood slid his book onto a different stack, possibly answering the question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sighed. All the reference books in the library seemed useful—even if they were mostly about weapons or drugs or other dangerous things. But out of order, they were useless as reference. It was like leaving a treasure trove to rust."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t you have any librarians?” she pressed. “Or maybe you have plans to hire one…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I doubt there’s a mobster in this world who wants to organize a library. If I posted a librarian job, we’d get two kinds of applicants: spies, or meek little failures who would be useless in our many gun fights.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh… I guess you’re right.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice nodded, a different thought formed in the back of her mind. It would be a risk to hire someone new, especially with all the warring territories and rival mobsters. But there was a problem even before it got to that—Blood and his people had no room in their hearts to even accept her, an Outsider. Alice remembered how much mobster fighting she’d seen in the Countries of Hearts and Clover—to say nothing of what she hadn’t seen, especially since she’d lived in Heart Castle—but still, the residents of Hatter Mansion had never given her the impression that they were in fights. They were strong enough to protect her, they just didn’t seem…on the offensive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Hatters in the Country of Diamonds lived under much stricter rule, apparently. And since Blood had never seemed like a pushover in Hearts or Clover, maybe that just meant he was…worse at management here. Like he was younger and hadn’t gotten the hang of being a leader yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was starting to understand Diamonds Blood a little better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He flashed her a small, slanted smile. “You’re an odd one, to worry about the utility of a mobster’s reference library.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just my honest opinion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His smile turned nasty as he returned another book to the shelf. She worried he’d only come to make fun of her, but then he moved farther back into the library."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He gazed at the spine of another book, then took it out and studied the cover. He seemed to have forgotten her presence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh… What are you looking for?” she asked at last. She was supposed to be helping out here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She thought he’d reject her offer as being none of her business; she was surprised when he obediently opened his mouth to answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I suppose…bring me the records on the residents here. Also, if you have anything that can help me understand the changes in finance, I’d like that even more.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sure. I’m kinda surprised you need so much. Can I ask what you’ll be using it all for?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A moment before, he’d been looking at industrial technologies, and after that, information on the forests and rivers in Hatter territory. They didn’t seem like anything directly related to the business of running a Mafia organization."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood drew a breath. “We already told you—there’s a Survey Meeting coming up. I’m trying to prepare.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh. The Survey Meeting…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She started searching for the books while he continued to explain. She made the occasional noise to let him know she was still listening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t know how much you’ve heard about it,” he murmured, “but there’s a rule in this world that says we have to gather for ‘entertainment’ at regular intervals. The Queen of Diamonds rules this country, so she’ll be presiding over the meeting…unfortunately.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice headed for a different bookshelf to poke around for what he needed. It took him out of her line of sight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If it’s supposed to be ‘entertaining,’ what do you do in it? You’re not going to do a survey to see which lord of which territory is tallest or something, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We survey the power of each territory,” Blood said coolly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice stopped at that. She peeked through the shelf; the back of his white suit jacket faced her, his eyes firmly fixed on the reference book in his hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Power,” she repeated slowly. “So, like…the relative size of each territory?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood didn’t turn. “Overall area is part of it, since we try to claim each other’s territory. But nothing is gained through size of territory alone. I wouldn’t call trying to survey something that can’t be surveyed entertaining,” he added dryly. “The entertainment comes from taking the size of the territory as a foundation, and building on it by converting other types of power into numbers.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. This world overflows with numbers. You could say gathering numbers is this world’s best entertainment.” He let a breath out through his nose. “So the Survey Meeting takes those gathered numbers and compares them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice grunted her confusion. The one thing she did understand was this was very different from any friendly gatherings and masquerade parties. She kept scanning the book spines and humming affirmatives as he went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This may be difficult to understand for a prim and proper girl like yourself,” he commented. “But to put it simply, it’s like a card game you would find in a casino. Each territory leader holds the five forces of his territory in his hand: natural resources, population, military, economics, and technology. Only the leaders can correctly interpret these powers and judge how powerful each individual force is in his territory.” He snapped his book shut. “And then he plays one force at a time against the other territories in hopes of dominating.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice mulled over that. She could understand parameters like “natural resources” and “technology,” but “population” made her knit her eyebrows together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew a lot about the…oddities of this world. She knew the people had clocks in their chests instead of hearts, and that that was how they were recognized by others in Wonderland—as being embodiments of time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So…you’re saying the leader controls the population, and they can be forced to work in cooperation with you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If it were a card game, the population would be nothing more than a hand of cards."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice heard a hint of her disgust leak into her voice. She grabbed the last needed book and carried the stack back to Blood. He looked up from his book at just that moment, and their eyes met."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She thought he’d return to reading once she handed him the books, but his arm just curled over the stack while he kept his gaze locked on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-what?” she blurted. “If you have something to say to me, then don’t hold back.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just thought you’d be more surprised or tell me you didn’t understand. You know this world a bit more than I expected you to. Why don’t you tell me where you learned all that, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She paused. “Not from you,” she finally answered, tapping the books in his hands. “These the ones you needed?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t a lie. No one had put any information specifically into words. But as she’d interacted with the people of Wonderland, she’d naturally increased her knowledge of how their world worked. Her understanding advanced accordingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He finally drew a breath and shrugged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Survey Meeting is just tedious,” he said. “Going out in a daytime period is already annoying, and gathering the necessary information makes it worse. It’s one giant pain.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked exasperated by the whole affair. She nodded her response, then added, “Will you need any other reference books after this?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Probably. My main role in the Survey Meeting is to understand my nation’s power.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay. Just give me some advance warning next time and I’ll grab the books before you come. It’ll save you time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice just considered this a natural extension of her job (and thus earning her keep), but something twinkled in Blood’s eye."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a strange girl. You’re willing to take on headaches for a Mafia boss who won’t repay the kindness.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s not strange. You said I should organize and maintain the reference library. That’s my…well, for now, that’s my role.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew that as an Outsider, she was always going to be treated a bit like an exotic zoo animal—but she got the feeling that Blood was treating her that way for his own reasons as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I suppose you’re right. You’re our best librarian now. Personally, I’m so busy with work that I can’t spare a moment—I need to get these pain-in-the-ass projects off my desk as soon as possible.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He nodded at Alice with a hint of amusement, but didn’t say anything more. He tightened his grip on the stack of books in his arm and headed for the exit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just as he was about to leave, the maid from earlier popped her face in the room. Alice blinked; she hadn’t seen the woman leave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I didn’t hear her while I was talking to Blood. Since she’d been ordered to help Alice, did that mean he’d ordered her to leave?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is your discussion all finished now~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, yes. Please continue your work here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I suppose we have to, no matter how annoying it may be~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the two of them spoke, the color of the light streaming through the door changed. The moonlight shifted into the golden light of day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice let out a breath. She beckoned the maid over, ready to battle the clutter beast until the next time period."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The town serving the castle was decorated with a diamond motif, with everything integrating the color yellow. The townspeople milled in one big mass toward a single destination. Flanked by Blood, Elliot, the twins, and a few other Hatter Faceless, Alice twisted her head around to look at the territory run by the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to think of it,” she said aloud, “this is the first place in the Country of Diamonds I’ve gone to aside from Hatter Mansion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wasn’t sure if this was typical of the place, but the lively atmosphere showed all the signs of a festival. She overheard the conversation of two men who stepped out of an alleyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, who’re you betting on this time? I’m thinking of throwing my money on the Station.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y’know, I’ve been thinking that—wait, those are the Hatter guys! Watch your mouth!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two animated men suddenly shut their mouths and dropped their eyes to the ground. They tried to nonchalantly put some distance between themselves and Alice’s group."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tilted her head in curiosity. “Did you hear that?” she asked the others. “Are people betting on something?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins—who seemed the most excited to be out of Hatter Mansion—blinked big eyes at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ya didn’t know, Big Sis? Everybody else joins the Survey Meeting by gamblin’ on it. That’s why it’s like a festival out here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. They bet on stuff like the rankin’ of each territory. You can win big on a meeting like this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice frowned. “But aren’t there only five types of forces? Doesn’t that sort of limit the ways to win?” If there’s a strict limit on the cards, she added silently, that means the same outcomes happen over and over…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee shrugged. “There’s five forces in each territory, but there are three Survey Meetings. An’ there’s a rule you can only use one force per meeting.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You keep your strongest force in your hand,” Dum added, “an’ only bring it out when the time’s right an’ you can reverse your fortune. An’ make a fortune!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, but sometimes you don’t wanna let anyone see your other forces. It keeps the enemy from knowing what you’ve got.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But since there’s three Survey Meetings, even if you use all the forces you can, there’s two you’ll never show.” Dum beamed. “Pretty cool, huh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice mulled over that for a second. “I think I get it. And the strategizing continues between meetings?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup. You can show a strong hand an’ pressure everyone, or make ’em underestimate you by showin’ a weak hand.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clearly, this was yet another way the leaders could perpetuate their fight over territory. Even their muscle-flexing entertainment never exposed all their forces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the twins, especially Dum, seemed to have a different reason for the twinkle in their eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Makin’ a fortune,” Dum said dreamily. “I like the sound of that!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot made a face. “These Survey Meetings are annoying as hell,” he muttered. “I don’t get the attraction. It’s just too convoluted.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smiled nervously. “Sounds like it might be.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nah,” Dee interrupted. “Once it’s started, it pretty much runs itself. Like the hands of a clock.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As they walked through the streets, Alice saw how much the citizens around them were creeping away. She had never liked crowds, so the little circle of privacy (fear?) around the Hatters was a blessing. Sort of."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were in a castle’s territory, but it wasn’t Heart Castle. She didn’t know anyone in Diamond Castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Elliot noticed her jittery steps, because he snapped, “Hey! Don’t wander off—we’re not gonna look for you if you get lost. And you know what happens to little girls who wander off, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m staying with the group,” Alice retorted. “I’m just…curious about this place, since it’s the first time I’ve been here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not sure I buy that,” he said coldly. “And I still don’t buy that you’re a ‘guest’ of ours. Make one false move and…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe it was because Blood stood between him and Alice, but Elliot never drew his gun. Alice shuddered—the Elliot of this country had an even worse temper than the Elliot she knew. As she waved her hands to show that she wasn’t doing anything, Blood opened his mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Elliot’s right. I see nothing enjoyable in chasing you down.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Without thinking, she turned to glare at Blood. “Listen, you…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood let out a wicked chuckle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ugh. He was playing with her like a toy. She wished he’d stop using her to distract himself from the Survey Meeting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins suddenly jumped out in front of Blood, drawing their axes excitedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, hey, Boss! Can we go to the Garden Party? It smells sooooo good!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“An’ we gotta collect info to place our bets right. Play real good this time, Boss! We don’t wanna lose!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Save it for later,” Blood answered evenly. “The bookies at the Garden Party aren’t going anywhere.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot growled. “I told you not to bother Blood, you little spit-stains!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The conversation descended into backtalk again. None of them were willing to give an inch—they all just took a mile. More than a mile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their arguing was more confusing than usual, so Alice couldn’t find a way to butt in. She winced at the shrieks and stopped walking. The arguing group continued on, granting her a little blissful space."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Phew.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “I guess I’m not in the mood for a loud festival today.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Most of the townspeople were the Faceless—people without roles in Wonderland. Their faces were a little indistinct, admittedly. They bustled around her, festive and animated…even if they were hard to tell apart."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice knew getting depressed wouldn’t help her. Maybe she hadn’t chosen to go to the baffling Country of Diamonds, but she had made a decision to stay in Wonderland. She needed to take the craziness in stride."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She clenched her fists. Cheer up, she told herself firmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Someone grabbed her from behind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice’s mouth fell open in surprise, but a hand clapped over it before she could scream. Strong arms pulled her back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up!” someone hissed. “We’ll let you go when we’re done with you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adrenaline raced through her limbs, and she struggled in the man’s grip. She dragged his hand off her mouth, but new hands and arms suddenly rushed her backwards, dragging her into an alley."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-who are you people?!” she cried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her voice echoed in the alley, but they didn’t answer until they’d shoved her far away from the open street, blocking it with their bodies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were Faceless men—dressed in black suits. One of them sneered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You really don’t know who we are? You’re pretty slow on the uptake for a Hatter stooge.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Enemies of the Hatters? she wondered, her mind racing. Do they want to ransom me? That didn’t bode well for her, since the Hatters didn’t care much about her in this country."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She shoved the last arm away. “I have no idea who you are,” she snapped back. “Don’t touch me!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whatever,” one of the men hissed. “You know what hand the Hatters are going to play, right? Spill it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What hand Blood’s going to play…? You mean at the Survey Meeting?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Obviously! Maybe he didn’t tell you everything, but he must’ve let some details slip!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We know you’re close with the Hatter—you live with him!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The men wanted secrets for the Survey Meeting. Alice was so stunned that she stepped back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her shoulders slumped as the strength drained out of her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Close” with the Hatters. Is that how people saw her in the Country of Diamonds? Really? She had a reputation when she’d spent so long in Blood’s prison?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The implications of it all made her head hurt. She angrily shook her head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not a member of the Hatter Family, okay? I don’t know anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Bull. You live in—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes,” she said sourly. “I live in Hatter Mansion. That’s it.” She didn’t add the part about being constantly under watch there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As she started to think that maybe she’d chosen the wrong place to stay, the men blinked at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re kidding,” one of them murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“According to our boss…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The men exchanged confused glances, and Alice felt the tension of the “kidnapping” drain away. These men didn’t seem violent. Heck, they hadn’t pulled a gun on her, unlike her hosts at the mansion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another voice suddenly echoed in the alley. “According to me, what?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice stopped. She didn’t recognize the low, gritty voice with a soft edge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked up to see a tall, broad man saunter in behind the Faceless goons. As he neared, she saw the sharp outline of facial features…which meant he had a role. A Role-Holder of some Diamonds territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d never seen him before in her life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glasses rested on a strong nose, but they didn’t cover the scars crisscrossed over his face—a stark contrast to his calm expression. He wore a black suit similar to the Faceless, but with a badge on his left lapel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Faceless men seemed stunned to see the man in glasses; they scratched their heads in obvious confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are you doing here?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I could ask you the same question. You all disappeared on me, and now I find you roughing up innocent citizens? Watch it. You know trouble’s not allowed during the Survey Meeting.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-we’re sorry.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We just thought that if you knew what hand the Hatter was holding, you could take him down easier—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You shouldn’t have done this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The “boss” sounded like he was scolding a group of children. The Faceless men all bowed their heads in unison."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a wry smile, the scarred leader turned his attention on Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sorry for the trouble, miss.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was surprised at the apology. She brushed out her skirt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh…it’s okay? They didn’t…hurt me or anything…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man stared at her face for a moment. “You’re an Outsider?” he murmured. “But you…seem pretty comfortable in this world.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable with everything, but… Yeah, I’m an Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She remembered her somewhat hyper reaction to similar words when she’d first arrived in Hearts. But now she just nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The corners of the man’s mouth curved up. It softened his rough features."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gotcha. Sorry again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why are you sorry agai—whoa!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man suddenly pulled her against his body and leapt down the alley, the action so rough that Alice’s feet dragged across the concrete. Alice gasped her surprise as bullets exploded the bricks behind where they’d been standing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Faceless men scattered. “It’s the March Hare!” one of them shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t shoot at our boss, you bastard!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot bared his teeth from the far end of the alley, smoke swirling from the barrel of his gun. But he ignored the Faceless; his furious eyes were locked on Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What the hell did you tell the Gravekeeper?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s heartbeat thundered in her ears. “G-Gravekeeper?” she stuttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I knew it!” Elliot snarled. “I knew you were in cahoots with that asshole!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice jerked her head at the man who slowly released her. He flicked his ocean blue eyes at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He shrugged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Hare’s always had an itchy trigger finger.” He looked up at Elliot. “It’s forbidden to attack members of other territories during the festival.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot cursed. “What do I care about that?! Tell me straight, Gravekeeper—is the girl your spy?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, no, but I doubt you believe me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Gravekeeper. She’d heard that name in the Country of Diamonds. Elliot had called him the enemy…which she believed, considering Elliot had shot at the guy in broad daylight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper made no sign of drawing a weapon, but Elliot kept his finger on the trigger. Elliot slowly advanced; Alice stayed stock still, her heart racing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the Gravekeeper made a slight move to back off, Elliot’s free hand shot out and clamped over Alice’s wrist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot clearly didn’t care about her cry of pain as he roughly dragged her toward him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up. I’m taking you back to Blood—he’ll get you to talk!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re hurting me!” Alice snapped back. “Quit being so rough!” She tried to pry her arm free, but it didn’t do her much good. And it only seemed to stoke Elliot’s anger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I told you to shut up!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice winced as he squeezed her harder. “S-stop it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey,” the Gravekeeper suddenly bellowed. “My men grabbed her. You don’t have to—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You stay outta this!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Gravekeeper sucked his teeth. “I don’t believe this guy,” he murmured in quiet surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Alice barely heard it; Elliot had stopped dead still in the alley, causing her to stumble right into his back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood stood before him, blocking the way to the street. His blue-green eyes were ice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you think you’re doing, Elliot?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot straightened. “B-Blood! I finally found her. And like I thought, she—gah!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot’s attempt to shove Alice forward was thwarted by Blood’s cane whipping across his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I asked you a question, Elliot,” Blood said thinly. “What do you think you’re doing?” He flipped the cane in his hand and swung it, hard, into Elliot’s side. Elliot cried out and hunched over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I ordered you to bring her back. Did I tell you to hurt her?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Blood mercilessly beat his subordinate, Elliot didn’t try to run or even defend himself—he just let Blood whack him over and over with the rod. Elliot’s weakening grip slid off Alice. She didn’t know what to do, so she just stood there, watching in horror."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even when blood welled up at the corners of Elliot’s mouth, Blood didn’t stop."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Answer me, Elliot! Did I tell you to do that?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, you…y-you didn’t!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then why don’t you listen to me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wham! Blood jammed the end of the cane into Elliot’s solar plexus. Elliot’s tall form finally collapsed to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why do I have to constantly tell you not to go beyond what I order you to do? You know that if I can’t keep you in line, everybody will think I can’t even housebreak a pet!” Blood rammed the bottom of his boot into the back of Elliot’s head. As Elliot curled against the concrete, Blood walked around him, his furious eyes on Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice automatically recoiled, bracing herself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Blood simply took her hand, turned his back on the Gravekeeper, and walked back toward the street. Shocked into silence, she just ran to keep up with his quick steps. He didn’t even spare a glance for the fallen Elliot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. She turned to look back, but the Gravekeeper and his men were already leaving, their backs to her as they exited the opposite end of the alley."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was clear that both he and Blood were pointedly not looking at each other. It felt less like an argument and more the evidence of a deep, dangerous rift."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-was that the Gravekeeper?” Alice ventured quietly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. That’s the first time you’ve seen his face?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um…yeah.” Alice took a breath. “What’s he the leader of?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Gravekeeper territory, obviously. He runs the graveyard and the art museum.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Art museum?” Alice repeated in surprise. “That’s…not what I would usually lump in with a graveyard.” Running a place to exhibit beautiful art while at the same time managing a place where people mourned for the dead… She imagined he was an odd leader."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what counted as a “grave” in Wonderland, anyway? When the people in that world “died,” their bodies vanished. All that remained were stopped clocks that had once ticked away in their chests—and Julius was supposed to fix those."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she wondered about that, she murmured, “He dressed kinda like you, Blood. I thought he was Mafia.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s because he is.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s reply stopped her short. He continued a few steps past her before stopping himself and turning around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The anger in his eyes had vanished, replaced with an amused gleam. He seemed to enjoy her reaction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“His name is Jericho Bermuda,” Blood explained. “He oversees the graveyard, directs the museum, and yes, he is also a Mob boss. I don’t know how he looked to you, but he and I are villains of the same stripe.” His mouth slanted. “If you think he’s going to ensnare you, you’d better be prepared for the consequences.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice grimaced. “Thanks for the warning,” she muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Footsteps slowly tapped from behind them. Alice glanced back to see Elliot, hunched over slightly, his fists rubbing at the blood that had leaked from his puffy mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knit her eyebrows together at the pained look on his face. She leaned in to whisper to Blood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know this might sound…weird coming from me, since you technically helped me, but…maybe you overdid it with him.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have my own ways of doing things,” Blood replied coolly. “Don’t tell me how to train my dog.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was clear that he didn’t want her opinion—and her being an Outsider probably didn’t help. She pursed her lips and gave up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was nothing between her and these people that resembled trust or friendship. He was just her landlord now…and nothing more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The territory leaders were supposed to gather in some waiting room. When Alice asked about the Survey Meeting itself, Blood told her it would take place “close by.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the time Blood and Elliot brought her to a massive building, the twins had disappeared from their waiting spot. Blood didn’t seem surprised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sure they’ll show up again when they feel like it,” he hummed. He gestured to the door. “Ladies first.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice paused, then walked through the huge doorway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The waiting room beyond was already milling with people. Were they all Role-Holders here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“An Outsider!” a youngish voice called. “That’s pretty rare! But still, you don’t act like a stranger…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice turned to the young man who bounded to her side. Based on the clarity of his facial features, he had to be a Role-Holder…even though she didn’t know him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait. She felt a strange sense of déjà vu as she stared at him. He wore an eye patch over his right eye, his feminine face strangely pale. It was his purple lips that made her think of someone she did know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” she breathed. “You can’t be…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hm?” He blinked his one visible gray eye at her. “Do you and I know each other?” He suddenly beamed. “Wait, of course you know me. I’m the great and powerful Stationmaster, Nightmare Gottschalk! In the flesh, ha ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He puffed out his chest, belying the thinness of his body. But half a moment later, a large shadow descended from behind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Big words for someone who always folds right after starting,” a familiar voice grunted. “Don’t act stupid, or killing you will seem too easy. If you have time to preen, then you have time to go to the hospital.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s eyes widened at the tall, dark-haired man she knew well. He’d lost his familiar suit and tie, and instead wore a rougher ensemble, including a black coat accented with a purple scarf."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The boy—Nightmare?!—scowled. “Don’t you dare be so rude to me, Gray! I don’t need the stinking hospi—HRRK!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gray narrowed his eyes as the boy hacked out a few watery coughs. “You’re proving my point,” he said thinly. “Go to the hospital, heal up, and then come back to get slaughtered.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I’m not going to go through that just to get killed! I might as well stay sick! I’m not going to the hospital, got it?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You don’t care about being killed—you just hate doctors. This isn’t on me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t just Nightmare’s boyish form that surprised Alice—it was Gray’s attitude toward him. Back in the Tower of Clover, Gray had gallantly protected Nightmare, even going to unwanted lengths to take care of his boss. He’d practically been Nightmare’s mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d heard the rumor that once, long ago, Gray had been a hitman gunning to kill Nightmare. Was this what he had been like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As the implications dizzied her, something soft touched her back. She jumped in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Eek! Wh-who’s that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was about to ask you the same thing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A young man with fluffy pink cat ears and a striped fur wrapped around his shoulders slid in front of her. He flashed an achingly familiar smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nice to meet you, Miss Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s chest tightened. “Boris,” she whispered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He pushed long bangs from one curious golden eye, eliciting a slight jingle of his many earrings. “You know me? Did the Stationmaster point me out or something? Man, I hate when people talk about me before I get here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He seemed depressed for a second, but then he suddenly laughed. The fangs protruding slightly from the corners of his mouth were rather cute, but his most identifying features were the mercurial, ever-changing expressions on his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She could see in his eyes that he didn’t recognize her—like everyone in Hatter Mansion. Frustration welled up in her chest at the thought that she was at square one with him, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With everyone, maybe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But there was nothing she could do about it. She smiled at him, and it wasn’t entirely forced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nice to…meet you. I’m Alice Liddell. I hope we can be friends.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He saluted her. “Alice. Cool.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something caught his eye; Nightmare and Gray behind her, apparently. He stepped past her to head for them. Her eyes followed his swishing pink tail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I must warn you,” lectured another voice. “We have to move forward on the preparations! It’s almost time to start…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sidney, you’re always bullying me! It isn’t right to torture little kids!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those voices weren’t familiar. Alice looked up as a small entourage approached."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were all wearing black suits, like the mobsters in Hatter Mansion—but Alice was starting to think there was a rule that all crews coming to the meeting had to wear black suits. One of the figures in the front—a young girl with a clearly defined face, which meant she had a role—had impressive-looking gold trim on her black dress. She flicked yellow-green eyes at a man lurking in her shadow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m doing my best,” she complained. “The least you could do is praise me a little!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re the host here, Your Majesty. Please act accordingly. I find it very uncomfortable to have my queen made a laughingstock.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As they neared, Alice saw that he wasn’t just a man. He was a…rabbit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man had floppy black ears to match his dark hair. His eyes were two different colors—one gray, one red—and a monocle rested delicately over the ruby eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The girl suddenly met Alice’s startled gaze. She instantly lit up and ran toward Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An Outsider!” she cooed. “What a treat! And the fact that you’re here means that you’re doing us the honor of attending our Survey Meeting? As a rule, you’d be ordered to attend an audience at the castle, but I think I’ll make an exception in your case. Welcome!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice straightened. “Um, thank you!” she blurted in response."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Based on the girl’s words and the fact that the rabbit had called her “Your Majesty,” Alice could guess who this was. “You must be the…Queen of Diamonds, right? Your Majesty?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The girl beamed. “Yes, I rule the Country of Diamonds. My name is Crysta Snowpigeon. Welcome, Miss Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt put on the spot as she didn’t know anything about the girl, so she opted for overly formal. “My name is Alice Liddell. Please accept my apologies for not presenting myself to Your Majesty before this…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Please! Don’t be so formal.” Crysta grinned. “I won’t tolerate rudeness from anyone else here, but you’re an Outsider. You don’t know the rules of this world.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re so gracious, I don’t deserve it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For whatever reason, the conversation seemed to irk the rabbit man; his black ears twitched and trembled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your Majesty,” he cut in. “We’re about to begin. You must play your part as host!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“For goodness’ sake, Sidney, stop repeating yourself! We just got here.” She sighed. “I’ll go if I must. Let’s chat afterward, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the urging of her retainer, the Queen of Diamonds jauntily turned. She strode off, the black rabbit named Sidney scuttling after her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Black Rabbit, Alice thought. The opposite of the White Rabbit, I guess. He looked nothing like Peter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But even so, just for a second, the two converged in Alice’s mind. She wiped the overlapping images away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thinking of Peter made Alice feel worse. Gloom settled on her shoulders in bitter reality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d met the Black Rabbit’s eyes for a second, but he hadn’t talked to her directly. She’d sensed cold indifference from him…even a little hostility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The chorus of voices around her sounded like other territory leaders and their subordinates talking in bored voices. She heard no room for her to join in, so Alice just let out a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really am in a country where nobody knows me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She almost wished she were as ignorant of them as they were of her. Seeing all those familiar faces was a double-edged sword: she was glad so many of her friends were here, but she was depressed they didn’t remember her. She wasn’t sure which feeling was stronger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn’t have long to ponder it, because Blood practically materialized beside her. “You managed to get close to the queen,” he drawled. “Not bad.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She’s only interested because I’m an Outsider,” Alice replied. Her voice sounded weak in her ears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a country where no one knew her, her position as an Outsider was the only card in her hand. People wanted to indulge an Outsider. It was probably the only thing keeping her from getting shot, intentionally or otherwise. At least Blood was sorta her guide now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She tried to bury her depression. “Did you ever find Dee and Dum?” she asked him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His eyes narrowed slightly. “Yes, but I left them with Elliot. I can’t hear myself think once they start screaming at each other.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Based on the look on Blood’s face, Alice decided to change the subject. “I would, um, really like to know more about the territories in the Country of Diamonds,” she said carefully. “Who are the other leaders?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood crossed his arms. “There are four territories, including Hatter Mansion—the others are Diamond Castle, the Train Station, and the Gravekeeper’s museum and graveyard.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I guess Diamond Castle is run by those two I just met. Crysta and…Sidney, was it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right—the Queen of Diamonds and the Black Rabbit. The Station has the Stationmaster, the Lizard, and the Cheshire Cat. But you seem to know them already, so maybe you didn’t need the explanation, after all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was pretty sure Blood hadn’t been nearby when she’d spoken to the others, so maybe he had someone following her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’s as sharp as ever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay. Is there anyone else at the graveyard and museum? Besides Jericho, I mean.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes—he has two other Role-Holders in his territory. One is—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A loud voice squawked through the room, cutting Blood off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Julius, you’re…strangling me!” a young man cried. “I can’t breathe~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t like how you’re wandering around and eyeing everything. Walk in a straight line, Ace!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sucked in a breath. She whipped around to see a familiar man toss his long hair over his shoulder and drag in a young teenager."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Speak of the devil,” Blood murmured. “There they are. But it seems like you already know them?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. Julius Monrey, the Clockmaker, looked and sounded just like she remembered—but the rambunctious teenager he towered over wasn’t the Ace she knew. Was he not the Knight of Hearts anymore? And why was he younger now, like Nightmare?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Julius’s blue eyes locked on her and Blood, then slid past them to the rest of the room. The spark of suspicion in his eyes confirmed what she already guessed: he didn’t remember her, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The last vestiges of hope died inside her. Now she’d met them all. And not one of them knew her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“At last,” someone called. “I’m sick of waiting. Since everyone is finally here, shall we proceed to the meeting place?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice paused; the words sounded like Crysta’s, but her voice was different. She craned her neck to find out who was speaking just as the sound of a loud clap filled the room. Before the reverberations died down, the scene shifted around Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At first Alice thought that the waiting room’s walls had just vanished, but then she turned around. She and the other participants stood in a wide, rounded space like a Roman Coliseum, with countless Faceless citizens looking on from the stands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had thought she was used to the casual magic that popped up in Wonderland, but her eyes still widened at the abrupt change. Blood laughed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Follow me—our seats are over there. Why do you look so shocked?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I just wasn’t…expecting to teleport or whatever. Who’s the woman who made that announcement?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you mean? I just told you. Take your seat.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She finally followed his pointing finger; Elliot, the twins, and several other Hatter mobsters sat in a line of nearby chairs. He parted from her side and headed to a chair at the head of the section. His chair—with its fancier upholstery—sat in the front row."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A seat for the leader."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dee squirmed in his chair. “It’s about to start, Brother! Ah, I wanna go to the Garden Party—I hope they set us free quick.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m more worried about our bets, Brother. I wanna double our money!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice lowered herself into a seat next to the twins. She looked out ahead of them, to the middle of the Coliseum, where four giant, hollow, diamond-shaped glass sculptures loomed over the ground. She scanned the faces in the assembled groups."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They went from right to left: the Gravekeeper, Nightmare the Stationmaster, the Black Rabbit, and finally themselves, the Hatters. She imagined the four glass sculptures related to each territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No one sat in the front-row seat in front of Sidney. As the noise of the crowd began to die down, Alice’s eyes fell on the silent hostess standing near the sculptures. Her presence alone seemed to draw the attention and quiet reverence of everyone in the stadium."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wore a black dress with gold trim, just like Crysta had worn in the waiting room, and she seemed to have Crysta’s eyes. But the child had vanished, replaced by a striking woman with haunting, ethereal beauty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My fellow citizens of the nation, and territory leaders, I thank you for your hard work on this, the Survey Meeting!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her graceful voice echoed through the stadium, commanding the entire area. Alice shivered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So Crysta was like the twins in Clover, and jumped between the form of a child and an adult. Alice filed that information away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s been quite a while since the last meeting, and I’m sure there are many who have high expectations, hm? Those who amuse themselves with wagers are free to enjoy the Garden Party. However, keep in mind that any violence is strictly prohibited. I imagine there are many of you who are exhausted with all the fighting, so I want everyone to take advantage of this truce to refresh themselves and have a fabulous time!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The queen ducked her head slightly, her voice turning more solemn. “And now…let the meeting begin!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A tumult of cheers and horns exploded into the sky. As if following the noise, flights of doves flapped up into the atmosphere."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The queen smiled, clearly satisfied, and descended from the stage. She passed a Faceless announcer who climbed onto the stage and stood tall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s get this Survey Meeting underway!” he boomed. “Do those cheers mean that you’re all ready for this?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the announcer spoke, several dozen Faceless ascended the stage and began their work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice squinted in confusion, not sure what was happening. Elliot seemed to notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’re you doing?” he barked. “If you wanna see, look over there! That’s where they calculate the territory size!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Where they… Oh!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The diamond-shaped glass sculptures had been empty, but now they started to fill with sand in a slow trickle from overhead. Each vessel held a different color of sand: yellow, green, black, or blue. In the air in front of the sculptures, numbers ticked upward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What colors represent what territories?” Alice asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yellow’s Diamond Castle,” Dee answered. “Green’s the Station.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then black is Gravekeeper, so blue’s us, Big Sis.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins seemed on tenterhooks waiting for the results. Alice furrowed her brow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Really? The results of the Survey Meeting are decided in the sand?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup! Easy, right? Even the stupid rabbit can understand it with one look!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha, the dumb rabbit won’t do anything hard. This way even he can see the results!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you little brats talking crap about me?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up,” Blood hissed. “If you’re going to make noise, leave. Just go to the Garden Party and be done with it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dee whooped. “That’s our Boss! He always knows what we want! See ya later!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Party, party! Free party!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins clapped their hands excitedly and scrambled to get out. Blood sighed and flicked his blue-green gaze to Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’re surveying each territory for land mass, young lady—to use as the foundation for each team’s power. You can leave if you want. I’ll send someone for you when it’s finished.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that how it works?” Alice had assumed no one could leave until the meeting was over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Mad Hatter shrugged. “Sure. The other territory delegations are doing it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice suddenly noticed that the territorial leaders were sitting alone. The rest of their Role-Holders had vanished already. The only exceptions were Sidney and Elliot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You won’t be able to escape no matter where you go, so do as you like.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice smiled sarcastically at him. Implying that the guards are tracking me, huh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay,” she said slowly. “I’ve been wondering about the Garden Party, so I think I’ll go there.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she rose from her seat, she wondered if this was Blood trying to push her away. In the Country of Clover, Blood had a velvet tongue when it came to guiding Alice’s actions. His words were smooth and effective."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It reminded her, once again, that the version of Blood who sat here with his legs crossed was a very different man. He kept his eyes on the sand towers and didn’t spare her a glance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She left him for the party."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Survey Meeting ran a lot of other forms of entertainment—including the Garden Party, an impressive event packed with citizens eating, drinking, and laughing. Alice got to sample the best food in the country while listening unhurriedly to a live orchestra. By the time she returned to the stadium, the flows of sand were just cutting out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The vessel with green sand seemed fuller than the others, so did that mean the Station’s territory had the greatest land mass? The other three territories were locked with each other pretty closely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was time for the main event. Alice’s heart started to pick up speed as she jogged to her seat. She wanted to see how the territory leaders “used their strengths.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins were already squirming by the time she got there. Blood, still sitting in the leader’s seat, grinned up at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right on time. I was about to send someone after you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“These are the numbers for each territory?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. But it’s just a part of each territory’s score. The leaders can choose their own strengths and change the numbers from here on out.” Blood pointed a gloved finger at Nightmare; the boyish Stationmaster had his hand on a small stand on his desk. Controls on the stand reacted to his hand movements."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The announcer leapt back on stage, riling up the crowd. “It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for!” he cried. “Will the Station keep its dominant place, or will the other leaders show their hidden hands?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nightmare laughed, then coughed, then laughed again. He brimmed with youthful confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ha! There’s no doubt that I’ll stay in the lead the entire time! What else…koff hack!” He curled over in a coughing fit, which made him seem less…threatening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho and then Crysta laid their hands on their stands, revealing some of their strength. Blood didn’t move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the crowd roared around them, Blood raised an eyebrow at Alice. He beckoned her closer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How’d you like to give it a try, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had no idea what he was thinking; she quickly shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, but I must politely decline.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood laughed. He finally slid his hand onto the stand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The stoppered blue sand started flowing into the vessel once more. And in front of the sculpture, the floating numbers revolved and changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The majority of the people in the stadium held their breaths. Alice felt crushed by the pressure as she silently watched the progress. Beside her, the twins folded their hands together in desperate prayer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sand didn’t fall at a constant speed—at times it would reduce to a tiny trickle, only to burst into a heavier flow. Alice guessed the flow rate was calculated to keep the spectators on the edges of their seats. I bet it’s driving the gamblers bananas."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The flow of sand into the vessels slowed and finally stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cheers and miserable wails erupted simultaneously as the announcer, who had been silent up until this point, raised his voice to the crowd."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And there you have it! The first-round victory goes to our hosts, Diamond Castle!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The audience roared in response."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And with that, the first Survey Meeting comes to a close! Don’t miss the second round!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the announcer wrapped up the proceedings, Crysta gave her hands a sharp clap. The Coliseum vanished around them, leaving everyone back in the waiting room they’d started in. The teleportation had been so smooth…almost as if the hands of a clock had been wound backwards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crysta puffed out her chest proudly at Sidney, who now stood beside her. “I hope you saw that,” she chirped. “I’m the winner! Ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His eyebrow twitched. “We have a veritable mountain of things to discuss, but this will suffice for now. I never thought you’d bring that out…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rabbit, you’re a rotten winner! You should be taking this opportunity to bury me in heaps of praise!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sidney heaved a great sigh as Crysta smiled innocently at him. Alice was starting to see that young, enthusiastic girl from earlier in this older, beautiful queen. It was a little unnerving."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On Alice’s side of the room, Elliot was livid. His body trembled as his white fists clenched at his sides."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t believe it… How could Blood lose?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood waved a hand. “Down, Elliot. The first round is always like this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The final rankings for the round were Castle, Station, Grave/Museum, and Hatter Mansion in dead last. But Blood didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. With Elliot practically shooting steam from his ears, Alice was confused as to who exactly had lost. Even the twins—who had been so caught up in their bets—just shrugged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hm. So the Castle came in first this round… Kinda expected, but my winnings were crappy. How ’bout you, Brother?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Kinda like you. An’ we were aimin’ for the jackpot…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whatever payday Dee and Dum had been hoping for, this hadn’t been it. The actual ranking of their own territory seemed irrelevant, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How very like them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice scanned the reactions of the other members in attendance, someone tapped on her shoulder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yo. Good job today.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She craned her head to look behind her. “Jericho…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper lifted a finger to his lips, indicating for her to keep quiet. His eyes gleamed behind his glasses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fortunately, Elliot was still raging at the Survey Meeting results, so the Hatters were too distracted to look at Alice. She licked her lips and nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wanted to apologize for my men,” Jericho explained. “Earlier—in the street. I didn’t have time for a proper apology in all the chaos.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t worry about it. Actually, you saved me. Thank you for that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled and gave him a slight bow. A hint of pleasure played at the corners of his mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Still, my men started the whole thing. Maybe I can make it up to you at my place?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your place? But your territory is…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her face broke into a grimace at the thought of the name Gravekeeper, but Jericho quickly waved away the idea with a flick of his hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now, wait—that’s not what I mean. I wouldn’t invite a lady to a graveyard. You may not know this, but I’m also the director of the art museum.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right,” she replied in relief. “I guess I did know that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d heard about all the violent unrest in the Country of Diamonds, but she’d also been shut up in Hatter Mansion ever since arriving. She thought it might be nice to take a chance and get out a bit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The territory leader runs the art museum. She was interested in what kind of art was on display there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she nodded, he handed her a slip of paper. It was a priority ticket with a fashionable design on it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Here. Come and enjoy yourself anytime you like.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you. I think I’ll take you up on that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unfortunately, the Gravekeeper was a territory rival and ran an opposing Mafia organization. Alice didn’t know if the Hatters would let her go, but she didn’t receive many favors. She figured she’d take the ticket and be grateful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A curious illustration of an animal printed on the ticket caught her eye. But when she squinted at it, Blood’s voice drifted suddenly from much too close."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did you win a bet and you’re checking your winnings, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice hurriedly stuffed the slip of paper into her pocket. “N-no,” she stuttered. “It’s nothing.” When she furtively glanced back at Jericho, she was relieved to see that he was already gone. She saw him in another area of the room, speaking to members of his territory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood pursed his lips. “What is it? Did you have some business with someone?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood seemed suspicious, but his eyes didn’t move to Jericho. Maybe he didn’t put that much together, Alice hoped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s nothing,” Alice repeated, then tried to change the subject. “What do we…do after this? Now that round one of the Survey Meeting is done?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We go home. The entertainment is over. The only question now is,” Blood murmured, his eyes moving past her, “what do we do about that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice followed his gaze to see Elliot and the twins still making a fuss over the results. Well, to be more accurate—Elliot was furious and the twins added fuel to his fire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I just don’t get it!” Elliot growled. “Blood was supposed to come in first, no matter what!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re such an idiot!” Dee snapped back. “If the boss wins every single time, what’s the point of havin’ a Survey Meeting at all?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, if everyone knew he was gonna win, we’d win even smaller pots! There’s no money in the kitty if nobody’s willin’ to bet!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So? They can just bet on Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their shouts carried through the waiting room, and Alice found herself grimacing. Elliot didn’t seem to notice the other delegations making their exits nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sighed. “Shall we leave them behind?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It wouldn’t be right, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He irritably waved a hand. “They’re nothing but trouble.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Alice hummed a noncommittal response, she slid her hand to the outside of her skirt pocket. Her fingers ran over the slight bump of the priority ticket inside."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0007.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 3: The Unseen Relationship Chart"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 3:The Unseen Relationship Chart"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the first Survey Meeting, things went back to normal in Hatter Mansion. Elliot, the twins, and most of the other mobsters went in and out of the place as they dealt with dangerous “jobs.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, it felt like the raids on the mansion had let up a bit. And when Alice was organizing the books in the reference library one time period, she asked her assistant maid a question about it—and received an unexpected reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, sure~! Battles are basically banned during the entire time of the Survey Meeting~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Really? I heard fighting’s prohibited during the meeting, but I thought that restriction only applied to the area around the Coliseum?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Survey Meeting isn’t like that~. Even if the first round is over, the second one will start up soon~. The Survey Meeting goes on until all rounds are over~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So one meet-up isn’t the Survey Meeting—that’s the collective name for all the meetings?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the Country of Hearts, the Ball had only lasted one night. But it was true that in the Country of Clover, the Assembly had occurred several times…maybe the Survey Meeting was more like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You know how the Survey Meeting itself works now, right~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“More or less. The leaders of each territory choose one of five national forces and compare strengths.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You got it~. In other words, the contest between the leaders is decided by the numbers, and if there’s a battle, that changes the numbers. So if they kept fighting during the Survey Meeting, it wouldn’t be an accurate survey~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. That makes sense, I guess.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice knew the main reason for the “entertainment event” was to put people in close proximity for discussions. But the Survey Meeting was also a competition that pitted forces against forces—any fight between leaders would have a direct effect on the strength or size of those forces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Especially with how violent people are in this world. She wouldn’t put it past Elliot to raid the other territories if he thought it would help Blood win. And Dee and Dum would brave just about anything to increase their winnings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice rose on her toes to slide a book onto a high shelf. But as she stretched her arm up, someone snatched the book out of her hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She’s correct,” Blood said evenly. “It’s an aggravating rule, but it’s still a rule. We can’t ignore it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed and turned to the man, who flipped open the captured book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was another “fun” feature of the Survey Meeting—Blood was actually spending time in the reference library. He no longer just sent a servant. Alice was ready to suggest that he start doing that again to preserve more of his time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I asked you to gather some books for me last time period,” he muttered as he flipped through the pages. “Where are they?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I put them in a pile here… Huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tilted her head in confusion. A pile of completely different books lay in the spot where she’d placed her own."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, those~? I took them with some other books to the warehouse~…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” Alice blurted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maid swiftly apologized. “I’ll go get them now~,” she declared as she rushed out of the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was left alone with Blood. He glanced up from the pages to lock that blue-green gaze on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know you work hard here,” he offered. “So I believe that you didn’t misplace them. And if they were all together, the maid will probably find them quickly. Don’t mind me—just go on with what you were doing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice let out a breath. “Okay. But if you need anything, just ask me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He hummed an affirmative."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although she’d never said it to Blood directly, she was really grateful to have the work of organizing the reference library. It housed a wide variety of tomes, including some blissful books from other collections that weren’t about violence. Alice loved books and enjoyed the job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moment she started concentrating on her work, she stopped worrying about other eyes that could be in the room. This was a place where she could ignore the fact that she still lived under surveillance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was using a ladder to reach a high shelf—a crafts book hidden within the culture category—when Blood suddenly spoke again, reminding her he was in the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you like books?” he asked simply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hm? What did you say?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As she descended the ladder to answer Blood’s question, she realized that he had stopped reading the book in his hand at some point. His eyes were on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I asked if you liked books. You seem to perk up when you’re in this room.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smiled. “Yeah. I enjoy organizing them, but what I really love is reading.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She let one hand fondly trace down a book’s spine. This particular bookshelf had been a disaster when she’d started—now it was neat and organized by title, with only a few empty spots."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was living a life surrounded by books again. She never would’ve guessed that organizing and delivering books for a publishing house in her old world would come in handy in a place like Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You said you wanted to borrow a book before, young lady. Have you finished reading it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, you mean that misshelved mystery novel? I had it finished before my next work shift.” She shrugged, but she heard her voice bounce a little. “I found the killer’s trick predictable, but the detective had an interesting character and backstory.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood inhaled. After a long moment, he said, “But it wasn’t enough for you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s written on your face. You wish I had a wider variety of books. Not satisfied with the selection in my house, hm?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice furrowed her brow. “That’s not what I mean. I just…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was organizing a reference library—not exactly the place for pleasure reading. And even though she received a more than decent salary for it, she was also working for a Mafia organization in the middle of a turf war. It wasn’t like she could leave and pop over to town to buy some pleasure reading, like she’d done when working at Heart Castle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You let me read whatever I want here, and I like the job. Besides, I’ve never been picky about genre—I can enjoy whatever books are in front of me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Blood stared at her, she superimposed a memory of the old Blood over him. Books in this world always made her think of Blood in the Countries of Hearts and Clover. He’d always recommended and lent books to her, to read between work shifts at Heart Castle. He usually handed her books about tea or roses, granted, since they seemed to be his biggest hobbies—they weren’t as formal as technical manuals, but she learned a lot of new things from them. Even if they were (probably) part of his strategy to manipulate her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was always a little frustrating, but she liked aspects of it. A little nonfiction was good for the soul. And learning about what he loved was like learning more about him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She liked that memory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I think you’re coming,” he would say, “I find myself wondering what book is worth choosing for you. I’m just happy for the distraction.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They’d both been busy people in Hearts and Clover, but they’d always maintained an oddly unhurried relationship. They’d never been apart for long. Considering he was a fearsome Mafia boss and she was a powerless Outsider, she imagined they made an odd pair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And probably still did in Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If there’s any book you want,” Blood said at last, turning back to the tome in his hands, “just tell me. You work hard and you have decent taste. Just tell the maid, and I’ll see if we can get it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That took Alice by surprise. “Uh…what?” she blurted. “But this is a reference library. I can’t just order things that I think are fun.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It doesn’t have to be for here—we can leave it in your room. I’m sure you have space there for some books.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, yeah, but…are you sure?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was slightly more welcome in the mansion now, but that didn’t make her a pampered guest. And she didn’t know if she’d suddenly vanish from Diamonds someday, just as fast as she’d appeared—so she didn’t keep many personal possessions. Had Blood noticed that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re living and working in my house, and I don’t care if you have a few books in your room.You’ve barely touched your salary, so you can use that to pay for them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice frowned. “You’ve kept good tabs on me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All you talk about in this library is work,” he murmured, a teasing edge to the words. “It’s a shame.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice rolled her eyes to the ceiling. How could I forget what kind of man this is? she mused. Watching her from the shadows, cutting in with surprising insight. That level of intelligence fueled his bad attitude, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You don’t dress up like other girls your age,” he went on. “And you don’t spend money on hobbies. It isn’t hard to figure out that you don’t know what to do with the money you’ve made so far.” He shrugged. “If you don’t feel any material desires, there’s nothing I can suggest. It’s just not a bad thing to invest yourself where your interests lie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was surprised at how much he was pushing it. She hadn’t expected Diamonds Blood to talk like that, considering they weren’t exactly friends here. Maybe they were finally shedding the cold formality between a boss and subordinate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a moment of silence, she nodded. “Okay. Um…thank you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t do anything worth thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He hadn’t turned his eyes up from the book in his hands. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Should you really be here?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. If I take the book with me, it’s a pain to return it afterwards. I just needed to quickly check something.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. Uh…” While Alice tried to formulate an answer, Blood slid the book back onto the shelf and grabbed another. He picked book after book and flipped through the pages."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was head of the Hatter Family. He could just send a servant to the library to fetch a book, and then send the servant back to return it. So Alice figured he had other reasons for coming."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, his attitude and behavior baffled her. Even if the Blood in the other countries had liked her, she knew, all self-deprecation aside, that Diamonds Blood saw her as a friend at best."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe there was some good to being in Diamonds, after all. She’d stopped constantly wishing she was back in the Country of Hearts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can never…make up my mind. Do I even want to go back now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The memory of Blood in the other countries remained vivid in the back of her mind. He’d invited her to the tiny rose garden in so many night periods. He’d always pushed her to leave the castle and move in with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It had probably just been lip service at the time, but that had been his version of courtesy. After all, no member of the Mafia, let alone a boss, would be so welcoming of someone who was nothing more than an Outsider."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Alice had always refused. She’d never felt that the Hatter Mansion was “her place” in the world, so she always answered the same way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She watched the profile of the man reading a book nearby. Even if she’d accepted the invitation of the old Blood, that would have meant living with the old Blood. Not this Blood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What kind of relationship did she want with this Blood? She pursed her lips and turned back to her bookshelves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She lost her train of thought when she suddenly noticed the mess before her. She groaned aloud. “Not again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is something wrong?” Blood asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I had this whole shelf perfectly arranged two time periods ago. But someone already messed it up!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood walked up behind Alice and peered over her shoulder. She tried not to be self-conscious at the warm presence looming over her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed and pointed toward a book’s spine. “See?” she asked. “This shelf’s supposed to be for books on construction materials. So what the heck is this?” She plucked the offending book from the shelf and furrowed her brow at the large image of a castle stamped on the red leather binding. “I guess the maid only looked at the cover when she put it away—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait,” Blood interjected. “I was just wondering where I put that. It was there?” To Alice’s surprise, a small, nostalgic smile flitted across Blood’s face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She blinked at him. “This book is yours?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. I own it—not the Family. I assume the maid accidentally added it to her stack when she was collecting reference books to return. I guess she stuck it here… Oh. That book over there is mine, too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His gloved hands gestured toward a bookshelf. About half the books were lined up on the shelf, but in seemingly random order. Alice’s eye twitched."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her hand automatically went to pull the new book he pointed at, but then she stopped herself. “Wait. You mean this one?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It had a familiar title; she even remembered the author’s name. She opened the cover and looked at a number of pages."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She did know this one. She’d borrowed this very same book in the Country of Clover from Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s wrong with it?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nothing,” she answered quickly. “Uh…yeah. Do you want me to have your books delivered to your room?” She’d been to his bedroom in the other countries plenty of times and knew he had massive bookshelves in there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood shot her a dubious expression, but it quickly vanished from his face. “Sure. You can bring them to my room later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh… You want me to bring them?” She hadn’t been in his Diamonds room yet; she wasn’t sure she was allowed there. “Are you sure?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I’m sure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice opened her mouth, then closed it. “Okay, then.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And with that, he turned to leave. “I imagine the maid will be back soon,” he called over his shoulder. “Bring those books I ordered with you when you deliver mine.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice once again asked if he was sure, and Blood waved a confirming hand as he exited the room. No more than a few moments later, the maid returned through a different door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry for the wait~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice took a long breath. She carefully finished collecting her research material, tucked it in a file, and piled it with Blood’s books. She clutched everything to her chest and stepped into the hallway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This Hatter Mansion had the same general layout as in Hearts and Clover; she walked the familiar corridors, enduring wary gazes from the Diamonds mobsters. But none of them stopped her beeline for Blood’s room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Two guards stood at the door. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood asked me to deliver these… Can I come in?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course~. Step right in~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice’s hands were full, but one of the Family mobsters opened the door for her. He waved her in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The room hadn’t changed much between countries; she felt a rush of feelings well up in her heart. Nostalgia, relief…even a little discomfort."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An uncharacteristically big mess of papers and books covered his desk, in front of a wall of bookshelves stuffed with tomes stacked sideways or perched precariously. She didn’t smell the familiar, soothing scent of roses and hot tea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now she saw why the disorganized reference library hadn’t really fazed him. He was a bit of a mess. Blood shuffled through papers at the desk and glanced up as she stepped in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That was quicker than I thought,” he murmured. “I’m glad you’re so dedicated.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I don’t have much to do other than my job.” She gestured to her books. “Where should I put the reference stuff?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“On the table over there is fine.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He pointed his pen at a coffee table between two couches used for meetings. Alice placed the folder on the edge of the table and held up his personal books."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And where should I put these?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wherever. Up to you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is he busy? I expected him to have more opinions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She headed to the messy bookshelf. Since most people organized their bookshelves by author or genre or something, she assumed he had a system. She wouldn’t let the chaos of the reference library spread to his personal space…especially since this was a much smaller job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She slid the first book onto the shelf in its apparent space, righting and correcting the books around it. Then she moved around to place the others."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um… This would be landscaping, and this is…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice moved left and right across the bookshelves that lined the walls. As she tucked the final book—a detective novel—into its space, she puffed out a sigh and tilted her eyes up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The shelf right above eyeline held a full row of children’s books. While she scanned the titles, her hands slowly dropped to her sides."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She recognized a series of five books in the corner bookshelf. But counting the volumes again, she found something puzzling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“These books…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just like the book in the reference library, these were tomes that Blood had lent her in the Country of Clover. But in Alice’s memory, there were only three in the series. Alice had assumed Diamonds was a country stuck in the past, even if it wasn’t a completely perfect version of the past…so the two extra spines confused her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is there something about those books that interests you?” Blood asked from behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…guess you could say that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then take them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes.” She heard his papers shuffling as his voice took on a hint of disgust. “No one loves reading more than I do, but I’m all tied up with the Survey Meeting right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice brightened. “Thanks! Do you mind if I borrow all five books?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Go ahead.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Alice pulled the series from the shelf, she double-checked the titles and authors against what she remembered. Yeah, this is it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hugged the books to her chest, slightly irritated. She’d be leaving with as many books as she’d come with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she turned back to him, he was still buried in some document. “From what I hear,” he murmured, “you hardly ever leave the mansion. Would you be interested in some entertainment?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, it isn’t so much that I don’t leave, but that it’s hard to leave… Oh. Yeah, I would.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was he teasing her? Still, she instinctively slid one hand into her pocket to run her fingers over Jericho’s ticket. She figured that if any of the servants found it, she’d come under even more suspicion, so she always kept it on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d made a promise never to leave the mansion without Blood’s permission, but since she didn’t intend to run or spill the place’s secrets, she was getting a little sick of being suspected for no reason. She didn’t get to talk to Blood in private much, so she figured she’d take a chance. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Say, Blood…the next time I have a day off, would you mind if I went to the art museum?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hn. The art museum…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe he didn’t expect the question, but he looked up from his documents with a wicked smile on his face. The nib of his pen tapped the paper over and over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ve already seduced the Gravekeeper?” he drawled. “Rumor has it that everyone loves an Outsider, but I think you also have a knack for using your charms.” Tap tap went the pen. “I can’t say I approve of your tastes, though. He’s already a dead man.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice blinked. “A dead man?” she repeated, her stomach tightening in discomfort."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood leaned back in his chair. “If you really want to go, I won’t stop you. But if you manage to romance any good information out of the Gravekeeper, pass it on to your boss, will you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice furrowed her brow. “Please don’t make assumptions like that. And…I should get back to work.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t like his answer, but it did seem like permission. I’ll take it, she thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice turned and left the room. Blood said nothing as the door shut behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice spent some quality time in her room, splayed out on her stomach on her bed. She voraciously plowed through the books Blood had lent her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was already coming toward the end of the third book, but her heart filled with doubts. “There are different plot twists here,” she complained aloud. “When I first read it, this monk character wasn’t in it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a tale of a traveling group, and as far as Alice remembered, the main character had five companions. But by the end of the third book, one more had joined them: a monk. The group still had the same purpose for the journey, and all of the other companions and their backgrounds were the same…there was just a monk now. It confused her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She finally finished the third book. As she put it down and reached for the fourth, her hand stopped. It slowly slid back to the sheets."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She sighed and closed her eyes. “It’s kinda like me as I am now,” she muttered. A completely unknown person joining a group."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The books even had plot developments that Alice had never read before, and of course, there were two extra volumes. Alice had stronger and stronger doubts about the books’ very existence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then Diamonds isn’t just a past version of the world I knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If it has a different beginning,” she mused, “then of course it’ll have a different ending. But that’s not very…satisfying.”\t If Peter hadn’t pulled her into the Country of Hearts first, then Alice would have had a very different point of view on the Country of Diamonds. The Hatter Family wasn’t as mature an organization; with such short-tempered thugs, Alice probably never would’ve chosen to stay there. Alice was, after all, a realist—she tried to protect herself from dangerous situations."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I first thought Wonderland was a dream, and that drove my attitude. But now with everyone against me, I doubt I could even fake that attitude.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Without any attachments or friendship, she might have just passed Hatter Mansion and kept going. Thinking that, she let out a sardonic laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Maybe I wished for something different.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe somewhere in Alice’s heart, she’d wanted to build a different relationship with the people of Wonderland—something distinct from what she’d had in the Countries of Hearts and Clover. She knew worrying about it wouldn’t help, but the thought kept whirling around and around in her mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like the spinning hands of a clock. She shook her head to clear it and rose from the bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d already decided to take Jericho up on his invitation and go to the art museum during the next time period. She guessed a Hatter guard or two would probably follow her there, since they still didn’t seem to really trust her. Their organization was still building its forces and clearly hated taking chances."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The downside of being a young, female Outsider around insecure mobsters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wanted a change of pace, so she left her room and ducked outside for a walk within the mansion grounds. As usual, she cut through the other Faceless wandering around, their eyes burning holes in her back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good evening~,” one of them called, his voice careful. “Out for a walk~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good evening,” Alice replied politely. “Are you guys on patrol?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, night patrol~. It’s such a pain, huh~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s hard to find intruders when they use the cover of night~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew they were under pressure to watch her, so she couldn’t exactly blame them…but she wanted some space. Alice made for a place she knew would be more-or-less deserted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she traveled deeper into the mansion’s outdoor grounds, the weeds grew thicker under her feet; she tried not to trip on them. A bird hooted somewhere nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was that an owl? Alice followed the sound to the trees, curiosity compelling her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the shadow of a tree, she saw a human shape that didn’t look like a Hatter Faceless. The dappled moonlight played on his white suit jacket."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She squinted; the person vanished into the trees."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Had that been him? She followed the shadow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She figured that if this place were forbidden to her, someone would’ve tried to stop her—like earlier. But no one had said a thing. She took a breath and ducked under an overhanging branch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she followed the white shadow deeper into the deserted area, Alice started to hatch a theory about where Blood might go. She didn’t know if the secret rose garden existed in Diamonds or not, but that place only admitted the few people who knew of it. Even Elliot had never been in the place. Blood had always saved it for himself, his sister…and Alice, whom he’d invited on a whim."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hiked through the woodsy grounds, but couldn’t catch sight of Blood’s trail. She wrinkled her nose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was sure it was this way…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe it was her own fault for letting him disappear. She glanced right and left, ignoring her feet until they suddenly rammed into something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By the time she realized that someone had tripped her, she was spilling toward the ground. A rock-hard hand gripped her arm, yanked her up, and shoved her against a tree."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-Blood, what are you—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood abruptly pinned her wrists above her head. His other hand shoved his cane against her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Didn’t anybody tell you this area is off-limits?” he hissed. “I stayed quiet and followed you, and I was thrilled to have finally uncovered your assassination plot…but here you are, unarmed as usual.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice choked. “Assassination plot? I don’t know what you’re talking about!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Decent ladies don’t chase men in the dark.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“N-no, I was just…” She tried to swallow against the rod rammed up under her chin. “Whatever I did, I don’t deserve this!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe he wasn’t as bad as Elliot, but Blood in the Country of Diamonds wasn’t a patient man. She stared at him, imploring him to at least lower the weapon, but he only gave her a short, nasal laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If this is your idea of a come-on, you should try whatever you used to seduce the Gravekeeper on me. That sounds more fun.” His lips curled. “But not in the woods. I like my women in my room.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The cane dragged from her throat and started to trace the line of her body over her clothes. She felt less sexually threatened and more in danger of him killing her as he whispered in her ear, “Or maybe you like this kind of action.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His low voice sent ice down her spine. This man acted on whims. That could make him do anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She cringed from the lips in her ear. “Stop it!” she cried. “I only thought you were going to the secret garden!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood went silent as death."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He pulled back, his hand still gripping her wrists. Any expression on his face had disappeared, but something severe shone in his blue-green eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That gaze pierced through Alice’s body and cut into her heart. She was terrified that she’d said too much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood had told her how he’d kept his garden secret—he’d murdered the builders outside the mansion grounds, then created a hard and fast rule that no one was to enter the area without his permission. The only people who knew it existed were the only people allowed in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Blood in the Country of Diamonds had never told her about the garden."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She could barely breathe as he stared at her with murder in his eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You,” he said, his voice razor-sharp and very, very cold. “What do you know?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice tried to calm her pounding heart. Blood wouldn’t kill her yet. If she had information that he wanted, that had to come first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She stared, morbidly fascinated, at the man who loomed over her. She didn’t know why she did that, when he could kill her right then and there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His eyes, violent and disturbed, sparkled in the night gloom. He was interested in her. And in the intensity of that gaze, something deep in her chest clamored for her attention."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn’t fear. Alice chewed on her lip as that sensation throbbed in her heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’s happening to me? she thought in a panic. Am I crazy? He thinks I’m an enemy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was it that she’d become far too familiar with the insanity of Wonderland? She honestly didn’t know. After a moment of thought, the words came smoother than expected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you want to know something,” she told him, “then do your research. Or is it too hard for a Mafia boss to investigate one little Outsider girl…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew it was provocative. But she didn’t want to be the only one trembling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt locked in a staring match as the silence dragged on. But the bitter cold between them finally drained away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He released her wrists and took a breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still sensed animosity as she slowly lowered her hands. But the threat in his voice had blurred together with an emotion she hadn’t seen in him before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I guess that’s true,” he murmured. “I see the value in investigating you. I’ll expose whatever truths you’re hiding.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…look forward to what you find out.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The words that tumbled out of her taunted him, but she was still confused about her own feelings. This wouldn’t have worked on the old Blood. He would’ve never risen to such a cheap provocation from a teenage girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it had worked. And Alice had an idea of what was coming next."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The question was, if it went as Alice thought, would she be happy or sad about it? What did these two Bloods have in common? How were they different? Her feelings toward them were so complicated she couldn’t explain it if she tried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to the secret garden whenever you like,” the old Blood had said. “My word is law here, and I say you can visit anytime the mood strikes you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The secret rose garden at night. She’d managed to gain access to his hard-won sanctuary…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But this place wasn’t his. It belonged to a different Blood Dupre."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0008.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 4: At the Museum"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 4:At the Museum"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice took another step down the street, letting out a long breath. Her shoes tapped on the concrete."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here we go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With the exception of the Survey Meeting, this was the first time she’d left Hatter territory. Supposedly Diamonds was more violent than the countries of Hearts and Clover; fortunately, she hadn’t run into any serious trouble. Yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew a graveyard and a museum lay in the territory of the Gravekeeper, but had no idea where to find Jericho himself. She flagged down two men walking nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, excuse me. I-I came to see the leader?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She couldn’t decide whether to call him the Gravekeeper or the museum curator, so she stuck to vague language. One of the men seemed to understand her, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Someone from outside the territory has come to see Jericho? That’s unusual.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I saw him headed toward the graveyard a little while ago,” the other man said. “So he’s probably still there. Just head straight down this road.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The first man frowned. “But it’s probably not worth going,” he warned. “Jericho’s a busy man, y’know? Nobody ever really knows where he goes or when he leaves.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In the graveyard,” Alice repeated. “Okay. Thank you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She continued on with mixed feelings. For a moment she thought of waiting for him at the museum, but if he was that busy—and it made sense, if he had three huge responsibilities—they could easily miss each other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she headed down the street toward the graveyard, the Faceless around her thinned out. She saw several men who had stopped to have a chat a little farther down the road. Most of them wore suits, but one of them carried a shovel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice approached, the man with the shovel turned to her. He blinked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh! It’s you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice stopped. “Huh? Have we met before?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d never been in this territory before; how could someone know her? Had he seen her during the Survey Meeting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I heard that, um, the Gravekeeper Jericho might be at the graveyard… Is he still there?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man stared at her in surprise. His stern face had opened in confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice didn’t know what the problem was. “Like I said—someone said he went this way, so I was wondering if Jericho was here. If he’s too busy, I can come back later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Heh. Heh heh.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The group of men tried to suppress their chuckles and failed. When she just stared at them expectantly, they burst into raucous laughter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man with the shovel seemed the most amused. He held his stomach in a loud belly laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ha ha ha ha! I’m impressed!” he boomed. “That’s the first time anyone’s said that to my face!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss,” one of the other men said, flicking an almost sympathetic look at Alice. “You shouldn’t say that to the poor girl!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re right. I can’t blame her when she isn’t used to it… Ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice scowled, not sure if they were making fun of her. The man with the shovel eventually wiped his eyes and leaned closer to her, grinning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You really don’t recognize me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Recognize you from… Huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He closed his handsome face into a familiar, calm expression, and Alice suddenly noticed the scars. The scars that usually melted from people in Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice gasped. “Wait… Are you Jericho?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked completely different. His suit and glasses were gone, replaced with rough outdoor clothes, heavy workman’s boots, and a pair of goggles hanging around his neck. She noticed a bird pin attached to his jacket…was that the same one he’d worn during the Survey Meeting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho stroked his jaw and flashed a wry smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sorry I laughed at you. But I expected you to recognize me from this close.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, I should be the one to apologize! The atmosphere here is so different, I didn’t realize it was you…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No harm done. This is what the Gravekeeper wears when he does his job.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was embarrassed, but the man seemed completely at ease. Just as warm as when she’d first met him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled back, feeling reeled in. She slowly drew the ticket from her pocket."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks for the priority ticket. I was hoping you could show me the art museum.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that right? I’m sorry… After coming all the way to my territory, you’ve had to take the long way around.” Jericho shook his head; the men behind him started to speak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t worry, Boss—we can handle things here. Take the young lady where she wants to go.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We can make the rounds ourselves. Besides, isn’t it on your schedule to return to the museum about now?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To emphasize their arguments, they all gave him farewell waves. Jericho smiled weakly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then I’ll leave it to you guys. Contact me if there are any problems.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Got it. Bye, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tried to say something, but the men quickly shuffled away. She looked up at Jericho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you sure about this? I only came here to thank you—I didn’t mean to interfere.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You heard them—it’s about time I returned to the museum, anyway.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice admired his casual kindness. After so much time with the restless Diamonds Hatters, Jericho’s mature attitude was refreshing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay. Um, thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho didn’t take her hand; he just walked a few steps in front of her, turned, and smiled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Let’s go.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They arrived at the museum in no time. Unfortu-nately, a huge crowd had lined up at the turnstiles. As she gripped her ticket and prepared for the wait, she looked up at Jericho."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And froze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed completely different again. If she hadn’t just been talking to him, she would’ve assumed this was a different man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He answered her unasked question. “We’ve changed venues. I have to dress accordingly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d worn a black suit for the Survey Meeting and blue-collar work clothes as the Gravekeeper—now, as the museum’s curator, the only thing his outfit shared with those two was the opening at the chest. He wore an unimposing, light brown coat and pants, his delicate spectacles resting on his nose once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Other than the scars, he looked like a scholar. Fitting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He smiled. “You’ll get used to me soon enough. Now come over here—I’ll guide you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice frowned. “I’d feel bad cutting in line.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho laughed. “That’s what a priority ticket is for!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He beckoned her to join him. They walked alongside the line, she handed her ticket over at the turnstile, and they squeezed into the packed museum."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice paused in the front room, her eyes widening. Other attendees bustled past her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The paintings on the walls were alive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Painted elks ran through fields of swaying grass, fish splashed in two-dimensional streams. A bird swooped out of a painting and flapped through the room, causing a few children nearby to clap their hands in delight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This…this is amazing,” Alice breathed. “What is all this? How is it happening?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If I told you the trick, it wouldn’t be interesting to you anymore. Besides—we’re only getting started.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt like she’d stepped into another dimension. It wasn’t just that animals could leap out of their picture frames—the pictures lit up, featured shifting clouds, flickered with geometric patterns. Alice found herself squinting at the red glow emanating from the painting of a sunset. The beauty moved her. She knew it had to be some sort of illusion, but it still gripped her and wouldn’t let go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A rabbit jumped out of a painting and bounced past Alice. She watched it run, dumbfounded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mommy!” some kid shouted as she pointed at it. “It’s a bunny rabbit! Let’s catch it together!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Whoa!” someone else cried. “Did a flying squirrel just jump up there?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice rubbed her eyes. “I still want to know the trick behind it,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho gave a wry smile. “You came all the way here—take your time and enjoy the exhibits. You can have all the explanations you want later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you. But do you really have time to be my guide? You seem so busy…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Skipping the line with her priority ticket had been enough of a blessing. She didn’t want to monopolize the time of the most important man in the museum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Jericho pursed his lips. “No, I’ll stay. Right now, I’m more concerned…about you than anything else that may come up.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Me? Why are you concerned about me?” She and Jericho had hardly spoken; she wondered what might make him worry about her. She glanced in a nearby mirror to confirm that she didn’t look sick or anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s reflection loomed behind hers. He gazed through his glasses at Alice’s reflection in the mirror."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t look satisfied,” he said evenly. “Something’s wrong.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s not that…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is that. And it concerns me.” His eyes were unreadable. “Did something happen to you in Hatter Mansion?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nothing specific.” Alice’s lips moved as if she were talking to herself in the mirror. She pushed her shoulders back, feeling a rare opportunity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Jericho…I’ve just been wondering. Why did the move bring me to the Country of Diamonds? Why here? I can’t get the question out of my mind.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d never been able to say those words to anyone in Hatter Mansion. Jericho raised his eyebrows in response."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then…before you came here, you were in another country?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice nodded. “But if I say more, it’ll only be complaints. You don’t want to hear that.” Alice didn’t like subjecting others to her grousing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The curator in the mirror puffed out a breath. “I don’t mind. And I don’t know what you’ve heard, but…I’m living on dead time.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice remembered a similar comment from Blood. “Dead time?” she repeated. “What does that mean? You’re alive!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The people of Wonderland were living embodiments of time. It was why when one person vanished, another quickly came in to take his place. Everyone in Wonderland said the same thing: We’re replaceable. Life and death are cheap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But this was the first time someone had said he was already dead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho stood there for a long moment, a fragile smile on his face. Then he tapped his chest…maybe referencing the clock inside."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry about it,” he said quietly. “This is the Gravekeeper’s territory—I take care of the graves, both below and above.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still didn’t understand the “already dead” thing, but it didn’t sound like Jericho would elaborate. And she was pretty desperate to talk to someone about her situation, so if he was offering…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I first came to the Country of Hearts,” she explained. “I stayed in Heart Castle as a maid, sorta. Then I moved into the Country of Clover. I knew there was infighting between the different territories, but I still visited a lot of the other ones—including Hatter Mansion.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice talked, Jericho listened quietly. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I came to Diamonds, I went to Hatter Mansion again. And the same people live there, but…they don’t recognize me anymore. And little by little, I’ve realized that I never existed in this place before.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Same people?” Jericho repeated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice ran her finger down the mirror. It left an oily mark from her skin, which quickly vanished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I knew Blood, Elliot, Dee, and Dum in Hearts and Clover. And even if they didn’t recognize me, I figured it was safer to stay somewhere I knew. But now that I’ve been there awhile…I’m not sure that impulse decision was a good one. I feel a little stuck now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If she’d gone to other territories and investigated them instead, or even if she’d been honest about where she’d come from the first time she re-met Blood, maybe things would’ve gone differently. Maybe they would’ve gone better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew what-ifs wouldn’t help her, but she couldn’t get them out of her head. Did she regret her decision? Something squeezed in her chest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This place may be a ‘past’ version of the countries I lived in,” she offered. “Maybe not a pure version of the past, but some kind of earlier version. Maybe that’s why the people of the Country of Diamonds aren’t the people I know. I realize that, and still…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was hard to think of everyone in Hatter Mansion as the people she once knew. They were so different now. Even if the twins hadn’t changed much deep down, they spent all their time as adults. She couldn’t get used to Elliot glaring at her in suspicion. And the way Blood treated her…that was a whole issue in itself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How were you involved with the Hatters and the people in other countries?” Jericho suddenly asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They were all friends of mine. At least, I’d like to think so. And that didn’t change in the move from Hearts to Clover.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She conjured up memories that made her heart ache. The twins getting her tangled up in their dangerous pastimes, sometimes bringing along Boris—who they considered a friend—for fun. Or running around with Gowland and Pierce, or visiting an amusement park that didn’t exist in this country…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot had pointed a gun at her when they’d first met, too. But he’d swiftly dropped that animosity and treated her to his weird carrot cooking. She and Elliot had been friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wasn’t sure how long she stood there, but Jericho opened his mouth to break the silence. “Then you got along well with the Mad Hatter himself?” he clarified."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. We were really…close.” She flashed back to his secret rose garden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s eyes widened. “Really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was a little surprised we became friends, too. He seemed like a difficult guy. But we’re both big readers, so we connected over that—he’d recommend books and lend them to me. If I went to the mansion, he would pretty much always invite me to a tea party… Oh, and if it was a nighttime period, he’d give me a guided tour of Hatter Mansion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d often asked Blood if he should be so attentive to a wandering Outsider not attached to his territories. But Blood answered her every time with a smile playing on his lips:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s just a whim. And if you spilled my secrets, it would only lead to different fun.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The way he said it always sent a chill down her spine. He was a nasty man, and she wasn’t stupid enough to test him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Back in her old world, she never would’ve gotten involved with a Mafia boss…but she’d been bold when she’d thought Wonderland was a dream. She’d visited him over and over. And his special treatment surprised her, especially with the secret rose garden. He’d accepted her, right? Even if he was so guarded about his feelings?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That Blood accepted me, anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She tried to remind herself that it had taken a long time to foster her relationships in Hearts and Clover. She hadn’t been in Diamonds long, so it made sense that she was still struggling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sighed. “It’s not like I want to get that close to the Blood in Diamonds. He’s similar here, but not the same person. And so much of our first relationship was based on lucky circumstances—I doubt I’ll have a repeat of that stuff.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then what relationship do you want with him now?” Jericho asked softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment, Alice said nothing. She’d been asking herself the same question for a long time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…don’t know,” she answered at last. “But I get the feeling that we don’t know enough about each other, even though we’re under the same roof—and that’s a problem. I’d like to at least get to know Blood of the Country of Diamonds.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d stopped longing constantly for Hearts and Clover. She was ready to dig into Diamonds—and she had a burning desire to re-learn these people she once knew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho suddenly chuckled. She furrowed her brow at him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry, sorry. I wasn’t making fun of you. I just think you’re the one person who could pull that off.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She eyed him suspiciously. “Hard to believe that when you’re laughing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man’s face, reflected in the mirror, swiveled around. When Alice turned from the mirror to look up at him, he rested his large hand on her head and mussed her hair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I mean it. I don’t know the Mad Hatter very well myself, but I figured you’d be okay under his care. Otherwise I would’ve invited you to live with me.” He flashed a warm smile. “Although I’m starting to regret that I didn’t offer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice paused at that. “Okay under his care?” she repeated at last. “But I told you—I had a relationship with a different Blood.” The imperturbable, dominating Blood of Hearts and Clover. The mature Mafia boss."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Diamonds Blood wasn’t nearly that secure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But aren’t both Mad Hatters the same at heart? I wonder if it’s something to get so upset about.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This Blood doesn’t take me seriously. I’m not sure I can be friends with him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But you made friends with the Mad Hatters of the other countries.” He waved a hand. “You’ll be fine—we’re all connected to our other selves. The location, what comes before or after… None of those things make much difference.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Confused, Alice ran her fingers through her hair to comb it back. But the museum curator just let out a final, clear laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Maybe the Mad Hatter you knew was the type to twist you around his little finger,” he pointed out. “But the Hatter here is still young. You should try to turn the tables on him.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How was she supposed to turn the tables on a man that dangerous? He’d already accused her of being an assassin just for following him into a garden!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arguments bubbled up her throat, but they died when she looked into Jericho’s face. She closed her mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His words were the first real help she’d been offered in Diamonds. She didn’t want to just throw that out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So she slowly nodded, wondering if she could take his advice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After returning from the art museum, Alice went back to her room to prepare for work. The library maid appeared almost immediately, as if sensing Alice’s presence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Orders from the boss~,” she said. “He wanted you to visit his room as soon as you were back~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But I’m supposed to start work—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Boss made it clear that this comes first~. Please go to the boss’s room, okay~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice grimaced. She wasn’t a Hatter, so she didn’t technically need to listen to him…but it would be stupid to ignore an egotistical mobster who had cornered her with a crony. She didn’t want grudges later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice gave a reluctant nod. “Blood first, then straight to work. Do you mind starting without me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not at all~. See you soon~!” The maid bowed and breezed out, cool as you please."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When Alice arrived at Blood’s room, she saw the usual Faceless guards standing outside the doors. She took a breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I heard that Blood called for me. Can I go in?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, it’s you~.” One of the guards casually knocked on the door. “Boss, she’s here~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Send her in.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The two guards stood aside. Alice pushed through the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sat behind his desk, seemingly buried in more paperwork. He didn’t even look up when she walked in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did you enjoy the art museum?” he asked coolly. “Did the Gravekeeper allow any information to slip?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice scowled. “If you wanted a spy, you shouldn’t have sent a librarian.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His lips curled at the snub. “Then you’re not interested in changing jobs. Too bad—I’d be happy to make you an intelligence officer.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It doesn’t look like you have time to jerk me around right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood finally dropped the papers in his hands and sighed. His lifted his blue-green gaze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m busy—our organization is new. Anyway, have a seat. Some rare tea just came in, so I thought I’d forgo the sweets and listen to your stories of the museum instead.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh…I didn’t see anything that special.” Although not strictly true, considering the paintings were magic, she assumed Blood already knew that about his enemy’s territory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice shot him a suspicious look, but she could tell he wasn’t going to let her go until they’d gone over what he was interested in. She lowered herself onto the red sofa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood grabbed a bell and rang it once; a maid appeared in the room seconds later."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You rang~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d like tea. The leaves should be… Hm. What would be best?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then he hadn’t actually decided on the tea. Seeing Blood rest his chin on his hands in thought, Alice cut in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Maybe you wouldn’t mind if I chose the tea?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh ho? You?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah. If my conversation’s taking the place of sweets, then I would know what kind of tea goes best with it, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood seemed to enjoy her longshot reasoning. He gestured to the maid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Bring several different blends. If the young lady wants to choose the tea for my tea party, then I want to watch.” He let a chuckle slip, but he didn’t seem to have time to say anything else; he dropped his eyes back to his papers as the maid made her exit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Hatter syndicate is young, she thought, a rehash of his earlier words. No wonder he was overloaded. She sat in silence as he worked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few minutes later, the maid carried in a tray covered with an assortment of teas. The different cans and bottles were arrayed like the contents of a treasure chest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry to keep you waiting~. Which one will you have~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice poked through the cans. “If you have a preference,” she called to Blood, “now’s the time to say it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m just looking forward to what you choose.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ever since staying in Heart Castle, Alice had been influenced by Vivaldi and Blood’s interest in tea. She considered herself something of an expert. But the wide selection that stared up at her from that tray was daunting enough to make her hesitate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She saw classic Darjeeling, Assam, Uva…along with herb teas and what she guessed were original blends. It took her a while just to go over the brands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And she was…worried that Diamonds Blood was just as picky as Hearts/Clover Blood. He probably didn’t have a lot of tea parties here, based on the wasted condition of his garden, and the fact that good leaves were probably hard to come by with all the strife in the country. She guessed that this high-quality tea was his personal collection."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She eventually narrowed her choice to two options. But when she glanced up, Blood’s face was still tilted down, his hand quickly scratching out some notes with a pen. He didn’t so much as peek at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The guy never seemed stressed from all his work, even if he was obviously overloaded. If he knew how much Alice considered his feelings in picking the tea, it might leave a bad taste in his mouth. He was a proud man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she did consider him—silently—as she compared the two cans in her hands. She eventually handed one to the maid and returned the other to the tray."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Could you brew this up, please?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This~?” the maid asked, staring at an unopened herbal tea. “Are you sure this is the one you want~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maid carried out the overflowing tray, Alice’s chosen can resting on top. Alice’s lips curled into a small smile as she watched the maid leave the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course the maid would doubt her decision—Alice had chosen a relatively common tea that she could probably buy at a normal store. But Alice had special memories tied up in that brand…so it was important to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s good for a relaxing drink after work, she thought. The old Blood said it was one of his favorite herbals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That Blood had never looked tired, but he’d recommend the tea to her when she was exhausted with everything at Heart Castle. “I’ll bet you want something calming,” he’d say as he brought out two cups."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled, enjoying the bit of nostalgia. But then she frowned, since that hadn’t been so long ago that it warranted nostalgia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wondered what would happen if she mentioned those memories to Blood. He’d probably make a weird face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry to keep you waiting~,” the maid called as she reappeared, her tray now bearing a teapot and two cups."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood finally looked up from his work. His eyes followed the maid’s hands as she poured the tea with practiced ease."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The steaming, amber-colored liquid released a refreshing fragrance into the room. The smell alone had a healing effect on Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood seemed to feel the same. He stood from his desk and headed for the sofa opposite her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Herbal tea?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. Smells nice, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t say I dislike the smell.” The maid left the room as Blood lifted a teacup and inhaled deeply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice picked up her own cup and took a sip. The warm, soothing liquid rolled over her tongue, flashing her back to the last time she’d had it. Her face relaxed unconsciously. “Delicious,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Agreed—it’s a favorite of mine among the herbals. I’d used all mine up; a new supply only came in last period.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh yeah?” she asked politely. “I love the smell, and it’s so easy to drink.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood had requested conversation over the tea, but he seemed to have forgotten that. He just slowly sipped, which made Alice follow suit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He finally returned both the cup and saucer to the tray. He folded his hands together and fixed his eyes on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn’t sense harassment or hostility in his gaze—but he did seem restless. Like he was searching for something. She waited, but he didn’t say anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, Alice broke the eye contact. She stood from her sofa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I should be getting to work,” she murmured. “And you’re obviously busy here—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How do you know so much about me, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The ice in his voice sucked the warmth out of the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-huh?” Alice blurted. The question was so sudden that she didn’t know how to answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man flicked his teacup. The ceramic cup clacked loudly as it jostled on its saucer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You acted like we were friends from the very first moment we met,” he said darkly. “The first time I called you to this room, you didn’t ask anyone for directions. You put all my books exactly where they should be. And now you choose a tea you know I’d like.” His eyes narrowed. “These aren’t things you could’ve learned from asking other people about me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. She tried a weak laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re overthinking this,” she offered. “I knew your first name, so I called you that by accident. I heard the location of your room from the maids, and of course I’m good with books considering my day job now. The tea was…a lucky guess.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That clearly wasn’t good enough for the head of the Hatter Family. The corners of his mouth curved up as he rose from the sofa."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you seriously think I would buy that, then I’m insulted you think so little of me. Coincidence is when something happens once, young lady. Three times points to fate. Or do miracles like that happen all the time where you come from?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“After I told you to come to my room, I confirmed with my employees that you never asked for directions. If there’s a coincidence that would allow you to traverse this huge mansion in a beeline for my room without a single wrong turn, I’d love to hear about it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She couldn’t answer that one. At the time, she’d figured the head boss wouldn’t change rooms on a whim, so she’d just walked to the same room she was used to in Hearts and Clover. That had clearly been a mistake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You choosing this tea is the last straw. Not even Elliot knows how much I like it. So let’s change the question a bit, young lady.” He leaned closer to her. “Were you somehow involved with a different version of myself?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was shocked at how certain he sounded. She could only nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And to be honest, she probably had underestimated Blood of the Country of Diamonds—she never would’ve dreamed he’d see through so much. Maybe he seemed younger than the one she’d known, but Blood Dupre was still Blood Dupre."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s not worth hiding the facts now. She took a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re right,” she said quietly. “I’ve met you before—well, I met the Blood Dupre of the Countries of Hearts and Clover.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You met him?” Blood asked softly. “It sounds like you did more than that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We were…friends. That’s all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She went on to repeat a lot of what she’d told Jericho in the museum—what the Hatters and the other territories were like in the other countries, and what kind of relationship she had with them. When she was finished, Blood finally crossed his arms and stared down at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So that’s how you knew about my private rose garden. A version of me in a different country invited you into it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It didn’t happen right away…but yeah, he let me in there more than once.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Red roses and green vines; a man in a white suit and a beautiful woman in a red dress. Alice couldn’t forget that precious memory if she tried. It was a rose-rimmed world that perfectly suited the brother and sister. Just recalling it seemed to bathe her in the lush fragrance of the flowers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s voice cut through her thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who else knows that you were involved with me in a different country?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She paused at that. “I discussed it at the museum with Jericho,” she admitted. “If I talked to anyone else about it, they just heard it as random complaints.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood puffed out a breath at her answer. “The Gravekeeper?” he muttered. “If your story is true, why did you tell him first? You claim you didn’t know him before this country.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s because I’ve never met him before that he’s easier to talk to.” She didn’t add the mundane point that Jericho’s calm demeanor and the odd atmosphere of the museum had all encouraged her to open up to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it seemed that Blood didn’t allow for the mundane."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see,” he said ominously. “It seems that you’re good at getting under people’s skin, young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s face distorted. “I wasn’t trying to get under anyone’s skin,” she snapped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But you did. First that other Blood Dupre, then me, then you moved on to the Gravekeeper. I don’t approve of your tastes.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s jaw dropped. “Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Mafia boss didn’t back off. In fact, his smile only grew colder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s the appeal of a man who’s already dead?” he spat. “You’re even stranger than I thought you were.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Will you stop saying that? Jericho is a living, breathing person.” She scowled. “And I like to talk to different people with different opinions. He’s not like the Blood I know from other countries. And neither are you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe Blood didn’t believe her; he only glared. Alice was already irritated, but his hostile gaze spoke volumes about how pointless the conversation had become."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we’re done talking,” she said through her teeth, “then I should get back to work.” She slapped the table louder than she needed to as she rose to her feet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She marched to the door without looking back. As she reached for the knob, his voice rang through the room behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The next Survey Meeting is coming up.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you plan on any more trysts with the Gravekeeper, I suggest you keep a low profile. If someone like Elliot saw you, it could turn into a noisy problem.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks for the warning,” she snarled, ripping the door open."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Alice stomped out of the room, the guards on either side of the door flashed her curious looks. Alice ignored them and stormed down the hallway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood is such an idiot!” she hissed to herself. “Why does he always say garbage like that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every recollection of his words put her more and more on edge. It felt like she’d caught that disease from the Red Queen, even though Vivaldi wasn’t around to infect her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood of the other countries had always used sexual harassment or provocative words to rile her up. He’d shoot things off in a fake malevolent voice. She couldn’t count the number of times he’d used sarcasm to avoid getting to the point."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d never irritated her as badly as this. She was a fool for assuming he was a straight talker—she should have answered him with banter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But if that were true, then why was she suddenly so angry? She didn’t know, and that uncertainty frayed her nerves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She swiftly climbed the steps. When she finally stepped into the reference library, Alice stopped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her balance wavered as the inside of her head went numb. A sudden dizziness made her knees wobble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She automatically stuck her hand out to steady herself. If the wall hadn’t been there, she surely would’ve crumpled to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She furrowed her brow. “I’ve felt dizzy like this before,” she breathed to herself. “When Blood first threw me in a cell when I got to Diamonds. But it’s happened a few other times, too, hasn’t it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The intensity of the dizziness had varied, though. Sometimes she just steadied herself against a table, other times she was ready to faint."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was she just so mad that her blood pressure had spiked? But with the way she’d left Blood’s room, there was no way she was going to tell him she couldn’t work because she felt sick."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s just the blood rushing to my head, she told herself. It’ll pass if I just calm down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed bile and shakily got to work."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0009.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 5: A Fog of Gun Smoke"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 5:A Fog of Gun Smoke"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice cut the binding around a pile of books in the reference library. “That should do it,” she called to the maid. “I think this is the last bundle.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right~! All the rest go to the incinerator, so if we just throw these in the vault, we should be all set~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smiled. “Good work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice hadn’t expected to get so much exercise in the reference library, but a lot of her job boiled down to manual labor, considering all the books she had to lug around in her organization process. When adding a category, she often had to reshelf the entire collection."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now she had to archive unneeded research publications. She tapped a fist on the pile in front of her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve never been to the vault. Where is it? I don’t have anything to do after this, so I’ll take them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh~? You’ll take them yourself~? You’ll spoil me~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is a small batch. Just tell me where to go.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the maid gave her directions, Alice clutched the books to her chest and left the library. She passed other mobsters in the hallway, but thankfully, none of them threw her suspicious glances."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d expected a worse attitude from everyone after her argument with Blood, but nothing seemed to have changed. Even Elliot and the twins acted normally. If they’d heard that Alice had been friends with their other-country versions, they didn’t let on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood probably didn’t tell anyone what I said. She didn’t know why he hadn’t, but even now, when she thought back on their conversation, an unspeakable frustration welled up in her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The weird dizziness had passed, thankfully. She didn’t know if her irritation with Blood or simple exhaustion had caused it, but she figured the various stresses had combined to take their toll on her health."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still clutching the books, she walked into a section of the outdoor mansion grounds she didn’t normally visit. It was even more choked with weeds than the garden. As she walked the overgrown path, a sudden roar made her jump."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Voices—lots of voices—rolled through the air from nearby. It sounded like a frenzied mob."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t expect fighting, since the Survey Meetings were still going on. But when gunfire suddenly exploded elsewhere, her blood turned to ice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There had been attacks on the main gate before, but now Alice stood right beside the mansion itself. She’d never heard of an attack this far into the grounds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She needed a place to hide. She ran for the vault, hoping she’d find something to duck behind there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she finally arrived at the vault, she dropped the burden of her books to the ground and tried to catch her breath. She ducked down into the shadow of the vault and tried to keep as still as she could."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A moment later, footsteps crunched on the ground. “Who could that be?” someone murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She expected it to either be one of the attackers, or someone from the mansion trying to head the enemy off. Alice poked her head out slightly to get a better look."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was shocked to see that it was Blood. He gripped his gun in one hand, his gait surprisingly casual as his eyes roamed around the area."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had no idea what he was looking for, but decided against calling out. She ducked back into the shadows just as Blood stiffened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He narrowed his eyes and re-gripped his gun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Got you, Hatter! You’re dead!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Men from all directions ran into Alice’s line of sight, their guns trained on Blood. He was massively outgunned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood didn’t say a word. He just whipped up his weapon and fired a volley of bullets in a circle around him, creating a domino effect of falling, screaming men."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smelled the sharp stink of iron and smoke that she’d never gotten used to. By the time the air cleared, the fight was over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Enemy blood splatters stained Blood’s white clothes. Clearly unharmed, he rubbed a red drop from his cheek and dropped his eyes to the gun in his hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t said more than a few words to him since their argument, but she still didn’t want to see him get hurt or anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When no more enemies entered the clearing, Blood shifted his gun back into its cane form. Unfortunately, the sound of gunfire in the distance hadn’t lessened in the slightest—which meant the attack on the mansion was still underway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When he started to walk again, Alice stood up from her hiding place in the shadow of the vault."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as she was about to run after him, she froze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The barrel of a gun peeked through a hole in a thicket, aimed at Blood’s back. Almost uncannily like the first time she’d been shot at in Hatter Mansion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s Blood, so he probably noticed? Although…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She flashed back to a moment in Clover—when some troops waiting in ambush tried to attack Blood during the Assembly. Blood hadn’t even used his gun—he’d just beaten them off with his cane, complaining that he was bored with “incompetent assassins.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that Blood, who spat insults at men who had tried to kill him, wasn’t the man in the blood-spattered coat who walked away from her now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her usual assumption that he’d want her to protect herself flew out of her mind. She was afraid he didn’t see the hidden gun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood!” she cried, leaping out of the shadows. “Watch out!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He whipped towards her, clearly stunned. But then his face darkened as he threw out an arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you have a death wish?!” he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A heavy shot rang out behind her. Something burned across the flesh of her left arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rrgh!” Rather than change his cane again, Blood tore a gun from his breast pocket and fired past Alice’s shoulder. Alice heard a thump and a moan behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice dizzily stepped back as Blood ran at her. Her gripped her left arm, which she realized, belatedly, had been shot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He pressed his hand over the blood welling up on her skin. “You’re wounded,” he said quickly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood, um…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do me a favor and shut up!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed, her mind too cloudy to argue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was…yelling at her. And clearly frustrated. Her face fell despite her attempts to stop it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think this is the first time Blood’s ever yelled at me, she thought dumbly. The old Blood wasn’t the…yelling type."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And judging from his reaction, he had sensed the gunman and was trying to lure him out or something. She suddenly felt very stupid for jumping out into the open and getting herself hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her shoulders slumped, but he didn’t seem to notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Can you move your fingers?” he suddenly asked. “There isn’t much blood, but I want to check for nerve damage.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh…” Alice moved her fingers as ordered, then twisted her face at the stab of resonating pain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Blood breathed a sigh of relief. “If it hurts,” he said, “that’s proof the nerves are still working.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I guess that makes sense…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the shock slowly sloughed off her, she felt tears build up in her eyes. She tried to blink them away as the rumble of feet rolled in from nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She turned to see a group of the Hatter mobsters, all dressed in their white suits, run up behind her. Elliot waved his gun at their leader."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood!” he shouted. “Where’s the rest of them?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I cleared the area. How did you do?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We pushed ’em all out~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We gave them a pretty thorough beating~. They won’t be back again for a long time~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see.” Blood looked from his men, to Alice, back to his men again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice wasn’t sure Elliot even noticed her. He nodded at Blood, clearly impressed. “Nice! You offered them an opening and lured them into the mansion so we could take ’em down. I was so fed up with their crap—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Elliot, you handle the clean-up. I have other business.” Blood gripped the hand on Alice’s good arm. “Come, young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? But Blood…” Elliot’s bursting pride slowly drained from his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice groaned involuntarily as Blood dragged her to her feet, but she had no time to object or resist. Her mind spun from the throbbing pain in her arm. She lost all track of what he was saying."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot’s ears twitched curiously. “Hey, Blood! What’s that woman—hggh!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One blow from Blood’s cane sent Elliot crumpling to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Out of my way,” Blood snapped. “I just told you to clean up. Do it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood pulled Alice past his fallen second-in-command and back toward the mansion. Once inside, Alice was surprised to see them headed for his room. She stumbled behind him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He finally dragged her to his sofas and released her. “Sit down,” he ordered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, um…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Young lady?” In response, Blood mimed how he’d just beaten Elliot with his cane."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice shrank back from the threat and dropped onto the sofa. “I-if you insist.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood fetched a small box from somewhere. His face tight with annoyance, he tossed aside his jacket and hat and sat next to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-what are you doing?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“First aid. What does it look like?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He flipped open the box. Alice’s eyes fell on a white bandage and a small bottle filled with medicine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“R-right,” she breathed. “Then you’ll just patch me up?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He tugged off his gloves. And then Blood Dupre, head of the Hatter Family, feared Mafia boss of the Country of Diamonds, gently applied first aid to the Outsider on his couch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice stared fixedly at his profile, not sure this was really happening. He leaned over her wound as he cleaned it. His blue-green eyes locked on his work as a bothered sigh leaked from his lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh my God."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…You look like you want to say something,” he said thinly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “I just…didn’t expect you to do something like this for me. Don’t you think helping other people is pointless?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Confronted by the same words he’d used when Alice had saved his maid, Blood’s mouth snapped shut."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had jumped out from her hiding place of her own free will. It wasn’t Blood’s fault she was shot. And considering what Elliot had said, she’d gotten in the way of some plan that had been doing fine without her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Blood didn’t answer Alice’s comment. He didn’t even seem annoyed that she’d blundered into his plan. He just softly ran his bare fingers over Alice’s blood-smeared arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I need to use the disinfectant,” he murmured. “This will sting a little.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay… Ow!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice clenched her teeth, swallowing a hiss as her injury burned. Blood reduced his pressure on the wound."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After washing the dirt and blood away, he wiped her down with clean gauze. Maybe it was because he was good at this, or because he’d lightened his touch, but the pain started to drain away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The atmosphere around them felt very different from the last time she’d been in the room. She couldn’t describe it. Things felt…a little awkward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her eyes fell to his fingers, normally hidden under his gloves. They were long and slender, but angular. Masculine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can his fingers look that good when he’s wiping up blood?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He finally finished securing the gauze. He paused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In the other countries, did you…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice’s eyes snapped up at his sudden murmur. “Huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t meet her gaze. Only his lips moved."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just wondered if you did something similar for the Blood Dupre of the other countries. You know—recklessly jumping in front of a gun.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice winced. “No way—I’m no hero. I got caught up in dangerous situations because of him, sure, but I never jumped into the line of fire or anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He let a breath out through his nose. “I thought as much. Something like that would be suicidal. And I doubt the me of the other countries would be so fond of an idiot.” A mysterious, confused look filled his eyes as he dragged his gaze around Alice’s face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then…why did you try to protect me?” he asked at last. “You did the same thing for my maid the first time we met. You’re irreplaceable. Risking yourself for us is pointless.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sighed. “God, I’ve heard that argument so many times in this world. Even the ‘you’ of the other countries said it to me. You’re replaceable, you’re replaceable.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She threw up her good hand. “I don’t care. You and your maid are both living people, so protecting you isn’t pointless to me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is pointless,” Blood insisted. “Someone can replace her and even me, and nothing will change. Your view is only warped because there’s no replacement to take your place.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe Blood meant to make the statement brutal, like when Alice had protected the maid…but his voice came out much softer than expected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He gave the bandage one more tug. Alice couldn’t figure out his thoughts as he brought his face closer to the gauze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He brushed his lips over it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice froze. She stared at him, shocked, as he looked up from her wound and flashed a knowing smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“B-Blood,” she breathed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I assume that’s something the Blood Dupre of the other countries wouldn’t do. Thank you, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did he…just call me by my name? While thanking me?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe the actions didn’t mean that much on their own, but together… It seemed like he was finally getting a little closer to her. Feeling welled up in her and spread a smile across her face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He raised an eyebrow. “You’re wounded. What are you smiling for? Unless you like pain…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No!” she blurted back. “I hate things that hurt! I just thought that…this situation didn’t end up all bad.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a strange young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice met Blood’s dubious words with a smile as she stood from the sofa. Her arm throbbed slightly, but nothing bad enough to concern her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I should thank you for the first aid,” she said. “So, well…thank you. Do you mind if I go back to my room now?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood was a busy man, so she figured she’d leave while she was ahead. But as she walked back to the door, he called out to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait. There’s one thing I want to say first.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice turned. He stood in front of the sofa, the medicine box still clutched in his hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re on leave from your job while that heals.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice blinked. “Huh? It’s not bad enough to get in the way of—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your wound won’t just heal in the next time period—not yet, anyway. Don’t tax yourself.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well? Will you take the leave?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Phrasing it as a question rather than an order was probably him trying to be considerate. She softened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s weird seeing him so open and honest, she thought. But that’s nice every once in a while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you,” she answered at last. “I’ll take you up on that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mm. You should take me up while there’s still something to take.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice couldn’t argue with that. She nodded…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A smile floated across Blood’s lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice assumed she’d have a lot of time on her hands while on leave from her job—it was the only thing she did with her days. But before she could get anxious over the impending restlessness, Blood came to her. He visited her guest room the very next time period after her injury."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He carried a stack of books in his arms, his medicine box balanced on top of them. “You seem guilty about taking time off from your job,” he commented as he swept into her room. “So here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her eyes widened. She turned from her place by the window."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did you…bring those books for me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I enjoy carting them around for no reason,” he drawled. “How’s the arm?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice quickly walked over to a chair. Unlike Blood’s quarters, her room didn’t have couches—just a few scattered chairs. But when she tried to carry one over, Blood caught her by the shoulder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just sit down,” he told her, pushing her into the chair herself. “The injured shouldn’t wander around carrying things.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He dropped the books onto a nearby desk, then dragged a chair closer to hers. He gripped her wounded arm as he sat down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did he intend to change the bandage himself? He looked so serious…and he hadn’t brought a maid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She figured his initial treatment was just an urgency thing, but now there was no blood dripping down her arm. For a man that busy to come to her room for a routine check-up… She was a little baffled, honestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe her question showed in her face, because Blood’s eyebrows knit together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She squirmed a little. “Uh…a wound like this is nothing to you people, right? Did you come all the way here to…check on my health?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d wanted to ask if he was worried about her, but in her panic, the words came out differently. And she didn’t want to seem…conceited."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“True,” Blood answered as he unwound her bandage. “We wouldn’t worry about something like this. But you have no replacement, and you were hurt protecting me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You didn’t need my protection, though. I actually gummed up your plan.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood gave a low chuckle. “Then consider it chivalry,” he answered, “for a man to take responsibility at a time like this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She grimaced. “I’m not stupid enough to expect chivalry from a Mob boss.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m hurt you think so little of me. I may be Mafia, but I have a sense of responsibility, thank you. When a powerless woman takes a bullet meant for me, I feel bad.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He carefully laid a medicinal gauze pad over the wound. Alice felt a chill leak from it through her skin, down to the bone. But unlike last time, it didn’t hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His hands were just as gentle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I should probably tell you,” she said as he worked, “I didn’t try to protect you because you’re my landlord right now. I just…didn’t want to stand there and watch you get hurt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know. And I’m not trying to repay you as your host or as someone who owes you his life.” He glanced up. “I’m doing this because I want to. So give me that, at least.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice finally closed her mouth. “Okay,” she mumbled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She had to admit, she really enjoyed the new comfort she felt around him. Sitting in that room as he bandaged her arm felt…relaxed. Like how she and the old Blood would get together just to read in silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The memory dragged her eyes to the pile of books. “So…what did you bring me?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mystery novels and some travelogues. When you’ve gone through them, I can send more, but the next Survey Meeting will probably be starting by then.” His forehead creased, and frustration twisted his mouth into a wry smile. “Ah, the Survey Meeting. Dammit—I’d blissfully forgotten about it for a moment.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tried not to smile. “I wonder what will come first,” she mused aloud. “The meeting, or my wound healing up?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had never really figured out the flow of time in Wonderland. The random occurrences of daytime, evening, or night didn’t even last the same length of time. The periods could end quickly or stretch forever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Blood seemed to interpret her comment very differently. “I hope you don’t need to attend with a scar,” he drawled. “Always a shame to see that on a lady’s smooth skin. At the very least, I’d like a scar with a more pleasing…shape.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He drew his lips near her arm again, almost a tease, and low-level panic twisted her stomach. She tightened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Stop it,” she blurted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood shot her a dissatisfied look, then sat up straight to face her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t be shy,” he drawled. “You were on intimate terms with the other Blood Dupre.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I told you, our relationship…wasn’t like that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t reply. Those blue-green eyes bore into her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another tremor went through her body, like it had when he’d moved to kiss her arm again. It wasn’t fear…it was some other feeling she couldn’t pinpoint."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice started to speak quickly, her words almost a babble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Besides, you’re not…the same guy as that Blood. You’re not as nonchalant as he was, and you seem like you’re in more danger…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d always felt a languid self-possession in the other Blood, along with something else she couldn’t define. A certain…humanity?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s face clouded over slightly. “Are you saying I can’t handle myself?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Maybe a little? Ugh, how can I put this…” Alice averted her eyes. “I know you’re really independent, but there’s something that makes me worry about you. Makes me want to help you. At least, right now.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood suddenly stood, the medicine box tucked under his arm. He let out a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m done with the bandage,” he said evenly. “I hope it’s healed by the Survey Meeting. What a pain.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice frowned, a little uncomfortable with his sudden shift in attitude. “I guess that’s true,” she agreed. “And it’ll probably be ugly, too.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe I insulted him. She watched him turn his back on her and march for the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot nearly crashed into him as he burst into the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood! Sorry to bother you, but I needed to check something with…” Elliot’s face darkened as he noticed Alice. “What the hell are you doing here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice bristled. “This guest room was assigned to me,” she snapped. Don’t take your problems out on me, she added silently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It doesn’t concern you,” Blood said in the same flat tone. “We have work. Move it, Elliot.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looking perturbed, Elliot left the room so Blood could follow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood…?” she called."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He didn’t turn back. The door slammed shut behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Big Sis, Big Sis! Wanna come gamblin’ with us? This time we’re sure to win a jackpot!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Last time, we couldn’t make any money ’cause we got burned by the fees. So this time, we’d better cash in!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice flashed a sardonic grin at the twins crowding around her. They’d waited until the group had entered Diamond Castle for the Survey Meeting, but literally not a second longer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the other countries, she would’ve lectured them for gambling while underage. But they only took adult form here, so she knew they wouldn’t listen. While formulating a new argument against them betting all their hard-earned pay, she felt a sharp look burning into her side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sighed. “Elliot,” she muttered, “I’m not planning to run off. I hear anyone can bet on the Survey Meeting, but if you hate it that much, I won’t even try.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Like I’d believe anything coming out of your mouth when you hang out with the Gravekeeper,” Elliot spat. “Right, Blood?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wonder,” Blood said sharply, cutting off Elliot’s words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice fiddled with her bandage. Blood’s timely treatments had helped, and she was definitely on the mend…but the closeness between them had vanished, and he was in a rotten mood. She’d never seen him so obvious about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What got him so upset? she thought tiredly. She wanted to ask, but Blood always seemed to have Elliot by his side; she couldn’t find any decent openings to cut in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt like she was back at square one with Blood—not even close enough to be friends. Had she imagined that intimacy when she’d been hurt? He’d definitely acted like more than a landlord."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d kissed her wound. And that, along with his heartfelt, respectful words had crossed some sort of border. Now that felt like a new wound. A sigh leaked through her lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…I feel a little lonely.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice didn’t realize she’d said it out loud until the twins jumped on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’d you say?” Dee chirped. “Your wallet’s lonely for some money?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dum beamed. “Then let’s all fill the voids together!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried to brush off the slip. “It’s not that,” she said quickly. “Just talking to myself.” She let her eyes wander to the gambling ticket windows."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once she’d started worrying about Blood, she’d begun to expect things from him. The closer she got to him, the more she wanted to understand him. But she knew that things couldn’t happen too fast or one of them would be left scrambling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned. Jericho had been kind and respectful from the second she’d met him. What would her life be like if he’d been the first person she ran into in Diamonds…?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She mulled over the thought as she placed a paltry bet at the window. When she returned to the group, only Elliot stood there. The twins were grilling a tipster at another window, and Blood had vanished."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh.” She looked around. “Elliot, where’s Blood?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He had business,” he muttered. “He’s a busy guy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unlike me? Alice thought as Elliot glowered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know that,” she answered sourly. “Thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot turned from her to fly off the handle at the twins. “Will you two just make up your minds?!” he yelled. “If you’re not here when we need to go, we’re leaving your asses behind!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee flicked his head from the ticket window to make a face. “Shut up, ya dumb rabbit! We’re tryin’ to concentrate.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The meetin’ can go a bunch of different ways,” Dum added. “It’s not easy to pick! If you screw up our thinkin’, you gotta pay for our losses!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot growled. “You little…! You two need to be taken down a peg!” He stormed toward them, but not before glancing back at Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Listen!” he barked. “You take one step from this area while I’m not here, and you’re gonna get it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice jumped a little at the intensity. “R-right,” she blurted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wiped her sweaty palms on her dress and tried to entertain herself. The people-watching was pretty good—the Survey Meeting, its gambling ring, and the Garden Party were a country-wide event. Most of the Diamonds citizens had focused around the ticket windows, crowding around to place their bets. As she watched the eager crowds, a finger tapped her shoulder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yo. It’s been a while, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She turned to the familiar voice. Jericho, back in his glasses and black suit, grinned down at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Jericho.” She smiled. “Thank you so much for before.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice paused to check that Elliot wasn’t watching. Sure enough, he was still arguing with the twins—which was probably why Jericho had popped over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho followed her gaze and flashed a sarcastic smile. “As always, you’re right in the middle of the loudest screams.” His eyes dropped to her bandage. “Hm? What happened to your arm?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, this? It’s almost completely healed now. It still looks pretty gross, but it doesn’t hurt anymore.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His face softened in sympathy. “Did someone in the Hatter clan do that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nah. Just got hit by a stray bullet.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I guess a Mafia turf war is tough for an amateur.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She shrugged. “True. And this is definitely not an easy world for an Outsider like me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d seen bullets and blood plenty of times in Wonderland. But she hadn’t gotten used to it. She didn’t want to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her face fell as her mind wandered back to her injury. She was still confused about Blood treating her…and the kiss. The kiss. She couldn’t figure out the meaning behind his touch. She felt emotions she wanted to pursue tangled up with feelings she’d rather leave alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still had no answer. She sighed and waved a hand, eager to focus on anything else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You came all the way to my territory for my advice before,” Jericho mumbled, “but it seems to have backfired, hm? You tried to turn the tables, and this was the result.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice blinked. “What? No, not at all! Don’t worry about it. Besides.” She chuckled weakly. “That wasn’t really what I would call ‘advice.’”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho smiled at that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seems like such a stable guy, she thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“At the very least,” he offered, “you’ve made a place for yourself at the Hatters’. You should take pride in that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He suddenly slapped her on the shoulder with strength she didn’t expect. She cried out and stumbled, and in a rush, Jericho held out a steadying hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry! I didn’t mean to do that so hard… Are you suffering from something other than the gunshot?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “No, I’m fine. But I guess I’ve had a few dizzy spells lately. I’ll have to be careful about that…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The dizziness that crept up on Alice unawares. She’d started to worry about it, even if she had no other symptoms. She wondered if it was time for her to go to a hospital… A vague dread settled in her stomach."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I always give Nightmare a hard time when he doesn’t go, she thought. It felt weird to be on the other side of that advice for once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s features abruptly drew together in concern. “Dizziness?” he repeated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah,” she answered with a light laugh. “It happens all of a sudden, and it’s hard to breathe. I don’t know the reason, but—huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho suddenly reached out and touched the muscles of her neck. The hard tips of his fingers twitched over her skin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“J-Jericho?” Alice stared up at him in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Realization lit up his own face. He abruptly dropped his hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh, sorry,” he said quickly. “I should’ve…asked, at least, before touching you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, but…okay. Why did you do that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He looked away. “I wanted to check your pulse,” he murmured. “And that’s the quickest way to find it. Sorry to scare you like that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned. “It’s not a big deal, you just…surprised me. I’m fine, Jericho.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho’s closed, apologetic expression melted away. He stared down at her in fascination."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His eyes softened, like he was gazing at an old memory. Alice sensed sadness behind it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good. That eases my mind. I’ll…see you later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper spun on his heel and walked away. He disappeared into the crowd just as Alice realized why he’d left so fast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood appeared beside her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Gravekeeper,” he said darkly. “I knew it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice cringed slightly. “Blood! When did you get back?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A moment ago.” He snorted. “Maybe you didn’t notice because you were drowning in pleasure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice scowled. After his vanishing act and abrupt return, she didn’t like him immediately needling her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Knock it off, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He turned exasperated eyes on her. He suddenly shoved a vial with a drug label into her hands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s this?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I can see that! What kind of medicine?” She squinted at the label."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And stopped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Amidst the directions and precautions, she saw the words “to reduce scarring.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It only took a time period for wounds to vanish on people in Wonderland—and that included scars. Why did this medicine even exist here? Blood certainly didn’t need it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked fearfully back at him. Trepidation crept up her spine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You didn’t…leave to buy this, did you?” she croaked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood answered with a shrug. “I didn’t think you’d be taking that time to flirt with the Gravekeeper.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She glared at him. “I wasn’t flirting.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He returned the look, danger looming behind his eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re pretty cold to me as I am now,” he said in a low voice. “I’ll bet you weren’t like this with the other Blood Dupre.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s that supposed to mean?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You heard me. If you’re going to show a pretty face to men outside the territory, you could at least make your landlord happy, too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Happy…?” Her hand clenched over the vial. “I’ve told you a million times—I’m just being civil with Jericho. I barely know him—we’re not even close enough to be friends!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She stopped as his gloved fingers suddenly brushed the pulse at her neck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She jerked back, trembling. “Wh-what was that for?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He grunted. “You didn’t look that shocked when the Gravekeeper touched you.” His lips curved in a dark smile. “Unless you consider me more of a sexual threat.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice finally lost her patience. She roughly knocked his arm away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Jericho surprised me, so I was too shocked to react! It was just a normal reaction to someone surprising me. The only kind of person who wouldn’t react would either be numb below the eyebrows or have nerves of steel. God, get over yourself!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood glowered at her. She glowered back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins suddenly ran up, breaking the tension. With screams."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss!” Dee cried. “I think we made a perfect bet this time! But ya can’t win today, okay? Ya gotta pull your punches for our plan to work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah!” Dum shouted. “Even if you try to win, ya can’t do it by much. Just do it right, okay?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sighed at the same moment Blood did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot walked up behind the twins, a betting voucher proudly clutched in his hand. It looked like the twins had even convinced him to gamble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you brats stupid?” he barked. “I put a marker on Blood for the win! It’s only natural, right, Blood?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m done with all of this.” Blood sucked his teeth and whacked Elliot across the face with his cane. As Elliot grunted and rubbed his cheek, Blood strode past him. The twins ran to follow, gesturing for Alice to come along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So who’d ya finally bet on, Big Sis?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We can use it on our next bet, so tell us!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice winced at their screeches. “Well…this is the first time I’ve ever placed a bet, so I just bet on us.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But what rank did you put us? That’s the important part!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, tell us!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her bad feelings started to melt away. With a wry smile, she flicked up her index finger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ll just have to wait until it’s over to find out. For now, it’s a secret.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wha?!” Dee threw up his arms. “Big Sis, now you’re just bein’ mean!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boo! Everybody’s gotta profit or it’s no fair!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, yeah.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With dry laughter, Alice dodged every one of the twins’ questions. They danced around her and wheedled even as they entered the Survey Meeting’s arena."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The game hadn’t changed since Round One—along with the numbers proclaiming the size of each territory, the leaders could strategize and add in the force that they chose. Blood took his position and made his moves without speaking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the Gravekeeper won the day, with the Castle in second place. Hatter Mansion was third, above only the Station."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The shift in winners helped bring the arena to a thundering climax."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice leaned back in her seat. She couldn’t figure out what force Blood had chosen to use…and neither could Elliot, apparently, based on the way his big frame shook."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It can’t be true!” he cried. “This is Blood we’re taking about here! Why aren’t you on top, Blood?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sneered over his shoulder. “Pipe down,” he snapped as he lowered himself into the chair at the front. “You’re close enough for the cane, if you want me to make you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot clenched his fists. “I can’t take this!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up, Elliot!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The cane whipped behind Blood, cracking into Elliot’s orange head. Elliot curled up and groaned in pain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice licked her lips and double-checked the voucher in her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t believe it,” she murmured to herself. “I got it right!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A winning ticket on her very first bet. She hadn’t wagered much money, but she was still pleased. The twins leaned over her and pouted in unison."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Aw… Big Sis got the only win? I had you at second, Boss! What’re you gonna do about it?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Me, too! Agh! We shoulda followed her beginner’s luck! Now we’re gonna make even less than last time!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeing the twins depressed and Elliot hunched over in dejection, Alice couldn’t get that excited about her win. Not if she was the only success story among all the Hatter elites."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood turned in his chair, his blue-green eyes leveling on her. “Well,” he said. “You won. Who would’ve thought?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice got the feeling he wanted to say something else, but he didn’t. She curled her fingers over the ticket."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t really care if I won. Maybe that’s why I did.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Didn’t care?” he repeated sourly. “Are you lacking in desire? I could never live like that.” His eyes burned. “Desire fuels everything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And greed can eat you alive,” she countered. “What I’ve got is just right for me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He turned back to the arena."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice let out a breath and looked away. The cheers of the crowd filled her ears as the second Survey Meeting came to an end."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0010.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 6: Thinking of That Faraway Place"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 6:Thinking of That Faraway Place"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice dragged her finger along the row of book spines, shaking her head in regret."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They’re all disorganized again,” she sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With her arm healed, she was back at work, only to find how much of her earlier work had been undone. She didn’t know if her assistant maid had done anything in Alice’s absence. There was a good chance she hadn’t—everyone in Hatter Mansion seemed to be incredibly busy in the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, well. Alice turned to the overflowing returns cart and the mountains of piled books. At least the job never got boring."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She pulled unrelated books from the shelf, found the books that actually belonged there, and re-shelved the proper tomes. She enjoyed watching the mountains of books shrink as she worked. It felt like giving something a good cleaning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Especially since dirty clothes and stains just clean themselves in Wonderland. She liked the rare feeling of accomplishment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice tried to return a book on agriculture to its proper shelf, she noticed a different book mixed in with the others…and without thinking, her hand stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She remembered that title."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Didn’t I last see this in Blood’s room?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d personally returned the book to him before. As she pulled the tome out, she slid the agriculture book into its space."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no place in the library for the book she now held in her hand. And since she knew where it was supposed to go, she couldn’t just leave it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d been…avoiding Blood since that second Survey Meeting—or to be more accurate, ever since he came to treat her wound the second time. She’d gotten fed up with Blood’s constant sarcasm, and she had no idea how insufferable he’d get if they were alone. She wanted to keep her distance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "…But this is part of my job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still had the books Blood had loaned her piled up in her room. She could return them and this one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So she finished her shift, returned to her room, and gathered up all his loaned books. She balanced the new book on top and carried the pile to his room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The guards stopped her. When she explained why she was there, they exchanged looks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We haven’t…heard anything about this from the Boss~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know,” she replied. “I’m not here because Blood asked me this time. I’m just…returning some books mixed into the reference collection.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They didn’t seem convinced. One of them rapped on the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss, the young miss is here~. Will you see her~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did she have an appointment?” Even muffled by the door, his voice still had that recent, irritated edge to it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No. She says she’s here to return books~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a second Alice hoped he wouldn’t let her in—then she could give the books to the guards and be done with it. But the door suddenly swung open."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh… Hi, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Returning books? Fine. Come in.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed prickly, but he widened the door. As she followed him into the room, the guards shut the door behind her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you want me to return them to your shelves?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re the librarian,” he replied calmly. “So yes.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She watched him head for a sofa rather than his desk. Was he taking a break? As he lowered himself onto the plush, she headed for Blood’s bookshelves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d only slid a few tomes into their proper places when he called to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She swallowed. “What?” she asked, her voice a little weak. She tried to stay calm as she slowly turned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He loomed right behind her. She hadn’t heard a single footstep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a second, she was oddly impressed by the stealth of a Mafia boss. He tilted his head down at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…What was the other Blood Dupre to you?” he asked in a low rumble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was a short pause before he asked. Alice figured that the question had some extra significance to Blood, but she answered as she always did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We were friends. End of story.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t tell if you’re a good liar or not.” His eyes narrowed. “If you were just friends, my touch at the Survey Meeting wouldn’t have made you jump.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve told you so many times, Blood. You’re imagining things!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Am I?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood suddenly surged forward, making Alice slap her back against the bookshelf. He stretched his arms out on either side of her, resting his gloved hands on the tomes…and effectively trapping her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No matter how the world turns,” he murmured, “I’m still myself. And I don’t think I’d just sit there with a fascinating young woman like you close by.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His blue-green eyes dragged all over her body, sending a shiver down her spine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice quickly shook her head. “Nothing happened,” she insisted. “It was friendship.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The other Blood had never cornered her like this. To him, Alice was just a rare Outsider visiting from a different territory. He gave her treatises on tea and books to borrow, when Elliot wasn’t also shoving carrot cuisine into her face. She knew that it was a real accomplishment to get accepted into the private rose garden of a careful Mafia boss. It made her happy. And, well…proud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that Blood had never pressured her into an especially intimate relationship. They shared similar interests and a twisted sense of humor, so they enjoyed each other’s company. He was neither too close nor too distant. A perfect range for a close friend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She snapped out of her reverie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I’m right in front of you,” he said darkly, “don’t go daydreaming about another man, even if that man is me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She scowled. “Are you trying to control my thoughts now? Don’t be ridiculous!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And seeing Blood here, even Diamonds Blood, ensured that she’d remember those times. She couldn’t not remember when she stared into those familiar eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His left arm suddenly shifted. He gripped her chin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And lowered his face toward hers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice panicked. “W-wait!” she blurted as she tried to twist away. “Blood, don’t!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He stopped. She could feel his breath on her mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-isn’t it obvious?!” she stuttered. They weren’t even friends yet. He couldn’t just…kiss her!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s fingers tightened around her chin as he leaned closer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No,” he rumbled. “It isn’t obvious! If you’re saving yourself for the ‘me’ of some other country, then just come out and say it.” His mouth slanted. “Not that that would stop me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not saying that! It’s just…the other you never tried this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed. And she’d never wanted him to. She’d never thought of the old Blood that way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In response to her words, Blood of the Country of Diamonds furrowed his brow in distaste. He looked like he didn’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He never tried to kiss you? Even when you were close enough to touch?” He scoffed. “Or did he treat you like something precious, and that’s why you were obsessed with him?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wasn’t obsessed. He was just important to me as a…” The word “friend” died on her lips as he flashed a mocking smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You stopped. So you’re finally willing to admit that he was your lover.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh my God.” Suddenly frustrated beyond belief, Alice slapped his hand away. The look on his face didn’t change."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She started to tremble. “Quit talking like that!” she cried. “And you aren’t the Blood I know, so don’t get any ideas!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His mouth became a thin line. “He must have been frustrated, having someone so close whom he couldn’t touch, couldn’t hurt. You say I’m not the same man—and if you’re telling the truth, then I agree. I would never have made that choice.” He looked away. “If that’s the way it was, I can only pity the man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He turned from her in disinterest and walked back to his desk. She stared at his gait and that long, familiar back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked so much like the man she knew, but…she was so out of sync with this man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It depressed her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You make people do things that aren’t in their nature,” he said as he lowered himself into his chair. “That may be the proof of your greatest charms, Alice.” He leaned back in the seat. “I think that’s what makes you Outsiders dangerous.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can’t take this. The longer she stayed, the more he’d twist her words. She crammed the last book into the shelf."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve had enough,” she said icily. “I’m finished shelving the books, so I’m leaving.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t try to hide her irritation as she double-timed it out of his room. Blood made no attempt to stop her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That just annoyed her worse. She quickened her pace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why was he doing this? Why was this Blood so damn critical of her? And…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And was there something wrong with her, too? When he’d gripped her chin and leaned in, had he noticed that her reaction was a moment late?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hadn’t been disgusted by his attempt to kiss her. Knowing that confused her all the more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was just Blood making fun of her again, right? She didn’t think he was serious about kissing her. It was probably just a capricious impulse for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But…when he’d taken her chin in his hand, she’d felt a small heat build up in her. Alice shook her head angrily; she couldn’t read too much into something done on a whim."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He thinks I’m in love with the old Blood—and I’m not. I shouldn’t have let that get to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d been so irritated to hear him reject her assertions like that. He wouldn’t listen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was driving her mad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come on, Mom! Forget that picture already!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s much more fun to take your time, sweetie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the next gallery over, children were pointing at the museum’s various exhibits. Alice saw a woman flash a pained smile at a boy holding her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He tugged at the woman. “But I’m bored of that picture—the ones back there look a lot better! We’re finally inside the art museum, so let’s see the best ones!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The woman sighed. “What am I going to do with you…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s gaze followed the mother and child, and then strayed off down a long hallway. What’s down there? she wondered. This place is big."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hummed, enjoying the anonymity of wandering the art museum alone. She’d slipped out of Hatter Mansion during a mundane work shift, only telling her assistant maid that she was “going out.” That was technically following Blood’s orders that she not leave without permission, right? The maid would pass it on? And Alice’s feet had just led her back to Jericho’s territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mommy, a bunny! And over there! Here’s one, too!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t run—you’ll trip and fall!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice watched a rabbit jump out of a picture, then a little girl ran after it. Another rabbit—a white one—bounded over to Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knew it was probably out of the painting, but when she touched it, it felt soft and furry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That…doesn’t feel like a painting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t have time to be surprised as a shadow fell over her. She looked up into a familiar face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It is you.” Jericho tilted his head. “If you’re coming to visit, you should tell the staff.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Jericho, you’re working in the museum today?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When Alice took her hand from the rabbit and stood again, the creature zipped to a corner of the room unusually fast. She turned from it to face Jericho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t expect to catch the busy museum curator just by showing up.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He laughed. “Eh, I’m not good at sitting still—I changed the exhibits a little. Why don’t I give you a tour?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice hadn’t come to the museum with any goal in mind—she’d just needed some time away from Blood constantly irritating her. A tour sounded like a nice distraction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thanks,” she replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She followed Jericho down the hallway, and eventually into a room where a huge picture of greenery stretched before her. A lot of the exhibits had landscape paintings, but this one was on an entirely different scale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Someone had painted a forest with sunlight streaming through the leaves on nearly an entire wall. The scene looked as if they had torn down the wall, and on the other side, a real forest stretched out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Some people were sleeping under the trees, others sat on benches and chatted. Kids clambered up the trees as birds sang overhead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice hummed under her breath. “I like it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The theme of this exhibit is ‘healing,’” he explained. “And it’s titled Forest…which is maybe a little too on the nose, heh. There are rivers in the painting and a lake way in the back.” He gestured with his head. “You can step into the painting and take a break, if you want.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She flashed him an apologetic smile. “Ah, no. I’m fine.” It was nice of him to offer, but she didn’t feel like it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He smiled back. “Sure. But if you need a break, don’t overextend yourself. Just tell me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a few moments, she just stared into the tranquil forest. Then she turned her gaze up to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His eyes widened at the look on her face. “What is it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um…are you really from this world?” she asked quietly. “Even if I’m an Outsider, you’re being so nice to me. It feels too…normal.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was used to every leader approaching her “just to see the Outsider.” The very few exceptions were the eccentrics or the bigots who wanted to close off Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But from the very first moment that she’d met Jericho, he’d treated her like a human being."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho shook his head. “I don’t know about ‘nice,’” he replied softly. “And I do more dirty work than you think I do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice wondered if he was talking about his work as a Mafia boss. Or the face he wore as the Gravekeeper, or working as the museum curator… Even Gowland, who ran the amusement park in Hearts, had been a leader involved in territory disputes. She was sure dark acts happened away from her eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She sighed. “That may be true, but I still think you’re a nice person, Jericho.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re free to think what you want. But the extent of my time’s already been decided, so maybe that’s made me philosophical… No, that isn’t it.” His eyes lowered to his hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He clenched it and nodded to himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“One climbs up only to fall,” he said. “And if you think of it that way, the correct path is just resigning yourself to it. I’m simply awaiting my true end.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice furrowed her brow. “The extent of your time’s been decided?” she repeated. She remembered that she knew next to nothing about this man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man who was already dead. Everyone always mentioned death around him. It was weird for Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice wondered whether to pry further, Jericho’s gaze focused on something past her head. He sucked his teeth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Great. Of all times…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-what is it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A flustered man suddenly ran up, his hands gesturing wildly. “Mr. Curator!” he cried. “We have a problem!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Calm down,” Jericho ordered. “An attack, right? Tell me the enemy, the location, and any damage done.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s definitely the Mad Hatter, but we don’t know any more than that. No major damage other than a fence…but they’re in the graveyard, sir!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fine. I’ll be there soon.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice didn’t have time to interrupt before the man ran off. She flicked wide eyes up at Jericho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His jaw tightened. “You heard the man. I’m afraid the tour ends here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry about me, but…is this place safe?” Alice looked around at the crowded room. “Should you evacuate the museum?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He shook his head. “The graveyard is pretty far from here. So for the time being, I consider the inside of this place safe.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I hope you’re right…” Alice wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She suddenly felt nervous in the crowd. A lot of the citizens in that territory probably knew that she lived at Hatter Mansion… Would they think she led the Hatters to attack? Just as she was trying to figure out a way to distance herself from the place, Jericho took her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You need to get away. I’ll show you a shortcut.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He led Alice to a space in front of one of the paintings—a busy street scene. The people walking down the street and mingling inside the painting moved as if alive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is the shortcut?” she blurted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. Just do this…and enter the picture.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He stuck his arm straight out and pushed it inside the living painting. Then he gripped her shoulder and shoved her toward it; she lost her balance and gripped the frame to stay on her feet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Listen,” he said quickly from behind her. “Go in and turn right at the big street. Go straight until a T-intersection, then go left. If you run straight on after that, you’ll come out in an area close to the Hatters’ territory—but whatever you do, don’t go in the other direction! It comes out in a totally different place.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“J-Jericho!” When she righted herself and glanced back, he was already gone. She bit her lip and turned back to the painting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Half doubting him, she tentatively reached toward the picture as he had done. Her fingers slowly sank into the painting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whoa,” she breathed. “This feels weird!” It wasn’t an uncomfortable sensation, but even in Wonderland, she’d never jumped into a painting. She carefully pushed one arm in, then her other arm, then took a breath and stepped inside entirely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The world changed around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She gasped, suddenly standing in a street lined with market stalls. The people walking down the street looked so alive, she couldn’t believe they were in a picture."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Vegetables!” a vendor cried from nearby. “Fresh vegetables and fruit here!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Come on—you can try before you buy!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She had so many questions about this…painted?…street, but she didn’t have the time. She ran down the road."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She soon came to a big street, just like Jericho had described. She turned right and kept walking, but saw no incoming, dead-end intersection. After about three blocks, she saw walls, but all of them still left open pathways."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How far does this go?” she wondered aloud. She trusted Jericho’s advice and kept walking, but the road just stretched on straight before her…never changing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is so weird…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s the matter, miss?” someone asked from nearby. “Looking for something?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She may be lost. It’s a pretty big town.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice stopped, her lips curling into a frown. She felt crazy asking people inside a painting for directions, but eh. Wonderland was crazy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I…heard there was a T-intersection if you keep going this way?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the friendly men waved a hand. “Oh yeah, I know what you’re talking about. There used to be one, but it disappeared.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” she blurted. “You mean…the wall vanished?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You got it. Somebody painted over it with sky-colored paint. It sure caused problems for us!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the men wandered off, Alice ran a hand through her hair. Her eyes flicked back and forth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I try to go back now, she thought worriedly, I might get lost, since I don’t know where I am. But I can’t stay here forever, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The last thing she wanted was to walk until she collapsed inside a piece of art. With no other options, Alice found a corner in the blind spot of a building and turned down that road."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She proceeded down the narrow road at a trot, her eyes on the ground. She saw light dimly reflecting off of what looked like tiles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A picture frame!” she breathed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She couldn’t see much, but the light spilling up from the ground looked much like the frame she’d seen in the museum. She held her breath and dove in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her body’s orientation took another drastic change; it was like gravity itself spun and twisted her around. She slumped to the ground, her mind whirling, and tried not to be sick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where am I?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She swallowed bile and forced her head up. Her eyes widened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d never been to this place in the Country of Diamonds, but she knew it immediately. Grave markers stretched in a solemn row before her, amidst patches of thin, scraggly grass. She saw piles of soil—newly upturned ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was Jericho’s graveyard, in the same territory as the art museum. She cursed her luck for dropping her right where the Hatters were attacking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In a panic, Alice tried to stand, but her legs turned to jelly beneath her. She gurgled as the world spun again, her senses warping around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not again! Not now!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was that same dizziness that had plagued her since coming to the Country of Diamonds. And this time, it was stronger than ever; she couldn’t even sit up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She spilled weakly against the ground, her arms splaying out in front of her. Her palms slid across mud as she collapsed, the raw scent of grass filling her nostrils."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who’s there?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, there’s a girl over here!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The last things she heard were the cries of unfamiliar men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Stunning work, as always.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you expect, when my sister dear does nothing but bark orders from the sidelines?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We only wish to keep Our lazy brother on his toes. You should thank Us.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The conversation was faint, as if it could fade into the night breeze. Alice moaned and lifted her head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The graveyard had disappeared; she lay in a beautifully manicured, miniature garden. Green ivy and leaves cut through the vivid red of roses. Even the breeze caressing her body seemed to shimmer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the secret rose garden in Hatter Mansion—the one limited to two special visitors. Nostalgia welled up in Alice just as realization dropped her stomach."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is…a dream."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was in the Country of Diamonds. Even if she’d moved back to Hearts or Clover, it was way too convenient for her to land here. Her eyes followed the voices."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vivaldi, Queen of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter, Blood Dupre, sat at a nearby table. They shot loving barbs at each other and seemed to overlook Alice entirely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-Blood?” she whispered, her voice a tiny croak. “Vivaldi…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They didn’t respond. A weak smile pulled at her lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t like intruding on their private time, anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could only dirty this beautiful place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice loved beautiful things. It was why she’d fallen in love with this location, where she could see two beautiful people against a perfect backdrop. A small, exquisite space, close yet distant from her, cut off from the rest of the world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She watched Blood walk to a nearby vine and twist his wrist in it. He twisted over and over, the vine sliding up his arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood,” she breathed. “Why…did you…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why did you let me come here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Blood of Hearts and Clover had invited her into this sacred place. She had no idea why. And even though he’d hit on her and made rude comments, he’d never once touched her in a genuinely sexual way. Just little teases. Just some goading that riled her up and made him smile wickedly. He didn’t mean it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d never pinned her down like the Blood in the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d never had reason to touch her like that. Or maybe he had reason not to touch her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She closed her eyes. When she opened them, Vivaldi was gone. Only Blood remained at a short distance, that vine of roses snaking around his arm. He spoke in a low, breathy voice, like he was talking to himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her reedy voice barely made a sound, but he suddenly reacted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He called her name as if in response, and her heart thundered in her chest. But she didn’t think he was actually answering her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that wasn’t his voice. The Blood of Hearts and Clover never called to her like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked exactly the same—his suit, his hat, the shape of his face were just like the old Blood, down to the tiniest detail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But his eyes were different. He was strong, but seemed too young to use that strength to the fullest. His gaze was hot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was Blood Dupre of the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moment she realized that…the garden faded away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She jolted awake somewhere dark, her cheek crushed against a cold floor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something had been tied over her eyes…a blindfold? She felt cords binding her arms and feet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Where am I?” she breathed. When she tried to move, something hard rammed into her side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hold still,” somebody snarled. “Make any funny moves and you’re dead!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Judging from the unfamiliar voice, someone stood over her—and had probably kicked her. She wanted to scream at him, but she knew that would be stupid. She bit the inside of her cheek."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She remembered the voices she’d heard before passing out. Were they the people attacking Jericho? Had they captured her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then…they can’t be Hatters, she thought quickly. Even they wouldn’t treat me like this. Who exactly had attacked the graveyard?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt unharmed, and she was tied up, so someone had decided she was too useful to kill. She couldn’t suppress a sigh at her calculating thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess I’ve really gotten used to this world. She didn’t know if that made her glad or depressed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Someone shouted in the distance. Male voices hissed at each other over her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Here they come…!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Someone shoved something hard and metallic against her head—the barrel of a gun. Her face distorted in pain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t move!” her captor ordered as he ground the barrel into her skull. “Whoever it is, he can’t save you that easily!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She frantically shook her head. “No!” she gasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up! I told you not to—gah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A gunshot rang out, cutting him off. His grip went slack and the gun fell from her head as she heard him crumple to the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You should take your own advice and shut your mouth!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Th-the Gravekeep—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something heavy hit something else, and the man finally went silent. Alice recoiled from the tangy scent of iron as strong fingers gripped her arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you all right, Alice?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He hauled her to a sitting position and pulled down her blindfold. The light dazzled her for a second, but she blinked until her sight returned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho’s prim suit was gone. The man before her, armed with a gun, was the fearsome leader of the Gravekeeper’s territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He shook his head and started untying her. “Forgive me,” he murmured quickly. “I didn’t know the painting had been vandalized. And now I’ve gotten you mixed up in my problems… I have to get you out of here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-but they’re after you, right?” she argued. “I’ll just slow you down!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll be fine. This was my fault to begin with.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She let him pull her to her feet. They ran to the exit; she tried to get him to leave in another direction, but he refused. He dragged her along behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure enough, Faceless started popping up, shouting and pointing at the territory leader in their midst. Alice gasped and ran to keep up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s the damn Gravekeeper!” a voice shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Say your prayers, Jericho Bermuda!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re going down right now!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho flipped up his revolver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Faceless charged with guns, knives, even explosives—but Jericho just fired round after round into their shrieking bodies. They never even got close. He glanced back at Alice as his gun boomed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“People underestimate me because I’m already dead,” he said coolly. “But they won’t stop me here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Dammit,” someone snarled. “Take him down! Now!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho was a lone man against countless adversaries, but he didn’t even look strained. Alice knew the Role-Holders in Wonderland could just mow down the Faceless, so Jericho seemed as powerful as the other territory leaders. A question floated to the top of her mind as she ran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How can he be this strong if he’s “already dead”?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho stopped, leaving Alice to catch her breath. He gestured with his gun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we head down that way, we’ll get to the exit fast. Sorry, but I’m going to ask you to accompany me a little farther.” He cocked his gun into a ready position, then held his other hand out to Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh, Jericho? You—huh?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He suddenly jerked his hand back and instead shoved her, using the force to propel himself in the opposite direction. Alice stumbled back as the Gravekeeper dove into a roll, bullets zipping through the air where he’d been standing. The gunshots came from the location of the exit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho grunted and whipped up his gun. “Pretty small-minded of you,” he shouted sourly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d love for you to suggest something more efficient. I’ve got future plans I should be getting to, since I actually have a future, unlike you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice froze. A white figure emerged from the darkness, his footsteps heavy. She made out the shape of a top hat and saw enemy blood spattered across his suit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood scowled, smoke rising from the barrel of his gun. “Why are you so surprised?” he snapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her defenses rose up automatically. “What are you even doing here?!” she shouted back. And why do you always have to argue with me?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t think she was important enough to him to merit a rescue. In fact, he was the very man who had said the Blood of Hearts and Clover, who had called Alice “precious,” was frustrated and repressed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He made a beeline for her, sucked his teeth, and grabbed her arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re supposed to get my permission any time you want to leave the mansion. Don’t even pretend that you didn’t know that!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, but I told the maid… A-and she passed it along, didn’t she?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Mad Hatter laughed in her face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He suddenly flashed a smile that she knew well from the old Blood. Somehow both degenerate and alluring—a fearless smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You didn’t get my permission, young lady. You never even asked me directly! You’ve got guts to breach a contract with me; in the Mafia world, that can get you killed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ow! Hey—mmph!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He grabbed her roughly into an embrace and kissed her. His hot mouth bit against hers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the resulting shock, she could only watch as he stepped around her, blocking her from Jericho. She heard the ring of Jericho’s gunshot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She tensed, but the bullet zipped nowhere near them. A warning shot. Was Jericho trying to drive them away?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood turned his back on Jericho’s barrage of bullets, clearly unconcerned, and lifted Alice up into his arms like a bride over the threshold."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We should go,” he hummed. “I’ll deal out your punishment later, in my own sweet time…got it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“P-punishment? Ah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no time to question the ominous promise. With a dramatic flap of his jacket, the Mad Hatter ran into the night, Alice clinging to his neck for dear life."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0011.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 7: What I Would Exchange Here and Now"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 7:What I Would Exchange Here and Now"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice didn’t know how they got out. And it felt like a long distance between the graveyard and Hatter territory…but Blood ran the entire way, holding Alice tightly against his chest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He obviously hadn’t invaded Jericho’s territory alone; as they made the trip back, Hatter mobsters ran out of the woodwork to join them, shouting and reinforcing the lone Blood in his escape. Alice was relieved to see friendly faces, but at the same time, questions bubbled up in her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once they arrived back home, Blood carried her to his room and kicked the door in. He finally put her down to sink into one of his sofas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sat up nervously and looked up at him. His hair and clothes were disheveled and dirty, but he didn’t even look winded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood…why did you come?” she asked quietly. “That was Jericho’s fight. With his enemies.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You catch on fast, young lady. I should’ve made you my chief of staff instead of my librarian.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s shoulders drooped in dismay; she didn’t want him to make fun of her. As Blood made a theatrical gesture, she let out a frustrated breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s get one thing straight, Blood. Jericho had come to save me when you—huh?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her words devolved into a yelp as he suddenly pushed her back into the sofa. He crawled on top of her, the couch creaking slightly beneath them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Alice,” he murmured. “I agree that we should get something straight.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frustration snaked through her veins, driving her hands up to ball against his looming chest. “Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d snatched her away from Jericho, the man who’d actually saved her, and kissed her right in front of him. She was humiliated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t get you!” Alice cried. “Are you just making fun of me again?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No. I just decided to make you give up on all the others, no matter who they are or how you feel about them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What does that even mean?!” She glared as hard as she could, but it didn’t faze those blue-green eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let me make this very clear,” he said evenly, his voice a low rumble. “I don’t care if it’s some other Mafia boss or even another version of myself—I don’t have it in me to hand you over to anybody. I’ll never, ever give away the woman I love.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice froze. Her mouth fell open in shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Love?” she whispered without thinking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You may be in love with the other Blood Dupre, but I’m keeping you here with me. For good.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice could only stare at him for a long moment, stupefied. Blood stared into her eyes, his ruffled hair brushing his face like tousled midnight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried to organize the spinning thoughts in her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood… You don’t understand.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I understand fine. You have stronger feelings for that Blood than you do for me.” He smiled darkly, like he’d never doubted his guess. “And those intense, lingering feelings are why you always argue with me. My similarity to him repulses you. And I get that, but I’m disappointed.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Like I said—you don’t understand! I like that Blood, but not as a lover!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She and the old Blood had never crossed the line of friendship. She didn’t know how many different ways she could say it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s brow furrowed. “So you admit that you like him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you want from me, Blood?! I’d be lying if I said I hated him!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You had to be in love with him,” Blood insisted. “You’re an elegant girl and he was an underworld Mob boss. A fiend.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice doubted he would believe her if she told him because I thought I was in a dream. That that had made her brave and reckless in the Country of Hearts…and had led to everything she valued by the time she stopped thinking she was asleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But since this Blood didn’t know how her life in Wonderland had started, his mouth tightened in dissatisfaction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you were in love,” he said, “I could understand it. Even a bright woman like you can make a mistake of the heart. But I don’t believe it was just friendship.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But it was!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I kissed you, you didn’t resist. You let your guard down because you had feelings for that Blood…and I share his body.” He clenched his teeth. “If you’re not even doing it consciously…that’s even worse.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why wouldn’t he understand? Why wouldn’t he believe her?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She felt borderline rage radiating from her face. He just barked a wicked laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did you show that expression to the man you love? I hope so—that’s exactly what I want.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“ARGH!” she roared. If he hadn’t been crushing her arms into the sofa with his weight, she would’ve torn out her hair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are you so upset for?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was about to screech a rebuttal, but then stopped. She felt the anger drain out of her as doubt crept up in its place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why am I so upset?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why did she care that this Blood misunderstood her relationship with the old Blood? This was Blood’s M.O. Even in Hearts and Clover, he’d constantly teased her about being in love with Peter in Heart Castle, even though he was dead wrong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And the old Blood hadn’t just teased her about Peter—he’d teased her about practically every man in Wonderland. She’d always told him to shut up before moving on. It didn’t frustrate her like this. It didn’t fill her chest with the tension she now felt tightening around her heart."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She stared up at him. Blood stared back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And this Blood, with the face she knew, with the intimidation and sharp wit she’d known in other countries…he stared at her now with different eyes. And with an expression she didn’t know well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those eyes searched hers, exposing her doubts and trapping her in a blue-green prison. She saw a hint of helplessness behind his gaze—like he was frustrated at not getting what he wanted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She saw the true feelings that he always hid behind biting sarcasm and an unruffled countenance. His real intentions were here. And that was why she’d recognized him in her dream in the rose garden…only the Blood of Diamonds had these eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And…they were the eyes she wanted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my God."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was why she’d gotten so upset when he accused her of loving the other Blood. It was why she couldn’t just brush him off when he voiced all his doubts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hated that this realization had taken her so long. But she didn’t let a curse or a groan escape with her heavy sigh; instead, a wry smile floated on her lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m in love with Blood of the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His lips tightened slightly. “Just admit it,” he rasped. “You’re in love with a version of Blood Dupre.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “I…am…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt a sense of doom settle on her shoulders with the realization. How could she be attracted to a man like this? A stubborn, cutting, jealous, egotistical, and overly analytical Mob boss? His personality was basically a list of negatives. She was so disappointed in her taste that she fell into silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a headache."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Blood of Hearts and Clover has always been important to me,” she murmured. “And he always will be. I wish he were here to hear this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s body tightened over her; she shook her head to cut off his raging jealousy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But he’s not the one I love, Blood. You are.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s dumbfounded voice leaked from his lips. He looked off-balance, like she’d dodged his best right hook."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The old Blood wouldn’t have revealed such an open face. She felt an urge to smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I never had any idea what he thought of me. But I still knew he didn’t hate me…and I’m pretty sure he liked me. But I can’t tell you if it was the same ‘love’ that you just spoke of. He never told me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The old Blood hadn’t gone near her until he’d fully accepted her—and then he’d still held her at a safe distance, even if his affection had seemed too deep for simple “interest.” He’d considered her special. But how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe that Blood had been looking for steady, unwavering love, and she was an Outsider who could vanish at any time. Maybe he didn’t want to burden her with his feelings. Or maybe he’d been hoping for a different kind of love, or something she couldn’t give him. With them both in different countries now, Alice had no way of finding out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d let her into his rose garden in Hatter Mansion—a juxtaposition of calm against cruelty. Like him. She’d been special enough to him for him to throw open those doors. Maybe he himself hadn’t known the reason."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he’d cradled her in his secret world, and Alice had liked that. She’d never wanted more from him…and she prayed their relationship never changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked up into the gaze of the man breathing heavily on her lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a Mafia boss,” she murmured at last. “You’re power-hungry, stubborn, prideful to a fault, hard to understand, and you kiss people in public."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But…you tried to get close to me. You tried to find out about the real me. That’s probably the biggest difference between you and the old Blood. And that’s why I…fell for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew what kind of person Blood Dupre was. But even knowing that, she wanted to know the Blood in front of her better. The younger Blood who didn’t keep his distance, even in a land of distrust and violent enemies. When this Blood had said he was going to investigate her, she’d felt, deep down in her heart…a tiny bloom of happiness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He stared at her and didn’t say a word."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice let out a breath and scowled. “What, Blood? Are you seriously going to make me do all the talking?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood blinked a few times, as if regaining his thoughts. “I just…didn’t expect that,” he murmured. “You stunned me speechless.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re blushing,” she teased."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood screwed up his face and sucked his teeth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up. I didn’t think you even liked me, let alone…” His finger gently brushed up the side of her face, and she was reminded of his soft touch when he’d nursed her arm. His finger slowly twisted into a lock of her hair, wrapping the strands around and around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t believe they’d been fighting a second ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She slanted her mouth. “You didn’t know whether I liked you or not, and you still…kissed me in front of Jericho?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Doing that made it more difficult for you to go back to him.” He hummed and twisted her hair. “Two birds with one stone.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ugh. You’re an awful man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good—I can’t keep this job unless I’m an awful man.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled at him. Blood chuckled back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The words weren’t sweet, but she felt a sudden hunger for his warmth. She slid her arms around the lean frame pressing down on her and tilted her mouth up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The kiss was nothing like their first. As her lips caught with his, once then over and over as heat built up inside her, her mind went white. She closed her eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His own arms snaked under her and up her back as he pushed down on top of her. Crushed up against his body as his mouth moved against hers, fear suddenly gripped her pounding heart."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mm—wait,” she breathed, the panic pushing words into his mouth. She couldn’t think of a good excuse. “Our clothes will get…wrinkled.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He grunted, the sound a wet vibration against her mouth. “I envy your ability to think right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice gasped as one broad hand slid over her body, caressing her through the thin barrier of her clothes. He slid his mouth off hers and instead chuckled a low rumble into her ear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wasn’t mentally prepared for this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-wait, Blood—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You said you loved me, right? Maybe the other Blood Dupre couldn’t catch you, but I will.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Catch me? You… Ah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt heat in a risky part of Blood’s body and her voice jumped an octave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wanted to run. She wanted to bury herself in her safe, familiar anxieties."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But his low voice changed her mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve caught you, and now you’re mine—more precious to me than anything or anyone. I’m the Blood Dupre who will take you away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The heat of his words melted her thoughts away. She felt drunk on the urgent, heavy desire that drove his hand around her body."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She let that hand wander."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-stupid,” she gasped, but it turned into a moan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Having fun yet?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice looked up from the revelers at the Garden Party and turned her head. Blood caught her eyes, a small twitch at the corner of his mouth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She nodded and placed her drink on a nearby table. “But…this is the last Survey Meeting, right? And you’re a participant—how long can you afford to be hanging around here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood shrugged. Excited Diamonds citizens bustled around him, enjoying the final party hosted by their castle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Without all four leaders there, they can’t start. Let them wait.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She scowled. “That’s unbelievably rude.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed. With the mood Blood was in, he didn’t care about the final results of the third Survey Meeting. But…he’d come in last, then second-to-last in the other meetings. That meant he’d already decided which of his forces to use at the end, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unless he’s just blowing the whole thing off now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tugged him toward the exit, and he finally complied. Their path took them right by the ticket windows…where two young men noticed them and shrieked their greetings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss~!” Dee cried as he ran up with his brother. “Perfect timing! It’s the last meeting, so you oughta show us your hand!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Brother’s right!” Dum yelled. “You gotta help us make up for what we lost last time! If we lose anymore, we’re gonna cry ourselves to sleep!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice grimaced. “Boys, that isn’t just cheating, it’s out-and-out fraud.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the twins didn’t understand “morals,” and they just got louder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t get cheap in the last stupid round! Boss, we wanna rake it in on every bet! Stakes are real high now!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ya can’t hold back—not this time! Tell ’im, Big Sis—this is for a good cause! You don’t wanna waste our money!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice winced and slid a finger in her ear. The twins ran back to the windows, taking their noise with them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But for better or worse…they don’t treat me differently now that they know about Blood and me. They’re the only ones who still look at me the same way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her treatment in the Hatter Mansion had changed a little since becoming Blood’s girlfriend. The guards trailing her had changed to “escorts,” and the watchful eyes of the mansion’s residents had softened considerably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was Elliot’s behavior that actually bothered her. She swore to get him to stop calling her “Sister.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She pursed her lips. “It is the final Survey Meeting,” she admitted after a moment. “Maybe I’ll make just one last bet.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? I didn’t expect something like that to come out of your mouth.” Blood looked genuinely surprised, and Alice couldn’t help but laugh at his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“True. But we don’t know if there will ever be another Survey Meeting, so I’d better get the full experience under my belt. I just won’t bet the farm like Dee and Dum.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She lowered her voice. “Besides,” she added, quiet enough that he wouldn’t hear her. “I never know when I might move again.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew that in the next move, she might be the only one to switch countries again…and she’d leave everything in Diamonds behind. That possibility renewed her desire to make as many good memories with Blood as she could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood adjusted his hat and said nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now,” she went on. “What should I do this time? Last time I bet on Hatter Mansion coming in third, but…maybe you’ll come in second?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She looked up at the window bulletin board; her eyes scanned the list of bet combinations and the predicted winnings of each. As the twins had said, Hatter Mansion wasn’t favored—clearly the result of Blood’s poor performance in the first two meetings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood remained silent by her side while she hummed over the possibilities. He eventually let out a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She turned to look up at him…but he’d already clutched her hand and slid something into it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The surprise softened her hand. She had to scramble to keep from dropping the top hat she now held."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” She blinked. It wasn’t the hat he wore now—the one that matched the tailored black suit he wore to Survey Meetings. This was the hat he wore with his everyday clothes. The design was exactly the same, including the decorative card, roses, and feathers. The only difference was the playing card had a pattern separated into four colors."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is this…your normal hat?” She ran her fingers along the brim. “Why are you giving it to me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s for a bet of my own.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She paused. “I thought only regular citizens had the right to bet. The leaders can bet, too?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood laughed and tapped the hat in her hand. “This is just a personal wager,” he explained. “A game.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood, what can you win by betting a hat?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He smiled. He took her shoulder, drew her close, and whispered in her ear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m going to bet that my territory comes in first. When that happens, the hat is yours.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His words sounded like the plot of a mischievous little boy, but his tone was serious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice frowned. “That doesn’t make sense. That would mean that if you win, you don’t get any prize.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course I’ll win a prize. I win the one who won the hat.” He raised an eyebrow. “That’s worth winning, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heat flooded her face. “W-wait, then you’re saying… H-hold on a second, Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he was already walking toward the arena—saying his piece and walking off, like the twins. Alice cradled the silken hat against her chest and scrambled to follow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When they reached their area, Blood stopped her before she could sit down in her regular seat. “No, Alice. Not there.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why not? It’s where I sat before.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Before,” he repeated with emphasis. “But this time, your seat is here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice balked at the front row seat beside his. She’d felt self-conscious enough in the second row! She frantically shook her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t even joke, Blood. I’m an Outsider, and I’m not even one of your employees. What are you trying to make me do?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’s no need to be shy,” he drawled. “Not with our relationship.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this had been before their big confession, she could’ve gotten out of this with a cold smile. It was a lot harder to argue once she’d told the man she loved him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She still hesitated. “But…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot, in his regular seat, threw her one of his new smiles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Go ahead, Sister! Blood says it’s okay, so we’ve got your back.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She scowled at him. “You’re not helping, Elliot.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had a feeling none of the other Hatters would come to her aid, either. Still worried she was breaking an unwritten rule, she lowered herself into the seat. She twitched in discomfort."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s about to start, young lady. And this is the last session—so try to enjoy it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s because I want to enjoy it that I wish I wasn’t sitting here,” she grumbled. “I don’t want to be in any spotlight!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before Blood could retort, the familiar announcer appeared. He threw up an arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Welcome to the final Survey Meeting!” he boomed. “Are all of you excited?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Alice shrank down in her seat as the crowds roared around her. She had the feeling Blood had dragged her to this seat for some sort of plan. She threw him a look through half-lidded eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What exactly do you expect me to do here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You refused to assist me in the first Survey Meeting,” he replied, an infuriating calm under his ridiculous words. “So you’ll assist me now. You’ll choose the final card.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, not ‘huh.’ This is the last meeting to settle our standing, Alice. I want you to conclude it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She leapt out of her chair, but he grabbed her arm. She struggled as he pulled her back down onto the seat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No!” she hissed. “Let go of me!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s too late to run.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have no idea how forces are used here, Blood! And I’m not a territory leader—so I couldn’t do it if I wanted to!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s not hard. You just put your hand on the controls and bring up a mental image of the force you want. Anybody can do that much.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice threw up a hand in frustration. “You’re not listening to me! Is this another one of your plots?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His smile was cool and collected, which set off Alice’s warning alarms. The more placid Blood was, the more suspicious. And when she glared at him, he just calmly brushed her off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The other territory leaders, meanwhile, finished their plays. From the Castle to the Gravekeeper to the Station, each team showed their forces…leaving only Hatter Mansion. Alice squirmed in her seat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood made no attempt to move, inciting louder cries from the crowds around them. Alice could feel the tension rising, all part of a good show… Unless he wasn’t planning to break it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood leveled those blue-green eyes on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Everyone’s waiting for the results, Alice. And now, so am I.” He opened a palm toward her. “Give me your hand.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her anxiety and frustration exploding in her gut, Alice slapped her hand into his. “D-don’t blame me if I screw this up!” she blurted. “What forces do you even have left?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew there were a total of five possible powers, and they’d already used one in each of the other meetings. Once a force had been used, it couldn’t be used again. Blood wanted her to choose a card without being able to see what was in the hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood hummed. “You want to know what’s left? I’d rather hear what you think is left, but then you might panic, hm?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t you dare!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood ignored her glare and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’ve used natural resources and technology, not necessarily in that order.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice licked her dry lips. “Okay. So I should choose from one of the others?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That meant population, economics, and military were left. She wished she could give it more thought, but there was no time…and she knew nothing of those forces in Hatter territory, let alone within the other territories. She couldn’t compare things she didn’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She paused. “Do…do you want me to put out a winning card?” she whispered. “Or would you rather I put out something weaker?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He shrugged. “Pick whatever you want. If you want to win, use a strong card. If you want to hide our strengths, then choose a weak one.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then…you’re really leaving it up to me?” She was starting to feel stupid for taking the choice so seriously. Her shoulders drooped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I told you, Alice—this is just entertainment. What’s the harm in trusting your last hand to blind luck?” His eyes glittered. “And I know you’re a lucky girl.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just…promise me you won’t blame me for what happens. I mean it!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood was putting the entire outcome, whether they won or lost, completely in her control. And when she thought of it that way, her mind opened up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Population, economics, military strength. Alice recalled as much of the Hatter Mansion as she could. The other leaders had made their choices; her eyes fell on the sand flowing into the glass receptacles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Make a choice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um…population,” she murmured at last."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right.” Blood tugged her hand to the control stand, then let it go. “Go for it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice slowly lowered her hand onto the control stand. Blood placed his gloved hand over hers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Remember,” he whispered. “Keep your hand on the panel and just think of your chosen force. Then the stand will transmit it and the sand will react.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just concentrate, Alice. I’ll control the sand.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She curled her fingers on the stand and thought of the people of Hatter territory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She remembered the weary citizens, worn down with constant battles. But she knew that wasn’t the ultimate fate for that territory. She knew how strong the Hatters would become."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice opened her eyes in surprise, then squinted as a light on the stand brightened. Blood pushed up closer behind her, his fingers closing over hers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just stay like that, Alice. You’ve made the connection.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She glanced up quickly at his smile, something welling up inside her. She nodded and closed her eyes again, her mind returning to their population."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The sand has finally started to pour!” the announcer cried from elsewhere. “The climax of the Survey Meeting!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice heard cheers, laughs, chaos swelling around her. But she tuned it all out…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And thought of all those people under Blood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Diamond Castle won the first meeting!” the announcer declared, his voice leaking into Alice’s ears. “And the Gravekeeper’s territory came out on top in the second! Which territory will take the laurels in the final round?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice anxiously gritted her teeth. Just thinking that Hatter Mansion might go through all three meetings without taking first position filled her chest with complicated emotions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She finally opened her eyes. All four glass chambers were filled with sand, although the Hatter level was low and the other three seemed about even. She saw a slow overhead trickle in varying strengths across them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is…the sand still flowing?” she breathed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. In all four.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood said he can control the sand. She saw the incoming streams increase, then decrease, riling up the audience. The leaders were trying to make it fun. Alice remembered what Blood had said about the Survey Meeting as entertainment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The green sand for the Station finally stopped. The receptacle was almost full, but so were the others. And the other three streams kept going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nightmare cried out in frustration. “No!” he wailed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d had the most land area right from the start, but he couldn’t stop the other territories from adding to their totals. And now he was out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Castle and the Gravekeeper’s territory had slowed their streams…but then, suddenly, Hatter Mansion’s sand burst into a heavier flow. The crowd roared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s this?!” the announcer cried. “Look at Hatter Mansion!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice watched, her heart in her throat, as their receptacle rapidly filled with blue sand until it was even with the other two leaders. Then it surpassed them, reaching the top of the glass chamber. Then it kept going."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cracks raced along the glass as the blue sand filled the chamber to bursting. Alice recoiled in alarm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a loud, explosive CRACK, the front face of the vessel broke open, sending a spray of blue to fan across the air. Sand spilled out into the arena, causing the announcer to leap out of the way in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?!” he blurted. “It’s…gone into overflow! What does this mean? The Hatter’s sand broke through the measurement chamber!” He blinked. “Oh—and the Castle and Gravekeeper’s flows have both stopped!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hush fell over the crowd, followed by a ripple of uncomfortable murmuring. Men started to gather around the announcer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How could the receptacle break?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Has that ever happened at a Survey Meeting before?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I bet on the Mad Hatter! What happens to my bet now…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The impromptu committee around the announcer didn’t last long. After a minute of discussion, the announcer nodded his head and turned back to the crowd."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve made a decision!” He threw his head back and bellowed, “The winner of the third Survey Meeting is definitely Hatter Mansion!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The crowd went wild. Alice heard cheers and whistles mixed with booming complaints; the roar engulfed the entire Coliseum as she stared, amazed, at the broken glass receptacle. She slowly slid her hand off the control panel. “Your population force…was that huge?” she asked Blood in a daze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was so much more than the other territories. And why had the sand kept going, even when the structure couldn’t handle it? Why didn’t the stream just stop when the receptacle was full?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A disgusted grunt cut off her thoughts. She turned to the next group over and into the cold stare of the Black Rabbit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They cheated,” Sidney said thinly from behind his queen. “I wish I could prove it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And it wasn’t just him. Nightmare hunched his shoulders; Gray and Boris stared. Jericho watched Blood from the Gravekeeper section, Julius sighing behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The young version of Ace, still sitting, just kicked his dangling legs. He tilted his head at Julius."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Julius?” he asked. “Is this, y’know…that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The rules don’t cover it,” Julius answered evenly. “I don’t approve, but I can’t say it’s illegal, either.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Seems kinda unfair.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice figured they were blaming her, but why? At a loss, Alice looked up at Blood…but he was just watching the other territories from over the top of her head, a wicked smile on his lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The announcer stepped up again. “And that ends our final Survey Meeting! Will you help us close the events, Your Majesty?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Queen of Diamonds pursed her lips, narrowing her eyes slightly in dissatisfaction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Mad Hatter is a tricky man. He didn’t dirty his own hands, but the act was dirty.” Crysta sighed, as if exasperated but not angry, and stood from her chair. She arranged her long skirts before turning to the stage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rules are rules,” she announced, “and they indicate that this Survey Meeting is over. However, we’ll see to it that the same thing doesn’t happen again. Right, Sidney?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sidney nodded, his voice ice. “As Her Majesty says.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A shiver ran down Alice’s spine. Blood shrugged at the queen, and she proceeded to ignore him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the queen’s command, the Coliseum began to calm down. The last of the blue sand trickled quietly through broken glass."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice walked down a deserted corridor with Blood, their footsteps echoing in the ghostly silence. She gripped Blood’s wagered top hat in her hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The underground hallway led far ahead of them and into darkness—a path from the arena to the waiting room. Crysta, as host, could have teleported them back…but Blood had refused this time, sending Elliot and the twins ahead of him. Judging by the completely abandoned hall, “walking” wasn’t a popular choice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood had said he wanted to “enjoy the feeling of being a winner with the young lady awhile longer,” but she knew that was an excuse. Alice took a breath and looked up at him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her confusion was driving her crazy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood?” she asked, her voice careful. “What happened back there?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m surprised you have to ask. Hatter Mansion wound up in first place.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t try to pull one over on me! Why did Sidney say you cheated?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is there any real need to worry about the ranting of an animal?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood!” She scowled at him; she wouldn’t let him distract her with a smoke-and-mirrors act."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“More importantly,” he drawled, completely ignoring her pleas, “I won the bet, and I’ve warned you about punishment for breaching a contract with me. Put on your prize.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Whoa!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He pulled the hat from her hands and dropped it on her head with a soft clump. It was way too big for her; it covered half her face, and she had to push up the brim so it wouldn’t block her eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But when she lifted the dark band from her vision, Blood’s face was suddenly very close to hers. Her protest died in her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Like I thought,” he rumbled. “It suits you. Very cute, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She grimaced. “Yeah, right,” she grunted. His flattery about an oversized, flamboyant hat engulfing her head was too much—even for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she paused at the genuine happiness in his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The hat stank of tobacco smoke. The other Blood—of Hearts and Clover—smelled like the tea and roses from his secret garden. The comparison made the Blood beside her seem downright barbaric."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he’d done this a little while ago, I would’ve thrown this hat back in his face. She would’ve been afraid to even touch a hat so suffused with smoke."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But now, knowing that it was his…she delicately cradled the brim with her fingers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You promised,” he reminded her. “So take it. It’s yours now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She nodded, keeping the huge brim up with her hand. “Yeah… I’ll be careful not to lose it. This settles the bet, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood answered her with an affirmative sound."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeing his gentle face made her so happy, but at the same time, a creeping sadness threatened to ruin it. She swallowed hard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The closer we become, the more anxious I get. And I could still “move.” She dropped her eyes to the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If she had to leave Blood some day, at least she’d have these memories, right? She wanted to be as close to him as possible in the time they had together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I don’t want to move. I want to stay here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You really did it this time, Hatter!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice jumped. Heavy clumps of leather shoes echoed in the empty hallway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A familiar, broad shape appeared in the darkness ahead. He walked alone, without his followers, his piercing gaze leveled on Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The limited light threw shadows over his face; his muscled form and severe expression made Alice recoil in fear. But when his eyes fell to her, his face softened slightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I feel sorry for you,” he told her, his deep voice tinged with something. “Looking at you…I’m guessing you didn’t know you were an accomplice in a scam.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice went rigid. “Accomplice? What are you talking about?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So you really don’t know? You just—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“State your business, Gravekeeper,” Blood interrupted. He stepped in front of Alice. “We’re busy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s face darkened at Blood’s tone. Alice could finally see the Mafia boss lurking behind Jericho’s kindness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The girl wants an explanation,” he growled. “I’m trying to give her one.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How thoughtful of you. Put that diligence into polishing your gravestones or something.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho clenched his teeth. “Back off,” he warned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “Then…the thing in the arena really happened because of me?” she asked weakly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho waved a hand. “You didn’t do anything—the Hatter used you. An Outsider is like a random number in this world. If you introduce that to our numbers, it’s inevitable that you’ll have an influence on them—that’s exactly what Outsiders do here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood sucked his teeth. “You’ve got a big mouth,” he grunted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice turned to Blood, her eyes wide. “Blood…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He let her unasked question dangle in the air for a moment. Then he shrugged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Look, as a territory leader, I couldn’t have predicted your exact influence. An Outsider is literally an indeterminate factor. You were just as likely to make me lose big.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A high risk/high return strategy. That seemed right up Blood’s alley…but it still seemed like an unusually gutsy move for the Blood in the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then…why did you do it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she fixed her eyes on him, he seemed at a loss for words. Then he said with a breathy sigh, “I told you before—this was a personal competition for me. Nobody has the right to criticize me for it.” He snapped his gaze to Jericho. “Including you, Gravekeeper.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s big talk, Hatter. Don’t forget that you just made the rest of us look like fools. You’re a lazy winner to steal the spoils after someone else does all the work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hn. Not over that yet, are you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice realized they were talking about her capture in the graveyard. God, how many times could she wrong Jericho?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood snaked an arm around her shoulder. “He chose to rescue you,” Blood murmured, as if reading her mind. “Don’t beat yourself up over his personal decisions.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You can’t blow me off anymore, Hatter—I’m going to ask you to return that card to me now. The Survey Meetings are over, so the other rules end as well.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper spoke in a low voice, murder in his eyes. Alice unconsciously took a step back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood tightened his grip on her shoulder and pulled her against his side. As she crushed up against him, she looked up to see his face…but he seemed completely unruffled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re already dead,” he said evenly, “so you’re not worth my time. But if you’re so anxious for your end, I can help you out.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice could only watch the two glaring Mafia bosses in the empty, chilling hall. The few seconds of silence seemed to last an eternity. Alice was afraid to breathe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s arm twitched."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As if in slow motion, Jericho drew his gun as Blood’s cane shifted into a pistol. She watched helplessly as they raised their weapons at each other with an echoing chak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Game over.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bullets exploded from their guns, making Alice cringe back in terror. But after the single round, she heard two heavy thumps, one after the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She snapped her eyes past Jericho, where a prone figure lay on the ground behind him. She turned to look behind her and Blood—sure enough, another Faceless lay crumpled on the floor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho let out a breath. His face relaxed, his fearful intensity gone in an instant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That clears up that mystery,” he said. “After all the trouble of putting on the act, I expected…more of a fight.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood raised an eyebrow. “You know, I think you might actually be disappointed,” he drawled. He turned to Alice. “Alice?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She jerked her head up at him, then cursed herself for shaking. “Wh-what?!” she blurted. She tried to force herself to calm down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s lips curled in a self-satisfied smirk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As much as I love having you wrapped around me, I’d rather do it in private so he doesn’t get a free show.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice, in her panic, had clung to Blood’s arm in a death grip. She grunted and pulled back. She was suddenly glad for the huge hat shadowing her face—and its blush."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood turned back to Jericho. “Are these the last spies? You said you took care of all the rest, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. The only ones left were the ones closely tailing me. I gave them free rein for a while, but…as we figured, the final move had to be here.” Jericho flipped up a hand. “Had to let them get a good dance in first.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You do a lot of work for a dead man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice pulled the hat brim down, allowing her eyes to barely peek at the men. The way they talked—up close and almost casual—she would never have believed they were rival Mafia bosses."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She started to wonder if the animosity between them had always been for show."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Blood let me go to the museum because I lured their mutual enemy into attacking…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was true that a Faceless probably couldn’t attack her directly in the museum—not when a Role-Holder was walking around. But maybe indirectly. Maybe those sneaking Faceless had sabotaged her route inside the painting. Or maybe…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood, Jericho?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They flicked their eyes to her. Blood let out a vague chuckle, and Jericho furrowed his brow at Alice’s hat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That thing is too big for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed and tilted the brim up higher. “You think?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And that style doesn’t suit you,” Jericho said. “If you’re going to wear a hat, you should…put some thought into what you pick.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood stepped back toward her and swept his arm around her back. “Don’t worry about it,” he told Jericho, although his gaze was locked on Alice. “She’ll get used to it. Let’s go, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He hurried her down the hallway before she knew what was happening. Her feet stumbled a little."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But Blood—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s the Gravekeeper’s duty to take care of the dead. Just leave them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That wasn’t what she was worried about, but Blood ignored her stuttered questions. He led her past Jericho, past the dead Faceless lying behind him, and down the dark hallway until she and Blood were alone in that corridor again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t know how long they walked; time warped in the silence. When Blood finally stopped, she stumbled again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She saw no sign of the waiting room up ahead. She opened her mouth to ask him, but before she knew it, he’d wrapped her up in his arms. He crushed her so close against his chest that she was dragged to her tiptoes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I still haven’t taken my winnings from my bet.” His blue-green gaze burned. “But I’ll take you now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He gripped her chin and roughly kissed her. Alice gasped into his mouth, her hand still gripped around the hat dangling from her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The hat,” she breathed against his hungry lips. “It…mm…” Heat swelled inside her as his wet mouth devoured her own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When he finally broke the kiss, she panted, trying to regain her breath. His lips broke into a smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t care if it’s before or after you get used to your hat. You’re mine now…and I won’t let you go.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe he’d already realized that a move could tear her away someday. She tightened her jaw."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish I could promise to stay with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it was a promise she couldn’t make. Even if she’d gotten used to these countries of time, she was still an existence without a fixed place. She was an Outsider, and always would be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it was because of her ambiguous existence that she’d come to Wonderland in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t go to any other territories in this country,” he rumbled. “Don’t go to any other countries. Not anymore.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed. If she hadn’t moved, then she would never have met Blood of the Country of Diamonds. But now…she didn’t want to move again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice nodded her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll stay by your side, Blood.” Without thinking, her right hand drew up to lie on the left side of his chest. She felt those familiar, gentle reverberations of his ticking clock against her palm. His ticking and her heart shouldn’t have overlapped, but her heart gave a pound at the touch against her skin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But for a moment…she heard a very different sound within herself. She almost thought she heard a hard ticking in her own chest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just like the clock ticking in his."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tilted her head in surprise, but before she could make certain, he stole another kiss."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mm. Ah…!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s insides melted into sighs and heat, and she lost the ability to think."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right then, for that moment only, Alice allowed herself to be completely ruled by Blood. She wasn’t going anywhere. She felt it, and with that came relief."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’ll stay with me,” he breathed into her mouth. “Right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wanted confirmation, a commitment. Alice pulled her lips free and nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah. I’m staying.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll be here with you, the man before me now. No one else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She lived in a world where everything constantly changed. Maybe it was foolish to count on anything for sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But even so, as she exchanged vows with him, she hoped that her heart would get its payout."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0012.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to take this opportunity to thank you for picking up this book. My name is Sana Shirakawa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This book is a novelization of QuinRose’s Alice in the Country of Diamonds. The game is something of a “turning point” in the Alice series. There are a lot of mysteries in Wonderland, and this story brings us much closer to the answers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This particular book centers on Alice and Blood’s relationship. And because of that, if you haven’t played the game, you might not understand the reason why Blood gives Alice a “certain something.” I hope the book leads you to playing the game."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Again, I’d like to thank the many people who helped me so much in the writing of this book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Editor K. from Ichijinsha Publishing, Nana Fumitsuki, and of course, QuinRose. I’d like to thank them for their patience--they put up with me pestering them for the details on the drastic setting change from the previous games. I also look forward to their support in the future. Thank you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And finally, to everyone who has been kind enough read this far—thank you so much!"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart | Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo]/section-0014.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 1: Familiar Friends in an Unfamiliar Country"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 1:Familiar Friends in an Unfamiliar Country"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had no idea what was going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe it was just that those treacherous, prankster twins had decided to take adult form and were playing around with their axes. Or were just messing around in general."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the situation was shocking. Had someone told her it was a particularly perverse nightmare, she would’ve believed it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Listen, Alice!” Elliot would always rave. “There’s a new shop that opened a little while back. And the Carrot Mont Blanc there kicks ass!” His eyes would sparkle, belying his position as the rough, second-in-command boss of the Mob. The bounce bounce of his ears would punctuate his delight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t count the number of times she’d seen him like that. The only time he’d ever threatened her with a gun was when they’d first met. When they didn’t know each other yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yet here she stood, her breath caught in her throat, the sun glinting off the dull metal pointing in her direction. The adult twins stood behind him, their axes ready in their clenched fists."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She made a strangled croak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot didn’t flinch. “Bye,” he grunted as he flexed his finger over the trigger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s all this racket? That last job was aggravating enough, thank you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot stopped at the familiar voice from behind Alice. He lowered his gun and stared past her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee brightened. “Boss, you’re back! That was quick.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Welcome home, Boss!” Dum chirped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sank to the ground, her mind racing. She twisted her head around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One look at the man walking through the gate made her think her nightmare might be over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faceless mobsters started pouring from the mansion, rushing to greet their returning boss. As they spilled out into the open, they lifted their voices in a chant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Welcome back, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right,” the man replied, only sparing a quick glance at his people. Then his utterly bored eyes met Alice’s."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His clothing was strange: a tailored suit that looked like a cross between formal wear and an equestrian uniform. But there couldn’t be two men in Wonderland with roses and a numbered card sticking out of his top hat. He ignored the loyal mobsters who crowded around the area, his attention locked on Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed. “Blood…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why wouldn’t he…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who are you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice went rigid. “Huh?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His stare wasn’t the flirtatious gaze she was used to. That rude, searching look from those blue-green eyes…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her memory pulled her back to the Country of Hearts—when she’d first met him. Blood’s gaze had been exactly like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The look of someone who doesn’t know me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was definitely Blood before her, tapping his cane against the ground as he sidled closer. But he kept a healthy distance from her; his appraising eyes were dark with suspicion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that suspicion wasn’t familiar. Blood had never been suspicious of Alice in the past—he’d never had any reason to doubt her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are you saying?” As Alice tried to stand up, she pushed a steadying hand against the ground. “I’m—whoa!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every mobster in the area pulled out a gun and aimed at her. Her brow creasing, she slowly lifted her hands into the air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This isn’t funny, Blood! Why are you doing this?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He hummed. “I couldn’t tell at first glance, but now that I look closer, you’re an Outsider. You seem like someone who would only bore me, and yet I drew to a stand at the sight of you, didn’t I? Hm.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Drew to a stand?” Alice furrowed her brow at the unfamiliar phrase. She had no idea what was going on, but at least this was familiar—only Blood used such vague phrases."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An Outsider who isn’t used to the world yet, I guess. It’s not unheard of…but you’re a strange girl. It’s death to come here. Ignorance is no excuse, even for an Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She waited for him to expand on that, but he said nothing more. Remembering how shaky her legs were, Alice stayed huddled on the ground and held her breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…Have you forgotten me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he had, that would explain the attitude of the people in Hatter Mansion. But the answer to her question didn’t come from Blood—it came from Elliot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t be stupid. Blood’s smarter than anyone—he hasn’t forgotten anything in his life!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice unconsciously cringed at the force in Elliot’s voice. She’d been thrown around this world plenty of times, and she was always facing guns and knives pointed at her…but she wasn’t used to the hatred. And considering who was throwing it at her now…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood seemed to notice her fear, but he only looked curious. He made no move to restrain Elliot, which confused Alice even more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even assuming that Blood had forgotten her, the Blood she knew would never act like this. He’d play coy and tread lightly—like the way he’d acted when she first met him in the Country of Hearts. He wouldn’t be so…defensive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Outsiders are rare around here. And even if I don’t know you, you seem to know me…which can’t be a coincidence.” Blood released a breath through his nose. “Fine. Join me for some tea, young lady. I make a rule of inviting people to my tea parties.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was clearly pretending not to care. She could tell he was trying to hide how cautious he was being. Blood was the type of guy to act casual so he could lure an unsuspecting enemy into a trap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot sucked his teeth. “The hell with this! It was bad enough having the Gravekeeper’s men screwing things up. I’d rather just kill you,” he added as he raised his gun again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“K-kill me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice glanced around at the twins and the other Hatter mobsters in a plea for help, but they didn’t seem bothered by Elliot’s attitude. If anything, they glared at her, as if half expecting her to attack them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was all so wrong. This wasn’t a nightmare—it was worse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice knew how short-tempered Elliot could be—and he seemed worse than usual. If anyone was going to stop him… Her gaze came full circle and landed back on Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blue-green eyes glittered at her from under that hat brim. He didn’t look completely indifferent, but if he felt an inkling of sympathy, he didn’t act on it. Those eyes said he had no desire to protect her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She clenched her clammy hands into tight fists."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood!” she pleaded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Stop calling the boss by his first name like he’s some kinda friend!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood cocked an eyebrow at Alice’s cry and opened his mouth—but before he could say anything, Elliot advanced on Alice and shoved the muzzle of the gun against her forehead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I won’t miss this time, girlie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t take the pressure of the metal grinding into her skull. She closed her eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe she’d wake up after the gunshot, back in her familiar bed in Heart Castle. A part of her hoped desperately for that. But the chill of the muzzle and the murder in Elliot’s voice were too real for a dream."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her body flinched back—but she felt no impact or pain. She timidly cracked her eyes open as the gunshot’s echo faded in the air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had no time to be surprised at the rising smell of gunpowder from somewhere else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did someone just shoot at us?!” a mobster shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll call for backup!” someone yelled back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The atmosphere around Alice abruptly changed as the mobsters aimed their guns past her and barked orders. She looked down; a scar charred the ground where a bullet had buried itself. And as she followed the collective gaze of the Hatter Mafia, she finally saw the shadow of a man in the adjacent woods, holding what looked like a lit explosive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before he could throw it, fire erupted from the end of Elliot’s gun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It ain’t that easy!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hrgh!” The shadow collapsed with a moan. An instant later, an explosion shook the trees and released a rush of air that reeked of gunpowder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot jauntily twirled, his brown ears poking up at the sky, then practically scampered toward an exit from the mansion grounds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Was that supposed to be an attack?!” he mocked. “The Gravekeeper’s punks think we’re idiots, huh?! C’mon, boys—you’re all with me!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, sir.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Mafia men sounded less than enthusiastic, but they followed Elliot without question—except for the axe-bearing twins standing guard at the door. They simply scowled at each other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey!” Dee shouted back. “We’re not goin’—we’re doin’ our job at the gate. An’ we’re not your men, bunny boy!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah!” Dum agreed. “Runnin’ into gun fights is your job, bunny barf! I’d never stick my neck out like that without gettin’ paid more!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up!” Elliot snarled, shooting his gun for emphasis. He was clearly in battle mode. “If you’ve got time to complain, you’ve got time to kill something. Move your asses!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But despite the urgency, Dee and Dum wouldn’t even look at him. They shrugged at each other and leaned against the gate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gatekeepers,” Blood called, his low voice booming as loud as the gunfire. “Go with Elliot—that’s an order. Killing people before they break through the gate is part of your job.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had a funny feeling about the new, metallic noises mixed in with the clamor of battle. She turned; sure enough, the click of turning chambers came from Blood’s hands. His cane from a moment before had changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now he held a silver pistol."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” Alice squeaked, the word barely leaking out of her mouth. The question was drowned out by the twins groaning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Crap… If it’s the boss’s orders, we gotta do it, huh? I wanted to clean up that stupid rabbit’s mess an’ steal the glory.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah. But remember us bein’ so good when you’re givin’ out bonuses, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins took off at a light run, grumbling more complaints and demands. Blood didn’t deign to reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although Alice felt a squeeze of nostalgia at the sound of their banter, she never took her eyes away from Blood’s weapon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that…new?” she asked, not sure if he could hear her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The boss of the Hatter Family Alice knew owned a weapon, sure—but it wasn’t a pistol. She was used to his rose-covered machine gun spitting out a deadly stream of bullets, mowing down anything in his path. This new gun was smaller, sleeker…although the rose design was just as pretentious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s blue-green eyes snapped to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The chill of that gaze dropped her stomach, even as he flicked it back to wherever he was shooting. He tilted his head at a few remaining servants."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Take the girl into custody,” he ordered. “But don’t kill her. Yet.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Panic welled up in Alice again as she scrambled to her feet. Two gun-toting maids popped up on either side of her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, sir~!” they chirped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And with that, Blood turned away and walked out. Alice stared at his retreating back as the maids gripped her arms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now, if you’ll come this way~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The boss won’t let us kill you, but please don’t resist~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “I-I know,” she murmured weakly. “I’ll come quietly.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If Blood’s order was the only thing keeping her alive, she knew better than to run. She thanked God the maids wouldn’t casually murder her, at least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She let the maids guide her to a wall by the gate. But she had to ask, so she carefully cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, listen. About Blood’s…I mean, your boss’s weapon. When did he switch from a machine gun?” She remembered him saying it was “a pain” to switch to a new weapon, so something must have changed…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two maids tilted their heads in unison at Alice’s question. They exchanged startled looks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Machine gun~? Did Boss ever use one of those~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t know what you’re talking about~. The boss has always used a pistol~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice blinked. “Always? That pistol?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice expected more of a reaction if they were lying, but the woman nodded breezily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course~. I remember him saying that he wished it had a little more firepower, but…~”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah~. But then he decided to keep the pistol and see how things went~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice gripped her temples in confusion. “That can’t be right,” she insisted. “He—aah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A dull boom shook the gate that hid them. Was that a bomb?! Alice thought frantically as the two maids drew their guns."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still keeping a watchful eye on Alice, the maids took up positions where they could shoot at the enemy outside the mansion. As Alice clapped her hands over her ears at the splitting blam of their guns, she realized something: at the Hatter Mansion she remembered, nobody was asked to keep their eyes on two targets at once. Blood never gave his Faceless that much responsibility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was almost like…the mansion had turned more hardcore. Or Blood was more desperate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice could almost write off the maids’ hostility, since she didn’t know these particular Faceless; the mansion often changed out servants or gunmen to fight attackers or participate in turf wars. But if Blood, Elliot, and the twins acted like they didn’t know her, and the attitudes of the entire mansion seemed different…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She kept thinking about that silver pistol. How Blood had “never” carried a machine gun, even if he was interested in it for the future."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew, from painful experience, that common sense didn’t always work in Wonderland. If some insane truth was staring her in the face, then she had to accept it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice gasped, the smoke and stink of iron twining around her body."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is this place…the way it was before I came…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her tiny voice melted beneath explosions and gunfire. It was so weak, she hardly recognized it as her own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn’t want to believe it, but the theory fit. It even explained the battle currently raging so close to the mansion—the first time Alice had met Blood in the Country of Hearts, the Hatters had already claimed this territory, and everyone knew to fear it. Hardly anyone even visited."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knew the rumors: if you arrived when the Bloody Twins were at work, you’d be cold cuts in no time. Even if you lucked out and they weren’t around, you’d still become a victim of torture for the mobsters who lived inside the mansion. The threatening stories were common knowledge in the territory, which was probably why Alice had never even heard of the Hatters having to defend against a frontal assault."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But if this was the past…a world where the Hatters were still building up a reputation and position in the world…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the maids made a face at her. “Why do you keep mumbling to yourself~?” she asked as she fired beyond the gate. “It’s dangerous here, you know~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh…? Ah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A bullet grazed the gate with a high-pitched screech. Ripped out of her thoughts, Alice ducked into a crouch. She’d become used to guns in her time in Wonderland, but that didn’t mean she had a death wish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They don’t give up easily, do they~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Over there~. Here they come~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maids didn’t sound nervous as they returned fire, but that didn’t make Alice feel better. She scrambled back to her feet and peeked around the gate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Outside—right around where Elliot had attacked a shadowy bomber—she could see a branch shaking. She hoped the surrounding gunfire and explosions had caused it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her stomach tightened as a man jumped out of the shadows of the tree. He raised a gun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sweat trickled down Alice’s back. “Over there!” she whispered at the maids."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Could you please be quiet~? We’re a little busy here~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice tried to warn the maids again, but they were too busy shooting. The muzzle of the man’s gun trained itself on one of the maids."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice didn’t stop to think. She tackled the maid to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Get down!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The bullet exploded into the wall above them, sending bits of stone to sprinkle into Alice’s hair. The maid twisted up on her knees and returned fire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The gunman by the tree crumpled to the ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice breathed a sigh of relief. As the maid pushed herself up to her feet, her gaze briefly met Alice’s."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hint of gratitude flashed on that indistinct face. “Thank you~,” the maid breathed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m just glad you’re okay.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maid resumed shooting by her partner’s side as if nothing had happened. Alice got back to her feet and took a small breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had no idea who the Hatter Family was even fighting. Maybe this was a dispute between mob families, or part of some turf war…or maybe it was just the result of some “rules” Alice couldn’t possibly comprehend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She only knew one thing for certain now: this place was different from the Wonderland she knew. She wiped sweat from the back of her neck as bangs and explosions rang in her ears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, unexpectedly, the sound of gunfire melted away into a flurry of retreating footsteps. Alice blinked as the two maids lowered their weapons."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think they’re done~. What a pain~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No kidding~! I’m beat~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maids sighed as their eyes met, their guns smoothly flowing from a lowered position to Alice again. Alice stared at the trained muzzles, then raised her hands in submission."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know,” she said quickly. “I’m not running away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She catches on fast, huh~? I still don’t know what you were thinking when you covered me with your body~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice let out a breath. “Your boss ordered you to stand guard over me, right? So is it worth it for me to fight that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knew the Role-Holder leader of each territory had absolute authority, especially when it came to Hatter Mansion and its tight-knit mob family. In the Countries of Hearts and Clover, Blood could only accept her as a visitor caught between warring factions because he stood at the top of his organization. But now, if Alice’s relationship with him didn’t exist anymore, all she could do was give up quietly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a smart prisoner—you should stay that way~. That’ll help us out~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Because if you run, even though the boss ordered us not to shoot, we’d still have to kill you~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, right.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t figure out whether they didn’t want to shoot her because of the mess it would cause, or because they didn’t want to disobey orders. But before she could decide, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps outside the gate—and smelled a drifting stink of iron."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Mad Hatter—followed by his lieutenants and Faceless mobsters—walked in, scowling in the aftermath of the battle. Fresh blood was splattered all over the place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh,” Dee grumbled. “That was kinda sticky. I did a lotta cuttin’, but I never thought there’d be so many. I’m pooped!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We oughta get hazard pay, Boss!” Dum chimed in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hn,” Blood grunted. “Maybe.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot whipped to the twins, his eyes blazing. “You little maggots! We told you it was part of the job—no way are you getting bonuses out of it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the maids guarding Alice took a step toward Blood, her gun still trained on Alice’s forehead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Boss~… There’s something we’d like to talk to you about~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…Right now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood looked like he wanted nothing less, but the maid still started her report. She spoke in a low enough voice that Alice couldn’t overhear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice wondered what the maid was saying. With a restless heart, she stared at Blood…until he turned those blue-green eyes back to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were still cold as ice. She remembered a time when he’d turned that look on her before, but the recollection just made her feel even further removed from the man. He finally stepped toward her, his mouth twisting slightly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You protected one of my people, young lady. That was a pretty reckless thing to do… Perhaps you thought you could weasel into my organization that way.” He sneered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice couldn’t say she’d never acted out of self-interest, but this time, she’d had no ulterior motive. She’d simply saved the maid instinctively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just…don’t like seeing people die in front of me,” she argued. “I wasn’t trying to win any favors.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh?” Blood seemed mildly interested in that answer. His eyes narrowed beneath his hat brim."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is like the first time I met him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d always been so fascinated by unusual things that he couldn’t hurt them, even if he knew they were dangerous. It was a bad habit of his. But before Blood could reply, Elliot cut across him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh. Are you still here?” The March Hare still hadn’t bothered to wipe the blood off his cheeks. He casually lifted his gun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A shiver ran down Alice’s spine. With no apparent hesitation, Elliot put his finger on the trigger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just die, will ya? Pain in the—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice squeezed her eyes shut as the gunshot cracked. A heavy thud sounded at the same moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miraculously, the groans didn’t roll up from her own throat. They came from Elliot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice opened her eyes and gave a short yelp. Elliot was down on his knees, Blood’s foot grinding into the small of his back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who told you to shoot her, Elliot?” Blood murmured, glaring down at his minion in contempt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“B-but Blood…!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We were having a conversation. Never interrupt your boss.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But when she said ‘Blood,’ she—urg!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Blood just wanted to stop the argument; he dug his heel into Elliot’s side. He kicked the obviously hurt man again, then whacked Elliot on the head with his cane. Blood flashed a sneer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m the one who decides what happens to the girl. Raise your gun to her again and I’ll shoot you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-sorry, Boss…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Clearly I need to pound that into your body or it doesn’t stick.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I won’t get in your way anymore, I promise!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’d better not.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice watched the beating, dumbfounded, but the rest of the Hatter Faceless all averted their faded eyes. None of them complained about their boss’s high-handed savagery. Elliot didn’t even resist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt a sense of déjà vu. She remembered a time not long after the White Rabbit had dragged her to Wonderland—when this kind of cruelty was common within the walls of Hatter Mansion. As time had gone on, she’d witnessed fewer and fewer of those scenes, but they’d probably never stopped completely. Maybe the Hatters had just hidden them from her to be polite."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, clearly, they didn’t feel the need."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins suddenly stepped up from behind Blood, absently twisting their hands over their axe handles. “Hey,” Dee interrupted. “If the bunny’s punished now, Boss, what are we gonna do with her? Ya want us to kill her?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eh, I want bonus money if I’ve gotta do somethin’ extra. I hate doin’ freebies. We can throw her in the body pile an’ add her kill to our bonus cash.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood shrugged. “I know the girl looks like trouble, but we can kill her later, if I feel like it. For now, just throw her into one of the cells. At least until we decide how to deal with her.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maid Alice had saved nodded her head. She lowered her gun and re-gripped Alice’s arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As you wish, Boss~. Miss, if you’ll come with us~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice recoiled slightly. “If I…have to?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maid led her into the compound, and down to the inner depths of the mansion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had walked the same route countless times in the Country of Hearts and the Country of Clover. The mansion had some different decorations this time around, but it was essentially the same structure as ever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What country was she in? And who was in it? Alice wished she knew who the Hatters had been fighting outside. She had a million questions to ask…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she knew the Hatters wouldn’t answer. Not if they suddenly didn’t know her—or couldn’t remember her. Whatever the heck was going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maid eventually brought Alice to a basement hallway Alice had never entered before. Alice’s anxiety flared up at the dim light and chilly drafts. They walked past a long line of doors until the maid opened one on the end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In here, if you’d be so kind~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh…thanks for the hospitality,” Alice muttered awkwardly as she stepped inside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her eyes trailed over the stone floors, a bed that could only charitably be called a cot, and a tiny window with iron bars that choked the outdoor light. Like a typical prison, as far as she knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she stared at the cell in a daze, she heard the clang and chak of the door closing and locking behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They didn’t have to lock it, she thought. They know I’m not gonna run."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every employee of the mansion was in the Mob—nobody could escape a place filled with gangsters on guard. Even though Alice knew the mansion pretty well, there was no way she could escape without someone noticing her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With nothing else to do, she sat on the cot attached to the wall. The rock-hard mattress was a good match for the damp air. As she considered sleeping on that thing, her lips unthinkingly curled into a sardonic smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is actually pretty good treatment for a stranger who just happened to appear in a Mafia headquarters.” She rolled her eyes up to the ceiling. “At least I’m not being tortured.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only a few time periods before, the Hatters had insisted she stay as a guest in one of their lavish rooms. And it was more than just her guest room—she’d been invited into the twins’ room. Into Blood’s room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Each and every room was a top secret within the Mob. But they’d also housed good friends, and so she could easily remember the interiors of all those rooms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What happened to those friends…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she lay down on the cold cot, questions spun through Alice’s head. Had there just been another “move”? Did this count as “moving”? But she hadn’t just gone to a different place—the flow of time seemed to have gone upside down on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice reached toward the ceiling in the dim light and clenched her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew that no matter how much she reached into empty space, nothing would come into her grasp. But she still reached out and closed her hand, over and over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A queen who constantly lost her temper and ordered beheadings. A strange knight who was always lost. A stalker rabbit who never listened to what anybody said. Now she longed for them, but she didn’t even know if they existed in this country…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her vision started to swim. She felt a sudden, heavy drowsiness suck away her strength."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her eyelids fell, as if an unseen hand pressed down on them. Sure, it was nighttime, but she couldn’t remember ever feeling such an insistent stupor. She couldn’t stay awake. Maybe it was physical and mental fatigue after everything she’d gone through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wished that when she awoke, she’d be back in the red castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But even as she wished it, some part of her knew it wouldn’t come true."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please let me know when you’re done eating, ’kay~? The boss is calling.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of all the conversations Alice had had with the maid through the cell door…this was different. She frowned as she accepted the tray sliding through the slot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You mean Blood?” Alice asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah~. So eat that up quick, please~. He isn’t very good at waiting~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice heard the maid’s footsteps quickly tap away. Alice stared at her tray."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She could tell the approximate time period through the barred window, so she knew it had been about ten periods since she’d been locked up. She figured Blood had his reasons for imprisoning her, but still…this Blood was a little slower to act than the Blood she knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever. She was sick of sitting in that dreary cell and twiddling her thumbs. Alice practically inhaled the soup and bread, and by the time she was finished, the maid’s footsteps returned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Finished eating~? Then come this way~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A key turned in the door with a chak. Alice watched the door finally, finally open again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even if the maid had heard that Alice was an Outsider, she clearly wasn’t taking chances. Another Mafia member stood in the shadows behind her, his gun holstered but ready."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This way.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of them flanked Alice as she carefully stepped into the hallway. As they escorted her out of the prison area, she felt harsh stares from all the Mafia members they passed. But she was just walking. How threatening did they think she was?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Hatter mobsters she knew had always drifted around with an air of boredom, but these guys were different. It was like…they were restricted, hardened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They passed Blood’s bedroom; Alice was instead led to a room way in the back of the living quarters. Alice had a distinct memory of staying in one of these rooms before. Was this the only place Blood would see her now? The maid stopped her in front of a fine set of doors, where two mobsters stood guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was something else Alice had never seen—someone standing outside when she visited the boss. After one of the guards rapped on the door, a haughty voice drifted from behind it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you please~.” The maid motioned for Alice to go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed. “Excuse me,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She passed through the door and into a room that she remembered. It was decorated much like a parlor with two large sofas facing each other. Blood sat in the center of one, and as her eyes met his, the corners of his mouth raised slightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An unexpected line of mobsters stood behind him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Long time no see, young lady. You look healthy, for a prisoner.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re too kind. I should thank you for all your consideration—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice made to casually sit down on the opposite sofa, but she froze at the clack clack clack of the men suddenly drawing their guns."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice lifted her hands in her defense. Blood snapped his fingers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The guns returned to their holsters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was losing patience in this whole mess. She furrowed her brow at Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You called me here, and you’re just sitting there, and you still haven’t offered a lady a seat. I think that’s a little rude.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s not very ladylike to sit with a Mafia boss without an invitation,” he answered thinly. “Now I’ll invite you. Have a seat, young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He spread a white-gloved palm and indicated the other sofa. She settled into the seat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The distance between their couches felt like a thousand miles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m happy to be out of that dank cell,” she said, “but what do you want from me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried to choose her words carefully so as not to provoke the mobsters, but she had a lot of experience with them so she knew she could be direct. The Blood of her experience, as a typical mobster, hated toadying and flattery. She hoped this version of him shared that sentiment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sure enough, her words didn’t seem to bother him. Quiet the opposite—a wicked smile spread across his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I thought I’d hear what you have to say. The talk we would’ve had before we were interrupted.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What talk?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wanted to hear the reason you protected my employee.” He impatiently tapped the table."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood Dupre, the Mad Hatter, was a territory leader—an extraordinary position among the Role-Holders, someone who attempted to control the game played by everyone living in Wonderland. He tended to be ambiguous, and never relaxed his superior attitude. She liked that flair of his, honestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the actions of this Blood were a little easier for Alice to read. Was he acting more obvious on purpose to lure her into a false sense of security?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I doubt it. To him, she was just some unknown Outsider. He didn’t need to play tricks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Was it that unthinkable for me to save your maid?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not unthinkable. Just pointless, as far as I can tell. You’re not replaceable, so why would you risk yourself for someone worthless like her? It’s suspicious.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Worthless? That’s a nasty thing to say about your servant!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Hatter leaked his breath out in a cold, hissing laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have I disappointed you? Maybe, but you can see how baffled I am at your actions. You risked your life for someone else, maybe hoping I’d spare yours in exchange…but life is too cheap in this world for that. It was a stupid thing to do.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His words were cruel, but Alice gave up on trying to argue with him. She could never successfully talk down the old Blood, and he wasn’t this…new guy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So,” she said at last. “You called me here just to tell me my actions were pointless?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m too busy for that. I want to know what you’re after.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He slowly nodded his head. “You’re an Outsider, but you spoke my name as if we were…close. You knew where this mansion is. Since you seem to know me from somewhere, I need to find out how much you know and what you’re planning.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He spoke the words with an indifferent air, but she kept catching hints of a threat. She knew being humble was her safest bet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Alice decided to talk back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Make any assumptions you want,” she replied. “I don’t think you’d trust anything I could say right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood looked a little surprised, but not angry. A small chuckle escaped his lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was Alice who felt weird at his unexpected reaction. “What?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I never expected anybody to use the word ‘trust’ when dealing with the Mafia. Or to imply that you want me to trust you. Should I take it that way?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So you’re an optimist.” She tried to keep her tone light, but her stomach churned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course Alice wanted him to trust her. But because she knew that was impossible at this point, she held back. She felt empty enough without having her hopes dashed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked around. “Does that end the interrogation?” she asked. “If so, I’d really appreciate it if you set me free.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I still have business with you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Really? Then could we maybe finish it up quickly?” Alice flashed him an expectant look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No matter your goal, the fact is that I still owe you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Owe me…? You mean for protecting your maid?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. The question is how to make good on the debt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a thin smile, Blood peered into Alice’s eyes. The intense stare—as if he didn’t want to miss anything—was a little different from the stare of the Blood she knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But she was still sure he didn’t waste time on meaningless words. After all, he was Blood Dupre—the man who had publically revealed an enemy’s secret name, who had a history of fraying people’s nerves and making enemies. Whoever the man before her was, she figured the awful parts of Blood’s personality weren’t going to change that easily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before things went from bad to worse, Alice opened her mouth. “So that means you’re in my debt, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see you finally want something.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice ignored the look in Blood’s eye that seemed to say, Not that you’ll get it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you’re in my debt, I want you to keep me in the mansion. Is that possible?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It means exactly what I said. I want to stay in Hatter Mansion.” She cleared her throat. “I won’t go into any area you block off from me, and I’ll do my best to stay out of your way. Deal?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It looked like Blood wanted to give her an immediate rejection, but then he closed his mouth. He stared at her, searching."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From Alice’s point of view, an escape would mean heading into the other territories—and she had no idea what other territories even existed here. She wanted to stay with what she knew. Or used to know, anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even if she hadn’t saved the maid’s life for this purpose, she needed all the help she could get."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, her anxieties resurfaced in Blood’s unexpectedly long silence. Did she seem more suspicious now? Through the pounding of her nervous heart, she blurted, “M-maybe I’m asking too much.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood puffed out a short breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You want to stay? Even when you seem to know so much about what goes on here?” His thin lips stretched into a smile. “Your mind works in strange ways…even for an Outsider."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right—you can stay, if a young lady finds so much appeal in a Mafia stronghold. Are you bored or something?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt the blood come back to her face. “I…I wish it was just that. But ever since I came to this world, I’ve never had time to be bored.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It sounded like he was treating her like an exotic pet. So I’m doomed to that every time I meet him, huh? Ugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not asking you to keep me here for free. In lieu of rent…well, you can put me to work, if that’s enough.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Work that a little princess like you can do? I’ll think about it. But it’s a shame.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What is?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He tilted his head and lifted the brim of his hat a bit. “I could’ve had a different kind of fun if you were an enemy operative under cover."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She would never be stupid enough to try to slip into Hatter Mansion as a spy. “Sorry to disappoint you,” she muttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He gave a short laugh at her comeback, but it didn’t sound relaxed. He lacked that incredible sense of calm from the Countries of Hearts and Clover."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She couldn’t “handle” this man. He seemed fiercely private, cold, and intimidating. She could only benefit from his thrill at finding something rare."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, he’d been like that when she’d first met him in Hearts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was a rare Outsider. Someone with a real heart who came from a different world. It was the only reason Alice could stay in Hatter Mansion without fearing for her life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll expect you to show me a good time outside of work hours, too,” Blood drawled. “But let’s get right to it. If you’re going to live in this mansion, you’ll follow my one simple rule.” He flicked up his index finger. “Never leave the grounds without my permission. If you break that rule and leave the house, we’ll hunt you down like a fugitive.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…You think I could actually run off with your secrets?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d acknowledged that she wasn’t an enemy operative, but he was still clinging to his doubts about her? She was a little…wounded, honestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t even blink. “I’m allowing an unknown entity to stay close. I think the rule’s reasonable. If you’re going to argue something this simple, I don’t see how you can live here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fine,” she said quickly. “I get it, kinda. I consider myself warned.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice still didn’t know for sure what kind of man this Blood was, but the back and forth made her feel a little better. He seemed…younger than the Mad Hatter she knew. Like he had the same abilities, but not full control of them yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And maybe he lacks confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as that thought crossed her mind, the door burst open. Two black shadows flew in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Boss! We got the orders for the next job, but that’d be overtime, an’ you said we had a butt-load of vacation time that we could take! Now you’re goin’ back on that?! We never get to go to the castle an’ have fun!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, an’ you’re sayin’ we might not get overtime pay?! Gah! Ya gotta motivate your workers, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins, still in their adult forms, waved their axes around as they complained. It was always a little weird to see them acting like kids in those bodies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was familiar with that trick—every Role-Holder in Wonderland could apparently advance through time at their own pace, taking on the form of a young or old person at will. More often than not, the Bloody Twins looked like youngish teenagers, not these 20-something adults."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In their underage forms, they were so much trouble that only Blood could tolerate them. As adults, they were even more dangerous, and even louder. It was like a storm had blown through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood scowled, his tolerance for them clearly strained. “You two don’t know how to shut up, do you? Elliot was supposed to handle this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As if in response to Blood’s words, the shadow of the third man—beast?—came barging into the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You little brats have balls to ignore me and piss off Blood!” Elliot shouted. “I oughta—hrck!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood threw an ashtray at Elliot that knocked the man (beast?) to the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up, all of you! Didn’t I just say that I’m sick of hearing about this?!” Blood took a long breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee kept going. “Boss—listen, Boss! Isn’t there a whole clause about vacation time in our contract? We lose our juice if we don’t get time off!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah!” Dum added. “We work our butts off an’ deserve the extra pay!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sighed. “The noise never ends…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins spent the next few minutes proving his point, although their clearly annoyed boss wouldn’t answer their demands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Alice felt a little less tense in the noisy room, because she found herself asking, “Are you two ever going back to being kids?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After all, they used the “we’re just kids” excuse for everything they did, even when no one asked. They’d used that excuse to run wild on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice asked it with a bit of nostalgia in her heart, but the twins just cocked their heads and exchanged glances. When Dee answered, he had an odd tone to his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’re you talkin’ about, lady? Go back to bein’ kids?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, I just mean—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dum laughed. “Man, you’re weird! Maybe you think we’re somebody else. Nobody in the Hatter territory’s gonna hire kids!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looking at Alice’s surprised face, Blood continued where the twins left off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You wish they were younger? I never thought your tastes would run that way, but… Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no children here. Although you may see some at the upcoming event.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice bristled. “Don’t talk to me like I’m some kind of pervert, okay? I just mean it feels weird when they… God, how do I put this?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The first time Alice had ever seen the twins as adults, they’d all been at Assembly in the Country of Clover. After that, whenever she saw them take adult form on a whim, it unnerved her—since she had always thought of them as basically kids."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot had recovered from the ashtray to the face. He twisted his head at Blood as he struggled to his feet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Event…? Crap, that reminds me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sucked his teeth. “Exactly. I know it’s a rule, but it’s a pain.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A rule? Do you have to go to an entertainment event again?” Alice asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s eyes widened slightly. But he swiftly erased the expression from his face and raised an eyebrow in question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How long have you been living in this world?” he asked her. “You call us by name, not by title, and you completely lack respect. And now you know about our entertainment events?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The only “entertainment events” Alice had experienced were the Ball in the Country of Hearts and the Assembly in the Country of Clover. She’d learned all about them by participating."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was it stupid for me to say that? Blood looked…edgy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um… Yeah, I guess…” She tried to backpedal a little. “I’ve heard about those events before, but I don’t know which ones take place here. Would you please tell me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s the Survey Meeting,” Dee cut in. “But you can make bets, an’ there’s even a party! Sounds fun, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You can get rich quick on one bet!” added Dum. “It rocks!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A Survey Meeting? She didn’t know what that meant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ll explain the Survey Meeting some other time,” Blood said, as if reading her mind. “All you need to know is that it runs over three separate meet-ups and is a pain in my ass.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it didn’t end in one meeting, it was closer to the Assembly than the Ball. Alice sucked in a breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She needed to mentally prepare before she asked her next question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The White Rabbit had first brought her to Wonderland, leaving her in the Country of Hearts. The first time she’d “moved,” she’d ended up in the Country of Clover."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She paused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait. Before finally arriving in this country, had she wandered into some hallucination, too…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shaking off the vague disquiet, she took a breath. “Blood,” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. “What is this country? What’s the name of it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She feared the answer. If he told her the name, and it was a place she’d never heard of…she would have to face that reality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the Mad Hatter’s reply just sounded bored."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t know where you are?” he asked. “This is the Country of Diamonds—under the rule of the Queen of Diamonds.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Country of…Diamonds…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It took Alice a long moment to find the strength to nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice rolled around in bed, ruminating over that. She wasn’t in a dimly lit cell anymore—which was a plus. She appreciated her new guest suite."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the new knowledge had set her emotions churning again. She buried her face in her pillow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So is that why nobody knows me here?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew that “moving” shifted the landmasses around Wonderland. But nobody had ever lost their memories in that process."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Actually, no—the Hatters couldn’t have just lost their memories since the last move, since everyone was acting like they were in a time before Peter had even brought Alice to the Country of Hearts. Or they hadn’t lost their memories, and the Country of Diamonds was a place where Alice had never existed in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She groaned. “Peter,” she grumbled automatically. “Why aren’t you here to help me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Loneliness welled up in her. She filed internal complaints for the white shadow floating in the back of her mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Peter had brought her to Wonderland, by literally dragging her down a hole in her garden. He was supposed to be her guide."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice still knew nothing about the Country of Diamonds…but she had a hunch that Peter wasn’t in it. If he were around, she wouldn’t be alone and floundering for answers and recognition."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When they’d come to Hatter Mansion—no, when they’d entered the Country of Diamonds—Peter had suddenly disappeared in a flurry of rose petals. When she remembered that, an unspeakable emptiness opened inside her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t the first time the only person she knew had disappeared in a transition. But losing Peter…she couldn’t help but feel that she’d lost something especially precious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are Vivaldi and Ace gone, too?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heart Castle with all its proud red roses. The tea table set there, steam rising from the teacups amidst the huge assortment of sweets."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She couldn’t count the number of times the Queen of Hearts had announced a tea party with a bright smile on her face. The White Rabbit would coo Alice’s name and guide her through the goodies on the table. The Knight of Hearts would lean over and tease him. She loved that place. It was a precious sight burned into her memory. And even though she knew that common sense didn’t work in this world, it was still hard to accept that she could be separated from them that easily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And even if they were in this country, they might be just like the Hatters—people who considered Alice a complete stranger. The thought sent shivers down Alice’s spine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried not to think of Peter looking at her with a stranger’s eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…Agh, I can’t sleep like this!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sat up in bed and shook her head to clear it. An indigo sky spread out beyond the window."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maids had warned her that battles raged in every region of the Country of Diamonds, and she’d be wise not to wander, not even inside Hatter Mansion. But that meant she could only sit in her room and wait for the next time period to come."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned. “I wonder if there’s something to change my mood… Wait, I know!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Roses bloomed at Hatter Mansion in both the Country of Hearts and the Country of Clover. She thought a look at them might help her mood… Just imagining it made her heart dance a little."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She threw aside her gloom along with her sheets and hopped off the bed. She needed Blood’s permission to leave the premises, but she didn’t need that to check something inside the mansion grounds, did she?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She got dressed and headed out. But as she walked through the outdoor grounds, trying to enjoy her little night stroll, she still felt the eyes of mobster servants following her every move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Supposedly, she was considered a guest now, but the servants clearly didn’t accept that. Which probably meant their boss didn’t accept that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice told herself they just needed time. There was no need to panic yet. But even as she told herself that over and over, she still felt her spirits sink under their suspicious eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She needed that rejuvenating walk among the roses. She needed to feel better. But it was that very anticipation that made her crash when she found the garden."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What the… This can’t be right!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d expected a flowering rose nirvana, framing a finely carved tea table and other works of art…a garden to match the one in Heart Castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But instead she stared at a dirty spit of land covered in wilting brown plants. A foliage-draped fence only allowed the occasional space for a small flowerbed. Instead of flowers, weeds choked the ground. Alice fell into new misery."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe it’s just this small area? Alice hoped it was an isolated block of rot, but as she walked the grounds, she saw that it wasn’t. The entire place was an overgrown, dying mess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this was the Hatter garden, and the servants were all tightly wound brutes…Blood probably didn’t throw his tea parties at all. This was the Mad Hatter’s mansion in the Country of Diamonds?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was honestly shocked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After a few minutes of walking aimlessly through the ravaged garden, she came to a halt. She thought she saw a long, white shape."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” she murmured. “Is that Blood over there?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As she stared into the darkness, she saw the familiar lines of his back melt into the gloom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was a bit too far away to call out to. And more than that, Alice still wasn’t sure how to approach the guy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Curious, Alice started to follow him. Almost immediately, two servants appeared to block her way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They hadn’t drawn their guns, but their smiles were ice cold."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry, Miss~. No admittance beyond this point.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice frowned. “Really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes—it’s dangerous around here at night~. You should go back to your room~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their voices were calm, but Alice could tell that she wasn’t going any farther in that direction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay,” she murmured at last. “Good night, then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good night~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had no real reason to follow Blood, so she was willing to do as she was told. While walking back to her assigned room, she glanced up at the sky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The half moon loomed like a lord in command of a sky of glittering stars. The moon was the only thing that stayed consistent between the countries of Wonderland, even as its phases forced it through an unending, shifting cycle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She breathed a heavy sigh at the irony."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0006.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 2: The Dance of Numbers"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 2:The Dance of Numbers"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The books lay stacked up in a mountain under the dim ceiling lights. Alice took a book from the pile and read the title. Her eyebrows drew together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Finer Points of Converting Heavy Firearms,” she recited. “What’s this doing here? These shelves aren’t supposed to have anything to do with weapons.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, dear. Did one get mixed in~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice grabbed another book. “Yeah. And this one’s When to Use the Knife, When to Use the Dagger. This shelf isn’t organized at all!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice pulled out another misplaced book, her shoulders dropped in depression. The book stacks cast dark shadows against the moonlight spilling in from the window."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A maid, her arms overflowing with books, shrugged as she threw a glance at Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hardly anyone ever comes into this place looking for books, anyway~. So the people who do just put them wherever they find space~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s no excuse! What’s the good of having a reference library if you’re just going to treat it like a barn?” Alice grunted. “What a waste of a great library.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She checked another book: One Hundred Choices for Drugs. She didn’t even flip through that one—she just stacked it on the tower of books about drugs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a condition of her staying in Hatter Mansion, Blood had assigned Alice a job: to put the reference library back in order. Or, to be more precise, he had first tried making her a mover and then a maid, but after only a short time of each, he’d decided to have her do something else. She’d worked as a maid in Heart Castle, so she knew she’d been handling that one just fine…which meant the Hatters had probably realized that maid’s work would give her access to secrets they didn’t want her seeing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thus giving me the books."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a few time periods as a librarian, they hadn’t shifted her to anything else—which meant this was probably her position now. And she wasn’t terrible at it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was responsible for re-shelving the returned books in proper order—but before that, she had to find and clear those correct spots from the intrusion of other books. Each shelf more or less had a category attached to it, but most of them had books of different sections mixed in. Alice had recruited a maid to help her relocate the interlopers to their proper shelves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They call this a reference library,” Alice muttered. “But not right now, it isn’t.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s worth the time to fix it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The very words she was thinking materialized out loud, from a low voice behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed the complaint stuck in her throat and turned. Blood walked lazily between the shelves, dragging a finger along the books’ spines."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I…didn’t expect to see you here,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wanted to see how hard a guest works.” He pulled a book at the edge of his fingertips—something from the section designated for industry technical manuals. “Hm. It’s looking more organized already.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice watched him silently flip through the book and felt a sense of déjà vu. But not of this dreary reference library…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just of him. His tilted face in profile as he read a book, time and time again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that private room of his, almost a library itself with all its tomes; under the shade in the mansion’s garden; and in that hidden sanctuary with all its red roses in bloom. Blood had always loved reading, so they’d spent many a quiet period together, reading in each other’s company. Hatter Mansion had been a calm, content place that no one would suspect was a Mafia base. Her memories of that were as precious as those of the tea parties in Heart Castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, as she stood beside the Blood of the Country of Diamonds, she keenly felt the distance from her past life. As reflections tumbled through her head, Blood abruptly looked up from his book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you find this work boring?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice blinked. “Huh? No… Not at all. Why would you think that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Because you’re just standing there and looking at me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Urk. Right, sorry.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man gave a snort at her meek apology. “If you aren’t bored, then I envy you. You won’t find a single secret hidden in here—so I thought you might regret the assignment.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I told you that I’m not after secrets,” she reminded him dryly. “Anyway, about this job—this place is a complete mess. How have you been managing it up until now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood slid his book onto a different stack, possibly answering the question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sighed. All the reference books in the library seemed useful—even if they were mostly about weapons or drugs or other dangerous things. But out of order, they were useless as reference. It was like leaving a treasure trove to rust."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t you have any librarians?” she pressed. “Or maybe you have plans to hire one…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I doubt there’s a mobster in this world who wants to organize a library. If I posted a librarian job, we’d get two kinds of applicants: spies, or meek little failures who would be useless in our many gun fights.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh… I guess you’re right.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice nodded, a different thought formed in the back of her mind. It would be a risk to hire someone new, especially with all the warring territories and rival mobsters. But there was a problem even before it got to that—Blood and his people had no room in their hearts to even accept her, an Outsider. Alice remembered how much mobster fighting she’d seen in the Countries of Hearts and Clover—to say nothing of what she hadn’t seen, especially since she’d lived in Heart Castle—but still, the residents of Hatter Mansion had never given her the impression that they were in fights. They were strong enough to protect her, they just didn’t seem…on the offensive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Hatters in the Country of Diamonds lived under much stricter rule, apparently. And since Blood had never seemed like a pushover in Hearts or Clover, maybe that just meant he was…worse at management here. Like he was younger and hadn’t gotten the hang of being a leader yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was starting to understand Diamonds Blood a little better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He flashed her a small, slanted smile. “You’re an odd one, to worry about the utility of a mobster’s reference library.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just my honest opinion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His smile turned nasty as he returned another book to the shelf. She worried he’d only come to make fun of her, but then he moved farther back into the library."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He gazed at the spine of another book, then took it out and studied the cover. He seemed to have forgotten her presence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh… What are you looking for?” she asked at last. She was supposed to be helping out here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She thought he’d reject her offer as being none of her business; she was surprised when he obediently opened his mouth to answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I suppose…bring me the records on the residents here. Also, if you have anything that can help me understand the changes in finance, I’d like that even more.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sure. I’m kinda surprised you need so much. Can I ask what you’ll be using it all for?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A moment before, he’d been looking at industrial technologies, and after that, information on the forests and rivers in Hatter territory. They didn’t seem like anything directly related to the business of running a Mafia organization."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood drew a breath. “We already told you—there’s a Survey Meeting coming up. I’m trying to prepare.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh. The Survey Meeting…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She started searching for the books while he continued to explain. She made the occasional noise to let him know she was still listening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t know how much you’ve heard about it,” he murmured, “but there’s a rule in this world that says we have to gather for ‘entertainment’ at regular intervals. The Queen of Diamonds rules this country, so she’ll be presiding over the meeting…unfortunately.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice headed for a different bookshelf to poke around for what he needed. It took him out of her line of sight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If it’s supposed to be ‘entertaining,’ what do you do in it? You’re not going to do a survey to see which lord of which territory is tallest or something, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We survey the power of each territory,” Blood said coolly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice stopped at that. She peeked through the shelf; the back of his white suit jacket faced her, his eyes firmly fixed on the reference book in his hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Power,” she repeated slowly. “So, like…the relative size of each territory?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood didn’t turn. “Overall area is part of it, since we try to claim each other’s territory. But nothing is gained through size of territory alone. I wouldn’t call trying to survey something that can’t be surveyed entertaining,” he added dryly. “The entertainment comes from taking the size of the territory as a foundation, and building on it by converting other types of power into numbers.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. This world overflows with numbers. You could say gathering numbers is this world’s best entertainment.” He let a breath out through his nose. “So the Survey Meeting takes those gathered numbers and compares them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice grunted her confusion. The one thing she did understand was this was very different from any friendly gatherings and masquerade parties. She kept scanning the book spines and humming affirmatives as he went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This may be difficult to understand for a prim and proper girl like yourself,” he commented. “But to put it simply, it’s like a card game you would find in a casino. Each territory leader holds the five forces of his territory in his hand: natural resources, population, military, economics, and technology. Only the leaders can correctly interpret these powers and judge how powerful each individual force is in his territory.” He snapped his book shut. “And then he plays one force at a time against the other territories in hopes of dominating.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice mulled over that. She could understand parameters like “natural resources” and “technology,” but “population” made her knit her eyebrows together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew a lot about the…oddities of this world. She knew the people had clocks in their chests instead of hearts, and that that was how they were recognized by others in Wonderland—as being embodiments of time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So…you’re saying the leader controls the population, and they can be forced to work in cooperation with you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If it were a card game, the population would be nothing more than a hand of cards."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice heard a hint of her disgust leak into her voice. She grabbed the last needed book and carried the stack back to Blood. He looked up from his book at just that moment, and their eyes met."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She thought he’d return to reading once she handed him the books, but his arm just curled over the stack while he kept his gaze locked on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-what?” she blurted. “If you have something to say to me, then don’t hold back.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just thought you’d be more surprised or tell me you didn’t understand. You know this world a bit more than I expected you to. Why don’t you tell me where you learned all that, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She paused. “Not from you,” she finally answered, tapping the books in his hands. “These the ones you needed?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t a lie. No one had put any information specifically into words. But as she’d interacted with the people of Wonderland, she’d naturally increased her knowledge of how their world worked. Her understanding advanced accordingly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He finally drew a breath and shrugged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Survey Meeting is just tedious,” he said. “Going out in a daytime period is already annoying, and gathering the necessary information makes it worse. It’s one giant pain.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked exasperated by the whole affair. She nodded her response, then added, “Will you need any other reference books after this?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Probably. My main role in the Survey Meeting is to understand my nation’s power.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay. Just give me some advance warning next time and I’ll grab the books before you come. It’ll save you time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice just considered this a natural extension of her job (and thus earning her keep), but something twinkled in Blood’s eye."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a strange girl. You’re willing to take on headaches for a Mafia boss who won’t repay the kindness.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s not strange. You said I should organize and maintain the reference library. That’s my…well, for now, that’s my role.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew that as an Outsider, she was always going to be treated a bit like an exotic zoo animal—but she got the feeling that Blood was treating her that way for his own reasons as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I suppose you’re right. You’re our best librarian now. Personally, I’m so busy with work that I can’t spare a moment—I need to get these pain-in-the-ass projects off my desk as soon as possible.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He nodded at Alice with a hint of amusement, but didn’t say anything more. He tightened his grip on the stack of books in his arm and headed for the exit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just as he was about to leave, the maid from earlier popped her face in the room. Alice blinked; she hadn’t seen the woman leave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I didn’t hear her while I was talking to Blood. Since she’d been ordered to help Alice, did that mean he’d ordered her to leave?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is your discussion all finished now~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, yes. Please continue your work here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I suppose we have to, no matter how annoying it may be~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the two of them spoke, the color of the light streaming through the door changed. The moonlight shifted into the golden light of day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice let out a breath. She beckoned the maid over, ready to battle the clutter beast until the next time period."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The town serving the castle was decorated with a diamond motif, with everything integrating the color yellow. The townspeople milled in one big mass toward a single destination. Flanked by Blood, Elliot, the twins, and a few other Hatter Faceless, Alice twisted her head around to look at the territory run by the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to think of it,” she said aloud, “this is the first place in the Country of Diamonds I’ve gone to aside from Hatter Mansion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wasn’t sure if this was typical of the place, but the lively atmosphere showed all the signs of a festival. She overheard the conversation of two men who stepped out of an alleyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, who’re you betting on this time? I’m thinking of throwing my money on the Station.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y’know, I’ve been thinking that—wait, those are the Hatter guys! Watch your mouth!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two animated men suddenly shut their mouths and dropped their eyes to the ground. They tried to nonchalantly put some distance between themselves and Alice’s group."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tilted her head in curiosity. “Did you hear that?” she asked the others. “Are people betting on something?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins—who seemed the most excited to be out of Hatter Mansion—blinked big eyes at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ya didn’t know, Big Sis? Everybody else joins the Survey Meeting by gamblin’ on it. That’s why it’s like a festival out here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. They bet on stuff like the rankin’ of each territory. You can win big on a meeting like this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice frowned. “But aren’t there only five types of forces? Doesn’t that sort of limit the ways to win?” If there’s a strict limit on the cards, she added silently, that means the same outcomes happen over and over…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee shrugged. “There’s five forces in each territory, but there are three Survey Meetings. An’ there’s a rule you can only use one force per meeting.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You keep your strongest force in your hand,” Dum added, “an’ only bring it out when the time’s right an’ you can reverse your fortune. An’ make a fortune!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, but sometimes you don’t wanna let anyone see your other forces. It keeps the enemy from knowing what you’ve got.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But since there’s three Survey Meetings, even if you use all the forces you can, there’s two you’ll never show.” Dum beamed. “Pretty cool, huh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice mulled over that for a second. “I think I get it. And the strategizing continues between meetings?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup. You can show a strong hand an’ pressure everyone, or make ’em underestimate you by showin’ a weak hand.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clearly, this was yet another way the leaders could perpetuate their fight over territory. Even their muscle-flexing entertainment never exposed all their forces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the twins, especially Dum, seemed to have a different reason for the twinkle in their eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Makin’ a fortune,” Dum said dreamily. “I like the sound of that!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot made a face. “These Survey Meetings are annoying as hell,” he muttered. “I don’t get the attraction. It’s just too convoluted.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smiled nervously. “Sounds like it might be.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nah,” Dee interrupted. “Once it’s started, it pretty much runs itself. Like the hands of a clock.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As they walked through the streets, Alice saw how much the citizens around them were creeping away. She had never liked crowds, so the little circle of privacy (fear?) around the Hatters was a blessing. Sort of."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were in a castle’s territory, but it wasn’t Heart Castle. She didn’t know anyone in Diamond Castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Elliot noticed her jittery steps, because he snapped, “Hey! Don’t wander off—we’re not gonna look for you if you get lost. And you know what happens to little girls who wander off, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m staying with the group,” Alice retorted. “I’m just…curious about this place, since it’s the first time I’ve been here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not sure I buy that,” he said coldly. “And I still don’t buy that you’re a ‘guest’ of ours. Make one false move and…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe it was because Blood stood between him and Alice, but Elliot never drew his gun. Alice shuddered—the Elliot of this country had an even worse temper than the Elliot she knew. As she waved her hands to show that she wasn’t doing anything, Blood opened his mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Elliot’s right. I see nothing enjoyable in chasing you down.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Without thinking, she turned to glare at Blood. “Listen, you…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood let out a wicked chuckle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ugh. He was playing with her like a toy. She wished he’d stop using her to distract himself from the Survey Meeting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins suddenly jumped out in front of Blood, drawing their axes excitedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, hey, Boss! Can we go to the Garden Party? It smells sooooo good!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“An’ we gotta collect info to place our bets right. Play real good this time, Boss! We don’t wanna lose!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Save it for later,” Blood answered evenly. “The bookies at the Garden Party aren’t going anywhere.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot growled. “I told you not to bother Blood, you little spit-stains!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The conversation descended into backtalk again. None of them were willing to give an inch—they all just took a mile. More than a mile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their arguing was more confusing than usual, so Alice couldn’t find a way to butt in. She winced at the shrieks and stopped walking. The arguing group continued on, granting her a little blissful space."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Phew.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “I guess I’m not in the mood for a loud festival today.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Most of the townspeople were the Faceless—people without roles in Wonderland. Their faces were a little indistinct, admittedly. They bustled around her, festive and animated…even if they were hard to tell apart."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice knew getting depressed wouldn’t help her. Maybe she hadn’t chosen to go to the baffling Country of Diamonds, but she had made a decision to stay in Wonderland. She needed to take the craziness in stride."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She clenched her fists. Cheer up, she told herself firmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Someone grabbed her from behind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice’s mouth fell open in surprise, but a hand clapped over it before she could scream. Strong arms pulled her back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up!” someone hissed. “We’ll let you go when we’re done with you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adrenaline raced through her limbs, and she struggled in the man’s grip. She dragged his hand off her mouth, but new hands and arms suddenly rushed her backwards, dragging her into an alley."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-who are you people?!” she cried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her voice echoed in the alley, but they didn’t answer until they’d shoved her far away from the open street, blocking it with their bodies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were Faceless men—dressed in black suits. One of them sneered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You really don’t know who we are? You’re pretty slow on the uptake for a Hatter stooge.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Enemies of the Hatters? she wondered, her mind racing. Do they want to ransom me? That didn’t bode well for her, since the Hatters didn’t care much about her in this country."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She shoved the last arm away. “I have no idea who you are,” she snapped back. “Don’t touch me!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whatever,” one of the men hissed. “You know what hand the Hatters are going to play, right? Spill it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What hand Blood’s going to play…? You mean at the Survey Meeting?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Obviously! Maybe he didn’t tell you everything, but he must’ve let some details slip!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We know you’re close with the Hatter—you live with him!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The men wanted secrets for the Survey Meeting. Alice was so stunned that she stepped back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her shoulders slumped as the strength drained out of her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Close” with the Hatters. Is that how people saw her in the Country of Diamonds? Really? She had a reputation when she’d spent so long in Blood’s prison?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The implications of it all made her head hurt. She angrily shook her head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not a member of the Hatter Family, okay? I don’t know anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Bull. You live in—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes,” she said sourly. “I live in Hatter Mansion. That’s it.” She didn’t add the part about being constantly under watch there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As she started to think that maybe she’d chosen the wrong place to stay, the men blinked at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re kidding,” one of them murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“According to our boss…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The men exchanged confused glances, and Alice felt the tension of the “kidnapping” drain away. These men didn’t seem violent. Heck, they hadn’t pulled a gun on her, unlike her hosts at the mansion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another voice suddenly echoed in the alley. “According to me, what?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice stopped. She didn’t recognize the low, gritty voice with a soft edge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked up to see a tall, broad man saunter in behind the Faceless goons. As he neared, she saw the sharp outline of facial features…which meant he had a role. A Role-Holder of some Diamonds territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d never seen him before in her life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glasses rested on a strong nose, but they didn’t cover the scars crisscrossed over his face—a stark contrast to his calm expression. He wore a black suit similar to the Faceless, but with a badge on his left lapel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Faceless men seemed stunned to see the man in glasses; they scratched their heads in obvious confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are you doing here?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I could ask you the same question. You all disappeared on me, and now I find you roughing up innocent citizens? Watch it. You know trouble’s not allowed during the Survey Meeting.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-we’re sorry.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We just thought that if you knew what hand the Hatter was holding, you could take him down easier—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You shouldn’t have done this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The “boss” sounded like he was scolding a group of children. The Faceless men all bowed their heads in unison."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a wry smile, the scarred leader turned his attention on Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sorry for the trouble, miss.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was surprised at the apology. She brushed out her skirt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh…it’s okay? They didn’t…hurt me or anything…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man stared at her face for a moment. “You’re an Outsider?” he murmured. “But you…seem pretty comfortable in this world.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable with everything, but… Yeah, I’m an Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She remembered her somewhat hyper reaction to similar words when she’d first arrived in Hearts. But now she just nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The corners of the man’s mouth curved up. It softened his rough features."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gotcha. Sorry again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why are you sorry agai—whoa!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man suddenly pulled her against his body and leapt down the alley, the action so rough that Alice’s feet dragged across the concrete. Alice gasped her surprise as bullets exploded the bricks behind where they’d been standing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Faceless men scattered. “It’s the March Hare!” one of them shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t shoot at our boss, you bastard!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot bared his teeth from the far end of the alley, smoke swirling from the barrel of his gun. But he ignored the Faceless; his furious eyes were locked on Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What the hell did you tell the Gravekeeper?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s heartbeat thundered in her ears. “G-Gravekeeper?” she stuttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I knew it!” Elliot snarled. “I knew you were in cahoots with that asshole!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice jerked her head at the man who slowly released her. He flicked his ocean blue eyes at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He shrugged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Hare’s always had an itchy trigger finger.” He looked up at Elliot. “It’s forbidden to attack members of other territories during the festival.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot cursed. “What do I care about that?! Tell me straight, Gravekeeper—is the girl your spy?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, no, but I doubt you believe me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Gravekeeper. She’d heard that name in the Country of Diamonds. Elliot had called him the enemy…which she believed, considering Elliot had shot at the guy in broad daylight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper made no sign of drawing a weapon, but Elliot kept his finger on the trigger. Elliot slowly advanced; Alice stayed stock still, her heart racing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the Gravekeeper made a slight move to back off, Elliot’s free hand shot out and clamped over Alice’s wrist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot clearly didn’t care about her cry of pain as he roughly dragged her toward him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up. I’m taking you back to Blood—he’ll get you to talk!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re hurting me!” Alice snapped back. “Quit being so rough!” She tried to pry her arm free, but it didn’t do her much good. And it only seemed to stoke Elliot’s anger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I told you to shut up!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice winced as he squeezed her harder. “S-stop it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey,” the Gravekeeper suddenly bellowed. “My men grabbed her. You don’t have to—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You stay outta this!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Gravekeeper sucked his teeth. “I don’t believe this guy,” he murmured in quiet surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Alice barely heard it; Elliot had stopped dead still in the alley, causing her to stumble right into his back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood stood before him, blocking the way to the street. His blue-green eyes were ice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you think you’re doing, Elliot?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot straightened. “B-Blood! I finally found her. And like I thought, she—gah!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot’s attempt to shove Alice forward was thwarted by Blood’s cane whipping across his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I asked you a question, Elliot,” Blood said thinly. “What do you think you’re doing?” He flipped the cane in his hand and swung it, hard, into Elliot’s side. Elliot cried out and hunched over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I ordered you to bring her back. Did I tell you to hurt her?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Blood mercilessly beat his subordinate, Elliot didn’t try to run or even defend himself—he just let Blood whack him over and over with the rod. Elliot’s weakening grip slid off Alice. She didn’t know what to do, so she just stood there, watching in horror."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even when blood welled up at the corners of Elliot’s mouth, Blood didn’t stop."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Answer me, Elliot! Did I tell you to do that?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, you…y-you didn’t!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then why don’t you listen to me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wham! Blood jammed the end of the cane into Elliot’s solar plexus. Elliot’s tall form finally collapsed to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why do I have to constantly tell you not to go beyond what I order you to do? You know that if I can’t keep you in line, everybody will think I can’t even housebreak a pet!” Blood rammed the bottom of his boot into the back of Elliot’s head. As Elliot curled against the concrete, Blood walked around him, his furious eyes on Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice automatically recoiled, bracing herself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Blood simply took her hand, turned his back on the Gravekeeper, and walked back toward the street. Shocked into silence, she just ran to keep up with his quick steps. He didn’t even spare a glance for the fallen Elliot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. She turned to look back, but the Gravekeeper and his men were already leaving, their backs to her as they exited the opposite end of the alley."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was clear that both he and Blood were pointedly not looking at each other. It felt less like an argument and more the evidence of a deep, dangerous rift."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-was that the Gravekeeper?” Alice ventured quietly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. That’s the first time you’ve seen his face?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um…yeah.” Alice took a breath. “What’s he the leader of?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Gravekeeper territory, obviously. He runs the graveyard and the art museum.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Art museum?” Alice repeated in surprise. “That’s…not what I would usually lump in with a graveyard.” Running a place to exhibit beautiful art while at the same time managing a place where people mourned for the dead… She imagined he was an odd leader."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And what counted as a “grave” in Wonderland, anyway? When the people in that world “died,” their bodies vanished. All that remained were stopped clocks that had once ticked away in their chests—and Julius was supposed to fix those."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she wondered about that, she murmured, “He dressed kinda like you, Blood. I thought he was Mafia.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s because he is.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s reply stopped her short. He continued a few steps past her before stopping himself and turning around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The anger in his eyes had vanished, replaced with an amused gleam. He seemed to enjoy her reaction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“His name is Jericho Bermuda,” Blood explained. “He oversees the graveyard, directs the museum, and yes, he is also a Mob boss. I don’t know how he looked to you, but he and I are villains of the same stripe.” His mouth slanted. “If you think he’s going to ensnare you, you’d better be prepared for the consequences.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice grimaced. “Thanks for the warning,” she muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Footsteps slowly tapped from behind them. Alice glanced back to see Elliot, hunched over slightly, his fists rubbing at the blood that had leaked from his puffy mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knit her eyebrows together at the pained look on his face. She leaned in to whisper to Blood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know this might sound…weird coming from me, since you technically helped me, but…maybe you overdid it with him.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have my own ways of doing things,” Blood replied coolly. “Don’t tell me how to train my dog.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was clear that he didn’t want her opinion—and her being an Outsider probably didn’t help. She pursed her lips and gave up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was nothing between her and these people that resembled trust or friendship. He was just her landlord now…and nothing more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The territory leaders were supposed to gather in some waiting room. When Alice asked about the Survey Meeting itself, Blood told her it would take place “close by.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the time Blood and Elliot brought her to a massive building, the twins had disappeared from their waiting spot. Blood didn’t seem surprised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sure they’ll show up again when they feel like it,” he hummed. He gestured to the door. “Ladies first.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice paused, then walked through the huge doorway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The waiting room beyond was already milling with people. Were they all Role-Holders here?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“An Outsider!” a youngish voice called. “That’s pretty rare! But still, you don’t act like a stranger…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice turned to the young man who bounded to her side. Based on the clarity of his facial features, he had to be a Role-Holder…even though she didn’t know him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait. She felt a strange sense of déjà vu as she stared at him. He wore an eye patch over his right eye, his feminine face strangely pale. It was his purple lips that made her think of someone she did know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” she breathed. “You can’t be…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hm?” He blinked his one visible gray eye at her. “Do you and I know each other?” He suddenly beamed. “Wait, of course you know me. I’m the great and powerful Stationmaster, Nightmare Gottschalk! In the flesh, ha ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He puffed out his chest, belying the thinness of his body. But half a moment later, a large shadow descended from behind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Big words for someone who always folds right after starting,” a familiar voice grunted. “Don’t act stupid, or killing you will seem too easy. If you have time to preen, then you have time to go to the hospital.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s eyes widened at the tall, dark-haired man she knew well. He’d lost his familiar suit and tie, and instead wore a rougher ensemble, including a black coat accented with a purple scarf."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The boy—Nightmare?!—scowled. “Don’t you dare be so rude to me, Gray! I don’t need the stinking hospi—HRRK!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gray narrowed his eyes as the boy hacked out a few watery coughs. “You’re proving my point,” he said thinly. “Go to the hospital, heal up, and then come back to get slaughtered.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I’m not going to go through that just to get killed! I might as well stay sick! I’m not going to the hospital, got it?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You don’t care about being killed—you just hate doctors. This isn’t on me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t just Nightmare’s boyish form that surprised Alice—it was Gray’s attitude toward him. Back in the Tower of Clover, Gray had gallantly protected Nightmare, even going to unwanted lengths to take care of his boss. He’d practically been Nightmare’s mother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d heard the rumor that once, long ago, Gray had been a hitman gunning to kill Nightmare. Was this what he had been like?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As the implications dizzied her, something soft touched her back. She jumped in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Eek! Wh-who’s that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was about to ask you the same thing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A young man with fluffy pink cat ears and a striped fur wrapped around his shoulders slid in front of her. He flashed an achingly familiar smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nice to meet you, Miss Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s chest tightened. “Boris,” she whispered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He pushed long bangs from one curious golden eye, eliciting a slight jingle of his many earrings. “You know me? Did the Stationmaster point me out or something? Man, I hate when people talk about me before I get here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He seemed depressed for a second, but then he suddenly laughed. The fangs protruding slightly from the corners of his mouth were rather cute, but his most identifying features were the mercurial, ever-changing expressions on his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She could see in his eyes that he didn’t recognize her—like everyone in Hatter Mansion. Frustration welled up in her chest at the thought that she was at square one with him, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With everyone, maybe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But there was nothing she could do about it. She smiled at him, and it wasn’t entirely forced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nice to…meet you. I’m Alice Liddell. I hope we can be friends.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He saluted her. “Alice. Cool.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something caught his eye; Nightmare and Gray behind her, apparently. He stepped past her to head for them. Her eyes followed his swishing pink tail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I must warn you,” lectured another voice. “We have to move forward on the preparations! It’s almost time to start…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sidney, you’re always bullying me! It isn’t right to torture little kids!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those voices weren’t familiar. Alice looked up as a small entourage approached."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were all wearing black suits, like the mobsters in Hatter Mansion—but Alice was starting to think there was a rule that all crews coming to the meeting had to wear black suits. One of the figures in the front—a young girl with a clearly defined face, which meant she had a role—had impressive-looking gold trim on her black dress. She flicked yellow-green eyes at a man lurking in her shadow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m doing my best,” she complained. “The least you could do is praise me a little!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re the host here, Your Majesty. Please act accordingly. I find it very uncomfortable to have my queen made a laughingstock.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As they neared, Alice saw that he wasn’t just a man. He was a…rabbit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man had floppy black ears to match his dark hair. His eyes were two different colors—one gray, one red—and a monocle rested delicately over the ruby eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The girl suddenly met Alice’s startled gaze. She instantly lit up and ran toward Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An Outsider!” she cooed. “What a treat! And the fact that you’re here means that you’re doing us the honor of attending our Survey Meeting? As a rule, you’d be ordered to attend an audience at the castle, but I think I’ll make an exception in your case. Welcome!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice straightened. “Um, thank you!” she blurted in response."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Based on the girl’s words and the fact that the rabbit had called her “Your Majesty,” Alice could guess who this was. “You must be the…Queen of Diamonds, right? Your Majesty?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The girl beamed. “Yes, I rule the Country of Diamonds. My name is Crysta Snowpigeon. Welcome, Miss Outsider.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt put on the spot as she didn’t know anything about the girl, so she opted for overly formal. “My name is Alice Liddell. Please accept my apologies for not presenting myself to Your Majesty before this…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Please! Don’t be so formal.” Crysta grinned. “I won’t tolerate rudeness from anyone else here, but you’re an Outsider. You don’t know the rules of this world.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re so gracious, I don’t deserve it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For whatever reason, the conversation seemed to irk the rabbit man; his black ears twitched and trembled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your Majesty,” he cut in. “We’re about to begin. You must play your part as host!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“For goodness’ sake, Sidney, stop repeating yourself! We just got here.” She sighed. “I’ll go if I must. Let’s chat afterward, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the urging of her retainer, the Queen of Diamonds jauntily turned. She strode off, the black rabbit named Sidney scuttling after her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Black Rabbit, Alice thought. The opposite of the White Rabbit, I guess. He looked nothing like Peter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But even so, just for a second, the two converged in Alice’s mind. She wiped the overlapping images away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thinking of Peter made Alice feel worse. Gloom settled on her shoulders in bitter reality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d met the Black Rabbit’s eyes for a second, but he hadn’t talked to her directly. She’d sensed cold indifference from him…even a little hostility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The chorus of voices around her sounded like other territory leaders and their subordinates talking in bored voices. She heard no room for her to join in, so Alice just let out a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I really am in a country where nobody knows me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She almost wished she were as ignorant of them as they were of her. Seeing all those familiar faces was a double-edged sword: she was glad so many of her friends were here, but she was depressed they didn’t remember her. She wasn’t sure which feeling was stronger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn’t have long to ponder it, because Blood practically materialized beside her. “You managed to get close to the queen,” he drawled. “Not bad.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She’s only interested because I’m an Outsider,” Alice replied. Her voice sounded weak in her ears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In a country where no one knew her, her position as an Outsider was the only card in her hand. People wanted to indulge an Outsider. It was probably the only thing keeping her from getting shot, intentionally or otherwise. At least Blood was sorta her guide now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She tried to bury her depression. “Did you ever find Dee and Dum?” she asked him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His eyes narrowed slightly. “Yes, but I left them with Elliot. I can’t hear myself think once they start screaming at each other.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Based on the look on Blood’s face, Alice decided to change the subject. “I would, um, really like to know more about the territories in the Country of Diamonds,” she said carefully. “Who are the other leaders?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood crossed his arms. “There are four territories, including Hatter Mansion—the others are Diamond Castle, the Train Station, and the Gravekeeper’s museum and graveyard.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I guess Diamond Castle is run by those two I just met. Crysta and…Sidney, was it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right—the Queen of Diamonds and the Black Rabbit. The Station has the Stationmaster, the Lizard, and the Cheshire Cat. But you seem to know them already, so maybe you didn’t need the explanation, after all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was pretty sure Blood hadn’t been nearby when she’d spoken to the others, so maybe he had someone following her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’s as sharp as ever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay. Is there anyone else at the graveyard and museum? Besides Jericho, I mean.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes—he has two other Role-Holders in his territory. One is—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A loud voice squawked through the room, cutting Blood off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Julius, you’re…strangling me!” a young man cried. “I can’t breathe~!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t like how you’re wandering around and eyeing everything. Walk in a straight line, Ace!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sucked in a breath. She whipped around to see a familiar man toss his long hair over his shoulder and drag in a young teenager."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Speak of the devil,” Blood murmured. “There they are. But it seems like you already know them?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. Julius Monrey, the Clockmaker, looked and sounded just like she remembered—but the rambunctious teenager he towered over wasn’t the Ace she knew. Was he not the Knight of Hearts anymore? And why was he younger now, like Nightmare?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Julius’s blue eyes locked on her and Blood, then slid past them to the rest of the room. The spark of suspicion in his eyes confirmed what she already guessed: he didn’t remember her, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The last vestiges of hope died inside her. Now she’d met them all. And not one of them knew her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“At last,” someone called. “I’m sick of waiting. Since everyone is finally here, shall we proceed to the meeting place?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice paused; the words sounded like Crysta’s, but her voice was different. She craned her neck to find out who was speaking just as the sound of a loud clap filled the room. Before the reverberations died down, the scene shifted around Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At first Alice thought that the waiting room’s walls had just vanished, but then she turned around. She and the other participants stood in a wide, rounded space like a Roman Coliseum, with countless Faceless citizens looking on from the stands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had thought she was used to the casual magic that popped up in Wonderland, but her eyes still widened at the abrupt change. Blood laughed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Follow me—our seats are over there. Why do you look so shocked?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I just wasn’t…expecting to teleport or whatever. Who’s the woman who made that announcement?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you mean? I just told you. Take your seat.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She finally followed his pointing finger; Elliot, the twins, and several other Hatter mobsters sat in a line of nearby chairs. He parted from her side and headed to a chair at the head of the section. His chair—with its fancier upholstery—sat in the front row."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A seat for the leader."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dee squirmed in his chair. “It’s about to start, Brother! Ah, I wanna go to the Garden Party—I hope they set us free quick.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m more worried about our bets, Brother. I wanna double our money!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice lowered herself into a seat next to the twins. She looked out ahead of them, to the middle of the Coliseum, where four giant, hollow, diamond-shaped glass sculptures loomed over the ground. She scanned the faces in the assembled groups."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They went from right to left: the Gravekeeper, Nightmare the Stationmaster, the Black Rabbit, and finally themselves, the Hatters. She imagined the four glass sculptures related to each territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No one sat in the front-row seat in front of Sidney. As the noise of the crowd began to die down, Alice’s eyes fell on the silent hostess standing near the sculptures. Her presence alone seemed to draw the attention and quiet reverence of everyone in the stadium."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wore a black dress with gold trim, just like Crysta had worn in the waiting room, and she seemed to have Crysta’s eyes. But the child had vanished, replaced by a striking woman with haunting, ethereal beauty."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My fellow citizens of the nation, and territory leaders, I thank you for your hard work on this, the Survey Meeting!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her graceful voice echoed through the stadium, commanding the entire area. Alice shivered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So Crysta was like the twins in Clover, and jumped between the form of a child and an adult. Alice filed that information away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s been quite a while since the last meeting, and I’m sure there are many who have high expectations, hm? Those who amuse themselves with wagers are free to enjoy the Garden Party. However, keep in mind that any violence is strictly prohibited. I imagine there are many of you who are exhausted with all the fighting, so I want everyone to take advantage of this truce to refresh themselves and have a fabulous time!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The queen ducked her head slightly, her voice turning more solemn. “And now…let the meeting begin!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A tumult of cheers and horns exploded into the sky. As if following the noise, flights of doves flapped up into the atmosphere."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The queen smiled, clearly satisfied, and descended from the stage. She passed a Faceless announcer who climbed onto the stage and stood tall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s get this Survey Meeting underway!” he boomed. “Do those cheers mean that you’re all ready for this?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the announcer spoke, several dozen Faceless ascended the stage and began their work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice squinted in confusion, not sure what was happening. Elliot seemed to notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’re you doing?” he barked. “If you wanna see, look over there! That’s where they calculate the territory size!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Where they… Oh!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The diamond-shaped glass sculptures had been empty, but now they started to fill with sand in a slow trickle from overhead. Each vessel held a different color of sand: yellow, green, black, or blue. In the air in front of the sculptures, numbers ticked upward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What colors represent what territories?” Alice asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yellow’s Diamond Castle,” Dee answered. “Green’s the Station.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then black is Gravekeeper, so blue’s us, Big Sis.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins seemed on tenterhooks waiting for the results. Alice furrowed her brow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Really? The results of the Survey Meeting are decided in the sand?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup! Easy, right? Even the stupid rabbit can understand it with one look!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha, the dumb rabbit won’t do anything hard. This way even he can see the results!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you little brats talking crap about me?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up,” Blood hissed. “If you’re going to make noise, leave. Just go to the Garden Party and be done with it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dee whooped. “That’s our Boss! He always knows what we want! See ya later!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Party, party! Free party!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins clapped their hands excitedly and scrambled to get out. Blood sighed and flicked his blue-green gaze to Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’re surveying each territory for land mass, young lady—to use as the foundation for each team’s power. You can leave if you want. I’ll send someone for you when it’s finished.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that how it works?” Alice had assumed no one could leave until the meeting was over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Mad Hatter shrugged. “Sure. The other territory delegations are doing it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice suddenly noticed that the territorial leaders were sitting alone. The rest of their Role-Holders had vanished already. The only exceptions were Sidney and Elliot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You won’t be able to escape no matter where you go, so do as you like.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice smiled sarcastically at him. Implying that the guards are tracking me, huh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay,” she said slowly. “I’ve been wondering about the Garden Party, so I think I’ll go there.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she rose from her seat, she wondered if this was Blood trying to push her away. In the Country of Clover, Blood had a velvet tongue when it came to guiding Alice’s actions. His words were smooth and effective."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It reminded her, once again, that the version of Blood who sat here with his legs crossed was a very different man. He kept his eyes on the sand towers and didn’t spare her a glance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She left him for the party."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Survey Meeting ran a lot of other forms of entertainment—including the Garden Party, an impressive event packed with citizens eating, drinking, and laughing. Alice got to sample the best food in the country while listening unhurriedly to a live orchestra. By the time she returned to the stadium, the flows of sand were just cutting out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The vessel with green sand seemed fuller than the others, so did that mean the Station’s territory had the greatest land mass? The other three territories were locked with each other pretty closely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was time for the main event. Alice’s heart started to pick up speed as she jogged to her seat. She wanted to see how the territory leaders “used their strengths.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins were already squirming by the time she got there. Blood, still sitting in the leader’s seat, grinned up at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right on time. I was about to send someone after you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“These are the numbers for each territory?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. But it’s just a part of each territory’s score. The leaders can choose their own strengths and change the numbers from here on out.” Blood pointed a gloved finger at Nightmare; the boyish Stationmaster had his hand on a small stand on his desk. Controls on the stand reacted to his hand movements."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The announcer leapt back on stage, riling up the crowd. “It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for!” he cried. “Will the Station keep its dominant place, or will the other leaders show their hidden hands?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nightmare laughed, then coughed, then laughed again. He brimmed with youthful confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ha! There’s no doubt that I’ll stay in the lead the entire time! What else…koff hack!” He curled over in a coughing fit, which made him seem less…threatening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho and then Crysta laid their hands on their stands, revealing some of their strength. Blood didn’t move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the crowd roared around them, Blood raised an eyebrow at Alice. He beckoned her closer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How’d you like to give it a try, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had no idea what he was thinking; she quickly shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, but I must politely decline.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood laughed. He finally slid his hand onto the stand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The stoppered blue sand started flowing into the vessel once more. And in front of the sculpture, the floating numbers revolved and changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The majority of the people in the stadium held their breaths. Alice felt crushed by the pressure as she silently watched the progress. Beside her, the twins folded their hands together in desperate prayer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sand didn’t fall at a constant speed—at times it would reduce to a tiny trickle, only to burst into a heavier flow. Alice guessed the flow rate was calculated to keep the spectators on the edges of their seats. I bet it’s driving the gamblers bananas."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The flow of sand into the vessels slowed and finally stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cheers and miserable wails erupted simultaneously as the announcer, who had been silent up until this point, raised his voice to the crowd."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And there you have it! The first-round victory goes to our hosts, Diamond Castle!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The audience roared in response."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And with that, the first Survey Meeting comes to a close! Don’t miss the second round!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the announcer wrapped up the proceedings, Crysta gave her hands a sharp clap. The Coliseum vanished around them, leaving everyone back in the waiting room they’d started in. The teleportation had been so smooth…almost as if the hands of a clock had been wound backwards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crysta puffed out her chest proudly at Sidney, who now stood beside her. “I hope you saw that,” she chirped. “I’m the winner! Ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His eyebrow twitched. “We have a veritable mountain of things to discuss, but this will suffice for now. I never thought you’d bring that out…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rabbit, you’re a rotten winner! You should be taking this opportunity to bury me in heaps of praise!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sidney heaved a great sigh as Crysta smiled innocently at him. Alice was starting to see that young, enthusiastic girl from earlier in this older, beautiful queen. It was a little unnerving."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On Alice’s side of the room, Elliot was livid. His body trembled as his white fists clenched at his sides."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t believe it… How could Blood lose?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood waved a hand. “Down, Elliot. The first round is always like this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The final rankings for the round were Castle, Station, Grave/Museum, and Hatter Mansion in dead last. But Blood didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. With Elliot practically shooting steam from his ears, Alice was confused as to who exactly had lost. Even the twins—who had been so caught up in their bets—just shrugged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hm. So the Castle came in first this round… Kinda expected, but my winnings were crappy. How ’bout you, Brother?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Kinda like you. An’ we were aimin’ for the jackpot…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whatever payday Dee and Dum had been hoping for, this hadn’t been it. The actual ranking of their own territory seemed irrelevant, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How very like them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice scanned the reactions of the other members in attendance, someone tapped on her shoulder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yo. Good job today.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She craned her head to look behind her. “Jericho…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper lifted a finger to his lips, indicating for her to keep quiet. His eyes gleamed behind his glasses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fortunately, Elliot was still raging at the Survey Meeting results, so the Hatters were too distracted to look at Alice. She licked her lips and nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wanted to apologize for my men,” Jericho explained. “Earlier—in the street. I didn’t have time for a proper apology in all the chaos.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t worry about it. Actually, you saved me. Thank you for that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled and gave him a slight bow. A hint of pleasure played at the corners of his mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Still, my men started the whole thing. Maybe I can make it up to you at my place?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your place? But your territory is…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her face broke into a grimace at the thought of the name Gravekeeper, but Jericho quickly waved away the idea with a flick of his hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now, wait—that’s not what I mean. I wouldn’t invite a lady to a graveyard. You may not know this, but I’m also the director of the art museum.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right,” she replied in relief. “I guess I did know that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d heard about all the violent unrest in the Country of Diamonds, but she’d also been shut up in Hatter Mansion ever since arriving. She thought it might be nice to take a chance and get out a bit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The territory leader runs the art museum. She was interested in what kind of art was on display there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she nodded, he handed her a slip of paper. It was a priority ticket with a fashionable design on it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Here. Come and enjoy yourself anytime you like.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you. I think I’ll take you up on that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unfortunately, the Gravekeeper was a territory rival and ran an opposing Mafia organization. Alice didn’t know if the Hatters would let her go, but she didn’t receive many favors. She figured she’d take the ticket and be grateful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A curious illustration of an animal printed on the ticket caught her eye. But when she squinted at it, Blood’s voice drifted suddenly from much too close."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did you win a bet and you’re checking your winnings, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice hurriedly stuffed the slip of paper into her pocket. “N-no,” she stuttered. “It’s nothing.” When she furtively glanced back at Jericho, she was relieved to see that he was already gone. She saw him in another area of the room, speaking to members of his territory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood pursed his lips. “What is it? Did you have some business with someone?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood seemed suspicious, but his eyes didn’t move to Jericho. Maybe he didn’t put that much together, Alice hoped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s nothing,” Alice repeated, then tried to change the subject. “What do we…do after this? Now that round one of the Survey Meeting is done?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We go home. The entertainment is over. The only question now is,” Blood murmured, his eyes moving past her, “what do we do about that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice followed his gaze to see Elliot and the twins still making a fuss over the results. Well, to be more accurate—Elliot was furious and the twins added fuel to his fire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I just don’t get it!” Elliot growled. “Blood was supposed to come in first, no matter what!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re such an idiot!” Dee snapped back. “If the boss wins every single time, what’s the point of havin’ a Survey Meeting at all?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, if everyone knew he was gonna win, we’d win even smaller pots! There’s no money in the kitty if nobody’s willin’ to bet!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So? They can just bet on Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their shouts carried through the waiting room, and Alice found herself grimacing. Elliot didn’t seem to notice the other delegations making their exits nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sighed. “Shall we leave them behind?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It wouldn’t be right, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He irritably waved a hand. “They’re nothing but trouble.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Alice hummed a noncommittal response, she slid her hand to the outside of her skirt pocket. Her fingers ran over the slight bump of the priority ticket inside."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0007.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 3: The Unseen Relationship Chart"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 3:The Unseen Relationship Chart"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the first Survey Meeting, things went back to normal in Hatter Mansion. Elliot, the twins, and most of the other mobsters went in and out of the place as they dealt with dangerous “jobs.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Still, it felt like the raids on the mansion had let up a bit. And when Alice was organizing the books in the reference library one time period, she asked her assistant maid a question about it—and received an unexpected reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, sure~! Battles are basically banned during the entire time of the Survey Meeting~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Really? I heard fighting’s prohibited during the meeting, but I thought that restriction only applied to the area around the Coliseum?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Survey Meeting isn’t like that~. Even if the first round is over, the second one will start up soon~. The Survey Meeting goes on until all rounds are over~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So one meet-up isn’t the Survey Meeting—that’s the collective name for all the meetings?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the Country of Hearts, the Ball had only lasted one night. But it was true that in the Country of Clover, the Assembly had occurred several times…maybe the Survey Meeting was more like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You know how the Survey Meeting itself works now, right~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“More or less. The leaders of each territory choose one of five national forces and compare strengths.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You got it~. In other words, the contest between the leaders is decided by the numbers, and if there’s a battle, that changes the numbers. So if they kept fighting during the Survey Meeting, it wouldn’t be an accurate survey~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. That makes sense, I guess.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice knew the main reason for the “entertainment event” was to put people in close proximity for discussions. But the Survey Meeting was also a competition that pitted forces against forces—any fight between leaders would have a direct effect on the strength or size of those forces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Especially with how violent people are in this world. She wouldn’t put it past Elliot to raid the other territories if he thought it would help Blood win. And Dee and Dum would brave just about anything to increase their winnings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice rose on her toes to slide a book onto a high shelf. But as she stretched her arm up, someone snatched the book out of her hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She’s correct,” Blood said evenly. “It’s an aggravating rule, but it’s still a rule. We can’t ignore it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed and turned to the man, who flipped open the captured book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was another “fun” feature of the Survey Meeting—Blood was actually spending time in the reference library. He no longer just sent a servant. Alice was ready to suggest that he start doing that again to preserve more of his time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I asked you to gather some books for me last time period,” he muttered as he flipped through the pages. “Where are they?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I put them in a pile here… Huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tilted her head in confusion. A pile of completely different books lay in the spot where she’d placed her own."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, those~? I took them with some other books to the warehouse~…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” Alice blurted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The maid swiftly apologized. “I’ll go get them now~,” she declared as she rushed out of the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice was left alone with Blood. He glanced up from the pages to lock that blue-green gaze on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know you work hard here,” he offered. “So I believe that you didn’t misplace them. And if they were all together, the maid will probably find them quickly. Don’t mind me—just go on with what you were doing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice let out a breath. “Okay. But if you need anything, just ask me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He hummed an affirmative."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Although she’d never said it to Blood directly, she was really grateful to have the work of organizing the reference library. It housed a wide variety of tomes, including some blissful books from other collections that weren’t about violence. Alice loved books and enjoyed the job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moment she started concentrating on her work, she stopped worrying about other eyes that could be in the room. This was a place where she could ignore the fact that she still lived under surveillance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was using a ladder to reach a high shelf—a crafts book hidden within the culture category—when Blood suddenly spoke again, reminding her he was in the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you like books?” he asked simply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hm? What did you say?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As she descended the ladder to answer Blood’s question, she realized that he had stopped reading the book in his hand at some point. His eyes were on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I asked if you liked books. You seem to perk up when you’re in this room.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smiled. “Yeah. I enjoy organizing them, but what I really love is reading.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She let one hand fondly trace down a book’s spine. This particular bookshelf had been a disaster when she’d started—now it was neat and organized by title, with only a few empty spots."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was living a life surrounded by books again. She never would’ve guessed that organizing and delivering books for a publishing house in her old world would come in handy in a place like Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You said you wanted to borrow a book before, young lady. Have you finished reading it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, you mean that misshelved mystery novel? I had it finished before my next work shift.” She shrugged, but she heard her voice bounce a little. “I found the killer’s trick predictable, but the detective had an interesting character and backstory.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood inhaled. After a long moment, he said, “But it wasn’t enough for you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s written on your face. You wish I had a wider variety of books. Not satisfied with the selection in my house, hm?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice furrowed her brow. “That’s not what I mean. I just…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was organizing a reference library—not exactly the place for pleasure reading. And even though she received a more than decent salary for it, she was also working for a Mafia organization in the middle of a turf war. It wasn’t like she could leave and pop over to town to buy some pleasure reading, like she’d done when working at Heart Castle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You let me read whatever I want here, and I like the job. Besides, I’ve never been picky about genre—I can enjoy whatever books are in front of me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Blood stared at her, she superimposed a memory of the old Blood over him. Books in this world always made her think of Blood in the Countries of Hearts and Clover. He’d always recommended and lent books to her, to read between work shifts at Heart Castle. He usually handed her books about tea or roses, granted, since they seemed to be his biggest hobbies—they weren’t as formal as technical manuals, but she learned a lot of new things from them. Even if they were (probably) part of his strategy to manipulate her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was always a little frustrating, but she liked aspects of it. A little nonfiction was good for the soul. And learning about what he loved was like learning more about him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She liked that memory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I think you’re coming,” he would say, “I find myself wondering what book is worth choosing for you. I’m just happy for the distraction.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They’d both been busy people in Hearts and Clover, but they’d always maintained an oddly unhurried relationship. They’d never been apart for long. Considering he was a fearsome Mafia boss and she was a powerless Outsider, she imagined they made an odd pair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And probably still did in Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If there’s any book you want,” Blood said at last, turning back to the tome in his hands, “just tell me. You work hard and you have decent taste. Just tell the maid, and I’ll see if we can get it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That took Alice by surprise. “Uh…what?” she blurted. “But this is a reference library. I can’t just order things that I think are fun.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It doesn’t have to be for here—we can leave it in your room. I’m sure you have space there for some books.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, yeah, but…are you sure?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was slightly more welcome in the mansion now, but that didn’t make her a pampered guest. And she didn’t know if she’d suddenly vanish from Diamonds someday, just as fast as she’d appeared—so she didn’t keep many personal possessions. Had Blood noticed that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re living and working in my house, and I don’t care if you have a few books in your room.You’ve barely touched your salary, so you can use that to pay for them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice frowned. “You’ve kept good tabs on me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All you talk about in this library is work,” he murmured, a teasing edge to the words. “It’s a shame.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice rolled her eyes to the ceiling. How could I forget what kind of man this is? she mused. Watching her from the shadows, cutting in with surprising insight. That level of intelligence fueled his bad attitude, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You don’t dress up like other girls your age,” he went on. “And you don’t spend money on hobbies. It isn’t hard to figure out that you don’t know what to do with the money you’ve made so far.” He shrugged. “If you don’t feel any material desires, there’s nothing I can suggest. It’s just not a bad thing to invest yourself where your interests lie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was surprised at how much he was pushing it. She hadn’t expected Diamonds Blood to talk like that, considering they weren’t exactly friends here. Maybe they were finally shedding the cold formality between a boss and subordinate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After a moment of silence, she nodded. “Okay. Um…thank you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t do anything worth thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He hadn’t turned his eyes up from the book in his hands. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Should you really be here?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. If I take the book with me, it’s a pain to return it afterwards. I just needed to quickly check something.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. Uh…” While Alice tried to formulate an answer, Blood slid the book back onto the shelf and grabbed another. He picked book after book and flipped through the pages."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was head of the Hatter Family. He could just send a servant to the library to fetch a book, and then send the servant back to return it. So Alice figured he had other reasons for coming."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, his attitude and behavior baffled her. Even if the Blood in the other countries had liked her, she knew, all self-deprecation aside, that Diamonds Blood saw her as a friend at best."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe there was some good to being in Diamonds, after all. She’d stopped constantly wishing she was back in the Country of Hearts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can never…make up my mind. Do I even want to go back now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The memory of Blood in the other countries remained vivid in the back of her mind. He’d invited her to the tiny rose garden in so many night periods. He’d always pushed her to leave the castle and move in with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It had probably just been lip service at the time, but that had been his version of courtesy. After all, no member of the Mafia, let alone a boss, would be so welcoming of someone who was nothing more than an Outsider."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Alice had always refused. She’d never felt that the Hatter Mansion was “her place” in the world, so she always answered the same way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She watched the profile of the man reading a book nearby. Even if she’d accepted the invitation of the old Blood, that would have meant living with the old Blood. Not this Blood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What kind of relationship did she want with this Blood? She pursed her lips and turned back to her bookshelves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She lost her train of thought when she suddenly noticed the mess before her. She groaned aloud. “Not again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is something wrong?” Blood asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I had this whole shelf perfectly arranged two time periods ago. But someone already messed it up!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood walked up behind Alice and peered over her shoulder. She tried not to be self-conscious at the warm presence looming over her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed and pointed toward a book’s spine. “See?” she asked. “This shelf’s supposed to be for books on construction materials. So what the heck is this?” She plucked the offending book from the shelf and furrowed her brow at the large image of a castle stamped on the red leather binding. “I guess the maid only looked at the cover when she put it away—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait,” Blood interjected. “I was just wondering where I put that. It was there?” To Alice’s surprise, a small, nostalgic smile flitted across Blood’s face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She blinked at him. “This book is yours?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. I own it—not the Family. I assume the maid accidentally added it to her stack when she was collecting reference books to return. I guess she stuck it here… Oh. That book over there is mine, too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His gloved hands gestured toward a bookshelf. About half the books were lined up on the shelf, but in seemingly random order. Alice’s eye twitched."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her hand automatically went to pull the new book he pointed at, but then she stopped herself. “Wait. You mean this one?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It had a familiar title; she even remembered the author’s name. She opened the cover and looked at a number of pages."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She did know this one. She’d borrowed this very same book in the Country of Clover from Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s wrong with it?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nothing,” she answered quickly. “Uh…yeah. Do you want me to have your books delivered to your room?” She’d been to his bedroom in the other countries plenty of times and knew he had massive bookshelves in there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood shot her a dubious expression, but it quickly vanished from his face. “Sure. You can bring them to my room later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh… You want me to bring them?” She hadn’t been in his Diamonds room yet; she wasn’t sure she was allowed there. “Are you sure?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I’m sure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice opened her mouth, then closed it. “Okay, then.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And with that, he turned to leave. “I imagine the maid will be back soon,” he called over his shoulder. “Bring those books I ordered with you when you deliver mine.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice once again asked if he was sure, and Blood waved a confirming hand as he exited the room. No more than a few moments later, the maid returned through a different door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry for the wait~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice took a long breath. She carefully finished collecting her research material, tucked it in a file, and piled it with Blood’s books. She clutched everything to her chest and stepped into the hallway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This Hatter Mansion had the same general layout as in Hearts and Clover; she walked the familiar corridors, enduring wary gazes from the Diamonds mobsters. But none of them stopped her beeline for Blood’s room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Two guards stood at the door. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood asked me to deliver these… Can I come in?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course~. Step right in~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice’s hands were full, but one of the Family mobsters opened the door for her. He waved her in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The room hadn’t changed much between countries; she felt a rush of feelings well up in her heart. Nostalgia, relief…even a little discomfort."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An uncharacteristically big mess of papers and books covered his desk, in front of a wall of bookshelves stuffed with tomes stacked sideways or perched precariously. She didn’t smell the familiar, soothing scent of roses and hot tea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now she saw why the disorganized reference library hadn’t really fazed him. He was a bit of a mess. Blood shuffled through papers at the desk and glanced up as she stepped in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That was quicker than I thought,” he murmured. “I’m glad you’re so dedicated.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I don’t have much to do other than my job.” She gestured to her books. “Where should I put the reference stuff?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“On the table over there is fine.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He pointed his pen at a coffee table between two couches used for meetings. Alice placed the folder on the edge of the table and held up his personal books."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And where should I put these?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wherever. Up to you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is he busy? I expected him to have more opinions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She headed to the messy bookshelf. Since most people organized their bookshelves by author or genre or something, she assumed he had a system. She wouldn’t let the chaos of the reference library spread to his personal space…especially since this was a much smaller job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She slid the first book onto the shelf in its apparent space, righting and correcting the books around it. Then she moved around to place the others."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um… This would be landscaping, and this is…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice moved left and right across the bookshelves that lined the walls. As she tucked the final book—a detective novel—into its space, she puffed out a sigh and tilted her eyes up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The shelf right above eyeline held a full row of children’s books. While she scanned the titles, her hands slowly dropped to her sides."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She recognized a series of five books in the corner bookshelf. But counting the volumes again, she found something puzzling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“These books…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just like the book in the reference library, these were tomes that Blood had lent her in the Country of Clover. But in Alice’s memory, there were only three in the series. Alice had assumed Diamonds was a country stuck in the past, even if it wasn’t a completely perfect version of the past…so the two extra spines confused her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is there something about those books that interests you?” Blood asked from behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…guess you could say that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then take them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes.” She heard his papers shuffling as his voice took on a hint of disgust. “No one loves reading more than I do, but I’m all tied up with the Survey Meeting right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice brightened. “Thanks! Do you mind if I borrow all five books?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Go ahead.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Alice pulled the series from the shelf, she double-checked the titles and authors against what she remembered. Yeah, this is it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hugged the books to her chest, slightly irritated. She’d be leaving with as many books as she’d come with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she turned back to him, he was still buried in some document. “From what I hear,” he murmured, “you hardly ever leave the mansion. Would you be interested in some entertainment?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, it isn’t so much that I don’t leave, but that it’s hard to leave… Oh. Yeah, I would.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was he teasing her? Still, she instinctively slid one hand into her pocket to run her fingers over Jericho’s ticket. She figured that if any of the servants found it, she’d come under even more suspicion, so she always kept it on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d made a promise never to leave the mansion without Blood’s permission, but since she didn’t intend to run or spill the place’s secrets, she was getting a little sick of being suspected for no reason. She didn’t get to talk to Blood in private much, so she figured she’d take a chance. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Say, Blood…the next time I have a day off, would you mind if I went to the art museum?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hn. The art museum…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe he didn’t expect the question, but he looked up from his documents with a wicked smile on his face. The nib of his pen tapped the paper over and over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ve already seduced the Gravekeeper?” he drawled. “Rumor has it that everyone loves an Outsider, but I think you also have a knack for using your charms.” Tap tap went the pen. “I can’t say I approve of your tastes, though. He’s already a dead man.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice blinked. “A dead man?” she repeated, her stomach tightening in discomfort."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood leaned back in his chair. “If you really want to go, I won’t stop you. But if you manage to romance any good information out of the Gravekeeper, pass it on to your boss, will you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice furrowed her brow. “Please don’t make assumptions like that. And…I should get back to work.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t like his answer, but it did seem like permission. I’ll take it, she thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice turned and left the room. Blood said nothing as the door shut behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice spent some quality time in her room, splayed out on her stomach on her bed. She voraciously plowed through the books Blood had lent her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was already coming toward the end of the third book, but her heart filled with doubts. “There are different plot twists here,” she complained aloud. “When I first read it, this monk character wasn’t in it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a tale of a traveling group, and as far as Alice remembered, the main character had five companions. But by the end of the third book, one more had joined them: a monk. The group still had the same purpose for the journey, and all of the other companions and their backgrounds were the same…there was just a monk now. It confused her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She finally finished the third book. As she put it down and reached for the fourth, her hand stopped. It slowly slid back to the sheets."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She sighed and closed her eyes. “It’s kinda like me as I am now,” she muttered. A completely unknown person joining a group."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The books even had plot developments that Alice had never read before, and of course, there were two extra volumes. Alice had stronger and stronger doubts about the books’ very existence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then Diamonds isn’t just a past version of the world I knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If it has a different beginning,” she mused, “then of course it’ll have a different ending. But that’s not very…satisfying.”\t If Peter hadn’t pulled her into the Country of Hearts first, then Alice would have had a very different point of view on the Country of Diamonds. The Hatter Family wasn’t as mature an organization; with such short-tempered thugs, Alice probably never would’ve chosen to stay there. Alice was, after all, a realist—she tried to protect herself from dangerous situations."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I first thought Wonderland was a dream, and that drove my attitude. But now with everyone against me, I doubt I could even fake that attitude.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Without any attachments or friendship, she might have just passed Hatter Mansion and kept going. Thinking that, she let out a sardonic laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Maybe I wished for something different.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe somewhere in Alice’s heart, she’d wanted to build a different relationship with the people of Wonderland—something distinct from what she’d had in the Countries of Hearts and Clover. She knew worrying about it wouldn’t help, but the thought kept whirling around and around in her mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like the spinning hands of a clock. She shook her head to clear it and rose from the bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d already decided to take Jericho up on his invitation and go to the art museum during the next time period. She guessed a Hatter guard or two would probably follow her there, since they still didn’t seem to really trust her. Their organization was still building its forces and clearly hated taking chances."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The downside of being a young, female Outsider around insecure mobsters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wanted a change of pace, so she left her room and ducked outside for a walk within the mansion grounds. As usual, she cut through the other Faceless wandering around, their eyes burning holes in her back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good evening~,” one of them called, his voice careful. “Out for a walk~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good evening,” Alice replied politely. “Are you guys on patrol?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, night patrol~. It’s such a pain, huh~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s hard to find intruders when they use the cover of night~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew they were under pressure to watch her, so she couldn’t exactly blame them…but she wanted some space. Alice made for a place she knew would be more-or-less deserted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she traveled deeper into the mansion’s outdoor grounds, the weeds grew thicker under her feet; she tried not to trip on them. A bird hooted somewhere nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was that an owl? Alice followed the sound to the trees, curiosity compelling her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the shadow of a tree, she saw a human shape that didn’t look like a Hatter Faceless. The dappled moonlight played on his white suit jacket."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She squinted; the person vanished into the trees."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Had that been him? She followed the shadow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She figured that if this place were forbidden to her, someone would’ve tried to stop her—like earlier. But no one had said a thing. She took a breath and ducked under an overhanging branch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she followed the white shadow deeper into the deserted area, Alice started to hatch a theory about where Blood might go. She didn’t know if the secret rose garden existed in Diamonds or not, but that place only admitted the few people who knew of it. Even Elliot had never been in the place. Blood had always saved it for himself, his sister…and Alice, whom he’d invited on a whim."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hiked through the woodsy grounds, but couldn’t catch sight of Blood’s trail. She wrinkled her nose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was sure it was this way…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe it was her own fault for letting him disappear. She glanced right and left, ignoring her feet until they suddenly rammed into something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By the time she realized that someone had tripped her, she was spilling toward the ground. A rock-hard hand gripped her arm, yanked her up, and shoved her against a tree."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-Blood, what are you—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood abruptly pinned her wrists above her head. His other hand shoved his cane against her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Didn’t anybody tell you this area is off-limits?” he hissed. “I stayed quiet and followed you, and I was thrilled to have finally uncovered your assassination plot…but here you are, unarmed as usual.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice choked. “Assassination plot? I don’t know what you’re talking about!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Decent ladies don’t chase men in the dark.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“N-no, I was just…” She tried to swallow against the rod rammed up under her chin. “Whatever I did, I don’t deserve this!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe he wasn’t as bad as Elliot, but Blood in the Country of Diamonds wasn’t a patient man. She stared at him, imploring him to at least lower the weapon, but he only gave her a short, nasal laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If this is your idea of a come-on, you should try whatever you used to seduce the Gravekeeper on me. That sounds more fun.” His lips curled. “But not in the woods. I like my women in my room.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The cane dragged from her throat and started to trace the line of her body over her clothes. She felt less sexually threatened and more in danger of him killing her as he whispered in her ear, “Or maybe you like this kind of action.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His low voice sent ice down her spine. This man acted on whims. That could make him do anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She cringed from the lips in her ear. “Stop it!” she cried. “I only thought you were going to the secret garden!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood went silent as death."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He pulled back, his hand still gripping her wrists. Any expression on his face had disappeared, but something severe shone in his blue-green eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That gaze pierced through Alice’s body and cut into her heart. She was terrified that she’d said too much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood had told her how he’d kept his garden secret—he’d murdered the builders outside the mansion grounds, then created a hard and fast rule that no one was to enter the area without his permission. The only people who knew it existed were the only people allowed in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Blood in the Country of Diamonds had never told her about the garden."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She could barely breathe as he stared at her with murder in his eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You,” he said, his voice razor-sharp and very, very cold. “What do you know?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice tried to calm her pounding heart. Blood wouldn’t kill her yet. If she had information that he wanted, that had to come first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She stared, morbidly fascinated, at the man who loomed over her. She didn’t know why she did that, when he could kill her right then and there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His eyes, violent and disturbed, sparkled in the night gloom. He was interested in her. And in the intensity of that gaze, something deep in her chest clamored for her attention."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn’t fear. Alice chewed on her lip as that sensation throbbed in her heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’s happening to me? she thought in a panic. Am I crazy? He thinks I’m an enemy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was it that she’d become far too familiar with the insanity of Wonderland? She honestly didn’t know. After a moment of thought, the words came smoother than expected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you want to know something,” she told him, “then do your research. Or is it too hard for a Mafia boss to investigate one little Outsider girl…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew it was provocative. But she didn’t want to be the only one trembling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt locked in a staring match as the silence dragged on. But the bitter cold between them finally drained away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He released her wrists and took a breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still sensed animosity as she slowly lowered her hands. But the threat in his voice had blurred together with an emotion she hadn’t seen in him before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I guess that’s true,” he murmured. “I see the value in investigating you. I’ll expose whatever truths you’re hiding.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…look forward to what you find out.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The words that tumbled out of her taunted him, but she was still confused about her own feelings. This wouldn’t have worked on the old Blood. He would’ve never risen to such a cheap provocation from a teenage girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it had worked. And Alice had an idea of what was coming next."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The question was, if it went as Alice thought, would she be happy or sad about it? What did these two Bloods have in common? How were they different? Her feelings toward them were so complicated she couldn’t explain it if she tried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to the secret garden whenever you like,” the old Blood had said. “My word is law here, and I say you can visit anytime the mood strikes you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The secret rose garden at night. She’d managed to gain access to his hard-won sanctuary…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But this place wasn’t his. It belonged to a different Blood Dupre."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0008.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 4: At the Museum"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 4:At the Museum"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice took another step down the street, letting out a long breath. Her shoes tapped on the concrete."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here we go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With the exception of the Survey Meeting, this was the first time she’d left Hatter territory. Supposedly Diamonds was more violent than the countries of Hearts and Clover; fortunately, she hadn’t run into any serious trouble. Yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew a graveyard and a museum lay in the territory of the Gravekeeper, but had no idea where to find Jericho himself. She flagged down two men walking nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, excuse me. I-I came to see the leader?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She couldn’t decide whether to call him the Gravekeeper or the museum curator, so she stuck to vague language. One of the men seemed to understand her, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Someone from outside the territory has come to see Jericho? That’s unusual.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I saw him headed toward the graveyard a little while ago,” the other man said. “So he’s probably still there. Just head straight down this road.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The first man frowned. “But it’s probably not worth going,” he warned. “Jericho’s a busy man, y’know? Nobody ever really knows where he goes or when he leaves.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In the graveyard,” Alice repeated. “Okay. Thank you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She continued on with mixed feelings. For a moment she thought of waiting for him at the museum, but if he was that busy—and it made sense, if he had three huge responsibilities—they could easily miss each other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As she headed down the street toward the graveyard, the Faceless around her thinned out. She saw several men who had stopped to have a chat a little farther down the road. Most of them wore suits, but one of them carried a shovel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice approached, the man with the shovel turned to her. He blinked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh! It’s you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice stopped. “Huh? Have we met before?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d never been in this territory before; how could someone know her? Had he seen her during the Survey Meeting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I heard that, um, the Gravekeeper Jericho might be at the graveyard… Is he still there?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man stared at her in surprise. His stern face had opened in confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice didn’t know what the problem was. “Like I said—someone said he went this way, so I was wondering if Jericho was here. If he’s too busy, I can come back later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Heh. Heh heh.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The group of men tried to suppress their chuckles and failed. When she just stared at them expectantly, they burst into raucous laughter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man with the shovel seemed the most amused. He held his stomach in a loud belly laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ha ha ha ha! I’m impressed!” he boomed. “That’s the first time anyone’s said that to my face!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss,” one of the other men said, flicking an almost sympathetic look at Alice. “You shouldn’t say that to the poor girl!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re right. I can’t blame her when she isn’t used to it… Ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice scowled, not sure if they were making fun of her. The man with the shovel eventually wiped his eyes and leaned closer to her, grinning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You really don’t recognize me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Recognize you from… Huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He closed his handsome face into a familiar, calm expression, and Alice suddenly noticed the scars. The scars that usually melted from people in Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice gasped. “Wait… Are you Jericho?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked completely different. His suit and glasses were gone, replaced with rough outdoor clothes, heavy workman’s boots, and a pair of goggles hanging around his neck. She noticed a bird pin attached to his jacket…was that the same one he’d worn during the Survey Meeting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho stroked his jaw and flashed a wry smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sorry I laughed at you. But I expected you to recognize me from this close.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, I should be the one to apologize! The atmosphere here is so different, I didn’t realize it was you…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No harm done. This is what the Gravekeeper wears when he does his job.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was embarrassed, but the man seemed completely at ease. Just as warm as when she’d first met him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled back, feeling reeled in. She slowly drew the ticket from her pocket."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks for the priority ticket. I was hoping you could show me the art museum.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that right? I’m sorry… After coming all the way to my territory, you’ve had to take the long way around.” Jericho shook his head; the men behind him started to speak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t worry, Boss—we can handle things here. Take the young lady where she wants to go.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We can make the rounds ourselves. Besides, isn’t it on your schedule to return to the museum about now?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To emphasize their arguments, they all gave him farewell waves. Jericho smiled weakly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then I’ll leave it to you guys. Contact me if there are any problems.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Got it. Bye, Boss!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tried to say something, but the men quickly shuffled away. She looked up at Jericho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you sure about this? I only came here to thank you—I didn’t mean to interfere.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You heard them—it’s about time I returned to the museum, anyway.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice admired his casual kindness. After so much time with the restless Diamonds Hatters, Jericho’s mature attitude was refreshing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay. Um, thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho didn’t take her hand; he just walked a few steps in front of her, turned, and smiled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Let’s go.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They arrived at the museum in no time. Unfortu-nately, a huge crowd had lined up at the turnstiles. As she gripped her ticket and prepared for the wait, she looked up at Jericho."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And froze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed completely different again. If she hadn’t just been talking to him, she would’ve assumed this was a different man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He answered her unasked question. “We’ve changed venues. I have to dress accordingly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d worn a black suit for the Survey Meeting and blue-collar work clothes as the Gravekeeper—now, as the museum’s curator, the only thing his outfit shared with those two was the opening at the chest. He wore an unimposing, light brown coat and pants, his delicate spectacles resting on his nose once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Other than the scars, he looked like a scholar. Fitting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He smiled. “You’ll get used to me soon enough. Now come over here—I’ll guide you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice frowned. “I’d feel bad cutting in line.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho laughed. “That’s what a priority ticket is for!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He beckoned her to join him. They walked alongside the line, she handed her ticket over at the turnstile, and they squeezed into the packed museum."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice paused in the front room, her eyes widening. Other attendees bustled past her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The paintings on the walls were alive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Painted elks ran through fields of swaying grass, fish splashed in two-dimensional streams. A bird swooped out of a painting and flapped through the room, causing a few children nearby to clap their hands in delight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This…this is amazing,” Alice breathed. “What is all this? How is it happening?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If I told you the trick, it wouldn’t be interesting to you anymore. Besides—we’re only getting started.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice felt like she’d stepped into another dimension. It wasn’t just that animals could leap out of their picture frames—the pictures lit up, featured shifting clouds, flickered with geometric patterns. Alice found herself squinting at the red glow emanating from the painting of a sunset. The beauty moved her. She knew it had to be some sort of illusion, but it still gripped her and wouldn’t let go."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A rabbit jumped out of a painting and bounced past Alice. She watched it run, dumbfounded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mommy!” some kid shouted as she pointed at it. “It’s a bunny rabbit! Let’s catch it together!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Whoa!” someone else cried. “Did a flying squirrel just jump up there?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice rubbed her eyes. “I still want to know the trick behind it,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho gave a wry smile. “You came all the way here—take your time and enjoy the exhibits. You can have all the explanations you want later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you. But do you really have time to be my guide? You seem so busy…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Skipping the line with her priority ticket had been enough of a blessing. She didn’t want to monopolize the time of the most important man in the museum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Jericho pursed his lips. “No, I’ll stay. Right now, I’m more concerned…about you than anything else that may come up.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Me? Why are you concerned about me?” She and Jericho had hardly spoken; she wondered what might make him worry about her. She glanced in a nearby mirror to confirm that she didn’t look sick or anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s reflection loomed behind hers. He gazed through his glasses at Alice’s reflection in the mirror."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t look satisfied,” he said evenly. “Something’s wrong.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s not that…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is that. And it concerns me.” His eyes were unreadable. “Did something happen to you in Hatter Mansion?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nothing specific.” Alice’s lips moved as if she were talking to herself in the mirror. She pushed her shoulders back, feeling a rare opportunity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Jericho…I’ve just been wondering. Why did the move bring me to the Country of Diamonds? Why here? I can’t get the question out of my mind.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d never been able to say those words to anyone in Hatter Mansion. Jericho raised his eyebrows in response."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then…before you came here, you were in another country?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice nodded. “But if I say more, it’ll only be complaints. You don’t want to hear that.” Alice didn’t like subjecting others to her grousing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The curator in the mirror puffed out a breath. “I don’t mind. And I don’t know what you’ve heard, but…I’m living on dead time.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice remembered a similar comment from Blood. “Dead time?” she repeated. “What does that mean? You’re alive!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The people of Wonderland were living embodiments of time. It was why when one person vanished, another quickly came in to take his place. Everyone in Wonderland said the same thing: We’re replaceable. Life and death are cheap."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But this was the first time someone had said he was already dead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho stood there for a long moment, a fragile smile on his face. Then he tapped his chest…maybe referencing the clock inside."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry about it,” he said quietly. “This is the Gravekeeper’s territory—I take care of the graves, both below and above.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still didn’t understand the “already dead” thing, but it didn’t sound like Jericho would elaborate. And she was pretty desperate to talk to someone about her situation, so if he was offering…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I first came to the Country of Hearts,” she explained. “I stayed in Heart Castle as a maid, sorta. Then I moved into the Country of Clover. I knew there was infighting between the different territories, but I still visited a lot of the other ones—including Hatter Mansion.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice talked, Jericho listened quietly. She cleared her throat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I came to Diamonds, I went to Hatter Mansion again. And the same people live there, but…they don’t recognize me anymore. And little by little, I’ve realized that I never existed in this place before.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Same people?” Jericho repeated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice ran her finger down the mirror. It left an oily mark from her skin, which quickly vanished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I knew Blood, Elliot, Dee, and Dum in Hearts and Clover. And even if they didn’t recognize me, I figured it was safer to stay somewhere I knew. But now that I’ve been there awhile…I’m not sure that impulse decision was a good one. I feel a little stuck now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If she’d gone to other territories and investigated them instead, or even if she’d been honest about where she’d come from the first time she re-met Blood, maybe things would’ve gone differently. Maybe they would’ve gone better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew what-ifs wouldn’t help her, but she couldn’t get them out of her head. Did she regret her decision? Something squeezed in her chest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This place may be a ‘past’ version of the countries I lived in,” she offered. “Maybe not a pure version of the past, but some kind of earlier version. Maybe that’s why the people of the Country of Diamonds aren’t the people I know. I realize that, and still…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was hard to think of everyone in Hatter Mansion as the people she once knew. They were so different now. Even if the twins hadn’t changed much deep down, they spent all their time as adults. She couldn’t get used to Elliot glaring at her in suspicion. And the way Blood treated her…that was a whole issue in itself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How were you involved with the Hatters and the people in other countries?” Jericho suddenly asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They were all friends of mine. At least, I’d like to think so. And that didn’t change in the move from Hearts to Clover.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She conjured up memories that made her heart ache. The twins getting her tangled up in their dangerous pastimes, sometimes bringing along Boris—who they considered a friend—for fun. Or running around with Gowland and Pierce, or visiting an amusement park that didn’t exist in this country…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot had pointed a gun at her when they’d first met, too. But he’d swiftly dropped that animosity and treated her to his weird carrot cooking. She and Elliot had been friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wasn’t sure how long she stood there, but Jericho opened his mouth to break the silence. “Then you got along well with the Mad Hatter himself?” he clarified."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. We were really…close.” She flashed back to his secret rose garden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s eyes widened. “Really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was a little surprised we became friends, too. He seemed like a difficult guy. But we’re both big readers, so we connected over that—he’d recommend books and lend them to me. If I went to the mansion, he would pretty much always invite me to a tea party… Oh, and if it was a nighttime period, he’d give me a guided tour of Hatter Mansion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d often asked Blood if he should be so attentive to a wandering Outsider not attached to his territories. But Blood answered her every time with a smile playing on his lips:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s just a whim. And if you spilled my secrets, it would only lead to different fun.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The way he said it always sent a chill down her spine. He was a nasty man, and she wasn’t stupid enough to test him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Back in her old world, she never would’ve gotten involved with a Mafia boss…but she’d been bold when she’d thought Wonderland was a dream. She’d visited him over and over. And his special treatment surprised her, especially with the secret rose garden. He’d accepted her, right? Even if he was so guarded about his feelings?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That Blood accepted me, anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She tried to remind herself that it had taken a long time to foster her relationships in Hearts and Clover. She hadn’t been in Diamonds long, so it made sense that she was still struggling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sighed. “It’s not like I want to get that close to the Blood in Diamonds. He’s similar here, but not the same person. And so much of our first relationship was based on lucky circumstances—I doubt I’ll have a repeat of that stuff.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then what relationship do you want with him now?” Jericho asked softly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment, Alice said nothing. She’d been asking herself the same question for a long time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…don’t know,” she answered at last. “But I get the feeling that we don’t know enough about each other, even though we’re under the same roof—and that’s a problem. I’d like to at least get to know Blood of the Country of Diamonds.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d stopped longing constantly for Hearts and Clover. She was ready to dig into Diamonds—and she had a burning desire to re-learn these people she once knew."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho suddenly chuckled. She furrowed her brow at him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry, sorry. I wasn’t making fun of you. I just think you’re the one person who could pull that off.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She eyed him suspiciously. “Hard to believe that when you’re laughing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man’s face, reflected in the mirror, swiveled around. When Alice turned from the mirror to look up at him, he rested his large hand on her head and mussed her hair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I mean it. I don’t know the Mad Hatter very well myself, but I figured you’d be okay under his care. Otherwise I would’ve invited you to live with me.” He flashed a warm smile. “Although I’m starting to regret that I didn’t offer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice paused at that. “Okay under his care?” she repeated at last. “But I told you—I had a relationship with a different Blood.” The imperturbable, dominating Blood of Hearts and Clover. The mature Mafia boss."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Diamonds Blood wasn’t nearly that secure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But aren’t both Mad Hatters the same at heart? I wonder if it’s something to get so upset about.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This Blood doesn’t take me seriously. I’m not sure I can be friends with him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But you made friends with the Mad Hatters of the other countries.” He waved a hand. “You’ll be fine—we’re all connected to our other selves. The location, what comes before or after… None of those things make much difference.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Confused, Alice ran her fingers through her hair to comb it back. But the museum curator just let out a final, clear laugh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Maybe the Mad Hatter you knew was the type to twist you around his little finger,” he pointed out. “But the Hatter here is still young. You should try to turn the tables on him.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How was she supposed to turn the tables on a man that dangerous? He’d already accused her of being an assassin just for following him into a garden!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Arguments bubbled up her throat, but they died when she looked into Jericho’s face. She closed her mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His words were the first real help she’d been offered in Diamonds. She didn’t want to just throw that out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So she slowly nodded, wondering if she could take his advice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After returning from the art museum, Alice went back to her room to prepare for work. The library maid appeared almost immediately, as if sensing Alice’s presence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Orders from the boss~,” she said. “He wanted you to visit his room as soon as you were back~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But I’m supposed to start work—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Boss made it clear that this comes first~. Please go to the boss’s room, okay~?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice grimaced. She wasn’t a Hatter, so she didn’t technically need to listen to him…but it would be stupid to ignore an egotistical mobster who had cornered her with a crony. She didn’t want grudges later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice gave a reluctant nod. “Blood first, then straight to work. Do you mind starting without me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not at all~. See you soon~!” The maid bowed and breezed out, cool as you please."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When Alice arrived at Blood’s room, she saw the usual Faceless guards standing outside the doors. She took a breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I heard that Blood called for me. Can I go in?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, it’s you~.” One of the guards casually knocked on the door. “Boss, she’s here~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Send her in.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The two guards stood aside. Alice pushed through the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sat behind his desk, seemingly buried in more paperwork. He didn’t even look up when she walked in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did you enjoy the art museum?” he asked coolly. “Did the Gravekeeper allow any information to slip?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice scowled. “If you wanted a spy, you shouldn’t have sent a librarian.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His lips curled at the snub. “Then you’re not interested in changing jobs. Too bad—I’d be happy to make you an intelligence officer.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It doesn’t look like you have time to jerk me around right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood finally dropped the papers in his hands and sighed. His lifted his blue-green gaze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m busy—our organization is new. Anyway, have a seat. Some rare tea just came in, so I thought I’d forgo the sweets and listen to your stories of the museum instead.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh…I didn’t see anything that special.” Although not strictly true, considering the paintings were magic, she assumed Blood already knew that about his enemy’s territory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice shot him a suspicious look, but she could tell he wasn’t going to let her go until they’d gone over what he was interested in. She lowered herself onto the red sofa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood grabbed a bell and rang it once; a maid appeared in the room seconds later."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You rang~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d like tea. The leaves should be… Hm. What would be best?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then he hadn’t actually decided on the tea. Seeing Blood rest his chin on his hands in thought, Alice cut in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Maybe you wouldn’t mind if I chose the tea?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh ho? You?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah. If my conversation’s taking the place of sweets, then I would know what kind of tea goes best with it, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood seemed to enjoy her longshot reasoning. He gestured to the maid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Bring several different blends. If the young lady wants to choose the tea for my tea party, then I want to watch.” He let a chuckle slip, but he didn’t seem to have time to say anything else; he dropped his eyes back to his papers as the maid made her exit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Hatter syndicate is young, she thought, a rehash of his earlier words. No wonder he was overloaded. She sat in silence as he worked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few minutes later, the maid carried in a tray covered with an assortment of teas. The different cans and bottles were arrayed like the contents of a treasure chest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry to keep you waiting~. Which one will you have~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice poked through the cans. “If you have a preference,” she called to Blood, “now’s the time to say it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m just looking forward to what you choose.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ever since staying in Heart Castle, Alice had been influenced by Vivaldi and Blood’s interest in tea. She considered herself something of an expert. But the wide selection that stared up at her from that tray was daunting enough to make her hesitate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She saw classic Darjeeling, Assam, Uva…along with herb teas and what she guessed were original blends. It took her a while just to go over the brands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And she was…worried that Diamonds Blood was just as picky as Hearts/Clover Blood. He probably didn’t have a lot of tea parties here, based on the wasted condition of his garden, and the fact that good leaves were probably hard to come by with all the strife in the country. She guessed that this high-quality tea was his personal collection."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She eventually narrowed her choice to two options. But when she glanced up, Blood’s face was still tilted down, his hand quickly scratching out some notes with a pen. He didn’t so much as peek at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The guy never seemed stressed from all his work, even if he was obviously overloaded. If he knew how much Alice considered his feelings in picking the tea, it might leave a bad taste in his mouth. He was a proud man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she did consider him—silently—as she compared the two cans in her hands. She eventually handed one to the maid and returned the other to the tray."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Could you brew this up, please?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This~?” the maid asked, staring at an unopened herbal tea. “Are you sure this is the one you want~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The maid carried out the overflowing tray, Alice’s chosen can resting on top. Alice’s lips curled into a small smile as she watched the maid leave the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course the maid would doubt her decision—Alice had chosen a relatively common tea that she could probably buy at a normal store. But Alice had special memories tied up in that brand…so it was important to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s good for a relaxing drink after work, she thought. The old Blood said it was one of his favorite herbals."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That Blood had never looked tired, but he’d recommend the tea to her when she was exhausted with everything at Heart Castle. “I’ll bet you want something calming,” he’d say as he brought out two cups."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled, enjoying the bit of nostalgia. But then she frowned, since that hadn’t been so long ago that it warranted nostalgia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wondered what would happen if she mentioned those memories to Blood. He’d probably make a weird face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry to keep you waiting~,” the maid called as she reappeared, her tray now bearing a teapot and two cups."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood finally looked up from his work. His eyes followed the maid’s hands as she poured the tea with practiced ease."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The steaming, amber-colored liquid released a refreshing fragrance into the room. The smell alone had a healing effect on Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood seemed to feel the same. He stood from his desk and headed for the sofa opposite her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Herbal tea?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. Smells nice, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t say I dislike the smell.” The maid left the room as Blood lifted a teacup and inhaled deeply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice picked up her own cup and took a sip. The warm, soothing liquid rolled over her tongue, flashing her back to the last time she’d had it. Her face relaxed unconsciously. “Delicious,” she murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Agreed—it’s a favorite of mine among the herbals. I’d used all mine up; a new supply only came in last period.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh yeah?” she asked politely. “I love the smell, and it’s so easy to drink.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood had requested conversation over the tea, but he seemed to have forgotten that. He just slowly sipped, which made Alice follow suit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He finally returned both the cup and saucer to the tray. He folded his hands together and fixed his eyes on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She didn’t sense harassment or hostility in his gaze—but he did seem restless. Like he was searching for something. She waited, but he didn’t say anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, Alice broke the eye contact. She stood from her sofa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I should be getting to work,” she murmured. “And you’re obviously busy here—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How do you know so much about me, young lady?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The ice in his voice sucked the warmth out of the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-huh?” Alice blurted. The question was so sudden that she didn’t know how to answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man flicked his teacup. The ceramic cup clacked loudly as it jostled on its saucer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You acted like we were friends from the very first moment we met,” he said darkly. “The first time I called you to this room, you didn’t ask anyone for directions. You put all my books exactly where they should be. And now you choose a tea you know I’d like.” His eyes narrowed. “These aren’t things you could’ve learned from asking other people about me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. She tried a weak laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re overthinking this,” she offered. “I knew your first name, so I called you that by accident. I heard the location of your room from the maids, and of course I’m good with books considering my day job now. The tea was…a lucky guess.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That clearly wasn’t good enough for the head of the Hatter Family. The corners of his mouth curved up as he rose from the sofa."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you seriously think I would buy that, then I’m insulted you think so little of me. Coincidence is when something happens once, young lady. Three times points to fate. Or do miracles like that happen all the time where you come from?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“After I told you to come to my room, I confirmed with my employees that you never asked for directions. If there’s a coincidence that would allow you to traverse this huge mansion in a beeline for my room without a single wrong turn, I’d love to hear about it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She couldn’t answer that one. At the time, she’d figured the head boss wouldn’t change rooms on a whim, so she’d just walked to the same room she was used to in Hearts and Clover. That had clearly been a mistake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You choosing this tea is the last straw. Not even Elliot knows how much I like it. So let’s change the question a bit, young lady.” He leaned closer to her. “Were you somehow involved with a different version of myself?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was shocked at how certain he sounded. She could only nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And to be honest, she probably had underestimated Blood of the Country of Diamonds—she never would’ve dreamed he’d see through so much. Maybe he seemed younger than the one she’d known, but Blood Dupre was still Blood Dupre."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s not worth hiding the facts now. She took a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re right,” she said quietly. “I’ve met you before—well, I met the Blood Dupre of the Countries of Hearts and Clover.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You met him?” Blood asked softly. “It sounds like you did more than that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We were…friends. That’s all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She went on to repeat a lot of what she’d told Jericho in the museum—what the Hatters and the other territories were like in the other countries, and what kind of relationship she had with them. When she was finished, Blood finally crossed his arms and stared down at her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So that’s how you knew about my private rose garden. A version of me in a different country invited you into it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It didn’t happen right away…but yeah, he let me in there more than once.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Red roses and green vines; a man in a white suit and a beautiful woman in a red dress. Alice couldn’t forget that precious memory if she tried. It was a rose-rimmed world that perfectly suited the brother and sister. Just recalling it seemed to bathe her in the lush fragrance of the flowers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s voice cut through her thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who else knows that you were involved with me in a different country?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She paused at that. “I discussed it at the museum with Jericho,” she admitted. “If I talked to anyone else about it, they just heard it as random complaints.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood puffed out a breath at her answer. “The Gravekeeper?” he muttered. “If your story is true, why did you tell him first? You claim you didn’t know him before this country.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s because I’ve never met him before that he’s easier to talk to.” She didn’t add the mundane point that Jericho’s calm demeanor and the odd atmosphere of the museum had all encouraged her to open up to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it seemed that Blood didn’t allow for the mundane."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see,” he said ominously. “It seems that you’re good at getting under people’s skin, young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s face distorted. “I wasn’t trying to get under anyone’s skin,” she snapped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But you did. First that other Blood Dupre, then me, then you moved on to the Gravekeeper. I don’t approve of your tastes.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s jaw dropped. “Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Mafia boss didn’t back off. In fact, his smile only grew colder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s the appeal of a man who’s already dead?” he spat. “You’re even stranger than I thought you were.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Will you stop saying that? Jericho is a living, breathing person.” She scowled. “And I like to talk to different people with different opinions. He’s not like the Blood I know from other countries. And neither are you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe Blood didn’t believe her; he only glared. Alice was already irritated, but his hostile gaze spoke volumes about how pointless the conversation had become."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we’re done talking,” she said through her teeth, “then I should get back to work.” She slapped the table louder than she needed to as she rose to her feet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She marched to the door without looking back. As she reached for the knob, his voice rang through the room behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The next Survey Meeting is coming up.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you plan on any more trysts with the Gravekeeper, I suggest you keep a low profile. If someone like Elliot saw you, it could turn into a noisy problem.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks for the warning,” she snarled, ripping the door open."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Alice stomped out of the room, the guards on either side of the door flashed her curious looks. Alice ignored them and stormed down the hallway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood is such an idiot!” she hissed to herself. “Why does he always say garbage like that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Every recollection of his words put her more and more on edge. It felt like she’d caught that disease from the Red Queen, even though Vivaldi wasn’t around to infect her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood of the other countries had always used sexual harassment or provocative words to rile her up. He’d shoot things off in a fake malevolent voice. She couldn’t count the number of times he’d used sarcasm to avoid getting to the point."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d never irritated her as badly as this. She was a fool for assuming he was a straight talker—she should have answered him with banter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But if that were true, then why was she suddenly so angry? She didn’t know, and that uncertainty frayed her nerves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She swiftly climbed the steps. When she finally stepped into the reference library, Alice stopped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her balance wavered as the inside of her head went numb. A sudden dizziness made her knees wobble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She automatically stuck her hand out to steady herself. If the wall hadn’t been there, she surely would’ve crumpled to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She furrowed her brow. “I’ve felt dizzy like this before,” she breathed to herself. “When Blood first threw me in a cell when I got to Diamonds. But it’s happened a few other times, too, hasn’t it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The intensity of the dizziness had varied, though. Sometimes she just steadied herself against a table, other times she was ready to faint."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Was she just so mad that her blood pressure had spiked? But with the way she’d left Blood’s room, there was no way she was going to tell him she couldn’t work because she felt sick."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s just the blood rushing to my head, she told herself. It’ll pass if I just calm down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed bile and shakily got to work."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0009.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 5: A Fog of Gun Smoke"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 5:A Fog of Gun Smoke"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice cut the binding around a pile of books in the reference library. “That should do it,” she called to the maid. “I think this is the last bundle.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right~! All the rest go to the incinerator, so if we just throw these in the vault, we should be all set~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smiled. “Good work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice hadn’t expected to get so much exercise in the reference library, but a lot of her job boiled down to manual labor, considering all the books she had to lug around in her organization process. When adding a category, she often had to reshelf the entire collection."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now she had to archive unneeded research publications. She tapped a fist on the pile in front of her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve never been to the vault. Where is it? I don’t have anything to do after this, so I’ll take them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh~? You’ll take them yourself~? You’ll spoil me~!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is a small batch. Just tell me where to go.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the maid gave her directions, Alice clutched the books to her chest and left the library. She passed other mobsters in the hallway, but thankfully, none of them threw her suspicious glances."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d expected a worse attitude from everyone after her argument with Blood, but nothing seemed to have changed. Even Elliot and the twins acted normally. If they’d heard that Alice had been friends with their other-country versions, they didn’t let on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood probably didn’t tell anyone what I said. She didn’t know why he hadn’t, but even now, when she thought back on their conversation, an unspeakable frustration welled up in her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The weird dizziness had passed, thankfully. She didn’t know if her irritation with Blood or simple exhaustion had caused it, but she figured the various stresses had combined to take their toll on her health."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still clutching the books, she walked into a section of the outdoor mansion grounds she didn’t normally visit. It was even more choked with weeds than the garden. As she walked the overgrown path, a sudden roar made her jump."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Voices—lots of voices—rolled through the air from nearby. It sounded like a frenzied mob."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t expect fighting, since the Survey Meetings were still going on. But when gunfire suddenly exploded elsewhere, her blood turned to ice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There had been attacks on the main gate before, but now Alice stood right beside the mansion itself. She’d never heard of an attack this far into the grounds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She needed a place to hide. She ran for the vault, hoping she’d find something to duck behind there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she finally arrived at the vault, she dropped the burden of her books to the ground and tried to catch her breath. She ducked down into the shadow of the vault and tried to keep as still as she could."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A moment later, footsteps crunched on the ground. “Who could that be?” someone murmured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She expected it to either be one of the attackers, or someone from the mansion trying to head the enemy off. Alice poked her head out slightly to get a better look."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was shocked to see that it was Blood. He gripped his gun in one hand, his gait surprisingly casual as his eyes roamed around the area."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had no idea what he was looking for, but decided against calling out. She ducked back into the shadows just as Blood stiffened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He narrowed his eyes and re-gripped his gun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Got you, Hatter! You’re dead!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Men from all directions ran into Alice’s line of sight, their guns trained on Blood. He was massively outgunned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood didn’t say a word. He just whipped up his weapon and fired a volley of bullets in a circle around him, creating a domino effect of falling, screaming men."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice smelled the sharp stink of iron and smoke that she’d never gotten used to. By the time the air cleared, the fight was over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Enemy blood splatters stained Blood’s white clothes. Clearly unharmed, he rubbed a red drop from his cheek and dropped his eyes to the gun in his hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t said more than a few words to him since their argument, but she still didn’t want to see him get hurt or anything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When no more enemies entered the clearing, Blood shifted his gun back into its cane form. Unfortunately, the sound of gunfire in the distance hadn’t lessened in the slightest—which meant the attack on the mansion was still underway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When he started to walk again, Alice stood up from her hiding place in the shadow of the vault."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as she was about to run after him, she froze."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The barrel of a gun peeked through a hole in a thicket, aimed at Blood’s back. Almost uncannily like the first time she’d been shot at in Hatter Mansion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s Blood, so he probably noticed? Although…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She flashed back to a moment in Clover—when some troops waiting in ambush tried to attack Blood during the Assembly. Blood hadn’t even used his gun—he’d just beaten them off with his cane, complaining that he was bored with “incompetent assassins.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that Blood, who spat insults at men who had tried to kill him, wasn’t the man in the blood-spattered coat who walked away from her now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her usual assumption that he’d want her to protect herself flew out of her mind. She was afraid he didn’t see the hidden gun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood!” she cried, leaping out of the shadows. “Watch out!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He whipped towards her, clearly stunned. But then his face darkened as he threw out an arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you have a death wish?!” he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A heavy shot rang out behind her. Something burned across the flesh of her left arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rrgh!” Rather than change his cane again, Blood tore a gun from his breast pocket and fired past Alice’s shoulder. Alice heard a thump and a moan behind her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice dizzily stepped back as Blood ran at her. Her gripped her left arm, which she realized, belatedly, had been shot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He pressed his hand over the blood welling up on her skin. “You’re wounded,” he said quickly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood, um…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do me a favor and shut up!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed, her mind too cloudy to argue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was…yelling at her. And clearly frustrated. Her face fell despite her attempts to stop it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think this is the first time Blood’s ever yelled at me, she thought dumbly. The old Blood wasn’t the…yelling type."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And judging from his reaction, he had sensed the gunman and was trying to lure him out or something. She suddenly felt very stupid for jumping out into the open and getting herself hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her shoulders slumped, but he didn’t seem to notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Can you move your fingers?” he suddenly asked. “There isn’t much blood, but I want to check for nerve damage.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh…” Alice moved her fingers as ordered, then twisted her face at the stab of resonating pain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Blood breathed a sigh of relief. “If it hurts,” he said, “that’s proof the nerves are still working.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I guess that makes sense…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the shock slowly sloughed off her, she felt tears build up in her eyes. She tried to blink them away as the rumble of feet rolled in from nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She turned to see a group of the Hatter mobsters, all dressed in their white suits, run up behind her. Elliot waved his gun at their leader."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood!” he shouted. “Where’s the rest of them?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I cleared the area. How did you do?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We pushed ’em all out~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We gave them a pretty thorough beating~. They won’t be back again for a long time~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see.” Blood looked from his men, to Alice, back to his men again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice wasn’t sure Elliot even noticed her. He nodded at Blood, clearly impressed. “Nice! You offered them an opening and lured them into the mansion so we could take ’em down. I was so fed up with their crap—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Elliot, you handle the clean-up. I have other business.” Blood gripped the hand on Alice’s good arm. “Come, young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? But Blood…” Elliot’s bursting pride slowly drained from his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice groaned involuntarily as Blood dragged her to her feet, but she had no time to object or resist. Her mind spun from the throbbing pain in her arm. She lost all track of what he was saying."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot’s ears twitched curiously. “Hey, Blood! What’s that woman—hggh!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One blow from Blood’s cane sent Elliot crumpling to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Out of my way,” Blood snapped. “I just told you to clean up. Do it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood pulled Alice past his fallen second-in-command and back toward the mansion. Once inside, Alice was surprised to see them headed for his room. She stumbled behind him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He finally dragged her to his sofas and released her. “Sit down,” he ordered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, um…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Young lady?” In response, Blood mimed how he’d just beaten Elliot with his cane."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice shrank back from the threat and dropped onto the sofa. “I-if you insist.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood fetched a small box from somewhere. His face tight with annoyance, he tossed aside his jacket and hat and sat next to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-what are you doing?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“First aid. What does it look like?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He flipped open the box. Alice’s eyes fell on a white bandage and a small bottle filled with medicine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“R-right,” she breathed. “Then you’ll just patch me up?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He tugged off his gloves. And then Blood Dupre, head of the Hatter Family, feared Mafia boss of the Country of Diamonds, gently applied first aid to the Outsider on his couch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice stared fixedly at his profile, not sure this was really happening. He leaned over her wound as he cleaned it. His blue-green eyes locked on his work as a bothered sigh leaked from his lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh my God."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…You look like you want to say something,” he said thinly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “I just…didn’t expect you to do something like this for me. Don’t you think helping other people is pointless?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Confronted by the same words he’d used when Alice had saved his maid, Blood’s mouth snapped shut."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice had jumped out from her hiding place of her own free will. It wasn’t Blood’s fault she was shot. And considering what Elliot had said, she’d gotten in the way of some plan that had been doing fine without her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Blood didn’t answer Alice’s comment. He didn’t even seem annoyed that she’d blundered into his plan. He just softly ran his bare fingers over Alice’s blood-smeared arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I need to use the disinfectant,” he murmured. “This will sting a little.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay… Ow!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice clenched her teeth, swallowing a hiss as her injury burned. Blood reduced his pressure on the wound."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After washing the dirt and blood away, he wiped her down with clean gauze. Maybe it was because he was good at this, or because he’d lightened his touch, but the pain started to drain away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The atmosphere around them felt very different from the last time she’d been in the room. She couldn’t describe it. Things felt…a little awkward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her eyes fell to his fingers, normally hidden under his gloves. They were long and slender, but angular. Masculine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How can his fingers look that good when he’s wiping up blood?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He finally finished securing the gauze. He paused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In the other countries, did you…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice’s eyes snapped up at his sudden murmur. “Huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t meet her gaze. Only his lips moved."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just wondered if you did something similar for the Blood Dupre of the other countries. You know—recklessly jumping in front of a gun.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice winced. “No way—I’m no hero. I got caught up in dangerous situations because of him, sure, but I never jumped into the line of fire or anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He let a breath out through his nose. “I thought as much. Something like that would be suicidal. And I doubt the me of the other countries would be so fond of an idiot.” A mysterious, confused look filled his eyes as he dragged his gaze around Alice’s face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then…why did you try to protect me?” he asked at last. “You did the same thing for my maid the first time we met. You’re irreplaceable. Risking yourself for us is pointless.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sighed. “God, I’ve heard that argument so many times in this world. Even the ‘you’ of the other countries said it to me. You’re replaceable, you’re replaceable.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She threw up her good hand. “I don’t care. You and your maid are both living people, so protecting you isn’t pointless to me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is pointless,” Blood insisted. “Someone can replace her and even me, and nothing will change. Your view is only warped because there’s no replacement to take your place.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe Blood meant to make the statement brutal, like when Alice had protected the maid…but his voice came out much softer than expected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He gave the bandage one more tug. Alice couldn’t figure out his thoughts as he brought his face closer to the gauze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He brushed his lips over it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice froze. She stared at him, shocked, as he looked up from her wound and flashed a knowing smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“B-Blood,” she breathed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I assume that’s something the Blood Dupre of the other countries wouldn’t do. Thank you, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did he…just call me by my name? While thanking me?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe the actions didn’t mean that much on their own, but together… It seemed like he was finally getting a little closer to her. Feeling welled up in her and spread a smile across her face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He raised an eyebrow. “You’re wounded. What are you smiling for? Unless you like pain…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No!” she blurted back. “I hate things that hurt! I just thought that…this situation didn’t end up all bad.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a strange young lady.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice met Blood’s dubious words with a smile as she stood from the sofa. Her arm throbbed slightly, but nothing bad enough to concern her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I should thank you for the first aid,” she said. “So, well…thank you. Do you mind if I go back to my room now?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood was a busy man, so she figured she’d leave while she was ahead. But as she walked back to the door, he called out to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait. There’s one thing I want to say first.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice turned. He stood in front of the sofa, the medicine box still clutched in his hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re on leave from your job while that heals.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice blinked. “Huh? It’s not bad enough to get in the way of—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your wound won’t just heal in the next time period—not yet, anyway. Don’t tax yourself.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well? Will you take the leave?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Phrasing it as a question rather than an order was probably him trying to be considerate. She softened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s weird seeing him so open and honest, she thought. But that’s nice every once in a while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you,” she answered at last. “I’ll take you up on that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mm. You should take me up while there’s still something to take.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice couldn’t argue with that. She nodded…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A smile floated across Blood’s lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice assumed she’d have a lot of time on her hands while on leave from her job—it was the only thing she did with her days. But before she could get anxious over the impending restlessness, Blood came to her. He visited her guest room the very next time period after her injury."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He carried a stack of books in his arms, his medicine box balanced on top of them. “You seem guilty about taking time off from your job,” he commented as he swept into her room. “So here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her eyes widened. She turned from her place by the window."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did you…bring those books for me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I enjoy carting them around for no reason,” he drawled. “How’s the arm?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice quickly walked over to a chair. Unlike Blood’s quarters, her room didn’t have couches—just a few scattered chairs. But when she tried to carry one over, Blood caught her by the shoulder."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just sit down,” he told her, pushing her into the chair herself. “The injured shouldn’t wander around carrying things.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He dropped the books onto a nearby desk, then dragged a chair closer to hers. He gripped her wounded arm as he sat down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did he intend to change the bandage himself? He looked so serious…and he hadn’t brought a maid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She figured his initial treatment was just an urgency thing, but now there was no blood dripping down her arm. For a man that busy to come to her room for a routine check-up… She was a little baffled, honestly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe her question showed in her face, because Blood’s eyebrows knit together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She squirmed a little. “Uh…a wound like this is nothing to you people, right? Did you come all the way here to…check on my health?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d wanted to ask if he was worried about her, but in her panic, the words came out differently. And she didn’t want to seem…conceited."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“True,” Blood answered as he unwound her bandage. “We wouldn’t worry about something like this. But you have no replacement, and you were hurt protecting me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You didn’t need my protection, though. I actually gummed up your plan.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood gave a low chuckle. “Then consider it chivalry,” he answered, “for a man to take responsibility at a time like this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She grimaced. “I’m not stupid enough to expect chivalry from a Mob boss.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m hurt you think so little of me. I may be Mafia, but I have a sense of responsibility, thank you. When a powerless woman takes a bullet meant for me, I feel bad.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He carefully laid a medicinal gauze pad over the wound. Alice felt a chill leak from it through her skin, down to the bone. But unlike last time, it didn’t hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His hands were just as gentle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I should probably tell you,” she said as he worked, “I didn’t try to protect you because you’re my landlord right now. I just…didn’t want to stand there and watch you get hurt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know. And I’m not trying to repay you as your host or as someone who owes you his life.” He glanced up. “I’m doing this because I want to. So give me that, at least.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice finally closed her mouth. “Okay,” she mumbled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She had to admit, she really enjoyed the new comfort she felt around him. Sitting in that room as he bandaged her arm felt…relaxed. Like how she and the old Blood would get together just to read in silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The memory dragged her eyes to the pile of books. “So…what did you bring me?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mystery novels and some travelogues. When you’ve gone through them, I can send more, but the next Survey Meeting will probably be starting by then.” His forehead creased, and frustration twisted his mouth into a wry smile. “Ah, the Survey Meeting. Dammit—I’d blissfully forgotten about it for a moment.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tried not to smile. “I wonder what will come first,” she mused aloud. “The meeting, or my wound healing up?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice had never really figured out the flow of time in Wonderland. The random occurrences of daytime, evening, or night didn’t even last the same length of time. The periods could end quickly or stretch forever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Blood seemed to interpret her comment very differently. “I hope you don’t need to attend with a scar,” he drawled. “Always a shame to see that on a lady’s smooth skin. At the very least, I’d like a scar with a more pleasing…shape.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He drew his lips near her arm again, almost a tease, and low-level panic twisted her stomach. She tightened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Stop it,” she blurted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood shot her a dissatisfied look, then sat up straight to face her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t be shy,” he drawled. “You were on intimate terms with the other Blood Dupre.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I told you, our relationship…wasn’t like that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He didn’t reply. Those blue-green eyes bore into her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another tremor went through her body, like it had when he’d moved to kiss her arm again. It wasn’t fear…it was some other feeling she couldn’t pinpoint."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice started to speak quickly, her words almost a babble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Besides, you’re not…the same guy as that Blood. You’re not as nonchalant as he was, and you seem like you’re in more danger…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d always felt a languid self-possession in the other Blood, along with something else she couldn’t define. A certain…humanity?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s face clouded over slightly. “Are you saying I can’t handle myself?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Maybe a little? Ugh, how can I put this…” Alice averted her eyes. “I know you’re really independent, but there’s something that makes me worry about you. Makes me want to help you. At least, right now.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood suddenly stood, the medicine box tucked under his arm. He let out a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m done with the bandage,” he said evenly. “I hope it’s healed by the Survey Meeting. What a pain.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice frowned, a little uncomfortable with his sudden shift in attitude. “I guess that’s true,” she agreed. “And it’ll probably be ugly, too.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe I insulted him. She watched him turn his back on her and march for the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot nearly crashed into him as he burst into the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood! Sorry to bother you, but I needed to check something with…” Elliot’s face darkened as he noticed Alice. “What the hell are you doing here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice bristled. “This guest room was assigned to me,” she snapped. Don’t take your problems out on me, she added silently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It doesn’t concern you,” Blood said in the same flat tone. “We have work. Move it, Elliot.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looking perturbed, Elliot left the room so Blood could follow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood…?” she called."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He didn’t turn back. The door slammed shut behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Big Sis, Big Sis! Wanna come gamblin’ with us? This time we’re sure to win a jackpot!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Last time, we couldn’t make any money ’cause we got burned by the fees. So this time, we’d better cash in!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice flashed a sardonic grin at the twins crowding around her. They’d waited until the group had entered Diamond Castle for the Survey Meeting, but literally not a second longer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the other countries, she would’ve lectured them for gambling while underage. But they only took adult form here, so she knew they wouldn’t listen. While formulating a new argument against them betting all their hard-earned pay, she felt a sharp look burning into her side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She sighed. “Elliot,” she muttered, “I’m not planning to run off. I hear anyone can bet on the Survey Meeting, but if you hate it that much, I won’t even try.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Like I’d believe anything coming out of your mouth when you hang out with the Gravekeeper,” Elliot spat. “Right, Blood?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wonder,” Blood said sharply, cutting off Elliot’s words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice fiddled with her bandage. Blood’s timely treatments had helped, and she was definitely on the mend…but the closeness between them had vanished, and he was in a rotten mood. She’d never seen him so obvious about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What got him so upset? she thought tiredly. She wanted to ask, but Blood always seemed to have Elliot by his side; she couldn’t find any decent openings to cut in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt like she was back at square one with Blood—not even close enough to be friends. Had she imagined that intimacy when she’d been hurt? He’d definitely acted like more than a landlord."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d kissed her wound. And that, along with his heartfelt, respectful words had crossed some sort of border. Now that felt like a new wound. A sigh leaked through her lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…I feel a little lonely.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice didn’t realize she’d said it out loud until the twins jumped on her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’d you say?” Dee chirped. “Your wallet’s lonely for some money?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dum beamed. “Then let’s all fill the voids together!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried to brush off the slip. “It’s not that,” she said quickly. “Just talking to myself.” She let her eyes wander to the gambling ticket windows."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once she’d started worrying about Blood, she’d begun to expect things from him. The closer she got to him, the more she wanted to understand him. But she knew that things couldn’t happen too fast or one of them would be left scrambling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned. Jericho had been kind and respectful from the second she’d met him. What would her life be like if he’d been the first person she ran into in Diamonds…?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She mulled over the thought as she placed a paltry bet at the window. When she returned to the group, only Elliot stood there. The twins were grilling a tipster at another window, and Blood had vanished."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh.” She looked around. “Elliot, where’s Blood?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He had business,” he muttered. “He’s a busy guy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unlike me? Alice thought as Elliot glowered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know that,” she answered sourly. “Thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot turned from her to fly off the handle at the twins. “Will you two just make up your minds?!” he yelled. “If you’re not here when we need to go, we’re leaving your asses behind!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dee flicked his head from the ticket window to make a face. “Shut up, ya dumb rabbit! We’re tryin’ to concentrate.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The meetin’ can go a bunch of different ways,” Dum added. “It’s not easy to pick! If you screw up our thinkin’, you gotta pay for our losses!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot growled. “You little…! You two need to be taken down a peg!” He stormed toward them, but not before glancing back at Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Listen!” he barked. “You take one step from this area while I’m not here, and you’re gonna get it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice jumped a little at the intensity. “R-right,” she blurted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wiped her sweaty palms on her dress and tried to entertain herself. The people-watching was pretty good—the Survey Meeting, its gambling ring, and the Garden Party were a country-wide event. Most of the Diamonds citizens had focused around the ticket windows, crowding around to place their bets. As she watched the eager crowds, a finger tapped her shoulder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yo. It’s been a while, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She turned to the familiar voice. Jericho, back in his glasses and black suit, grinned down at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Jericho.” She smiled. “Thank you so much for before.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice paused to check that Elliot wasn’t watching. Sure enough, he was still arguing with the twins—which was probably why Jericho had popped over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho followed her gaze and flashed a sarcastic smile. “As always, you’re right in the middle of the loudest screams.” His eyes dropped to her bandage. “Hm? What happened to your arm?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, this? It’s almost completely healed now. It still looks pretty gross, but it doesn’t hurt anymore.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His face softened in sympathy. “Did someone in the Hatter clan do that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nah. Just got hit by a stray bullet.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I guess a Mafia turf war is tough for an amateur.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She shrugged. “True. And this is definitely not an easy world for an Outsider like me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d seen bullets and blood plenty of times in Wonderland. But she hadn’t gotten used to it. She didn’t want to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her face fell as her mind wandered back to her injury. She was still confused about Blood treating her…and the kiss. The kiss. She couldn’t figure out the meaning behind his touch. She felt emotions she wanted to pursue tangled up with feelings she’d rather leave alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still had no answer. She sighed and waved a hand, eager to focus on anything else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You came all the way to my territory for my advice before,” Jericho mumbled, “but it seems to have backfired, hm? You tried to turn the tables, and this was the result.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice blinked. “What? No, not at all! Don’t worry about it. Besides.” She chuckled weakly. “That wasn’t really what I would call ‘advice.’”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho smiled at that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seems like such a stable guy, she thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“At the very least,” he offered, “you’ve made a place for yourself at the Hatters’. You should take pride in that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He suddenly slapped her on the shoulder with strength she didn’t expect. She cried out and stumbled, and in a rush, Jericho held out a steadying hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry! I didn’t mean to do that so hard… Are you suffering from something other than the gunshot?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “No, I’m fine. But I guess I’ve had a few dizzy spells lately. I’ll have to be careful about that…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The dizziness that crept up on Alice unawares. She’d started to worry about it, even if she had no other symptoms. She wondered if it was time for her to go to a hospital… A vague dread settled in her stomach."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I always give Nightmare a hard time when he doesn’t go, she thought. It felt weird to be on the other side of that advice for once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s features abruptly drew together in concern. “Dizziness?” he repeated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah,” she answered with a light laugh. “It happens all of a sudden, and it’s hard to breathe. I don’t know the reason, but—huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho suddenly reached out and touched the muscles of her neck. The hard tips of his fingers twitched over her skin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“J-Jericho?” Alice stared up at him in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Realization lit up his own face. He abruptly dropped his hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh, sorry,” he said quickly. “I should’ve…asked, at least, before touching you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, but…okay. Why did you do that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He looked away. “I wanted to check your pulse,” he murmured. “And that’s the quickest way to find it. Sorry to scare you like that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned. “It’s not a big deal, you just…surprised me. I’m fine, Jericho.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho’s closed, apologetic expression melted away. He stared down at her in fascination."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His eyes softened, like he was gazing at an old memory. Alice sensed sadness behind it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good. That eases my mind. I’ll…see you later.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper spun on his heel and walked away. He disappeared into the crowd just as Alice realized why he’d left so fast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood appeared beside her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Gravekeeper,” he said darkly. “I knew it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice cringed slightly. “Blood! When did you get back?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A moment ago.” He snorted. “Maybe you didn’t notice because you were drowning in pleasure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice scowled. After his vanishing act and abrupt return, she didn’t like him immediately needling her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Knock it off, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He turned exasperated eyes on her. He suddenly shoved a vial with a drug label into her hands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s this?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I can see that! What kind of medicine?” She squinted at the label."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And stopped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Amidst the directions and precautions, she saw the words “to reduce scarring.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It only took a time period for wounds to vanish on people in Wonderland—and that included scars. Why did this medicine even exist here? Blood certainly didn’t need it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked fearfully back at him. Trepidation crept up her spine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You didn’t…leave to buy this, did you?” she croaked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood answered with a shrug. “I didn’t think you’d be taking that time to flirt with the Gravekeeper.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She glared at him. “I wasn’t flirting.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He returned the look, danger looming behind his eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re pretty cold to me as I am now,” he said in a low voice. “I’ll bet you weren’t like this with the other Blood Dupre.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s that supposed to mean?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You heard me. If you’re going to show a pretty face to men outside the territory, you could at least make your landlord happy, too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Happy…?” Her hand clenched over the vial. “I’ve told you a million times—I’m just being civil with Jericho. I barely know him—we’re not even close enough to be friends!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She stopped as his gloved fingers suddenly brushed the pulse at her neck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She jerked back, trembling. “Wh-what was that for?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He grunted. “You didn’t look that shocked when the Gravekeeper touched you.” His lips curved in a dark smile. “Unless you consider me more of a sexual threat.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice finally lost her patience. She roughly knocked his arm away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Jericho surprised me, so I was too shocked to react! It was just a normal reaction to someone surprising me. The only kind of person who wouldn’t react would either be numb below the eyebrows or have nerves of steel. God, get over yourself!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood glowered at her. She glowered back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins suddenly ran up, breaking the tension. With screams."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss!” Dee cried. “I think we made a perfect bet this time! But ya can’t win today, okay? Ya gotta pull your punches for our plan to work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah!” Dum shouted. “Even if you try to win, ya can’t do it by much. Just do it right, okay?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice sighed at the same moment Blood did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot walked up behind the twins, a betting voucher proudly clutched in his hand. It looked like the twins had even convinced him to gamble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you brats stupid?” he barked. “I put a marker on Blood for the win! It’s only natural, right, Blood?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m done with all of this.” Blood sucked his teeth and whacked Elliot across the face with his cane. As Elliot grunted and rubbed his cheek, Blood strode past him. The twins ran to follow, gesturing for Alice to come along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So who’d ya finally bet on, Big Sis?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We can use it on our next bet, so tell us!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice winced at their screeches. “Well…this is the first time I’ve ever placed a bet, so I just bet on us.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But what rank did you put us? That’s the important part!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, tell us!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her bad feelings started to melt away. With a wry smile, she flicked up her index finger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ll just have to wait until it’s over to find out. For now, it’s a secret.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wha?!” Dee threw up his arms. “Big Sis, now you’re just bein’ mean!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boo! Everybody’s gotta profit or it’s no fair!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, yeah.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With dry laughter, Alice dodged every one of the twins’ questions. They danced around her and wheedled even as they entered the Survey Meeting’s arena."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The game hadn’t changed since Round One—along with the numbers proclaiming the size of each territory, the leaders could strategize and add in the force that they chose. Blood took his position and made his moves without speaking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the Gravekeeper won the day, with the Castle in second place. Hatter Mansion was third, above only the Station."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The shift in winners helped bring the arena to a thundering climax."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice leaned back in her seat. She couldn’t figure out what force Blood had chosen to use…and neither could Elliot, apparently, based on the way his big frame shook."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It can’t be true!” he cried. “This is Blood we’re taking about here! Why aren’t you on top, Blood?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood sneered over his shoulder. “Pipe down,” he snapped as he lowered himself into the chair at the front. “You’re close enough for the cane, if you want me to make you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Elliot clenched his fists. “I can’t take this!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shut up, Elliot!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The cane whipped behind Blood, cracking into Elliot’s orange head. Elliot curled up and groaned in pain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice licked her lips and double-checked the voucher in her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t believe it,” she murmured to herself. “I got it right!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A winning ticket on her very first bet. She hadn’t wagered much money, but she was still pleased. The twins leaned over her and pouted in unison."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Aw… Big Sis got the only win? I had you at second, Boss! What’re you gonna do about it?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Me, too! Agh! We shoulda followed her beginner’s luck! Now we’re gonna make even less than last time!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeing the twins depressed and Elliot hunched over in dejection, Alice couldn’t get that excited about her win. Not if she was the only success story among all the Hatter elites."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood turned in his chair, his blue-green eyes leveling on her. “Well,” he said. “You won. Who would’ve thought?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice got the feeling he wanted to say something else, but he didn’t. She curled her fingers over the ticket."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t really care if I won. Maybe that’s why I did.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Didn’t care?” he repeated sourly. “Are you lacking in desire? I could never live like that.” His eyes burned. “Desire fuels everything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And greed can eat you alive,” she countered. “What I’ve got is just right for me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He turned back to the arena."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice let out a breath and looked away. The cheers of the crowd filled her ears as the second Survey Meeting came to an end."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0010.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 6: Thinking of That Faraway Place"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 6:Thinking of That Faraway Place"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice dragged her finger along the row of book spines, shaking her head in regret."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They’re all disorganized again,” she sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With her arm healed, she was back at work, only to find how much of her earlier work had been undone. She didn’t know if her assistant maid had done anything in Alice’s absence. There was a good chance she hadn’t—everyone in Hatter Mansion seemed to be incredibly busy in the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, well. Alice turned to the overflowing returns cart and the mountains of piled books. At least the job never got boring."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She pulled unrelated books from the shelf, found the books that actually belonged there, and re-shelved the proper tomes. She enjoyed watching the mountains of books shrink as she worked. It felt like giving something a good cleaning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Especially since dirty clothes and stains just clean themselves in Wonderland. She liked the rare feeling of accomplishment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice tried to return a book on agriculture to its proper shelf, she noticed a different book mixed in with the others…and without thinking, her hand stopped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She remembered that title."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Didn’t I last see this in Blood’s room?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d personally returned the book to him before. As she pulled the tome out, she slid the agriculture book into its space."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no place in the library for the book she now held in her hand. And since she knew where it was supposed to go, she couldn’t just leave it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She frowned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d been…avoiding Blood since that second Survey Meeting—or to be more accurate, ever since he came to treat her wound the second time. She’d gotten fed up with Blood’s constant sarcasm, and she had no idea how insufferable he’d get if they were alone. She wanted to keep her distance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "…But this is part of my job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She still had the books Blood had loaned her piled up in her room. She could return them and this one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So she finished her shift, returned to her room, and gathered up all his loaned books. She balanced the new book on top and carried the pile to his room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The guards stopped her. When she explained why she was there, they exchanged looks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We haven’t…heard anything about this from the Boss~.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know,” she replied. “I’m not here because Blood asked me this time. I’m just…returning some books mixed into the reference collection.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They didn’t seem convinced. One of them rapped on the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss, the young miss is here~. Will you see her~?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did she have an appointment?” Even muffled by the door, his voice still had that recent, irritated edge to it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No. She says she’s here to return books~.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a second Alice hoped he wouldn’t let her in—then she could give the books to the guards and be done with it. But the door suddenly swung open."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh… Hi, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Returning books? Fine. Come in.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed prickly, but he widened the door. As she followed him into the room, the guards shut the door behind her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you want me to return them to your shelves?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re the librarian,” he replied calmly. “So yes.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She watched him head for a sofa rather than his desk. Was he taking a break? As he lowered himself onto the plush, she headed for Blood’s bookshelves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d only slid a few tomes into their proper places when he called to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She swallowed. “What?” she asked, her voice a little weak. She tried to stay calm as she slowly turned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He loomed right behind her. She hadn’t heard a single footstep."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a second, she was oddly impressed by the stealth of a Mafia boss. He tilted his head down at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“…What was the other Blood Dupre to you?” he asked in a low rumble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was a short pause before he asked. Alice figured that the question had some extra significance to Blood, but she answered as she always did."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We were friends. End of story.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t tell if you’re a good liar or not.” His eyes narrowed. “If you were just friends, my touch at the Survey Meeting wouldn’t have made you jump.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve told you so many times, Blood. You’re imagining things!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Am I?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood suddenly surged forward, making Alice slap her back against the bookshelf. He stretched his arms out on either side of her, resting his gloved hands on the tomes…and effectively trapping her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No matter how the world turns,” he murmured, “I’m still myself. And I don’t think I’d just sit there with a fascinating young woman like you close by.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His blue-green eyes dragged all over her body, sending a shiver down her spine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice quickly shook her head. “Nothing happened,” she insisted. “It was friendship.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The other Blood had never cornered her like this. To him, Alice was just a rare Outsider visiting from a different territory. He gave her treatises on tea and books to borrow, when Elliot wasn’t also shoving carrot cuisine into her face. She knew that it was a real accomplishment to get accepted into the private rose garden of a careful Mafia boss. It made her happy. And, well…proud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that Blood had never pressured her into an especially intimate relationship. They shared similar interests and a twisted sense of humor, so they enjoyed each other’s company. He was neither too close nor too distant. A perfect range for a close friend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She snapped out of her reverie."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I’m right in front of you,” he said darkly, “don’t go daydreaming about another man, even if that man is me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She scowled. “Are you trying to control my thoughts now? Don’t be ridiculous!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And seeing Blood here, even Diamonds Blood, ensured that she’d remember those times. She couldn’t not remember when she stared into those familiar eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His left arm suddenly shifted. He gripped her chin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And lowered his face toward hers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice panicked. “W-wait!” she blurted as she tried to twist away. “Blood, don’t!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He stopped. She could feel his breath on her mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-isn’t it obvious?!” she stuttered. They weren’t even friends yet. He couldn’t just…kiss her!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s fingers tightened around her chin as he leaned closer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No,” he rumbled. “It isn’t obvious! If you’re saving yourself for the ‘me’ of some other country, then just come out and say it.” His mouth slanted. “Not that that would stop me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not saying that! It’s just…the other you never tried this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice swallowed. And she’d never wanted him to. She’d never thought of the old Blood that way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In response to her words, Blood of the Country of Diamonds furrowed his brow in distaste. He looked like he didn’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He never tried to kiss you? Even when you were close enough to touch?” He scoffed. “Or did he treat you like something precious, and that’s why you were obsessed with him?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wasn’t obsessed. He was just important to me as a…” The word “friend” died on her lips as he flashed a mocking smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You stopped. So you’re finally willing to admit that he was your lover.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh my God.” Suddenly frustrated beyond belief, Alice slapped his hand away. The look on his face didn’t change."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She started to tremble. “Quit talking like that!” she cried. “And you aren’t the Blood I know, so don’t get any ideas!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His mouth became a thin line. “He must have been frustrated, having someone so close whom he couldn’t touch, couldn’t hurt. You say I’m not the same man—and if you’re telling the truth, then I agree. I would never have made that choice.” He looked away. “If that’s the way it was, I can only pity the man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He turned from her in disinterest and walked back to his desk. She stared at his gait and that long, familiar back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked so much like the man she knew, but…she was so out of sync with this man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It depressed her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You make people do things that aren’t in their nature,” he said as he lowered himself into his chair. “That may be the proof of your greatest charms, Alice.” He leaned back in the seat. “I think that’s what makes you Outsiders dangerous.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can’t take this. The longer she stayed, the more he’d twist her words. She crammed the last book into the shelf."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve had enough,” she said icily. “I’m finished shelving the books, so I’m leaving.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t try to hide her irritation as she double-timed it out of his room. Blood made no attempt to stop her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That just annoyed her worse. She quickened her pace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why was he doing this? Why was this Blood so damn critical of her? And…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And was there something wrong with her, too? When he’d gripped her chin and leaned in, had he noticed that her reaction was a moment late?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hadn’t been disgusted by his attempt to kiss her. Knowing that confused her all the more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was just Blood making fun of her again, right? She didn’t think he was serious about kissing her. It was probably just a capricious impulse for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But…when he’d taken her chin in his hand, she’d felt a small heat build up in her. Alice shook her head angrily; she couldn’t read too much into something done on a whim."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He thinks I’m in love with the old Blood—and I’m not. I shouldn’t have let that get to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d been so irritated to hear him reject her assertions like that. He wouldn’t listen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was driving her mad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come on, Mom! Forget that picture already!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s much more fun to take your time, sweetie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the next gallery over, children were pointing at the museum’s various exhibits. Alice saw a woman flash a pained smile at a boy holding her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He tugged at the woman. “But I’m bored of that picture—the ones back there look a lot better! We’re finally inside the art museum, so let’s see the best ones!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The woman sighed. “What am I going to do with you…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s gaze followed the mother and child, and then strayed off down a long hallway. What’s down there? she wondered. This place is big."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hummed, enjoying the anonymity of wandering the art museum alone. She’d slipped out of Hatter Mansion during a mundane work shift, only telling her assistant maid that she was “going out.” That was technically following Blood’s orders that she not leave without permission, right? The maid would pass it on? And Alice’s feet had just led her back to Jericho’s territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mommy, a bunny! And over there! Here’s one, too!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t run—you’ll trip and fall!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice watched a rabbit jump out of a picture, then a little girl ran after it. Another rabbit—a white one—bounded over to Alice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice knew it was probably out of the painting, but when she touched it, it felt soft and furry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That…doesn’t feel like a painting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t have time to be surprised as a shadow fell over her. She looked up into a familiar face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It is you.” Jericho tilted his head. “If you’re coming to visit, you should tell the staff.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Jericho, you’re working in the museum today?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When Alice took her hand from the rabbit and stood again, the creature zipped to a corner of the room unusually fast. She turned from it to face Jericho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t expect to catch the busy museum curator just by showing up.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He laughed. “Eh, I’m not good at sitting still—I changed the exhibits a little. Why don’t I give you a tour?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice hadn’t come to the museum with any goal in mind—she’d just needed some time away from Blood constantly irritating her. A tour sounded like a nice distraction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thanks,” she replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She followed Jericho down the hallway, and eventually into a room where a huge picture of greenery stretched before her. A lot of the exhibits had landscape paintings, but this one was on an entirely different scale."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Someone had painted a forest with sunlight streaming through the leaves on nearly an entire wall. The scene looked as if they had torn down the wall, and on the other side, a real forest stretched out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Some people were sleeping under the trees, others sat on benches and chatted. Kids clambered up the trees as birds sang overhead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice hummed under her breath. “I like it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The theme of this exhibit is ‘healing,’” he explained. “And it’s titled Forest…which is maybe a little too on the nose, heh. There are rivers in the painting and a lake way in the back.” He gestured with his head. “You can step into the painting and take a break, if you want.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She flashed him an apologetic smile. “Ah, no. I’m fine.” It was nice of him to offer, but she didn’t feel like it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He smiled back. “Sure. But if you need a break, don’t overextend yourself. Just tell me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a few moments, she just stared into the tranquil forest. Then she turned her gaze up to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His eyes widened at the look on her face. “What is it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um…are you really from this world?” she asked quietly. “Even if I’m an Outsider, you’re being so nice to me. It feels too…normal.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was used to every leader approaching her “just to see the Outsider.” The very few exceptions were the eccentrics or the bigots who wanted to close off Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But from the very first moment that she’d met Jericho, he’d treated her like a human being."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho shook his head. “I don’t know about ‘nice,’” he replied softly. “And I do more dirty work than you think I do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice wondered if he was talking about his work as a Mafia boss. Or the face he wore as the Gravekeeper, or working as the museum curator… Even Gowland, who ran the amusement park in Hearts, had been a leader involved in territory disputes. She was sure dark acts happened away from her eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She sighed. “That may be true, but I still think you’re a nice person, Jericho.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re free to think what you want. But the extent of my time’s already been decided, so maybe that’s made me philosophical… No, that isn’t it.” His eyes lowered to his hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He clenched it and nodded to himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“One climbs up only to fall,” he said. “And if you think of it that way, the correct path is just resigning yourself to it. I’m simply awaiting my true end.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice furrowed her brow. “The extent of your time’s been decided?” she repeated. She remembered that she knew next to nothing about this man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man who was already dead. Everyone always mentioned death around him. It was weird for Wonderland."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Alice wondered whether to pry further, Jericho’s gaze focused on something past her head. He sucked his teeth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Great. Of all times…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-what is it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A flustered man suddenly ran up, his hands gesturing wildly. “Mr. Curator!” he cried. “We have a problem!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Calm down,” Jericho ordered. “An attack, right? Tell me the enemy, the location, and any damage done.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s definitely the Mad Hatter, but we don’t know any more than that. No major damage other than a fence…but they’re in the graveyard, sir!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fine. I’ll be there soon.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice didn’t have time to interrupt before the man ran off. She flicked wide eyes up at Jericho."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His jaw tightened. “You heard the man. I’m afraid the tour ends here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry about me, but…is this place safe?” Alice looked around at the crowded room. “Should you evacuate the museum?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He shook his head. “The graveyard is pretty far from here. So for the time being, I consider the inside of this place safe.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I hope you’re right…” Alice wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She suddenly felt nervous in the crowd. A lot of the citizens in that territory probably knew that she lived at Hatter Mansion… Would they think she led the Hatters to attack? Just as she was trying to figure out a way to distance herself from the place, Jericho took her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You need to get away. I’ll show you a shortcut.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He led Alice to a space in front of one of the paintings—a busy street scene. The people walking down the street and mingling inside the painting moved as if alive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is the shortcut?” she blurted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. Just do this…and enter the picture.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He stuck his arm straight out and pushed it inside the living painting. Then he gripped her shoulder and shoved her toward it; she lost her balance and gripped the frame to stay on her feet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Listen,” he said quickly from behind her. “Go in and turn right at the big street. Go straight until a T-intersection, then go left. If you run straight on after that, you’ll come out in an area close to the Hatters’ territory—but whatever you do, don’t go in the other direction! It comes out in a totally different place.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“J-Jericho!” When she righted herself and glanced back, he was already gone. She bit her lip and turned back to the painting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Half doubting him, she tentatively reached toward the picture as he had done. Her fingers slowly sank into the painting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whoa,” she breathed. “This feels weird!” It wasn’t an uncomfortable sensation, but even in Wonderland, she’d never jumped into a painting. She carefully pushed one arm in, then her other arm, then took a breath and stepped inside entirely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The world changed around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She gasped, suddenly standing in a street lined with market stalls. The people walking down the street looked so alive, she couldn’t believe they were in a picture."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Vegetables!” a vendor cried from nearby. “Fresh vegetables and fruit here!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Come on—you can try before you buy!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She had so many questions about this…painted?…street, but she didn’t have the time. She ran down the road."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She soon came to a big street, just like Jericho had described. She turned right and kept walking, but saw no incoming, dead-end intersection. After about three blocks, she saw walls, but all of them still left open pathways."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How far does this go?” she wondered aloud. She trusted Jericho’s advice and kept walking, but the road just stretched on straight before her…never changing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is so weird…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s the matter, miss?” someone asked from nearby. “Looking for something?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She may be lost. It’s a pretty big town.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice stopped, her lips curling into a frown. She felt crazy asking people inside a painting for directions, but eh. Wonderland was crazy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I…heard there was a T-intersection if you keep going this way?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One of the friendly men waved a hand. “Oh yeah, I know what you’re talking about. There used to be one, but it disappeared.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” she blurted. “You mean…the wall vanished?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You got it. Somebody painted over it with sky-colored paint. It sure caused problems for us!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the men wandered off, Alice ran a hand through her hair. Her eyes flicked back and forth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I try to go back now, she thought worriedly, I might get lost, since I don’t know where I am. But I can’t stay here forever, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The last thing she wanted was to walk until she collapsed inside a piece of art. With no other options, Alice found a corner in the blind spot of a building and turned down that road."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She proceeded down the narrow road at a trot, her eyes on the ground. She saw light dimly reflecting off of what looked like tiles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A picture frame!” she breathed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She couldn’t see much, but the light spilling up from the ground looked much like the frame she’d seen in the museum. She held her breath and dove in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her body’s orientation took another drastic change; it was like gravity itself spun and twisted her around. She slumped to the ground, her mind whirling, and tried not to be sick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where am I?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She swallowed bile and forced her head up. Her eyes widened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d never been to this place in the Country of Diamonds, but she knew it immediately. Grave markers stretched in a solemn row before her, amidst patches of thin, scraggly grass. She saw piles of soil—newly upturned ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was Jericho’s graveyard, in the same territory as the art museum. She cursed her luck for dropping her right where the Hatters were attacking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In a panic, Alice tried to stand, but her legs turned to jelly beneath her. She gurgled as the world spun again, her senses warping around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not again! Not now!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was that same dizziness that had plagued her since coming to the Country of Diamonds. And this time, it was stronger than ever; she couldn’t even sit up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She spilled weakly against the ground, her arms splaying out in front of her. Her palms slid across mud as she collapsed, the raw scent of grass filling her nostrils."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who’s there?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, there’s a girl over here!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The last things she heard were the cries of unfamiliar men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Stunning work, as always.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you expect, when my sister dear does nothing but bark orders from the sidelines?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We only wish to keep Our lazy brother on his toes. You should thank Us.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The conversation was faint, as if it could fade into the night breeze. Alice moaned and lifted her head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The graveyard had disappeared; she lay in a beautifully manicured, miniature garden. Green ivy and leaves cut through the vivid red of roses. Even the breeze caressing her body seemed to shimmer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the secret rose garden in Hatter Mansion—the one limited to two special visitors. Nostalgia welled up in Alice just as realization dropped her stomach."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is…a dream."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice was in the Country of Diamonds. Even if she’d moved back to Hearts or Clover, it was way too convenient for her to land here. Her eyes followed the voices."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vivaldi, Queen of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter, Blood Dupre, sat at a nearby table. They shot loving barbs at each other and seemed to overlook Alice entirely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-Blood?” she whispered, her voice a tiny croak. “Vivaldi…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They didn’t respond. A weak smile pulled at her lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t like intruding on their private time, anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could only dirty this beautiful place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice loved beautiful things. It was why she’d fallen in love with this location, where she could see two beautiful people against a perfect backdrop. A small, exquisite space, close yet distant from her, cut off from the rest of the world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She watched Blood walk to a nearby vine and twist his wrist in it. He twisted over and over, the vine sliding up his arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood,” she breathed. “Why…did you…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why did you let me come here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Blood of Hearts and Clover had invited her into this sacred place. She had no idea why. And even though he’d hit on her and made rude comments, he’d never once touched her in a genuinely sexual way. Just little teases. Just some goading that riled her up and made him smile wickedly. He didn’t mean it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d never pinned her down like the Blood in the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d never had reason to touch her like that. Or maybe he had reason not to touch her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She closed her eyes. When she opened them, Vivaldi was gone. Only Blood remained at a short distance, that vine of roses snaking around his arm. He spoke in a low, breathy voice, like he was talking to himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her reedy voice barely made a sound, but he suddenly reacted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He called her name as if in response, and her heart thundered in her chest. But she didn’t think he was actually answering her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that wasn’t his voice. The Blood of Hearts and Clover never called to her like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He looked exactly the same—his suit, his hat, the shape of his face were just like the old Blood, down to the tiniest detail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But his eyes were different. He was strong, but seemed too young to use that strength to the fullest. His gaze was hot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was Blood Dupre of the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moment she realized that…the garden faded away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She jolted awake somewhere dark, her cheek crushed against a cold floor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something had been tied over her eyes…a blindfold? She felt cords binding her arms and feet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Where am I?” she breathed. When she tried to move, something hard rammed into her side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hold still,” somebody snarled. “Make any funny moves and you’re dead!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Judging from the unfamiliar voice, someone stood over her—and had probably kicked her. She wanted to scream at him, but she knew that would be stupid. She bit the inside of her cheek."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She remembered the voices she’d heard before passing out. Were they the people attacking Jericho? Had they captured her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then…they can’t be Hatters, she thought quickly. Even they wouldn’t treat me like this. Who exactly had attacked the graveyard?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt unharmed, and she was tied up, so someone had decided she was too useful to kill. She couldn’t suppress a sigh at her calculating thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess I’ve really gotten used to this world. She didn’t know if that made her glad or depressed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Someone shouted in the distance. Male voices hissed at each other over her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Here they come…!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Someone shoved something hard and metallic against her head—the barrel of a gun. Her face distorted in pain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t move!” her captor ordered as he ground the barrel into her skull. “Whoever it is, he can’t save you that easily!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She frantically shook her head. “No!” she gasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up! I told you not to—gah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A gunshot rang out, cutting him off. His grip went slack and the gun fell from her head as she heard him crumple to the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You should take your own advice and shut your mouth!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Th-the Gravekeep—”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something heavy hit something else, and the man finally went silent. Alice recoiled from the tangy scent of iron as strong fingers gripped her arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you all right, Alice?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He hauled her to a sitting position and pulled down her blindfold. The light dazzled her for a second, but she blinked until her sight returned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho’s prim suit was gone. The man before her, armed with a gun, was the fearsome leader of the Gravekeeper’s territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He shook his head and started untying her. “Forgive me,” he murmured quickly. “I didn’t know the painting had been vandalized. And now I’ve gotten you mixed up in my problems… I have to get you out of here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-but they’re after you, right?” she argued. “I’ll just slow you down!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll be fine. This was my fault to begin with.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She let him pull her to her feet. They ran to the exit; she tried to get him to leave in another direction, but he refused. He dragged her along behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure enough, Faceless started popping up, shouting and pointing at the territory leader in their midst. Alice gasped and ran to keep up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s the damn Gravekeeper!” a voice shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Say your prayers, Jericho Bermuda!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re going down right now!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho flipped up his revolver."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Faceless charged with guns, knives, even explosives—but Jericho just fired round after round into their shrieking bodies. They never even got close. He glanced back at Alice as his gun boomed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“People underestimate me because I’m already dead,” he said coolly. “But they won’t stop me here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Dammit,” someone snarled. “Take him down! Now!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho was a lone man against countless adversaries, but he didn’t even look strained. Alice knew the Role-Holders in Wonderland could just mow down the Faceless, so Jericho seemed as powerful as the other territory leaders. A question floated to the top of her mind as she ran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How can he be this strong if he’s “already dead”?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho stopped, leaving Alice to catch her breath. He gestured with his gun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we head down that way, we’ll get to the exit fast. Sorry, but I’m going to ask you to accompany me a little farther.” He cocked his gun into a ready position, then held his other hand out to Alice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh, Jericho? You—huh?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He suddenly jerked his hand back and instead shoved her, using the force to propel himself in the opposite direction. Alice stumbled back as the Gravekeeper dove into a roll, bullets zipping through the air where he’d been standing. The gunshots came from the location of the exit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho grunted and whipped up his gun. “Pretty small-minded of you,” he shouted sourly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d love for you to suggest something more efficient. I’ve got future plans I should be getting to, since I actually have a future, unlike you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice froze. A white figure emerged from the darkness, his footsteps heavy. She made out the shape of a top hat and saw enemy blood spattered across his suit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood scowled, smoke rising from the barrel of his gun. “Why are you so surprised?” he snapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her defenses rose up automatically. “What are you even doing here?!” she shouted back. And why do you always have to argue with me?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t think she was important enough to him to merit a rescue. In fact, he was the very man who had said the Blood of Hearts and Clover, who had called Alice “precious,” was frustrated and repressed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He made a beeline for her, sucked his teeth, and grabbed her arm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re supposed to get my permission any time you want to leave the mansion. Don’t even pretend that you didn’t know that!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, but I told the maid… A-and she passed it along, didn’t she?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Mad Hatter laughed in her face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He suddenly flashed a smile that she knew well from the old Blood. Somehow both degenerate and alluring—a fearless smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You didn’t get my permission, young lady. You never even asked me directly! You’ve got guts to breach a contract with me; in the Mafia world, that can get you killed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ow! Hey—mmph!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He grabbed her roughly into an embrace and kissed her. His hot mouth bit against hers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the resulting shock, she could only watch as he stepped around her, blocking her from Jericho. She heard the ring of Jericho’s gunshot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She tensed, but the bullet zipped nowhere near them. A warning shot. Was Jericho trying to drive them away?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood turned his back on Jericho’s barrage of bullets, clearly unconcerned, and lifted Alice up into his arms like a bride over the threshold."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We should go,” he hummed. “I’ll deal out your punishment later, in my own sweet time…got it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“P-punishment? Ah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no time to question the ominous promise. With a dramatic flap of his jacket, the Mad Hatter ran into the night, Alice clinging to his neck for dear life."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0011.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Act 7: What I Would Exchange Here and Now"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Act 7:What I Would Exchange Here and Now"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice didn’t know how they got out. And it felt like a long distance between the graveyard and Hatter territory…but Blood ran the entire way, holding Alice tightly against his chest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He obviously hadn’t invaded Jericho’s territory alone; as they made the trip back, Hatter mobsters ran out of the woodwork to join them, shouting and reinforcing the lone Blood in his escape. Alice was relieved to see friendly faces, but at the same time, questions bubbled up in her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once they arrived back home, Blood carried her to his room and kicked the door in. He finally put her down to sink into one of his sofas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sat up nervously and looked up at him. His hair and clothes were disheveled and dirty, but he didn’t even look winded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood…why did you come?” she asked quietly. “That was Jericho’s fight. With his enemies.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You catch on fast, young lady. I should’ve made you my chief of staff instead of my librarian.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s shoulders drooped in dismay; she didn’t want him to make fun of her. As Blood made a theatrical gesture, she let out a frustrated breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s get one thing straight, Blood. Jericho had come to save me when you—huh?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her words devolved into a yelp as he suddenly pushed her back into the sofa. He crawled on top of her, the couch creaking slightly beneath them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Alice,” he murmured. “I agree that we should get something straight.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frustration snaked through her veins, driving her hands up to ball against his looming chest. “Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d snatched her away from Jericho, the man who’d actually saved her, and kissed her right in front of him. She was humiliated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t get you!” Alice cried. “Are you just making fun of me again?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No. I just decided to make you give up on all the others, no matter who they are or how you feel about them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What does that even mean?!” She glared as hard as she could, but it didn’t faze those blue-green eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let me make this very clear,” he said evenly, his voice a low rumble. “I don’t care if it’s some other Mafia boss or even another version of myself—I don’t have it in me to hand you over to anybody. I’ll never, ever give away the woman I love.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice froze. Her mouth fell open in shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Love?” she whispered without thinking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You may be in love with the other Blood Dupre, but I’m keeping you here with me. For good.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice could only stare at him for a long moment, stupefied. Blood stared into her eyes, his ruffled hair brushing his face like tousled midnight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tried to organize the spinning thoughts in her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood… You don’t understand.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I understand fine. You have stronger feelings for that Blood than you do for me.” He smiled darkly, like he’d never doubted his guess. “And those intense, lingering feelings are why you always argue with me. My similarity to him repulses you. And I get that, but I’m disappointed.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Like I said—you don’t understand! I like that Blood, but not as a lover!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She and the old Blood had never crossed the line of friendship. She didn’t know how many different ways she could say it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s brow furrowed. “So you admit that you like him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you want from me, Blood?! I’d be lying if I said I hated him!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You had to be in love with him,” Blood insisted. “You’re an elegant girl and he was an underworld Mob boss. A fiend.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice doubted he would believe her if she told him because I thought I was in a dream. That that had made her brave and reckless in the Country of Hearts…and had led to everything she valued by the time she stopped thinking she was asleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But since this Blood didn’t know how her life in Wonderland had started, his mouth tightened in dissatisfaction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you were in love,” he said, “I could understand it. Even a bright woman like you can make a mistake of the heart. But I don’t believe it was just friendship.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But it was!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I kissed you, you didn’t resist. You let your guard down because you had feelings for that Blood…and I share his body.” He clenched his teeth. “If you’re not even doing it consciously…that’s even worse.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why wouldn’t he understand? Why wouldn’t he believe her?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She felt borderline rage radiating from her face. He just barked a wicked laugh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did you show that expression to the man you love? I hope so—that’s exactly what I want.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“ARGH!” she roared. If he hadn’t been crushing her arms into the sofa with his weight, she would’ve torn out her hair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are you so upset for?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was about to screech a rebuttal, but then stopped. She felt the anger drain out of her as doubt crept up in its place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why am I so upset?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why did she care that this Blood misunderstood her relationship with the old Blood? This was Blood’s M.O. Even in Hearts and Clover, he’d constantly teased her about being in love with Peter in Heart Castle, even though he was dead wrong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And the old Blood hadn’t just teased her about Peter—he’d teased her about practically every man in Wonderland. She’d always told him to shut up before moving on. It didn’t frustrate her like this. It didn’t fill her chest with the tension she now felt tightening around her heart."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She stared up at him. Blood stared back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And this Blood, with the face she knew, with the intimidation and sharp wit she’d known in other countries…he stared at her now with different eyes. And with an expression she didn’t know well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those eyes searched hers, exposing her doubts and trapping her in a blue-green prison. She saw a hint of helplessness behind his gaze—like he was frustrated at not getting what he wanted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She saw the true feelings that he always hid behind biting sarcasm and an unruffled countenance. His real intentions were here. And that was why she’d recognized him in her dream in the rose garden…only the Blood of Diamonds had these eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And…they were the eyes she wanted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh my God."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was why she’d gotten so upset when he accused her of loving the other Blood. It was why she couldn’t just brush him off when he voiced all his doubts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She hated that this realization had taken her so long. But she didn’t let a curse or a groan escape with her heavy sigh; instead, a wry smile floated on her lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m in love with Blood of the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His lips tightened slightly. “Just admit it,” he rasped. “You’re in love with a version of Blood Dupre.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “I…am…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt a sense of doom settle on her shoulders with the realization. How could she be attracted to a man like this? A stubborn, cutting, jealous, egotistical, and overly analytical Mob boss? His personality was basically a list of negatives. She was so disappointed in her taste that she fell into silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a headache."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Blood of Hearts and Clover has always been important to me,” she murmured. “And he always will be. I wish he were here to hear this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s body tightened over her; she shook her head to cut off his raging jealousy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But he’s not the one I love, Blood. You are.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s dumbfounded voice leaked from his lips. He looked off-balance, like she’d dodged his best right hook."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The old Blood wouldn’t have revealed such an open face. She felt an urge to smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I never had any idea what he thought of me. But I still knew he didn’t hate me…and I’m pretty sure he liked me. But I can’t tell you if it was the same ‘love’ that you just spoke of. He never told me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The old Blood hadn’t gone near her until he’d fully accepted her—and then he’d still held her at a safe distance, even if his affection had seemed too deep for simple “interest.” He’d considered her special. But how?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe that Blood had been looking for steady, unwavering love, and she was an Outsider who could vanish at any time. Maybe he didn’t want to burden her with his feelings. Or maybe he’d been hoping for a different kind of love, or something she couldn’t give him. With them both in different countries now, Alice had no way of finding out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d let her into his rose garden in Hatter Mansion—a juxtaposition of calm against cruelty. Like him. She’d been special enough to him for him to throw open those doors. Maybe he himself hadn’t known the reason."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he’d cradled her in his secret world, and Alice had liked that. She’d never wanted more from him…and she prayed their relationship never changed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She looked up into the gaze of the man breathing heavily on her lips."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a Mafia boss,” she murmured at last. “You’re power-hungry, stubborn, prideful to a fault, hard to understand, and you kiss people in public."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But…you tried to get close to me. You tried to find out about the real me. That’s probably the biggest difference between you and the old Blood. And that’s why I…fell for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She knew what kind of person Blood Dupre was. But even knowing that, she wanted to know the Blood in front of her better. The younger Blood who didn’t keep his distance, even in a land of distrust and violent enemies. When this Blood had said he was going to investigate her, she’d felt, deep down in her heart…a tiny bloom of happiness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He stared at her and didn’t say a word."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice let out a breath and scowled. “What, Blood? Are you seriously going to make me do all the talking?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood blinked a few times, as if regaining his thoughts. “I just…didn’t expect that,” he murmured. “You stunned me speechless.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re blushing,” she teased."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood screwed up his face and sucked his teeth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Shut up. I didn’t think you even liked me, let alone…” His finger gently brushed up the side of her face, and she was reminded of his soft touch when he’d nursed her arm. His finger slowly twisted into a lock of her hair, wrapping the strands around and around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice couldn’t believe they’d been fighting a second ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She slanted her mouth. “You didn’t know whether I liked you or not, and you still…kissed me in front of Jericho?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Doing that made it more difficult for you to go back to him.” He hummed and twisted her hair. “Two birds with one stone.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ugh. You’re an awful man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good—I can’t keep this job unless I’m an awful man.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She smiled at him. Blood chuckled back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The words weren’t sweet, but she felt a sudden hunger for his warmth. She slid her arms around the lean frame pressing down on her and tilted her mouth up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The kiss was nothing like their first. As her lips caught with his, once then over and over as heat built up inside her, her mind went white. She closed her eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His own arms snaked under her and up her back as he pushed down on top of her. Crushed up against his body as his mouth moved against hers, fear suddenly gripped her pounding heart."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mm—wait,” she breathed, the panic pushing words into his mouth. She couldn’t think of a good excuse. “Our clothes will get…wrinkled.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He grunted, the sound a wet vibration against her mouth. “I envy your ability to think right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice gasped as one broad hand slid over her body, caressing her through the thin barrier of her clothes. He slid his mouth off hers and instead chuckled a low rumble into her ear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She wasn’t mentally prepared for this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-wait, Blood—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You said you loved me, right? Maybe the other Blood Dupre couldn’t catch you, but I will.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Catch me? You… Ah!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt heat in a risky part of Blood’s body and her voice jumped an octave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wanted to run. She wanted to bury herself in her safe, familiar anxieties."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But his low voice changed her mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve caught you, and now you’re mine—more precious to me than anything or anyone. I’m the Blood Dupre who will take you away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The heat of his words melted her thoughts away. She felt drunk on the urgent, heavy desire that drove his hand around her body."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She let that hand wander."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“S-stupid,” she gasped, but it turned into a moan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Having fun yet?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice looked up from the revelers at the Garden Party and turned her head. Blood caught her eyes, a small twitch at the corner of his mouth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She nodded and placed her drink on a nearby table. “But…this is the last Survey Meeting, right? And you’re a participant—how long can you afford to be hanging around here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood shrugged. Excited Diamonds citizens bustled around him, enjoying the final party hosted by their castle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Without all four leaders there, they can’t start. Let them wait.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She scowled. “That’s unbelievably rude.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed. With the mood Blood was in, he didn’t care about the final results of the third Survey Meeting. But…he’d come in last, then second-to-last in the other meetings. That meant he’d already decided which of his forces to use at the end, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unless he’s just blowing the whole thing off now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She tugged him toward the exit, and he finally complied. Their path took them right by the ticket windows…where two young men noticed them and shrieked their greetings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss~!” Dee cried as he ran up with his brother. “Perfect timing! It’s the last meeting, so you oughta show us your hand!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Brother’s right!” Dum yelled. “You gotta help us make up for what we lost last time! If we lose anymore, we’re gonna cry ourselves to sleep!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice grimaced. “Boys, that isn’t just cheating, it’s out-and-out fraud.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But the twins didn’t understand “morals,” and they just got louder."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t get cheap in the last stupid round! Boss, we wanna rake it in on every bet! Stakes are real high now!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ya can’t hold back—not this time! Tell ’im, Big Sis—this is for a good cause! You don’t wanna waste our money!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice winced and slid a finger in her ear. The twins ran back to the windows, taking their noise with them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But for better or worse…they don’t treat me differently now that they know about Blood and me. They’re the only ones who still look at me the same way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her treatment in the Hatter Mansion had changed a little since becoming Blood’s girlfriend. The guards trailing her had changed to “escorts,” and the watchful eyes of the mansion’s residents had softened considerably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was Elliot’s behavior that actually bothered her. She swore to get him to stop calling her “Sister.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She pursed her lips. “It is the final Survey Meeting,” she admitted after a moment. “Maybe I’ll make just one last bet.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? I didn’t expect something like that to come out of your mouth.” Blood looked genuinely surprised, and Alice couldn’t help but laugh at his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“True. But we don’t know if there will ever be another Survey Meeting, so I’d better get the full experience under my belt. I just won’t bet the farm like Dee and Dum.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She lowered her voice. “Besides,” she added, quiet enough that he wouldn’t hear her. “I never know when I might move again.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew that in the next move, she might be the only one to switch countries again…and she’d leave everything in Diamonds behind. That possibility renewed her desire to make as many good memories with Blood as she could."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood adjusted his hat and said nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now,” she went on. “What should I do this time? Last time I bet on Hatter Mansion coming in third, but…maybe you’ll come in second?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She looked up at the window bulletin board; her eyes scanned the list of bet combinations and the predicted winnings of each. As the twins had said, Hatter Mansion wasn’t favored—clearly the result of Blood’s poor performance in the first two meetings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood remained silent by her side while she hummed over the possibilities. He eventually let out a breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She turned to look up at him…but he’d already clutched her hand and slid something into it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The surprise softened her hand. She had to scramble to keep from dropping the top hat she now held."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” She blinked. It wasn’t the hat he wore now—the one that matched the tailored black suit he wore to Survey Meetings. This was the hat he wore with his everyday clothes. The design was exactly the same, including the decorative card, roses, and feathers. The only difference was the playing card had a pattern separated into four colors."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is this…your normal hat?” She ran her fingers along the brim. “Why are you giving it to me?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s for a bet of my own.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She paused. “I thought only regular citizens had the right to bet. The leaders can bet, too?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood laughed and tapped the hat in her hand. “This is just a personal wager,” he explained. “A game.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood, what can you win by betting a hat?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He smiled. He took her shoulder, drew her close, and whispered in her ear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m going to bet that my territory comes in first. When that happens, the hat is yours.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His words sounded like the plot of a mischievous little boy, but his tone was serious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice frowned. “That doesn’t make sense. That would mean that if you win, you don’t get any prize.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course I’ll win a prize. I win the one who won the hat.” He raised an eyebrow. “That’s worth winning, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heat flooded her face. “W-wait, then you’re saying… H-hold on a second, Blood!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But he was already walking toward the arena—saying his piece and walking off, like the twins. Alice cradled the silken hat against her chest and scrambled to follow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When they reached their area, Blood stopped her before she could sit down in her regular seat. “No, Alice. Not there.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why not? It’s where I sat before.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Before,” he repeated with emphasis. “But this time, your seat is here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice balked at the front row seat beside his. She’d felt self-conscious enough in the second row! She frantically shook her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t even joke, Blood. I’m an Outsider, and I’m not even one of your employees. What are you trying to make me do?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’s no need to be shy,” he drawled. “Not with our relationship.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this had been before their big confession, she could’ve gotten out of this with a cold smile. It was a lot harder to argue once she’d told the man she loved him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She still hesitated. “But…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Elliot, in his regular seat, threw her one of his new smiles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Go ahead, Sister! Blood says it’s okay, so we’ve got your back.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She scowled at him. “You’re not helping, Elliot.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had a feeling none of the other Hatters would come to her aid, either. Still worried she was breaking an unwritten rule, she lowered herself into the seat. She twitched in discomfort."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s about to start, young lady. And this is the last session—so try to enjoy it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s because I want to enjoy it that I wish I wasn’t sitting here,” she grumbled. “I don’t want to be in any spotlight!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before Blood could retort, the familiar announcer appeared. He threw up an arm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Welcome to the final Survey Meeting!” he boomed. “Are all of you excited?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No. Alice shrank down in her seat as the crowds roared around her. She had the feeling Blood had dragged her to this seat for some sort of plan. She threw him a look through half-lidded eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What exactly do you expect me to do here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You refused to assist me in the first Survey Meeting,” he replied, an infuriating calm under his ridiculous words. “So you’ll assist me now. You’ll choose the final card.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, not ‘huh.’ This is the last meeting to settle our standing, Alice. I want you to conclude it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She leapt out of her chair, but he grabbed her arm. She struggled as he pulled her back down onto the seat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No!” she hissed. “Let go of me!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s too late to run.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have no idea how forces are used here, Blood! And I’m not a territory leader—so I couldn’t do it if I wanted to!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s not hard. You just put your hand on the controls and bring up a mental image of the force you want. Anybody can do that much.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice threw up a hand in frustration. “You’re not listening to me! Is this another one of your plots?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His smile was cool and collected, which set off Alice’s warning alarms. The more placid Blood was, the more suspicious. And when she glared at him, he just calmly brushed her off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The other territory leaders, meanwhile, finished their plays. From the Castle to the Gravekeeper to the Station, each team showed their forces…leaving only Hatter Mansion. Alice squirmed in her seat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood made no attempt to move, inciting louder cries from the crowds around them. Alice could feel the tension rising, all part of a good show… Unless he wasn’t planning to break it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood leveled those blue-green eyes on her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Everyone’s waiting for the results, Alice. And now, so am I.” He opened a palm toward her. “Give me your hand.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her anxiety and frustration exploding in her gut, Alice slapped her hand into his. “D-don’t blame me if I screw this up!” she blurted. “What forces do you even have left?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She knew there were a total of five possible powers, and they’d already used one in each of the other meetings. Once a force had been used, it couldn’t be used again. Blood wanted her to choose a card without being able to see what was in the hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood hummed. “You want to know what’s left? I’d rather hear what you think is left, but then you might panic, hm?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t you dare!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood ignored her glare and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’ve used natural resources and technology, not necessarily in that order.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice licked her dry lips. “Okay. So I should choose from one of the others?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That meant population, economics, and military were left. She wished she could give it more thought, but there was no time…and she knew nothing of those forces in Hatter territory, let alone within the other territories. She couldn’t compare things she didn’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She paused. “Do…do you want me to put out a winning card?” she whispered. “Or would you rather I put out something weaker?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He shrugged. “Pick whatever you want. If you want to win, use a strong card. If you want to hide our strengths, then choose a weak one.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then…you’re really leaving it up to me?” She was starting to feel stupid for taking the choice so seriously. Her shoulders drooped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I told you, Alice—this is just entertainment. What’s the harm in trusting your last hand to blind luck?” His eyes glittered. “And I know you’re a lucky girl.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just…promise me you won’t blame me for what happens. I mean it!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood was putting the entire outcome, whether they won or lost, completely in her control. And when she thought of it that way, her mind opened up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Population, economics, military strength. Alice recalled as much of the Hatter Mansion as she could. The other leaders had made their choices; her eyes fell on the sand flowing into the glass receptacles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Make a choice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um…population,” she murmured at last."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right.” Blood tugged her hand to the control stand, then let it go. “Go for it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice slowly lowered her hand onto the control stand. Blood placed his gloved hand over hers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Remember,” he whispered. “Keep your hand on the panel and just think of your chosen force. Then the stand will transmit it and the sand will react.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just concentrate, Alice. I’ll control the sand.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She curled her fingers on the stand and thought of the people of Hatter territory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She remembered the weary citizens, worn down with constant battles. But she knew that wasn’t the ultimate fate for that territory. She knew how strong the Hatters would become."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice opened her eyes in surprise, then squinted as a light on the stand brightened. Blood pushed up closer behind her, his fingers closing over hers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just stay like that, Alice. You’ve made the connection.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She glanced up quickly at his smile, something welling up inside her. She nodded and closed her eyes again, her mind returning to their population."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The sand has finally started to pour!” the announcer cried from elsewhere. “The climax of the Survey Meeting!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice heard cheers, laughs, chaos swelling around her. But she tuned it all out…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And thought of all those people under Blood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Diamond Castle won the first meeting!” the announcer declared, his voice leaking into Alice’s ears. “And the Gravekeeper’s territory came out on top in the second! Which territory will take the laurels in the final round?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice anxiously gritted her teeth. Just thinking that Hatter Mansion might go through all three meetings without taking first position filled her chest with complicated emotions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She finally opened her eyes. All four glass chambers were filled with sand, although the Hatter level was low and the other three seemed about even. She saw a slow overhead trickle in varying strengths across them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is…the sand still flowing?” she breathed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. In all four.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood said he can control the sand. She saw the incoming streams increase, then decrease, riling up the audience. The leaders were trying to make it fun. Alice remembered what Blood had said about the Survey Meeting as entertainment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The green sand for the Station finally stopped. The receptacle was almost full, but so were the others. And the other three streams kept going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nightmare cried out in frustration. “No!” he wailed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d had the most land area right from the start, but he couldn’t stop the other territories from adding to their totals. And now he was out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Castle and the Gravekeeper’s territory had slowed their streams…but then, suddenly, Hatter Mansion’s sand burst into a heavier flow. The crowd roared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s this?!” the announcer cried. “Look at Hatter Mansion!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice watched, her heart in her throat, as their receptacle rapidly filled with blue sand until it was even with the other two leaders. Then it surpassed them, reaching the top of the glass chamber. Then it kept going."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cracks raced along the glass as the blue sand filled the chamber to bursting. Alice recoiled in alarm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a loud, explosive CRACK, the front face of the vessel broke open, sending a spray of blue to fan across the air. Sand spilled out into the arena, causing the announcer to leap out of the way in surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?!” he blurted. “It’s…gone into overflow! What does this mean? The Hatter’s sand broke through the measurement chamber!” He blinked. “Oh—and the Castle and Gravekeeper’s flows have both stopped!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hush fell over the crowd, followed by a ripple of uncomfortable murmuring. Men started to gather around the announcer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How could the receptacle break?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Has that ever happened at a Survey Meeting before?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I bet on the Mad Hatter! What happens to my bet now…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The impromptu committee around the announcer didn’t last long. After a minute of discussion, the announcer nodded his head and turned back to the crowd."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve made a decision!” He threw his head back and bellowed, “The winner of the third Survey Meeting is definitely Hatter Mansion!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The crowd went wild. Alice heard cheers and whistles mixed with booming complaints; the roar engulfed the entire Coliseum as she stared, amazed, at the broken glass receptacle. She slowly slid her hand off the control panel. “Your population force…was that huge?” she asked Blood in a daze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was so much more than the other territories. And why had the sand kept going, even when the structure couldn’t handle it? Why didn’t the stream just stop when the receptacle was full?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A disgusted grunt cut off her thoughts. She turned to the next group over and into the cold stare of the Black Rabbit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They cheated,” Sidney said thinly from behind his queen. “I wish I could prove it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And it wasn’t just him. Nightmare hunched his shoulders; Gray and Boris stared. Jericho watched Blood from the Gravekeeper section, Julius sighing behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The young version of Ace, still sitting, just kicked his dangling legs. He tilted his head at Julius."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Julius?” he asked. “Is this, y’know…that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The rules don’t cover it,” Julius answered evenly. “I don’t approve, but I can’t say it’s illegal, either.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Seems kinda unfair.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice figured they were blaming her, but why? At a loss, Alice looked up at Blood…but he was just watching the other territories from over the top of her head, a wicked smile on his lips."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The announcer stepped up again. “And that ends our final Survey Meeting! Will you help us close the events, Your Majesty?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Queen of Diamonds pursed her lips, narrowing her eyes slightly in dissatisfaction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Mad Hatter is a tricky man. He didn’t dirty his own hands, but the act was dirty.” Crysta sighed, as if exasperated but not angry, and stood from her chair. She arranged her long skirts before turning to the stage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rules are rules,” she announced, “and they indicate that this Survey Meeting is over. However, we’ll see to it that the same thing doesn’t happen again. Right, Sidney?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sidney nodded, his voice ice. “As Her Majesty says.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A shiver ran down Alice’s spine. Blood shrugged at the queen, and she proceeded to ignore him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the queen’s command, the Coliseum began to calm down. The last of the blue sand trickled quietly through broken glass."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice walked down a deserted corridor with Blood, their footsteps echoing in the ghostly silence. She gripped Blood’s wagered top hat in her hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The underground hallway led far ahead of them and into darkness—a path from the arena to the waiting room. Crysta, as host, could have teleported them back…but Blood had refused this time, sending Elliot and the twins ahead of him. Judging by the completely abandoned hall, “walking” wasn’t a popular choice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood had said he wanted to “enjoy the feeling of being a winner with the young lady awhile longer,” but she knew that was an excuse. Alice took a breath and looked up at him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her confusion was driving her crazy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood?” she asked, her voice careful. “What happened back there?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m surprised you have to ask. Hatter Mansion wound up in first place.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t try to pull one over on me! Why did Sidney say you cheated?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is there any real need to worry about the ranting of an animal?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Blood!” She scowled at him; she wouldn’t let him distract her with a smoke-and-mirrors act."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“More importantly,” he drawled, completely ignoring her pleas, “I won the bet, and I’ve warned you about punishment for breaching a contract with me. Put on your prize.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Whoa!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He pulled the hat from her hands and dropped it on her head with a soft clump. It was way too big for her; it covered half her face, and she had to push up the brim so it wouldn’t block her eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But when she lifted the dark band from her vision, Blood’s face was suddenly very close to hers. Her protest died in her throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Like I thought,” he rumbled. “It suits you. Very cute, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She grimaced. “Yeah, right,” she grunted. His flattery about an oversized, flamboyant hat engulfing her head was too much—even for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But she paused at the genuine happiness in his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The hat stank of tobacco smoke. The other Blood—of Hearts and Clover—smelled like the tea and roses from his secret garden. The comparison made the Blood beside her seem downright barbaric."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he’d done this a little while ago, I would’ve thrown this hat back in his face. She would’ve been afraid to even touch a hat so suffused with smoke."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But now, knowing that it was his…she delicately cradled the brim with her fingers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You promised,” he reminded her. “So take it. It’s yours now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She nodded, keeping the huge brim up with her hand. “Yeah… I’ll be careful not to lose it. This settles the bet, Blood.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood answered her with an affirmative sound."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seeing his gentle face made her so happy, but at the same time, a creeping sadness threatened to ruin it. She swallowed hard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The closer we become, the more anxious I get. And I could still “move.” She dropped her eyes to the floor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If she had to leave Blood some day, at least she’d have these memories, right? She wanted to be as close to him as possible in the time they had together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I don’t want to move. I want to stay here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You really did it this time, Hatter!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice jumped. Heavy clumps of leather shoes echoed in the empty hallway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A familiar, broad shape appeared in the darkness ahead. He walked alone, without his followers, his piercing gaze leveled on Blood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The limited light threw shadows over his face; his muscled form and severe expression made Alice recoil in fear. But when his eyes fell to her, his face softened slightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I feel sorry for you,” he told her, his deep voice tinged with something. “Looking at you…I’m guessing you didn’t know you were an accomplice in a scam.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice went rigid. “Accomplice? What are you talking about?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So you really don’t know? You just—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“State your business, Gravekeeper,” Blood interrupted. He stepped in front of Alice. “We’re busy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jericho’s face darkened at Blood’s tone. Alice could finally see the Mafia boss lurking behind Jericho’s kindness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The girl wants an explanation,” he growled. “I’m trying to give her one.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How thoughtful of you. Put that diligence into polishing your gravestones or something.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho clenched his teeth. “Back off,” he warned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice swallowed. “Then…the thing in the arena really happened because of me?” she asked weakly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho waved a hand. “You didn’t do anything—the Hatter used you. An Outsider is like a random number in this world. If you introduce that to our numbers, it’s inevitable that you’ll have an influence on them—that’s exactly what Outsiders do here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood sucked his teeth. “You’ve got a big mouth,” he grunted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice turned to Blood, her eyes wide. “Blood…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He let her unasked question dangle in the air for a moment. Then he shrugged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Look, as a territory leader, I couldn’t have predicted your exact influence. An Outsider is literally an indeterminate factor. You were just as likely to make me lose big.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A high risk/high return strategy. That seemed right up Blood’s alley…but it still seemed like an unusually gutsy move for the Blood in the Country of Diamonds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then…why did you do it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When she fixed her eyes on him, he seemed at a loss for words. Then he said with a breathy sigh, “I told you before—this was a personal competition for me. Nobody has the right to criticize me for it.” He snapped his gaze to Jericho. “Including you, Gravekeeper.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s big talk, Hatter. Don’t forget that you just made the rest of us look like fools. You’re a lazy winner to steal the spoils after someone else does all the work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hn. Not over that yet, are you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice realized they were talking about her capture in the graveyard. God, how many times could she wrong Jericho?!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood snaked an arm around her shoulder. “He chose to rescue you,” Blood murmured, as if reading her mind. “Don’t beat yourself up over his personal decisions.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You can’t blow me off anymore, Hatter—I’m going to ask you to return that card to me now. The Survey Meetings are over, so the other rules end as well.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gravekeeper spoke in a low voice, murder in his eyes. Alice unconsciously took a step back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood tightened his grip on her shoulder and pulled her against his side. As she crushed up against him, she looked up to see his face…but he seemed completely unruffled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re already dead,” he said evenly, “so you’re not worth my time. But if you’re so anxious for your end, I can help you out.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice could only watch the two glaring Mafia bosses in the empty, chilling hall. The few seconds of silence seemed to last an eternity. Alice was afraid to breathe."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood’s arm twitched."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As if in slow motion, Jericho drew his gun as Blood’s cane shifted into a pistol. She watched helplessly as they raised their weapons at each other with an echoing chak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Game over.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bullets exploded from their guns, making Alice cringe back in terror. But after the single round, she heard two heavy thumps, one after the other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She snapped her eyes past Jericho, where a prone figure lay on the ground behind him. She turned to look behind her and Blood—sure enough, another Faceless lay crumpled on the floor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jericho let out a breath. His face relaxed, his fearful intensity gone in an instant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That clears up that mystery,” he said. “After all the trouble of putting on the act, I expected…more of a fight.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood raised an eyebrow. “You know, I think you might actually be disappointed,” he drawled. He turned to Alice. “Alice?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She jerked her head up at him, then cursed herself for shaking. “Wh-what?!” she blurted. She tried to force herself to calm down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Blood’s lips curled in a self-satisfied smirk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As much as I love having you wrapped around me, I’d rather do it in private so he doesn’t get a free show.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice, in her panic, had clung to Blood’s arm in a death grip. She grunted and pulled back. She was suddenly glad for the huge hat shadowing her face—and its blush."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood turned back to Jericho. “Are these the last spies? You said you took care of all the rest, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah. The only ones left were the ones closely tailing me. I gave them free rein for a while, but…as we figured, the final move had to be here.” Jericho flipped up a hand. “Had to let them get a good dance in first.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You do a lot of work for a dead man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alice pulled the hat brim down, allowing her eyes to barely peek at the men. The way they talked—up close and almost casual—she would never have believed they were rival Mafia bosses."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She started to wonder if the animosity between them had always been for show."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe Blood let me go to the museum because I lured their mutual enemy into attacking…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was true that a Faceless probably couldn’t attack her directly in the museum—not when a Role-Holder was walking around. But maybe indirectly. Maybe those sneaking Faceless had sabotaged her route inside the painting. Or maybe…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Blood, Jericho?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They flicked their eyes to her. Blood let out a vague chuckle, and Jericho furrowed his brow at Alice’s hat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That thing is too big for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice sighed and tilted the brim up higher. “You think?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And that style doesn’t suit you,” Jericho said. “If you’re going to wear a hat, you should…put some thought into what you pick.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blood stepped back toward her and swept his arm around her back. “Don’t worry about it,” he told Jericho, although his gaze was locked on Alice. “She’ll get used to it. Let’s go, Alice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He hurried her down the hallway before she knew what was happening. Her feet stumbled a little."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But Blood—”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s the Gravekeeper’s duty to take care of the dead. Just leave them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That wasn’t what she was worried about, but Blood ignored her stuttered questions. He led her past Jericho, past the dead Faceless lying behind him, and down the dark hallway until she and Blood were alone in that corridor again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She didn’t know how long they walked; time warped in the silence. When Blood finally stopped, she stumbled again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She saw no sign of the waiting room up ahead. She opened her mouth to ask him, but before she knew it, he’d wrapped her up in his arms. He crushed her so close against his chest that she was dragged to her tiptoes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I still haven’t taken my winnings from my bet.” His blue-green gaze burned. “But I’ll take you now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He gripped her chin and roughly kissed her. Alice gasped into his mouth, her hand still gripped around the hat dangling from her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The hat,” she breathed against his hungry lips. “It…mm…” Heat swelled inside her as his wet mouth devoured her own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When he finally broke the kiss, she panted, trying to regain her breath. His lips broke into a smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t care if it’s before or after you get used to your hat. You’re mine now…and I won’t let you go.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe he’d already realized that a move could tear her away someday. She tightened her jaw."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish I could promise to stay with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it was a promise she couldn’t make. Even if she’d gotten used to these countries of time, she was still an existence without a fixed place. She was an Outsider, and always would be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it was because of her ambiguous existence that she’d come to Wonderland in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t go to any other territories in this country,” he rumbled. “Don’t go to any other countries. Not anymore.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She swallowed. If she hadn’t moved, then she would never have met Blood of the Country of Diamonds. But now…she didn’t want to move again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice nodded her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll stay by your side, Blood.” Without thinking, her right hand drew up to lie on the left side of his chest. She felt those familiar, gentle reverberations of his ticking clock against her palm. His ticking and her heart shouldn’t have overlapped, but her heart gave a pound at the touch against her skin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But for a moment…she heard a very different sound within herself. She almost thought she heard a hard ticking in her own chest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just like the clock ticking in his."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice tilted her head in surprise, but before she could make certain, he stole another kiss."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mm. Ah…!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alice’s insides melted into sighs and heat, and she lost the ability to think."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right then, for that moment only, Alice allowed herself to be completely ruled by Blood. She wasn’t going anywhere. She felt it, and with that came relief."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’ll stay with me,” he breathed into her mouth. “Right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wanted confirmation, a commitment. Alice pulled her lips free and nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah. I’m staying.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll be here with you, the man before me now. No one else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She lived in a world where everything constantly changed. Maybe it was foolish to count on anything for sure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But even so, as she exchanged vows with him, she hoped that her heart would get its payout."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0012.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to take this opportunity to thank you for picking up this book. My name is Sana Shirakawa."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This book is a novelization of QuinRose’s Alice in the Country of Diamonds. The game is something of a “turning point” in the Alice series. There are a lot of mysteries in Wonderland, and this story brings us much closer to the answers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This particular book centers on Alice and Blood’s relationship. And because of that, if you haven’t played the game, you might not understand the reason why Blood gives Alice a “certain something.” I hope the book leads you to playing the game."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Again, I’d like to thank the many people who helped me so much in the writing of this book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Editor K. from Ichijinsha Publishing, Nana Fumitsuki, and of course, QuinRose. I’d like to thank them for their patience--they put up with me pestering them for the details on the drastic setting change from the previous games. I also look forward to their support in the future. Thank you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And finally, to everyone who has been kind enough read this far—thank you so much!"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Alice in the Country of Diamonds - Bet on My Heart_Alice-in-the-Country-of-Diamonds-Bet-on-My-Heart-Complete-[Seven-Seas][Kobo] | section-0014.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Am I Actually the Strongest? 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was reincarnated in an alternate universe, and my only dream is to live a peaceful and leisurely life as a shut-in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But for some reason, I’ve ended up enrolling in a magic academy in the capital with a referral from the king!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a guy who hates school more than anything, I’ve decided to undertake Operation Get Expelled ASAP!─so I can rightfully get outta this place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since my arrival, an upperclassman had already picked a fight with me, a socially awkward weirdo appointed me as her friend, and, to top it off, I had to fight off a monster who was after my life. I’ve been busy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as I thought, school is an awful place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There’s no way I’m sticking around! I’ll be going back to my shut-in life, thank you very much!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I renewed my commitment to Operation Get Expelled ASAP… And that’s where we left off last time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The entrance ceremony and freshman orientation week at the Royal Granfelt Specialized Academy of Magic (long name) are finally over, and classes begin today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sometimes, I wonder whether the creature known as “a little sister” can, in fact, read a brother’s mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is not a bond of blood, but rather a bond formed by the mere idea of being siblings─a predestined connection of the soul."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…is the monologue I prepared for you, Brother Haruto. May you accept and take it with you on your splendid day.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I open my eyes to the sight of an adorable little girl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her long, blonde hair is silky smooth, and her big, round eyes are endearing─this is my dearest little sister, Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A very random way to wake me up. But a gift from you? I humbly accept and appreciate it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what do I need a monologue for? I wonder as I get up and pat Char’s head. She looks delighted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I, on the other hand, am heavy-hearted. Going to class is basically torture for me. Boo."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I went through all the trouble of creating a doppelganger so he could attend school instead of me, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ve fallen into a compromise of alternating daily shifts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s my─Original Haruto’s─turn today. What a bummer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right now, I’m at a log cabin by a lake in the count’s fief─my place of tranquility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I get myself dressed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have a good day, Brother Haruto!” Char smiles brightly and flings her arms out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks. Off I go.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even though I don’t wanna."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I lean into my little sister to give her a hug."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Char wraps both arms around my waist and squeezes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is our goodbye ritual."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I figured it was a customary greeting in this world, but I’ve never seen anyone do it except for Mom and Char. And they don’t do it when there are people around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I probably shouldn’t think about it too deeply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We stay like this for about five minutes until Char’s satisfied. I can feel her gazing longingly at me from behind as I step through the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My “Anywhere Door”─a device that connects two faraway places─transports me to my room in the boys’ dormitory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good morning, Sir Haruto!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A red-haired maid with dog ears is standing there to greet me. Next to her, an identical “copy” of me is snoring away in bed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Flay, what are you doing here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The second I utter the question, she dives to the floor faster than the eye can catch and sticks the landing in a groveling pose. Her lightning-fast reflexes are getting even faster."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Char chimes in from behind, “She’s petitioning to be your attendant at school instead of Liza, Brother Haruto.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And why’d she follow me? We did the whole goodbye ritual and everything. Strange."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My copy, still asleep, smacks his lips. I transform him back into sexy-babe figurine-mode and place him on my desk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You never give up, do you?” I sigh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It just so happens that I’m the son of a count. Apparently, children of the aristocracy all stroll around school with a servant or two. It’s a custom or something."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But the role of my personal attendant was appointed to Liza, the dragon girl. I hid her horns and tail with Barrier magic. Nobody can tell that she’s a demon, at least I don’t think."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could pass off Flay as my human attendant, too, but…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ll definitely cause trouble,” I point out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wo………………………………n’t cause trouble!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was an unnervingly long pause. I guess it’s still better than a knee-jerk response."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t let you turn the school into a sea of flames.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Am I Actually the Strongest_Am-I-Actually-the-Strongest-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo] | p-0009.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Am I Actually the Strongest? 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Flay sinks to the floor on all fours, devastated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m starting to feel a little sorry for her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Char kneels and gently takes Flay’s hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Chin up, Flay. Nobody doubts your dedication to Brother Haruto one iota.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The melodrama unfolds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My little sister continues, “But, for instance, Copy Haruto was recently accosted by an evildoer. If you were there, what would you have done?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The answer is obvious. He may be a doppelganger, but an offense to him is an offense to Sir Haruto! I would defend the copy and swiftly behead the transgressor!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That! Therein lies the rub. Your devotion to Brother Haruto is too strong, and you might take things too far. Protecting Copy Haruto is the right course of action, but Brother Haruto himself would address the situation with more prudence.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I suppose it is true that, in certain situations, I let my instincts take over.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’d almost certainly assault the enemy before they can even get a word in.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I agree,” I say."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Again, Flay droops in agony."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And also,” Char adds, “intel operations aren’t really Liza’s strength.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That is true. Liza still hasn’t gotten the hang of Sir Haruto’s surveillance magic devices. And she must act alone all day for our mission to expose the activities of this classified organization called ‘the underground student council.’ I’m not confident she can handle that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh right, they’re still playing their game of hunting down some imaginary secret students club."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know if it’s due to the influence of anime but Char’s convinced that a group of students is conspiring in the shadows and plotting to take over the school."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On top of that, she believes that a much bigger evil organization is controlling said student group, and the reason I’m attending school is to defeat them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can’t wait to get expelled and announce, “I’ve vanquished the evil organization! It’s finally over!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Where is Liza, anyway?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My dorm room has a servant’s quarter and she’s supposed to be staying there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At least, that’s where I left her yesterday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Due to an administrative glitch, Liza wasn’t recognized as my attendant all throughout orientation week and was denied entry to campus. But her application got approved yesterday and she finally got her ID."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Char stands up. “One minute,” she says and disappears into the Anywhere Door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After a few moments…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lady Charlotte, didn’t you say Flay was going today? Do I really have to go through that thing again?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ll go together like we always do. No need to be afraid.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte reappears, dragging along a girl with blue hair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is Liza."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While she has the appearance of a cute little girl around Charlotte’s age, her true form is a three-hundred-year-old colossal dragon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right now, with her mighty horns and tail hidden (with my Barrier magic), she looks like nothing but a frail young maiden."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Liza squeezes her eyes shut as she nervously passes through the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Still haven’t gotten used to it, huh?” I mutter under my breath."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She has a general fear of any magic she doesn’t understand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wish you would at least explain the principle that connects the two distant points,” Liza answers apologetically to my comment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Like I said, it’s mystery space-time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Calling it a mystery doesn’t solve the mystery!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her eyes are filled with tears and terror. I feel like I’m doing something bad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Anyway,” I give up on trying to explain the magic and return to the subject at hand. “Why were you on that side?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wouldn’t have to go through the scary door if she’d just stay put."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was so nervous that I couldn’t sleep. There’s no telling when a stranger might come knocking…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I feel you. That’s why I leave my copy here every chance I get and retreat to my log cabin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza’s something of a grandmaster to the shut-in world─she’d spent three hundred years in solitude on a snowy mountain. A school full of strangers must be a rough change of pace. I can relate. Deeply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She takes her attendant duties seriously. If someone came to the door, she’d probably feel obligated to answer it. I imagine the reason she felt okay abandoning her post was because it was my copy on shift. She’s not as dedicated to my copy either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If someone comes, just ignore them.” I shrug."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?! Are you sure?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A decent person would make an appointment before visiting. Anyone rude enough not to deserves to be ignored─that’s how society works.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh… I didn’t know that. I learned something new.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While Liza sighs in relief, my little sister’s eyes dart all over the place. Right. Because you’re always dropping in without warning, aren’t you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not including family,” I add."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte’s expression brightens instantly. Adorbs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoops, look at the time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d better leave soon or I’ll be late."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don’t wanna get expelled for missing classes. If I stand out for misconduct, it’ll reflect poorly on my dad and the whole family."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, my measly mana level of 2 is disclosed to the public."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Academic failures will be justified. “Not surprising,” everyone will scoff. When that happens, fingers will be pointed at the king who recommended me to the school, not at my dad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And that’s why I’ve got to make a show of trying my very best while leading people to believe that I just don’t have what it takes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Time to get ready for class."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, what have I got today?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pretty much all the classes are electives. But since I don’t intend to make any effort, I’d let Char choose them for me. I have no idea what my schedule looks like."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Here is your class agenda, Brother Haruto.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She hands me a piece of paper. To be perfectly honest, this is the first time I’ve so much as glanced at it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your first period today is homeroom. A chance for everyone to meet each other.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My little sister knows more than I do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Each grade is divided into classes of about twenty students."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Courses like basic studies are taken with your homeroom class."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m in…C-Class?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sounds mediocre."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. There are five classes, and C-Class is right in the middle. Although, anything less than A-Class, the highest, is not worthy of you… But not to worry, Brother Haruto! They reassess the class placements regularly, so you’re sure to move up to A-Class in the next one.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see. So that’s how it works."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because I enrolled with the king’s referral, I was exempt from taking the entrance exam."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Which means the teachers have no idea what my actual abilities are. (A certain female teacher did give me an unofficial test, but those results likely weren’t shared with the faculty.)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I imagine they went like, “Yeah, just stick him in the middle for now,” and placed me in C-Class."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I doubt I could keep up even in the lowest class."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When Char began her early education with a private tutor, our parents made me take the same courses as her. But within a year, I fell behind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In fact, when a certain short, spectacled professor made me take her own version of the entrance exam, I couldn’t even understand the words on the page. (From what I’ve heard, that test was super tough, though.)"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Alrighty, let’s see. The next class is… ‘Advanced Elemental Theory I’?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is harder than the introductory course. Normally something that second- or third-year students would sign up for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I scan the list of classes from top to bottom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the hell…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Except for the first-year homeroom class, almost all of my classes are advanced courses meant for the upper grades. Even a snooty overachiever would probably only elect one or two of them, and just the ones in their field."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My schedule is also packed with crazy-hard practical magic classes, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Any normal person would consider this pure hell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, right. But I’m not a normal person.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I said earlier, the teachers don’t know anything about my academic abilities. All they’ve got on me is that I was cherry-picked by the king."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So if a student like that chooses all the advanced classes, the expectations of the teachers are sure to rise sky high."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From there, I’ll let them down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Waaaaaaay down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The truth is, I’m a total doofus, both in academics and in magic. I tried to tell the king…but he wouldn’t listen…” I’ll sob like a victim. (I wouldn’t be lying, after all.) And those expectations will rapidly shift to disappointment, and bam! I’ll earn the title of a dunce. Hopefully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Way to go, Char!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And on top of that…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Classes are held six days a week. Even a five-day school week is soul-crushing enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But lo and behold, Char arranged my classes so that I’d have a free day right in the middle of the week."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By the way, this world also runs on a seven-day week. Monday is called First Day and Sunday is called Seventh Day. Typically, Seventh Day is the day of rest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On Saturday, known as Sixth Day here, we have classes at our training centers or labs. For me, it pretty much means I don’t have a class. Which, then, means I have three days off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You get me. You really get me, Char!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe little sisters can, in fact, read their brothers’ minds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t expecting to use the monologue that Char prepared for me so soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, even more than that, Char seemed to know exactly what I’m thinking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I pat her on the head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She blushes. “With your talents, Brother Haruto, I’m sure the hardest classes will be no challenge at all.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course, I tried to keep your schooltime to a minimum. So that it doesn’t interfere with your true mission, Brother Haruto.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I catch the faintly smug grin on her face, I wonder to myself:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Perhaps little sisters can’t read their brothers’ minds after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I leave the dorm with Liza."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good morning. Great weather we’re having!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A beautiful girl with a white ponytail is waiting at the front door. Iris, also known as Irisphilia. Or is it the other way round? Whichever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We met by coincidence before school started. Then I ran into her again on campus. Turns out she’s a student here too. She followed me around everywhere I went, and, ultimately, declared me her new friend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you waiting for someone?” I ask."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was waiting for you. Given the situation, I think that’d be the only possibility.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Right. You’re incredibly beautiful, but alas, you have no friends because you’re so socially clueless. Except for me. Not that I’m one to talk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Iris shoots a glance behind me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who’s this?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Liza, my, uhh…attendant?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why do you sound uncertain? No matter.” She reaches her hand out heartily. “Hi, I’m Iris, Haruto’s friend. Pleased to meet you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would it kill you to say your full name?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza looks at me hesitantly. When I nod, she gives Iris a feeble handshake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Pleased to meet you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Iris freezes and stares sternly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Haruto’s attendant, I see… Not unlikely, I suppose.” She mumbles something cryptic and releases Liza’s hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“By the way, Haruto, what class are you in?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Iris’s expression starts to cloud."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“With your talents? That’s odd. And disappointing. I’m in A, so we won’t be together.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Isn’t A-Class for students with the highest marks? Your written test result was the top score, but I thought your overall score was barely passing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Despite her young age, Iris’s current mana level has stopped at 5. They call this phenomenon a “closed” level. The king’s mana level is rumored to be closed, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, I didn’t understand, either. So I asked around and I found out that the written test scores are prioritized when they decide on your class placement. That’s why, even though my practical test scores were low, I was conditionally accepted as A.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don’t know the details, but I hear that if Iris’s stagnant mana level improves, she’ll have the potential to be super powerful. A certain shrimpy professor said something about the teachers having high hopes for her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyway, our classes are different, but we’ll be in the same building. I let Iris lead the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As the three of us jog to class, Liza whispers to me, “Who is she?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She just introduced herself. Besides, you’ve seen her before, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "During our travel to the academy, we came across a passenger wagon just outside the capital. The wagon was being chased by a demon and Iris was one of the passengers. Liza witnessed the whole thing, albeit from a distance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Come to think of it, you said there was something odd about her that time, too.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I did. She was far away, and I couldn’t quite put it into words, but…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Liza fixes her sharp gaze at Iris’s back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is she…human?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her blue eyes seem to glow mystically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you suggesting she’s a demon?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Liza furrows her brows. “There’s nothing demon-like about her appearance. But something about the quality of her mana is…peculiar.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe there’s a demon trait hidden under her clothes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then again, there was that time Iris almost showed her naked body to a bunch of people. She was hesitant─as any girl would be─but a demon would never do that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Honestly, I don’t really care if Iris is a demon. I really don’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry about it,” I assure Liza."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right. No matter what she is, she’s no match for you, Sir Haruto.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s not what I meant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While we’re talking, Iris reaches the door to her classroom. I glance inside and see a gruff-looking dude built like a rugby player. Before he can see me, I hightail it to my classroom down the hall with Liza…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "…where we find out that attendants aren’t allowed inside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I feel bad for Liza, but she’s gonna have to kill some time by herself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sorry to leave you all alone in a place full of strangers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Moving on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The classroom is a lecture hall with tiered seating. The instructor’s desk is on the lowest platform at the center. There are five tiers, and each row has three long desks. Each desk can seat three people."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I plop myself down on the highest tier near the exit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My homeroom teacher is a plain-looking, middle-aged dude."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My classmates all seem to be eyeing me from a distance. I’m a total loner."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They’re avoiding me like a germ, or more like a hornet’s nest you wouldn’t want to poke."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I understand, though. There are lots of rumors about me going around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be more specific, people are suspecting that I had something to do with Mr. Rich Kid-senpai AKA Schneidel Hafen’s mental breakdown. When the teachers confronted me about it, I just played innocent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even though it really was me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“M-M-My n-n-name is H-H-Haruto Z-Z-Zenfis-s-s,” I say to the class, standing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Smooth self-introduction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I space out while everyone else is doing their self-intros. There’s no point in making friends since I’m planning to flunk out soon. Besides, I’m not sure they’d wanna be friends with me anyway… Oh, woe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now that we’ve gone around the room getting to know each other, let’s begin class.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The old, plain-looking teacher starts passing out sheets of paper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m sure you’re all aware that your test scores were in the middle range. Will you move up from here? Or will you move down? We can typically tell based on how you’ve been utilizing your time since your acceptance to the school.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is this what I think it is?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What have you been doing since the entrance exam? If you’ve been sitting back, smug about being accepted, you’ll sink before you know it. For our first class of the year, I’ll be measuring your current academic levels.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, what do you know. The harmless-looking dude turns out to be pretty cold-blooded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s a so-called pop quiz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But to me, it’s an opportunity beyond my wildest hopes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I fail this test, the dumbass award will be mine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The student sitting closest to me (but still very far away) nervously hands me a test sheet. No need to be so frightened. I’ll be gone soon enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You may begin.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the teacher’s signal, I skim the questions with excitement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I read it over again. Carefully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah. This is weird. Why’s this test so easy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is the kind of stuff Char learned within the first six months of her private lessons, and she was just a little kid. Some of the questions are slightly harder. But even for me, they’re about as challenging as picking a booger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The unofficial test that Professor Tear made me take was so hard that I couldn’t even understand the words. But that one was supposed to be extra difficult─like on the level of imperial sorcerers and whatnot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This on the other hand…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, riiiight. I see what’s going on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Plain-Old is only playing tough to boost our confidence with super basic questions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Praising kids to help them grow; that must be his educational approach."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If that’s the case, this is gonna be tricky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I bungle a test this easy, he’ll know I did it on purpose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m the son of a count, after all. I’m expected to have some level of education. Even though I couldn’t keep up with my little sister."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Therefore, I’ve got to figure out the lowest passing score at this school."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does 60% sound about right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seems like the going rate for a teacher to conclude, “I’m sure he’s trying his best, but he’s just not cut out for this academy.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yep. I’ll go with that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mmhmm. This question is about calculating mana force. The formula itself is super easy, so the best approach is to make a careless mistake in my math and avoid receiving full credit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh-huh. This one’s about elemental combinations. While it might seem tricky to know how they’ll interact, there’s actually a consistent pattern, so this one’s a breeze, too. I’ll make another careless mistake here to get some points knocked off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I cruise through the test, making “mistakes” in plenty of key places."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Placing my pen down, I look over my answers carefully. Yes, it’s perfect."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please pass up your tests.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I practically skip over to my closest, yet distant, neighbor and hand him my paper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The answer sheets are gathered up and the teacher starts checking them, one by one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After he’s finished marking, he scans the classroom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You all look so nervous. Perhaps I scared you a bit too much.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come on, guys. Are you all nervous because the test was way too easy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your results…are not stellar. I see a lot of questions left blank. And the ones that are filled in… Eh, it’s obvious you’ve made some desperate guesses.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Plain-Old reveals a catty smile, but quickly masks it with a poker face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This test is tough even for B-Class. On average, they might manage to score about 50%. A-Class, on the other hand, would probably score around 80%. You understand what this means, don’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nope. Not a clue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait. Wait, wait, wait… What?! Did I get a different test from everyone else?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The higher up the class, the greater the disparity in skill. Students in A-Class─like Prince Laius, for one─have been studying intensively from an early age. Their abilities are far greater than you’d imagine. If you’re hoping to move up to A-Class, you’re going to have to work extremely hard.” The plain-old teacher smirks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But among you, there is one student who scored 60%. He made some careless miscalculations here and there, but it’s clear that he understands about 90% of the content. There’s no reason not to bump him up to A-Class right away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The teacher looks right at me with a gleam in his eye. Why is he giving me that look?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Haruto Zenfis, excellent work! I see why His Royal Majesty advocates for you. You just need to check your calculations more carefully in the future.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He flashes a surprisingly charming smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wow! So he really is brilliant.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can’t believe we’re in the same class.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But he’ll be moving up right away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Would’ve been cool to get to know him better.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Murmurs of deep misunderstandings stir up from all directions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is an elite school, right? If these are the dead-center average students─is everyone really that dull?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, that’s not it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I finally get what’s going on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s not that these students are dull."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s that my little sister─who crushed this level when she was a tiny little thing─is just too advanced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, Char…how are you so brilliant?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Haruto Zenfis, I’m going to recommend your advancement into B-Class─no, A-Class on the next evaluation. Of course, you must continue to work hard.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks to my genius little sister, on the first day of my first class…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wound up with high recognition."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There’s no need to panic yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While it seems like Operation Get Expelled ASAP has run aground on day one, I think I can still make a comeback."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the next class were to be a practical magic course, I’m sure everyone will be pitying me by the end of the period whispering, “He’s a level 2 peon, after all.” Unfortunately, it’s another lecture. But it’s supposed to be a tough one meant for the upper grades."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Starting over with a fresh mind, I head for the next classroom. By the way, where’d Liza go?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I get a little lost, but eventually find my room. It’s a smaller lecture hall, also with tiered seating."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Glancing around the room, I see that about half of the chairs are taken. Everyone turns around to stare at me. Please don’t."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I accidentally make eye contact with a male student. I instinctively look away…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "…and lock eyes with a female student. I avert my gaze again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I catch the stares of another pair of students─a beefy-looking dude and a girl dressed in a pantsuit. They both come marching over, each grab me by an arm, and pull me along. It’s Laius and Iris!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They shove me into a seat on the bottom tier, dead center, right in front of the teacher’s podium."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s overcrowded here,” Iris remarks from one side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, hag! Quit getting cozy with Haruto,” says Laius from the other side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re the one who’s sitting too close!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Neither of you are ones to talk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was hoping to sneakily watch some anime in the back row. But if I’m sitting all the way up front, the teacher’s gonna get suspicious about why I never blink."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The door at the front of the lecture hall opens."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s time. Is everyone here?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The resonant voice belongs to a female teacher dressed in black robes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her light blonde hair flows as she strides over to the podium. I can’t really tell her age, but she’s fairly young and pretty. But the gaze behind her monocle is scornful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My name is Oratoria Belkam. Professor. Expertise is Elemental Affinity, and I’ll be teaching you Advanced Elemental Theory I. You may address me however you like, and you can skip the formalities. I don’t care about social status or rank. Student or teacher, there’s no hierarchy here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her tone is haughty, but I guess she’s a down-to-earth, good teacher. Or so it seems for a fleeting moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re here because you chose to be here. I have no intention of discussing the basics. If you can’t keep up, speak up. I’ll kick you out before you know what hit you. Especially─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The teacher─Professor Belkam─skims the roster, and then looks at me and the two students to my sides."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“─you three! The only three freshmen who signed up for my class. You must be awfully confident in yourselves! If you can’t answer when I call on you, you’re out of here, so be prepared.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Starting off strong with a threat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s fine by me─my goal is to flunk. If all goes well, I might get myself kicked out within the first few minutes of class."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Setting that aside, why’s she glaring straight at me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Haruto Zenfis… I hear you joined the research lab of that four-eyed little shit. I’ll take special care to school you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. Got it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All the other teachers hate Professor Tear, the teacher who runs the research lab I belong to. Maybe I should watch my back on moonless nights."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Iris is a member of that lab, too. Why’s Belkam only targeting me…?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tak tak tak. With a textbook in hand, the professor begins writing on the blackboard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Today, we’ll be looking in detail about elemental combinations and their effects. I won’t go over compatibility, which you should already know. Main element and sub-element, mostly. Irisphilia, what’s your main element?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s Chaos.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, that’s right. I recall that you’re an EX-Rank. Even the Flash Princess only has six elements. It’s a real shame that your mana level is jammed in the single digits.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Iris bites her lip."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A main element is the first element that Mija’s Crystal displays. It’s supposed to be the element you have the strongest affinity to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The rest are called sub-elements. Your affinity to these can range from almost as powerful as your main element to just barely usable. The lower they’re displayed, the weaker. You can’t use magic with an element you have no affinity to, so having a weak one is still better than nothing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Main element included, it’s hard to quantify the affinity level of an element. At my lab, we’ve established a method for measuring up to triple affinity. This method is known as the ‘elemental ratio.’ However, we have only a small sample of individuals whose main elements are Light, Darkness, and Chaos. Which is making the research process difficult.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Quantify? Oh, she must mean…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the main element values at 100, the sub-elements also have a numerical value relative to the main."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For example, Flay’s main element is Fire. So if Fire is 100, her affinity to Darkness is 60, Wind is 45, and Chaos is 22, if I remember correctly. A lot of demons have affinity to Chaos."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ll begin with an easy example. Double affinity. If the main element is Fire and sub-element is Wind, which is a compatible…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tak tak tak. With deft strokes, she starts writing equations on the blackboard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m getting sleepy already. Using barriers, I prop up my drooping eyelids. This is agonizing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The lecture goes on. Every now and then, the teacher and students fire questions back and forth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everyone is doing pretty well. Some of the students hesitate to speak up, but even if they’re incorrect, Professor Belkam doesn’t reprimand them as long as their answer is well thought out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you with me so far? With this method, we can determine approximate elemental ratios. But there are exceptions to every rule.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Professor Belkam is scribbling on the board so fast; the students can barely keep up in their note-taking. I’ve already given up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Besides, I’m videoing everything with a recording barrier. I’m sure I’ll never watch it, but Char seemed interested, so I’ll bring it back for her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In the case of this test subject, his ratio fluctuates when he uses a certain spell. For instance, when he fortifies his muscles with Fire, his Fire ratio increases. Why do you suppose? Laius Orteus, take a guess.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Laius rises."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His brow wrinkles. After a few seconds’ pause, he finally answers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Proficiency level? Muscle fortification is a basic magic skill, so he’s probably gotten used to it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your approach is crude but not bad. However, that theory has been disproved.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Professor Belkam continues to lecture as she writes vigorously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Crap. I’m seriously falling asleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This stuff is super elementary for me. After all, I can literally see it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Because of the ‘hidden properties’…” I mumble, half-asleep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sound of chalk against the blackboard ceases."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Haruto Zenfis, what did you just say?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The teacher fixes her ferocious eyes on me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoops. Sounds a bit too far-fetched, probably."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I wasn’t just rambling nonsense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I made my own upgraded version of Mija’s Crystal. When I modified it to display the mana level in triple digits, it messed up the way elemental affinities appear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now there are funny words attached to some of the main and sub-elements."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With Flay’s measurements for example:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "[FIRE] - [EXPLOSION] / [HIGH-LEVEL FORTIFICATION]"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "[DARKNESS] -"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "[WIND] - [ACCELERATION]"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "[CHAOS] - [FORTIFICATION]"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so forth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I dubbed the words tacked on to the elements “hidden properties.” When there’s nothing indicated, it means there’s no hidden property."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My dad’s [EARTH] has [DURABILITY] and [OPERATION]. This makes his defense crazy high, and his Earth magic maneuver much smoother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But this isn’t common knowledge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Regular Mija’s Crystals don’t display this stuff, so nobody can see them but me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve only told Char and the gang about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No one else is supposed to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Char latches on hard when it comes to these things, bombarding me with questions and taking notes. I figured she was keeping record as a part of her hobby or something. She wouldn’t tell anyone else about it, I don’t think."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For one thing, I have no idea if it’s even legit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seems accurate based on my experiments, but the hidden property stuff was just a byproduct of my random attempts to increase the digits for mana level measurement. Not something I developed intentionally."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Answer!” demands the professor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think I can get away with “I don’t know” at this point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What can I do? I guess I have to say something─I could be wrong, anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think there are hidden properties attached to a person’s elements. Like, if their Fire element has the hidden property of Fortification, it makes their self-fortification magic stronger or something?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Professor Belkam widens her eyes intensely. Scare-y!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She drops her chalk and textbook on the floor, stomps towards me, and clamps both hands down on my shoulders. Her face is terrifying!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How do you know about that? That’s the latest research from Weiss Owl!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huh? Weiss…what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“These past few years, an anonymous scholar has been sending their research reports to the academy irregularly. Their study is not just cutting edge, it’s several generations beyond. ‘Hidden properties’… In their report, it was named ‘auxiliary affinity.’ Their paper suggests the possibility of such invisible affinities, and how they may supplement or heighten one’s elemental magic, or weaken its effects, just as you said.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yeah. They can have negative effects too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The research paper sent to us six months ago is still under review. So far, there is no contradictory evidence, but the matter is being handled carefully. The information hasn’t even been released to the royal family. But you!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She shakes me violently."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your observation is astonishing! I certainly never anticipated you could harbor such brilliance. That ratty four-eyed shrimp─setting her sights on you before anyone else! Curses!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Impressed and angry at the same time; she’s all over the place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What say you, Haruto Zenfis? Why not drop the worthless pursuit of Ancient Magic and come join my research lab?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Iris cuts in to save me from the fanatical teacher."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Professor Belkam, recruiting a student during class seems like a breach of etiquette.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Irisphilia, you’re in that shrimp’s lab as well? Then you come along too!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have faith in Professor Tear’s research. I have no intention of transferring.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The two of them squabble some more until the professor finally releases my shoulders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Professor Belkam turns off her stone-cold fox demeanor for a moment and grins."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You couldn’t be Weiss Owl himself, could you? Haha! I’m joking, of course.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hahaha! Of course not!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not lying. It’s not me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Still, though. Weiss Owl (White Owl)?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gee, I can’t imagine who might come up with such a cool-sounding name that combines German and English…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After parting with Haruto, Liza wanders around aimlessly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He did say that she’s welcome to go back to the dorm, but the little attendant is reluctant to abandon her post."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, interacting with strangers is dreadful. Having spent three centuries as a hermit on a snowy mountain, she’s extremely shy around people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What to do…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She leaves the building and trudges about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘Liza! Are you alone right now?’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Startled by a sudden voice in her ear, Liza jumps. She glances around but sees no one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, is this…Lady Charlotte?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘Yes, it’s me. I’m not talking to you telepathically. I’m using Brother Haruto’s communication magic.’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But communication magic requires an extremely complex spell. I doubt this is…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza is a three-hundred-year-old ancient dragon who’s spent most of her lifetime in solitude. She may be emotionally immature, but she possesses a wealth of knowledge, and has even experienced fragments of Ancient Magic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A long, long time ago when Ancient Magic flourished, there existed secret sorcery that allowed exchanges of sounds and images across a long distance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Although that magic most likely wasn’t as convenient as channeling directly into your ear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But perhaps there was a time even before that when communication magic was as simple as this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even Liza wasn’t familiar with magic from the mythical ages."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘If you don’t see anyone around, please go ahead and display my image. I’ll explain how…’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza was coached on how to do it before, but she listens closely to Charlotte so as not to miss any details."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While the direction itself is simple, she stumbles to execute it with her shaky hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After managing a few clicks of an earlobe, a tablet screen appears before her, showing Charlotte’s face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is no sign of anyone nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nonetheless, Liza has strict orders from Haruto to keep this magic a secret."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The little maid rises into the air, high above the cathedral-like main building of the school. There’s no way of being overheard all the way up here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘Is Brother Haruto in class?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. Attendants are not permitted to enter the classroom, so I am on standby.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘Brother Haruto is booked until noon. You should be free till then, Liza.’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is there something you want me to do?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘There is. I need you to gather intel on the underground student council at the academy.’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ulp! Liza swallows."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The dragon maid wasn’t expecting to be barred from entering the classroom, but it looks like Charlotte was. Which means there’s only one way to spend that extra time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Liza cannot act without orders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But now, that restriction is being lifted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um… What should I start with?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If possible, she prefers to avoid a conversation-based approach, such as asking around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘We’re dealing with a secret agency that operates in the shadows. You likely won’t have much success in getting information from ordinary students. In which case…’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Goosebumps prickle Liza’s skin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She senses magical activity from below."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Someone had run at an alarming speed to right below where Liza is, and they’re now bolting straight upward to her, six hundred feet in the air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No time for an incantation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza charges her full mana and braces herself for an attack, hastily erasing the communication screen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At lightning speed, the person skyrockets in front of Liza…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh! Flight magic, I knew it! And aren’t you a cute little maaaaaaaaiiid─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "…and zooms past her, high into the sky. A child-like woman with glasses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not before long, she comes plummeting back down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“First, my name! I’m Tearietta Luseiannel, researcher of Ancient Magic at this academeeee…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Halfway through the introduction, the woman whizzes past."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now what?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza’s question is rhetorical, but Charlotte answers in her ear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘It’s the professor from Brother Haruto’s research lab. As a teacher, she should be aware of any unusual activity. Making contact with her to gather information is an option.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wouldn’t Sir Haruto ask her directly?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘Brother Haruto is able to obtain elaborate information without using direct means. Unfortunately, we have no choice but to approach matters head-on. We must extract information from her, and then do what we can to get closer to the evildoers. Brother Haruto is dozens of steps ahead of us; we cannot afford to dawdle!’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Makes sense. Liza nods."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then I’ll make contact.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In all honesty, Liza hates the idea. But not as much as disappointing Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mustn’t let on that I’m a demon. Liza reminds herself to be vigilant as she descends to the ground."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The child-like woman is on all fours, gasping for air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um… Are you okay?” Liza approaches."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry. I’m not used to self-fortifying. I misjudged the amount of mana to use and now I’m a bit dizzy…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tearietta pants heavily for a few more minutes before she shouts “Recovered!” and gets back on her feet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now! I’ve got so many questions for you. Oh, nothing serious. Just out of curiosity. I won’t cause you trouble. But I will take up your time. So rather than standing around here, why don’t you come over to my research lab?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As the professor one-sidedly yaks away, the little maid computes in her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seems that this teacher is interested in Liza. But there’s a limit to how much she can reveal about herself. Time is not an issue but stepping into an opponent’s lair is risky business. Of course, in the interest of gaining information, some risks are inevitable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If she finds out I’m a demon, I’ll have to…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll prepare some tea and snacks,” the teacher offers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t the snacks that lured her in. Absolutely not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The child-like professor leads the way across the vast campus, and the two finally arrive at an old two-story building. They’ve come pretty far from the main building."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza is shown into a room on the upper floor. It looks like a meeting space, carelessly furnished with a table and sofas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the woman’s bidding, Liza sits on the sofa. Her tail is invisible, but it still prevents her from sitting back all the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. You’re Haruto’s attendant. He’s quite a lucky boy. Flight is Rank B magic… Executed to that level of perfection, I’d say Rank A, even. To have a maid with such capabilities─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tearietta singlehandedly carries the conversation while she makes tea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The only words Liza has uttered so far are her name and “Haruto’s attendant.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s also quite a mystery that a sorcerer of your caliber wouldn’t be known by name.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…moved here from the empire.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, that explains it. Since the demise of the Demon King, the empire has been conspiring to invade the kingdom. That must put you in a delicate position.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza isn’t lying. Plus, disclosing that she’s in a sensitive position should act as a warning for the teacher to refrain from probing further."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Professor Tearietta is undeterred. “Still, though, a mystery indeed. Normally, a sorcerer with skills of a commander’s class would be known to us, even someone who’s all the way across the border. Your abilities are perhaps even greater. And yet, I’ve never heard of a young girl by the name of Liza. I wonder how that could be?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’s tough to get around…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Liza realizes that if she allows herself to be passive, she may end up revealing too much to the teacher."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A bit obtrusive but…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She decides to take charge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d like to ask you some questions.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But of course. Give-and-take is the foundation of information exchange. I hope that what I have will be sufficient for revealing your identity.” Tear’s eyes gleam behind her tiny spectacles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m leaving.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Waaaiit, wait, wait! I have no intention of telling people you’re a demon. I just─”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh─?” Liza freezes just as she’s about to get up. “How…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hm. I was bluffing. But judging by your reaction, I must’ve hit the nail right on the head. There’s a strange indentation in the sofa cushion behind you. I speculated that you might have some sort of tail.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza turns to look. Indeed, her tail is pressing into the backrest of the sofa, creating an unnatural dent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s not illusion magic, for sure. It’s theoretically impossible to maintain invisibility on just one part of a body. Also, when you were hovering in the sky earlier, you were conversing with someone, weren’t you? Was that communication magic? Humans are said to be incapable of such magic. But if you’re a demon, perhaps─huh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza can’t stop her tremors."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is it getting cold in here?” Tearietta puffs out a breath of white air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your intuition is too strong for your own good,” Liza says."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A chill fills the room. The door and windows are completely sealed with ice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And so, I must kill you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Liza knows very well that this will cause trouble later. But she cannot think of any way to handle the situation except by eliminating the person who just uncovered her identity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh-oh. Is this getting a little out of hand? Let’s calm down first. And talk this over. I’m sure we can reach an understanding!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I refuse.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fresh hot tea that Tearietta made is frozen solid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The spectacled professor is managing to preserve herself with self-fortifying and defense magic, but it’s only a matter of time before she reaches her limit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve always known!” Professor Tear exclaims. “This personality and this mouth of mine are bound to be the death of me. But this is all happening a bit suddenly, no?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“H-Have mercy!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tearietta usually runs her mouth without the slightest hesitation. But now, for the first time, she finds herself beseeching the gods for salvation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just then…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘Stop! Stop it, Liza! Or stay!’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A desperate cry pierces inside Liza’s head. The voice of intervention belongs to Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m sorry. I let my guard down,” Liza says in remorse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘No. It isn’t your fault, Liza. I’m the one who misjudged. This is the woman who has the insight to recognize Brother Haruto’s talents immediately and welcome him to her research lab. Her powers of perception are exceptional.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In any case, we cannot allow her to live.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘No, wait! We just have to make sure she doesn’t tell anyone. No need to take it that far.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fine. I can ravage her eyes, ears and mouth, and freeze all four limbs…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘I said! Let’s not resort to violence! Please, leave this to me.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte whispers instructions in Liza’s ears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You seem to be in the middle of a morbid conversation, but is that communication magic?” Even as Tearietta shivers violently, her eyes sparkle with curiosity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bloop! A communication barrier screen appears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘Professor Tearietta Luseiannel, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A face concealed in a white mask appears on the display. It’s unclear if the voice is male or female, but somehow, it gives off the impression of a young girl."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Am I Actually the Strongest_Am-I-Actually-the-Strongest-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo] | p-0011.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Am I Actually the Strongest? 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oooh! Not just audial, but visual as well! This is communication magic, isn’t it? Marvelous! How are you doing it? I must know!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tearietta is thrilled, completely forgetting the danger she’s in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘My name is… How about…Weiss Owl.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Bwahahaha! The fabled genius researcher! Of course, that makes sense! I have more than a thousand questions I want to ask you! Yippieee!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She does a little dance, forgetting her chills as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘I’m afraid I cannot tell you much about myself,’ says the white masker. ‘Moving on. Shall we negotiate the terms to save your life?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uh, yes… Of course…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yanked back into reality, Tearietta trembles like an abandoned kitten…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couldn’t something be done about this cold, wonders Tearietta as she hugs herself. I hope we can come to an agreement before I freeze to death."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now, what must I do for you to spare me my life?” the professor asks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘Our organization values comradery. Thus, I have a proposition for you. Would you be interested in joining Weiss─’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘That was fast!’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tearietta can’t help but smile at the candid reaction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. So Weiss Owl is not an individual researcher, but a team of researchers. This is truly enticing. Honestly, I’m ready to abandon my work and transfer immediately to your location.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘I appreciate your enthusiasm. But we need you to operate at the academy during this time.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mhmm. Is the reason for that related to the information Liza wants?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘It is. But before we inquire about that, there are conditions you must meet to officially join us.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As one would expect. I presume the terms are maintaining absolute secrecy and refraining from investigating any of your identities, for the time being.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘It’s necessary for us to first assess you in order to verify that you are a trustworthy person.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Unfortunately, I am not a ‘trustworthy’ person. I am aware of this myself. However, I am dependable.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte pauses, befuddled by the statement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza rephrases. “She means that we should not trust her fundamentally as a human being. But so long as our interests are aligned, she will not betray us.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Precisely. Your team enrolls demons as members. I would not benefit from revealing this to others. I might receive a sum of reward money, but I am not interested in money. Then again, additional research funding might be nice…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza glares, and Tearietta quickly changes tack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“On the contrary, such a revelation would only hurt me!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘How so?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Among demons, there are those who can wield special kinds of magic─magic inaccessible to humans. Whether or not this is true of you, Liza, I certainly wouldn’t want you to be captured. I don’t want you to be killed. Perhaps it’s true that demons are incompatible with humans. But I believe they should be kept alive.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘You must be a good person, Professor Luseiannel.’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do not misunderstand me, as this could lead to conflict. I am a compassionless human. The reason I wish to keep demons alive is because I want to study this special magic of theirs. It has a strong connection to Ancient Magic.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In demon society, there is little value placed on record-keeping."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a principle, each tribe keeps to themselves. Wisdom tends to be passed down orally within their circle. The tendency towards individualism is even more pronounced among the wisest and strongest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s always been extremely difficult for a human─their enemy─to study the unique magic of demons."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘Urm… I’m sorry. I don’t really understand. If you are amicable towards demons─a group who’s oppressed by humans─doesn’t that make you a good person?’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The individual behind the white mask has a naïve way of seeing the world, Tearietta realizes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t see myself as amicable to others. I suppose it might be useful to pretend I am when necessary, but it isn’t my strong suit. In terms of life and death─for example, if I found a corpse, whether it was a member of my family or a complete stranger, I wouldn’t think much beyond, ‘What a waste.’”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘A waste?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’s only so much we can learn from death. Human, demon, or monster, it is the living that are valuable. There’s very little to learn about them once they’re dead.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘You mean, you only see demons as research subjects?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not exactly. I see all living things as research subjects. Including myself.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘I still don’t really understand…’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte tilts her head to the side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza interprets again. “Her way of thinking is close to that of a demon. We prioritize our own interests. If necessary, we would not hesitate to take the lives of others.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Roughly correct, although I do not condone killing. And I prioritize my survival above all else. I certainly would never sacrifice my life for someone else.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Liza counters. “There are times when we demons prioritize our comrades and master, as I do now. You and I are not in accord.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can understand that. I’m just saying that I myself wouldn’t.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tearietta pays no mind to Liza’s disdainful glare."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Watching their exchange, Charlotte seems even more perplexed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s not important that you understand,” the professor says. “Your selflessness and innocence of heart are unusual in this day and age. Such purity is a necessary component in a researcher. You and I are polar opposites, but that’s fine.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Curiosity is limitless for the uninhibited."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From their conversation, the professor suspects this is a girl in her early teens, possessed of genius that already exceeds Tearietta’s own. If this child continues to advance at this rate, she’s bound to become an icon that could rock the world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s a shame that I’m practically useless as an educator. Because I’m finding myself wanting to foster this girl’s development."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Most of all, she would love to collaborate with the girl on research."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now, I have revealed that I am a rational thinker who prioritizes only myself. Do I meet with your approval?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte glances at Liza."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘I suppose as long as our interests align, we can depend on her. What do you think, Liza?’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“One false move, and I’ll dispose of her immediately. That’s my condition.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hahaha! You are genuinely adorable!” Tearietta chuckles. “Liza, don’t give your friend such a hard time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You forget yourself.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry, I don’t expect our interests to ever be at odds. After all…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tearietta grins through her shivers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…you’re connected to Shiva, aren’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘Very clever of you. Did I say something that gave it away?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Gah…” Liza clutches at her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe a little too innocent. Even Tearietta worries for the girl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was half bluffing. But it was your communication magic that confirmed my suspicions.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Such magic would require a large-scale spell, but this girl seems to be harnessing a simplified variant. An impossible level even for demons."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know only one person capable of such unprecedented magic: the Black Knight.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘I see. And why do you believe us to be “connected”? Why didn’t you ask if we are partners?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, that…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tearietta has read all of Weiss Owl’s theses (obtained through illegal means). There was no mention about communication magic in them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why would they completely omit data regarding a magic they frequently use?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because there’s no one in Weiss Owl who actually knows how to conjure it, Tearietta deduces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They’re merely utilizing some sort of magic device to perform it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If so, Shiva is the provider of this technology, but they aren’t on the level of partners."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Therefore, just “connected.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How am I doing?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘I’m humbled by your keen perception.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I do enjoy your praise. But now I have another question. What is his real aim, and what is yours?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte pauses for a moment before responding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘We are the “The Council to Watch Over Shiva and Enable his Greatness to be Known to the World While Supporting From the Shadows” or “Beobachter”─The Shiva Supporters─for short. Also known as the Round Table meeting.’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tearietta wants to make a wisecrack, but where to even start?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘Oh, but the Round Table meetings are what we call our main activity. So I suppose the official name of our organization should be “Camelot”?’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now she’s just rambling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘Also, Weiss Owl is the name of a guild organized by a select few members.’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s best not to pursue this any further, Tearietta judges."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In that case, you’re saying I do not belong to the Round Table, but I am a provisional member of Weiss Owl. Is that right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘I’m glad you understand. And someday, you, too, shall be knighted. Best of luck to you!’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh…huh. I’ll work hard to earn it, then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For now, she’s been accepted as a member of their group, if only provisionally."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, what is it that you want from me? What sort of information?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte straightens her posture and intones gravely (and inevitably adorably), ‘The academy is currently being targeted by a massive evil organization.’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’s this all of a sudden?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘Do you know about an underground student council, or any other suspicious activities?’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uhh… Ah, yes, I suppose. I don’t know about an underground student council, but apparently, there is a shady religious group operating under the surface, not just at the academy, but all over the kingdom.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘That’s it! Tell us more!’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s outside the realm of my interests so, really, what I know is nothing more than rumors I heard from Polkos and other faculty members…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "‘That’s fine. I’m hoping you and Liza will work together to collect more information. Will you do that?’"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oof. What a hass─uh, actually, ahem. I suppose things like that can serve my interests in the end. All right, I’ll do it. Liza, no need to glare at me like that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The temperature in the room is dropping again, and Tearietta shivers. She imagines she’ll freeze before long."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "‘For now, please tell me what you’ve heard, Professor Luseiannel.’"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You can call me Tear. Let’s see… First off, this religious sect is…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their exchange of information ensues in the frosty room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Little do they know…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "…that I, Shiva, was watching the whole time!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "During class, an alarm went off loudly (just in my ear). It was the surveillance barrier I’d set up to check on the Round Table gang and make sure they’re not getting into trouble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I nearly jumped out of my chair─it was Liza, the one I pegged as least likely to get into a mess, who set it off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it had been Flay, Professor Tear would be ashes by now. She’s lucky to be alive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But anyway…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An underground student council…?” I say under my breath."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps it wasn’t precisely the right term─but it sounds like there really is some kind of fishy group conducting secret activities at the academy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not even the teachers have a good grasp of what’s going on. I hope this isn’t going to create problems."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll leave the intel-gathering to Professor Tear and whoever else. I can always intervene secretly if need be. For the time being, I’ll continue to monitor Liza and company."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But seriously…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Council to “Watch Over” Shiva? Who’s watching over who?"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Am I Actually the Strongest_Am-I-Actually-the-Strongest-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo] | p-0013.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Am I Actually the Strongest? 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bonus Interlude:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A Creature Known as a Little Sister (HISTORY)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My little sister Charlotte Zenfis is a child prodigy─there’s no doubt about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her max mana level is a whopping 61. Significantly higher than that evil shrew, the Flash Princess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess her high potential is why she was able to kindle her first wink of magic at just one year old."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d secretly made a toy with my Barrier magic for baby Charlotte to play with. She followed my example and made one too (if somewhat crudely). Probably without even thinking about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the time, I was impressed, but I didn’t think that much of it beyond, Wow, babies in this world can use magic. Cool."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But when I told Mom, she freaked out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait a minute! Children typically don’t begin to use magic until at least the age of five! Doing it unconsciously is dangerous!” I recall her saying."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mom’s fears came true the following year when Char just turned two."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She cast a ball of flame and caused a small fire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once again, she was just innocently copying what she saw Flay do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This isn’t good.” Dad took immediate action and arranged for a procedure to suppress Char’s magic. At the time, her mana level was already at 5. Iris would be bummed to hear that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As you can see, there’s no shortage of impressive stories about Char’s early years. But her genius isn’t limited to magic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’s extremely smart, too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Char had mastered the Japanese language when she was only five. Within the first two weeks, she was fluent enough to watch anime and follow along."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was also the age she started her private education with tutors at the castle. Before long, she was absorbing complex knowledge like a sponge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had to take the same lessons alongside her. But I fell behind within a year."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Back then, I figured I was just dumb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But it turned out that Char was already covering material comparable to the kingdom’s top academic institution. Astounding! Even before that, she was devouring books in the castle’s library with Mom."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As for her mana level, when her restriction was lifted, it jumped from a 5 to a 9 in less than a year."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her current mana level is at 17. Even though she’s only eleven years old, her level is high enough to excel at the Royal Granfelt Specialized Academy of Magic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’s beyond amazing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come to think of it, when she was watching some sci-fi anime, she’d often look up whatever she didn’t understand on the internet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A curious girl by nature."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we were younger, Char avoided me like the plague. But after a certain incident, we became very close…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your magic is magnificent, Brother Haruto!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "…and she began directing her curiosity at me, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve kept my weirdo Barrier magic hidden from Mom and Dad. But in spite of my best efforts to keep it a secret, somehow, Char caught on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She peppers me with questions and eagerly takes notes. It’s cute."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, on the other hand, am not knowledgeable about magic since Barrier magic is all I can use. Besides, I just conjure them intuitively, so it’s hard to explain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Consequently, I can’t satisfy any of her expectations. Sad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyway, she seemed to enjoy having magic debates with Flay. But Flay’s another can of worms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My knowledge of magic has been deepened by your counsel, Sir Haruto,” the dog-eared maid would often flatter me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I don’t remember ever telling her anything useful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Flay put it: “Rarely can an individual physically sense their own elemental ratio. No one’s even discovered the existence of hidden properties. The ability to gauge these factors accurately is an immense contribution to the acquisition and optimization of magic.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huh, is that so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And you have the ability to see them, Brother Haruto. What an incredible talent! It’s just like you!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All thanks to my weirdo Barrier magic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Char once said to me, “The fact that your communication magic and teleportation magic both rely on the use of mystery space-time proves that they are of the same ilk. Reproducing a fully autonomous homunculus and endowing it with sentience comparable to that of a human is a completely new use of magic. Even if you still can’t explain these things, Brother Haruto, your magic completely revolutionizes the norms of modern magic!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She continued excitedly, “Ergo, your magic─nay, your very being─is a treasure of this nation! Nay, of this planet! We must educate the world of your myriad contributions!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, I’d really prefer not to make a big thing out of it…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well. I’ll do it secretly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In that case, fine. But secretly making something public? Isn’t that a contradiction? Still, I wasn’t too concerned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So when I found out she’s been sending papers to the Academy of Magic under the pen name Weiss Owl…boy, was I surprised."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And today, the white owl soars beyond her fief, creating shockwaves among researchers all over the country."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the tender age of eleven."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What kind of adult will she grow up to be?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can hardly wait to find out."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Am I Actually the Strongest_Am-I-Actually-the-Strongest-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo] | p-0014.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride: Volume 17"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s been a long time, everyone. I’m Fuminori Teshima, and I have come to deliver An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride Volume 17."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The world is shaken by last volume’s impactful conclusion. As that goes on, Zagan commands Shax and Kuroka to go on a honeymoon...or rather, to meet Archdemon Forneus. The weakest Archangel, Micca, is forced to get involved in things and has a fateful meeting with a girl. The one to appear before all of them is the most detestable Archdemon in the world. Will the newly formed couple get out of it alive?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yup. That’s the general gist of this story, which puts Shax and Kuroka at center stage. These two characters spin their wheels in a fluster all on their own, so they’re very fun to write. But now that I think about it, despite being the only source of lewd incidents in this series, not much of that happened this time around. The ear nibbling was enough for me, I guess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Also, I’ve never mentioned this before, but I love writing about nameless background characters and the protagonist’s friends doing their best to fill a minor role. (Now that I think about it, Shax used to be that kind of character...)"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyway, that being the case, I’ve always wanted to write about the three new Archangels that were introduced in volume 9. In this volume, I’ve finally gotten the chance to do one. I’m hoping to get to the other two soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah, I’m the kind of author who doesn’t stick strictly to the planned plot. That was particularly a problem in this volume. First, there was an unexpected connection between two characters. I won’t specify what exactly, but I didn’t plan for them to meet. The mood between Barbatos and Chastille has gotten good without me really noticing it, and that’s been throwing me off, but these two meeting really had me wondering why I did it and whether to leave that part in or cut it. Those who know what scene I’m talking about, please grin to your heart’s content."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And one more thing: Forneus. When I was plotting things out, he wasn’t such a troublesome old man, so why did things end up like that when I got around to introducing him...? His words are quotes from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Up until I decided that, I’m ashamed to say I was a huge bother to the editing department."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yeah, and Chastille’s mom. Her character was technically created a while ago, but there aren’t that many scenes in Chastille’s house, so she hasn’t had the chance to appear. I had her ready to go, but never thought she’d be unveiled in one of the color illustrations right off the bat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And one last thing. The anime version is progressing well. Please look forward to more news about it!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess that’s about everything regarding this volume. Let’s go over how things are with me now. I mentioned it briefly last time, but I bought a cat! It’s a super cute black cat. It’s kind of mischievous and has been breaking stuff, but Futaba, the manga artist for the spinoff, taught me about sofa covers and cat fences."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The cat’s been growing a lot lately, so the pranks are getting less frequent, but now it’s taken to climbing on my lap while I work, which honestly grants me the will to keep going."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Also, the cat jumps on my back, but its claws really hurt. Ever since the first time, it properly retracts its claws whenever doing so, so it’s really smart, but still... Oh, and it’s taken to my children too, so the house has become even livelier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now then, allow me to offer my thanks to everyone involved."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To A, my chief editor, whom I must really apologize to for being such a bother. To the illustrator, COMTA, who provided the best possible illustrations for Shax’s and Kuroka’s cool new outfits. To the manga artist, Hako Itagaki, who also does the storyboards for the spinoff. To the spinoff manga artist, Momo Futaba. To the editors for both manga. To everyone involved in the cover design, proofreading, publicity, and such. To my children, who got me chocolate and liquor for Father’s Day. And to you, my dear readers, who are reading the book at this very moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you very much!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "June 2023: On a Night during Rainy Season When It Isn’t Raining At All"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fuminori Teshima"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_An Archdemon's Dilemma - How to Love Your Slave Elf Bride_An-Archdemon's-Dilemma-How-to-Love-Your-Slave-Elf-Bride-Volume-17-[J-Novel-Club][Premium] | afterword.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride: Volume 17"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bonus Short Stories"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Piety and Sibling Affection Are Apparently at Odds"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Jeez, you should at least offer Lady Nephteros some tea, brother. You’re so tactless...”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t be unreasonable. I just got here... Still, I suppose I can make some tea. Don’t worry about it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m already done making it. I mean, mine tastes better, anyway.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You little...”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the church’s office, Nephteros was working hard at her duties—for a number of reasons, Chastille had been forced to take a break—so in an unusual turn of events, Richard and the nun who served as an errand girl, Rachel, were arguing with each other. Seeing that Nephteros was clearly bewildered, Richard bowed to her elegantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Forgive the unsightly display,” he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-It’s fine. More importantly...” Nephteros trailed off as she shook her head, her silver hair swaying behind her. “You’re siblings?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” Richard and Rachel uttered in unison, then exchanged looks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now that I think about it, I might never have mentioned it,” Richard said. “Yes. Rachel here is my sister.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You see her every day and you never told her? I can’t believe you...” Rachel said. “Lady Nephteros, please forgive my foolish brother.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s not really my fault. Even when we meet at work, you never come up as part of the conversation,” Richard retorted. “If you’re going to put it like that, you’ve never mentioned our relationship either, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you think I’d resort to idle chatter in the middle of adhering to my faith?” Rachel replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nephteros shook her head in exasperation, then timidly asked, “Umm, do the two of you maybe not get along?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? No, that isn’t really the case,” Richard told her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think we’re pretty normal?” Rachel added."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their little interaction right now was far from indicating that they were on bad terms."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do siblings often fight?” Nephteros asked curiously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wouldn’t say we were fighting...” Richard said, his response reinforced by Rachel’s nods."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That wasn’t a fight?” Nephteros asked, even more bewildered now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was just giving my brother a warning,” Rachel said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She has no reason to warn me, but that’s about right...” Richard added."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that so...?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, she hadn’t gotten to the most important point yet, but this conversation was quite noteworthy for Nephteros."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, do you mind if I ask you something?” she continued. “What are siblings supposed to be like...? Um, you know I have someone who’s like an older sister to me, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nephteros had very few acquaintances with siblings. The only ones she could think of were Dexia and Aristella, who were over at Zagan’s place. Unfortunately, she didn’t have much to do with them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lady Nephteros, are things not going well with your sister?” Rachel asked, finding this unexpected."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s not the case, but, um, it hasn’t even been a year since we met,” Nephteros said. “I’m not exactly sure how to interact with her sometimes...”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In fact, they’d been enemies at first. Or maybe it was more accurate to say that Nephteros had unilaterally made her an enemy. And yet, she’d interacted with Nephteros as if that hadn’t been the case at all. They’d at least talked things out and had come to an understanding, but that didn’t mean Nephteros knew how to act around her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nephelia is very kind,” Nephteros continued. “She treats me like a little sister and often invites me to go shopping and such. However, I have no idea how to respond to her kindness.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Richard smiled gently and took Nephteros’s hand into his own before replying, “You should just act according to your feelings. I’m sure Lady Nephelia will respond in kind. That is what it means to be siblings.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that so...?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His words and the warmth of his hands brought her relief. Nephteros’s expression softened, and for some reason, Rachel staggered. This kind of spasm was a regular occurrence, but Rachel’s expression seemed to imply she was agonizing over some kind of internal discord."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Gah... Is it truly all right to show faith in this...?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s wrong, Rachel?” Nephteros asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“D-Don’t worry about it!” Rachel shouted. “My mind is just rejecting the idea that a relative is mixed in among an object of faith!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nephteros had no idea what she was saying, but she decided to leave it at that all the same. Rachel eventually settled down, took a small breath, and faced the two once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Phew... Brother, that’s not what Lady Nephteros is asking,” she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hm? What do you mean?” Richard asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lady Nephteros, how do you refer to your older sister?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, Nephelia...? By her name,” Nephteros answered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then how about calling her ‘sis’ every now and then?” Rachel suggested. “I’m sure she’ll be delighted.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She had a point. Nephteros often called Zagan “big bro,” but never referred to Nephelia in such a manner."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah...! W-Will she?” Nephteros asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. My brother here gets depressed if I don’t refer to him as such,” Rachel added, puffing her chest out in pride."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Uhhh, no I don’t,” Richard said with a sour face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was an expression he would normally never show to Nephteros. It was such a fresh sight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you, Rachel,” Nephteros said with a smile. “I’ll try it next time I see her... And here, a handkerchief.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m glad to be of assistance.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In contrast to Rachel’s dignified tone, a line of blood ran down from her nose. Nephteros then stared up at Richard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hm...? Is something the matter?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Richard, you’re rather different when you speak to Rachel.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She felt like this was the first time she’d seen him be so frank."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So Richard can be like that sometimes too."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In front of Nephteros, he was always a perfect gentleman, but every now and then, he sometimes acted like...a normal person? Or like any youngster on the city streets? Nephteros couldn’t really find the right words for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can make a distinction between public and private matters,” Richard said with his usual gentlemanly smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nephteros didn’t mean to criticize his answer, but she found herself puffing out her cheeks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And which am I...?” she asked teasingly without thinking about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unable to bear it, Richard covered his face. However, being able to read the room in these situations was part of what made him Richard. He eventually lowered his hands, gathered his resolve, and brought his face closer to Nephteros’s ear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I already consider you family, Nephteros.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nephteros knew that her face was red all the way to the tips of her ears. Richard found this embarrassing too and immediately tried to back off in a fluster, but Nephteros clung to him tightly and pressed her head against his chest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you...” she said. “That makes me so happy, Richard.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rachel had collapsed in a pool of blood at their feet, but in a final display of willpower, she’d done so without making a single sound."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An Encounter at the Church"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uhhh, oh yeah, I have something to do!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After bumping into someone at the church’s headquarters, Lisette didn’t hesitate to turn on her heels."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wait a minute, Lisette.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Called to a stop before she could run away, Lisette reluctantly turned to face the boy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What?” she asked bitterly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have you been getting involved in something bad lately?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lisette had, in fact, stuck her nose into something shady."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I’m not doing anything that would bother my sister,” she answered hesitantly with a stiff expression."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ginias let out a slight sigh and continued, “Hmm. I suppose it doesn’t matter if you don’t want to tell me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, he unclasped the Sacred Sword from his back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, hang on...?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lisette was currently involved with something that wasn’t particularly praiseworthy from the church’s perspective. Just maybe...or with all certainty, he was somebody they’d try to eliminate. Still, she didn’t believe this warranted drawing a weapon on her. Lisette was completely bewildered by his behavior."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Be sure not to move,” Ginias said coldly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He then swung his sword without hesitation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eep... Huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ginias had slashed behind Lisette—where there was nothing to cut. She felt like she saw a black haze vanishing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uhhh...? What did you cut?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t know. I sensed something like a curse. ‘Something’ without any substance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed he’d saved her from being possessed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ummm...thank you. But why save me? I’ve been avoiding you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hm? Do I need a reason to save someone?” Ginias asked as he sheathed his sword, a confused look on his face as if he’d never even questioned the matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What’re you acting cool for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lisette found herself putting a hand to her chest, when suddenly, despite being indoors, a wind blew by her legs. Even though it was just for an instant, it was enough to reveal the silk hidden beneath her short skirt. She panicked and hastily pressed her skirt back down, but..."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“D-Did you see...?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I-I-I-I didn’t see anything!” Ginias roared, shaking his head vigorously, his face bright right. “S-Sorry.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-Whatever. Not like there’s anything worth looking at...”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, that’s not true.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Such were the events on a certain day at the end of spring."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_An Archdemon's Dilemma - How to Love Your Slave Elf Bride_An-Archdemon's-Dilemma-How-to-Love-Your-Slave-Elf-Bride-Volume-17-[J-Novel-Club][Premium] | bonus.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Greetings! I am Tsukasa Yokotsuka, and I am pleased to present the seventh volume of Another World Survival: Min-Maxing my Support and Summoning Magic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With the completion of this volume, we have now gone through the events of the fourth day. Remarkably, it’s taken seven books to cover such a short time!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Looking back at my original plot outline, it’s clear that the narrative of the third and fourth days expanded considerably. This was largely due to the introduction of new characters and further exploration of the world. Writing a story can be a meandering journey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That said, prepare yourself for what’s next: a thrilling roller coaster of events! The fifth day will bring both groundbreaking and tumultuous developments in the plot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sincerely hope you’ll join me at the end of this story. Thank you very much."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_Another World Survival_Another-World-Survival-Volume-07-[Hanashi-Media][Kobo] | afterword.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The invasion of Velshdt has begun. I know that you’re all up to the task, and I’ll be expecting you to give it your best,” I, Ars Louvent, said to my assembled retainers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I would put my very life on the line for your sake if the circumstances called for it, Lord Ars,” replied Rietz. “The conquest of Velshdt will be a pivotal step toward our ultimate victory in this war. We can be certain that our accomplishments will earn you the fame and respect you deserve, and as such, I will spare no effort!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was far and away the most devoted out of all my retainers, and the most capable to boot. I had absolute faith in his abilities."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My magic’ll make this a piece of cake,” said Charlotte. Her confidence was well and good, but I couldn’t help but think she was taking our upcoming battles a little too lightly. On the other hand, her magic was almost unimaginably powerful, and she was right in the sense that it would be a major asset in battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think the pressure’s gonna kill me… Oh, god, my stomach,” groaned Rosell, who looked pallid. His tactical genius was unfortunately accompanied by an inclination toward catastrophic pessimism─in short, he had his strong points and weak points."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You should try to relax a little, Rosell,” I said, in the hopes of alleviating some of his tension."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Th-This is going to be an incredibly important stage of the war! We can’t afford to lose, and that means we can’t afford to relax for even a second!” Rosell snapped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Kid’s got a point,” added Mireille with an air of knowing authority. “You can never tell what’s gonna happen on the battlefield, no matter how hard you think through the situation.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille had the most experience in the field out of all my retainers, and her stats were remarkably high as well. The one issue that kept me from putting too much faith in her was her personality. She had quirks, to say the least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It struck me that I was wrapped up in a situation that was out of my league, considering what my previous life had been like. Before my reincarnation I was just your everyday white-collar office worker in Japan. With that in mind, the idea of me becoming a baron in another world and leading an army into a battle with the fate of the whole duchy on the line was just absurd. I wasn’t built for this sort of drama, and every once in a while the whole scenario felt surreal beyond description. I didn’t have a choice, though: I’d been born into the aristocracy, and that meant I had to do everything in my power to fulfill my role."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A soldier burst into the meeting room in Castle Velshdt, the single most important strategic location in all of the County of Velshdt. “News from Samkh!” he shouted. “The castle has fallen, and is occupied by the enemy!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Count of Velshdt, Kanses Bandle, had been in the middle of a war council at the time, but the soldier now had his full attention. “Th-That can’t be,” he muttered. “First Vakmakro fell with stunning speed, and now Castle Samkh has suffered the same fate…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Castle Samkh was not a fully-fortified citadel, but it was situated in a more defensible location than Fort Vakmakro. It had also been defended by Kanses’s very own cousin, Fredore, a man in whom Kanses had the utmost of faith. For the castle to have fallen nigh instantaneously was news that exceeded even the most pessimistic scenarios Kanses had considered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, that’s a setback I sure didn’t see coming… Do we know anything about how the castle fell?” asked Thomas Grunzeon, a master tactician who had been dispatched to aid in the defense of Velshdt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m afraid not, Your Lordship!” replied the soldier. “We were told the castle fell, but nothing about how it happened.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then,” said Thomas with a nod. “It’s only a matter of time before the specifics find their way to us…but I’d bet the enemy has a skilled spy in their number.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A spy?” repeated Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It doesn’t add up otherwise. The castle wouldn’t have fallen so fast without a man inside,” said Thomas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But surely Fredore would have ensured his castle was defended against such sabotage?” asked Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He probably had,” Thomas admitted. “I’d bet he just didn’t do enough.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm. Then perhaps we should redouble our own defenses in that regard,” said Kanses with a thoughtful frown. “Speaking of Fredore, what happened to him? Does he still live?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The Count was captured by the enemy,” said the soldier. “He may live, or he may have been executed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see,” Kanses sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A man like Fredore would be a valuable hostage,” Thomas noted. “I think there’s a good chance they’d keep him alive, just in case.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A subtle hint of relief flashed across Kanses’s face. He was fond of his cousin, and would have been bereaved to learn of his passing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thomas,” Kanses said, “what do you believe our enemy’s next move will be?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Conventional tactics would call for a swift assault on Castle Staatz. That’d give them a solid staging ground to take on the rest of the county from, and they know we weren’t prepared for Samkh to fall that quickly. They’ll be looking to take advantage of our lowered guard and rush in before we’ve finished preparing for their assault.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In which case it would behoove us to prepare our forces to mount a defense as soon as possible,” said Kanses."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s the ticket,” agreed Thomas with a nod. “The good news is that if they make the moves I’m expecting them to, we’ll have a decent shot at winning this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How so?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The faster you march an army like theirs, the more openings you end up leaving for a surprise attack to catch you off guard.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. And if I recall, such ambushes are your specialty.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right. I don’t know if I’d be able to take out Couran himself, but I should be able to sever their supply chain and bring their advance to a standstill.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’re blessed to have a man with your skills on our side,” said Kanses. He’d been worried that Samkh’s sudden fall would spell the imminent end of his rule, but Thomas’s reassurances made him feel a slight resurgence of hope."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’s no guarantee that the enemy’ll rush in like I’m hoping, though. Some of them probably know that surprise attacks are my standard procedure, and there’s a chance they’ll be on guard as well. If that ends up being the case, they’ll either move in at a more normal pace or try to pull some other maneuver,” Thomas said, then sank into thought for a moment. “To start, we should make sure we’re prepared to deal with any spies that try to slip their way in. We’ll send troops to the forts near the front, too, and have them prepare for battle posthaste. After that, well, that depends on what sort of new info comes in.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood. I’ll send word to the commanders of every fort at once,” said Kanses, then hurried off to begin penning his messages. In them, he included notes regarding Castle Samkh’s fall, the fact that they should be prepared for an imminent invasion, and that they should be extra alert for the possibility of spies. Finally, he added that any information regarding the enemy should be relayed to him at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Velshdt’s soldiers were few in number, but their preparations for a long, painful defense had begun nonetheless."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0009.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The execution of the prisoners we’d captured during our conquest of Castle Samkh was carried out within the castle itself. It was a gruesome scene, but I’d witnessed enough horrors since the war began that I was starting to get a little used to them. I knew that I couldn’t let myself be shaken by that sort of thing if I was going to get by as a noble in this world, so I decided to think of my desensitization as a good thing─though on the other hand, I knew that I couldn’t let myself get too desensitized and start being unaffected by death."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As for my next moves, I requested that the Shadows gather information throughout the County of Velshdt. I considered having them look into Castle Staatz, but ended up deciding to have them check out the important strategic locations between us and the castle first."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Assaulting Castle Staatz right after our conquest of Castle Samkh would be impossible, given the current state of things. The County of Velshdt had a number of highly-defensible forts spread throughout it, and if we rushed ahead and let our guards down, it was very possible we’d find our advance stymied. And so, I told the Shadows to get me information on all the castles and forts we’d need to take down before we could march on Castle Staatz proper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That bit of reconnaissance aside, our forces were occupied with wiping out the remaining resistance in the County of Samkh, as we’d previously planned. There weren’t many enemy soldiers left, thankfully, and gaining total control over the county didn’t take long at all. Before I knew it, the county had fallen into Couran’s hands, and it was time for us to turn our attention to the conquest of Velshdt in earnest. Led by Couran, the bulk of our forces sallied forth from Castle Samkh, and needless to say, I was part of that group."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our first step toward conquering Velshdt was taking over a stronghold called Fort Valdsen. The fort was located in close proximity to the border with Samkh, and if we managed to claim it, it would serve as an excellent staging ground for the rest of the invasion. The one problem, however, was that Fort Valdsen was far from poorly defended. Not only were its fortifications sound, but it was watched over by a commander who was well known for his competence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we stopped to rest partway through our march, Couran called his commanding officers together for a council."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A frontal assault would cost us, but I’m afraid I see no other option,” he said as he solicited us for advice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So far, Couran’s invasion had progressed with a rather low rate of casualties. On top of that, a fair number of the common soldiers from regions we’d already conquered had joined us. In total, we actually had more soldiers on our side than we’d started with. Staging a frontal assault would have its fair share of advantages─the most important of which was the speed with which it could be carried out─but we were sure to lose plenty of men in the process. Couran, it seemed, felt that at the present moment we were more pressed for time than we were for troops."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Losing a few troops here and there might not be a disaster, but if we want to take down Fort Valdsen head-on, we’re also gonna need to expend a hell of a lot of aqua magia,” commented Mireille. “That’s something you should keep in mind.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A frontal assault would involve a similar tactic to the one we’d used to bring down Fort Vakmakro: blasting a hole in the outer walls with powerful siege magic, then storming in through that opening. Vakmakro’s unimpressive magical defenses and Charlotte’s superlative magical talent had enabled the tactic to be quite effective back then, but Fort Valdsen was supposedly much more prepared to ward off that sort of assault. It would take an awful lot of high-level magic to pierce through the fort’s defenses, and that would involve using up a ton of aqua magia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I also believe we should keep our aqua magia expenditures at a minimum,” chimed in Rietz. “After all, there’s no telling how much of it our enemies may be holding in reserve.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Aqua magia, is it?” Couran muttered as he furrowed his brow. “I’ll grant you the point, but the fact remains that we have little in the way of alternative options. Would you have us lay siege to the fort? I’m sure you realize we don’t have that sort of time to spare.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“While we’re on that subject,” said Rosell, “I’m guessing that Fort Valdsen’s commander is operating under orders to stall us for as long as possible. I doubt that he’ll be inclined to go on the offensive, considering the circumstances.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That made the prospect of siege warfare even less appealing. If a fort’s defenders never chose to rush out for an attack, it could take an interminable amount of time for them to run out of resources and be forced to give up. Under the current circumstances, a siege just wasn’t an option for us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, if a direct assault would be too costly and a siege too lengthy, what would you propose as a better option?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Seems to me that we should look into taking over the fort without fighting at all,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Taking over the fort without fighting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In other words, I presumed, she was suggesting we find a way to convince the fort’s defenders to join our side. In the best case, that would allow us to secure victory without spilling a drop of blood or wasting an excess of time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that feasible?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hard to say,” replied Mireille with a shrug. “Seems worth giving it a try, though. The enemy knows they’re fighting at a disadvantage, and I’m sure some of them aren’t interested in dying in vain. And in the worst case, we can just go for a frontal assault when subterfuge fails.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A fair point indeed,” said Couran. “Perhaps there is merit to making an attempt. I am convinced─we will begin by making an effort to coax the enemy into defecting and supporting our cause.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that decided, our next step was to figure out who would be responsible for carrying out the scheme. “Does anyone have a proposal for who would be well-suited to bringing the enemy around?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One by one, the assembled nobles stepped up to volunteer themselves for the task. A few of them claimed to be acquaintances with the commander of Fort Valdsen, and I assumed Couran was likely to choose one of them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I nominate the kiddo I work for to handle the job,” said Mireille before Couran could reach a decision, much to my bemusement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait, why me?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Because you’ve got a real knack for negotiations,” said Mireille. “Plus, your power could give you some insight into what the guy wants from us, don’t you think?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My power doesn’t make me all-knowing!” I snapped back, though in truth, the enemy commander’s Ambition score would give me a degree of insight into whether or not it would be possible to convince him to sell out his current lord. If his Ambition was low, I’d know that we’d have to dangle a very tempting incentive in front of him to make him even consider the proposal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars is an indispensable asset to my army,” said Couran. “I am less than inclined to send him out to participate in negotiations that could prove dangerous.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They don’t have to be, though,” said Mireille. “Why not start by sending a letter saying you want to talk with their commander? If he’s open to that, we can start the real negotiations. Knowing he’s willing to talk to us at all will let us know if it’s even worth trying to bring him over to our side, and if he agrees to the talks in advance, I have a hard time imagining he’ll murder our negotiator.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nevertheless, we can’t rule out the possibility he’ll take such an extreme step,” pointed out Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If we were that obsessed with worst-case scenarios, we wouldn’t be sending the kid out onto the battlefield either,” countered Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm,” said Couran, once again lapsing into thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille was as silver-tongued as ever, and had backed him into a corner. I, meanwhile, was beside myself with worry that she’d go a step too far and infuriate him. Part of me wanted to tell her that if she had that much of a way with words she should just go handle it on her own, but on the other hand, I could imagine her insulting the enemy commander to his face and ruining the negotiations before they even began."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What are your thoughts on the matter, Ars?” asked Couran, turning to me next."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t sure how dangerous the task would be, honestly, but I was certain that the points Mireille had made were sound. We stood to gain quite a lot if we managed to pull the mission off, and Couran had proven generous with monetary rewards for that sort of accomplishment in the past. I was never one to turn down the chance to make some money, but the question was whether or not I could manage it. Frankly, I wasn’t at all sure I was up to the task."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was worried that failure would lower Couran’s opinion of me, of course, but more than that, I was worried that screwing this up would delay the conquest of Velshdt. Considering that my biggest goal was to win this war as fast as possible, it didn’t make sense to overextend myself in search of glory if that meant risking a delay. I was leaning toward leaving it up to one of the nobles who was acquainted with the enemy leader…but when I paused to take a closer look at the nobles in question, I noticed that all of them had high Valor but low Politics scores. Suddenly, I found myself doubting whether they could handle the job on a basic level."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We did have people with high Politics scores on our side─there was Robinson, for one thing─so it didn’t seem necessary for me to play a part. However, I had a feeling that my Appraisal skill would be at least somewhat useful in this sort of under-the-table negotiation. I soon came to the conclusion that it would be best to send me along with one of the nobles who knew the commander, or maybe Robinson, and have me serve as the primary negotiator’s support."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m willing to take on the task,” I said, “but I don’t think that I’m capable of succeeding alone. That being said, if I had someone like Sir Robinson or an acquaintance of the enemy leader along with me, I believe we may be able to accomplish this mission.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm─so you wish for Robinson to lend you his aid?” Couran asked, then paused to consider my proposal. “I’ll grant you that sending Robinson would improve the odds of your success, but at the same time, it would make our losses all the greater should negotiations fail… Though I suppose that sending someone the commander knows would lessen the likelihood he would choose to slay the lot of you. Nevertheless, I shall have to assign a skilled guard to accompany you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed to me that Couran had made up his mind, and as I suspected, it wasn’t long before he’d drafted a letter to send to Fort Valdsen. That was our attempt to test the waters, in a sense. If the enemy commander literally killed the messenger, we’d know there was no choice but to claim the fort by force. The messenger, however, returned in short order."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The leader of the forces at Fort Valdsen, Lord Ruper, is willing to engage in talks with us,” the messenger reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The talks were set to take place on enemy grounds, and we wouldn’t be allowed to bring our weapons with us. I had a sword─not that I could use it─which was taken from me before the negotiations began. I wasn’t excited about the idea of our group being unarmed, but I was told that the enemy’s party would be leaving their weapons behind as well, which made me feel at least a little more secure. This meant that the escort Couran assigned to us was disarmed as well, of course, but I figured that if they were as tough as he seemed to think they were, they wouldn’t need weapons to protect us if worst came to worst."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In spite of all those precautions, the talks weren’t to be held within the enemy fort itself. We’d be meeting their party in a garden just outside of the fort’s front gates. It seemed the idea was that this would serve as safe ground, where we’d be able to tell immediately if anyone nearby was armed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A round table had been set up in the middle of the garden, before which a middle-aged man was sitting. As we approached, he stood up and spoke."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well met,” said the man. “It is good to see you once more, Sir Volance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Likewise, Sir Ruper,” said Volance, the noble who’d been sent along with us on account of him knowing Ruper. That exchange confirmed to me that we were speaking with the fort’s commanding officer. Apparently, Volance and Ruper had fought side by side in some conflict in the past. They weren’t friends, per se, but they were at least acquaintances, and their connection was the least tenuous option available to us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Would the men behind you be Sir Robinson and Sir Ars?” asked Ruper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That is correct,” confirmed Volance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ruper gave me a quizzical look, which was understandable, considering I was very conspicuously still a child. My presence here was odd, especially knowing how important these talks would be. To Ruper’s credit, though, he didn’t choose to voice his doubts, instead directing us to have a seat. I obliged, then appraised him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The usual status window popped up right away…or so I thought, but an instant later the writing was obscured as the window was filled with what looked like TV static. A jolt of surprise ran through me─had I lost the ability to use my skill?─but thankfully, just a moment later, the window returned to its normal appearance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the heck was that? I wondered. Nothing of the sort had ever happened before, but since I could read his stats now, I decided to try not to obsess over it and keep my head in the moment. I shook the surprise off, then gave Ruper’s stats a look."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ruper’s stats were nothing to sneeze at, and his ambition was on the higher side of things. That explained why he’d been willing to talk with the enemy in the first place. I figured that a man as capable as he was, with an Ambition as high as his, might very well be less than satisfied with the hand his superiors had dealt him in this war."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now that I knew his stats, I just had to figure out how to use that as a tool in our negotiations. I didn’t know how useful my insight was, but at the very least I’d be able to see through to his true Ambition even if he was the type who’d make an effort to hide it."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0011.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As far as the rest of his stats went, his Valor was low, but everything else was high across the board. I could tell he wasn’t the sort of person who’d fight on the front lines. That plus his high Ambition gave me an image of a careful, thoughtful man who harbored quite the scheming nature deep down. If I was right, then as long as we laid out the merits of betraying his current master, he would be willing to jump ship. He was fighting at an undeniable disadvantage, after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran had given us a summary of the perks we could use to lure him to our side, the most major of which was offering him a position as count after the invasion was over. Once Vasmarque and his followers were defeated, a number of Missianite counties would be bereft of their counts, and Ruper would be able to step in to take one of their places. Our allies probably wouldn’t be happy about that position being handed off to a former foe, but in Couran’s mind, the immediate benefits outweighed that long-term issue. With an offer like that on the table it seemed there’d be no good reason for him to turn down our proposal…but I wasn’t convinced it’d be that easy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The negotiations began with a period of perfunctory small talk between Ruper and Volance. I could tell in an instant that they didn’t know each other very well, just from the way they spoke to each other. Before long, Robinson seized an opportunity to step in and steer the conversation toward our true objective. When he proposed that Ruper join forces with us, though, Ruper’s response came swiftly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have sworn loyalty to Lord Vasmarque and Lord Kanses,” said Ruper. “As such, I am afraid I must humbly decline your offer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn’t tell if he was turning us down because he couldn’t bring himself to take the offer, or because he thought we wouldn’t trust him if he jumped on the offer without hesitation. Robinson followed up by explaining that we could guarantee him a position as count should he accept, but that did nothing to sway him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What’s there not to like about the deal? I figured someone with as high of an Ambition as him would be dead set on moving up in the world, I thought. It just didn’t make sense. If his compunctions were so strong he’d never betray his current master, then why had he agreed to the negotiations in the first place? Was he putting on a front, and secretly wavering deep down? Or maybe he doubted our sincerity? If he was as cautious as he seemed, then he might have harbored the suspicion that Couran would sooner cut him loose and pretend the deal never happened than appoint Ruper to his promised position and risk inciting the wrath of his other subordinates."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What could we do to gain his trust, though? Maybe we could sign the agreement in blood, or something? Couran had expressed a willingness to offer some extreme incentives if it would lure Ruper onto our side, so surely he’d be willing to spare a spoonful of blood or two for the cause! And if that failed, well, the only idea I could come up with was just arguing the man into submission. Robinson and Volance both seemed to be drawing a blank on that front, so I was going to have to step in and take the lead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you, perhaps, unconvinced that you’ll be offered the position of count in the end?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, that is not the issue at hand. You see, I do not wish to be a traitor,” said Ruper, but not before hesitating for just a moment. That told me that he was questioning his decision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I assure you, Lord Ruper, that Lord Couran proposed this offer in complete sincerity,” I said. “He will keep his promise─I believe he would go so far as to sign a blood oath to that effect, should you require it. In fact, I would be willing to ask him to do so at once, and I have every confidence that he will agree without hesitation.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nevertheless─” Ruper began, but I wasn’t quite finished yet, so I cut him off before he could say another word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You should know, Lord Ruper, that Lord Couran is appalled at the thought that a man of your standing has been wasted on a fort like this. He told me as much himself.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ruper fell silent. If he hadn’t been wavering before, I was confident he was now. Finally, he spoke once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Betraying my liege would be a stain upon my character. A man who is known as a traitor would have little hope of earning the trust of the citizens within his realm. I find myself questioning whether ascending to the position of count would hold any meaning under those circumstances,” he explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I get it─this is a question of reputation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I do not believe your good name would suffer at all, under these circumstances,” I explained. “At the moment, your force is beset by a far superior foe. Anyone could see that you stand no chance of victory, and most importantly, you were not responsible for putting yourself in this position. No, the fault lies with Vasmarque and Kanses, the men who laid out the strategy for this county’s defense. If they intended to hold this fort, they would have sent reinforcements a long time ago, yet it seems to me that the Count of Velshdt has no intention of supplying any such support.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The groundwork was laid. Now, I just had to strike the finishing blow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If I may presume to speculate upon your count’s intentions, I would guess that he ordered you to buy time, and nothing more. In other words, he has chosen to sacrifice you. It pains me, Lord Ruper, to think that a man of your talents would be cast aside so flagrantly. Your superiors have failed in their judgment, and in doing so, they have failed you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even I was surprised by just how fast the argument had come to me, and how eloquently I’d laid it out. Maybe being born into the aristocracy and speaking with so many different people over the course of my life had made me a better conversationalist? In any case, I told Ruper that we didn’t expect an immediate answer, and that we would give him two days to think our offer through. With that, our talks concluded─and from my perspective, they’d concluded favorably."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Two days passed by before I knew it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I expect we’ll receive Ruper’s response before long,” said Couran. “Do you believe he will choose to turn traitor, Ars?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“At the very least, I felt like he was considering it,” I replied. By the end of my talk with him, it had seemed like Ruper was intrigued by the possibilities. I felt that, all things considered, I’d done a good job of using the information I’d gained about his personality and Ambition to convince him, and I thought there was a decent possibility that my efforts would bear fruit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Couran!” shouted a soldier. “A messenger has arrived bearing word from Sir Ruper!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good. Let him through,” said Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The messenger was guided to us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you for lending me your ear, Your Lordship,” he said. “Lord Ruper has requested that I inform you of his intent.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I waited with bated breath. His next words would determine whether our plan had failed or succeeded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“His Lordship thought long and hard regarding the merits of your proposal,” said the messenger. “Although he owes a great deal to Lord Kanses, the Count of Velshdt, he also acknowledges the truth that as the eldest successor to the duke, Lord Couran bears a stronger claim to the duchy than Lord Vasmarque. In light of this fact, and in light of the fact that he holds a responsibility to ensure that his retainers and his family are not used as sacrificial pawns, Lord Ruper has decided to accept your proposal and fight beneath your banner. Fort Valdsen formally offers you its surrender, Lord Couran.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I breathed a sigh of relief. Somehow, we’d pulled it off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Excellent!” said Couran. “The fort is ours, and we’ve barely expended any time or soldiers in the process! This is a major step toward our ultimate victory, and once again, we owe the achievement to you, Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I didn’t contribute much,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha! Now’s not the time for humility! It’s the time to revel in our accomplishment─and to that end, let us pay our new fort a visit!” said Couran. He was clearly in the highest of spirits thanks to our stunning success."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran led our forces toward Fort Valdsen. There was still a chance that their surrender was a trap, so we proceeded with some caution, but when we arrived, we found the gates flung open. Ruper stood in the entryway alongside his now disarmed troops, and when they saw Couran approaching the fort they all bowed down in unison. It seemed they were making a formal gesture of surrender."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I bid you welcome, Lord Couran,” said Ruper, maintaining his bow all the while. “I, Ruper Roozton, do hereby pledge my service to your cause and offer up my men to supplement your forces.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran didn’t bother dismounting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rise,” he commanded, then waited for Ruper and his men to look up at him before continuing. “I accept you and yours under my command. Henceforth, you shall fight under my banner to take Velshdt by storm and cast Vasmarque down from his pretender’s throne!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ruper bowed once more and replied, “I will serve you to the best of my ability, Your Lordship!” he declared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed we didn’t have to worry about a trap after all. On that day, Fort Valdsen fell to Couran without a fight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Soon after the success of our scheme to lure Ruper and his men over to our side, it was decided that a banquet would be held in celebration. I ended up seated with my retainers, eating and drinking as we chatted away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ve outdone yourself this time, Lord Ars,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I just hope it’s earned me a little credit from Lord Couran,” I replied. “In any case, it does feel like the tide of battle is turning in our favor, doesn’t it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So far, our campaign had been a series of encounters almost entirely devoid of allied casualties. Enemy casualties, on the other hand, had been plentiful when they proved necessary, which wasn’t even always the case. Couran had held the advantage in numbers to begin with, and that disparity had grown so much that it was starting to feel like the rest of the war would be a walk in the park."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is no time to let our guards down,” said Rosell, almost as if he’d heard my thoughts and felt the need to dissuade me from them. “The enemy can’t afford to lose any more ground to us, and that means they’ll be fighting to the death from here on out. I think we’ll be seeing a real large-scale battle before much longer.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Meh,” chimed in Mireille. “A battle you can’t afford to lose is a battle you can’t afford to lose, no matter how many of ’em you’ve plowed through before it. That’s just how it goes in war, and we can’t afford to lose any of the battles we’re about to fight.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0013.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She made it sound like the idea of her letting her guard down was absurd in the first place─though then again, she was also well on her way to drowning herself in booze, so she might’ve just been talking off the cuff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew that participating in a large-scale battle would mean that the slightest mistake could lead to my death, and I was in no hurry to die. Especially considering I hadn’t lived that long yet! I resolved that keeping myself alive would have to be my top priority."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some time later, I decided to appraise the newest additions to the army: Ruper’s men. I knew that recruiting someone who’d already sworn service to Couran was a lost cause, and it didn’t feel like I really had much to gain, but I also didn’t have anything to lose and decided there wouldn’t be any harm in giving them a check. When I appraised the first man, though, I was in for a shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” I grunted as I looked at his status screen. It looked the same as ever for the most part, listing his name, sex, age, status, and aptitudes, but there, at the very bottom of the screen, a new block of info was displayed. For the first man I appraised, that block read: Born on the twentieth day of the eleventh month, 183 Imperial Era, in Millast, County of Velshdt, Duchy of Missian, Summerforth Empire. Has two older brothers and one younger sister. Father and mother are alive and well. Short-tempered, and loves dried meat. Enjoys horseback riding and fancies women in their forties and above. Has absolute faith in his lord and master, Ruper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Suddenly, my skill gave me access to a massive quantity of personal information! I appraised a few other people…and was met with similar results. My skill, which had remained static in its effects for years, had gone through a significant evolution!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why, though? And why now? I wondered. Was it based on the number of times I’d used it? Or perhaps my age? Maybe using my power to its fullest potential in the negotiations had bumped me over the edge? The change had been so abrupt, I couldn’t pin down a concrete explanation. In retrospect, it seemed plausible that the odd glitch my skill had displayed when I appraised Ruper the other day was a warning sign that this was about to happen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever the reasoning behind the change, though, I had a wealth of new information at my disposal. I knew my new abilities could very well make future negotiations and attempts at subterfuge easier. Of course, it could also seriously creep people out if I used it without careful consideration, since it wouldn’t exactly be a good look to know things about people that they’d never shared with you. I’d have to be extra cautious about that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I also had a moment of hesitation when I tried to decide whether or not I should use my new power on my retainers. It seemed that the information block in the new status screens always reported on the individual’s opinion of their current lord. Would it be all right for me to know what my own people thought of me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This feels like it’s skirting dangerously close to invasion-of-privacy territory… But then again, I do like the idea of knowing where their true loyalties lie… That seems like important information for a lord to have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That settled it in my mind: I’d appraise my retainers and learn what they thought about me. I decided to start with Rietz, and took a look at his basic stats and growth while I was at it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At long last, it seemed that all of his stats had made it into the nineties. His Valor was capped out, even! Rietz was a very diligent person, and I knew for a fact that he’d never let up on his training, which seemed to be paying off well for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, now for the important part─let’s see what the new section says about him…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz’s lower status read: Born on the thirtieth day of the fifth month, 189 Imperial Era, in Redroot, County of Cornlent, Duchy of Seitz, Summerforth Empire. Parents have passed away; has one younger sister. Diligent, earnest, and not even remotely picky when it comes to food. Enjoys studying and training. Has an interest in broad-minded women. Bears a strong sense of loyalty toward his lord and master, Ars."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In hindsight, I barely even needed to bother checking Rietz out on that front. I was starting to think it would’ve been a better idea not to bother─I didn’t need to know what his taste in women was. On the other hand, to the best of my knowledge, he’d never had any real relationship with a member of the opposite sex."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe I’ll introduce him to a broad-minded girl, if I ever happen to come across one…though I guess an Imperial girl would have to be broad-minded to court a Malkan like him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d also learned his birthday, which was noteworthy given that it was the twenty-fifth day of the fifth month. In other words, his birthday was just five days away! That being said, Rietz didn’t know when he’d been born, and we’d always celebrated his birthday on a day we’d picked out arbitrarily. Switching over to his actual birthday would’ve just felt wrong, somehow. I was also a little surprised to learn that he hadn’t been born in Missian, and wondered if he was even aware of that himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His parents had already passed away…but he had a sister? That was news to me, and the status page’s phrasing implied that she might still be alive, too. If it reported on his parents’ death, it stood to reason in my mind that it would report on hers as well. The Summerforth Empire was huge, of course, so even if she was alive, the odds of finding her seemed very low, but my sentimental side made me want to do everything I could to reunite them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Next up, I appraised Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her stats hadn’t improved much, on the whole. She still had plenty of room to grow in the Valor department, though, so I had high hopes she’d step it up eventually. That brought me to the important part: the new, detailed information on her personality. Charlotte’s thought processes had always been an enigma in my mind, so I was interested in the results."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her status page read: Born on the fifth day of the eleventh month, 192 Imperial Era, in Ampare, County of Maasa, Duchy of Missian, Summerforth Empire. Parents have passed away. Has a simple and straightforward personality. Loves sweets. Enjoys casting magic and sleeping. Has an interest in people who are willing to spoil her. Thinks of her lord and master Ars as her little brother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m sorry, she thinks of me as what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn’t remember a single time that she’d acted like an older sibling for me in any capacity. In fact, I mostly remembered taking care of her. That being said, it was good to know that she wasn’t harboring any deep-seated resentment toward me, and I’d already known most of the other stuff my appraisal had told me about her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell’s appraisal came next."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His stats had risen so much since I’d appraised him a few months earlier, it was like I was looking at a different person. I had to assume that between participating in a war and getting tutored by Mireille, his recent experiences had done him a world of good. His abilities were astonishing considering he was only eleven, and the fact that he still had room to grow was mind-boggling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As for the extra information on him, it read: Born on the sixth day of the ninth month, 199 Imperial Era, in Torbequista, County of Canarre, Duchy of Missian, Summerforth Empire. Father is alive and well; mother is deceased. Has two brothers. Pathologically pessimistic. Likes vegetable soup and enjoys reading. Has yet to develop an interest in the opposite sex. Considers his lord and master Ars his best friend."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His best friend, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was just relieved to learn that he didn’t think poorly of me. Of course, I hadn’t been worried about him, Rietz, or Charlotte to begin with─no, the person I was concerned about was Mireille. I could only begin to guess what went on in her mind behind that poker face of hers, so I went ahead and appraised her. Her stats hadn’t changed at all since the last time I checked, which wasn’t too much of a surprise considering she’d been close to capped out in everything already. It would take more than a few skirmishes to raise her skills."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, my eyes fell upon the important part, her detailed info panel. It read: Born on the fifteenth day of the sixth month, 181 Imperial Era, in Arcantez, County of Arcantez, Duchy of Missian, Summerforth Empire. Parents have passed away. Has one younger brother. Prone to unconventional thinking. Loves alcohol, and drinks all the time. Romantically interested in people younger than her (regardless of gender). Considers her lord and master Ars amusing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That didn’t clear much up at all, and it didn’t feel like a sign of uncompromising loyalty, either. Then again, Mireille didn’t seem like the type who’d bear loyalty toward anyone, and I didn’t even need to appraise her to figure that out. It seemed I wouldn’t be able to let my guard down around her any time soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I also couldn’t help but be surprised by her preferences. The “regardless of gender” part made it pretty clear that Mireille was bisexual. Once again, it felt like I’d trampled all over any reasonable standards of privacy, especially considering the part about her being into people younger than her. I’d never gotten the impression she was looking at me in that light, but I knew I’d end up being hyper-vigilant around her from now on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That wrapped up my appraisal of my inner circle of retainers. As best as I could tell, everyone except for Mireille was more or less trustworthy. I also resolved not to mention my skill’s evolution to anyone unless it became necessary. After all, the skill’s new info panel had the potential to give me a ton of information that people definitely wouldn’t want me to have. I’d have to be careful not to let any of those details slip out going forward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The day after our celebration, Couran called a council of war once more. Winter had arrived in Missian, and it was getting colder and colder by the day. I’d heard that this year’s winter was supposed to be relatively mild, but we still might see snow toward the end of the sixth month or so. Snow would cause our advance to slow to a crawl, and our goal was to press as far forward as we could manage before the elements delayed our onslaught."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now then,” said Couran, “the time has come to discuss our assault on Castle Staatz.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed, with Fort Valdsen in our hands, we had the foothold we needed to move on to Castle Staatz, the citadel that guarded a road we’d need to travel to reach Castle Velshdt. Without bringing Staatz under our control, it would be difficult to march our troops on the capital en masse. Although the castle was built on a flat plane, it featured tall ramparts and was built from materials that would stand up to a magical assault quite effectively. Worse still, its magical defenses were reportedly as solid as they could get."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The castle was, in short, extremely well defended. Storming it by force would be an incredibly hard task, but given our sheer superiority in numbers, it was not an impossible one. We’d also heard all about the commander who was tasked with protecting the castle from Ruper, and according to him, the odds of said commander choosing to turn traitor were low. We’d either have to storm the castle or lay siege to it─no other options presented themselves this time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We have a clear path from Fort Valdsen to Castle Staatz, with one exception─here,” said Couran, pointing to a location on the map of Velshdt he’d spread out in front of him. A mark at that position, just a little to the northwest of Castle Staatz, was labeled Castle Rolto. “If we march on Castle Staatz and leave Castle Rolto unaddressed, then there’s a chance the forces there will advance on our rear flank after we pass them. Given that the enemy cannot afford to lose Castle Staatz, I expect they’ll send reinforcements in from Velshdt proper, and with Rolto’s forces behind us, we’ll be caught in a pincer attack. We cannot allow that to happen, so Castle Rolto must fall.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could see what Couran meant. Castle Rolto was in an inconvenient location. Considering how important Castle Staatz was for Velshdt, I had to imagine that Castle Rolto had been built for the specific purpose of reinforcing it in times of need."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All that being said,” Couran continued, “if we were to attempt an assault on Castle Rolto before anything else, it stands to reason that reinforcements from Castle Staatz and Velshdt would come to catch us in a pincer attack once again. As such, I have come to the conclusion that our best option is to split our forces into two units and attack both castles simultaneously. What are your thoughts on this proposal?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was in no position to argue against the idea. Our overwhelming numerical advantage meant that there were very few demerits to splitting our troops up, so it felt like a solid strategy all around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I shall take command of the force that will claim Castle Staatz,” said Couran. “Lumeire, meanwhile, will lead the assault on Castle Rolto.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Me, Your Lordship?” said Lumeire, his eyes wide with astonishment. Apparently, this was well beyond his expectations."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, you,” said Couran. “Is there a problem?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, not at all!” said Lumeire. “If such is your will, Lord Couran, I swear I will lead your men to victory!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Lumeire would be leading the attack on Castle Rolto, I reasoned, I would be assigned to that division as well. Frankly, though, I was as surprised to see him put in a position of command as he was. There were several other lords in Couran’s force who were ranked higher than him, and seeing him elevated above them seemed like a sign that he’d earned Couran’s trust. Whatever his motivations, though, the decision was set in stone: Lumeire would lead the assault on Castle Rolto."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our intelligence suggested that Castle Rolto was garrisoned with five thousand men. Couran chose to assign Lumeire ten thousand men to lead in the attack─which was double our enemy’s numbers. Furthermore, while we were in theory leading an assault on the castle, in practice our main objective was to ensure that they couldn’t dispatch reinforcements to Castle Staatz. They wouldn’t be giving up the castle without a fight, but we didn’t need them to give up the castle at all. We had to wait for them to try and send reinforcements to Staatz, at which point they’d have to sally forth into a field battle, where we could wipe them out and take the castle largely uncontested."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That said,” Couran continued, “while I have no doubt you will win the day with such overwhelming numbers, Ruper has informed me that Castle Rolto’s garrison boasts a rather large cavalry contingent for the sake of dispatching troops to the defense of Castle Staatz as quickly as possible. Not only is this division skilled, but you will likely be fighting them on an open field─terrain in which cavalry reigns supreme. A numerical advantage may not be enough to guarantee victory, and I have decided to task the Maitraw Company with supporting your force. Fighting in open fields is their specialty, and I trust they will serve you well.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Maitraw Company…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was a name I’d heard a few times before. They were said to be some of the most skilled and famous mercenaries around, but as far as I’d seen, they hadn’t accomplished anything noteworthy in the war so far. That wasn’t necessarily to their discredit, to be fair─it’s hard to stand out in battle when your army barely fought to begin with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come to think of it, I missed my chance to appraise their leader, Clamant, didn’t I?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wasn’t present at the council, so I’d have to make that happen when I met him later on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As expected, I was tasked with supporting Lumeire in the attack on Castle Rolto. The plan was met with the approval of Couran’s advisors, and before long, we were making our preparations to split off from the main force. Thankfully, our bloodless victory over Fort Valdsen meant that our troops were all well-rested and ready to sortie. We were ready before I knew it, and it was decided that we’d march on the fort in two days’ time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I still can’t believe that I was given command,” Lumeire said to me. “I’m guessing that you had just as much to do with this as I did, Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Me?” I replied. “But how? I thought this was a sign that Lord Couran has faith in you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Perhaps, but that’s not the whole of it. You and your people will be playing a vital role in the battle to come. I suspect that Lord Couran would’ve preferred to leave the force in your hands, but couldn’t justify the decision. You are still just a lad, after all. That’s why he chose me─because I serve as your lord, and can therefore act as your proxy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I think you’re reading a little too deeply into this,” I countered. I found the theory plausible, in truth, but coming out and saying that would’ve been a bad idea no matter how carefully I phrased it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have to wonder about this Maitraw Company that will aid us in the battle, though,” Lumeire continued. “I don’t make a habit of trusting mercenaries. Lord Couran claims that their skills are unrivaled, but I can’t help having doubts. All I can do is hope they prove their worth, unless…yes, of course! I have an idea, Ars─Have you met with Clamant, the head of the company?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve seen him in passing,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And did you appraise him?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m afraid not,” I admitted. “I intended to, but I missed the chance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No matter─in fact, this works out well,” said Lumeire. “I had already intended to speak with Clamant myself. Will you come along when I do?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Without a moment’s delay, Lumeire sent out one of his men to find Clamant and bring him to us. It only took a few minutes for the messenger to return, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Where’s Clamant? Could you not find him?” asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I found him,” said the messenger, “but he told me that if someone wishes to speak with him, they’ll have to come to him. I explained that the Count of Canarre himself had summoned him, but he seemed unmoved! I’ve never met a more insolent man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that so? Well, I suppose it would only be right for us to go to him, seeing as we’re the ones who wish to talk. One can hardly expect manners from a mercenary,” said Lumeire. Plenty of nobles would end up frothing with rage if they were treated that impolitely, but Lumeire had always struck me as a level-headed person. “Lead us to Clamant, then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“V-Very well, Your Lordship!” said the messenger, who proceeded to do just that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We found Clamant training with a group of soldiers a short ways outside of the fort. I’d caught a glimpse of him once back in Castle Semplar, and he had the exact same aura about him now as he’d had back then. He was not an ordinary person, and you could tell with a single glance. Maybe that was why I remembered his face, even though I’d only caught a glimpse of him before. If Ben had the sort of face you’d forget as soon as you lost sight of him, then Clamant occupied the opposite end of the spectrum: he was a man who left a powerful and lasting impression."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we arrived, Clamant was sparring with the soldiers. He wasn’t dueling them, though─he was fighting them one on five, deflecting the blades of his foes with ease and grace. His swordsmanship was a sight to behold, and I reached the conclusion that he’d have an S-ranked aptitude associated with it before I even bothered appraising him. We watched him at work for some time before he and the soldiers paused for a break."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Magnificent,” said Lumeire as he strode up to Clamant. Clamant, however, turned to look at Lumeire without saying a word, his expression as cold and immovable as steel. I had to admit, the man was a little frightening. Lumeire, though, seemed completely unshaken and kept talking. “You live up to your company’s good name. I’ve never seen finer swordsmanship.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My swordsmanship is nothing special,” grunted Clamant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Surely you jest!” said Lumeire. “After a display like that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My areas of expertise are the spear and the bow,” said Clamant. “Especially when I’m on horseback. Fighting on foot isn’t my specialty.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If that wasn’t a demonstration of your specialties, then I shudder to imagine what your areas of expertise do look like,” replied Lumeire, and frankly, I had to agree. I also couldn’t help but feel a dose of healthy skepticism, so I appraised him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Born on the tenth day of the third month, 181 Imperial Era, in Valka, County of Valka, Duchy of Rofeille, Summerforth Empire. Father deceased; mother alive and well. A pragmatic man with a fondness for meat of all varieties. Enjoys training. Has an interest in strong women."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that sure is one hell of a Valor score!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed that his claim to not be much of a swordsman was not a lie after all, on a relative scale. He did have an A-ranked Infantry aptitude, but his S-ranked Cavalry aptitude might very well have made his swordsmanship seem like nothing special in comparison. Perhaps he just had incredibly high standards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though he was skilled, Clamant’s supposed pragmatism made me a little worried that he’d choose to retreat the moment the tide of battle started turning against him─though, it occurred to me that most mercenaries would behave that way. In any case, said skills meant that it seemed worthwhile to put our faith in him for the time being."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who are you?” asked Clamant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I am Lumeire Pyres, Count of Canarre,” answered Lumeire. “I have been entrusted with the role of commander over the force bound to attack Castle Rolto, and I have come to meet with the mercenaries who were assigned to support our division.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmph. So the servant from before was yours?” asked Clamant, who seemed unmoved by the knowledge he was speaking with a count."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And who’s the kid?” said Clamant, glancing over at me next."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My name is Ars Louvent,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t give a damn what your name is,” said Clamant, “but I do give a damn about how you look like you’re sizing me up. I don’t like it. Stop.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he somehow sense that I was using my skill on him?"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0015.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was new─I’d never seen anyone catch on to the fact that I’d appraised them like that before. I had to assume that either it was a coincidence, or that the man’s instincts and senses bordered on the superhuman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire chatted with Clamant for a little longer, but eventually, the mercenary brought the conversation to a rather abrupt and unilateral close by returning to his training."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lumeire turned to me as Clamant left and asked, “So, did you appraise him? Not that I even need to hear the results to know that he’s no ordinary man.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I did, yes,” I replied. “Not only is he a brave and valorous man, but he’s also a remarkable leader. I have no doubts that he’s capable of helping us.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is he, now? Then I suppose there remains no room for doubt…except, of course, for the question of his motivation,” he added, still sounding a little concerned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn’t as worried as Lumeire seemed to be, personally. Mercenaries earned a living by fighting, which meant that not fighting would put their livelihood in jeopardy. That wasn’t to say they’d charge headfirst into a disadvantageous conflict, but so long as we held the advantage of numbers, I didn’t think we’d have anything to worry about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shortly afterward, Lumeire gave the order to prepare to march. Before we started moving out, I found the time to ask Pham to gather information on Castle Rolto for me. I wasn’t looking for any detailed insider information this time─I just wanted to know about any conspicuous enemy movements, how many soldiers were stationed there, and his general impression of the castle on the whole. It was more or less just scouting work, so thankfully, his price wasn’t steep this time around. That would give me all the info I’d need about the castle, which I hoped would help me cope with any unexpected developments."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, the day of our march arrived."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The conquest of Castle Rolto will prove instrumental for Lord Couran’s campaign,” declared Lumeire as he addressed his troops. “We shall emerge victorious─defeat is not an option! Our army outnumbers the enemy two to one, and we stand at a great advantage, but do not allow these favorable conditions to lull you into a sense of complacency! We fight with our all! Now, march!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, the army began its trek toward Castle Rolto."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile in Castle Rolto, the lord of the fortress had called an extended conference with his most trusted advisors to address their perilous circumstances."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I must admit…I failed to anticipate Lord Ruper’s betrayal,” muttered the lord, a man named Jean Tendory. At the age of twenty-two, he was rather young for his position. He had long, blonde hair and handsome features that didn’t suit the look of resignation on his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Jean had been acquainted with Ruper, and knew him as an earnest, faithful man, but that impression had been shattered by his unexpected act of treachery. In truth, it had never been an accurate impression at all. Deep down, Ruper had always harbored an ambition to advance in station─Jean had simply failed to see through to his real motivations. He wasn’t alone, either. Kanses, the man who had assigned Ruper to watch over Fort Valdsen, had been taken in by his persona as well. Ruper had spent his whole life hiding his ambitions, and that had finally paid off for the man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I bring news, Your Lordship,” said a messenger who had just arrived on the scene. “The enemy’s army has split into two divisions! One marches upon Castle Staatz, while the other appears to be making its way here!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As expected,” Jean sighed. “How many men are headed our way?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Over ten thousand,” said the messenger. “We’ve also received reports that the Maitraw Company marches among their ranks.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So ten thousand men wasn’t enough for them? They just had to hire the most dangerous mercenaries around as well?” Jean groaned. His own garrison numbered some five thousand troops. If the enemy’s soldiers were poorly trained, then Jean felt confident in his ability to prevail against superior numbers, but the Maitraw Company was renowned for the ruthless competence of its members. Their presence on the battlefield lowered Jean’s odds of turning the situation around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It doesn’t matter how many of them there are!” shouted one of Jean’s advisors. “We must sortie at once and ride to Castle Staatz’s aid! We await your command, Lord Jean!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well said!” spoke up another. “Our cavalry is unrivaled! No enemy line is too sturdy for us to break through!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Castle Rolto was renowned for its cavalry unit, and a great number of skilled horsemen had gathered to serve as part of it. So great was their confidence in their skills that even hearing they were outnumbered two to one wasn’t enough to make any of them falter. Jean himself was well known for his capable horsemanship, and had led the cavalry unit into battle on many occasions to great success."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait,” said Jean, holding out a hand to calm down his impassioned advisors. “Don’t get ahead of yourselves. Our cavalry is unrivaled, true, but the enemy’s forces are nothing to scoff at. If we take on numbers like theirs without a plan, our effort will be doomed from the outset.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You mean to say we should think up a strategy?” asked one of them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Exactly. Or rather, I’ve already begun putting one into practice.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You have?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Indeed. Though whether or not it bears fruit, of course, is still to be determined.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“News, Your Lordship!” shouted yet another messenger as he burst into the room. “I come bearing a missive from Lord Handar!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It finally arrived?!” shouted Jean as he received the letter, tearing it open to read on the spot. A grin then spread across his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We might just win this battle after all,” Jean muttered, then leaped to his feet and shouted out an order to his men. “Prepare to sortie at once!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Partway through the march to Castle Rolto, we paused to set up camp and bed down for the night. As we ate dinner that evening, I noticed that Charlotte was scowling at her food."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This is tasteless,” she muttered despondently."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frankly, I was with her on that one. The trail rations we’d been provided to eat while we were on the move hadn’t been cooked with palatability in mind. We had rock-hard bread, watery soup, and other less than satisfying provisions available. That being said, this wasn’t anything new. We’d been eating like this for a very long time now, and I had no idea why Charlotte would be complaining about it all of a sudden."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve been eating this food for weeks,” said Rietz, who must have felt the same way I did. “Why complain about it now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just ’cause I haven’t been complaining doesn’t mean it hasn’t been disgusting! I’ve hated this godawful slop this whole time, and I can’t take it anymore!” Charlotte shouted. “Doesn’t this bother you, Rietz?! When was the last time we had good food?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m used to it,” said Rietz with a shrug. “I’m surprised you aren’t, considering the environment you grew up in.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I couldn’t eat decent food back then, sure, but the moment you have your first good meal, you can never go back! You’re with me, right, Lord Ars?!” said Charlotte, passing the buck to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hadn’t changed my mind in the past minute, and I did more or less agree with her in spirit, but I still couldn’t let myself take her side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You can’t expect good food on the battlefield,” I said. “You’ll just have to put up with it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A-Aren’t I supposed to be older than you?! Why do you have to sound so mature?!” gasped Charlotte. Of course, if you counted my previous life, I was considerably older than her in a mental sense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I dunno, I think I get where she’s coming from,” said Mireille. “Y’know what makes it easier to deal with, though? Just keep thinking about how good your first real meal’s gonna taste when the fighting’s finally over. Lemme tell you, there’s nothing like your first bite of real food after weeks of war rations.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I never thought about it that way. Let’s wrap this war up as soon as possible,” replied Charlotte with an approving nod. It didn’t feel like the best possible way to drive her into battle, but I was glad to see her feeling motivated nevertheless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, and this stuff helps too. Couple swigs of this, and you won’t even care how bad the food is!” Mireille added, suddenly pulling out a bottle she must’ve tucked somewhere in her shirt. I could only assume that “this” meant “a stiff drink.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ah!” shouted Rosell the second he caught sight of the bottle. “You know you’re not supposed to be drinking, Master!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, come on─why not?” grumbled Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All sorts of reasons! It’d be bad enough if the soldiers on the front lines were drunk, but you need to be clearheaded to do your work! How are you supposed to strategize when you’re too busy tripping over your own two feet?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s just a little sip, kid! Y’know, a swig or two makes it easier to think clearly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No it doesn’t! That’s not how alcohol works!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell lunged forward to snatch the bottle out of Mireille’s hand, but she pulled it back and held it over her head. Considering the difference between their heights, that was checkmate. Rosell was left jumping ineffectually, trying and failing to reach the bottle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha! Try again when you’ve grown a head or two taller!” Mireille cackled, then tried to take a drink…only for Rietz, who was almost as tall as her and also standing right behind her, to snag the bottle right out of her hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m confiscating this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-What?! Dammit, Rietz, give that back!” shouted Mireille, but Rietz was too fast for her. It took a few minutes of keep away, but eventually, she resigned herself to her fate and gave up on retrieving her booze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Son of…a bitch,” she muttered between panting, heaving gasps. “I swear…I’ll get you for this…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, Mireille collapsed to the ground. I found myself wondering: was it a good idea to give a woman like her command over an army?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next day, we resumed our advance on Castle Rolto."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, kiddo! Looks like we’ve got a report from the Shadows,” said Mireille as we marched. She was using a specially designed catalyzer to keep in touch with them by way of the Transmit spell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Transmit’s range wasn’t unlimited, but the Shadows had quite a few agents on the job, and had a relay system set up to deliver reports at great speeds over vast distances. This time, they’d sent a message to inform us that a force of around five thousand soldiers─exactly the number we’d anticipated─had sortied from Castle Rolto about a half hour earlier. Transmit was only capable of translating simple, basic noises, by the way, but those who knew the appropriate codes could still send and receive coherent messages. Mireille was very proficient with that system, so I’d entrusted her with the duty of receiving all our messages."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I immediately went to report what I’d learned to Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just as expected, then,” he said when I was finished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It seems that way, yes,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If the enemy’s on the move, we should set up our formation here and block the road,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why do you say that?” asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The enemy force is mostly comprised of cavalry, and they’ll be in a hurry to back up Staatz. If they don’t take the Pran Highroad, they’ll never make it in time, so there’s almost no chance they won’t pass through here. If they don’t, that means they’ll be traveling off-road, and they’ll lose the advantage their cavalry would give them, so we can just chase after them and wipe them out.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed like a solid plan to me. Since our objective was to prevent enemy reinforcements from reaching Staatz, shutting down the road made total sense. Lumeire agreed, and we began setting up our battle formation without delay. The enemy would likely arrive within a day or so, so we decided to pick a nearby location to serve as our battleground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The place we ended up choosing wasn’t perfect terrain for our purposes, but getting our ranks sorted and ready was the higher priority. We constructed a makeshift palisade to stand in front of our troops and help break the brunt of the enemy’s charge. We’d been carrying a stock of wood with us, so we were at no lack of materials and the work went quickly. With that, all we had left to do was wait for the enemy to arrive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We may have had twice the number of troops as our enemy, but their fighting force was not to be underestimated. Nothing left an army shaken like a head-on cavalry charge, and if our troops were thrown into a state of disorder, it wasn’t unthinkable that we could lose. I knew very well that my life was on the line, so I resolved to stay calm and be ready for any possibility as I watched the battle unfold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As we waited for the enemy force to arrive, Mireille received another report through her catalyzer. I assumed that our spies were reporting in to say that the enemy was close, but as it turned out, I couldn’t have been farther from the truth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh…?” said Mireille with a smirk. “Well, that sure makes this more interesting.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t know how to decode a Transmit spell, so I had no idea what she was talking about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What did they say?” I asked, already worried. What was interesting to Mireille tended to be concerning by my standards─her worldview was incomprehensible to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y’know how we were assuming that the enemy army would head straight here? Well, they didn’t,” said Mireille. “They took an unexpected route. Our spies tailed them to a place called the Daldoll Moor, where they rendezvoused with another army. Now they’re heading our way.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I blinked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Boiling it down to the important part: they got reinforcements,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Reinforcements?” I repeated incredulously. “From where?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Judging by the flag they’re flying, it’s the army of House Serdoura. Their head’s the current Count of Balton.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The County of Balton, I recalled, was located in the northeastern reaches of Velshdt, close enough to send reinforcements to Castle Rolto in a pinch. The factor that made this a shock, though, was that I’d heard the Count of Balton had claimed neutrality in the conflict between Couran and Vasmarque. We’d been acting under the assumption that they weren’t an active threat, but it seemed that choice was coming back to bite us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How many of them are there?” I asked. In the best-case scenario, only a few of the barons in Balton had decided to side with Vasmarque and sent troops. That would mean several hundred troops─a thousand at most─and wouldn’t put our plans in jeopardy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Five thousand minimum, from the sound of it,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh. Well.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That meant we were facing the worst-case scenario: in just a brief period of time, the entirety of the County of Balton had thrown its lot in with Vasmarque. This development was beyond our wildest expectations. The enemy’s force was now equally matched with or superior to ours in terms of numbers. I dashed off to report the news to Lumeire, and he was shaken enough to call together an emergency council on the spot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is an unprecedented crisis,” said Lumeire. He and all the nobles in his force had gathered up in a tent at the center of our formation for an emergency council of war. I was attending with all my retainers, of course. “The enemy has joined up with reinforcements, and their force now rivals ours in number. As matters stand, our victory is far from assured. What shall we do? Request aid from Lord Couran?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Reinforcements? I’m not sure,” said Rosell. “I doubt they’d make it here in time. I don’t know how far Lord Couran’s force has advanced at the moment, but the enemy will be here before we know it. Considering the time it will take to send the message, plus the time required for reinforcements to get here, I can’t imagine they’ll make it before it’s too late.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see,” said Lumeire. “Then what if we were to request reinforcements, leave a rearguard to delay the enemy’s advance, and retreat until we converge with Lord Couran’s troops and go on the offensive once more?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We may be able to bolster our numbers in time with that plan, yes,” Rosell said, though he still sounded apprehensive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have no idea what you people are so concerned about,” said Clamant, who was participating in the discussion as well. “The enemy has as many troops as we do? Then each of our men just has to kill one of theirs. It’s simple.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If only things were so simple,” sighed Lumeire. “However, our enemy’s troops are notoriously skilled, and their morale is high. Our men, on the other hand, have been anticipating an effortless rout, not a fight on even terms. I fear their morale will be low due to the sudden shift.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They may be skilled, but not more skilled than we are. We will not lose,” said Clamant. “Or do you doubt our ability?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, no, I’m well aware of the Maitraw Company’s strength. Nevertheless…” Lumeire trailed off. Reading between the lines, I presumed that he was concerned he couldn’t trust the mercenaries. There was no telling whether they’d choose to withdraw on account of the even numbers, especially if the tide of battle started turning against us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Let it be known that we will earn every coin that has crossed our palms. That is our way of life, and Couran Salemakhia has granted us a substantial down payment for our services. We will not withdraw until we have worked off that balance,” said Clamant. I assumed he’d guessed what Lumeire was worried about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m against falling back too,” said Mireille. “They have as many men as us, not more─it’s not like we’re fighting at a disadvantage. We might as well take a swing at them before we talk about running away.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But Master,” said Rosell, “we’re dealing with a force centered around a cavalry division! If we try to withdraw after engaging with them, it’s possible that they’ll break through our rearguard, catch up with the main force, and wipe us out. Then they’ll be able to catch Lord Couran’s force unaware and pin them between their army and the army from Staatz.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fair point,” said Mireille. “But falling back and asking Couran to send us troops would be a problem for his front, too. There’s no point in stopping the troops from Balton if Couran can’t handle Castle Staatz in the meantime. Don’t lose sight of our ultimate objective.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s true,” said Rosell. “But if worst comes to worst and the main force is caught in a pincer attack, the casualties could prove insurmountable. Our offensive could end then and there, and building our forces back up would take time we don’t have─and that’s not even considering the possibility that Lord Couran himself could be taken captive. A loss is a loss, yes, but not all failures are equal in terms of consequences… But then again, making our stand here and winning is the best possible outcome by far… What are our chances…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was mostly talking to himself, at that point, and drifted off into furious thought. I could tell that he had ideas, but also that we were in a very difficult position."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe we should engage the enemy as planned,” said Rietz. “There’s no sense in fighting an unwinnable battle, but the outcome of this engagement is far from set in stone. The enemy’s morale may be high, but in their elation at doubling the size of their force, they may disregard the need for caution and advance upon us recklessly. I believe that is a state of affairs that we can take advantage of.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Perhaps… What of you, Ars? What are your thoughts on this predicament?” asked Lumeire, turning to me next."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I were being honest, I would’ve liked nothing better than to turn tail and flee on the spot. Going up against an army five thousand strong was scary enough, and the thought of taking on ten thousand men was downright terrifying. I knew that was just my emotional response getting the better of me, though, and that a withdrawal was not the right choice on a tactical level."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hadn’t had the chance to appraise the enemy leader, so I couldn’t be sure we held an advantage in terms of personnel, but at the very least I knew that some of our people were hard to beat. The odds of them having retainers more capable than ours seemed low, and it did seem likely that they would be in a hurry, which would open up opportunities to turn the tide, even if our troops were left dispirited by the surprise reinforcements. Plus, running away without putting up a fight wouldn’t endear us to Couran! When I looked at the situation in totality, standing and fighting felt like the best path forward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe we should engage the enemy as planned,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see,” Lumeire replied with a nod, then asked the rest of the nobles in attendance for their opinions. In the end, the majority sided with me and Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well, then,” said Lumeire once he’d finished his consultation. “We will make our stand here! Prepare to engage the enemy, on the double!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just then, a noise rang out from Mireille’s catalyzer─the sound generated by a Transmit spell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah. That’ll be a report from the Shadows.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her catalyzer kept emitting noises for longer than I was used to. It went on long enough that I started to worry if she’d even be able to decode the message, but thankfully, those concerns turned out to be groundless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“New info about the enemy army,” Mireille reported. “They’re moving fast, and should be here in about ten hours or so. They’re in a hurry, that’s for sure, and it sounds like their morale’s running high.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then they must be rushing to reinforce Castle Staatz, as expected,” I commented. It seemed like an obvious decision to make, on their part. If they took their time, then the fortress could fall before they even arrived. Setting traps seemed like the best way to turn the odds in our favor, but as to what sort of traps we’d use, I was at a loss. Magical traps weren’t very easy to lay─we’d need around three days or so to get them all set up, so they were out of the question in this scenario."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think I’ve come up with our best possible option,” said Rosell, breaking his long silence as his pondering came to an end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You have a plan?” asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I do,” said Rosell with a nod. “I’ve thought up a way we can bait the enemy into a situation more favorable to us. First off, you’re aware of the forest behind our current position, yes?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Of course,” confirmed Lumeire. The road we’d traveled had wound its way through the forest, and we were set up just a short ways away from its outskirts. We’d considered intercepting the enemy reinforcements within the forest, at first, but back then we’d still thought we had the advantage of numbers and had decided that fighting in an open field would give us the best chance of leveraging that advantage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ll conceal our troops within the forest,” said Rosell. “Then we’ll bait them in toward our position, and rain arrows and magic down upon them when they enter our range. Cavalry are vulnerable to ambush tactics, especially from long range. I’m certain a sneak attack will throw their ranks into chaos, and our infantry will be hiding as well, ready to catch our foes in a pincer attack and decimate them while they’re off guard!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Luring them into an ambush, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Considering the hurry our foes were in, it felt plausible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, I don’t think so,” said Mireille. “They may be rushing ahead and throwing caution to the wind, but they’ll at least be sending out scouts ahead of their main force. They won’t be completely oblivious to what we’re up to, so they’ll catch on for sure if all we do is hide and hope for the best.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What if we put on an act, then?” said Rosell. “We can make a big show of some of our troops fleeing, then take up position past the treeline. If we can manage to trick them and make them think that our chain of command has broken down, they’ll be more likely to assume they have the upper hand and fall into our trap.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“An act, you say? Perhaps…but our force is far from a small one,” pointed out Rietz. “Communicating the plan to all of our men in secret and ensuring they feign retreat well enough to convince our foes would be a challenge, and has the potential to damage our troops’ morale to boot.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was a little worried about that part,” admitted Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Meh, morale’ll work itself out. I know a trick or two that’ll help us there,” said Mireille. She seemed confident that she could raise our force’s spirits if the need arose. Considering her history of leading troops into battle, I assumed her confidence was well founded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who should play the part of our retreating force, then?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Having the Maitraw Company play that role will be our most convincing option,” said Rosell. “It wouldn’t be at all strange for negotiations with our mercenaries to break down prior to the battle, causing them to retreat. The benefits to using them are twofold, as well─I’m sure our enemies are wary of them, given their reputation, and if they think we won’t have them on our side, they may lower their guards.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I could see the Maitraws pulling off a surprise attack─but I could also see them deciding to turn tail and make a break for it,” said Mireille, paying no regard whatsoever to the fact that Clamant himself was in attendance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have no objections to this plan,” Clamant said in response. “If you tell me to do it, I’ll get it done.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wonder about that,” said Mireille. “What do you think, kiddo?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t see any reason to distrust him, myself. My Appraisal skill didn’t give me the power to see through to his innermost thoughts, even after its evolution, but from what I knew of the man, he just didn’t have a good motive to withdraw. It’d be one thing if he were morally opposed to surprise attacks, but he seemed like the sort of man who would win by any means necessary, no matter how much he dirtied his hands in the process. He was supposed to be pragmatic, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe that Clamant is worthy of our trust,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I’ll sign off on this plan,” said Mireille. “Whether or not it works will all come down to whether our commanding officers can pull it off, though.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We had a plan, then─but of course, the final decision on whether or not to follow through with it was Lumeire’s to make. He spent quite some time weighing his options, but ultimately, he chose to take up our strategy and send Clamant and his men on a feigned retreat. I just had to hope that our enemies would be taken in by the act…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A number of hours later, the enemy force was drawing close to our position. As for our own troops, they were more than a little shaken up by the Maitraw Company’s apparent last-second departure. If we were going to raise their morale before the battle, now was the time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Listen well, my men!” bellowed Lumeire. “The Maitraw Company has withdrawn, but we have received a report that reinforcements from Lord Couran’s main force are inbound! They will arrive within a matter of hours, and even lacking the Maitraw Company’s support, we will have the means to emerge victorious!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Needless to say, no such reinforcements were on their way. Mireille was the one who’d come up with that aspect of the plan. I had a feeling that the brighter soldiers might’ve been able to figure out that they were being fed lies, but I also had it on good authority that most of our men weren’t especially bright and would fall for the story hook, line, and sinker. The idea was that even if the supposed loss of troops damaged their morale, the knowledge that more men would be coming to replenish our numbers would raise it right back up again. As expected, the moment Lumeire made his announcement, I could see his soldiers’ expressions brighten. Their worries were wiped away in the blink of an eye."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Finally, the enemy force was close enough for us to see on the horizon. The time for battle had arrived, but they didn’t charge toward our encampment right away. Instead, they came to a halt a fair distance away. Clearly, they weren’t planning on charging in without taking the time to assess the situation first. They were close enough to see, but that was on account of the flat, wide open nature of the terrain─they were still well out of the range of our archers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’re keeping their distance, huh…” I muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Perhaps they suspect we’re up to something?” suggested Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was a possibility that the enemy had managed to learn we were expecting reinforcements, but even if they had, they’d also know that said reinforcements were supposed to be a fair distance away. It didn’t seem like a good enough reason for them to display this sort of caution."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After an extended period of observation, the enemy army began to march. A regiment of men mounted upon enormous horses charged toward us, raising a ferocious battle cry and leading a massive crowd of infantrymen in their wake. Seeing their charge begin, Lumeire gave our troops the order to prepare to stop them in their tracks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shivered as I watched the cavalrymen plow toward us. I’d seen cavalry in action during our military drills a number of times, but this was my first time witnessing this many of them in action all at once. I could feel the ground tremble with the thuds of countless hoof falls, the sensation intense enough that for a second, I thought it might be an earthquake. If our frontline soldiers gave in to fear and broke formation, our whole army would be thrown into chaos."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eventually, the enemy cavalry entered our archers’ effective range. Our archers let loose a volley of arrows, which rained down into their ranks like rain. It was then that their cavalry’s skill became most apparent: they swatted some arrows out of the air, dodged others, and emerged almost unscathed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our mages, meanwhile, were handicapped by the fact that we hadn’t brought a large catalyzer along with us. Those were considered siege weapons, and weren’t employed in field battles. The same was true of explosion-aspected aqua magia, of which our supply was limited. The only forms of magic available to us at the moment were fire and sound, and fire was the only one of those two with any offensive potential."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Given those limitations, our mage regiment resorted to shooting off volleys of synchronized fire magic using small and mid-sized catalyzers. If we were dealing with poorly-trained, unprepared cavalry, that might have been enough to break their charge, but unfortunately for us, our foes were very ready for our attack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Among the enemy’s host were horse-mounted mages, capable of casting even at a full gallop. Those mages cast protective spells that shielded their entire regiment from our mages’ rain of fire. Magic was something only those with talent could use to begin with, and casting on horseback took incredible skill, but the difficulties involved in training a horseback mage were outweighed by the benefits they brought to a cavalry regiment in an era where magic dominated the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Defensive magic? Who cares?” Charlotte muttered, then held her mid-sized catalyzer aloft and began to chant, reciting the incantation for Blaze: a powerful fire spell. Charlotte had the power to turn Fire Bullet, the lowest-level fire spell out there, into an earth-shaking explosion. In her hands, a mid-level spell like Blaze was capable of outputting a terrifying amount of firepower, and sure enough, her fireball shattered the enemy’s magical barrier and slammed into their ranks, blowing away scores of horsemen in an instant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right!” Charlotte exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We can always count on your magic,” I commented. For a moment I thought that her spell might’ve halted the enemy’s charge, but unfortunately, we had no such luck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t you dare break formation, you craven whoresons! Anyone who turns tail here will die by my blade when the battle’s over!” bellowed an enormous man at the head of the enemy’s ranks. His cry was so loud that I assumed he’d cast Hyper Voice at first, but then I realized that he was carrying a long halberd rather than a catalyzer. His voice was just naturally that loud. I could tell in an instant that he was a remarkable individual."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz, who was close at hand on horseback, nocked an arrow to his bowstring and took aim at the massive man. Rietz was good at just about everything, and archery was no exception─his aptitude in the field was A-ranked. He had the precision and skill to calculate a trajectory that would send his arrow into the man’s forehead, but the man swatted the arrow out of the air before it met its mark. Rietz loosed several more arrows, each as accurate as the first, but to no avail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He’s a tough one,” Rietz muttered. I had to assume that the man had a very high Valor score, though he was too far away for me to appraise him and get any specific numbers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The enemy’s cavalry was all but upon our outermost ranks. Their mages cast fire magic to obliterate the palisades that we’d set up to bear the brunt of their charge, but our own mages wielded defensive magic to intercept the attacks. A few segments of the palisade still caught fire, and the horsemen took advantage of those gaps to slip through."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our spearmen were ready to intercept them on the other side, but they proved incapable of stopping all of our foes in their tracks. Too many of them breaking through would spell doom for our formation, so we ordered troops to move in and support the weakened areas. The enemy’s charge had done its job, though, and the situation in the front lines was deteriorating."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm─they’re better than I thought. We might’ve lost if this were a fair fight,” Mireille casually commented."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is this really the time?!” I snapped. “We still might lose if our plan doesn’t work out!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, no need to worry about that,” said Mireille. “In a sense, being at a disadvantage works in our favor. The enemy won’t suspect a thing if we withdraw now, and we can lure them right into our trap. Of course, it wouldn’t do for our ranks to completely collapse, so I suppose we’ll have to take action before it comes to that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille and Rosell rushed off to speak with Lumeire, and soon after, the order was given for our army to begin a retreat. We’d be fighting a defensive battle as we fell back toward the forest. Fighting as you retreated was a difficult prospect to begin with, of course, and the enemy’s core unit being made up of cavalry made the move all the more challenging. We’d be fighting an uphill battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Fall back! Fall back!” Lumeire shouted as our troops began to move. If we wanted our retreat to proceed smoothly, it was essential for someone to act as our rearguard. They would be responsible for retreating and holding off the enemy at the same time. The moment the order to retreat was given, a unit that had been assigned to the role in advance leaped into action. Their commanding officer directed the unit─which was made up of spearmen─to intercept the enemy cavalry and keep them from harrying the rest of us as we fled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The task did not prove to be an easy one. The horsemen were fast, which made their advance difficult to stop. It was very possible that one or more of them could slip through our rearguard’s line at any given moment. Worse still, our enemies had come prepared for such a scenario and were capable of steering their horses through the slightest of gaps."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was where our mages entered the picture. Blowing our foes away with direct attacks wasn’t all they were good for─they could also use sound magic to frighten their mounts, or form walls of flame to block off routes of attack. The soldiers were smart enough to know that magical fire walls weren’t all that dangerous if you just barreled through them, but horses were another matter. They would be too scared to get anywhere near the barriers, which meant they could serve as an effective deterrent. Those magical defenses gave our spearmen the time they needed to come running and drive the cavalry away from our main force once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our enemy, however, really was well-trained. Not even magic was enough to keep them scared away for long, and it was inevitable that some of them would manage to make their way through our rearguard’s defenses. In those cases, it was necessary for some of our fleeing soldiers to split off and back the rearguard up. We had to keep a careful balance maintained between our front and rear units─if we sent too many soldiers to guard the rear, then we risked being unable to break through if the enemy sent soldiers around to cut us off within the forest. Being surrounded and pinned was the worst-case scenario, so we had to use as few troops as possible to hold them back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thankfully, our initial rearguard seemed to be doing a very good job. Only a few horsemen slipped through, so we had to send a minimum amount of troops back to mop them up. The bulk of our force was still concentrated in the front of our formation, leaving very little reason to worry we might be cut off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just a little longer and we’ll make it to the forest,” I muttered. It seemed that, in spite of everything, we were close to pulling our plan off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If the rearguard had failed and the enemy cavalry had charged into our back line, we would’ve been routed for sure. I could only imagine what would’ve become of me─I wasn’t even sure if I would’ve made it out alive. I was mounted on a horse, just in case, but I wasn’t much of a rider and doubted that I could’ve outran trained horsemen. I felt more than a little relieved as we broke through the treeline and advanced into the forest, still far ahead of the enemy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank goodness,” I sighed. “It looks like we’ll live to see tomorrow after all.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Even if they had caught up with us, I would never allow you to die here, Lord Ars,” said Rietz. Coming from him, it sounded convincing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve made it to the forest, yes─but the question now is whether the enemy will follow us,” said Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Looking at it from their perspective, we just turned tail and ran like a bunch of sniveling cowards,” said Mireille. “They’ve got nothing to lose and plenty to gain by pursuing us, as far as they know. That is, unless their leader’s got good instincts…but I didn’t exactly get the impression that the guy leading their charge was the sort who could see a trap like this coming.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hadn’t had the chance to appraise him, but still, I had to agree with her assessment. I then realized it would be worth going out of my way to appraise the enemy’s leadership in the future, even if it took a bit of risk to pull it off. That would give me a much more informed perspective from which to make this sort of call."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, there we go,” said Mireille as a message came in through her catalyzer. “The enemy’s advancing into the forest after us. Looks like they have no idea they’re playing right into our hands, too. They’re not being very careful about it at all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed, then, that our plan had gone off without a hitch. There was just one factor that still had me worried: even after entering the forest, we’d still seen no sign of the Maitraw Company. I was starting to get concerned that they might not be here at all. It was either that, or they were incredibly good at hiding themselves. I glanced around, trying to catch at least a glimpse of one of their men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry. They’re keeping in touch and standing by,” said Mireille, who must’ve noticed my restless behavior. “And even if they hadn’t told me, I could tell they’re out there. They’re hiding pretty damn well, but not well enough to fool me. Still, it’s a pretty impressive job, considering how many of them there are. Looks like the Maitraw Company has earned its reputation─they’re as good at ambushes as they are in a fair fight.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In spite of my anxiety, I decided to take her word for it as we advanced deeper into the woods. We marched onward until it felt like we were somewhere near the heart of the forest, at which point Lumeire ordered our troops to come to a halt. The men, of course, were distressed by the command. They were under the impression that the battle was lost and we were fleeing for our lives, but now they were supposed to form back up and confront the enemy all over again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The time, then, had come to share the true plan with our force and explain that the mercenaries who had supposedly fled were, in fact, waiting in ambush all around us. The enemy was closing in fast enough that there was no longer any danger of our men ruining the operation with their lousy acting, and we could open up about our actual objectives. Thankfully, that calmed them down and it wasn’t long before we’d reconstructed our battle formation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We moved our archers and mages into the cover of the surrounding foliage, where they joined forces with the Maitraw Company’s men. Our plan was to launch an all-out assault from the enemy’s flanks the moment the company reported that all of the enemy cavalry had entered the woods. There was very little doubt left that their cavalry made up the bulk of their forces, and if we could catch their entire advance unit in a trap and wipe them out, the remaining soldiers would have no chance of defeating us. The only option I could imagine being left for them at that point would be to withdraw and return to their castle, which would mean we’d accomplished our objective."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before long, the cavalry unit was upon us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Given up on running away, have you?!” shouted the massive man at the head of their formation, a confident and perhaps slightly complacent grin plastered across his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man hadn’t the foggiest idea he was walking right into a trap. I appraised him, and found that his name was Dan Allest. He had an 82 in Leadership and a 99 in Valor, but all of his other stats were quite low. His S-rank in Cavalry was quite something, at least. It felt like a waste to let someone with a Valor score like his perish, but I also knew that bringing him down would help turn the tide of battle in our favor, considering what it would do to his men’s morale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Or perhaps you think you can still turn this battle around? Ha ha ha! Fools! These woods will be your graveyard!” Dan continued. His attempt at blustery intimidation was pretty played out, I had to say, but thankfully, I didn’t have to listen to any more of it on account of the Maitraw Company choosing that precise moment to launch their attack. A flurry of arrows and spells shot through the trees, peppering the enemy ranks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?!” cried out Dan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s an ambush!” shouted one of his men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Maitraw Company couldn’t have picked a better time to spring their trap. With archers and mages on both flanks, there was very little our foes could do to defend themselves. Not even their previously formidable magical barriers could save them─those, after all, took time to cast, making them impossible to bring out at a moment’s notice. Worse still, the Maitraw Company seemed to have a large number of skilled archers in their employ, and the arrows raining down upon the enemy flew with incredible accuracy. There was nothing they could do, and scores of cavalry fell in what felt like the blink of an eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The enemy’s behind us, Commander!” shouted one of Dan’s remaining men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?! How?!” Dan roared. It had taken them far too long to notice our movements, and now they were surrounded. The complacent grin that had shown he was confident in his victory was nowhere to be found─now, Dan looked downright frantic. That spell of panic didn’t last, though, and a moment later, he forced himself to calm down again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve walked into a trap, and have enemies on all sides, but this battle’s not over yet! Their front line is weak─charge through them, find their leader, take his head, and we’ll win the day yet! Grit your teeth and follow my lead!” Dan bellowed as he spurred his horse forward, galloping toward our position. His men could hardly let their leader charge forth on his own, so they followed in his wake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“For all their strengths, cavalry also don’t have many options at a time like this,” said Mireille. “That’s the face of a man who knows this is do-or-die.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In short, we can’t let our guards down,” added Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their read on the situation seemed right on the money. With their backs against the wall, Dan’s troops had chosen to make their last stand and fight like madmen, staking their lives in an attempt to break through and kill Lumeire. The fact that they were still listening to their commanding officer and still maintaining their formation and morale, even as they were under attack from all sides, was yet another sign of just how well-trained these men were."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While the initial volley had caught them off guard, they were now aware that they were under attack and began raising their magical defenses. Between that and the fact that each and every one of them was a skilled fighter, our own troops found themselves rapidly overwhelmed. Their leader Dan, in particular, was running amok through the battlefield, cleaving several men with each swing of his massive halberd."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dan’s rampage did not escape Rietz’s notice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll handle the leader,” he said, spurring his horse forward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My first instinct was to let him go. Dan was dealing incredible damage to our formation, and bringing him down would deal a massive blow to the enemy’s morale. However, I couldn’t help but harbor a nagging doubt that someone as strong as him could beat Rietz. And Rietz was one man who I absolutely could not allow to die on me, under any circumstances."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have to stop him!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait!” I shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But, Your Lordship,” Rietz began to protest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I say you let him take his shot,” said Mireille before Rietz could articulate himself. “We need to take that guy down one way or another, unless we wanna risk this whole plan falling to pieces. People like him have a way of forcing their way out of traps like this, no matter how absurd the odds against them are. A girl like me doesn’t stand a chance against a monster like him, and that means if anyone’s going to do the deed, it’ll have to be Rietz.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see your point,” I began, “but─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A proper lord has faith in his retainers. You know that, don’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille’s words struck a chord with me. I was trying to prioritize my people’s safety in the moment, and neglecting to consider whether that would be in their best interests in the long run. And besides, I was far from convinced that Rietz would lose. I took a deep breath, then turned to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Can you beat him, Rietz?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can,” said Rietz without hesitation. He’d witnessed Dan’s ferocious might, but he didn’t show so much as a hint of fear. He was confident that he would emerge victorious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right,” I said. “Then do it. Engage the enemy’s leader, and bring him down!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Your Lordship!” Rietz replied as he sped off, making a beeline toward Dan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At Ars’s command, Rietz galloped through the woods, spurring his horse forward toward Dan with a halberd held at the ready. Rietz favored polearms over a sword or a bow when he engaged in mounted combat, and the halberd was his weapon of choice. Soon, his skillful horsemanship brought him up to a short distance away from Dan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dan, meanwhile, was battling away on the frontlines, scattering his foes with each wide, cleaving swing of his halberd."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Flee, peons! Flee! My business is with your leader! Clear a path to his head, and you might get to keep yours!” he bellowed. Hardened and well-trained though the soldiers on the frontlines were, the sheer force of Dan’s might and presence sent the bulk of them scattering in fear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz, however, was a different matter. He galloped into Dan’s path, intercepting Dan’s halberd with his own. That single strike was all that Rietz needed to understand just how powerful a foe he was facing, while Dan sensed that Rietz was no ordinary opponent. Rietz looked slender and frail at a glance, but the size of his muscles belied their strength. In a contest of pure brawn, the men were evenly matched."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh? I’ve never met a Malkan who could cross blades with me,” said Dan with a raised eyebrow as he took in Rietz’s appearance. “These aren’t your lands. What business do you have on a Missian battlefield?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m certainly not here to exchange pleasantries with the likes of you,” Rietz curtly replied, then raised his halberd and shot Dan a pointed glare. “I intend to claim your head, and offer it to Lord Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So some oddball on the other side took you on as their retainer? Can’t say I don’t see the logic. Anyone strong enough can make a decent servant, be they a Malkan or a gorilla,” said Dan, readying his own weapon in turn. “You should know the name of the man who’s about to kill you. I am Dan Allest.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rietz Muses.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With their names declared, the two warriors charged forward and began a furious mounted duel. Each of them was a master in his own right, and their skill was a stunning thing to behold. To lesser men, fighting on horseback would be a hindrance─one simply couldn’t take up a stable stance while mounted. Rietz and Dan, however, swung their weapons with unimpaired power and grace, their movements in such perfect unison with their horses’ one would think they shared a perfect mental connection with the creatures. The horses dodged and leaped about the field while their riders delivered blow after blow, trying to sneak a fatal strike into their foes’ blind spot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From an outside perspective, the two of them looked evenly matched, but on closer observation, one might have noticed a pall of panic spreading across Dan’s face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damn, he’s good, thought Dan. And a hell of a lot stronger than he looks… His blows are fast, heavy, and he knows how to feint, too. He’s no ordinary soldier, that’s for damn sure!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before he knew it, Dan found himself fighting a purely defensive battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Graaah!” shouted one of Dan’s men, who rushed in to back up his leader. Rietz didn’t miss a beat, dodging the attack effortlessly and slicing the man in half with a single stroke, but it proved enough of a distraction to open him up to attack for a brief moment. Dan wasn’t the sort of man who’d give up that sort of opportunity for the sake of honor─if he had a chance to slay his enemy, he’d take it, and he meant to do just that, swinging his halberd for Rietz’s neck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was not, however, Rietz’s first battle by a long shot. He knew that dropping his guard could mean instant death, and the moment he realized that Dan’s attack was coming from an angle he couldn’t intercept, he gave up on blocking it altogether, instead twisting to the side and dodging the strike. In the same motion, he unsheathed a dagger with his left hand, striking back while Dan was too committed to his swing to stop his momentum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Agh!” Dan shouted as Rietz’s slash landed and a spray of blood erupted from his right arm. It was a deep cut, and Rietz could tell how effective it had been from the feel of the strike alone. Dan wouldn’t be able to parry Rietz’s attacks with his arm in that state, and now it was Rietz’s turn to seize the advantage and bring his halberd down with all his might. Dan tried to raise his guard, but as expected, his injured arm wasn’t up to the task. His halberd fell limply to his side, and just like that, Rietz cleaved through his neck in a flash."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dan’s head toppled from his shoulders. Blood sprayed out from the stump of his neck as his head plummeted toward the ground until Rietz caught it midair and hoisted it aloft."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Dan Allest is slain!” he cried at the top of his lungs, the news resounding across the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I watched Rietz’s battle from afar, and reflected on just how incredible a person he was as he brought down the enemy’s monster of a commander. I’d been on the edge of my saddle with worry, but in the end, my fears had been groundless. With that, the enemy’s chain of command had been severed, and Dan’s death sent an immediate wave of distress through the rest of his men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The time is now! Wipe them out!” shouted Rietz, rallying his fellow soldiers onward. The rest of the front line had been cowed by the might of the enemy cavalry, but this stunning development helped them regain their momentum. Taking advantage of the enemy’s confusion, they brought down one rider after the next."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One soldier who appeared to be the enemy’s second-in-command did his best to bring his subordinates back into formation, but unfortunately for them, he didn’t seem to be a capable leader and it wasn’t going well. Eventually, their force broke under the pressure of our concentrated attack, and the remaining survivors scattered in all directions, fleeing into the woods. The thick foliage and lack of roads, of course, meant that those who rode into the trees couldn’t gallop at full pace, making them sitting ducks for our archers and mages. Those who turned around and fled back the way they came, meanwhile, were cut down by the Maitraw Company."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What was once a very sizable enemy contingent had been just about slain to the man. We’d made massive gains in the battle at large, and in almost no time at all. We had yet to defeat the lord of Castle Rolto, to be fair, but with their cavalry regiment decimated, they’d lost their most powerful weapon by far."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we press this advantage, we can defeat the lord who leads their army!” shouted Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had assumed that the rest of the enemy force would have fled, but it seemed that wasn’t the case. Instead, they’d advanced on the forest in an attempt to save their encircled cavalry division. We held more of a numerical advantage than ever now, and what troops they had left weren’t anywhere near as dangerous as their cavalry had been. To make matters even worse for our foes, their hurried advance had left them with no time to come together in a proper formation, leaving them unprepared to fend off our attack. In my eyes, our victory was all but assured."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our first move was to declare to their remaining forces that Dan Allest was dead. It seemed he was a well-known man among their troops, and the news of his death sent obvious waves of shock through their ranks. The Maitraw Company took advantage of their distress by choosing that moment to launch a preemptive attack, charging forward with Clamant at their head. There were only around five hundred or so of them, but each of them rode a horse and was strong in their own right. They crashed into the enemy lines, striking down their foes left and right and sending their army into a state of pandemonium."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Claim Jean’s head!” commanded Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As our whole army surged forward, a few enemy soldiers began to break ranks and flee. Their leader Jean, however, seemed to have no intention of falling back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Retreat is not an option! We fight to the bitter end!” he shouted, his voice amplified by sound magic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No amount of encouragement could change the fact that his troops were at a severe disadvantage, though. They were outnumbered, their chain of command was crumbling, and in the end, they were unable to recover from all the setbacks they’d faced. Our men mowed them down, one after another, and before long the troops who’d come from outside the county to reinforce Jean’s army began to retreat en masse. After some time, Jean himself was slain. The battle was over, and we had won."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With Jean dead and his army routed, there was nothing left to stop us from marching on and occupying Castle Rolto. The vast majority of the enemy forces had sortied along with their leader, leaving only a skeleton crew to stay behind at the castle. In light of their lord’s death, those troops quickly surrendered, leaving the stronghold to us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The occupation of the castle hadn’t been one of our initial objectives, but it was deemed necessary on account of the County of Balton’s forces. The five thousand reinforcements they’d sent to help Jean hadn’t been wiped out, and they also didn’t represent the county’s entire standing army. There were still more soldiers left in the County of Balton, and while the risk of them mounting an offensive was minimal, it also wasn’t a factor we could afford to disregard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As such, our objective shifted. While once our only goal was to stop the advance of Jean’s army, now we were tasked with occupying Castle Rolto and keeping the County of Balton’s army in check. In theory, having the castle under our control would prevent them from moving about freely. Last but not least, after Castle Rolto was under our control, a banquet was called to celebrate our success."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What a battle! What a victory! And we owe it all to you, Ars!” shouted Lumeire. He was red-faced, inebriated, and in the highest of spirits. At the end of the day our casualties had been quite minor, and in his eyes that meant that the battle had been an overwhelming success."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t think I can take the credit for this one,” I replied. “My retainers deserve your praise more, and Rietz in particular.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your retainers are certainly a cut above, I’ll admit! They’re enough to make a man downright envious! I saw Rietz’s duel, you know? Dan was a fearsome foe, but Rietz cut him down with ease! Splendid, my boy!” Lumeire gushed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He wasn’t the only one singing Rietz’s praises that evening. All the soldiers who’d witnessed his moment of heroism were abuzz with excited discussion about him. The better part of the army had taken him rather lightly up to now on account of his Malkan heritage, but slaying an enemy leader seemed to have done wonders when it came to broadening most of their perspectives. They knew now that they’d been underestimating him, so Rietz’s popularity with his fellow soldiers had skyrocketed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That wasn’t to say that all of them had abandoned their prejudices, of course, and some of those who still didn’t think much of Rietz seemed quite irked by all the attention he was getting. I considered taking steps to ensure that they didn’t get the chance to attack him…but considering how physically and mentally tough Rietz was, I figured he could take care of himself if push came to shove."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, good food, how I’ve missed you! This is almost too delicious!” said Charlotte between mouthfuls. After all that complaining about our trail rations, she was so excited by the feast that she ended up shoveling her meal down with voracious enthusiasm. I had to admit that eating something with flavor for the first time in ages did make it taste a lot better than usual. I’d put away my fair share of dishes as well, though I wasn’t even close to keeping up with her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gra hah hah! Keep the booze flowing!” bellowed Mireille. She’d been banned from drinking while we were on the war trail, and wetting her whistle for the first time in weeks had done wonders for her mood. The war wasn’t over yet, but I figured this was as good a time as any to let her cut loose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, in contrast, had found myself in a corner of the banquet hall where I could sit down, eat, and survey the crowd. As I did so, I happened to find my attention drawn to Rosell. He seemed to be deep in thought, mulling something over with a frown on his face. He’d never been the type to participate in the more raucous side of this sort of gathering, and his age meant that he couldn’t drink even if he were into that sort of thing, seeing as this world had the same values about children drinking as my old world had. While Rosell being off to the sidelines was nothing unusual, the air of anxiety he gave off as he pondered got me curious. I considered letting my retainers air their worries to me as part of my responsibilities as a lord, so I decided to go chat him up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Rosell,” I said as I drew close to him. “Something on your mind?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You could say that,” said Rosell. “Tell me, Ars…what do you think about how everyone’s behaving?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not sure what to say, honestly. They just won a major victory, so I think it’s good for everyone to take this chance to celebrate.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s exactly the problem! You’re all taking this too lightly! Yes, we dealt with the reinforcements before they reached Staatz, and sure, we took the castle, but everyone’s still making merry when our biggest objective is still up in the air! We haven’t won until the main force conquers Castle Staatz!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed he was already thinking about─or rather, fixating on─what was to come in the near future."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You have a point. But as long as the reinforcements they were hoping for never come, I don’t think Castle Staatz stands much of a chance, does it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re being way too optimistic, Ars. We need to get a handle on the state of the war as soon as possible, and maybe even send reinforcements of our own to back the main force up. Though then again, I suppose that if they’re on track for an easy victory, staying here and keeping our eyes peeled for the Balton army could be worthwhile too.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re right about that. We can’t let our guards down. Lord Couran would’ve sent a messenger if he’d already taken Castle Staatz, and we’ve received no such thing so far. It seems more likely than not that the battle has yet to be decided, as things stand.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Castle Staatz’s defenses were rumored to be impregnable. It was a mountain citadel, which made it a rarity given that most of Missian was made up of flatlands. I wouldn’t have been at all surprised to learn that the assault on the castle was moving at a snail’s pace."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, maybe you do have a point…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You should ask the Shadows to survey Castle Staatz’s current status!” said Rosell. “That’ll give us the info we need to plan our next move for sure!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He seemed very enthusiastic about the recommendation, and I knew very well how smart Rosell was. I was starting to feel a little anxious after everything he’d told me, as well, so I decided to take him up on the idea and ask the Shadows to look into Castle Staatz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I called Pham over to discuss the new plan. He was also participating in the banquet, though he’d arrived in his maid disguise and was stone cold sober, unlike most everyone else. I was glad to see that I’d be able to have a proper conversation with him, even at a time like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So? What’s the job this time?” asked Pham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I want you to look into the current status of Castle Staatz,” I explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“More information gathering, eh? You know you’ve got scouts for that sort of grunt work, right?” said Pham with a roll of his eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Maybe, but I don’t trust our scouts to be even half as fast and accurate as your crew,” I countered. Clandestine operations were just one of the Shadows’ many areas of expertise─they were also capable of collecting information with incredible speed and precision. I probably could’ve tasked them with something more challenging, considering how good at their jobs they were, but I couldn’t change the fact that what I needed above all else at that moment was basic information."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0017.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have it your way. As long as you have the coin for the job, of course,” said Pham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Naturally,” I replied. I was glad to see him take the job in spite of his grumbling, and I expected him to head off and get to work right away, but instead, he spoke directly to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, you have some sorta power that lets you see what people are capable of, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right. What about it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d given him a basic explanation of my skill back when I first met him. I’d managed to see through his disguise and realize he was a guy, and Pham had interrogated me about how I’d managed to do so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s that power of yours say about me? What are my capabilities like? Good? Useless?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was a surprise. I hadn’t taken Pham for the sort of person to ask a question like that. I’d assumed he was the type to have a perfect understanding of his own strengths, and to go through life with absolute confidence in his abilities. I didn’t have any particular reason not to tell him, though. I’d appraised him before, and I’d seen that while he didn’t excel in all areas, he did have remarkably high Valor and Intelligence stats, which meant that he was capable indeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Guess I don’t need to ask,” Pham continued. “I’m plenty competent, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right. You seem very confident about that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I do have a pretty decent grasp of what I’m capable of. What I can’t do is know where everyone else falls on the spectrum, and explaining what you can do to someone is harder than you’d think. That power of yours is something that anyone in a position of authority would want. Hell, I’m just the leader of a band of mercs, and even I want it,” said Pham. He seemed to regard my power quite well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ars Louvent,” he continued. “I’ve got a feeling you could go big places.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d always gotten the impression that Pham looked down on me, but apparently, I’d been mistaken. To the contrary, the way he was acting now made it seem like he had a high opinion of me, much to my surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, duty calls,” Pham said, then went off to work. I had the strangest feeling that he’d had something else he wanted to say to me, but I figured I might’ve just been imagining it. Even if he did have something he wished to discuss, another opportunity was sure to present itself before long, so I saw no reason to drag it out of him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Shadows were on their way to scope out Castle Staatz, and until they returned, the rest of us would just have to stand by in Castle Rolto and wait for news."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0019.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While Ars’s contingent laid claim to Castle Rolto, Couran and his division were hard at work carrying out their advance on Castle Staatz. The enemy had attempted to obstruct their progress by deploying troops to major roads on the way to the castle, but Couran’s army proved too massive to delay for long. His sheer numerical advantage was demoralizing for his foes, and what little opposition there was to his advance quickly retreated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d think they were hoping to buy themselves more time than this. They don’t have a surplus of it,” Couran calmly speculated as he watched the enemy force fall back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They may have fewer troops available than we’d planned for,” said Robinson, Couran’s right-hand man and an ever-valuable source of analysis on the state of the war. “Castle Staatz is said to be a mighty fortress, but if the difference in numbers is that vast, they may still find it impossible to defend it against our force.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And that’s not even considering our aqua magia reserves,” noted Couran. “Magic rules the modern battlefield, and even the sturdiest fortifications can’t withstand it forever. We’ll maintain our momentum and press the attack!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran’s forces moved onward, their morale soaring to greater and greater heights, never once noticing the trap that they were about to stumble into."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kanses, the Count of Velshdt, Thomas, Vasmarque’s trusted tactician, and Stefan Dolucha, the Baron of Staatz, had all gathered up in the study of Castle Staatz to discuss the state of the war."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The momentum of our enemy’s advance has far exceeded what we expected,” Kanses muttered, his voice dispirited. “At this rate, not even Castle Staatz itself will be able to hold them off for long…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Worry not, Lord Kanses! My castle once repelled an army tens of thousands strong! No matter how many men they throw at our walls, I swear to you that we won’t let them best us!” said Stefan. He was a man with a large build and a fearsome countenance, his face decorated with a variety of scars he’d earned in the countless battles he’d participated in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thomas, however, did not share Stefan’s optimism."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Castle Staatz is well-fortified, Sir Stefan, I’ll grant you that, but the era of one fortress holding off tens of thousands of men is long gone. Now that magic’s in play, there’s no such thing as an impregnable castle anymore, and Couran’s force has enough explosive aqua magia in stock to level this place a dozen times over.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“U-Ugh,” grunted Stefan. His displeasure was obvious, but he had no counterargument to Thomas’s claim. Far from it─his ample experience in battle told him that Thomas was correct."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we want to hold onto this castle, we can’t let its walls do all the work for us. We’ll have to have all sorts of tricks ready for them to help us win this battle,” Thomas continued with a malicious smirk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Should I take that to mean you have a plan in mind?” asked Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s simple, really. If their magic’s their scariest weapon, we just have to take it away from them. We’ll aim to take out the enemy’s explosive aqua magia reserves,” Thomas explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… That would make a great deal of difference, but surely our enemy knows how important their aqua magia is? Do you believe they’ll just let us destroy it?” countered Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I happen to know what sort of man Couran is,” said Thomas. “He’s a soldier and statesman born, but he’s missing that one last, little piece that lets a man follow through and makes him great. That’s what sets him and Lord Vasmarque apart. He’s got the upper hand right now, to be sure, but that just means he’s all the more likely to let his guard slip.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm. And you’re so certain of this that you feel confident your plan will succeed?” asked Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, no need to worry about that. Just leave it all to me,” replied Thomas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just then, a man dressed in a light, nondescript fashion arrived to deliver a message to Thomas."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The enemy’s aqua magia reserves are on the move,” the messenger reported."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good! About time,” said Thomas."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There are fewer troops guarding it than anticipated,” the messenger continued. “There’s one problem, though…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What is it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The reserves have been split up for transportation, and there’s no way of telling which unit is carrying their explosive aqua magia.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So they’re keeping their reserves spread out,” said Thomas. “They could lose every drop of their fire aqua magia and not miss it, as long as the explosive aqua magia’s untouched… Maybe Couran’s taking this more seriously than I gave him credit for.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Explosive magic had the potential to tear down the castle’s walls outright, and posed far and away the greatest danger to its defenders. If their stock of the requisite aqua magia had been dispersed throughout a number of units, then it would be much harder to eliminate all of it with any degree of certainty. An assault on the convoys would become a gamble, and Thomas was not a gambling man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Thomas!” shouted another of Thomas’s men, who arrived as he was mulling over the problem. He had sent out a number of his subordinates to scope out Couran’s army and get a grasp of the situation. “Our scouts in the vicinity of Castle Samkh have reported new information regarding the enemy units carrying their explosive aqua magia! It’s split up among five units that are all separate, and we have scouts tailing each of them at this very moment.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you absolutely sure about that?” asked Thomas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, my lord! It seems the enemy troops have grown complacent after their recent victories. Several of their soldiers let the information slip after we plied them with alcohol, and since they all told the same story, we’ve determined that it’s reliable!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, that changes things. I guess I wasn’t giving Couran too little credit after all─he’s been keeping his men on far too long of a leash. I bet he thinks he’s already won. We’ll move out at once!” said Thomas as he stood up from his seat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Already?” Kanses asked, shocked. “And you plan to lead the attack yourself?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we’re going to take advantage of this opening, then we can’t waste a minute,” Thomas explained. “Plus, this operation could turn the tide of battle. Of course I have to see it through in person.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-Yes, I suppose that makes sense… Very well, then. I’ll entrust this task to you, Thomas,” said Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Consider it done,” Thomas replied with a confident smirk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thomas handpicked five squads to participate in his plan, and instructed each of them to lay in ambush along roads that the enemy convoys would be traveling. Sending one larger unit to carry out the attack wasn’t an option─if the enemy managed to send word to the other convoys after the first was assaulted, their guards would be raised and the rest of the mission would be jeopardized. They’d have to carry out their attacks simultaneously in order to maintain the element of surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, since each convoy was traveling a different route, carrying out simultaneous attacks upon them was easier said than done. That was where magic entered the picture: they would use sound magic to keep in contact with the other squads. Specially designed catalyzers allowed long-distance communication by way of the Transmit spell, but that spell was not without limitations: it could only send sounds across a distance proportional to the size of the catalyzer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Large catalyzers could cast Transmit across great distances, but were less than portable and wouldn’t be practical for Thomas’s operation. Mid-sized catalyzers, on the other hand, would just barely be able to send sounds across the distances necessary, assuming everything went as planned. In the end, Thomas decided that the mid-sized catalyzer option was enough, and equipped each unit with a catalyzer and a mage to operate it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thomas himself would not join up with any one particular unit. Instead, he took up position at a point equidistant from the sites where the ambushes would be carried out, accompanied by a mage capable of casting sound magic. From there, he could give instructions to all five units at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thomas waited, carefully gauging the right moment to strike. After waiting there for a long period of time, when each unit reported in sequence that they had eyes on their target convoy, Thomas turned to his mage and said, “Give them the order to attack.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The mage cast Transmit at once, sending Thomas’s order out to all five squads. The squads, in turn, sprung their ambushes without delay. Soon, reports of each squad’s success began coming in one after another, which Thomas replied to by instructing them to withdraw from the battlefield with all due haste. Out of the five units tasked with the job, four reported complete success. The final squad, however, had been up against skilled foes. They’d proven too much for Thomas’s men to handle, and had escaped with their cargo intact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, so it goes,” said Thomas with a shrug. “Even if one of them got away, we’ve still come out far ahead today. Tell the last squad to withdraw.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, Thomas and his mage fell back as well, making for Castle Staatz once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They what?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran’s face flushed with shock and fury when he heard the report. The five convoys transporting his army’s stock of explosive aqua magia had been targeted with pinpoint precision, and the ambushes had resulted in the loss of all but a fifth of their aqua magia supply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It seems the details of our transportation channels were leaked to the enemy. We arranged for the aqua magia to be split up and transported by multiple convoys in an effort to protect them, but that decision has backfired,” said Robinson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran scowled and clicked his tongue with frustration."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If we’d transported all of it together, then an unforeseen disaster or an enemy raid could have wiped out our entire supply in one fell swoop. Splitting it up may have prevented that worst-case scenario, yes, but barely… How much aqua magia was the remaining convoy transporting?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Frankly, very little,” Robinson answered. “Not enough to bring down the walls of Castle Staatz, anyway.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran’s frown grew deeper still. He had been counting on an overwhelming advantage in the upcoming conflict, and this news was a painful blow to his plan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We left behind a stock of excess aqua magia in Semplar, didn’t we? Have all of it brought here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well, Your Lordship,” said Robinson. “However, I’m afraid that transporting that stock here will take quite some time…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All the more reason to send word on the double. If winter falls before the castle is in our hands, then our plans to take Velshdt will be set back.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As you command. I’ll have a messenger sent to Semplar right away,” Robinson replied, then departed to carry out his orders. Couran was left to cross his arms and groan at the miserable situation he’d found himself in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The day after I dispatched the Shadows to look into the state of things at Castle Staatz, Lumeire called together a council of war where I reported on my decision. It would take some time for word to arrive, and until then, it was decided that we would hold our position and monitor any movements of the County of Balton’s army."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days later, the Shadows returned with news for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve gotten a handle on the situation in Staatz,” reported Ben, who’d been dispatched to speak with me. His face was as plain and unmemorable as ever, though after many meetings with him, I’d learned to recognize him without confirming his identity with an appraisal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Let’s hear it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Starting with the biggest point, the castle hasn’t fallen yet. It looks like it’s been a pretty close fight, and both sides are struggling.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t too surprised to hear that. Couran’s army was far larger than Staatz’s defending force, but I’d accurately predicted that the castle’s defenses would make it a difficult target to deal with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is Castle Staatz just that defensible, then?” I asked, hoping to confirm my theory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, that too,” said Ben, “but reinforcements from Castle Velshdt reached Staatz and wreaked havoc on Couran’s troops. They ambushed shipments of aqua magia, and managed to take out most of Couran’s explosive aqua magia in the process. Seems that’s what’s slowing him down more than anything else.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was grave news, to be sure. Explosive aqua magia was the functional equivalent of siege engines in this world. Bringing a castle down without it was a tall order, and Castle Staatz’s magical defenses were sturdy to begin with. The loss of that much aqua magia would make conquering it a much harder task. The situation was even worse than I’d anticipated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s Couran doing to deal with the issue? Is there a delivery of explosive aqua magia inbound?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, but by the time it gets to him it’ll be winter, and storming the castle will be harder than ever,” said Ben. It was currently the sixth month, which was around the time that the cold started setting in. It did seem quite possible that winter would arrive before the battle was finished unless the situation changed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran’s forces were already encamped near the castle, presumably, so it wouldn’t be impossible for them to stage an assault in the wintertime. That being said, carting around provisions and resources was a lot harder when you had piles of snow in the way, which had the potential to cripple their ability to start a real fight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The coldest period of the year lasted from the end of the sixth month through the start of the seventh, and once that period passed, the snow would melt and the battle could resume in earnest. In the grand scheme of things it wouldn’t be that long of a delay, but time was of the essence and ending the battle even a day sooner could prove pivotal. Wasting somewhere around twenty days was very much something we’d be better off avoiding if possible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good work. That’s very good to know,” I said to Ben, then went to report what I’d learned to Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When Lumeire heard what I had to say, a frown passed across his face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How could this be…? I never dreamed the situation could be this grim,” he muttered. “Isn’t there anything we can do to help?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We can set out to aide Lord Couran’s forces,” I said. “We have a decent stock of explosive aqua magia here at Castle Rolto. I don’t know if it’ll be enough, but anything helps.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I agree that we should send aid to Lord Couran,” said Lumeire. “But how we go about sending it isn’t such an easy decision to make.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you mean by that?” I asked. Rushing off to Castle Staatz on the double seemed like the obvious method to me, and for that matter, I couldn’t think of any alternatives."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Aside from simply rushing to Lord Couran’s aid, we could also stage our own assault from a different direction, catching Castle Staatz’s defenders unprepared. A characteristic trait of defensive magic is that their strength is not evenly distributed. There are weak points in any barrier system, and if we can catch the enemy off guard and attack one of those weak points, we may be able to break through. There are two paths from here to Castle Staatz, as well: the road we took to get here, and another, smaller route. If we were to take that path and attack the enemy without warning, we may very well emerge victorious.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t a proposal without risks. If the enemy was aware that Castle Rolto had fallen, then it was possible their defenses would be prepared for such an attack. Even so, it still seemed probable that a surprise attack would be more effective than walking up and joining the main force."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Staging a surprise attack makes sense to me,” I said, “but I think it would be a good idea to speak with everyone else before we settle on a plan.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I couldn’t agree more,” said Lumeire, “but we should choose a course of action as soon as possible. Call together the most exceptional of your retainers at once.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It didn’t take long to bring my retainers together, and we commenced our council without delay. To start, I explained the current state of things at Castle Staatz to everyone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see. It seems the situation is dire indeed,” said Rietz after I was finished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your brother was supposed to be in Velshdt, right, Master?” Rosell asked, turning to Mireille. “Do you think he’s helping defend Staatz?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I give it nine out of ten odds he is, yeah. I always taught him to zero in on his enemy’s weakest link and take it out, and it looks like he’s putting that method to good use in this battle,” said Mireille. She sounded quite blasé about the matter, considering that those teachings were the reason why Couran was in such a tough spot at the moment. She had taught her brother everything he knew ages ago, of course, so I supposed there wasn’t any real reason for her to be ashamed of her actions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Lumeire and I have discussed the matter, and agreed that the situation is grave enough to merit backing Lord Couran up,” I explained. “That said, Lord Lumeire has also proposed that traveling in secret and striking the enemy at their weakest point in an ambush could prove even more effective.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was hoping to hear all of your opinions on my proposal,” said Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How much explosive aqua magia does this castle have in stock?” asked Mireille. “My answer could change depending on what we have to work with. If it’s a lot, then just delivering it to them would be our safest bet.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We have about three hundred Ms worth of it on hand,” I said. I’d anticipated the question and looked into our stockpile before the council started."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That puts us in dicey territory. A single spell from a large catalyzer burns about thirty Ms. If we catch them off guard, aim for their barrier’s weakest point, and have Charlotte do the casting, we could take down one of their walls in two or three shots. Head-on, though, three hundred Ms worth of magic wouldn’t even be enough to bring down the barrier.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So then our only option is a surprise attack?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not necessarily. We could stage an ambush to distract the enemy, as well. We’d have to get into contact with…” Mireille paused and scowled. “Lord Couran beforehand to make sure he could coordinate with the feint, though.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A diversion, huh…?” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Personally, I’m down for the actual sneak attack,” Mireille continued. “We’d just have to pin down their defenses’ weak point, then have Charlotte blow a hole in their walls before they could do anything about it. Then, we send our troops storming in through the hole all at once, have them open the gates, break the catalyzers keeping their defenses up─y’know, just raise hell. At that point, it’d only be a matter of time before we could storm the main keep and bring it under our control. At least, I assume that’s the general plan. Storming the castle would mean plenty of fighting, and I’ve gotta say, I like the sound of that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t of a mind to settle on a plan based on whether or not Mireille would get to indulge her bloodlust, but still, she’d made a compelling case and I was half-convinced that the surprise attack plan was our best bet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I agree that a surprise attack is a good idea…but I’m concerned about the part where we have to find their defenses’ weak point,” said Rosell. “Do we have any documents regarding the layout of Castle Staatz?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve searched this castle’s archives and found a document that includes a simple map of Castle Staatz. That being said, it doesn’t include anything that would be considered state secrets, such as the locations of traps,” Lumeire answered, then spread the map in question out on his desk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Their walls seem to enclose a pretty big area,” I muttered as I looked over the document. “Who knows how long it’d take to starve them out in a siege.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed there was a whole town within the castle’s curtain walls, which led me to the realization that ordinary townsfolk could get wrapped up in the battle to come."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This’ll be the weak point we need,” said Mireille, pointing at a wall located on the castle’s northwestern edge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How do you know?” asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You need mages to man your magical defenses─there’s no way around that. The more skilled the mage, the stronger the barrier they can deploy. Thing is, one person can’t cover a castle this big on their own. They’ll need at least thirty or so mages for the job, I’d say, and that’s the minimum. The most important section of the castle wall to defend’ll be the main entrance on the south side─after all, if that gate gets blasted open, the enemy could surge in all at once and storm the place. That’ll be where their defenses are strongest. The northwestern side, meanwhile, doesn’t have a gate at all and is located at the top of a slope, which means it’d be hard to assault at the best of times. The odds of an attack coming from that direction are low, so I imagine they’ll have one of their less capable mages guarding it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see,” said Lumeire with a nod. “But wouldn’t the fact that it’s a difficult stretch of the wall to assault pose problems for our troops as well?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s why we have to coordinate with Lord Couran,” said Mireille. “If we can get him to launch a feint at the right moment, their attention will be focused on the main gate and we’ll have higher odds of pulling it off. I can think of plenty of other plans that would get us through, too.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With the enemy’s eyes on the main gate, they’d be unprepared to handle a surprise attack from a different direction. The plan seemed like a good one─we could up the odds of the entire operation succeeding with a little coordination."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe the time has come, then, to contact Lord Couran regarding our plan. We can settle on the details once we’ve heard from him about the state of his force,” Lumeire said, then began drafting a letter to send to Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran’s forces had set up their encampment a short distance away from Castle Staatz. Couran himself sat in the headquarters they’d raised, running through the state of the war in his mind and searching for a plan that could win him the day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is waiting it out our only option? he pondered. The battle started off so well─how has it come to this…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The starting stages of the campaign had left Couran optimistic. His troops had fought their first engagement after reinforcements from Velshdt had attempted to block their path, and the battle had ended with those reinforcements fleeing in a total rout. He’d won battle after battle from that point onward, working his way to the vicinity of Castle Staatz itself. That was when his forces had lost the majority of their explosive aqua magia in a single day, and everything started going wrong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran was left with very few resources capable of damaging the castle’s outer walls. His force had been at a lack of competent mages to begin with, and with their stockpile of aqua magia so low, there was no chance of them blasting their way through the castle’s gates. Ever since then, his army had maintained their position, sitting and waiting for an aqua magia delivery that would arrive after winter had finished setting in. That would cause major delays in the army’s supply chain, rendering them unable to fight a protracted battle and buying their foes more time still."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Preventing that outcome was Couran’s highest priority, but it wasn’t the only problem he faced. His army’s provisions were an issue as well. He had brought an extravagant quantity of food with him, but the longer the campaign dragged on, the more likely it became that he would have to retreat to restock and regroup. That was just one more reason why bringing the castle down before winter rolled in would be a major victory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Considering the state of things, though, that may not even be possible… We’ve picked out weak points in the castle’s defenses, but we lack the aqua magia to even break through those. And even if we do manage to do so by some miracle, the wall we’d destroy would be in a highly disadvantageous location. Unless the enemy let their guard down to an astonishing degree, we’d have no hope of staging an assault…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran was beginning to think that his only choice would be to steel himself to make some sacrifices and attempt to claim the castle without the help of magic. Castle Staatz was strategically significant enough that taking it would be worthwhile, even if he did lose a large chunk of his troops in the process. That being said, if he were to accept the loss and mount an offensive, then fail to take the castle, it would put his campaign in a dire state and force him to withdraw from the county. That could give the enemy an opportunity to reclaim the castles and forts that Couran had already conquered, rendering everything he’d gained meaningless. That, above all else, was something he had to avoid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If only Ars and his followers were here, I’m sure they could dream up a plan to drag us out of this mire,” Couran sighed. Preventing the forces at Castle Rolto from marching on his army had been an important task, and he’d felt the need to entrust it to someone he had faith in, but as of late he’d begun to question his judgment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Couran!” said a soldier who came sprinting into the headquarters. “A letter has arrived for you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who is it from?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It bears the mark of Lord Lumeire!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire─in other words, Ars’s superior. That meant that the letter could very well contain a plan dreamed up by Ars himself, and with that thought in mind, Couran unfolded it without wasting a moment. Within, he found a proposal for a surprise attack and a request that his army coordinate with Lumeire’s in said attack’s execution."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A surprise attack… Yes, I see… This could very well break us out of our deadlock. If I act as if I’ve given up and decided to mount an all-out offensive, the enemy will turn all their attention onto me. That means they’ll neglect the rest of the castle’s defenses… The question, however, is whether or not the force I sent along with Lumeire is up to the task of storming the castle. Castle Staatz’s garrison is sizable, and it won’t be easy for Lumeire to fight his way to the defensive catalyzers and their mages. Perhaps I should send a division─of two thousand, say─to maneuver around the castle in secret and back up Lumeire and his troops."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His mind abuzz with ideas, Couran began drafting his reply to the letter at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After the success of Thomas’s plan to eliminate the enemy’s aqua magia supplies, he, Kanses, and Stefan once again gathered in Castle Staatz’s study."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The situation could be far worse,” said Kanses after reviewing the current state of the war."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I must admit that the difference in numbers puts us at a disadvantage, but thanks to Sir Thomas’s brilliant stratagem, the enemy’s aqua magia reserves have been decimated. They may attempt to mount an attack regardless, but this castle will not prove so easily stormed,” said Stefan with an air of confidence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I doubt they’ll be going on the attack for a while yet…but I also don’t think we should underestimate Couran,” said Thomas. “He’s not the type of man to let a loss like this pass by without striking back, and he may still have a trick or two up his sleeve.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How do you mean?” asked Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I haven’t verified this for sure, but I’ve gotten a few reports that somebody who looks an awful lot like my sister’s been sighted traveling with Couran’s troops.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your sister? You mean Mireille?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right. Doesn’t look like they’ve given her any real authority, though, so for all I know she won’t be that much of a problem. She could never make the most of her talents working under someone who doesn’t trust her.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I recall when her name first caught my attention. She caused quite the stir, and word had it she was a woman of prodigious talent…but I can hardly believe she would take up arms against her own brother.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Even if Mireille isn’t plotting something on their behalf, we can’t afford to give them the chance to reclaim an advantage,” said Thomas. “Now’s our chance. We need to take aim at their weakest link and win this war in one fell swoop.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kanses’s eyes widened at the prospect."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A weakness that could earn us victory in a single blow? Does such a thing even exist?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It does. Couran himself.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A skeptical look came across Kanses’s face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Couran himself? I’m not one to sing my enemy’s praises, but Couran is a man of many talents. I’ve fought by his side many a time, and know how formidable he is firsthand.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Formidable, yes─and that’s what makes him their biggest vulnerability,” said Thomas. “By all rights, Couran shouldn’t be out on the battlefield. He should be back in Semplar, letting his vassals do the fighting for him. If Couran dies, then the war is over. Hardly any nobles would carry on his cause, and soon all of Missian would unite behind Lord Vasmarque. Couran has a son, yes, but that son is inexperienced and would find little support among his father’s former allies. Leading his troops himself was a risk, but Couran was unwilling to leave the command of his army to one of his men because he’s formidable enough to do the job better than anyone under his lead.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So you’re suggesting we strike Couran down on the battlefield?” asked Kanses. “I’ll admit, that would be an ideal outcome…but is it feasible?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Couran knows that if he kicks the bucket, it’s all over for his cause. He’ll be under heavy guard, no doubts there. That’s where I come in, though. There’s all sorts of ways to kill a man, and I know for a fact I can find the most likely one to pull the job off.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m glad to have a man as reliable as you on my side,” said Kanses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks for that. I’ll be moving my plan to deal with Couran forward, and in the meantime, I want the two of you to bolster the castle’s defenses. Even the best-laid plans can fail, and if Couran manages to keep his head, we’ll be in for a tough fight.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood,” said Kanses with a nod."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their strategy settled, Thomas began laying out the particulars of Couran’s imminent assassination."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A letter from Couran arrived at Castle Rolto. Lumeire opened it up at once and read its contents out loud. Couran had written to us in regard to the surprise attack we’d proposed, and began his letter with open praise, stating, “The state of this war has taken a disadvantageous turn, and your proposal to catch the enemy off guard could not have come at a better time. You have my gratitude.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran went on to theorize that our current troops wouldn’t be enough to pull the attack off, so he offered to lend us men from his own division, specifying a time and place at which we could make contact with them. Furthermore, he wrote that he would be launching an attack on Castle Staatz in three days’ time, and requested that we time our surprise attack to coincide with his offensive. Finally, he closed the letter by telling us to send him a response if there were any problems with the plan as he’d outlined it, but otherwise to begin our operation at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What are your thoughts?” Lumeire asked, addressing me and my retainers. “Do you think we’re ready to take action?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t believe there are any flaws in particular with this plan,” said Rietz. “That said, I do think we’d do well to review our information on the enemy’s castle over the course of our march.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell and Mireille concurred, meaning the decision was unanimous. It would take three days for us to travel from Castle Rolto to Castle Staatz, meaning that if we wanted to time our attack with Couran’s, we would have to depart right away. Fortunately, we’d been prepared for such an eventuality and our troops were already set to move out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well, then! We march on Castle Staatz!” Lumeire commanded. And just like that, our journey began."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our trip to Castle Staatz proceeded at a steady pace. We moved with as much stealth as we could manage, doing our best to not alert the enemy to our presence. I’d instructed the Shadows to move on ahead of us and keep watch over the area around Castle Staatz as well. That being said, I wanted Pham to stay nearby in case something unforeseen happened and I needed to change my instructions for them, so he ended up assigning one of his subordinates to handle all that intelligence gathering in his stead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually, we made contact with the soldiers that Couran had sent to help us. Their presence bolstered our numbers, and in turn raised the odds that our surprise attack would be a success. Soon afterward, the Shadows reported in with new information. Specifically, Ben was the one who made contact with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve noticed some suspicious movements around Castle Staatz,” said Ben. “A unit of mages made their way outside the castle walls, carrying a large-sized catalyzer with them. It looks like they’re trying not to be spotted.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Where are they going?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They’re making their way up a nearby mountain─one that would give them a vantage point over Couran’s entire army. Our best guess is that they’re trying to mount a surprise attack.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That, I knew, could pose trouble. A surprise attack now could deal major damage to Couran’s forces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you talking about Mount Tourai?” asked Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s the one,” confirmed Ben."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thought so. That’s the only mountain that could give them a view of the whole army. But that’s strange… They could see the whole army, yeah, but Mount Tourai’s so far away from Lord Couran’s encampment, there’s no way they could cast spells at a long enough distance to do any damage. And stealth-wise, it’d be one thing if it were a squad of infantrymen, but bringing a large catalyzer means they’d be moving at a crawl! The odds of them getting spotted en route were high, and they should’ve known it… What’re they playing at?” he muttered. It seemed he couldn’t grasp the enemy’s plan, this time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, I see what’s going on here. Thomas would,” sighed Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Would what? Have you figured out his plan?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yup. Most likely, he’s trying to take out Couran.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What makes you say that?” I asked. She seemed confident enough in her theory that I assumed it had to have a basis."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I told you before that my little brother’s working for the enemy, right? Well, I’m pretty sure this operation’s his doing,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is she trying to say that she knows how her brother thinks well enough to predict his every move?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What sort of operation is it, exactly?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s true that not even a large catalyzer could deal any damage from that sort of range…if they were using it to cast offensive magic. That’s not their plan, though─they’ll be casting a spell called Downpour, which generates a heavy rainstorm in a localized area. They’d be able to use Downpour to make it rain on Couran, even at that long of a distance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, so they make it rain on him…and then what?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Couran’s encampment is set up on barren soil. The roads in the area haven’t been well maintained, and the ground goes muddy at the slightest hint of rain. A proper rainstorm means they’ll be operating in a bog, and that means the army will lose its mobility. To top it all off, the sound of the rain will muffle any suspicious noises. Thomas’s plan is to immobilize Couran, rob him of his sense of hearing, then carry out a surprise attack while he’s unprepared. I’d bet he has units of soldiers setting up the ambush already─they’ve just managed to go undetected so far.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And the goal of that ambush…is to assassinate Lord Couran?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s about the gist of it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My first instinct was to question whether a plan like that would be easy to pull off. For one thing, it seemed like it would be simple for Couran to wipe the unit of mages out. It was such a glaring flaw in the theory that I decided to ask about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why would Lord Couran just allow their mages to climb the mountain unopposed?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Because he has no idea what they’re trying to do. At that distance, even mages would look harmless at a glance, so he’d assume they were up to something unrelated and decide that he couldn’t spare the troops to deal with them. He might also suspect that they were trying to lure him into a trap.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had a point there. When you don’t know what your enemy’s after, a single careless move has the potential to lose you your head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The death of Lord Couran would put our force in an unprecedented predicament,” said Rietz. He needn’t have bothered mentioning it, though, since I already understood that all too well. Without Couran to lead us, our invasion would lose all vestige of legitimacy and would inevitably collapse. I, meanwhile, would lose all hope of ever moving up in the world, and would even stand to lose the position I currently held. I could not allow Couran to die, no matter what."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ll have to send a message to Lord Couran at once, and tell him to eliminate the unit heading for the mountain!” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’d be great if it worked, but odds are good the warning wouldn’t make it to him in time,” said Mireille. “It might not even be possible for his men to head them off anymore, considering how late in the game we’re learning about all this.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well, yes…but…” I stammered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I said the odds are good they wouldn’t make it in time─good, not certain,” said Mireille. “So, yes, we should send somebody to help. Someone fast enough to make it there in time, and tough enough to pull Couran out of a deathtrap.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben and Pham’s faces sprang to mind, and as luck would have it, Pham was still present in our unit. I’d be able to ask him to take on the task immediately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can ask the Shadows to save him, then,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your spies, huh…? Guess they do stand the highest chance of pulling it off,” replied Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll talk to them right away!” I declared before rushing off to find and commission Pham."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The big lord’s gonna bite it, huh? Tough break,” said Pham when I finished explaining the situation. He didn’t sound even remotely concerned about the problem, though of course, when all was said and done, it wasn’t his problem. “I assume we’ll be getting paid for this?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-Yes, of course. How much would you want for the job?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I want something other than money, actually,” said Pham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d never asked for a non-monetary reward before, so I was a little taken aback."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you want, then?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“For you to make us your retainers.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Come again?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The thing about being a mercenary is it’s not stable living, and I’ve never been a fan of that sorta lifestyle. I’ve been carrying on our old leader’s legacy up until now, but I’ve started thinking that if I come across someone who looks worth serving, it might be time to give up on being a sellsword and go official.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you think I’m worth serving?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right. Your power to see through people is something else, and you’ve got a silver tongue that could compete with the best of ’em. There’s a lot about you that tells me you’re going places, and I wouldn’t mind tagging along for the ride.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Saying he wouldn’t mind serving me was a rather condescending way to ask me to take him into my service, but on the other hand, there was very little I would’ve liked more than having the Shadows under my formal employ. I’d gotten the impression that Pham had wanted to talk to me about something the last time I sent him out to scout around, and now I had to wonder if that something had been the matter of him formally joining up with House Louvent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe I wasn’t just imagining him having a high opinion of me after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, if he hadn’t brought it up himself, I might’ve asked him to be my retainer at some point in the near future. The Shadows’ services had become an essential cornerstone of my operations, after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well. I would be glad to accept you into my service.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then this deal’s sealed. Let’s try to make this arrangement a long-lasting one…assuming we pull this mission off to begin with, I mean.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With those ominous parting words, Pham sped off to rescue Couran from the mortal peril he’d soon find himself in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ever since his plan to bring down Castle Staatz had been set in stone, Couran had been biding his time, waiting for the moment to strike. By the current schedule, tomorrow would be the day that he staged an all-out assault on the fortress. He had faith that he would manage to bring it under his control within the day, assuming Lumeire’s troop did their job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, I’m not entirely without worries, Couran thought. He’d received a report that a group of enemy soldiers had been spotted lugging a large catalyzer away from the battlefield and toward Mount Tourai. No matter how long Couran spent pondering the matter, he just couldn’t think of any reason why sending a unit there would be to his enemy’s benefit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was no way they could attack his army with magic from that distance, but the fact that Thomas was working with his foe meant that he couldn’t discount the possibility the move was part of some elaborate scheme. Much as it pained Couran, so long as he couldn’t determine what the enemy was up to, he knew that taking action would be too dangerous, so he was forced to just monitor the situation instead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My deepest apologies, Lord Couran,” said Robinson. “It is my duty to see through this sort of scheme, yet I find myself lacking any useful insight…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No need to agonize over the matter, Robinson,” said Couran. “After all, we’ve no guarantee that this is an enemy plot to begin with!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As far as he was concerned, so long as he couldn’t identify any schemes that the enemy might be carrying out, he might as well assume that they were just coping with some unexpected trouble of their own. There was no guarantee they were trying to accomplish something damaging to his cause after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just then, the steady patter of rainfall began to ring out from outside Couran’s headquarters. Not just a drizzle, either─it was a sudden and heavy downpour."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rain?” Couran said quizzically. “How strange. The sky was clear as could be just moments ago.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Unusual indeed…” mumbled Robinson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going from clear skies to a sudden rainstorm was unusual in this part of the world, but far from unheard of. Couran, however, couldn’t help but feel a vague sense of unease at this new development."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Couran!” shouted a mage who came rushing over at a frenzied sprint."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What is it?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This rain─it’s not natural! It’s the work of magic! Most likely, the troops on Mount Tourai used their large catalyzer to cast it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Water magic?” said Couran. “I suppose Velshdt is a source of water-aspected magistones… But why would they─?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An ambush! It’s the only explanation!” shouted Robinson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We must order our troops to ready themselves for battle at once,” said Couran. “But our words won’t carry in this storm… Mage! I have need of your sound magic!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Milord!” said the mage, who began preparing a spell at once. However, shouts and cries began to ring out throughout the camp long before he finished his work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-We’re under attack!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hellfire!” roared Couran. The battle had begun before he could even warn his men, much less give them orders. Now that his troops were in a panic, they were less likely to hear or heed his words than ever. Having fought on many a battlefield, Couran knew that his predicament was a grave one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’re after your life, Lord Couran! Please, flee at once!” shouted Robinson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran had already drawn the same conclusion, but running away was easier said than done. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that his foes’ trap was well-laid, and that they were sealing off all potential escape routes. The rain made it difficult to tell when they were drawing near, as well, reducing Couran’s ability to take the initiative. The wrong choice could usher him to an early grave."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nevertheless, Couran did what he could. To start, he called out to all the soldiers within earshot of him, ordering them to form up and protect him. Couran intended to hold position, defending himself as best as he could until more of his men came running to save him. He’d ordered the mage from before to use sound magic to command the rest of his troops first to calm themselves, and second, to make their way to Couran’s position."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His foes, however, proved more clever than Couran had counted on. They were on him before he knew it, and they were skilled fighters to boot. Couran kept his most elite soldiers within his proximity as a matter of course, but now, those elites were being overwhelmed. Finally, an enemy soldier broke through their lines and dashed toward Couran himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran parried his foe’s blow with his blade, then cut him down before he could strike again. That wasn’t the end, though. Moments later, several more soldiers slipped past Couran’s guard and set upon him, intent on claiming his head. Couran fought his best, and performed admirably considering the circumstances, but doing battle with several skilled fighters at once was a tall order. Defeating multiple elites acting in unison bordered on the impossible, and while Couran managed to cut down three of his foes, the final remaining enemy slipped an attack past his guard, aiming for his neck."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I can’t dodge! Am I done for?! Is this where I meet my end?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In that split second, Couran resigned himself to his fate…but before his foe could lop his head off his shoulders, a gash opened in the soldier’s neck. He collapsed to the ground in a spray of blood, dead on the spot. Someone had dispatched him with the throw of a single knife. Couran wheeled about in shock to look at the knife’s owner, and was shocked once more to find that his savior appeared to be a mere child. In truth, of course, he was nothing of the sort. He was Pham, and he had arrived in the nick of time to prevent the assassination from going as planned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pham dashed through the battlefield, cutting down one foe after the next. Couran, meanwhile, couldn’t contain his astonishment to see what he assumed was a little girl slaying his enemy’s elite strike force with ease. Soon, though, Couran shook off his shock, took up his sword once more, and rejoined the battle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While Pham and Couran slew the enemy’s most skilled soldiers, Ben was nearby, slowly but surely whittling away at their less capable counterparts. He’d never been one for flashy displays, but what he lacked in style he made up for in consistent, unassuming skill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By this point, the vicinity had descended into a chaotic melee. Couran, Pham, and Ben found themselves standing back to back to back, guarding each other’s blind spots."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know you. Aren’t you Ars’s maid?” asked Couran. He’d only caught glimpses of Pham in the past, but the supposed maid’s face had stuck in his mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m one of the Shadows,” Pham replied, still striking down his foes even as he spoke. “I’m here to rescue you under Ars’s orders.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I do know you─Ars speaks highly of your skills,” said Couran. “I hate to put a damper on your attempted rescue, but this situation seems…well, less than survivable. We’re rather outnumbered.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran’s foes, taking advantage of their superior coordination, had seized the opportunity to descend on his position en masse. No matter how elite of a fighter his newfound ally may have been, he knew that coping with numbers like those would be all but impossible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No need to worry. I have a plan,” said Pham. “Any minute now…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Any minute…?” Couran repeated, when suddenly, the world was engulfed in darkness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was like night had fallen in the blink of an eye. Shouts and cries of confusion rang out all around him, and at the same time, the clash of blades and screams of his men as they were slain ceased. No matter how experienced a soldier might be, seeing a daylit battlefield be plunged into the dark of night was something no man could be prepared for, and as a result, the fighting had ceased in an instant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Couran hesitated, Pham whispered into his ear, “Whatever you do, don’t raise a ruckus. This will only last a matter of minutes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, he took Couran’s hand and set off at a run, leading the lord along. He and Ben moved with such confidence one might’ve thought they could see in the dark, withdrawing from the battlefield with Couran in tow and their enemy none the wiser. As soon as they’d cleared the outskirts of the conflict, they began to sprint away as fast as their legs could carry them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What was that?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A type of shadow magic,” said Pham. “Shadow-aspected aqua magia’s precious stuff, and I try to conserve it, but that used up the last of my supply. We’ll be doing slow business until we can stock up again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You can rest assured that you’ll be well rewarded for your service today,” said Couran. “I owe you both my life and my heartfelt gratitude.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My employer’s already scheduled to reward me…but I won’t turn down a bonus.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The three men made their way up a nearby hill and looked out across the battlefield. A few minutes later, Pham’s shadow magic faded away, just as he’d claimed, and just a moment after that, a voice amplified by sound magic boomed out across the battlefield: “We’ve found Couran! He’s here!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That voice, however, came from an entirely different direction than Couran had run in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is this your doing as well?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just a bit of insurance,” answered Pham."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanks to the chaos sown by the shadow and sound magic, the enemy attack lost all cohesion. It wasn’t long before Couran’s men began to gain the upper hand, and sensing that the tide was turning against them, the attackers withdrew as quickly as they’d come."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’re retreating, then? I just hope Robinson and the others made it out of this alive… I must return to my men at once and prove to them that I’m all right.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran had come to the conclusion that Thomas had, in all likelihood, led the surprise attack himself. The troops that had fallen on Couran’s army had been too coordinated─they were clearly operating under the command of a capable leader, and Thomas fit that bill. That, of course, would mean that at the present moment, Thomas was not in Castle Staatz, and that in turn would mean that if ever there was a moment to mount an attack, it was now. Couran had to make contact with his troops, bring them back under control, and order them to assault the castle as soon as possible. He knew that the knowledge he was alive would help bring his allies together in short order, so he rushed back to his encampment as fast as possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Couran! You’re all right!” Robinson shouted as Couran strode back into his headquarters. By this point the rain had passed, vanishing as the darkness had."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see you are unharmed as well, Robinson,” said Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Indeed. I cannot tell you how relieved I am to see you safe, Your Lordship. I must admit I feared the worst, but I rallied our troops and drove the attackers off in the hopes you would return to us.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So you were the one who turned the situation around? I can always count on you, Robinson.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You honor me with your words, Your Lordship. May I presume this is the man who saved you from your plight?” asked Robinson, turning to Ben. He was standing at Couran’s side, but Pham, it seemed, had vanished."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, though there was another as well. I have to assume he would rather not draw attention to himself, being a spy by trade.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A spy…” said Robinson. “Could these be the Shadows that Lord Ars has spoken of?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They are, and they’ve lived up to their reputation on this day,” Couran confirmed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We owe a great deal to Lord Ars, don’t we? I’ve lost track of how many times he’s pulled us from peril.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very true. He’s brought together a remarkable group of retainers,” Couran agreed. He was beyond impressed that Ars had not only seen the attack coming, but had also dispatched Pham and Ben to prevent the worst. “But this is no time to talk─we must make haste! Let us gather our forces and march on Castle Staatz at once!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You mean right now, Your Lordship? But the attack has only just passed, and the men are still shaken!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The attack has only just passed, and that is why now is our moment. I believe that Thomas was among our attackers, and if he’s outside the castle walls, he won’t be able to help coordinate their defense. Without his guiding hand, the enemy will have to respond off the cuff, and Lumeire will have a higher chance of success in his own surprise attack.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. But what of the men? How do we calm them down?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll handle that,” said Couran, who then called over one of his mages and had them cast Hyper Voice upon him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His words now amplified to many times their normal volume, Couran delivered a powerful speech to his men. He proclaimed that the enemy had made a terrible mistake, and that in their error they had granted their foes the ultimate chance to seize Castle Staatz. Couran knew very well that nothing calmed an army down more than hearing their general declare that victory was certain, and the knowledge that Couran was alive and that they’d been granted a chance to strike back raised his soldiers’ spirits dramatically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s one problem dealt with,” said Couran. “Now then─use your sound magic to tell our entire force to move out!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The mage did just that, casting spell after spell to signal other divisions of Couran’s army who were camped nearby that the time had come. The final battle for Castle Staatz had begun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Couran made it out alive, and is leading his troops toward Castle Staatz.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I heaved a sigh of relief as Pham reported on his and Ben’s success. I wouldn’t have to face the utter disaster of Couran’s death after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good work, you two,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I hope you remember your promise,” said Pham."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I do, and I intend to honor it. As of this moment, I declare you and your Shadows retainers of House Louvent.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks for that,” said Pham with a nod. Considering I would’ve taken on any member of the Shadows as my retainer at the drop of a hat if given the chance, though, I still felt like I was getting my cake and eating it too. It certainly didn’t feel like I’d rewarded them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll introduce you to the rest of the crew when I get the chance,” Pham continued. “No need for secrecy now that we’re with you for the long haul, though I think all of us have better things to do at this particular moment.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As things stood, Pham and Ben were the only members of his crew I’d met. I didn’t even know how many of them there were, and I was eager to get the details, but like Pham said, this wasn’t the right time. Couran had started advancing on Castle Staatz, and from what I’d heard, he was moving fast. I had to report to Lumeire and get our own offensive rolling as soon as possible. I found him and explained the situation without a moment’s delay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d expect no less from Lord Couran. He’s not one to hesitate at times like these,” said Lumeire when I’d finished my explanation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thomas sure brought this one on himself by taking personal command of the ambush! Moving quickly was the right idea. It’s the best way to take advantage of the situation,” said Mireille with an approving nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If Lord Couran’s attack has begun, then it’s time for us to enact our side of the plan as well,” said Lumeire. “We’ll stage our surprise attack on Castle Staatz at once. Prepare to march!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At Lumeire’s command, our troop geared up at a rapid pace and began to advance on the castle. We’d be coming at it from the northwest, and moved as fast as we could while still remaining inconspicuous enough to not catch the enemy’s attention. That effort proved a success, and we arrived at the staging grounds for our attack without alerting anyone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As our map had indicated, the northwestern wall of the castle was located at the top of an incline. Even if we managed to break through it, climbing the slope would take a fair deal of time. By the time we arrived, though, the assault on the main gate had already begun, and we could hear the sounds of a pitched battle even from a great distance away. The bulk of the enemy’s forces were sure to be occupied at the gates, though I still wasn’t convinced that the circumstances would allow our surprise attack to succeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The time has come, my men!” said Lumeire. “Lord Couran’s force has already engaged the enemy, and we must follow his example without delay! We shall break through the curtain walls and storm the castle!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At that, Lumeire’s mages began making their preparations. Charlotte would be casting using large catalyzers, three of which had been in stock at Castle Rolto. We’d filled all three of them with aqua magia in advance, so really, all we had to do to prepare for the attack was set them up with a clear line of fire to the wall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since explosive aqua magia was in such short supply, we’d decided that only our most capable mage would be entrusted with the spellcasting on this mission. That, of course, meant the task fell to Charlotte. She stood before one of the catalyzers, chanted an invocation, and unleashed a powerful explosive spell that flew through the air and detonated prior to impacting the castle walls, intercepted midair by an invisible barrier. That, surely, was the enemy’s defensive magic at work, and it had prevented us from breaking through the walls in a single shot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess nobody expected Castle Staatz’s defenses to fall so easily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmph,” Charlotte grunted with frustration at the fortress’s sturdiness. “Next!” she called, moving over to the next catalyzer in line. The first blast she’d fired had expended all the aqua magia in the catalyzer, but she still had two more to go. We’d be in trouble if she used up all three catalyzers’ worth of aqua magia without managing to blow a hole in a wall, so a group of nearby soldiers was already hard at work refilling the first catalyzer just in case we wound up needing it again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte fired off a second blast, but the barrier remained as sturdy as ever. With two explosive charges unleashed, I had to assume the enemy was aware that they were under attack from an unexpected direction. We had to bring that wall down in a hurry, or we’d be in trouble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her third shot crashed through the barrier and impacted against the wall, sending fractures racing through it but not quite bringing it down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, one more shot!” Charlotte shouted, rushing back to her first catalyzer. That final spell did the trick, and a segment of Castle Staatz’s outer wall crumbled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good! The Maitraw Company will take the vanguard, and the rest of us will follow in their wake!” shouted Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood,” said Clamant. When we planned our assault on the castle, it had been decided that once the wall collapsed, he and his mercenaries would be the first ones to charge in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The vanguard was an important role, but it was also a dangerous one. I’d half expected a mercenary like him to refuse the assignment, but to my surprise, when Lumeire asked if he would be willing, Clamant had agreed without question. I’d been led to believe that Couran was compensating him very well for his efforts, and as a result, he responded to requests with near absolute obedience─though I assumed that would only last for as long as his contract did."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clamant gathered up his men and led them in a charge up the slope and toward the broken section of the wall. Its collapse had sent the enemy running toward our position, of course, but perhaps because this line of attack was so far out of their expectations they had no magic, traps, or even boulders to roll down the hill at us on hand. Clamant, being the mighty warrior he was, took the lead as he and his mercenaries plowed into the enemy line, scattering what little attempt at a defense they’d managed to put up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We follow! Charge!” Lumeire shouted when it became clear that Clamant and his men had the upper hand. Unlike Clamant, Lumeire and I would be holding up the rear of our formation and would be the last into the castle. Since the entire army would be charging in, waiting around outside the walls without a guard might’ve been even more dangerous than exposing ourselves to the perils of battle. We didn’t have a choice, and I knew that meant that if worst came to worst, I would be forced to take up my sword and fight for my life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was, to be totally honest, not much of a fighter. Unless I was up against a very green soldier, I doubted I’d be able to put up a fight at all. Part of me was regretting not staying behind in Castle Rolto, though it was far too late to backpedal now. Rosell was just off to my side, and judging by the way he was trembling, I had a feeling he was thinking along the same lines I was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps thanks to Clamant’s efforts, the battle seemed to be proceeding smoothly. More and more of our men made it up the hill and charged into the castle. Rietz had led the second group of troops up the hill, and Mireille the third, with the soldiers they led being our most capable fighters. After Clamant cleared the way inside, his job was to open up the castle’s main gate, while Rietz’s and Mireille’s squads would eliminate all the mages they could find."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The castle was vast, but we’d brought plenty of soldiers along with us and could cover a lot of ground. Between our strength in numbers and Clamant, Rietz, and Mireille’s efficient command, I had a feeling we’d be able to pull this off. In fact, the moment I saw Clamant rush into the castle like its defenders weren’t even there, I got the feeling that we had better odds of victory than I’d given us credit for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz and Mireille led their troops through the gap in the castle wall, intent upon eliminating all the mages they could get their hands on. Mages were important when it came to fighting a defensive battle. They could protect the castle using defensive magic, set off large-scale traps scattered throughout the battlefield, and send massive magical blasts into the enemy lines. Their versatility was hard to overstate, and that made their elimination as early into a battle as possible key."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course, since they’re so important, they’re not gonna keep ’em out in the open on a pedestal,” said Mireille. “Finding them all on our own would be a pain, so I say we get our hands on an enemy and have them take us to the mages.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re planning on torturing them?” asked Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Got a problem with that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not especially. I was just wondering whether we’ll find an enemy who’s willing to talk.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good question. I mean, nobody likes getting hurt and there’s bound to be somebody around who can’t handle the fear of it all. The real coin flip’s whether that person has any information worth sharing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I suppose we’ll have to capture someone who looks like they’ll have valuable information…and we’ll want to do it as soon as possible. Will this really let us find the mages in time?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ll have to make it work, one way or another.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For lack of a better plan, they settled on Mireille’s first impulse."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Let’s split up,” said Mireille. “I’ll take the right side, and you can search over on the left.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood,” replied Rietz. The two of them parted ways and got to work searching for a potential informant to coerce."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Castle Staatz was a walled city. The central keep towered over the surrounding houses, in which most of the castle’s citizens lived. Those citizens had by and large barricaded themselves into their homes the moment the attack began, and nobody was walking around outside in the city streets as Rietz advanced through them, wondering how he could find someone with useful information."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll never get anywhere searching at random, Rietz thought. One of the garrison’s officers would know what we need… Could I find a unit of soldiers standing by in the city, ambush them, and question their commander, perhaps?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More than half of Castle Staatz’s soldiers were occupied by the defense of the front gate, and some of them were standing by behind it to repel the enemy if they did happen to break through. Some soldiers were assigned to the defense of the main keep as well, and Rietz imagined that there would also be some soldiers stationed throughout the castle town to deal with any enemies that slipped inside in a surprise attack like Rietz and his men had. They clearly hadn’t been expecting an attack of that nature and had therefore assigned less capable soldiers to those duties. The ease with which Clamant cut through the initial wave of defenders was proof enough of that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz led his men through the streets, searching for anyone he might come across. He took great care to stay aware of his surroundings and ensure that he would see the enemy long before they saw him. He was in hostile territory, and they knew the lay of the land far better than he did, which meant he had to be more cautious than ever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eventually, Rietz spotted a group of soldiers down the street in front of him. The invasion had put them into a confused panic, and none of them seemed to know what to do. They weren’t experienced fighters, that much was for certain, and Rietz’s group had the good fortune to come across them while they were facing the opposite direction. A chance like this wouldn’t come twice, and Rietz ordered his men to charge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the time the soldiers realized that Rietz was there, he and his men were already upon them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-It’s the enemy!” the squad’s commander shouted, but he wasn’t much more capable than the rest of his men. In a flash, the squad was decimated and their commander apprehended and bound by Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I suppose there’s no getting around this. Torture’s not my strong suit, but I’ll just have to get it done, Rietz thought to himself as he stepped up to the man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I’ll never talk! Betraying my lord would be a stain upon my good name!” shouted the commander, who was trembling."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There should be a number of facilities in this castle manned and operated by your most capable mages,” said Rietz. “Tell me where they are.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I won’t! I mean…I can’t! Nobody ever told me about those, or if they did, I forgot about it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just so you know,” said Rietz with a sharp glare, “if you don’t tell me everything you know, this is going to end very painfully for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Wait!” the commander shrieked. “I’m being serious! I honestly don’t know! I’ve got a brick for a brain, and my memory’s terrible!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz had to admit that he believed the man. He didn’t have any concrete proof the man was telling the truth, but he also didn’t have any time to waste on a captive who had no information to give him. In the end, Rietz decided to go with his gut, give up on the interrogation, and find someone else. He left the commander tied up in the street and moved on to search another section of the city."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Soon, Rietz’s squad’s fortunes were turned on their head: they were the victims of an ambush as a group of enemies fell upon them from their flank. Rietz was prepared, though, issuing calm, decisive orders and rallying his men back into formation. Their composure recovered, they slew one soldier after the next, but these ones were putting up much more of a fight than the last squad had. They were skilled enough that Rietz was shocked they’d been assigned to the rearguard. It was a close fight, but it was soon disrupted as a voice rang out, cutting through the tumult."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s enough! Halt, fiends!” cried a brawny but short young man as he stepped forward. He held a spear in his hand, and one of his cheeks sported a scar. He looked like he was somewhere around the age of fifteen─quite young, all things considered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You seem tough,” the boy said as he gestured toward Rietz. “I challenge you to single combat! Beat me, and I’ll do anything you tell me to!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz was taken aback. It was such a sudden development that for a moment he just stood there, staring at his would-be foe and judging how likely it was that this was the setup to some sort of trap. The boy didn’t look like the sort of person to hatch schemes, but Rietz knew very well how much trouble one could wind up in judging a book by its cover."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And if I win…ah, I know,” the boy continued. “You’ll become my henchman! I don’t care a whit about you being a Malkan─if you’re as tough as you look, I’d be glad to take you under my wing!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you know what ‘single combat’ means?” Rietz sighed. “Duels of this nature are fought to the death. I won’t be becoming anything if you win, much less your henchman.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Such was the custom in the Summerforth Empire: a battlefield duel was assumed by default to be a duel to the death. Surrendering or offering your opponent mercy was considered flagrant and improper. It was an old custom, though, and one that some warriors were known to flout in the modern day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. Really?” said the boy. “Well, okay, then we’ll make this fight an exception! Let’s say we do our best not to kill each other, and if one of us does die, we’ll, uh, figure that out when we get there!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was clearly not a man who knew how to take no for an answer. Rietz hesitated for a moment. He could tell from the brief engagement he’d had with the boy and his fellows that they were shockingly skilled for rearguard soldiers─elites, even. If he chose to refuse and carry on the battle he knew his side might lose, and even if they won it would use up a considerable chunk of time he couldn’t spare. There was no guarantee he would win the duel, but at the very least, it would take less time than a drawn-out battle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was still the danger he was playing into his enemy’s hands, of course, but Rietz just couldn’t see his foe as the plotting type. For one thing, until the boy with the spear─who Rietz assumed was their commanding officer─had stopped the battle, Rietz’s side had been fighting at a disadvantage. Rietz had brought his troops back together after the initial shock of the ambush, yes, but that hadn’t changed the fact that they were on the defensive. If victory was the boy’s highest priority, he could’ve just kept fighting. There was no need for an elaborate plan."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was starting to understand why a squad as tough as them had been assigned back here, rather than up in the army’s vanguard. If their leader was the sort of person to call off a surprise attack to ask for a duel, he was not someone who could be trusted to make the snap judgment calls that a commander at the front of an army had to be capable of. Even if Rietz had the wrong read on the situation and it was a trap, he’d just have to deal with it. He took a moment to imagine how the rest of the enemy squad would attack in such an instance, then looked back at the boy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right. I accept your challenge,” said Rietz, stepping forward. “First, though, a question. There should be a number of important locations manned by mages in this castle. Are you aware of them?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since the boy had said he’d do anything if Rietz won, Rietz had decided to ask him for the information he needed. There was a very real chance he’d forgotten all about the castle’s defenses, like the commanding officer from before, but it seemed worth a try."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Uhhh, you mean the barrier stations? Yeah, I know those,” said the boy. “I know where the mage who’s supposed to activate the gateway trap is standing by, too. Oh, and the one who’s supposed to burn the town down if things start looking sour. Don’t think that guy would set his off even if the battle did go south, though. Can you imagine how nasty it’d be if the town caught fire now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Happily enough, Rietz’s pessimism was unwarranted. The boy had information, and quite a lot of it, for that matter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If I win, I’ll have you tell me all those locations.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-What?! Those are high-order military secrets! Even I know how much trouble I’d be in if I leaked those to the enemy…but I also don’t care, because it doesn’t matter! After all, I’m the strongest fighter in all of Summerforth, and I’ll never lose!” the boy boasted. He was brimming with confidence, and though he was a simpleton, Rietz didn’t doubt for a second that he had the ability to back up his big talk. A wave of tension washed over Rietz as he raised his halberd to a ready position."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My name is Braham Joe, and I’m the toughest troublemaker in Castle Staatz!” declared the boy, head held high with prideful confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Part of Rietz wanted to question why Braham would take pride in being a troublemaker, but he soon thought better of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You can call me Rietz Muses,” he said, not bothering to declare the title he’d been given. Using it himself made him feel like a braggart, and he’d never been all that fond of the moniker his fellow soldiers had given him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their pre-duel formalities out of the way, the two warriors squared off and stared each other down. Finally, the duel began as Braham charged forward, thrusting his spear without so much as bothering to throw in a feint beforehand. Braham was faster than Rietz had anticipated, but the attack was so simple and predictable that Rietz dodged it with ease."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "However, Braham’s thrust was followed by a second, and then a third, each coming out as fast as the first, so dodging was all that Rietz could do, and the chance to deliver a counter eluded him. He was barely avoiding the attacks, as well─Braham’s spear nicked his cheek and his arm, drawing blood. It seemed the boy was aiming for Rietz’s vitals, even though he’d proposed a nonlethal duel. Apparently, he’d forgotten the arrangement, and was now going in for the kill with a bloodthirsty fervor. If he had been trying to end the fight without killing Rietz, he would’ve been trying to disarm him rather than disembowel him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz could tell that the fight would end poorly if he didn’t shake things up, and soon. To start, he tried to gain some distance from his foe by taking two big steps backward. Braham followed without hesitation, trying to once again move in and close the gap, but as he did so, Rietz brought his halberd down, swinging for Braham’s spear in an attempt to knock it out of his hands. Braham must’ve known on an instinctual level that he couldn’t take a strike like that, so he pulled back at the last second, retreating without attempting to block it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was Rietz’s chance for a counterattack. He swung his halberd again without delay, raining blows upon Braham. The rapid nature of his strikes led to them being less powerful than his first attack, and Braham was able to parry them with his spear, but even a weak attack by Rietz’s standards was still crushingly heavy. Each attack sent a numbing pain racing through Braham’s arms, and he couldn’t find any opportunities to mount a counterattack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz thought for a moment that he could press the advantage and bring the duel to an end, but he’d misjudged Braham’s incredible athleticism. The boy dodged past Rietz’s next attack instead of parrying it and thrust his spear forward once more, aiming to send it straight through Rietz’s cranium. Rietz just barely managed to twist out of its way, then fell back a few steps once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You really are as tough as I thought. This is getting fun!” exclaimed Braham with an almost childishly innocent grin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As someone who’d never found anything fun about crossing swords, Rietz couldn’t relate. He just saw Braham as dangerous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, here comes my best move!” Braham shouted with glee, taking several steps backward, charging at Rietz, and then jumping into the air, higher than a human being had any right to leap. He plummeted toward Rietz, spear pointed downward in an attempt to run him straight through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Dragon Spear!” he roared. Apparently, he’d named the attack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a flashy move, and if it had landed, it would’ve had enough power to pierce Rietz’s armor. It was also, however, yet another direct, straightforward attack that Rietz dodged by stepping to the side. Braham plowed into the street, embedding his spear deep into the brick road."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-It’s stuck!” Braham bellowed as he tugged on the spear. “Hey, you! Why’d you dodge, you coward?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Well, umm…I’m rather confused as to why you thought I wouldn’t,” said Rietz, who was so blown away by his foe’s stupidity it took him a moment to collect his thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In any case,” Rietz continued as he held his halberd’s blade to Braham’s throat, “I believe I can declare victory now.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-Why you… A-Are you really okay with winning like this?! Does cheating your way to victory like a coward satisfy you?!” he said with a sharp glare. He almost made it sound like Rietz had swindled him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You have no one to blame for this but yourself,” Rietz sighed. “And, as promised, I’ll be having that information from you now. You do intend to keep your promise, I trust? I can’t think of anything more cowardly than going back on your word.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh…” Braham grunted, clenching his teeth with frustration. Eventually, he resigned himself to his fate and told Rietz everything he knew about the castle’s magical defenses."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While Rietz was gathering information in his own particular way, Mireille was obtaining the same information in hers. She had also gone into town in an effort to find and entrap a less than competent squad of enemies, and had also managed to capture one of their leaders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, pal, I’ve got some questions for you! Hope you’re in a sharing mood,” said Mireille. “What do you know about Castle Staatz’s magical defenses?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-You expect me to tell you?! My lips are sealed!” said the enemy commander. He looked like he was in his early twenties─young enough that Mireille had suspected for a moment that he wouldn’t know anything at all. Judging by his reaction, though, she’d hit the jackpot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re shaking a little too hard to play tough on me. I feel for you, honestly, but war’s war and I can’t show mercy here. Nothing personal, okay?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Agh!” the man yelped as Mireille flashed him a grin and prepared to begin her interrogation. She was just about to start out quick and easy by tearing off a few fingernails when the man spoke up again. “S-Stop, please! I’ll talk! I’ll talk, just stop!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, already?” said Mireille. “I mean, that makes my life easier, don’t get me wrong, but wow, you’re pathetic.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man grimaced with a whimper, and Mireille smiled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay then, it’s time for you to give us the grand tour! Lead us to the nearest magical installation, and we’ll handle the rest.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man gave Mireille a listless nod, then set off, hands still bound as he led her and her men away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After clearing a path into the castle walls, Clamant and his men began working toward their next objective: opening up the front gates from the inside. First, though, they needed to verify where those gates were. That was something that even the local noncombatants would know, so he dragged the information out of a townsperson who was sheltering in their home. After that, he and his crew set out to do some reconnaissance, scoping out the gate and getting a grasp on its current state of affairs. In doing so, they learned that getting the gate open was going to be quite the trial."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The whole area’s packed with soldiers. We’re gonna have a hard time fighting our way through all of ’em,” said one of Clamant’s scouts. That was no surprise, really. Couran was making a show out of his attempt to breach the gates, so it stood to reason that the bulk of the enemy’s troops would be present in the vicinity. Even if the Maitraw Company were to storm in without warning and catch the enemy soldiers off guard, getting the gate open would still be a herculean task."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No sense trying to do the impossible…but doing nothing would drag our company’s name through the dirt,” Clamant muttered to himself as he considered his options. Just then, his gaze fell on a nearby tower. There were two tall towers in Castle Staatz, and mages were firing off spells from the top ramparts of each. Clamant assumed they were casting explosive spells at Couran’s army beyond the gates. “They must have a sizable stockpile of explosive aqua magia in there… Hmm. We can make use of that.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clamant settled on a plan. If he could seize control of the towers, he would seize their aqua magia in the process. Using it, in turn, would allow him to bring down the gate by force, and maybe the surrounding walls while he was at it. The magical barrier defending the walls was, after all, located outside of them, and would almost certainly do nothing to stop a spell cast from within. If their spellcraft was elaborate enough to account for that eventuality, he’d just have to wait until Rietz and Mireille disabled the castle’s magical defenses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There were, of course, two towers, and if he only took one there was a chance that the other would fire upon it, bringing the tower and Clamant down together. As such, he ordered his company to split up into two teams and claim both towers at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re in charge of the B-team, Ryde,” Clamant said to his vice captain. “Head for the farther tower and clear it out.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Got it, Boss,” said Ryde."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, the Maitraw Company split up and sped off toward their respective towers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The last few soldiers in our division made their way past the walls and into the castle grounds, which I found littered with the corpses of enemy soldiers. I was getting used to sights like these, but I hadn’t exactly learned to enjoy them, to say the least. Every corpse I came across drove in the feeling that someday, I might end up meeting the same fate. It was a terrifying thought, but I couldn’t afford to stand around shivering in fear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Reports soon came in from Rietz’s, Mireille’s, and Clamant’s squads. They’d all gone in ahead of us, and from the sound of things their missions were going well. Only the Maitraw Company was having difficulties─it seemed that opening the front gate had proven unfeasible, so they’d pivoted to occupying a couple of nearby towers first. It felt like a more effective plan than just getting the gate open, so I approved of their judgment. At the rate things were going, we’d have the castle’s magical defenses down in no time at all, and the towers would give us an even greater tactical advantage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The enemy, of course, wasn’t just going to give up all those objectives without a fight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The forces that were guarding the central keep are on the move and attempting to disrupt our advance!” reported one of our scouts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The forces who were defending the gate were too occupied by Couran’s assault to deal with us, but the area around the inner keep had yet to turn into a battlefield, and the enemy had decided that the units guarding it would be better used elsewhere. They hadn’t sent away all of their guards, of course, and the amount they were sending out felt like too little. I found myself wondering if Thomas’s absence had crippled their ability to make snap decisions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The additional hostile forces are prioritizing the towers that the Maitraw Company has chosen to target,” the scout added. That struck me as a natural choice. If those towers fell, it would be a disastrous loss for them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell, who had been listening in to the scout’s report, turned toward Lumeire and said, “I think we should back up the Maitraw Company. If the enemy’s sending more men their way, they’ll need our help.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I agree,” said Lumeire without hesitation. “Occupying those towers will grant us a major advantage as well. We’ll move out at once!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We hurried through the city streets, doing our best to arrive in time to cut off the enemy’s advance. The towers were tall enough that we could see our destination without difficulty, but this being our first time in Castle Staatz, none of us knew the quickest route to reach them. As a result, the trip took much longer than I would’ve liked. Our foes, on the other hand, knew which roads to travel to reach the towers as fast as possible, and ended up arriving far sooner than we did. As we finally reached the tower’s base, I worried for a moment that we’d been too late, but then I sighted the Maitraw Company, still fighting a pitched battle by the tower’s entryway. We’d made it in time, albeit just barely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mages, forward!” shouted Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“On it!” replied Charlotte, who’d come along with our unit. She was using a small catalyzer, since the large ones would’ve been way too hard to haul into the castle, but for these circumstances, that was more than sufficient firepower. We had dozens of mages with us, Charlotte included, and all of them unleashed their spells simultaneously, raining death down upon our foes. Our enemies had no idea we were coming and were caught off guard, unable to do anything to protect themselves. Their formation crumbled in a matter of seconds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Charge!” Lumeire commanded, leading our infantry toward the enemy. I thought that we would wipe them out with ease, considering that their chain of command was in shambles, but I’d forgotten that these were the troops who’d been assigned to guard the most important part of the castle. They were the cream of the crop, and not only did they put up a fight, but they actually began turning the tide."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For a moment, I thought we were in trouble. As skilled as our foes were, though, they still had the Maitraw Company to deal with, and their two units had them flanked. If they gave us too much of their attention, they wouldn’t be able to ward off Clamant and his men, who were just as skilled as our foes. It was an unenviable situation they’d found themselves in, and for all their expertise, we were picking off one soldier after another. Even then, they refused to surrender. I had to commend their resolve, in a sense─the battle wasn’t over until we’d finished them off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’d managed to defeat the reinforcements who’d been sent to the tower, and thanks to our inadvertent surprise attack, we’d done so surprisingly smoothly. In spite of our achievements, however, I was nervous just to be present on a battlefield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I really hope things keep going this well, and everyone gets out of this okay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The help’s appreciated,” Clamant said when he and Lumeire crossed paths. I got the feeling he’d been in a pretty dicey position before we’d shown up. “We need to take over this tower before more of them arrive, but the place is packed full of magical traps. Getting up top hasn’t been easy. We have a few people who know how to disarm that sort of trap in our band, but they all went to deal with the other tower, so nobody here can get us through them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That got my attention, seeing as I had two people under my command who specialized in that sort of work: Pham and Ben. Both of them had come along on this operation, but I knew that Pham had drawn quite a bit of attention to himself back when he saved Couran, and my understanding was that he was trying to keep a low profile today, even as he fought by our side. He was keeping his distance, backing us up with magic and a bow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben, on the other hand, had joined up with the main force and was playing the part of an ordinary soldier. His commonplace appearance and fighting style meant that even if he did make a major difference on the battlefield, nobody would take much note of him. I was starting to appreciate that his characteristic lack of characteristics was a much more useful trait to have than I’d initially thought. In any case, since Pham didn’t want to take center stage, I decided to ask Ben if he could disarm the traps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have someone who’s experienced in dealing with magical traps. I’ll see if he can handle it,” I said, then called over Ben and asked him to take on the task. Ben agreed with a simple nod and walked right into the tower."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few minutes later, he emerged and stated, “Mission accomplished.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was shocked by how quickly he’d pulled it off, but I shook off the surprise and went over to Clamant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s done, apparently.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That was fast. Good, though. We’ll storm the tower right away. You lot should wait outside and defend this position. Oh, and I’d recommend sending some men over to back up the other tower, just in case.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, Clamant led the charge into the tower. We took his advice, splitting our force and sending men to support the Maitraw mercenaries fighting to take over the other tower. Those of us who remained in our current position set up a defensive perimeter around the tower and waited to repel any additional reinforcements who might show up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the end, that extra layer of defense proved unnecessary and Clamant’s crew took over the tower without issue. With the magical traps gone, a few mages were all that was left to defend the place. From the sound of it, it hadn’t even been a fight at all. A short while after the tower was claimed, Rietz and Mireille reported in to say that they’d taken out the mages who were maintaining the castle’s magical defenses, bringing the barrier down in the area around the front gates."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’s nothing to stop us from bringing down the walls with a magical blast…and I suppose we should leave that task to Charlotte, shouldn’t we?” proposed Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That sounds like a good idea to me,” I said. “None of the Maitraw Company’s people are better mages than her.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d taken the time to appraise their most skilled mage a little while beforehand, and Charlotte’s stats had put his to shame."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire ordered Clamant to hold off on casting any spells, since Charlotte would be along to do it herself. Lumeire, Rosell, and I ended up climbing the tower with her, just so we could see the walls come down in person. It was a tall tower, and just climbing it proved to be a bit of a trial, but we somehow managed to reach the top, where we found a somewhat oddly-shaped catalyzer. Most of them were spherical, but this one looked more like some sort of tube."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, this thing’s pretty weird. Where’s the mage who was using it?” asked Charlotte, glancing at Clamant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Dead,” Clamant grunted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, that’s a damn waste. Mages don’t grow on trees, y’know? Try not killing the next one if you can get away with it,” Charlotte scolded. This was one of the very rare occasions when she was in the right, and Clamant couldn’t muster a counterargument."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte started fiddling with the catalyzer and preparing it for use. The look on her face wasn’t very confident, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… I guess this’ll do it, probably? I think it’s aimed at the wall, but if it’s not, well, not my fault,” she muttered, inspiring no confidence in me whatsoever that this was going to go well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Wait,” I said, “if you’re not positive it’s aimed right, maybe we should just leave it─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Meh! Here goes!” Charlotte grunted, then started chanting her spell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tried to stop her, I really did, but once Charlotte started casting there was nothing you could do to drag her attention away from her magic. We were now in a dangerous situation. In the worst case, the whole tower could be vaporized! I was so terrified that I found myself hunched over on the ground, my arms wrapped around my head…but then, a few moments later, I heard an explosion far off in the distance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, hey! That worked out!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stood back up to look out at the castle walls, and sure enough, one of them had just suffered a direct hit from her spell. That single shot had been enough to blow away an entire segment of the wall, opening up a hole for Couran’s army to charge through. These weren’t just any walls, either─they’d been designed to withstand magical blasts even if their protective barrier was broken through, so the fact that Charlotte had brought them down in one shot told a terrifying tale of how potent her magic really was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right! Let’s try that again!” Charlotte exclaimed, then cast several more incantations, bringing down one segment of the wall after another."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Wait a minute, you’re going overboard! That’s enough!” I shouted. We were going to have to repair those walls, and the more she decimated them the harder that task would be. Practically speaking, Couran’s army had plenty of points of entry already, so I had her stop before she went too far with her magical demolition work. We’d gone about it in a manner pretty much unrecognizable from our original plan, but still, we’d neutralized Castle Staatz’s outer walls."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0021.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We spent some time up on the tower after the walls fell, using its vantage point to get a handle on the overall state of the battle. At first, it didn’t seem like the tide was turning in Couran’s favor. The enemy’s morale was high, and they fought to prevent Couran’s men from breaking through and entering the castle proper. Gradually, though, the defender’s forces were overwhelmed by Couran’s superior numbers, and before long his men broke though the enemy line and streamed into the castle town’s streets. The enemy troops seemed to realize they were being beaten back, and began to retreat and regroup, abandoning the castle town in an effort to bolster the defenses of the central keep."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, see those guys who’re retreating? Shouldn’t I blast them, or something?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On the one hand she had a point, but on the other hand, they were retreating through the streets of the castle town. Launching explosive magic at them would damage the town as well, and this was a city that somebody on our side would have to rule over after the battle was finished. Blowing up a local neighborhood while its residents were sheltering in their homes sounded like a fantastic way to earn the loathing of the local populace, and I wasn’t interested in sabotaging the rule of whoever ended up in power here. That was the sort of move that started peasant uprisings!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whittling away at the enemy’s troops was all well and good, but we were already at an advantage even without the use of magical explosives, so I decided not to go with her suggestion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, don’t,” I said. “We’re here to take over this city, not blow it up.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wasn’t gonna blow it up, though,” said Charlotte. “I can keep my spells in check!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You can? Really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Dunno. I mean, I probably can, but I might screw it up.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then don’t. That’s not a gamble I’m willing to take.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She doesn’t hesitate to commit to dangerous ideas, does she?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you’re finished, we should decide on our next move,” said Lumeire. “Perhaps assaulting the enemy with explosive magic is off the table, but we ought to be doing something. We’re not accomplishing anything by standing here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire had a point, in my mind, but Rosell had other ideas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Actually, I think we’d be better off staying in the tower for now,” he said. “Our troops would be in trouble if the enemy managed to reclaim it. They’re fighting a losing battle right now, so there’s a real possibility that they wouldn’t hesitate to level the city and us with it if they had the chance. I believe that staying here and guarding this tower would be the best use of our time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire nodded in understanding. It seemed that he was convinced by Rosell’s explanation, while I was astonished by just how much Rosell had grown over the course of the war. When the conflict began he’d been a fearful little kid, jumping at shadows and too scared to speak his mind without stammering through every other word. Recently, though, he’d started acting more assertive. It felt like he’d developed some real self-confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We took Rosell’s advice and spent a period of time holding our position by the tower and guarding it against any potential invaders. Just as Rosell predicted, a group of enemy soldiers eventually launched an attack to reclaim the building. A battle broke out, but since the enemies had just been defeated by and fled from Couran’s main force, they were exhausted and unable to fight their best. As soon as it became clear they wouldn’t be able to reclaim the tower, they gave up and resumed their retreat toward the central keep. Rosell’s strategy had been right on the money. If we hadn’t stuck around to defend the tower, it was almost certain that enemy soldiers would’ve taken it back and raised hell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before long, Couran’s forces reached the base of the tower. There wouldn’t be any danger of it falling into enemy hands now that it was behind our front line, so we descended to ground level and joined forces with the main army. Couran wasn’t commanding from the front lines, though, so we weren’t able to make contact with him just yet. We ended up marching on the central keep with the rest of Couran’s army. To his credit, his troops seemed very disciplined and made no attempts to enter the civilians’ homes or do any looting and pillaging."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Retreat!” a voice soon cried out ahead of us. I could tell that it wasn’t one of our men, but that just left me confused. Where were they planning on retreating to? Had they decided that Castle Staatz was a lost cause, and resolved to flee through the north gate and fall back to Castle Velshdt? It didn’t seem like an unreasonable call to make. There was very little hope left that they could turn this battle around, so if they’d decided to give up on the castle, I’d have to give them credit for their pragmatism."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t long before we reached the central keep, where we found nobody left to halt our advance. As I’d assumed, it seemed the enemy had concluded that they couldn’t hold us off and had fled for their lives. In spite of my initial apprehensions, we’d done it: the battle was over, and Castle Staatz was ours."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We moved into the central keep and began a search of its interior. There was a chance that the enemy had left traps behind, so Pham, Ben, and some other soldiers who were experienced with disarming traps went in first. In the end, though, they determined that there weren’t any traps to speak of, and I soon realized why: Rietz and Mireille had not only taken out the mages who were keeping up the castle’s barrier, but they had also disabled the facility that controlled the castle’s various magical traps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Count of Velshdt and Thomas were nowhere to be found. I assumed that they’d fled with their army. On the other hand, the Baron of Staatz, Stefan, had remained behind in the castle. We sent troops in pursuit of their army, but they proved quite capable at running away, and our men weren’t able to do very much damage to their force as they retreated. Some enemy troops remained within the castle town, but most of those surrendered in short order."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, Castle Staatz had fallen under our control."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0023.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My men─today, we have achieved an overwhelming victory over our foes! Some of us have fallen, but their sacrifices have won us Castle Staatz and brought us a pivotal step toward our ultimate goal! Your valiant deeds this day shall never be forgotten!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Following our victory, Couran gathered his entire army to deliver a congratulatory speech. Our previous battles had been relatively bloodless for our troops, but this time, we’d suffered considerable losses. The force that Couran had sent to assault the castle’s main gate had done so under heavy fire, physical and magical alike. A few thousand men had died in total, but considering the scale of Couran’s army, that was within their expectations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That being said, we must not let ourselves rest easy just yet!” Couran continued. “This castle’s fortifications were damaged, so Staatz is all but defenseless! I would like nothing more than to allow all of us to indulge in celebration, but for the time being, we must prioritize makeshift repairs to bring the castle back up to a defensible state. The time to make merry will come, I assure you, but until it does, I ask that all of you devote yourselves to protecting that which we have won!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A celebratory banquet seemed to be a tradition after a successful battle, but apparently, it was a tradition we’d be postponing this time around. I couldn’t fault Couran’s judgment on the matter. With the walls in their current state, a raiding party could’ve waltzed in and caught us off guard with ease. Since our pursuit of the enemy army had been unsuccessful, they still had plenty of troops available who would be watching like hawks for their chance to strike back and reclaim the castle by any means necessary."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As long as we stayed vigilant, though, I didn’t think we had to worry about being driven out of the castle. I didn’t expect our foes to launch an all or nothing attack on us unless we made ourselves into a target too inviting to pass up. As Couran said, it seemed our best bet was to tighten our defenses and work on bringing the walls back up to a defensible state. We’d really done a number on them this time, however, so it wouldn’t be as easy as it sounded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We had to get the walls patched together before we marched on Velshdt, but the coldest point of winter was also almost upon us, and the odds of heavy snowfall were high. We’d have to wait around for winter to pass before moving on one way or another, so in a sense, this was the perfect timing to have a project like the walls holding us up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Soon after his speech, Couran sent for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Once again, I find that I owe you a great deal for your efforts in this battle,” he said when I arrived. “We would never have breached the city walls if it weren’t for the surprise attack you orchestrated, and I may not have lived to see this day had your Shadows not delivered me from mortal peril. You have my gratitude, now and always.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m honored, Your Lordship,” I replied with a bow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I intend to reward you and the others whose contributions to this victory stand out, of course, but that is not why I’ve called you here. No, you see, I would like to make use of your appraisal ability.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It would be my pleasure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We have a rather large number of prisoners this time, so I expect it will be a tiresome process, but know that your efforts are appreciated.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are more prisoners than usual? Interesting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had to assume that larger, fiercer fights meant more captives at the end of the day. He was right about it being tiresome, as well. Using my skill too much always exhausted me, and while it had been some time since I’d abused it in that manner, I got the feeling I’d be put through the wringer today."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was led to the prison where we were keeping our captives, and quickly began appraising them one by one. The more important prisoners were kept in single cells, while the rank and file foot soldiers were penned up in shared chambers, but the one trait that their living conditions shared was that they were all, well, awful. Maybe that was a given, considering it was a prison."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I soon came to realize that Couran hadn’t been kidding about the number of captives. It seemed there were a few hundred people locked up in the castle’s prison. The scale of the battle and the sheer number of soldiers taken captive was one factor, but there was also the fact that many of the soldiers who’d fought in this battle were loyal to the Count of Velshdt or the Baron of Staatz, and would never so much as consider betraying them to side with Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As expected, appraising everyone gave me a killer case of eyestrain. Eventually, I decided that handling all of them in one day was a lost cause, so I resolved to finish the task over the next day or two. I handled seventy people on the first day, among whom I found a surprising number of talented individuals. Considering the scale of the battle, it made sense that they’d fielded their most capable soldiers, and it made sense in turn that some of them had ended up as our prisoners."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the second day, I upped my game and appraised ninety more prisoners. Among them, I found someone quite remarkable whose stats averaged out to eighty, a warrior with a Valor of ninety, and a middle-aged man with a current Intelligence of fifty-seven, but an Intelligence cap of ninety-four. A real late bloomer, that last one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was very much in the market for a new retainer, and hoped that one of the people I’d found would want to join me, but so far none of them had been interested in serving a new lord. Considering their former positions, I had a feeling I’d have to prepare a pretty juicy offer to coax them into serving me, and being the petty noble I was, I didn’t have the resources to make that kind of commitment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I still had around eighty people to appraise at the end of day two, and decided to handle them the next day. Day three rolled around, and I’d just appraised my fiftieth man without finding anyone special. As I moved on to the fifty-first, though, a shout rang out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, you! Shrimp! Lemme outta here!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I glanced in the direction the voice had come from…and saw a man─or rather, a boy, given his small stature. Small enough that I had to wonder where he got off calling me a shrimp, even. He was barely taller than I was, and he had the face of a rambunctious little punk. I could only assume he was still a teenager, and I wondered for a moment why we had a child locked up in prison, but then I noticed his muscles and understood. He was very well-built, and looked like he could hold his own in a fight. I decided to appraise him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Calling his stats unbalanced would’ve been putting it very lightly. His Valor was incredible, and his Leadership score had the potential to be better. Thinking back, I was pretty sure I’d never seen anyone with a Leadership cap that high before. His current Intelligence, however, was 9. That was appallingly low. Low enough to make me wonder if he could function on a basic level. Could you even live a proper day-to-day life with an Intelligence that low?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An Intelligence of nine meant that even with his outstanding Valor, I could imagine him losing a duel on account of his stupidity alone. His maximum Intelligence wasn’t that bad, though. If I could just get him to study up, I knew he could at least be as smart as an average person. In fact, while his current stats reflected some serious, deal-breaking weak points, his maximum stats made it clear that he had the potential to be an exceptional commander slumbering within him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to take a closer look at the description beneath his stat block, which read: Born on the third day of the third month, 194 Imperial Era, in Staatz, County of Velshdt, Duchy of Missian, Summerforth Empire. Parents have passed away. A simple-minded man with a taste for meat. Enjoys fighting, and has an interest in women who are young and tough. Harbors a grudge against his lord, Stefan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His parents were dead, and he had no siblings, meaning he was all alone in spite of his youth. The part about him harboring a grudge against his lord caught my attention as well, considering that only the soldiers who had refused to betray said lord were locked up in this prison. If he didn’t feel any loyalty to Stefan, then why hadn’t he jumped ship and agreed to fight for Couran instead? His Ambition was high, so for a moment I thought he just wasn’t the sort of person who’d be willing to serve a lord at all…but if that were the case, he wouldn’t have agreed to serve Stefan either. My curiosity was piqued."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey! What’re you staring at me like that for? Trying to pick a fight? ’Cause if you are, I’m game!” said Braham, casting a glare my way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He couldn’t have sounded more like a small-time hooligan if he’d tried. I’d seen my fair share of battlefields, though, and toughened up as a result, so his attitude wasn’t enough to shake me. I was still very curious as to why someone with an axe to grind against their lord would’ve turned Couran down, so I decided to see if I could coax an explanation out of him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why did you refuse to enter Lord Couran’s service?” I asked. “You knew that would get you locked up down here, so what was the point?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? I turned it down ’cause I didn’t want to,” said Braham."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, but why?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t want to ’cause I didn’t want to! You won’t catch me serving some shriveled-up old fogey.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So it’s an issue of age? He has some sort of bias against middle-aged men, and doesn’t want to serve one?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Most old folks like him are as thickheaded as the day is long,” Braham continued. “Stefan was an old guy, and he was the same way. You can show people like them how tough you are, and they’ll still treat you like useless dirt!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was certainly tough, yes, but Braham’s current Intelligence was low enough that I had my doubts about whether he’d be of any use. I had to give his former lord credit for making the right call. It seemed, then, that he’d refused to work for Couran because he assumed he’d be treated as poorly working under him as he’d been treated by Stefan. I had to admit that he was right─I couldn’t imagine Couran assigning someone like him to a position of any importance. With the right education, however, he had the potential to be a general known far and wide. His high Ambition meant that he’d be a tough one to control…but at the very least, it seemed worth making an attempt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Couran isn’t the sort of person who’d treat a capable warrior poorly,” I explained. “Why not at least give working for him a try?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nope, I’m not buying it. Look, I don’t think I’m cut out for all this serving someone garbage in the first place, okay? I’d rather gather up my own band, take out a castle somewhere, and declare independence, thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that was a reckless ambition if I’d ever heard one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That won’t happen,” I said, “because you’ll be dead before you can even try. You know they’re going to execute everyone who refuses to serve Lord Couran, don’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They can try. I’ll slip outta this jail before they get the chance.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Braham had the eyes of a man with absolute faith in his own immortality. I couldn’t judge whether there was any basis to his confidence, but I could tell that he, at least, believed everything he said from the bottom of his heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who’re you supposed to be, anyway?” Braham asked. “What’s a little squirt like you doing in a prison?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My name is Ars Louvent. I’m the baron of a small territory that you probably haven’t heard of.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm. A lord, at your age? Lemme guess─you’re here ’cause Couran needed someone to come convince me to sign on as one of his men, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, not at all. I came here to judge whether any of our prisoners had talents worth making use of. It’s a skill of mine.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, so that’s how you figured out how tough I am? You’re not kidding about that skill of yours!” exclaimed Braham, his irate scowl shifting into an elated grin. He certainly was a straightforward person. “I’ll be honest with you, pal. There’s one more reason why I couldn’t sign on under the guy,” he continued. It seemed putting him in a good mood had done a lot to loosen his lips. “It’s the duel I fought that got me locked up in here, see. The coward cheated his way to a win! A loss is a loss, so I went along with his demands, but I’ll never serve somebody who’d fight dirty like that rat bastard!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Somebody cheated to beat him in a duel?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It sounded absurd, but then again, there weren’t all that many people out there who could beat a man of Braham’s skill in a fair fight. Considering what a blockhead he was, it was easy to imagine that he’d gotten caught up in somebody’s scheme."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Damn that Malkan,” Braham muttered. “I’ll repay him one of these days…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait, did he say “Malkan”? Is he talking about Rietz?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d never noticed any other Malkan in our army, so I couldn’t imagine he was referring to anyone else. Would Rietz fight dirty in a duel, though? I…couldn’t deny that it was a possibility. He would’ve been in a hurry at the time, and if he thought that catching his foe in a trap would get him through the duel quicker than fighting fair, I could see him resorting to trickery."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That son of a whore! I used my ultimate technique, and, uh…got my spear stuck in the ground…and then he dared to put his blade to my neck while I tried to pull it out! A real warrior would’ve waited! Why would someone as tough as him resort to dirty tricks, anyway?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I reassessed my opinion: Braham had brought every bit of his loss upon himself. Of course putting yourself in that vulnerable position would result in your defeat. In any case, it seemed that Braham was under the impression that he hadn’t really lost to Rietz, and didn’t deserve to get locked up. I was starting to form a plan: what if I had him fight Rietz again, under the condition that Braham would enter our service if Rietz beat him? I could have them duel with wooden weapons to make sure nobody got hurt. It seemed worth a shot, so I decided to bring up the possibility."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m acquainted with the Malkan you’re talking about,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seriously? He called himself Rietz Muses─you’re sure that’s the guy?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, now I’m positive.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed Rietz had introduced himself, which cleared up what little ambiguity that remained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He happens to be one of my retainers.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? He’s one of your people?!” yelped Braham. “I-In that case, you’ve gotta help me out here! I have to get a rematch with him! Last time didn’t prove anything, and I’ve gotta settle the score!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, that makes this easier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hadn’t expected him to ask me to put together a fight, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can do that, but I have one condition,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” asked Braham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you lose to Rietz, I want you to stop being stubborn and fight on our side.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lose the duel, lose my freedom, huh…? Sure, fine by me. If I win, though, I want you to let me go.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wants to stake his release on the duel?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t sure if that was a promise I could make. On the other hand, he might’ve asked for the fight, but I was the one who’d turned it into a gamble. It was only fair for him to have something to gain from victory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then again, I definitely don’t have the authority to just release him… I’ll have to ask Couran for permission."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“One more thing. If I lose, I’ll serve you, not Couran. I’d sooner rot in jail than work for that geezer.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But you’d work for me?” I asked, a little taken aback. It was a proposal that I couldn’t complain about…for the most part. He had incredible potential, but at the moment, I had to admit he seemed like a major troublemaker. I wasn’t confident that I was capable of giving him the education he needed. “I trust you’re aware that I’m a child? And you’d serve me anyway?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I mean, I’d rather work for someone who’s tough enough to make me acknowledge them, but you’ve got an eye for people, at least. That gives you a leg up on all my other options. Not that any of this matters, since I’m gonna beat Rietz into the dirt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Braham was as confident as ever, but personally, I had a hard time imagining Rietz losing to him. The kid’s lack of brains offset his excess of brawn, after all. I had faith that Rietz would win the day…and that thought led me to another realization: if Braham ended up becoming one of my retainers, I could just ask Rietz to teach him everything he needed to know! I’d gotten the impression that Braham was the sort of guy who’d listen to people as long as they were capable of beating him up, so it seemed like a perfect solution."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll have to run the conditions for the duel past Lord Couran before I accept, but I suspect he’ll be open to them,” I said. “I’ll be back as soon as I’ve spoken with him.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, hurry it up, then!” Braham snapped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unfortunately for him, I still had prisoners to appraise before I could leave. Braham kept grumbling along the lines of “What are you waiting for? Get going!” all the while, but I kept up with my appraisals and found a few capable people in the process, though nobody who stood head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After I finished, I left the jail and went out to meet with Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve finished my appraisals.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good work,” replied Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To start, I handed over a list of all the talented prisoners I’d found over the course of my search. Then, I explained the Braham situation to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So he’s to serve you should he lose the duel, and walk free should he win?” said Couran. “Braham Joe…not a name I’m familiar with. You say he possesses outstanding talent?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, though his talents are still underdeveloped at the moment,” I replied. “With the right training and education, I’m certain he’ll be an outstanding general.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm… And why is it that he wishes to serve you, rather than me?” Couran asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had a feeling that being upfront about Braham’s reasons would only cause problems, so I decided to phrase my explanation a little more diplomatically than he would’ve."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It seems that his previous lord treated him rather poorly, and he’s concerned that you would neglect him in a similar manner. You have so many people in your service already, he feels his needs would fall by the wayside.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm,” said Couran. “If he’s as capable as you say, I’d be more than willing to reward him accordingly, but so be it. The question is, are you inclined to take this man into your service?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that I’d thought up the idea of having Rietz train him, I’d come around to the idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In that case, I see no reason not to accept his conditions. After all, those who serve you serve me by extension. I don’t feel the need to have every talented soldier in my realm act under my direct supervision. I have confidence you will raise him to his full potential.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Having gained the permission I’d been hoping for, I said my thanks to Couran and went on my way. Rietz would want to know about his rematch with Braham in advance, so speaking to him was my next objective. I had a feeling he’d be amiable to the idea, but there was always the possibility something would compel him to refuse, and I wanted to be on the safe side. I tracked him down and broached the topic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Braham? O-Oh, yes…I remember him. He was quite capable, but, well…he had some sizable flaws in his fighting style,” said Rietz. He remembered Braham, at least, though considering how memorable a manner the man had lost in, that almost seemed like a given."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Would you be all right with fighting him again?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I suppose so, but why?” Rietz countered. I explained the situation, and Rietz’s eyes widened. “You’re planning on bringing him into the service of House Louvent? A-Are you serious?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Well…far be it from me to question your judgment when it comes to his talent, I suppose…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He has the potential to grow much smarter with the right education. If he does enter my service, I was hoping you would handle that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Excuse me?! I’m going to have to ask you to please reconsider!” Rietz stammered. I’d have to work a bit harder to convince him to help out with Braham’s education, it seemed. I could understand the reluctance. Being Braham’s teacher sounded like it would be rather trying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t worry. I’m pretty sure he’ll listen to you as long as you beat him first. It won’t be as bad as you’re imagining it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A-Are you sure about that?” Rietz asked skeptically."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to put off further discussion of Braham’s education and focus on the duel itself. To start, I led Rietz to the cell Braham was locked up in. We ended up finding a training ground within the castle, and escorted him there for the duel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz and Braham stood across from each other, wooden spears in their hands. I’d suggested wooden swords, but apparently, the spear was Braham’s weapon of choice. Rietz was capable with either weapon and didn’t have a strong preference, so they settled on dueling with spears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve been looking forward to this, Rietz Muses! You won’t catch me off guard with your dirty tricks this time!” said Braham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“‘Dirty tricks’…?” Rietz repeated incredulously, then sighed. “You have no one but yourself to blame for what happened last time.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The duel would conclude when one participant dropped their weapon or sustained what would be a fatal wound in a real battle, and a skilled soldier chosen by Couran would serve as the referee. I would’ve had a hard time judging the match, so I was grateful to have someone who knew what they were doing to handle the task. The referee was a stern-faced man with a beard. He looked like a serious sort and had a Valor score of 75, which put him on the higher end of the spectrum."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This will be a one round match,” said the referee. “Should Rietz Muses win, Braham Joe shall enter the service of Lord Ars Louvent. Should Braham Joe win, he will earn his freedom and be allowed to leave this place unmolested. En garde!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz and Braham raised their spears, standing at the ready."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Begin!” shouted the referee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Braham launched himself forward that very instant at a tremendous speed. For a second I panicked, thinking it would end then and there, but Rietz evaded the thrust without batting an eyelash. I couldn’t tell if he’d predicted the attack or if he’d just reacted to it on the spot, but I could tell that Braham had wagered the whole duel on that single attack. His eyes widened in shock as Rietz dodged out of the way, and Rietz took the opportunity to thrust his own spear at Braham, stopping it just before its point slammed into his throat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rietz Muses is victorious!” declared the referee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The duel had been far shorter than I’d expected. Braham had been planning on ending the match before it even began, which I had to admit was a decent plan for someone with an Intelligence score like his."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Dammit,” spat Braham. “How the hell’d you dodge that…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You had a decent plan,” said Rietz, “but I could tell you were going to come at me right away by the look in your eyes when we faced off. If I hadn’t figured that out, though, I might not have been able to dodge your attack.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As expected, Rietz had predicted Braham’s line of attack in advance. He made dodging it look easy, but considering its speed, I could believe it would’ve given him trouble if he hadn’t seen it coming, no matter how good he was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ugh! Dammit, really? I let it show on my face…?” Braham grunted as he scowled and clenched his fists. “I admit it. I lost… As promised, I’ll work for the pipsqueak from now on.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Incorrect,” said Rietz. “You will work for Lord Ars Louvent from now on.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah… Right, sure. I’ll work for Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Ars,” Rietz repeated. He was smiling, but it was one of those mirthless smiles that told you that you were in big trouble. Rietz’s expression could exude some serious pressure when he wanted it to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For all his protests, Rietz wasn’t one to turn down my orders, and I got the feeling that he was already carrying out my command to oversee Braham’s education. Braham, for his part, behaved exactly as I’d expected and obeyed the command of the man who’d just defeated him, repeating “Lord Ars,” without further prompting."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0025.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was starting to get the feeling that Rietz would be able to give Braham the education he needed without any issues, which was a very good thing considering that thanks to Rietz’s victory, Braham was now officially my newest retainer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kanses, the Count of Velshdt, sat with Thomas and his various retainers in the Castle Velshdt Chamber of Debate. A council of war had been called, and the expressions of every last attendant were grim. The battle of Castle Staatz had been lost, robbing them of a vital stronghold and incurring a heavy toll in terms of casualties."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The loss of Castle Staatz was a painful─one might even say fatal─blow. With Staatz in enemy hands, Vasmarque would no longer be capable of sending reinforcements to Velshdt. Considering the fact that the forces left in Velshdt had been driven so far into a corner that Vasmarque’s reinforcements were their only hope to turn things around, that was a very big problem. It seemed the fall of the county was all but inevitable, and none present could come up with a plan to remedy the situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The long, gloomy silence was broken by one of Kanses’s retainers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe it is time we consider surrender,” he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All of his fellows were thinking the same thing. If they fought to the bitter end, their count would surely be killed before the struggle was over. Were they to give up now, however, they could demand that Kanses be spared as a condition of their surrender. He would not be able to keep his position as count, of course, but the likelihood of him being killed would at least be lowered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the eyes of Kanses’s followers and advisors, resistance would bring about nothing but needless bloodshed. Kanses’s capitulation would be beneficial to Couran and his army as well, so they were very likely to accept it without question. When Kanses’s retainer suggested surrender, in short, he had done so out of a desire to preserve his lord and master’s life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Never,” said Kanses with a pained scowl. “I will never surrender.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kanses was the brother-in-law of Vasmarque, and he held him and his capabilities in the highest of esteem. He could never have brought himself to give up Vasmarque’s cause just to save his own life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Kanses, please,” the retainer spoke up once more. “You know what must be done! You need only give the word!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We could never bear to lose you, Your Lordship! And that’s not all─at this rate, House Bandle itself may fall! Would you have your son suffer the consequences of this war?!” said another. “My family has served the Bandles for generations, Lord Kanses. I beg of you, do not let it all be for nothing…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kanses’s followers’ pleas grew more and more desperate as they appealed to their lord, and their words did not fall on deaf ears. While Kanses valued his loyalty more than his own life, his son’s life was a different matter altogether. His resolve began to waver, and for the first time, he began considering the prospect of surrender."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was when Thomas chose to open his mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I do not believe we have run entirely out of options. Not yet,” he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All eyes turned to Thomas. Some gazed at him with looks of hope in their eyes, while others frowned, as if to chastise him for butting in when they were so very close to convincing their lord to see reason."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Have you come up with a plan?” asked Kanses."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not one that would assure victory… But in the best-case scenario, it may allow us to reclaim Castle Staatz,” said Thomas. The room broke out in hushed whispers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Castle Staatz is guarded by a host more than twice the size of our own,” said Kanses. “How could we possibly reclaim it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thomas began to describe his plan. As his frank, detached speech went on, the whispers in the room grew louder and less reserved, turning into shouts. It was a preposterously reckless proposal, and yet nobody could deny that with Thomas there to guide its course, it just might have a chance at success."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If this operation fails, I would like you to surrender, Your Lordship,” said Thomas as he looked Kanses in the eye. “Your life still has too much value for us to throw it away here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kanses hesitated for just a moment, then nodded in agreement. Thomas waited for that confirmation, then left the room, off to prepare for his final, last-ditch effort to turn the tides of the war."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The cold set in soon after Castle Staatz fell, and we ended up riding out the dead of winter in the castle itself. We eventually finished repairing the curtain walls, and when that work was finished, Couran granted us the rest of the winter to rest and recuperate. The castle wasn’t large enough to host the entire army, though, so many of his soldiers found themselves camping outside the walls, and I found myself worrying about how restful a break like that could even be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, in contrast, had been granted a room to stay within the castle. It was far more spacious than I had any need for, so I invited my retainers to share the room with me and spend their winter in relative comfort─especially after we set up a heater powered by flame magistones."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One morning, I felt a shaking sensation as a voice roused me from my slumber."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wake up, Lord Ars! Wake up!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That voice… Must be Charlotte, right…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If so, this was a rarity. Charlotte was such a heavy sleeper that it usually fell to me or Rietz to make sure she managed to haul herself out of bed in time for breakfast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, that’s something,” I mumbled as I sat up. “You managed to wake up on your own today?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who cares! Come outside, hurry!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte grabbed my hand, pulled me out of bed, and dragged me out the door without missing a beat. I had no idea what she was thinking, but in my half-asleep daze I was powerless to resist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The moment we stepped outside, an intense chill washed over me. Our heater kept it nice and toasty inside, but it was downright frigid out there. It was probably the coldest weather I’d experienced since I was reborn in this world, and the fact that I’d stepped outside without bothering to change out of my bed clothes made it all the worse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“F-Freezing! N-Need a coat!” I said, my teeth chattering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Look, look! Out there!” Charlotte shouted excitedly, pointing toward the castle garden and ignoring me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked out, still confused, and found myself face to face with a sea of white. Snow had fallen, blanketing the garden in a thick layer of powder. It was the first snow of the year, and it took me until that moment to remember that Charlotte loved the snow so much, she flew into an ecstatic frenzy every year when it fell for the first time. She really did act just like a kid sometimes. I didn’t mind looking out over a snowscape myself, but it was way too cold at the moment for me to appreciate the sight. In fact, looking at all that snow just made me feel colder!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I love it when it snows! Come on, let’s run around in it!” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was my cue to dig in my heels."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Wait! I’ll freeze to death if I go out dressed like this! At least let me put on something warm first!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right. You are dressed pretty lightly… Why’d you go outside wearing that? Of course you’d be cold.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whose fault do you think this is?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, go on, then! Hurry up and get changed! I’ll be waiting out in the garden!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shook my head with exasperation as I made my way back inside and changed into something a little more seasonable. I was tempted to just go back to bed for a moment, but going along with their follower’s requests sometimes was part of a lord’s duties. I braved the cold once more and made my way to the garden, where I found Charlotte already hard at play in the snow with a few other youths. The first snow of the year had her even more wildly out of control than usual."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ah, Lord Ars! What took you so long?” Charlotte shouted as I approached. “We were just deciding what we’d build out of snow today! Come help!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I spent quite some time outside, playing around in the snow at Charlotte’s behest. We made all sorts of sculptures─cats, dogs, and the like, though I had a feeling nobody would manage to guess what they were supposed to be unless we told them first. I was a little worried they’d think we were making heretical idols to some occult deity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m getting hungry. Think I’ll go find something to eat,” Charlotte eventually said, then wandered off into the castle. I didn’t think I’d ever meet anyone as free-spirited as she was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was also getting pretty hungry, having not eaten anything since she dragged me out of bed, so I followed along after her to try to find some breakfast. I thought that I’d get to take it easy afterward, but no sooner had I finished eating than Charlotte dragged me right back outside again. Rietz and Rosell came along too this time, and we ended up engaging in a wintertime activity that Charlotte had taught us a few winters back: a snowball fight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It started out quiet enough, but it wasn’t long before we started attracting the interest of the passersby. First a few people joined in, then a few more, and before I knew it the garden had descended into a full-blown snowball war. These were real soldiers who’d been fighting in a real war up until just recently, too, so the way they conducted their snow warfare was intense, to say the least. I was too exhausted to take part in that, so I retired to observe from the sidelines with Mireille, who’d opted out from the very beginning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They’re all sure taking it easy, huh?” Mireille muttered. “They think this whole war’s in the bag, I’d bet.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can’t say you’re wrong about that…but we do hold a nearly insurmountable advantage, don’t you think?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“True enough. But I know my brother, and I know that’s not enough to make him give up. He might be cooking up another of his usual tricks right now, and if he is, we can’t let our guards down.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her brother─that is to say, Thomas Grunzeon. His first attempt on Couran’s life had failed, but that wasn’t to say there wouldn’t be a second. Mireille had a point, and we couldn’t let ourselves get complacent, but one little detail kept me from giving her too much credit for her prudence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If we can’t afford to let our guards down, then why’re you already drinking?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? A girl’s gotta have her liquor! We could be scheduled to fight an all-out battle tomorrow, and I’d still get a few cups in here and there.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I shook my head and sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What could be more complacent than drowning in a bottle first thing in the morning?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days later, Ben paid me a visit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The boss wants to talk with you,” he said. “Mind coming with me for a bit?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He wants to talk with me?” I repeated, a little puzzled. I didn’t have anything in particular to do at the moment, though, and I didn’t have a problem with the idea, so I decided to play along. “Sure, I suppose. I can come.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Great. Follow me, then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben led me away without bothering to explain what Pham wanted. I figured that either he didn’t know, or he’d just forgotten to mention it to me. I’d learn when I got to Pham regardless, so I didn’t bother prying and just followed along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We walked on for some time, arriving at an abandoned alleyway where I found Pham waiting for me. For once, he wasn’t alone. A group of five men and women I’d never seen before were waiting with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You made it,” said Pham when he noticed me approaching."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? He’s a lot cuter than I thought he’d be,” said a woman who was standing next to him. She had a big smile on a face thick with makeup, and was dressed in a flashy, gaudy outfit. She was also tall for a woman─if I had to guess, I’d say she was around 5’6” or so. I couldn’t tell how old she was at all, beyond maybe somewhere in the vicinity of her thirties."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There were two other women with Pham, and two men as well, none of whom were wearing anything eye-catching and none of whom left a very strong impression. They seemed closer to Ben’s type, though none of them were quite as profoundly plain as him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who are these people?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My people,” said Pham. “Since I’m one of your retainers now, I want you to take them into the fold as well. I can’t do my best work without them backing me up.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So these are the rest of the Shadows…? I see now,” I said. The flashily-dressed woman aside, all of them did seem suited to spy work. That just made me wonder what her deal was even more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pham seemed to catch on to my curiosity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This is Lambers, our master of disguise. Dunno if you’ve appraised him yet or not, but just so you know, he’s a guy underneath all that. Not even I know what he looks like─he usually dresses as a pretty plain man when he meets me, but when he learned he’d be meeting you for the first time today, he decided to go all-out with the crossdressing. Don’t ask me why.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? Is something wrong with wanting to leave an impression on the man who might be my master from now on?” asked Lambers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s a man?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I never would’ve guessed, and was stunned by the revelation. I’d gone through a similar sort of surprise back when I met Pham, but his crossdressing was enabled by his naturally youthful and feminine appearance, whereas it sounded like Lambers’s entire appearance was fabricated from the ground up. Not only did he look the part, he sounded just like a woman as well. I had to wonder how he managed it─could he be using magic?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gave him an appraisal, just to clear away my doubts, and he was indeed a man. His stats were unexceptional, but his talent for disguises had already impressed me more than a few high abilities could’ve. Lambers wasn’t his real name, by the way. Apparently, he was Andrew Sumage. I was also surprised to find that he’d been born outside of the Summerforth Empire. He didn’t sound foreign, so I had to wonder what sort of life he’d led to take him from being born in a foreign country to working as a mercenary in Missian. I was curious, but I knew he wouldn’t open up to me just like that, so I decided to ask once we’d gotten to know each other a little better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I appraised the rest of the Shadows as well, and in doing so found that all of them gave me false names when they introduced themselves. There was a tall man who called himself Mulad, a man with a middling build and gray hair who said his name was Dondo, a woman with distinctively long hair called Remen, and a woman with a very sharp glare who claimed to be called Shac. All of them had fairly high Valor and Intelligence scores, which led me to conclude that you had to be pretty smart and physically capable to cut it as a spy. Remen and Dondo both had B-ranked Mage Aptitudes, too, which was on the higher side. All of them came from outside of Missian, and I assumed their backgrounds were all rather complicated, given their line of work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So? What do you think?” asked Pham. “Feel like taking them on?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If making them my retainers will make your work easier, I have no objections to doing so,” I replied. “And even if it wouldn’t, they’re all capable enough that I’d be inclined to recruit them anyway.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good to hear. Thanks,” said Pham."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everyone went on their way again shortly thereafter without exchanging much in the way of pleasantries. It seemed they’d come here just to meet me, and with that mission accomplished they had no desire to stick around. For my part, I returned to Castle Staatz with a skip in my step, over the moon at having gained a whole host of capable retainers all at once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few weeks passed by, the days grew warmer, and the snow began to melt away. In other words, it was time for us to prepare to once again go out on the march. Our soldiers had spent long enough resting that they’d need a period of training before they were ready to go back into battle, and while they were drilling away in the training grounds, I was participating in council after council as we worked to iron out our plans to take Castle Velshdt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ultimately, it was decided that we would besiege the castle. A siege would take time, but there was no way for reinforcements to reach the castle anymore, and Castle Velshdt was just as sturdy and hard to assail as Castle Staatz had been. A siege was the option least likely to bring about needless casualties among our men, so considering the circumstances, it seemed like our best option."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This time around, Couran would not be going out into battle himself. Instead, he would stay behind in Castle Staatz and have his orders sent to us by messenger when necessary. Killing Couran was just about the only hope that our foes had of turning the situation around, and him setting foot outside the castle without reason was just asking for them to try to assassinate him, so he chose to prioritize his own safety for the time being."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Staying in the castle wouldn’t mitigate the threat of assassination, of course, and so Couran requested that I lend him the services of the Shadows until Velshdt fell. I got the feeling that Pham and Ben had left quite the impression on him back when they saved his life. That wasn’t the sort of request you could just turn down, of course, so I acquiesced right away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With the Shadows on the job, I knew that the risk of Couran’s assassination would be reduced to effectively nothing, and we held an overwhelming advantage over our foes in terms of military might. It felt like our victory was assured, but I couldn’t help but feel a nagging hint of doubt that something could go wrong. Mireille’s warning that her brother could still have a trick up his sleeve weighed on my mind. What, I wondered, could he do to turn the situation around?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I asked Mireille what sort of plan she’d expect him to use, but she didn’t have much in the way of specifics to offer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s a good question, kiddo, but as things stand, there’s no telling what he might try,” she’d said. “If he wants to make a move, he could go in all sorts of directions. No use trying to predict it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How does a terrible situation like this give him that many options?” I asked, a little confused."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve got a massive edge on him, sure, but when all’s said and done, we lose the second our leader’s taken out. It’d only take one murder to do us in, and you wouldn’t believe how many ways there are to kill a man. He could fake a surrender to get close to Couran, or pull some trick to lure him back onto the battlefield. Couran knows that, though, so he’ll have his guard as high up as it can go. Honestly, I doubt there’s much of a chance left at this point.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So…it really is impossible for them to turn the tides, then? What happened to all that talk about us needing to stay on guard?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, the thing is, my brother’s the sort of person who comes up with something so off the wall nobody else could ever think it up. He might make up a plan so outlandish, not even I could ever predict it. There’s no way of telling that’s the case until he makes his move, though.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was quite something to hear Mireille, of all people, admit that he could think up a plan that was beyond even her. Thomas would have to be an incredible leader to pull that off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That very same day, a messenger who claimed to bear word from Kanses, the Count of Velshdt, arrived at Castle Staatz. When I heard he’d sent a message, my first assumption was that the count had decided to surrender. Couran must have thought the same, since he allowed the messenger through the castle gates without protest─though not without a hefty guard on the alert for any and all trickery. They were exceedingly cautious about the potential for an assassination attempt, and subjected the messenger to a full-body check. Even when that didn’t turn up any hidden weapons, they kept him under close watch and had him meet with Couran’s right-hand man Robinson rather than the lord himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The messenger and Robinson were to meet in Castle Staatz’s great hall. A few other high-ranking nobles were also in attendance, while I stood off to the side, ready to observe the meeting at a distance. Soon, the doors to the great hall opened and the messenger was led inside, flanked by a pair of soldiers who were prepared to take action at the first sign of any funny business."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My name is Beens Lobans, and I come on behalf of Lord Kanses,” said the messenger. He was a middle-aged man with a notable bald spot, and when I appraised him I found that his Leadership and Valor were both quite low─in the thirties─but his Intelligence was at 72, and his Politics at 79, which were notably high. He felt like the quintessential civilian paper-pusher, judging by his stats."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am Robinson, representative of Lord Couran. On account of His Lordship having fallen ill, I will receive your message in his place,” Robinson lied. I supposed it would be something of a faux pas to admit that Couran wouldn’t meet with the messenger out of fear of assassination."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well,” said Beens. “Allow me, then, to deliver my message: Lord Kanses requests an armistice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The assembled lords began whispering to one another. Some of them went so far as to jeer the messenger. Why, after all, would Couran feel inclined to lay down arms now that he held such an overwhelming advantage? I was surprised as well. I’d assumed that the messenger had been sent to declare their surrender and negotiate for terms that would benefit Kanses as much as possible, not offer an armistice that Couran would have no need or desire to accept."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“An armistice, you say?” said Robinson. “My apologies, but we will not accept such a proposal, regardless of the specifics of your offer. Please be on your way.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The rest of the assembled lords were in agreement, some already urging the messenger to make himself scarce. Beens, however, spoke up once more and said, “I believe it would be in your best interests to allow me to finish… Velshdt is not as defenseless as you may assume─we still have a secret weapon in reserve.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A secret weapon?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was a strange thing for a messenger to say, no matter how you sliced it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, exactly, do you mean by that?” asked Robinson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In recent times, Castle Velshdt has been the staging ground for a long-term experiment in magical weapon development. That project has borne fruit in the form of a catalyzer that dwarfs all previous models in scale, capable of reducing a city to ash with a single spell. Were he so inclined, His Lordship could order this very castle to be obliterated in an instant. That being said, I trust you appreciate why he would rather not resort to such methods if at all possible.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I jumped to the conclusion that he was bluffing. If Kanses could have Couran and this castle blown away at will, he would’ve done it a long time ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That is a lie,” said Robinson, echoing my first impression. “If such a weapon existed, I find it hard to believe we would have heard nothing about it. More to the point, if you have the means to wreak such devastation at your disposal, why have you not done so?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The other lords muttered in agreement, but Beens didn’t waver."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The catalyzer in question is capable of bringing about slaughter on an unprecedented scale, and His Lordship does not mean to use it unless provoked. He would not even consider doing so unless he was driven into a corner and left with no other options─in other words, the precise situation he finds himself in now.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t an implausible explanation, but it didn’t change the fact that this supposed superweapon was impossibly convenient for Kanses’s purposes. On the other hand, the fact that we couldn’t rule out its existence with absolute certainty meant that this could turn into a major headache, if I was reading the situation right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Beens kept talking for some time. He was quite the orator, and the lords who had been so convinced he was lying began to waver, their wills shaken by his story. Eventually, Robinson came to the conclusion that letting him continue to influence them would be a poor decision and called the meeting to a preemptive close, ordering his men to escort Beens out of the hall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I would like to make it clear to everyone present that what that man said was a bluff, and nothing more,” Robinson said as soon as Beens was gone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The nobles, however, looked confused and unconvinced. The odds of the mega-catalyzer being a bluff seemed high, but they couldn’t help but consider the slight possibility that it was real. Their worries were plain to see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He said that Kanses did not wish to destroy a city offhand, and that is believable, yes,” Robinson continued. “However, ask yourself this: if such a weapon was available to Kanses, then why would he not have kept silent on the matter, waited until we began our march toward Castle Velshdt, then used it to obliterate our force wholesale once we were a safe distance from civilization? Surely a weapon that can destroy a city could have decimated our forces, leaving what few survivors there may have been demoralized and incapable of carrying on the fight. A tactician of Thomas’s capabilities would never have missed such an obvious opportunity.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But Beens already explained that,” said one of the lords. “He said that war or not, we’re all fellow Missians, and that Kanses didn’t want to use a weapon of mass slaughter on his own countrymen! That was the whole point of the armistice!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He said that, yes, and you’d be a fool to believe it,” said Robinson. “I believe that Kanses may choose to refrain from killing Missian civilians, but he would not hesitate for a second to slay a soldier. Otherwise, he would have laid down arms before the war began in earnest.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nobody could refute Robinson’s argument outright, but it was still clear that they were fretting over the worst-case scenario. This superweapon business was turning into a major pain in the neck already. For all the authority Couran commanded, he couldn’t completely ignore the opinions of his vassals, and I got the sense that a lot of them would be arguing in favor of an armistice unless something was done, and fast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmph,” snorted Mireille, who was standing off to my side. She was loud enough that the attention of all the assembled lords turned to her. “It’s a bluff, obviously, and if you don’t believe me, then listen up! Even if a weapon like that were possible to build, Velshdt doesn’t have the resources to pull it off. You’d need to be the duke himself to have access to that sort of wealth! In the unlikely event that Velshdt was involved in the development of such a weapon, it would’ve been at the duke’s request. There’s just no other way, and in case you need a reminder, Lord Couran is the son of that very duke! Even if the project was kept top-secret, there’s no way he wouldn’t have heard something about it, and if he did know that Velshdt had a superweapon on hand, he would’ve approached this war with a different set of tactics.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The lords seemed at least a little convinced by Mireille’s argument, muttering to one another about how she had a point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Anyway,” Mireille continued. “Seems to me you can just call Lord Couran over, tell him what the messenger had to say, and see what he thinks. I have a feeling he’s going to tell you that there’s no such thing and that anyone who believed it for a second is an idiot, though.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Getting Couran’s judgment on the matter could certainly do a lot to put his followers’ worries to rest. His words carried considerable weight, and he had a way of being remarkably persuasive. Considering how many of the assembled lords respected him, that struck me as a great way to resolve the issue. Robinson seemed to agree, and he summoned Couran at once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Mireille had predicted, when Couran heard what was going on, he declared that Kanses’s supposed superweapon was the stuff of fantasy. Almost none of the lords seemed worried anymore after hearing their leader’s reassurances, and Beens was told that no armistice would be accepted, then driven out of the castle. I felt relieved to see that the incident had ended without a hitch, but for some reason Mireille and Rosell were off on the side of the room, engaged in furious discussion with grave expressions on their faces. That piqued my curiosity, so I went over to see what they were going on about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What are the two of you discussing?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm? Oh, just how the whole thing with the messenger didn’t really make sense. We can’t figure out what the actual goal of sending him here was,” said Rosell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right,” agreed Mireille with a nod. “There was no way we’d fall for a trick like that, and there’s no way they thought we would for a second. Makes you wonder what they were actually after.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They had a point. Thomas was supposed to be an exceptional tactician, and it was hard to believe that a bluff like that was the best plan he could come up with. That said, I had a hard time imagining that there was some deep, ultimate objective hidden behind the messenger stunt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What if they just sent the messenger because they had nothing to lose? For all we know, they have some other, totally unrelated plan they’re working on at the same time,” I suggested."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s possible, but we’re not so sure,” said Rosell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It just feels way too sloppy,” said Mireille. “But, meh, we might be overthinking this. No point obsessing over it when we have this little to go on.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We spent a while longer discussing possibilities, but we weren’t able to pin down any plausible explanations for the enemy’s behavior. A few days later, though, as our preparations for the attack on Castle Velshdt moved along, a scout we’d sent to scope out the enemy’s movements came rushing back to Staatz with an urgent report. The scout went straight to Couran to deliver the news without so much as pausing to rest, and I decided to follow along and listen in out of curiosity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve observed the enemy engaging in peculiar activities, Your Lordship,” the scout reported. “They seem to be readying some sort of massive mechanism, like nothing we’ve ever seen before!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They what?” said Couran with a grimace."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The words “massive mechanism” brought to mind the secret weapon Velshdt was supposedly developing that the messenger had warned us about some days beforehand. For a moment I wondered if his story had been true after all, but then I realized it was just as likely that this new device was an extension of their prior bluff. It could’ve been anything at all, as long as they could make it look like it was a weapon they were preparing to use on us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, the fact that they were making a show of preparing the supposed weapon meant that an extra dose of caution might be merited. Probing deeper into their activities seemed necessary, just to be on the safe side. There was always the chance our assumptions were wrong and it was as powerful as described, and even if it wasn’t capable of leveling a city, it could’ve still been a lesser but potent weapon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What’s Couran going to say this time?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It seems very likely that this, too, is a bluff…but as long as we don’t know what it is they’re doing, my men will fear the possibilities and raising their morale will be a challenge,” Couran muttered. “Investigating this so-called weapon will take time, though. Is that what their goal is? To delay our advance? But what would the point of that be? Winter gained them all the time they could have asked for already─how could more of it be of any use to them?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In spite of his doubts, it seemed Couran was resolved to look into the weapon’s true nature. The scout reported that it was being worked on outside of Velshdt’s city walls, so it would be possible to probe deeper into the matter, but that would take time. It just didn’t make sense─why would time be all they were after? As Couran said, they had little to gain from subjecting us to yet another minor delay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe they really are developing a weapon, and need just a little more time to make it functional? Hmm…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It didn’t seem impossible, but if that was the case, it wouldn’t make sense for them to go out of their way to bring the weapon up with us. There were plenty of other ways they could’ve bought time, after all. What else could they have to gain from this, though? No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t come up with any answers, and since Couran was set on learning more, I decided to wait for additional information to come in and see how things looked then. The Shadows, incidentally, would not be participating in this mission. Couran considered his own protection to be of higher priority, and entrusted the task to a different unit of spies instead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The spies returned to Staatz just a few days later─much faster than I’d anticipated. I wasn’t able to hear their report directly, but after Couran heard what they had to say, he called all of his vassals together to update us on the situation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As expected, the so-called weapon our foes have been working on is nothing but a fabrication,” he said. “The enemy’s goal was to use it to draw our attention and buy time while they riddled the area with magical traps and bolstered Velshdt’s defenses. Had our spies failed in this mission, they would have ended up with ample time to make the battlefield much more dangerous for us and our men.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So it was just a distraction, then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Planting the idea of a superweapon in our heads and then making a show of working on something distinctly superweapon-esque was a good way of grabbing our attention and keeping our focus away from the traps they were setting in the meantime."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve uncovered the enemy’s plot, and while traps will not prevent us from laying siege to Velshdt, they could very well make the process take more time than I hope to expend. We must march on Velshdt before they have time to complete their preparations, and render this scheme of theirs meaningless!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So it’s finally time for us to move out, then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With the enemy’s objective clear, I had to agree that we had no reason to just sit around and let them get away with it. That said, there was something about the situation that felt subtly off to me. The fact that our spies turned up all that information had to mean that the enemy had screwed up and leaked it to us, in one way or another, but would a master tactician like Thomas really be that careless? Was he the sort of person who’d make a last-second blunder and ruin everything? Even incredible people made mistakes sometimes, sure, but even though I knew I was probably just overthinking it, I decided to ask Mireille what she thought about the matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That seemed suspicious to me too, but Thomas isn’t some perfect superhuman or anything,” Mireille said. “He’s the sort of person who makes stupid, simple mistakes every once in a while, even if he doesn’t look it… Though then again, it’s been years since the last time I saw him. Maybe he’s grown out of that; who knows. Even taking that into account, it’s not impossible that he just screwed up.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was a relief to hear. Even if she hadn’t seen him recently, she was still his relative, so if she thought that the leak being an honest mistake was possible, I figured I didn’t have much to worry about after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The enemy’s tactician is my master’s little brother…” Rosell muttered to himself. He was standing nearby, deep in thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is there something about this that’s bothering him, too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I watched him mull it over until suddenly, his eyes widened and a look of understanding dawned on his face. He looked up at me and spoke, his voice wavering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…I think I’ve figured out the enemy’s real plan.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And now I just have to wait and see if they take the bait, Thomas thought to himself. His nerves ate away at him as he lurked in the woods with his men. Ambushes were Thomas’s specialty, and he excelled at concealing entire regiments of soldiers in ways no one would ever uncover. Even though his troop was on the larger side, he knew that his foes wouldn’t notice them until it was far too late."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thomas had brought his troops here in absolute confidence that the enemy army would soon travel along a road that ran just nearby. His confidence wasn’t baseless: he knew they would come because he’d lured them into doing so. He’d sent a messenger and readied a weapon-like apparatus to plant a thought in their minds, then leaked information to make them believe they’d seen through his scheme. The enemy would never imagine he had another plan on top of those, and would surely rush forward to prevent him from laying the traps they assumed his scheme centered around. Now all he had to do was wait and let them walk into his ambush."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thomas wasn’t sure how many soldiers he’d be able to eliminate in the imminent bloodbath, but by his best estimate, he had a good chance of reducing their numbers enough to turn around the seemingly impossible odds that Velshdt’s defenders faced. He’d put every ounce of thought and care into the plan he could possibly muster, but still, he had his doubts. There was a chance the enemy would prioritize caution and not show up at all, to start, and even if they did play into his hands, pulling off the ambush was no easy task. Even though it was his signature move, there was every chance this one would end in failure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Although Thomas was very aware that his plan could fail, at the same time, he was confident that his foes had not seen through it. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that his own sister had utilized a very similar scheme in a mock battle mere months beforehand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think our enemy might be trying to pull off a plan like the one my master used in the mock battle right after she came to Lamberg,” said Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A look of surprise passed across Mireille’s face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now that you mention it, I guess that is possible,” she said. “I think I remember using a routine like that to play pranks a few times, back when we were kids. Maybe he remembered that and used it as inspiration?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell’s brief explanation was enough to let me catch on to the plan our foes might’ve been carrying out as well. In short, they might have deliberately leaked information to us in order to lure us into a trap. I did indeed remember Mireille using a very similar tactic of layered deception back during one of our mock battles, and seeing as they were siblings, it was plausible that Thomas could come up with a similar scheme."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0027.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell went on to explain the specifics of the enemy’s plan, as he imagined them. By leaking false information, they would lure us into making a hasty move, catch us in an ambush, inflict heavy casualties on our main fighting force, and do the best they could to even the disparity in numbers. They likely weren’t expecting to bring our forces into perfect balance with theirs, but it was reasonable to think they could bring it down to slightly skewed odds rather than the overwhelming advantage we held."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A successful ambush wouldn’t win them the war offhand, or even put them at an advantage, but at least it could earn them a fighting chance and open up a path to victory in the long run, especially since it could force Couran to return to the battlefield in person. He could never leave the command of his army in one of his followers’ hands if the odds were that close to even, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, if the enemy was allowed to carry their plan out, our hopes of conquering Velshdt with ease would dim. I couldn’t say with complete confidence that a sneak attack would be waiting for us, but as long as everyone was aware of the possibility and moved with caution, the odds of the potential attack’s success would be dramatically reduced. I shuddered to think what could’ve been if we hadn’t noticed any of this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I brought Rosell and Mireille to meet with Couran and had Rosell explain his theory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see,” said Couran when Rosell was finished. “I must admit, I found it odd myself… The spies I sent have a decent reputation, and I expected much from them, but they still learned too much, too quickly. It seemed unnatural…but if it was all part of the enemy’s plan, then it makes perfect sense. I’m not certain beyond a reasonable doubt that your theory is correct, but it is plausible enough to be worthy of consideration. You’ve done well to bring this to my attention.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell fidgeted bashfully, unsure of how to deal with Couran’s praise. Couran went on to question him about the specifics of the theory, asking where he believed the attack would take place. Rosell began to explain, with the aid of a nearby map, that there was a large forest en route to Velshdt that was the perfect place to conceal a division of soldiers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They’ll be hiding in the forest, will they?” said Couran. “Is that so… In that case, I imagine burning them out would prove most efficient.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I agree,” replied Rosell. “If we set the forest ablaze with fire magic, we could cut the hostile force off in moments.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I would prefer to take their tactician Thomas alive, if at all possible. It would pain me to slay a man of his capabilities. Of course, it would be far worse to miss our opportunity and allow him to flee back to Velshdt,” said Couran. He sounded a little conflicted, but eventually came to a decision. “We stand more to gain than lose. Let us burn out the enemy army.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From that point onward, everything proceeded according to plan. Lumeire was given command of the expedition, and being under his command, I wound up accompanying him. We could’ve sent out spies to verify that there was an ambush waiting for us in the woods, but the enemy was sure to flee if they realized we’d caught on to them, so instead we decided to go on the attack blindly. We’d waste some aqua magia if Rosell’s theory was wrong and nobody was there, but we weren’t at a lack of resources at the moment. The part of me that still remembered what it was like to live in Japan and still held all those old values balked at the thought of burning down a beautiful, verdant forest, and I felt more than a little guilty for enabling such a thing, but it seemed the people of this world didn’t make much of it at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We set up several large catalyzers on the outskirts of the woodland we believed the enemy was hiding in. The weather was bright and clear, and it felt a little on the arid side─the perfect weather for burning down a forest. We readied the catalyzers, and once all our preparations were complete, Lumeire raised a hand to signal our mages to cast their magic. They did so in unison, unleashing a powerful spell called Firestorm."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vortexes of flame issued forth from the catalyzers, plowing into the woods and setting them ablaze. One of the whirling infernos was far larger than the rest, and I assumed Charlotte was responsible for it. It was hard to believe that anyone could’ve survived a conflagration of that magnitude, and anyone in the woods was probably burned to ash, but there was always a chance that one or two of them would get lucky and make it past the treeline alive. That was why we held position around the woods, keeping a loose perimeter to catch any escapees. We had our soldiers stand far enough away to keep them from getting caught up in the blaze themselves, of course."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We were under express orders to capture Thomas, if he made an appearance, and our whole army had been given a description of what he looked like. That description came courtesy of Couran─I’d thought Mireille would be a better option, but she hadn’t seen him in years and claimed to have no idea how he looked these days. She’d been very surprised to learn that he’d grown a beard, so not pitching in was the right call on her part."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I waited a slightly farther distance from the forest and watched as it burned away. I still wasn’t sure whether anyone had been hiding in there or not, but if they were, I could only imagine how hellish of a fate they’d met, given how bad it looked from the outside."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eventually, I noticed a few of our soldiers beginning to move in the distance. That meant that enemy soldiers had emerged from the woods, and over the next several minutes I bore witness as troops fled for their lives from the forest, only to be finished off by the infantrymen who awaited them. I could barely stand to watch, but as the head of House Louvent, I couldn’t let myself show weakness and forced myself to take in every second of the horrid spectacle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before long, a victorious shout rang out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“News, Your Lordship! We’ve captured Thomas Grunzeon!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You have?!” Lumeire shouted back. “Bring him here at once!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A bald man with a grizzled beard was soon dragged before us, bound tightly with rope. He was tall, burly, and I could see a resemblance between him and Mireille in the shape of his nose and the look of his eyes. It was easy to believe that the two of them were siblings."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is this man your brother, Mireille?” asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s him, all right,” answered Mireille. “Hey there. Been a while, you little dunce.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thomas shot Mireille a wordless glare. I could already tell that there was no love lost between the two of them, and while I had him right before me, I decided to give him an appraisal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Born on the tenth day of the first month, 183 Imperial Era, in Arcantez, County of Arcantez, Duchy of Missian, Summerforth Empire. Parents have passed away. Has one older sister. Stubborn and bullish, with a fondness for sweets and horseback riding. Enjoys the company of kind women. Feels fierce loyalty toward his lord and master Vasmarque."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His stats were incredible, more than justifying his reputation as a commander and master tactician. He was an even match for Mireille, and in fact, he may have even exceeded her from an overall perspective. I knew that he would be a powerful ally if we could talk him into siding with Couran, but unfortunately, his loyalty to Vasmarque was as unshakeable as expected. Convincing him to betray his master was no small feat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All that said, with this one-sided battle wrapped up, it seemed inevitable that Velshdt would fall into our hands. There was no way our foes could turn the tide after this, and the fall of Velshdt would put Vasmarque in an unenviable position. If Couran brought down his brother and seized control of Missian, it seemed possible that Thomas would come around and serve him…as long as Couran didn’t earn his eternal enmity by executing Vasmarque, anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With Thomas secured, we made our way back to Castle Staatz to present him to Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s been some time, Thomas,” Couran said. “Three years, I believe? I was worried this expedition would be the end of you, and I consider it a stroke of good fortune that you’ve made it out alive.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t get the impression Couran was lying about that. He seemed pleased to see Thomas alive, and I assumed he was hoping to recruit him in the near future."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thomas seemed to draw the same conclusion I had."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I won’t be working for you, so don’t even ask. I serve Lord Vasmarque, and none other,” he said, preemptively shutting down Couran’s invitation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, I thought you’d say that,” replied Couran. “However, I also know that you’re clever, and I expect you’ve already realized that Vasmarque stands upon the brink of defeat. If you choose to serve me, I promise you will be treated most favorably.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No decent man would choose his lord based solely on who can offer him the greatest rewards,” Thomas spat. I could already tell how stubborn he was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran spent a while longer trying to tempt Thomas to his side, but Thomas staunchly refused. We certainly couldn’t let him go free, so when Couran gave up on his solicitations, he had Thomas locked up in the dungeons."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, it was time to prepare for the attack on Velshdt. Our army would march the moment winter came to a close."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0029.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The cold of winter faded away, and under Couran’s orders, we set out to bring Velshdt under our control. Lumeire was tasked with leading us into battle. It seemed he’d risen further still in Couran’s esteem after his success against Thomas’s force. Our foes chose to hole up in the castle, while we set up encampments around it and laid siege. Lumeire was thorough, laying out defensive lines so tight that not even a mouse could slip out of the castle unnoticed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days after the siege began, a messenger was dispatched from Velshdt bearing a letter of surrender. This time, the enemy had decided that there was nothing to be done about their situation and resolved to capitulate. That being said, their surrender was not unconditional: Kanses would only submit without a fight if we were willing to guarantee the safety of his vassals and followers. Notably, he did not ask that they be allowed to maintain their former statuses and positions, nor did he make any requests to spare his own life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lumeire didn’t have the authority to accept the conditions of surrender on his own, so he sent a letter to Couran describing the terms and asking how he should reply. A response soon arrived stating that Couran found the terms acceptable and would be willing to honor them. With that, Velshdt’s surrender to our force was accepted, and Lumeire dispatched a messenger to the castle to inform them of our decision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The messenger communicated our own terms to Velshdt’s leadership: we would require them to disarm their troops, deliver all their weapons and aqua magia to our force, and disarm any traps that may have been laid within the castle. Our foes obeyed without protest, and a stock of weaponry so enormous I couldn’t possibly imagine they were holding anything in reserve was soon brought out to us. We were told that the castle had indeed been trapped, but that every one of its defensive mechanisms had been disabled. We couldn’t take their word at face value, of course, so we conducted a thorough investigation of the castle and concluded that they were indeed telling the truth before we moved our troops inside and occupied it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Velshdt was another walled city, and the castle town was immense. It wasn’t quite as large as Semplar, the city Couran ruled over, but it dwarfed Canarre in scale. Velshdt, Semplar, and Maasa were known as the three major cities of Missian, so it wasn’t any surprise that other settlements would pale in comparison to them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We marched into the keep and quickly took the nobles into custody. They wouldn’t have to fear for their lives, but I still had no idea whether or not they’d be allowed to maintain their noble status. I had a feeling that Couran would ask me to appraise them, and would choose who would and wouldn’t get to serve him based on the results, so I decided to give them and their most important retainers an appraisal preemptively. Most of them turned out to be quite capable, though some of them had surprisingly low stats and nobody jumped out to me as exceptional."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before long, I got my first look at the Count of Velshdt, Kanses. He was an older man, with black hair and a wrinkled face. He looked rather unremarkable at a glance, but there was something about his eyes that gave him an unusual air. His stats, in contrast, were much more ordinary than I’d expected, coming in at an average of around sixty. His Politics score was 80, at least, and he was better off than the average person, but I had expected the count of a city as important as Velshdt to have stats that blew me away. I had to assume his vassals adored him for his virtues rather than his abilities."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, Castle Velshdt was under our complete control. Lumeire went out to report to Couran of our success, and before long Couran himself arrived at the castle, escorted by the troop of soldiers that had participated in the siege."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It was wise of you to surrender, Kanses,” said Couran when the two lords met at last. “However, your wisdom this day does not excuse the foolish decision to refuse my invitation of peace and side with Vasmarque in this conflict. For that, I have no choice but to punish you accordingly.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran’s tone was severe, and Kanses’s followers began to stir as a disquieting energy swept through the hall. They began to bow, one after another, appealing to Couran with their words to spare their lord’s life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I did not say I would execute you,” said Couran, addressing Kanses’s followers indirectly, “nor do I intend to. That being said, you will be stripped of your position as the Count of Velshdt. Furthermore, you will be imprisoned until my feud with Vasmarque is settled and Missian has fallen under my control. Only then will you be released, and at that point I will consider granting you territory once more, depending on how you’ve conducted yourself in the meantime.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact that Couran had chosen to spare Kanses’s life made his judgment lenient, and that wasn’t even starting on the potential for him to regain his noble status. I had to agree with Couran’s decision. Had he chosen to execute Kanses, he would have earned the enmity of all of his followers for no good reason. Many of said followers chose to be imprisoned alongside their lord, which further supported my impression that they were extremely loyal to him. Only a very small number of them chose to swear a new oath of fealty to Couran instead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The sentencing of Kanses marked the final end to the war in Velshdt, and with that conclusion reached, the time had come to enter a period of post-war cleanup and reorganization. We’d sustained relatively few casualties throughout our campaign, but our provisions and aqua magia reserves had been depleted. Arcantez was still in Vasmarque’s hands, but with our resources as strained as they were, Couran ruled that we weren’t ready to stage an assault, and so we entered into a lengthy period of preparation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would take at least a year for our army to prepare itself for an assault on Arcantez, and in the meantime, we would have to decide what to do with the lands we’d conquered. The counts who had surrendered to Couran’s force without a fight would be allowed to keep their titles, but since Velshdt and Samkh had both attempted to resist, they would need new rulers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was quickly decided that the new Count of Samkh would be Ruper, the man who we had convinced to surrender and join our cause back at Fort Valdsen. Many of Couran’s followers were aiming for a position as count, and plenty of them were incensed when they learned who Couran had chosen. That said, the goal he was trying to accomplish felt worth irritating some of his vassals to me: in short, the theory was that Ruper’s elevation to the status of count would prove that those who surrendered to Couran would be treated favorably, which would hopefully encourage others down the line to give up without a fight. A solution that didn’t make anyone upset with him would’ve been ideal, of course, but I had a feeling he’d have some other plan to mollify those he’d offended."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Velshdt, meanwhile, was to be handed over to Lumeire. That was a decision that nobody thought to question. Lumeire’s social standing had skyrocketed thanks to the recent rout he’d led. My retainers had come up with the plan, technically, but as our commanding officer, Lumeire was given the bulk of the credit for the mission’s success. Lumeire, however, was already the Count of Canarre, and Canarre and Velshdt were by no means close to one another. Ruling over both would be a challenge, and when asked what would become of the smaller county, Couran made a secondary declaration."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The position of Count of Canarre shall be entrusted to Ars Louvent!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran had promised that he would raise me to the status of count after the war with Vasmarque concluded. When we made that promise, however, he had not yet decided to claim Velshdt before taking on Vasmarque himself. I had to assume that the change of plans led to his decision to revise our agreement and move up the timeline."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was expecting the hall to erupt in a cacophony of outrage, but to my surprise, Couran’s announcement was met with a rather mixed reception. I realized that his followers might not have written off all of my retainers’ achievements as Lumeire’s after all. Rather, it seemed they were giving credit where it was due. The fact that Couran had taken every opportunity to praise my achievements in public probably played a part as well. A few of Couran’s followers nonetheless objected on the basis that I was too young, but Couran stood firm and refused to reconsider."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That wasn’t quite the end of the matter, though. There was still one obstacle that stood between me and the position of count: the fact that Lumeire had not immediately accepted the position of Count of Velshdt. He had asked to be given some time to consider the offer, and in light of Lumeire’s distinguished service, Couran had allowed him to do so. Now we just had to wait on his decision."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That night, Lumeire summoned me to his quarters. He wanted to speak with me alone, and I trusted him enough to go along with the request, slipping into his room without bringing along even a single guard. I found Lumeire sitting with a stern expression on his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you for coming, Ars,” Lumeire said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course,” I replied. “I’ve come alone, as promised.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Please, have a seat.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did just that, seating myself in a nearby chair. It was a finely-crafted and comfortable piece of furniture, but I was so nervous I barely even registered how nice it felt to sit on. For some time, Lumeire remained silent. I just sat there, waiting for him to initiate the conversation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually, Lumeire said, “Canarre has been passed down through my family for generations. I have lived there since I was a child, and I am very attached to the region. Small as the city of Canarre may be, I have spared no effort to ensure that as many of its citizens may live in peace and prosperity as possible. I do not believe that I have accomplished that goal, and I have always intended to carry on my efforts until the day I die.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lumeire paused, and I waited for him to collect himself and carry on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But all that being said,’’ he eventually continued, “compared to Velshdt, Canarre is small. So small, in fact, that the two hardly bear comparison. Its populace is minuscule, and its towns are closer to hamlets. The scale of natural resources available to Canarre pales in comparison to those found in Velshdt. By all rights, I should be ecstatic to receive this offer…and yet, I cannot bring myself to feel any joy in it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I understand how you feel. Painfully well,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire once again sunk into a lengthy silence. I watched him, my nerves fraying by the moment. I could appreciate just how conflicted he was about this proposal, and several minutes passed before he spoke once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Your Lordship?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you have the ability to raise Canarre into the realm it deserves to be? Can you make it prosper?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lumeire gazed into my eyes. This wasn’t the sort of question I could answer offhand, so I paused to mull over his words. Could I make Canarre prosper? It certainly wouldn’t be an easy task…and yet, I felt that it was one I was capable of. I had the knowledge and wisdom of my followers on my side, as well as the latent talent that still slumbered undiscovered within Canarre’s borders. If I could find everyone with talents to contribute and raise them to positions where they could make the most of them, I was confident that I could turn the county into a far better realm than it was at the moment. And so, I returned Lumeire’s gaze and made my declaration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lumeire spent several seconds simply looking into my eyes. After that, his grim, serious expression gave way and his mouth curved into the slightest hint of a smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I will become the Count of Velshdt. I leave Canarre in your capable hands.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0031.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The town of Redroot was in the County of Cornlent, a relatively small district located in eastern Seitz, one of the duchies of the Summerforth Empire. Redroot was a small town in and of itself, and was in Cornlent’s northeastern reaches."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Redroot was not a prosperous town. It was located in an arid stretch of land, and growing any crops at all was a struggle. What few buildings there were were old and decrepit, to the point that some looked liable to collapse on account of a stiff breeze. You could tell how impoverished the land was just by looking at its people. Most were poor, and many were beggars with no place to call home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz Muses was born in Redroot as the son of a slave. Rietz was a Malkan, an ethnicity that hailed from a land that had once fought and lost a war with the Summerforth Empire. In the fallout after the war’s close, many Malkans were enslaved and brought back to the empire to serve their former foes. Free Malkans had gradually become a less uncommon sight as the ages passed, but the majority of the population that lived in the empire still lived lives of forced servitude."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz’s parents were both Malkan slaves, and as the children of slaves were enslaved upon birth, Rietz had been saddled with the same fate since the moment he came into the world. Never once could he remember having been treated as a human being in his youth. His meals were modest to an extreme, he was only fed the bare minimum that would keep him alive, and he was the subject of frequent whippings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To make matters worse, Rietz’s parents were unable to act as his guardians. His mother died of an illness when he was only four, and even during the period when she was alive, she hardly treated him as her beloved son. She had been compelled by her owners to give birth to a child, and if she held any affection for him, she never let it show. His father followed her to the grave two years later, dying of the very same sickness. He had never shown any interest in Rietz at all, and Rietz couldn’t remember ever having so much as a single conversation with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The one family member Rietz did have a caring relationship with, his little sister, vanished without warning when he was seven. She hadn’t died, from what he was able to gather, but she’d been taken away to some other town, never to return. Seven years into his life, he had already lost every single one of his blood relatives."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, after withstanding year after year of miserable abuse, Rietz was sold at the age of eleven. The person who owned Rietz was deep in debt, and he chose to auction off one asset after another in an attempt to stay financially stable. Rietz was just the next item on that list. He was left to languish in a slave trader’s cell, waiting for someone to come along and purchase him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And here we have a Malkan child! He may be a brat, but he has some decent muscles on him─a fine pick for manual labor, I assure you! Best of all, his price tag: a mere silver piece, and the boy is yours! How about it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz stood in a sales yard, his cage lined up alongside those of many other slaves. The slave trader had called out to a passerby and put a price on Rietz’s life: a mere silver coin. He was not, it seemed, considered a luxury item."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“One silver, eh? Pretty cheap,” muttered the man the slave trader was speaking to. He had a frightful face, with scars on his forehead and cheek, and he stepped up to Rietz’s cage to inspect the boy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just then, a short man who accompanied the man with the scars spoke up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boss, this kid’s a Malkan,” he said. “You know what they say about those. He’s inferior! No way we’ll get any use outta him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The so-called boss rested his chin in his hand as he stared at Rietz, his gaze seeming to penetrate through him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh!” said the short man. “Oh, I get it! You’re thinking of using him for chores, eh? That’s a job fit for a Malkan, for sure. And he does have a pretty face…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Save it, you oaf,” said the boss. “That’s a job for women. This one’s a man, and that means he’ll fight.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, for the─why him, then? Why not any of the others?” the short man protested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The boss ignored him and turned back to the slave trader."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you have anything cheaper than a silver?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I’m afraid he’s our most affordable option,” said the slave trader. “Malkans are the cheapest race, and he’s the only one we have in stock today.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? Fine, then. I’ll take him,” said the boss."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A-Are you kidding me, Boss?” said the short man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why so upset? He’ll make a decent enough decoy, and for a silver, that’s all he’ll have to be to pay off the investment. If he’s good for anything else, that’s just a bonus. Imagine if we bought one of the expensive ones and they turned out to be worthless! You wanna put us in the red? Our coffers aren’t exactly full right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know, okay?” the short man sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Anyway, the decision’s been made. Here’s your silver,” he said, flicking a coin to the slave trader."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A pleasure doing business with you,” the slave trader said. Just like that, Rietz found himself the property of a pair of men he’d never met before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, kid,” said the boss. “You got a name?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The men had taken Rietz to a nearby pub to question him. It had been quite some time since anyone had asked him for his name. Most people didn’t pay any mind to the names of slaves at all, and it had been so long since he’d last had reason to say it out loud, it took a second before his name came to mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rietz Muses,” he eventually said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A number of dishes were laid out on the table that Rietz and the men were seated at. It was simple fare, but Rietz had been hungry for so long that it looked like a feast to him. His eyes were irresistibly drawn to the food, even as he spoke with the men."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rietz, eh?” said the boss. “Well, I’m Varrock Glade. I’m the leader of a band of mercenaries called the Flood. This here’s Pentan, one of my men.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pentan, who was seated to Varrock’s side, had spent the whole time since they’d arrived looking down at Rietz and not saying a word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re…‘mercenaries’…?” repeated Rietz. He hadn’t received any sort of formal education up to that point, and he lacked many pieces of what most people would consider essential knowledge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t know what it means, eh?” said Varrock. “A mercenary’s a man who fights for his daily bread. I didn’t buy you to use you as a slave─I bought you to join our crew. You’ll be fighting by our side from now on.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But…I’ve never fought anyone,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’ll just have to learn the ropes, then. We’ll say you have a month to get yourself into fighting shape. There are other ways we could use you, to be clear, but they’ll get you killed before you know it, and I don’t think either of us wanna see that happen. Dead men don’t make me money, y’know?” said Varrock. His tone was blunt and level-headed, and Rietz could tell that if he failed to learn to fight, Varrock would think nothing of using him as a sacrificial pawn and letting him die in a ditch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz didn’t know what sort of end was in store for him if he refused to fight, but one look at Varrock’s expression told him on an intuitive level that it wouldn’t be a pleasant one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How should I learn to fight?” Rietz asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“By practicing. No other way about it. Becoming capable enough to go into battle in a month’s gonna be tough, though. You’d better train like your life depends on it,” Varrock said flippantly before shoving a piece of bread into his mouth. Just then, Rietz’s stomach let out a loud rumble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The food’s for all of us, kid,” Varrock said. “We’ll keep you fed. Can’t fight on an empty stomach, after all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz hesitated, wondering if it was all right for him to eat as well. Eventually, he reached a timid hand out toward his tableware and took a few cautious bites, then looked up to see how Varrock was reacting. Once it became clear that his new leader wasn’t going to chastise him, Rietz started shoveling food into his mouth with wild abandon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When the three of them had finished eating, Varrock stood up and dropped a coin onto the table to pay for their meal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s about all I have to say for now. Here’s hoping you don’t make me regret my purchase, kid,” he said, though the look on his face wasn’t particularly hopeful. No, it was the look of a man who expected that Rietz would be dead before he knew it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was led to the mercenary band’s gathering spot and was introduced to a few other members. None of them seemed to have very much interest in him, though for once, it wasn’t because he was a Malkan. Rietz was just a child, but he could still tell that their apathy stemmed from the fact that they expected him to die before long."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All Rietz could do was reflect on the fact that he’d been purchased by the most dangerous owner he could ask for. Getting whipped and forced to do menial labor for the rest of his life might’ve been better than the fate that awaited him here. Painful and miserable though that sort of lowly lifestyle would’ve been, at least he would’ve still been alive at the end of the day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But if I just learn to fight…I’ll get to live."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz went right up to Varrock and asked if there was a sword somewhere that he could use to train."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Already feel like getting some practice in, eh?” said Varrock. “I like your attitude. There’s a bunch of ’em in the corner over there. Take your pick.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few old, weathered blades were indeed piled up in the corner. Rietz picked one out for himself, then went outside to start swinging it about. At first he flailed wildly, failing to throw out a single decent blow, but in spite of his wiry frame, Rietz was surprisingly strong. Clumsy though his swings were, they were never out of control, even though the sword he’d chosen was by no means a light one. Varrock had no interest in helping Rietz with his training, and none of the other members had any interest in him in general. He was left to train on his own, practicing his swordsmanship for the rest of the day in solitude."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next day went much the same way, but this time, Rietz was able to observe other members of the band as they went about their own training. He watched how they held and swung their swords, taking in every detail and trying to replicate their movements. Rietz’s powers of perception and athletic abilities were exceptionally high, and it wasn’t long before he’d copied the mercenaries’ form to perfection. He improved at a breathtaking pace, gaining more and more skill with the blade."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days later, Varrock decided to check in on the band’s newest member on a whim. He hadn’t expected much out of Rietz, but when he saw the boy’s swordsmanship and stance, he was taken aback."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’ve got a knack for this,” Varrock said. “Have you always known how to swing a sword? No, they would’ve charged more than a silver if you did.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He didn’t know a blade from a pommel last time I watched him. Just look at him go now, though!” said another mercenary: a bald-headed man named Rayvill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rayvill was one of the more serious-minded members of their band, and he made a habit of running through his sword drills on a daily basis. He was the first person who Rietz had tried imitating, and though Rayvill had shared his fellows’ disinterest in the boy at first, his rapid and dramatic improvement caught the mercenary’s attention."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just might’ve picked out a diamond in the rough,” said Varrock with a grin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Flood was currently operating in the Redroot area, which had become exceedingly unruly as of late. Brigands roamed the roads freely, and public order was a thing of the past. Technically speaking, most of the local ruffians were former soldiers and deserters─in other words, not the sort of men one could take down in a fight with ease. Lacking a proper militia of his own, the Baron of Redroot had been forced to hire mercenaries in a last-ditch effort to restore some semblance of peace to his realm, and that was where the Flood came into the picture."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The baron was planning to set out on an expedition to eliminate as many bandits as he could in a few weeks’ time, and Varrock’s crew would accompany him. The more bandits he and his men eliminated, the better they’d be compensated for their efforts. If Rietz was an innately talented swordfighter, then Varrock had stumbled into a stroke of good fortune at just the right moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If the boy’s got talent, we’d better press him to the grindstone for real,” said Varrock. “Hey, Pentan! You’re in charge of training the brat.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, me?” said Pentan. “Gimme a break, Boss! He’s got a knack, sure, but that don’t mean he’ll carry his weight on the battlefield.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whether one was a talented swordsman and whether they could go out onto a battlefield and kill a man were two entirely different questions. Pentan had seen plenty of people panic and get themselves killed when it came time for the real thing, and plenty more capable recruits turned tail and fled the second they had the chance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t need you to tell me that, Pentan,” said Varrock. “But you know as well as I do that if he does end up being useful, it’ll be worth the effort we put in now, so just shut up and train the damn kid.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pentan let out a sigh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fine, fine. You’re the boss, Boss,” he grumbled, then begrudgingly began teaching Rietz how to fight."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days passed by, and under Pentan’s tutelage, Rietz’s swordsmanship improved by leaps and bounds─though whether the man’s instructions were much help was up to question. Regardless, Pentan came to understand that as long as Rietz was capable of putting his skills to practical use, he’d be an immense asset on the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One day, the whole band was called together for a meeting. The Flood consisted of a little less than a hundred men in total. It wasn’t a massive band, but it also wasn’t a small one by any means. A hundred men was just about average for mercenaries of their ilk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Varrock stood before his band and began to speak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, people, tomorrow’s the big day. We’ve got a job, and the pay’s damn decent, all things considered! Our employer’s got it out for the bandits we’re going after, and he says he’ll throw in a bonus if we exceed expectations, so I expect every one of you to pull your weight!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The assembled mercenaries broke out in a raucous cheer. A hefty payout meant good food and beautiful women would all be within reach, not to mention all the other benefits that a purse full of coin could bring you. Knowing that their efforts would directly translate to a better pay rate boosted their morale like nothing else could."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz, however, was a bundle of nerves. He’d grown capable enough to defeat several members of the band in practice duels, but this would be his first real battle, and there were too many unknown factors to count. He could hardly have been more uneasy about what was to come."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The members of the Flood went back to their own business when Varrock’s speech was done, but Varrock stopped Rietz before he could get far."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right. Hey, kid! I haven’t given you your gear yet, have I? C’mere for a minute.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My gear?” repeated Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Can’t fight without a blade, can you? I had some armor and a sword made for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was the first that Rietz had heard of any such custom-made gear. Varrock had had his measurements taken a few days beforehand, but he’d explained nothing at the time and Rietz hadn’t ended up asking what it was all about. Apparently, it was to size his suit of armor. Rietz followed Varrock, who soon presented him with a set of light armor designed for mobility and a rather shoddy one-handed sword."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Try ’em on,” said Varrock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz did as he was told and slid on the suit of armor. The measurements had been on point, and it fit him like a glove."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“By the way, those are coming out of your paycheck. In other words, you won’t see a coin from me until they’re all paid off.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” Rietz blinked with shock. All of this came as a surprise to him, from the gear itself to the talk of it coming out of his pay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Quit gawking at me, kid. It’s only natural. Nothing comes free in this world, so get used to it,” said Varrock, leaving no room for Rietz to protest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Surprised though he was, Rietz wasn’t opposed to the arrangement. It was certainly true that he couldn’t go into battle without a weapon and armor, and in his mind, the implication that he would be paid once he’d worked off the price of his gear was something to celebrate. Slaves didn’t get paid, and this was his first time even considering the possibility. He’d spent all his life on thankless drudgery, obeying his master’s orders without so much as a hint of reward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Considering the fact that you’re still a brat, I expect you’ve got a lot of growing left to do,” said Varrock. “You’ll have to get new gear when this stuff doesn’t fit anymore, so I wouldn’t get your hopes up about making decent coin any time soon. Not unless you work yourself to the bone, that is.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as Rietz was coming to the conclusion that any pay was better than no pay, Varrock pulled the rug out from under him. It was true, though. The moment he hit a growth spurt, his perfectly-sized armor would stop fitting him, and having to replace it would likely consume all the money he earned and then some. After that brief moment of hope, Rietz was dejected to realize that his slave-like lifestyle wasn’t going to change any time soon after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, a new day dawned…and with it came Rietz’s very first battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz’s first battle was imminent. Varrock had led the rest of his band to rendezvous with the baron’s army, and together, they would march into battle. The standing army of Redroot wasn’t large by any means, numbering slightly larger than the Flood, and its soldiers didn’t look well-equipped, either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, not a chance in hell these people could deal with all those bandits on their own,” Varrock muttered to himself when the two forces met, just loud enough for Rietz to overhear him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The army of Redroot wasn’t led by the baron himself. Rather, one of his chief retainers served as their commander. He was a big, brawny man who looked like he knew his way around a battlefield, and he was famous enough in the region that a few of the Flood’s members already knew his name: Ordovalle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good, you’re here!” bellowed Ordovalle in a voice loud enough that the people of the next town over might’ve heard him. “The time has come to set out and purge the filth that has sullied the peace and sanctity of Redroot’s roadways! Follow me!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What his men lacked in equipment, they seemed to make up for in enthusiasm. They let out a spirited cheer in response to Ordovalle’s speech, then marched along after him. The Flood fell in behind the army of Redroot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The combined force’s destination was a hideaway used by the local bandit population. The baron had conducted an investigation in advance of this excursion, and had determined that the brigands were based out of the ruins of an old fort several miles away from the town. It was an ancient structure, and when it was constructed it had only been intended as a temporary fortification to protect Redroot’s borders during a war. The fort had served its purpose well, but when the war ended and peace returned to the barony, it was deemed unnecessary and abandoned, only for bandits to take up residence within it years later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Having been abandoned an age ago, the fort had reportedly lost what few sparing defenses it had been given when it was first constructed. The bandits, however, seemed to have someone familiar with construction among their number, and they’d made renovations to restore it to a defensible state. Assaulting the stronghold wouldn’t be easy, and that wasn’t even taking into account the fact that there were a fair number of bandits holed up within it, all of whom were at least somewhat used to combat. Worse still, there was a chance that they’d gotten their hands on a catalyzer. If that was true, then the battlefield could descend into a magical death trap at any moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The soldiers marched onward, eventually pausing just a short distance away from the occupied fort. Ordovalle was a valorous man, but it had become apparent that he wasn’t much for planning. Where some commanders would have stopped to formulate a strategy, he chose to spearhead a march on the fort, leading his troops directly toward it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That stupid son of a bitch,” Varrock muttered as he watched Ordovalle begin his reckless advance. The commander’s decision had caught Varrock by surprise. There was a very high risk that the bandits had set up traps in the area surrounding the fort, and while plowing through them may have been a costly but effective tactic if their force had a numerical advantage, they weren’t working with an excess of men. Charging in without a plan was the height of foolishness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Varrock paused for just a moment to mull over his options. Unfortunately, he wasn’t much of a tactician himself, and in the heat of the moment, he failed to come up with any better ideas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To hell with it,” he eventually shouted. “We’re going in! Charge!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Varrock had allowed Ordovalle and his men to rush in on their own, and if they’d somehow managed to emerge victorious, it was very possible that the baron would choose to deny the Flood their payment. That was the one outcome that Varrock felt the need to avoid at all costs, so he followed along in Ordovalle’s wake, leading his men in a madcap dash toward the fort."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The soldiers who had rushed ahead were already at the fort’s walls. They’d put up ladders, and were climbing toward the ramparts. All things considered, the state of the battle seemed favorable as Varrock and his men closed in on the action. The bandits had been less than alert─possibly because their watchmen were sleeping on the job─and hadn’t noticed the Redroot army until the absolute last second. They were taken by surprise, and Ordovalle’s men had made it into the fort with ease before the bandits even began to mount a counterattack. It didn’t feel like the bandits were even trying to mount a coordinated defense at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Looks like luck’s on our side, boys,” said Varrock with a sneer. Nothing could be better for a mercenary than ending up on the right team in a one-sided battle. Not only would the odds of the Flood losing any men be low, but they’d also have the chance to crush their foes with impunity, earning spoils of war and extra pay in the process. That upside was doubly applicable in this case, since there was a fort to be raided. Varrock knew the bandits could have their loot squirreled away somewhere on the premises, and though the Redroot soldiers were required to turn their plunder over to Ordovalle, the Flood’s men were under no such obligation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All things considered, this job had the potential to be a windfall. The Redroot soldiers and the Flood’s mercenaries alike were in high spirits as they fought through the fort, but Rietz alone was far too nervous for their morale to rub off on him. That was to be expected─it was, after all, his first battle. It was his first time hearing a man’s death wail, hearing the cheers and cries of battle, smelling the distinctive odor of cleaved flesh and fresh blood, and witnessing one man after another slain before his eyes. Each was a new experience, and all of them put together drove him to decide to flee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before Rietz had the chance to make a break for it, though, one of the bandits leaped out in front of him. The bandit held a sword at the ready, and swung it at Rietz without a hint of mercy or hesitation. Rietz dodged the blow effortlessly. For all his tension and distress, the movement came to him with ease. An observer might’ve thought him as calm as could be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz, as it turned out, was the sort of person who could get as nervous as possible without having his nerves manifest in his movements. If anything that tension proved helpful, narrowing his focus and allowing him to concentrate on the foe before him. Rietz watched the bandit, registered how he was moving, and knew what he had to do next."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The bandit swung his sword once more, but Rietz stepped back just enough to dodge the blade by a hair’s breadth. Then, he stepped forward, thrusting his own sword toward his foe’s neck. Rietz didn’t hesitate. It wasn’t that he felt no guilt for what he was about to do─just that the guilt wasn’t enough to stop him from following through. Rietz had already learned that you couldn’t show mercy on a battlefield, and although a storm of feelings flashed through his mind as he watched the bandit collapse, blood spraying from his lacerated throat, none of them had any impact on Rietz’s movements, for better or worse. He seemed unfazed as he moved on to his next foe, swinging his blade once again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz fell upon his enemies, cutting down one opponent after another. He fought to stay alive, and he fought to prove his worth to Varrock. He grew accustomed to the chaos and death around him at an unbelievable speed. Varrock and the rest of his band could fight without losing their nerve as well, but they had learned that skill after countless conflicts. Every one of them had needed time before they could set foot on the battlefield without feeling timid and terrified. Rietz, however, had gotten over that fear before his first battle was even finished. His skill with a blade was remarkable to begin with, but what truly made him a force to be reckoned with was his ability to fight to his fullest potential, no matter the circumstances."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The battle with the bandits was proceeding smoothly. Some of them attempted to flee, but any bandits who escaped were sure to turn up in the future to cause trouble all over again. Those who tried to run were chased, and those who tried to surrender were cut down without mercy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t let a single man escape! Kill them all!” bellowed Ordovalle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz followed those orders to the letter, relentlessly pursuing the fleeing bandits. It was clear at a glance that he was faster than his prey, and one of the bandits soon realized that he wouldn’t be able to escape and spun around to fight for his life. The bandit wasn’t a skilled fighter, though, and after exchanging only a few strikes and parries with Rietz, he was disarmed, his sword clattering to the ground some distance away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The bandit toppled to the ground, looking up at Rietz with tears in his eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“P-Please, spare me,” the man whimpered, his voice trembling so dramatically that it was downright pitiful. Rietz hesitated. Could he kill a man who was weeping and begging for his life?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who would notice if just one of them escaped? Rietz thought. He stepped back, turned around, and began walking away from the bandit…who took the opportunity to pull a knife from the breast of his shirt and lunge at Rietz. Rietz wheeled about, trying to raise his blade, but it was too late. He’d never make it in time, and as the fact that he was about to die sank in, something flew past Rietz’s face and slammed into the bandit’s head. The bandit collapsed, and as Rietz looked down at his body he realized what the object was: a crossbow bolt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thought you were doing a little too well for your first battle, but looks like you’ve got a long way to go after all,” said Varrock as he walked over to Rietz, crossbow in hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I saved you this time ’cause I think you’ll be useful in the long run. I won’t bother next time, though, so you’d better make sure this doesn’t happen again,” he added in his usual indifferent tone. “When you’re on a battlefield, the only thing the people around you are thinking of is how to kill their enemy. That’s all you have to think about, too. Don’t forget it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Those words had a profound impact on Rietz, and he would carry them to every battlefield he set foot upon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The battle with the bandits ended in the Redroot army’s one-sided victory. A number of the brigands who tried to flee were wiped out, and Ordovalle was quick to declare the expedition’s success a result of his brilliant work as commander."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, right. Luck won us the day, not your orders,” Varrock muttered curtly. Plenty of bandits had managed to escape, and if Ordovalle had taken the time to plan the assault and form a perimeter around the fort, those escapees could have been apprehended and slain instead. In that sense, it was hardly a victory worthy of praise, in spite of the fact that it had been won with very few allied casualties."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Varrock and his men went to report on the number of foes they’d slain and collect their payment for the battle. They had claimed quite a fair number of heads, and were expecting a hefty bonus, but Ordovalle had other ideas. According to him, the enemy had been routed in moments and the battle had barely taken any effort at all. He insisted that the battle had been won by his achievements before the Flood even took the field, and offered a payment lower than that which Varrock had been promised, let alone the bonus he’d expected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Varrock was not the sort of man to take a claim like that lying down. He flew into a rage, insisting upon the payment he was promised, but Ordovalle wouldn’t budge. Unfortunately for the Flood, an extended conflict between mercenary and employer would look worse for the mercenaries than it did for their client, and when all was said and done, Varrock gave in. The payment was substantial even after Ordovalle shaved it down, and it had been an easy enough battle that, from an effort to payout perspective, the mercenaries had still come out on top. The sight of the weighty sack of coin he was presented with was enough to quell Varrock’s rage, and the conflict ended peacefully, if not amiably."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That night, the Flood descended upon a local pub en masse to make good use of their reward and indulge in an evening of drunken revelry. They’d earned enough to buy the pub out, drinking and eating to their heart’s content in a raucous celebration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That Rietz, though!” said one of the mercenaries. “Looks like he’ll be useful after all!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Never thought a Malkan could best one of us proper folk, but I know what I saw back there. Some of those bandits were no slouches, and he went toe to toe with ’em!” said another."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz had become the center of the band’s attention. He was a Malkan, and a child to boot, and everyone had assumed he’d never live long enough to pull his weight. Seeing him fight, however, had changed their minds in a flash, and most of the Flood was now confident that he’d be an asset they could count on for a long time to come."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mercenaries like them were never wont to turn away a capable fighter. The stronger you were, the bigger your welcome would be. After all, more competent men on your side meant greater gains in battle and a lesser chance that you’d be killed. Plenty of them were prejudiced against Malkans, of course, and this by no means convinced them to change their views, but they were willing to make an exception if it would help them live another day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eat up, new blood!” one of the mercenaries shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz looked out over the spread of food before him, and hesitated. This was the first time in his life he’d been welcomed anywhere, and the experience had left him bewildered. He’d been born a slave, and treated as subhuman throughout his whole life. Time after time he’d been told that Malkans weren’t people, and he’d expected the same sort of treatment from his new comrades-in-arms. This reception was completely out of left field for him, but in the end, he overcame his confusion and accepted their offerings, stuffing himself until he couldn’t eat another bite."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the meal was over, the mercenary band’s men left Rietz behind to go off on their own. According to them, he was too young to appreciate whatever they were planning to do next. Rietz was confused, and it wasn’t until quite some time later that he came to realize they’d gone to pay a visit to the local brothel. On that day, though, his exhaustion won out against his curiosity and he retired to his bed at the inn, where he fell asleep on his lonesome."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Flood traveled from place to place, fighting battle after battle wherever they went. Rietz had thought that they were a local Redroot mercenary group at first, but as it turned out that was just a temporary home while they carried out their business in the region. The Flood’s actual headquarters were located in the Duchy of Missian. They’d trekked out to Seitz for the Redroot job, but typically, their work took place within the borders of their home duchy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz fought well in his second battle, and then again in his third. Most of his pay was channeled into the cost of his gear, but he was also granted a pittance to spend however he saw fit. Rietz had no idea what he could use the money for, so for the moment, he decided to hide it away and start saving until he came up with a better idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz took part in dozens of battles, and before he knew it, a year had come and gone since the day Varrock chose to buy him. Rietz had grown quite accustomed to combat over the course of that year. The more he fought, the more the constant conflict wore away at his body and soul, but he was alive, and he would keep fighting with all his strength to stay that way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While Rietz was adapting to his life as a mercenary, the state of affairs in Missian was growing more and more turbulent. Missian was never a wealthy land to begin with, and as the circumstances of the region grew more and more dire, its towns grew less and less safe. In a twist of fate, Missian’s mercenaries were some of the few to be spared the pain of the economic strife. To them, after all, more conflict meant more opportunities to line their pockets."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was aware of the state of the world, and he found himself unable to come to terms with how it benefited him. Every day he wondered whether it was all right for him to stay his current course, but an answer was never forthcoming. He had nowhere else to go, for one thing, so dropping out from the Flood would leave him adrift. He had no choice but to keep fighting for whoever paid him to do so, even if that meant bringing misfortune and death to whoever they pointed him toward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One day, as Rietz walked through the streets of a Missian town, he came across a trio of his fellow Flood mercenaries who seemed to be making a pass at one of the local girls. The girl was dressed in rags, and Rietz assumed she was one of the many impoverished locals. Her looks, however, contrasted with her outfit: she was a remarkably beautiful girl. She was also terrified, while the mercenaries’ lascivious grins made their intentions very clear. It only took a glance to tell that she was not enjoying their company."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One of the mercenaries reached out for the girl’s bosom, and the girl shrieked, “No! Please, leave me alone!” and swatted him away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, a fighter, are we? Hah hah, works for me! The struggle just makes the payout all the sweeter!” said the mercenary with a sneer. He grabbed the girl, restraining her and preparing to drag her off somewhere. She kicked and flailed with all her might, but was unable to so much as faze him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There were plenty of passersby in the street, but all of them turned a blind eye to the girl’s plight. The Flood had fought alongside the local baron’s forces on a number of occasions, and had racked up a series of accomplishments in doing so that gave the baron a high opinion of them and their services. That meant he would turn a blind eye to the occasional misdeed they committed in his territory, and the people were well aware that attempting to intervene would bring them nothing but pain. Nobody could bring themselves to object."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nobody, that is, except for Rietz, who stepped out in front of his comrades."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Stop it, you three,” he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” grunted one of the mercenaries. “Oh, it’s you, Rietz. Whaddya mean, stop it? We found her first, and you know what they say─finders keepers!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Or what, do you want in on the action? You’re still a bit young for this sorta fun, ain’t’cha?” said another of the trio."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Trust me on this, kid, you’ll have a better first time if you leave it to a pro! Ha ha ha!” said the third."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The three of them cracked up, while Rietz’s irritation with them grew stronger still."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s not it,” he said. “I’m saying that she doesn’t want this, so you should let her go.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, come on,” groaned one of the mercenaries. “Who died and made you sheriff, eh? Decided you wanna be a hero like you see in your storybooks?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha! C’mon, not like all of us didn’t go through that phase too!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This isn’t funny!” snapped Rietz. “Just let her go and move along. I can’t believe you’d pick on a girl! Aren’t you ashamed of yourselves?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, simmer down, kid. We’re not gonna eat the li’l miss, for god’s sake! We’ll just have our fun, and she can run on home. No problems there, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wrong,” Rietz growled. “I can’t just stand here and let you get away with this.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz stood fast. His comrades in arms had started out treating this like one big joke, but his uncompromising behavior was starting to get on their nerves. One of them even let out an exasperated sigh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Pain in the ass, I swear… Look, if we don’t have our way with her, someone else is gonna before you know it. Makes no difference if it happens now or later.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-How can you be so sure about that?!” asked Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“’Cause she’s a looker. Simple as that. Plus, she’s a pauper. She could vanish into the night, and nobody would bat an eyelash. No way a girl like her is getting left alone for long. It’s only a matter of time before some snatcher nabs her up and sells her off to some noble pervert, mark my words.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s not true, and even if it is, it’s no reason to not help her when I have the chance!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When’d you get this stubborn, anyway? If you’re not gonna see reason, I’m through with this. C’mon, boys,” he said, turning to leave and dragging the girl along with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey! Wait!” shouted Rietz, but the mercenaries ignored him and just kept walking. Rietz could tell that words wouldn’t get through to them, which meant it was time for his last resort."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz drew his sword and dashed out in front of the mercenaries, barring their path."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O-Okay, seriously, kid?” said one of the mercenaries. “You’re one of ours, and you know our band has rules, don’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s right!” shouted another. “Infighting’s banned, and you know it! You trying to get driven out?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Flood didn’t have very many precise, concrete rules, but what few it had were taken seriously. Its members weren’t allowed to fight each other for personal reasons. Conflicts were to be reported to the boss, no exceptions, and when the rule was broken, whoever started the fight was liable to be expelled from the group. There were a few other rules as well─members were prohibited from committing crimes against each other, and picking fights with anyone the boss labeled as off limits was right out. This town was poor, it was worth nothing, had received no such special distinction, meaning that as far as the boss was concerned anything his followers did in it was their own business."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0034.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Personal conflicts aren’t allowed, but as long as whoever picked the fight had a good reason, they can make an arrangement with the boss and not get driven out,” said Rietz. There were exceptions to every rule, and when one of the band’s members was humiliated by another member, or had one of their belongings stolen or broken, Varrock was known to sometimes side with the aggressor and decide that they’d had no choice but to resort to force. In those cases, the aggressor was absolved of their offense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And you’re saying that saving this girl’s a good reason? Try thinking that through one more time and see how it sounds to you, moron,” said the mercenary."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He wasn’t entirely off-base. What was and was not permissible was entirely at Varrock’s discretion, and harassing or assaulting townsfolk wasn’t in violation of any part of the Flood’s code of conduct. Varrock himself had stated that he didn’t give a damn, as long as nobody took their misbehavior too far. Judging by the boss’s words, the mercenaries were undoubtedly in the right, but Rietz still had no intention of standing down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re really not gonna let this go, are you?” asked one of the mercenaries."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s three on one. You get that, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I do. What about it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The mercenary clicked his tongue in irritation. Rietz’s words were full of confidence, and his comrades knew that his combat ability was unmatched. The three of them weren’t remarkable fighters by their band’s standards, and there was a good chance that they’d lose, even if they all rushed him at once. Rietz, meanwhile, was incensed, and it was obvious he was in no mood to see their side of things. If they fought him, there was a very real chance they’d come out of the encounter maimed, or even dead. Fearing the worst, the men came to a silent consensus and let the girl go."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmph,” snorted one of the men. “You’ll live to regret this, brat. The boss is gonna hear you drew your sword on us.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With those parting words, the three mercenaries went on their way. Somehow, Rietz had managed to save the girl, who was now sitting on the ground in a daze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you all right?” asked Rietz, offering a hand that the girl did not accept. She stood up on her own and fled without saying a word. Rietz caught a glimpse of her face before she went, and he recognized the meaning of the expression she gave him: it was one of clear contempt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Speechless, Rietz could only stand there and watch her leave. In that moment, he remembered that being a Malkan made him an object of prejudice and loathing. Mercenaries didn’t care what race you were as long as you could fight, but the rest of the world saw things differently, and outside of the bubble he’d been living in, Rietz was someone society looked down upon. The prejudice was so ingrained that the average person would despise him, even if he’d saved them from a terrible fate mere moments prior."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz hadn’t saved the girl because he was hoping she would thank him. Still, her contempt left a wound upon his heart that would not heal for a very long time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So? If you have an excuse, let’s hear it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The moment Rietz made it back to the Flood’s current base, Varrock called him over for a talk. The subject, of course, was how Rietz had drawn his sword on his fellow mercenaries earlier that day. Nobody was hurt in the end, but baring steel on an ally was still an unmistakable violation of the group’s social standards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They were trying to do something awful, so I stopped them. That’s all,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you think that gave you a good enough reason to draw on them?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz nodded without hesitation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Frankly, I don’t give a damn about what happens to some filthy little street lass. I think what the three of them were trying to do was pure idiocy, but being an idiot’s not against our rules. No matter what happened to the girl, it wouldn’t have been any problem for the rest of us.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Still, I had to help her!” shouted Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Let me remind you that my word is law here. Whatever you had to do isn’t my problem,” snapped Varrock with an icy glare that he maintained until Rietz stopped trying to protest. “Look, kid, we’re not heroes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz hung his head in silence, and Varrock carried on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Smacking down thugs isn’t our job. Our job is to go into battle and kill our enemies. If you want to be a knight in shining armor, then you’re not cut out for mercenary work. Save us all the trouble and go find some lord to serve.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Serving a lord."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz knew very well how unachievable of a goal that was for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not that anyone would take in a Malkan like you, ’course,” Varrock continued, echoing Rietz’s thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz couldn’t bring himself to say a word in his defense. He knew that no matter how much he polished his skills, the thought that a nobleman would choose him was the stuff of pure fantasy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re tough. Smart, too. But there isn’t a lord out there whimsical enough to take a Malkan into their household. You’ll never be anything other than a mercenary,” said Varrock, driving home the cold truth of the matter. Rietz understood that even if he couldn’t stand the way his fellow mercenaries behaved, this was still the only place he’d ever be accepted. “Nobody got hurt this time, so I’m willing to just let it go. I paid to bring you into this crew, after all─no sense wasting that money. There won’t be a next time, so tread lightly. Oh, and apologize to those three next time you see ’em.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The thought of apologizing to the men who tried to do something so foul, needless to say, didn’t sit right with Rietz at all. If he lost his place in the company, he’d lose the only means he had left to live. The way the girl he saved had scorned him made Rietz understand how impossible it was for a Malkan to get by in an empire that despised his people. No matter how much he hated it, this was the only place that would accept him, and no matter how hard he argued his case, he knew Varrock would never lend him an ear. Left with no other option, Rietz swallowed his pride and went out to apologize to the other mercenaries."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Varrock scowled as he watched Rietz leave his chamber."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Brat really pisses me off sometimes,” he muttered to himself. “It’s like looking at my own damn self from back in the day.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Varrock thought back to days long past, remembering the man he used to be. In the present day, those memories brought him nothing but irritation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Least he gave up nice and easy, though. Could tell by the look in his eyes,” he continued. When Rietz had gone out to find and apologize to his comrades, Varrock had felt assured that the boy had given up entirely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmph… Son of a bitch,” Varrock muttered. The scars on his face throbbed faintly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ever since that day, Rietz stopped questioning the actions of his fellow mercenaries, no matter what they did. He turned a blind eye to their every deed, however distasteful they might have been. He never joined in on the wrongdoing himself, but he was under no illusions as to his culpability. By ignoring the misdeeds of his fellows, he felt he was just as guilty as they were. He simply didn’t have the courage to protest. Rietz wasn’t brave enough to stand up against the lifestyle he hated and risk losing the one place he could call home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When he was on the battlefield, though, Rietz could forget everything. He could devote his mind to killing, and killing alone. He focused solely on cutting down his foes, just as Varrock had taught him to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Another year came and went. Two and a half years had now passed since Rietz joined the Flood, and though he was still young, he had grown into one of the most capable fighters in the band. The Flood’s reputation had risen in turn, and as its name spread, more and more members began to join. They had yet to participate in a major war, however, and most of their work consisted of hunting down bandits and other similar small-scale engagements. The Flood was still far from famous, even in Missian alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz’s skills had improved, but the lingering doubt of whether it was all right for him to keep living the mercenary life weighed on him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is stupid. I shouldn’t even be questioning it, he thought to himself over and over. Every time, he reached the same answer: It doesn’t matter whether or not it’s okay for me to do this. It’s my only option."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Flood was the only place that would accept Rietz for who he was. That was the truth, and it was inescapable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have a bad feeling about this, though. Varrock’s gotten too desperate to spread our name…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mercenary bands lived and died on name recognition. The more famous a band was, the more work came in for them. The Flood was plenty capable, but they simply didn’t have enough accomplishments under their belt to get that kind of recognition. Large-scale conflicts that a band like theirs could have a substantial impact on were few and far between, and so far, none of their jobs had led to the sort of publicity they needed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Varrock believed that his men were capable of pulling off a big job on a proper battlefield, and he would boast about their capabilities at the slightest provocation, but for all his talk he never seemed to bring in anything other than bandit hunting or supporting minor nobility in skirmishes with their neighbors. Small jobs still paid, so his livelihood was never at risk, but the Flood was hardly prospering. To Rietz, Varrock seemed dissatisfied with his current lot, and it felt like he was in a hurry to find the sort of job that would propel his band into the limelight he believed they deserved."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One day, Varrock called the band together for a meeting. Judging from past precedent, Rietz knew that probably meant he’d found a job for them. That was just about the only reason Varrock ever called meetings on short notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sure enough, when everyone assembled the first words out of Varrock’s mouth were “We’ve got a job, boys!” He was grinning as he said it, which took Rietz by surprise. The job itself wasn’t a shock, but Varrock was almost always in a sour mood. Cheerfulness was very much the exception for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s a big one, too,” Varrock continued. “We’re finally getting the chance we’ve been waiting for!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That explained his good mood. Varrock had spent day after day wishing that a big job would come his way, and it seemed that wish had been granted. Small wonder he was excited to tell everyone about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Seems some petty baron in a backwater county called Upusna’s staged an uprising. We’ve been called in to put him down,” Varrock explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The County of Upusna was in the far northeastern reaches of Missian. It was a small county, and as Rietz absorbed the details of the mission, he found himself questioning whether this was a big job at all. A lord in a territory that minor wouldn’t have much in the way of a standing army to his name, so it seemed unlikely they’d have to engage in any large-scale battles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz wasn’t the only one with doubts, and the others were far less hesitant to voice them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You call that our big break?” jeered one of the gathered mercenaries."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We might be up against a petty lord, but that petty lord’s saved up a fine stack of coin,” Varrock argued. “He’s hired mercenaries of his own, and a sizable troop at that. All told, he’s got quite the fighting force to his name─enough to rival the Count of Upusna’s standing army. Seems that count doesn’t want to have to go to the other lords in the county for help, so he decided to call on us instead.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A force large enough to rival a count’s army would certainly have to be rather substantial. Rietz still wasn’t convinced that this was the chance Varrock had been waiting for, but it would result in a larger-scale battle than the skirmishes with bandits they’d been dealing with up to that point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If one of us takes down a bigshot in battle, they’ll be singing our praises across the duchy before we know it! And that’s not even starting on the coin─this’ll be the biggest payout we’ve ever seen! Get ready, people! We’re making it big!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The gathered mercenaries joined Varrock in a triumphant roar of excitement. Rietz, however, remained silent as he looked on. A discomforting feeling that this wouldn’t go well was beginning to brew within him. He just couldn’t shake the feeling that this battle was a trap, and that the Flood was about to walk right into it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It took the Flood a few weeks to make their way to the County of Upusna. Rietz’s bad feeling about the mission remained as present and ominous as ever, but the rest of the band was raring to go and he knew it wasn’t a good idea to rain on their parade without any conclusive evidence that something was wrong. He kept his premonition to himself, trying to convince himself it was all in his head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Flood’s destination was the city of Upusna: the county’s capital and namesake. When they arrived, they found a city that was clearly not ruled over by a lord with much money to his name. The keep was old and decrepit, and the surrounding town was hardly thriving. It was clear at a glance that the forces of commerce hadn’t blessed the county with much in the way of prosperity, but perhaps that was a given. If the count had been rich, after all, he would’ve reached out to a more well-reputed band of mercenaries than the Flood."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The band soon met with the Count of Upusna himself, Terrence Prantory. Terrence was a heavyset, middle-aged man who looked like he’d never set foot on a battlefield in his life. Despite the dire economic conditions his county was coping with, the count was dressed to the nines in an expensive outfit that told Rietz his subjects’ taxes were not being spent to further their interests."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I welcome you to my home, fine men of the Flood! And my, what a capable band of men you…hm? I say, isn’t that a Malkan?” Terrance began, then paused to scowl as his gaze fell upon Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He might not look it, but the boy’s got as good a sword arm as you’ll ever see. I’d appreciate it if you’d turn a blind eye to him, Your Lordship,” said Varrock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm? Well, it hardly matters. The situation is urgent, so without further ado, I’ll explain what it is I need you to do.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Terrance gestured to one of his servants, who spread out a map of the local area. They’d only just met the count, and he was already launching into an explanation of the battle to come."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Frankly, the state of things is dismal,” said the count. “The revolt sprung out of nowhere, and the rebels claimed a number of essential strategic points before we could do anything to bolster our defenses. They have momentum on their side, and we must do our utmost to ensure it does not last! We believe their next target will be here: Fort Bazul. We must defend that fort to the last, no matter what it costs us!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Flood had never fought a defensive battle before, at least since Rietz joined. As such, this would likely be most of its members’ first experience fighting on those terms. More so than that, Rietz was struck by just how much worse the situation was than he’d anticipated. They’d been told that the count had called them in to save face, not wanting to ask the lords beneath him for their assistance, but that story didn’t line up with Terrance’s explanation. If the situation was that bad, saving face would be the last thing on his mind. Varrock, however, had no interest in giving the count advice he hadn’t asked for and accepted his explanation without protest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Needless to say, we’ve prepared a lavish reward for whichever band of mercenaries contributes the most to our cause,” said Terrance as he brandished a hefty-looking bag, pulling out a handful of gold coins to show off to the Flood. It was a tremendous amount of gold for the count of a realm so clearly impoverished to be offering, which went to show how desperate he was for a way out of the corner he’d been driven into."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The mercenaries, for their part, looked at the sack of gold with greed and glee in their eyes. Varrock was comparatively composed─after all, to him fame was just as important as money, if not moreso. Whatever their reasons, the band’s morale was high across the board as they set out for Fort Bazul, accompanied by several other groups of mercenaries and the Upusnan army."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Flood filed through the gates of Fort Bazul. Being an important strategic point for the county’s defenses, the fort had been built to weather any assault. Unfortunately, it had also been built quite a long time ago and had gone through very little in the way of repairs or improvements since. The modern battlefield was dominated by magic, a force that hadn’t had any tactical application when the fort was built, and whether or not its walls would stand up to a magical barrage was unclear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days after the Flood arrived at the fort, the enemy force went on the attack. The rebellion had been staged by House Rudasso, a long-established noble family in the region. The Rudassos had never had an especially good reputation, and as chaos swept across the empire, rumor had it they’d been scheming and maneuvering their way toward greater power via less than legitimate means."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They’d supposedly tried to carry out a plan to delegitimize House Prantory, the current count’s family, but the plan had failed and their plot was exposed for the world to see. This rebellion was their last-ditch effort to avoid the sanctions they’d otherwise face. It seemed impossible that the Rudassos hadn’t realized that even if they managed to succeed and unseat House Prantory, the Duke of Missian would put them and their ambitions to rest before they knew it. Still, the Rudassos were intent upon fighting to the bitter end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The rebels descended on the fort in a frantic assault. Their morale was high, and their commanders seemed quite competent as well, making them a force to be reckoned with. House Prantory’s commanding officers were no slouches either, issuing orders with speed and precision, and they held the advantage in terms of numbers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The majority of Rietz’s combat experience so far had been against groups of bandits. This was, from a certain perspective, his first time participating in a real, all-out battle. No matter how the particulars of the battlefield changed, though, Rietz’s job was always the same: kill the enemy before they killed him. That was all there was to it. He’d cut down a soldier who was trying to gain a foothold within the fort, then move on to the next. And the next. And the next."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz aside, the members of the Flood were riding unusually high in anticipation of their reward, and were making great contributions to the state of the battle on the whole. Varrock’s efforts in particular stood out among the rest. He tended to go into battle with a lackadaisical attitude, but today, he fought with the strength and ferocity of a demon taken human form. Rietz had never seen Varrock fight with all his might before, and he was stunned to learn just how dangerous his boss could be when the need arose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Gods be damned,” muttered one of House Prantory’s soldiers. “Who the hell are those people?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mercenaries,” said another. “Call themselves the Flood.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The Flood? Never heard of ’em.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, their boss is a monster! Dunno how the hell someone like him’s gone this long without getting any attention.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did you see the Malkan, though? He’s a monster in his own right! Weren’t they supposed to be inferior, or something?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "House Prantory’s men were in awe at the Flood’s work, though they were no slouches themselves. The tide of battle was steadily flowing in the defenders’ favor, and as the enemy’s soldiers fell one after another, their morale began to plummet. They’d started out with absolute confidence that the fort would be theirs, but as the battle carried on and they made no progress toward capturing it, their confidence declined. Eventually, their commander judged that taking the fort was a lost cause and ordered a retreat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The enemy flees! Victory is ours!” cried one of the defenders. Since defending the fort was the operation’s entire goal, the enemy’s retreat signaled their victory in an instant, and the defending soldiers let out an ear-splitting roar of victory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I suggest that we pursue the enemy, Lord Terrance,” Varrock suggested, keeping his cool even while everyone around him celebrated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Pursue them?” said Terrance. “Well, it would be wonderful to end their little rebellion here and now, but my forces are exhausted. You and yours have fought well too─no shame in taking a rest, don’t you think?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We may have won this battle, but the enemy’s army is far from spent,” Varrock countered. “If we press the advantage now, we could reduce their numbers and skew the odds of the war on the whole in our favor.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You make a compelling case…but as I said, my men have been fighting for days on end! They’re far too worn out to pursue the enemy now,” said Terrance. The count showed no interest in following Varrock’s advice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fine, then… In that case, the Flood will pursue the enemy on our own.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You can’t be serious,” said Terrance. “The enemy may be on the retreat, but they do still have a whole army at their disposal! You have many daring warriors in your band, I’ll admit, but chasing them down on your own would still be far too dangerous!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There may be a lot of them, but an army that’s been routed is little more than a disorganized mob. They’ll never get the better of us in that state,” said Varrock with an air of absolute confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was shaken by his leader’s attitude. The attack he was proposing was as high-risk as they came, and obviously so. It was true that pulling it off would put them in the count’s good graces and further bolster their reputation, but the Flood had already distinguished themselves in battle. In Rietz’s mind, pushing their luck in a needless pursuit was greedy to the point of foolishness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One look at the rest of the Flood, however, proved that Rietz was the only one who harbored such apprehensions. His comrades had worked themselves up into an ecstatic frenzy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You heard the boss!” one of the mercenaries shouted. “We’ll slaughter the lot of ’em!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’re not just gonna let the bastards get away, are we?!” yelled another."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not one of them had stopped to consider what would happen if their excursion failed. Rietz was certainly in no position to convince them to stop, though as their employer, Terrance could have ruled out the attempt with a single word, and Varrock would have had no choice but to obey. Rietz looked to Terrance, hoping against hope that the lord would see reason."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, if you’re that enthusiastic, I see no reason to stop you! Give the enemy what for!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz’s hopes were dashed, and the Flood set out to pursue the retreating enemy force without delay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Flood chased after their foes with the utmost of zeal, Rietz aside. The mercenaries had gotten so carried away after their initial victory that they seemed utterly fearless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Varrock is usually more composed than this, Rietz thought. Why is he this desperate to prove himself in this battle?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The more the Flood’s name spread, the better the jobs it’d be offered, and the easier it would become for its members to live in relative luxury. This job was already set to pay out a hefty reward, though─enough to live on for some time, and in comfort at that─and Varrock had never been one to splurge in the first place. He never accompanied his men to the brothels, and he never overindulged in food or drink, either. He maintained his weapons and gear, of course, so he spent some money, but Rietz had never gotten the impression he was desperate for cash."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But if he’s not after money…what does he want out of this?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mercenaries fought for money. If there was any other purpose that could drive someone to live this life, Rietz couldn’t think of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Under Varrock’s command, the Flood charged forward, their spirits as high as could be. Before long, they sighted the fleeing enemy force in the distance. The moment Rietz caught sight of them, alarm bells began ringing in his head. They looked unaware and defenseless, so much so that it felt unnatural. They showed absolutely no sign of realizing that the Flood was drawing near, and while it was plausible that an inept army could be that unobservant, the way they’d fought back at the fort proved that they were anything but incapable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz wasn’t well-versed in tactical theory, and even though he could feel that something was wrong, he had no idea what exactly it was that the enemy was attempting to do. Varrock, meanwhile, saw the enemy’s inattentiveness as the perfect opportunity and ordered his men to charge. As they raced toward the enemy’s back ranks, their soldiers spun about in unison to face the mercenaries. It wasn’t the sort of move they could’ve managed off the cuff─they’d known the Flood was coming, and they were prepared for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The mercenaries were taken by surprise, but not nearly enough to convince them to call off the attack. Moments later, a pair of soldiers emerged from out of nowhere, each of them holding a small catalyzer: mages. The road the Flood had been charging along happened to cut between two small hills, giving the mages the perfect location to stage an ambush."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mages?! Fall back!” Varrock frantically shouted. However, it was too late. The mages unleashed their spells, sending countless bolts of magical fire raining down upon the Flood."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The enemy mages weren’t very skilled, but the Flood didn’t have a single mage to its name, and they lacked the ability to defend against magical attacks in any capacity. They were perfectly vulnerable to this sort of attack, so it proved most effective. The mercenaries fell in droves, burning alive in the blink of an eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz managed to dodge and weave his way through the rain of fire. It felt more like a miracle had spared his life than he’d saved it himself, really."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ugh,” groaned Varrock. Rietz’s eyes fell to the band’s leader. His leg had been pierced through by a bolt of flame, and it was obvious he wouldn’t be walking any time soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Rietz left him there, Varrock would be killed for sure. Fleeing alone would have raised the odds of Rietz’s survival. And yet, Rietz chose to stop and save Varrock. There were plenty of ways in which he didn’t see eye to eye with the man, but when all was said and done, he saw Varrock as his savior─as the man who’d given him a place where he belonged."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz dashed through the firebolts, made it to Varrock, hoisted the man onto his back, and then fled as fast as his legs could carry him. Proving that desperation can trigger inhuman feats of strength, Rietz ran at an incredible pace despite carrying a fully grown man. Unbelievable though it was, Rietz managed to escape from the flaming death trap and flee for his life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few hours had passed, and night had fallen. Rietz’s adrenaline-driven sprint was far from sustainable, and when fatigue began to set in, he’d found a nearby watering hole to stop and rest at."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Varrock’s leg was in a terrible state. He’d suffered horrific burns across the rest of his body as well, and his injuries were clearly debilitating. Finding the watering hole had been a stroke of luck that helped him hold on, but in his current state, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he’d dropped dead at any moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why didn’t you leave me?” asked Varrock, who was just barely clinging to consciousness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Because I owe you. I couldn’t abandon you,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You owe me? Since when? I bought you ’cause I thought you’d be useful. There was nothing else to it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know, but that’s not what I meant. I feel indebted to you on a personal level, that’s all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmph,” Varrock grunted derisively. “Well, one way or another, you wasted your time. I won’t last much longer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-Why would you say that? You can’t know that for sure!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, I know. It’s my body, and I know it better than anyone. Maybe I’d pull through if I made it back to the fort and got treated, but I’m sure as hell not walking, and you’d need at least three days to drag me there. It’d take more than one miracle for me to last that long. It ain’t happening, kid.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Varrock spoke of his own death with brazen indifference. If he was scared to die, he didn’t let it show."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Considering how things looked back there, I’m not the only one who’s not making it out,” Varrock continued. “I’d say eight outta ten of us didn’t make it. The Flood’s finished.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“H-How can you be so casual about this?!” snapped Rietz. “You might die, you know? Don’t you care?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, you were expecting me to kick up a wailing fit about it? What kinda pathetic excuse of a mercenary would go out on a note like that? Leave the sobbing and pissing to the nobles and merchants who’ve never had to risk their lives─I won’t have it,” Varrock spat. It was a tone Rietz could never have imagined hearing from a man who knew his death was close at hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I really blew it this time, though. I always knew that getting greedy would bring me nothing but pain, and look at me now… Hah… Hah hah,” Varrock weakly chuckled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz could tell just by watching Varrock that he was right. He clearly wasn’t long for this world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y’know what, Rietz?” Varrock muttered. “I was a slave too, back in the day, just like you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What?” said Rietz, eyes widening in shock. Varrock had never told him anything of the sort before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The one difference is that I ran away on my own. Stole the key, popped my shackles, and made a break for it,” Varrock continued, paying no mind to Rietz’s astonishment. “Never wanted to live a mercenary’s life. Thought I could really make something of myself, but they don’t teach slaves the skills a man needs to live an honest life. Mercenary work’s all I could manage, and honestly, I wasn’t even cut out for it. Killing for money, watching the folks I fought beside act like petty crooks─I hated every goddamn second of it. Still, I put up with it. I just kept going, and going, and holding it all in, and before I knew it, I didn’t feel anything at all anymore. ’S not that I got used to it. It broke me. My heart couldn’t take much more of it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Varrock spoke about his past, Rietz’s mental image of the man fell to pieces. Every word of his story was so far afield of his expectations that he almost couldn’t believe it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Even after all that, I still had one last shred of ambition. I wanted to be a nobleman. I thought that if I got my name out there, if my band of sellswords got famous enough, then somebody somewhere might decide to toss me a scrap of land and a title to go with it. And here I am, for all the good that wish did me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At long last, Rietz understood why Varrock had always been so fame-hungry. The Summerforth Empire had entered an era of turmoil, and men who could fight were sought after no matter where you went. Well-known mercenaries being granted noble titles was hardly unheard of in the modern age."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re like me, Rietz,” Varrock continued. “You’re no mercenary. You’re not cut out for it. And if you don’t wanna end up like me, you’d better put this life behind you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But…I don’t have any other choice,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re a Malkan, all right. There’s not a man out there who wouldn’t look down on you for it. But you’re also strong, and there’s not a man out there who can deny that. You’re strong, and smart, and it’s only a matter of time ’fore you find someone with the sense to notice it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t know that…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who knows?” said Varrock. “Maybe some nobleman out there with a good eye and no common sense’ll pick you outta the crowd and give you the job you deserve.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“N-No, that’s just not possible.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Everything’s possible. That’s the sorta world we live in. Nobody knows what’ll happen next,” said Varrock as he looked Rietz in the eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz knew that the fantasies his leader was describing were unfeasible, but somewhere, deep down, he hoped that Varrock was right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, that’s enough of that. Time for you to leave my sorry corpse behind and get back to the fort.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? No! I can’t!” shouted Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just shut up and listen… Carrying me along with you would take more stamina than you’ve got. I doubt you’ve even noticed how much carrying me this far took outta you. Way I see it, you might not make it back at all, and that’s not even mentioning that the enemy might be out there looking for us. If you’re hauling me along, you won’t stand a chance of getting away. There’s a thousand risks to taking me with you, and not one damn merit. I’d drop dead halfway there regardless.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Th-That can’t be true! Just look how much you’ve been talking to me! If you can talk that much, you can hold on until we get to the fort!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve only managed to talk this much ’cause I’m not worrying ’bout saving what strength I’ve got left. Just go, kid.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I…I won’t!” Rietz shouted, then hoisted Varrock onto his back and started walking once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“H-Hey! Dammit, kid, I told you to leave me behind!” Varrock exclaimed. However, Rietz didn’t even respond, and just kept walking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Peh,” Varrock spat. “Suit yourself, idiot.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Varrock seemed to give up and stopped trying to protest, while Rietz plodded on and on, one step after the next. Varrock was bigger and heavier than he was, but still Rietz walked, bearing both of their weight. Exhausted though he was, he never stopped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the time he reached the fort, having miraculously evaded the enemy force’s search parties, Varrock was already dead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Roughly twenty members of the Flood made it out of the engagement alive. Most of the survivors returned to the fort missing a hand, or a leg, or their vision. Losing a hand wasn’t a death sentence for a mercenary, but going blind or losing a leg meant the end of your career, no question about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Out of all the remaining members, only seven could even consider continuing to live as mercenaries, Rietz included. Perhaps they would’ve done just that, carrying on as the Flood and clawing their way back up to their former glory…if Varrock had survived. With their leader dead, however, what little hope they had left died as well, and the Flood disbanded for good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz took Varrock’s final words to heart and chose not to seek employment with another mercenary band. He traveled here and there, all over Missian, but no matter where he went, nobody was willing to give a Malkan like him a chance. He still had the savings from his time as a mercenary, so he was able to eat, at least. Most towns were home to at least one merchant who was willing to sell him food, albeit usually at a steep markup."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The longer Rietz wandered, the closer he came to the limit of his endurance. Eventually, he found himself in Canarre, a remote county on Missian’s border. There, like everywhere, Malkans were scorned and despised. He had hit his breaking point, and was just coming to the conclusion that living as a mercenary was his only choice after all…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d like you to become my retainer!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "…when he crossed paths with a peculiar child who spoke with an oddly adult-like affect, and everything changed."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0036.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 3"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miraijin A"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is Miraijin A speaking! Thank you very much for purchasing the third volume of this series. This volume centers around a war, so you can expect the plot developments to be a bit more serious in tone than those of the previous volumes. I hope you enjoy it!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m the illustrator, jimmy! I tried going to a movie on my own for the first time recently, and I’ve gotta say, I really recommend it! I’m looking forward to seeing more movies when things calm down around here."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-03-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0038.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The city of Arcantez wasn’t always a provincial capital. It existed before the Summerforth Empire’s founding, over a thousand years ago, when Missian was still an independent kingdom. Even then, it served as the realm’s ever-flourishing seat of power. In the modern day, Arcantez boasted a population of over five hundred thousand people. Few cities in Summerforth could claim to rival it in terms of sheer scale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Castle Arcantez was situated at the very center of the city, and it towered over the buildings around it. It was the largest castle in all of Missian. The jet-black stone it was built from had earned it the popular nickname the Onyx Citadel. The stone itself was called royal onyx, and it was known for being sturdy and resistant to weathering. Needless to say, stone with those qualities was highly sought after, and royal onyx fetched quite a high price on the market. The castle was built a hundred years after the Kingdom of Missian’s founding, and it told a tale of the realm’s past prosperity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Deep within the Onyx Citadel was a room known as the Chamber of Debate. A round table was set up in the very center of that room. On this day in particular, a cluster of nobles was gathered up around it, engaged in a war council."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So our plan to entice Perreina to our side has failed,” said a man with long, black hair that reached his shoulders. His name was Vasmarque Salemakhia. He was the second son of the recently deceased Duke of Missian. At the moment, he was engaged in a power struggle with his elder brother, Couran, with the title of duke on the line."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So it seems. I have to wonder how they pulled it off. It wasn’t a bad plan in my book. Then again, it’s also no skin off our backs─even if Perreina sides with the enemy, we still hold the advantage,” said a man who sat to the right of Vasmarque. His name was Thomas Grunzeon, and he was acknowledged as Vasmarque’s right-hand man. In contrast to his lord, Thomas’s head was close-shaved, though an ample beard covered the lower half of his stern face. He was also exceptionally tall and sported a muscular build. One might have thought him to be a downright musclehead, at a glance, but in truth, his mind was just as honed as his body."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nonetheless, Perreina’s betrayal is a hefty blow indeed,” mumbled an older man who sat to Vasmarque’s left. This tiny, white-haired, aged man’s name was Remus Ives. He had served the Duchy of Missian for decades as one of its wisest and most eminent tacticians. He was also the Count of Lomak, a county that was adjacent to Arcantez. These three outstanding leaders served as the core of the war council, and they drove the conversation forward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The enemy’s forces number a hundred and fifty thousand,” said Vasmarque. “Considering the fact that they’ll have to leave troops behind to guard their borders, we can assume their effective fighting force will be around ten thousand less than that.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And we’ve a hundred and eighty thousand that stand ready to mobilize,” added Remus. “Strength of numbers is ours, but alas, their troops have the edge in both training and skill. The west has always held the upper hand in military might, and word is that Lord Couran has hired the Maitraw Company to fight under his banner. All things considered, we ought to assume our sides stand on even footing.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Fair ’nuff, but it’s not like their commanders are anything to write home about, Couran aside,” Thomas noted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In terms of personnel, we have the overwhelming upper hand, yes,” agreed Vasmarque with a nod. “The odds of our loss are slim.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vasmarque had taken a long, objective look at the war he was about to wage, and had concluded that it was in his favor. He did not, however, believe that his victory was one hundred percent secured. He was not a man prone to imprudence, and he would not declare preemptive victory until he knew for a fact that he had won."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What has become of your sister, Thomas?” asked Vasmarque."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Her?” said Thomas, cocking his head. “Hell if I know. Out drinking herself under a table somewhere, most likely.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And where would she be doing that?” Vasmarque pressed. “I have a mind to let bygones be bygones and bring her back into my service.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No sooner had the words left his mouth than the room descended into an uproar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-You can’t be serious, Milord! You’d let her be your retainer again?” asked Thomas, aghast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You can’t deny that she has the talent,” said Vasmarque. “And if recruiting her fails, then at the very least we’ll want to bring her back to the castle and lock her up until this is all over. Imagine the headache if she decided to side with Couran.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s…well, that’s fair enough,” said Thomas. “However, I don’t have the faintest clue where she could be right now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“None at all? Not even a guess?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“None,” Thomas sighed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A woman like her is hard to miss. You’ve heard no rumors? Nothing? And not just Thomas─does anyone here have any information at all?” Vasmarque added, turning to address the rest of the room. Unfortunately, though, he was met with nothing but frowns and the shaking of heads. “Hmph. I see, then.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Trust me, Milord, she’s either dead in a ditch or off in some other duchy,” said Thomas. “And even if she were in Missian, no lord on Couran’s side would ever stoop to employing her. Skilled or not, the woman’s nothing more than an alcoholic these days.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I suppose you have a point,” muttered Vasmarque. He still felt uneasy, but he decided to cast that woman from his mind for the moment, for better or worse."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0009.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After my first life in Japan came to an abrupt end, I was reborn in another world and granted the name Ars Louvent. The Louvents were a noble household who ruled over a barony called Lamberg, and I was the Baron’s first son and heir. I was also born with a certain skill: Appraisal, the ability to perceive the stats and abilities of the people around me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unfortunately, the nation I was born into─the Summerforth Empire─was going through some rather troubled times. Civil wars were breaking out left and right. I swiftly determined that my sole chance at surviving to see adulthood would be to use my skill to recruit as many talented retainers as possible and bolster our domain’s strength. So far, that plan had borne fruit. I’d managed to track down and recruit Rietz, Charlotte, and Rosell, three exceptional individuals who had all agreed to serve me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Things had been relatively smooth sailing so far. Thanks to my retainers’ talents, I’d managed to rack up several achievements to my name. I’d even been given the chance of a lifetime to increase the size of my territory. In that moment, I made an oath to myself not to let that opportunity slip by me. I would become the Count of Canarre, whatever it took."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After my talk with Couran concluded, we made our way back to the party. We hadn’t been away long, as best as I could tell. My internal clock told me it hadn’t been much more than twenty minutes. The party continued as the night wore on, and eventually, the new year arrived. By that time, a fair number of nobles seemed to have drunk themselves into a stupor or otherwise departed from the hall, so the place was less packed than it had been in the beginning. Thirty minutes or so after we rang in the new year, the party came to a close and I retired to a room that had been prepared for me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The mood the next morning couldn’t have been further separated from the celebratory tone of the night before. In anticipation of the upcoming war, Couran decided to take the opportunity to give the nobles who had sided with him a summary of his plans. In short, he informed us that he’d be calling a series of war councils to start, after which his invasion of his brother’s territory would begin in earnest. This wasn’t a matter of the far-flung future, either─he ordered us to be prepared to rally our troops at a moment’s notice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, our gathering came to a close. I met up with Rietz and the rest of my entourage, and together we set off for Lamberg once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“War councils, you say…?” muttered Rietz. We’d arrived back at my estate, and I’d just finished explaining to him that I might need him and Rosell to accompany me to Couran’s meetings. “That’s quite the hefty responsibility to bear… I’ve grown used to providing Lord Raven my opinions over the course of the battles we fought together, but Rosell is inexperienced in the field.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right. That’s what I was worried about, too,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Participating in meetings of this nature will be a valuable experience for him, but I’m afraid I can’t say that he’ll have anything to contribute. For now, at least,” Rietz continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed he and I were on the same page. Rosell’s Intelligence was high, to be sure, so I didn’t want to write him off, but it was very hard to imagine he could come up with a scheme that would get the better of the enemy’s tacticians."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I could say the same about myself, to be honest,” Rietz added. “The enemy’s tacticians are far more experienced than I am in the field of war, and there are several of them and only one of me. To be frank, I have very little confidence in my ability to overcome their schemes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, that’s fair enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was starting to question my decision to take Couran up on his proposal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Of course, if you find an exceptional tactician to fill the role, that could change everything,” noted Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Talented recruits don’t grow on trees, you know,” I sighed. I had no choice but to hope that Rietz and Rosell would somehow manage to pull something out of their hats. Especially Rosell─if he could make it past the plateau his skills had hit by gaining some real-world experience, I just knew he could grow far beyond his current capabilities. His maximum Intelligence score was 109! I couldn’t imagine more than a few people in the world having greater potential than that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that moment, one of our servants burst into the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Urgent news, Lord Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What is it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve received word that a member of the Shadows has arrived at the Tremps!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s been a month already…? Understood─we’ll leave at once!” I replied. I’d stationed one of my retainers in Canarre, just to make sure that the transfer of information between us and the Shadows went well. I assumed he must have sent the message that my contact had arrived."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Ars,” said Rietz. “Might I suggest that you ask the Shadows to help look for talented recruits?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You think I should ask the Shadows to help with my headhunting? Is that even something they can do?” I asked, cocking my head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t imagine it would be impossible,” said Rietz. “They may not be capable of analyzing people with your precision and accuracy, but considering their leader Pham’s capabilities, I’m certain they can judge talent.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, that makes sense,” I agreed with a nod. “I can just appraise anyone they bring to me before I decide whether to hire them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe that would be for the best,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn’t convinced that finding helpful recruits would be that easy, but I also couldn’t see any particular reason not to give it a try. Failing would be better than not trying at all. Plus, I knew that Arcantez had a massive population. The odds seemed high that there’d be at least a few people with latent talent that I could make use of."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With a plan in place and a new request for the Shadows, we prepared to set out for Canarre and the Tremps."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We arrived at the Tremps to find our contact Ben already there, waiting for us. I didn’t recognize him at first glance, but I’d taken care to remember his rather ostentatious real name. So it only took a single appraisal to verify his identity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The boss’s report’s in this letter. It’s all yours,” said Ben, handing the letter in question over to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I opened it up and gave it a read. The first item the report addressed: the Shadows’ attempt to infiltrate Castle Arcantez. They’d made an effort, it seemed, but the citadel’s security turned out to be airtight, and they’d determined that sneaking in would be impossible. That meant they’d have to resort to more roundabout tactics. The report said that they were working on making connections with a senior retainer employed in the castle, who they would use to sneak an agent in under the guise of the retainer’s assistant."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the moment, they were working on gathering information to decide who they should start ingratiating themselves with. As a result, they didn’t have anything in the way of useful info to report on at the current time. That concluded the report. Once I’d finished reading it, I handed over their payment for the next month to Ben."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This looks to be in order,” said Ben as he counted the coins. “I think we’ll have something more helpful on the next report, so look forward to it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I will. Thanks,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Don’t mention it. See you next month,” said Ben, standing up to leave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just a minute!” I interjected before he left the table. I still hadn’t asked him about my other request. “There’s actually something else I wanted to ask. Do you have a minute?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can squeeze it in. What’s the job?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I explained that I was looking for recruits, and was hoping that they’d take note of anyone promising they came across and send them House Louvent’s way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, that should be easy enough,” said Ben once I finished. “But what if we mess up and send you someone worthless? Will you dock our pay or something?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, nothing of the sort,” I replied. “The opposite, in fact. If you do find someone useful, I’ll give you a bonus of twenty gold coins.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Twenty gold, eh? Got it. I can’t promise anything until I get in touch with the boss, but I have a funny feeling he’ll be up for the job.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Great, thanks.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That concluded our business in Canarre, so we set off for my estate once again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some time later, in the capital city of Arcantez, Ben made contact with Pham in a shadowy back alley to deliver his report."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A headhunting job, eh?” Pham muttered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you think?” asked Ben."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m pretty good at picking out folks who can handle the sort of jobs we deal in,” said Pham. “But spy work’s a far cry from the soldiers that he’ll be wanting. Not so sure I can tell who’s suited for that business.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do we turn the offer down, then?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, he said there’s no penalty for sending him worthless chumps, right?” asked Pham with a sly grin. “And we get a hefty bonus if we happen to hit paydirt. Sounds like a solid deal, if you ask me. Not like we have anything to lose by taking a shot at it, so we might as well send a few people his way.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood. Guess it’s headhunting season for us, then.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mhm. Tell the others for me, will you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“On it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ben left to inform the rest of the Shadows of their new mission. Pham, meanwhile, returned to his own place of work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even after relocating to Arcantez, Pham had continued working at a local bar to aid in his intelligence-gathering operation. At the moment, he was employed at a pub known as Kentlan’s. He’d also kept up old habits in the sense that, just like when he worked at the Tremps, Pham did so in the guise of a cute, youthful waitress. Nothing loosened up a person’s lips like a drink or two, and Pham knew it. Even better, most people were prone to underestimating a young girl’s ability to understand the things they talked about, prompting them to spill the proverbial beans more often."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kentlan’s wasn’t frequented by any of the retainers employed in Castle Arcantez. It was, however, the preferred watering hole for some of the castle’s guards and servants, and they were less than prudent when it came to telling tales of the retainers who worked above them. Pham learned what sort of people they were, what their duties were, where they went in their free time─even their likes and dislikes. The idea was that collecting enough of that sort of info would allow Pham to curry favor with an easily influenceable retainer and secure himself a job as a servant within the castle itself through them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An operation like that, of course, was a lot easier to plan than it was to execute. In this day and age, the castle’s servants weren’t recruited from the general populace, but rather born into the role. A multitude of families had served within the castle for generations, passing their positions and trades down to their descendants. It wasn’t impossible to earn a place within the castle if someone in a position of power took a liking to you, but it wasn’t easy either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fortunately for the Shadows’ paychecks, that was only Pham’s current objective. The rest of their agents were busy with their own distinct operations to gather information, each of them conducted in a manner that fit their strengths. Pham expected that every member of his band other than him would have relevant and useful information to contribute this month."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m back, everyone!” Pham announced as he stepped into Kentlan’s. His tone of voice, expression, and mannerisms were so different from how they’d been during his discussion with Ben that he was unrecognizable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rin!” said Lartz, the proprietor of Kentlan’s. “What’d that guy want with you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rin was the name that Pham had chosen to go by while he operated in Arcantez. He explained to Lartz that Ben was his older brother, and made up a tale about how Ben was such a doting sibling that he felt uneasy if he didn’t come to see his sister in person every once in a while. Lartz swallowed the story without a second thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was right around noon, and the bar was almost devoid of customers. Unlike the Tremps, Kentlan’s clientele dried up during the daytime. At this time of day, Pham didn’t have much to do other than clean the place…or at least, that was the usual case."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You open?” a somewhat husky, but distinctly feminine, voice rang out as the door swung open. It seemed Kentlan’s had a midday customer for once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, welcome…ugh! You?!” Lartz choked as he turned to look at the new arrival. She was an exceptionally tall woman, enough so that her height would be notable even if she’d been a man. That wasn’t to say she was mannish in appearance, though─in fact, she was beautiful beyond words. The sparkle of insight in her eyes left an impression: this woman was a force to be reckoned with. Her worn and ragged outfit, on the other hand, left the impression that she was a penniless vagabond, though her golden necklace raised all sorts of questions. Even at a glance, it was clear she was no ordinary woman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mireille! Since when were you back in town?” asked Lartz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey there, Lartz,” said Mireille. “It’s been, what, two years now? Man, you’ve still got a face like a wrung-out towel─who pissed on your chips this morning?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you’re here to insult me, then you can turn right around and get the hell outta my bar,” snapped Lartz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m kidding,” laughed Mireille. “You might not be a looker, but I’ll never get tired of that mug of yours. I swear I saw a fish that looked just like you the other day.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“One more word and I’ll run your ass outta here,” growled Lartz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You really can’t take a joke, huh? Anyway, I’ll have the usual.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What ‘usual’?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, you forgot already? Bowl of samella, loaf of bread, and booze.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Samella was a tomato-based vegetable and chicken soup. The dish was characterized by how long it had to be simmered before it was complete."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You expect me to remember your order when you haven’t been here in ages?” Lartz grumbled. “Now that you mention it, though, I don’t think I’ve seen you order anything other than samella.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What can I say? This joint’s samella tastes just like the stuff my old lady used to make. Not saying it’s good, mind you, but I just get the urge to eat it every once in a while.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Would it kill you to compliment my cooking?” snapped Lartz as he went off to prepare Mireille’s meal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pham, meanwhile, had watched their whole exchange with keen interest. This “Mireille” woman had caught his eye─she was clearly not your average patron, so he decided to look into her and get a feel for what sort of person she was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who’s she?” Pham asked, sidling up to Lartz as he cooked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm? Oh, that’s Mireille. She’s an old regular here and a nasty drunk.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That cured Pham’s curiosity in an instant. Apparently, his first impression had been off the mark─the woman was nothing more than a hopeless bum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who’s that cutie you’ve got over there with you?” Mireille called from across the bar."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Her name’s Rin,” Lartz shouted back. “She’s a new hire. Real looker, ain’t she?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm…” Mireille gave Pham a long, appraising look. Something about the way she stared at him felt unsettling. It was like she could see right through him, somehow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually, she turned away and muttered, “Eh, none of my business,” whatever that meant. In an instant, Pham’s opinion of her once again pivoted. He could tell on an instinctual level that this was a woman to be cautious around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ahhh, yeah, that’s the stuff! Tastes just like it used to!” said Mireille as she dug into the meal Lartz had made for her. Pham, who had brought the dish to her table, watched as she ate. For all her insults, she made it look like the most delicious meal in the world. Mireille polished off her food, drained her glass in a single swig, then shouted, “Another, barkeep!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Comin’ right up,” said Lartz. He refilled her glass, set it down in front of her, then leaned onto the bar. “So? Where’ve you been skulking around these past two years?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All over Summerforth. I’ve been traveling. I took the grand tour of all seven duchies and their major cities. You’d be surprised at how much the culture, the food, even the language and how the people look can vary from duchy to duchy. Guess that’s a given, since they used to be their own countries and all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm,” muttered Lartz. “Never been outta Arcantez myself, let alone to another duchy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And for a barkeep like you, that sorta lifestyle works just fine.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sounds to me like you’re mocking me again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But y’know what?” continued Mireille, ignoring Lartz’s protest. “No matter where I went, I couldn’t find a noble willing to take me in! Bastards don’t know talent when they see it─not one of them!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If anyone took a look at you and saw talent before they saw danger, they’d be just as crazy as you are,” jabbed Lartz. “Not to mention that you’ve got the manners of a wild animal. I’d bet money you went up to most of those nobles and insulted ’em to their faces, right? Hell, you’re lucky you didn’t offend anyone enough to put an end to you then and there.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Etiquette’s the worst standard to judge character by,” countered Mireille. “When I judge someone, I’m judging whether or not they’re capable─nothing else. The rudest son of a bitch on the continent could be the best candidate for the position, for all you know, and if you can’t figure that out, you’ve got no right to be lordin’ it up over others. And anyway, it’s not that I didn’t get run through by some lordling ’cause I was lucky. Trust me─they tried. I just turned the tables on ’em every time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Boasting ’bout that just proves my point, y’know?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The longer the conversation dragged on and the more Pham eavesdropped, the more curious he became. Who was this woman? No ordinary person would talk about traveling the continent and looking for a lord to serve, that was certain. And even though she hadn’t managed to find a lord who’d take her up on the offer, she seemed to have absolute faith in her own abilities."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to think of it, weren’t you a noble?” asked Lartz. “Why not just go running back to your little upper-crust family?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Considering the state of things, I could do that. Thing is, I’ve got my pride, y’know? I’m not about to go crawling back to a man who gave me the boot, begging him to take me on as a retainer again.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Heh! Sure you aren’t,” chuckled Lartz. “I never believed you worked in the castle to begin with, myself.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I did, so your loss.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She worked in the castle…? thought Pham. The only castle they could have been referring to was Castle Arcantez. That meant there was a chance that this mystery woman would have at least some degree of inside information on the citadel. On the other hand, he knew it had been at least two years since she was driven from her position, so she knew nothing about the current state of affairs. Not to mention the obvious question of whether or not she was making all of this up in the first place. Pham hesitated─was it worth putting in the effort to ply Mireille for information?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Anyway, I had myself quite the fortune built up when I left, y’know? But I used it all up on my trip, and now I don’t have a coin to my name. How’s a girl supposed to get by without an income in this day and age?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not a coin to your name, eh?” Lartz chuckled for just a moment before his expression darkened. “Wait. Not a coin to your name? You mean ‘not a coin to my name after I pay my tab,’ right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lartz, please. Have I ever been careless with my word choice? I mean I don’t have a coin to my name right now, so I don’t have the cash to pay for anything. I just happened to know a joint with a kindhearted owner who’d be happy to treat an old regular to a meal on the house.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, it has been a long time,” Lartz began, only to shoot Mireille a glare. “As if! Have two years on the road addled your brain, woman?! You’re paying back every copper you owe me!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, someone’s a miser! Look, I hate to say it, but I can’t hand over coppers I don’t have. This one’s on you for not making me pay in advance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve met burglars less brazen than you,” growled Lartz. “Anyway, that necklace you’ve got on looks like it’d fetch a coin or two. If you can’t pay with cash, you’ll have to pay with that instead.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have you lost your mind, Lartz? You think a meal and a couple of drinks could possibly be worth a piece like this? And even if they did, I’m not handing it over to anyone. If I didn’t have this necklace on, I’d look like a dead-broke vagabond!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No worries there─that’s already what you are. It’s pay with your goods or pay with your body, no third way about it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, so that’s how you see me?” said Mireille with a salacious grin. “Sorry, though, you can’t get your hands on a beauty like me for that cheap!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I mean I’ll have you work your tab off, you maniac! Don’t you go putting words in my mouth!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? You mean you want me to do your chores?” asked Mireille, looking positively scandalized."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right. And if you don’t like the sound of that, you can hand over the necklace and go on your way.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Eh, not like I have anywhere else to go. You win, I’ll do your dirty work. What a disaster today’s turned out to be, I swear…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Took the words right outta my mouth,” grumbled Lartz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, Mireille wound up working at Kentlan’s. Pham had no clue what to make of the development, but he did know one thing: whatever was happening, it had him more than a little unsettled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh, I’m exhausted,” moaned Mireille. She and Pham were on the second floor of Kentlan’s, alone in a room together. Their room, specifically. On account of Kentlan’s lacking any vacant bedchambers, it was decided that the two of them would have to share one for the moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re, umm…Rin, was it?” said Mireille. “I’m not planning to be here for long, but good working with you until I split.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Likewise,” Pham replied with a smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seems we’ve got some time on our hands, so what say we get to know each other?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right,” agreed Pham."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“First up, then─what’s a guy like you doing dressed like that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pham was only shaken once in a blue moon, and this was one of those all too rare moments. Never in his wildest dreams had he anticipated Mireille seeing through his disguise. Maybe if she’d seen him disrobed, sure, but she’d had no such opportunity, and he hadn’t planned on giving her one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s that supposed to mean? I’m a girl!” said Pham, making a show of pouting. There was always a chance that she was just joking around, so it was too soon to overreact and admit that he was in disguise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry, I’ve already got your number. You put a lot of effort into that disguise, I can tell, but it’s not enough to fool me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You know, I try my best to be a nice person, but even I get mad sometimes!” said Pham, doing his damnedest to keep up the act. “Why would you treat me like a boy? You’re so mean!”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0011.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille smiled…then, in the blink of an eye, reached out for Pham’s groin. Pham’s reflexes kicked in and he dodged backward, only to realize a split second later that he’d just messed up big time. The groin was a man’s biggest weak point. Even someone like him, who was used to pain, would be rendered immobile for at least a second or two by a solid strike to the unmentionables. Those precious few seconds could be a matter of life and death in battle, so defending his groin from attack was a matter of pure, deeply-ingrained reflex for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now that was one hell of a reaction,” said Mireille with a smirk. “Guess that rules out you being a plain ol’ cross-dresser, eh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pham knew that if his true profession hadn’t already been exposed, then Mireille was more than a little suspicious of him. His cover being blown was a shock, of course, but even more so than that, he was preoccupied by how outrageous of a woman she’d turned out to be─enough so that he found himself questioning her sanity. What kind of person would go straight for someone’s groin with such little pretext? He hadn’t seen it coming, so it took him a moment to compose himself and come up with an excuse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve always attracted the wrong sort of attention, and I’ve gotten good at dodging when people try to grab me thanks to that,” said Pham. “That, and you’re right─I am a boy. I have some circumstances that’ve forced me to pretend to be a girl, though. You know how it is. Please don’t tell Lartz, okay?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pham had decided to give up on hiding his sex. He knew that sticking to a cover that had already been blown would just call the rest of his story into question. By admitting that she was right about one thing, he hoped to encourage her to believe the rest of what he told her in the process. Thankfully, his sex was the least damaging thing she could’ve figured out about him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm. That’s a dangerous look in your eyes…but I’ll leave it at that, for now,” said Mireille. She still had her doubts, but it didn’t seem like she wanted to press the issue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Umm… You don’t think it’s weird for a boy to dress like this…?” asked Pham, feigning an air of tragic anxiety."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s weird, sure, but I don’t give a damn. Not like you’re hurting anyone, and hey, everyone’s got a little weirdness going on deep down.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-Oh, okay. Thank goodness…” Pham sighed. “The truth is…I do have reasons for dressing this way,” he added, then proceeded to tell a tale to justify his cross-dressing that was as heart-wrenching as it was untrue. By revealing a fabricated past, he hoped to clear away Mireille’s doubts and trick her into revealing her own past at the same time. Pham was, at this point, invested in figuring out just who she was and what made her tick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm… You’ve had it pretty rough too, haven’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“‘Too’?” repeated Pham, eyes wide. “You mean you’ve been through something like that as well, Miss Mireille?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sure have. And y’know what, why not? I’ll make an exception and let you in on my whole history,” said Mireille. And just like that, she launched into her life story. “Y’know the Duke of Missian? The one that kicked the bucket a while back? Well, when I was younger, he met me and my little brother, and decided we had the talent to serve him. He had a good eye for people, too. My brother had a knack for battle and ended up as Vasmarque’s right-hand man. I, meanwhile, ended up getting appointed baroness of a territory of Arcantez called Pelnolla. Used to be the barony the duke’s house ruled over, so he had the power to hand it right off to me. I did my part in battle, too─won the man a fair few victories of my own.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-Oh, wow,” gasped Pham. “Does that mean that you’re nobility?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eh, I was…until I got stripped of my title, anyway.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why did they do that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Could’ve been any number of things,” replied Mireille with a shrug. “Bad behavior, unconventional methods of ruling over my barony─I think it was something along those lines. ’Course, that was just the pretext.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You mean it wasn’t the real reason? Then what was?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That…is a secret,” said Mireille with a sly grin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Aww,” Pham pouted. He hadn’t been planning to sell the information he extracted from her, to be clear. No, Pham was interested in Mireille herself and was considering suggesting her as a candidate to serve as Ars’s newest retainer. Assuming her story was true, she had the potential to be useful. Her personality seemed liable to cause problems, but if the recruitment went through, there’d be no need for Pham himself to bother plying her for information. And, above all else, even if she turned out to be worthless, there wouldn’t be any consequences for letting her take her shot at the position. Pham resolved himself to recommend her for the job."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Umm, Miss Mireille? You were talking about wanting to serve a lord earlier, weren’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm? That’d be nice, yeah,” Mireille replied. “I’ve got nowhere else to go. ’Course, searching for a patron hasn’t been getting me anywhere so far.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think I know someone who might be just right for you. Would you like to hear more?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After asking the Shadows to help look for promising recruits, I decided that I should chip in and made a trip to Canarre to look for people on my own. I’d been there plenty of times for that precise purpose before, but the city was large enough that I knew I wasn’t even close to appraising everyone with potential. I was looking out for someone with the skills to be a tactician in particular, but the task turned out to be as difficult as I’d feared it would be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had found an inn in Canarre to stay at while I conducted my search, so it had been some time since I’d last returned to my estate. I’d informed my retainers about my extended absence, so if anything happened back home, I’d receive a timely report on the matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One evening, I found myself at the inn with Rietz and a few of my other retainers. Charlotte hadn’t accompanied us this time─she was busy training up the rest of our army’s mages. Strengthening the forces we already had was just as important as recruiting new ones, after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell had also accompanied me, but he wasn’t staying at the inn with us. Telling him that he might have to attend a war council seemed to have lit a fire under him, and he’d asked that I give him more chances to study. He’d already read through all the books at my estate, though, so I ended up asking Lumeire if he could let Rosell look into the books at Castle Canarre. Thankfully, Lumeire was happy to oblige, and Rosell had taken to spending his nights at the castle as a result."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The inn we were staying at was quite close to the Tremps. I’d made sure to inform the pub’s owner, Alex, where we were staying. That way, Ben would be able to report to me the moment he arrived in town. Of course, it hadn’t been very long at all since his last report, so I wasn’t expecting that to happen any time soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My expectations, however, were overturned when Alex arrived at my door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, Lord Ars! Ben’s here to see you,” he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Already?” I asked, surprised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ayup. Says they found a recruit for you to meet.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that was even more of a shock. I hadn’t expected them to find anyone that fast. Alex looked apprehensive, though, which confused me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is just my opinion, but I think you oughta keep your hopes low. Their ‘recruit’ just looks like some washed-up lady to me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So the Shadows brought a woman over?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was yet another surprise. Women were looked down upon in our society, and it was rare for people who lacked the ability to see their true potential to take them on as retainers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did she do something that impressed Pham?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In any case, I’d like to meet her,” I replied. “Is she in the usual room?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alex nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then we’ll leave at once. Rietz?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right away.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The two of us stepped outside and made for the Tremps. We arrived at our destination soon after, climbed the stairs, and stepped into the room where we always met our contact with the Shadows. Standing inside was Ben, whose face struck me as unremarkable and unmemorable as ever, alongside a woman whose presence was so intense that I almost didn’t notice Ben at all for a second."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was very tall, looking to be around the same height as Rietz or so. Her rather unkempt black hair reached down to her waist, and the look in her eyes was so piercing that for a moment, I was overwhelmed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t tell me you’re the Baron of Lamberg?” asked the woman as I stared at her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I am,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I’ll be. You’re still just a brat, aren’t’cha?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was not the sort of attitude one was supposed to take with a noble. It was downright rude in general, and I noted that Rietz was already frowning at her. I’d never been bothered by a little impoliteness, though, so it didn’t get to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“May I assume that you’ve come here to enter my service?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right. I wasn’t expecting a kid, but at this point, I don’t even care. I’ll take what I can get.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz’s expression grew even more irate. It seemed he didn’t appreciate the implication that the woman was settling for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your name?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mireille Grunzeon,” she replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Grunzeon. That name rings a bell─where have I heard it before?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew it was familiar, but I just couldn’t bring the specifics to mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess I might as well start with an appraisal, I thought. However, before I had the chance, Mireille spoke up again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, I hear you’ve got a good eye for people, eh, kiddo? Or that’s what Rin told me, anyway. Kind of a dubious talent for someone your age to have, gotta say.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I decided to reply before I used my skill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I do, yes, but who is ‘Rin’?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ben sidled up to me and leaned down to whisper, “That’d be the boss,” in my ear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I whispered back to ask what all the whispering was about. He explained that since Mireille wasn’t working for me yet, they were keeping her in the dark about the Shadows. Ben still had a ton of information left to share with me, and he was currently pretending to be an ordinary bystander who was just waiting around to discuss something unrelated with me. Pham had discovered Mireille, and Ben was pretending to be his big brother. Anyway, the whole thing they had going on seemed way too complicated for my tastes, so I decided not to delve into the details."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0013.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’re you two whispering about? Feel like letting me in on the fun?” asked Mireille. “Not that I care, I guess. So, how about it? Is your eye for talent telling you that I’ve got what it takes?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Give me just a moment,” I replied, then appraised her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her status screen was, in a word, astonishing. Her Leadership was high, but her Intelligence was even higher─a maximum score of 103 put her in the absolute top tier of stats I’d seen. Even better, her current score had already broken the hundred mark, meaning she had a higher Intelligence than both Rosell and Rietz. Plus, while her Valor of 70 and B-ranked Mage aptitude didn’t tower above the competition, they were rather high. Perhaps her high Valor was related to her height and the athleticism that it implied in my mind?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her Politics, however, was pretty low. That wasn’t too much of a shock, since she didn’t seem to be the cooperative sort. It wasn’t the biggest downside, and overall her stats were pretty fantastic. But there was one point that grabbed my attention most: her Ambition. It was sitting at a score of 100. Up until this point, I’d thought 99 was the maximum score, but apparently, that had been a faulty assumption."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An Ambition of 100 was outrageous. I’d never seen someone with a score like that before─never even imagined it. Hell, I’d been shocked when I saw Licia’s score of 80! And yet, Mireille was a full twenty points above her? Even if I did bring her to my side, it felt like it was only a matter of time before she’d betray me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hmm…this is a real stumper."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her stats were exactly what I’d been hoping for. An Intelligence as high as hers was ideal for my purposes. Considering her age, I assumed she’d been through a lot, and that those experiences had led to her developing her current score. Rosell had great potential in the long run, but in the current moment, she had him beat by a hefty margin. Even better, Mireille could teach Rosell an awful lot. If I were to hire her, I knew she’d make the perfect instructor to take over Rietz’s current role."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The merits of bringing her into my fold were impossible to ignore, but so was her Ambition score. I knew not to judge her on that one factor, though, so I decided to interview her to try to get a feel for her personality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To start, I’d like you to tell me a little about your origins,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My origins, eh? Sure, makes sense. Can’t imagine there’s a lord out there who’d take someone in as a retainer without knowing where they came from.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was more or less what I’d done when I offered Rietz and Charlotte positions among my retainers. In retrospect, it was rather careless of me. Then again, it wasn’t like I could’ve afforded to let talent like theirs go, so maybe my imprudence was for the best."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille began to tell me her life story. She explained how she’d risen to a position as a Missian noble, and achieved great things in battle. A woman becoming a lord was rare in this region, and she was supposedly a household name in her home territory, but I’d never heard of her, and I had some doubts about whether the whole of her story was true. Of course, I had to keep in mind that Lamberg was quite far away from the barony she claimed to have ruled over. It was plausible that I’d just never heard of her thanks to that distance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any event, Mireille’s stint as a baroness had been a brief one. She lost the position about a year after she was granted it. Her territory was also just about as small and insignificant as Lamberg, which backed up the idea that her celebrity had been a very local affair. Considering her stats, I was convinced that if she’d remained a lord, she could’ve ended up renowned throughout the whole duchy. Instead, she’d been cast out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As for the reasons behind her losing her title, Mireille claimed that she’d been blamed for matters beyond her control. I couldn’t say with any certainty whether that was true, but it was possible. This was also around the time that it came out that she had a little brother who was working as Vasmarque’s right-hand man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That helped me put the pieces together. Couran had told me about a man named Thomas Grunzeon who was one of Vasmarque’s most trusted advisors. According to Couran, Thomas was an extraordinarily intelligent individual. That, coupled with their shared last name, had me convinced: Mireille’s little brother was the very same man. And if that assumption proved true, then the odds were good she had at least some degree of inside information regarding his methods. I couldn’t have asked for a more capable tactician under these circumstances."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was, however, still curious about why our enemies had chosen to drive her away. The fact that she’d managed to work her way up to a lordship in spite of society’s views on women implied that she had to be pretty darn capable. If they drove her out anyway, there was probably a good reason."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She must’ve caused some sort of big problem, right?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was more than a little apprehensive about the possibility."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wouldn’t dream of second-guessing your judgment when it comes to recruitment and personnel, Lord Ars,” said Rietz, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “But this woman strikes me as dangerous. I would recommend against bringing her into your service.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Dangerous? How so?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… I’m afraid it’s hard for me to explain in specific terms. Call it instinct, if you will. She framed herself as the victim of conspiracy in regard to her dismissal, but we have to account for the possibility that she is deceiving us.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed I could count Rietz’s vote as a solid “nay,” then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m going to have to think carefully about this one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Think you could give me an answer before I fall asleep over here, kiddo? Arcantez wasn’t exactly an afternoon stroll away from here, so I’m pretty worn out,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I took one last moment to assess the situation. A very important factor I hadn’t taken into account yet was that if I didn’t hire her, it was very possible my enemies would take her into their service once more. Whatever had caused her dismissal, it had happened years ago. Given the turbulent political climate, it seemed possible that they would decide to let bygones be bygones if it meant getting her talent again. I did not want her as a foe, that was for sure─she could cause me all sorts of problems."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That left me with one choice: I would take Mireille on as one of my retainers. In the end, I just couldn’t bring myself to say no to a talent like hers. I knew I’d regret it if I let her slip away from me. Her personality might become an issue, sure, but that just meant I’d have to learn to work around her foibles. And if it turned out she was too much for me, then, well, I’d just have to deal with that problem. This wasn’t a Licia-type situation, after all─I wouldn’t be bound to Mireille for life if I made her my retainer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve made up my mind,” I announced. “I have determined that you are an exceedingly capable individual. I would very much like to take you into my service.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, would you?” said Mireille with a grin. “Guess this means you do have an eye for talent, kid. I wouldn’t come all the way out here just to say no, so this sorta goes without saying, but I’m in. I’ll be your retainer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you sure about this?” asked Rietz, leaning down to whisper directly into my ear in a more urgent tone than last time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I also think she’s dangerous, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s exceptional,” I replied. “I’ve decided that the merits outweigh the risks. Hiring her is our best option.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… Well, if you say so. I’ll trust your judgment, Lord Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He still sounded apprehensive, but at the very least, he wasn’t going to oppose my decision."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was already after dark, so we ended up staying the night in Canarre. The next morning, we set off to bring Mireille back to my estate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days had passed since I’d brought Mireille into my service. Things had been quiet so far, and I had yet to receive notice that Couran would be calling a war council meeting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was sitting in my room when I heard Rietz’s voice from outside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Ars? May I speak with you for a moment?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Come in,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you,” said Rietz as he stepped inside. I could tell that he was in a somewhat sour mood. “I was hoping to talk with you about Mireille…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What about her?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Umm…” Rietz hesitated for a moment, then spoke up once more. “I apologize for my insolence, Lord Ars, but I have concluded that she is unfit to serve as your retainer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille had only been my retainer for a matter of days, and she’d already proven herself to be something of a handful. In fact, this was far from the first time I’d received a complaint about her from one of my other retainers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The situation in Missian was unstable, but open conflict had yet to break out. As such, I’d tasked Mireille with training our troops and acting as Rosell’s teacher. Her Valor score was high, and she had a decent Infantry aptitude as well. She was capable enough in combat to defeat the average man one-on-one without difficulty. That wasn’t the extent of her talents, though─she was also competent in the realm of magic, and had taken on the training of our mages. The one problem: her motivation. She would frequently slack off and not show up, and even worse, she’d encourage others to do the same."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll acknowledge that she is quite capable, but she does not have a temperament suitable to her position. Just this afternoon, she neglected to finish her work in favor of returning to her room and sleeping. Even when she does bother making an appearance at the training grounds, her instructional methods are more often than not haphazard and unenthusiastic. When asked to reassess her attitude, she’ll make some nonsensical excuse about how ‘everyone has an off-day every once in a while,’ making it clear that she has no intention of improving her work ethic. She is talented, yes, but that does not change the fact that on the whole, her presence is a detriment to House Louvent!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By the end of his speech, Rietz’s face was beet-red. If one thing was clear to me above all else, it was the fact that he was very, very upset. Unfortunately for him, my mental arithmetic assigned more weight to Mireille’s abilities than his did. I still couldn’t bring myself to let go of her in spite of her eccentricities."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m coming in, Ars!” called Rosell from outside, moments before he barged into my room. He looked just about as upset as Rietz was. “We need to talk about Mireille. I know you said she’d be teaching me from now on, but I can’t take it anymore!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell wasn’t the sort of person who was easily angered, but for once, he seemed furious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What happened?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, for one thing, she’s a lazy bum who spends most of her time asleep!” Rosell began. “That wouldn’t be so bad if it were the sole problem, but when she does wake up, she starts talking about how ‘reading’s a waste of time’ and takes me outside to run around doing this or that! Then when we’re finished and I ask what the point of it all was, she’ll tell me to ‘think about it and figure it out’! I know she’s just making excuses, though! She’s making fun of me, plain and simple! I don’t even need a teacher anymore, so I don’t care if she spends all her time asleep, but I will not tolerate her getting in the way of my studies!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I sighed. Apparently, Rosell had built up quite the grudge in just a few days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hmm─could it be that we just don’t understand what it is that Mireille’s trying to accomplish?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I still didn’t feel like I had a solid grasp of her personality, so I couldn’t say what her goal with all of this was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "More and more complaints about Mireille’s behavior kept rolling in from my other retainers. They all tended to fit into the same broad categories, too. They were either about her utter lack of work ethic or about how she’d said something offensive to someone. Her popularity among House Louvent’s employees was falling by the day. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to evaluate her performance until I’d seen how she handled herself in battle, but it was becoming clear that I’d need to give her situation some more thought before that time arrived."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as I was thinking that I’d have to give her a personal talking-to, I heard a thunderous roar from somewhere outside."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-What in the world was that?” asked Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whatever it was, it scared me half to death!” said Rosell."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0015.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The three of us hurried outside to figure out what in the world that noise had been, though not before taking a moment to arm ourselves. It wasn’t unthinkable that we were under attack, and we had to be prepared for the worst. As we sprinted out of the estate, the soldiers who’d been out on the training grounds joined up with us to investigate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It didn’t take long to track down where the noise had originated. There was a copse of trees just a short ways away from my estate, the better part of which had been transformed into a crater. My mind flashed back to the time we’d had Charlotte test her magic out in a field, and speaking of which, Charlotte and Mireille were standing at the edge of the crater together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Damn,” said Mireille. “Didn’t know we had a mage with that sorta talent. I’m shocked, not gonna lie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That wasn’t even my full power,” boasted Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“For real? Let’s see you shoot another, then.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Can do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No can do! Sto-ooop!” I bellowed, charging in to stop Charlotte before she took it upon herself to turn the rest of the copse into a scorched wasteland. If she’d been casting spells, then the ear-splitting explosion made perfect sense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“L-Lord Ars,” said Charlotte, who was shocked to see me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I stopped to take a deep breath and asked, “Charlotte…why?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Miss Mireille told me she wanted to see me cast a spell, so I did,” explained Charlotte. She was more or less the sole exception among my retainers when it came to Mireille, and had taken quite the shine to my newest recruit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, using magic that powerful is dangerous, and it could cause a panic!” I shouted. “You couldn’t have considered holding back?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That wouldn’t have been nearly as fun,” said Mireille. “I heard that Charlotte was something special, so I wanted to see what she could do when she goes all out. She blew my expectations away, that’s for sure!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you didn’t feel like informing me before you attempted this little experiment?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. Yeah, my bad. But I swear, I didn’t think it’d be that wild.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It didn’t seem like her intentions had been bad, and it wasn’t like I failed to see how Charlotte’s magical firepower could have surpassed her wildest expectations. However, my opinion wasn’t the problem. The rest of my retainers’ pent-up resentment was already close to hitting critical mass, and her insincere non-apology was the spark that set that resentment ablaze and converted it into pure rage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you kidding me?!” shouted one of my soldiers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Enough is enough, dammit!” added another. The entire contingent of retainers who’d followed me outside was starting to turn against her, and by “her,” I meant Mireille. Charlotte was the one who’d cast the spell, but nobody seemed interested in blaming her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s your problem, people? You want me to quit? Is that it?” asked Mireille as their jeers continued. She seemed as proud and arrogant as ever, even in the face of all that abuse. “Well, that’s the kid’s call to make. What do you think? Do I get the boot?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I…” I began, then paused to think. “I don’t intend to relieve you from my service. That said, I may consider it if things continue as they’ve gone so far.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm. Well, that’s a bit of an issue from my perspective,” said Mireille. “I’m just being myself, y’know? Kinda hard to change who I am as a person at this age. Besides, I’m the sort of person who proves her worth on the battlefield, not during peacetime.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In other words, she’s not planning on working on her attitude at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’d been eager to place the blame for the loss of her barony on some conspiracy, but I was starting to suspect that it was a simple matter of her superiors getting sick of her crap and deciding she wasn’t worth the trouble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Can’t say I wanna quit, though,” Mireille added. “Oh, I know. You said something about a practice battle coming up soon, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had a policy of getting all of House Louvent’s troops together for practice battles on a regular basis, and the next one was scheduled to occur in just two days. It would be the first one Mireille would participate in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How ’bout this,” said Mireille. “If I prove my stuff in your practice battle, you don’t kick me out. Sound fair?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before I could give her an answer, everyone behind me broke out in protest over her terms. I, however, thought that it was a very good idea. I’d brought her into my service in the hopes that she’d be an asset in battle, after all. So long as she proved herself useful on that front, I was willing to turn a blind eye to her eccentricities…until the current war was over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Listen to me,” I said, turning to face the crowd. “I’ve judged Mireille’s talent for myself, and I assure you that she has an incredible knack for battle. I acknowledge that she has no small number of flaws outside of that field, but assuming she manages to produce results in this next mock battle, I hope you’ll overlook those problems.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My retainers weren’t happy to hear that, but they begrudgingly accepted my terms and stopped heckling Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "House Louvent carried out mock battles regularly. We did our best to emulate the feel and circumstances of a real battlefield, but it went without saying that we weren’t about to go killing off our own men during practice. As such, a few things set these sessions apart from the real deal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our skirmishes were dictated by a set of broad rules. To start, battles were fought between two forces of fifty men, plus their commanding officers. The scenario often revolved around one side arriving to assault Lamberg, while the other side sallied forth into a nearby field to mount a defense. Thus, one force was designated the attacking army and the other the defenders. The attackers would start a fair distance away and march upon the town, while the defenders would set up in the plains nearby to intercept them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Victory was won by either taking out the enemy force’s commander, or otherwise by forcing them to surrender. Each force consisted of thirty infantrymen, fifteen archers, and five mages. We didn’t field any cavalry in our mock battles, and our infantrymen were armed with wooden swords. Getting hit by one of those still hurt like hell, but everyone was also equipped with armor and protective gear, so there was almost no danger of anyone dying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The archers, meanwhile, were using wooden arrows with tips that had been both blunted and wrapped with a bundle of cloth dipped in red paint. The same paint was applied to the infantry’s swords─that way, it was always obvious when someone had landed a fatal blow on their foe. If someone was hit in the head, the chest, or anywhere else that proved fatal, they were declared dead and taken out of the exercise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As for the mages, fire magic was too dangerous to use in any capacity, so it was banned outright. There was such a thing as defensive fire magic, but it was only used to defend against offensive fire magic, so with the latter banned, there was no point in using the former. Further complicating matters was the fact that the only types of aqua magia that weren’t rare and valuable in Missian were flame- and sound-aspected. In short, the sole type of magic that could be used in our drills was sound. Sound magic had very few offensive applications, but it was important for stuff like delivering orders to your troops from a range, which made it an essential tool in battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The commander of the defenders would be Rietz, while I would be taking charge of the attacking team. Commanding an army to assault my own barony was a strange feeling, to say the least! Mireille would also be supporting the attacking team, while the defenders had Rosell and Charlotte on their side. Rosell, by the way, had started taking part in these exercises not too long ago, and had been more or less serving the role of a tactician."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte was a powerful tool in their arsenal, in theory, but with only sound magic to work with, she wasn’t as threatening as she otherwise would’ve been. That didn’t change the fact that they were at an advantage overall, of course, but you also had to take into consideration the fact that even though this was practice, a lot of our soldiers would still hesitate to swing a sword at me. In short, comparing our advantages and disadvantages wasn’t so simple."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille, meanwhile, had asked to be put on my team. She didn’t explain why, but I assumed she was hoping that if she was on my team, our soldiers would listen to her orders. She wasn’t popular among my troops, and there was a real danger that they’d ignore her commands if she gave them directly. It would be another story, however, if she were advising me and I were passing on her suggestions to the rest of our force. As far as I was concerned, having Mireille on my team meant I’d have a much easier time evaluating her skills, so I didn’t object to the plan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Two days after we agreed to Mireille’s trial, the day of the mock battle arrived. I’d spent the past two days worried that a war council would be called at the worst possible moment and we’d have to discard this whole plan, but nothing of the sort ended up happening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me and my fifty-soldier squad set out from the estate, traveling about half a mile away from Lamberg. We’d stage our assault on Lamberg from there. When we first started doing these drills, I’d thought that having to walk all the way out and back again would put the attacking team at a disadvantage, but I soon realized that plenty of factors worked to the attackers’ advantage as well. It wasn’t so easy to say which side was the more favorable role, but regardless, this was a training drill, not some sporting event. A little imbalance in the scenario wasn’t always a bad thing. Learning how to compensate for your disadvantages and how to make use of your advantages was part of what made these exercises worth running."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As we made our way out to our team’s starting point, Mireille struck up a conversation with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know this is just a drill, but this’ll be my first battle in ages.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Will it, now?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup. I used to all but live on the battlefield, but I haven’t taken part in a good fight since I got chased out. What about you? Had your first campaign yet, kiddo?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not yet, no,” I admitted. I had yet to witness a real battle so much as once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That so? Guess you are still a kid, then. Little practice skirmishes like this are fun and games compared to the real deal, y’know? You’d better keep that in the back of your mind. If you start thinking you’ll get used to combat through these little matches, you’ll be in for a rude awakening when the time comes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know that already,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh? Should’ve guessed. You seem like a sharp one.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d heard about the trials and terrors of real battles from more than a few people, and I’d gotten the impression that they were rather horrific. The practical application of magic to warfare was a recent development, so modern battlefields were a lethal storm of spells of all varieties. Tactics, on the other hand, had yet to catch up to that dramatic paradigm shift, and as such, tacticians who could think on the fly, break free of the established theories, and come up with countermeasures to the enemy’s magic were essential to any army. We would only have access to sound magic this time around, but even that meant our armies would have access to quite a wide variety of spells, and countering their effects was no simple matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Back on Earth, wars in the Middle Ages were a lot less nasty than you might expect in terms of the number of casualties and fatalities. In this world, however, war was a lethal affair, and even a single conflict could claim a tremendous number of lives. It wasn’t like most armies would bust out their powerful spells in minor skirmishes, though, so I didn’t imagine I’d be seeing that sort of devastation anytime soon. That wasn’t the case for large-scale battles, however. I’d heard that losses in the tens of thousands were by no means unheard of."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was rare for military leaders to command from the front these days due to such high losses. The logic was simple: if you were marching in the front of your army’s ranks, the odds were good that you’d be dead before the day was done. There were exceptions to that rule─my own father had charged out to lead his troops by example, hacking and slashing his way through the battlefield. The fact that he’d managed to lead like that and come out of each and every engagement alive was unexpected."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A small hut had been designated as the starting point for the attacking team. I led my force up to it, then commanded them to halt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then─I’ve come up with a few plans for us to consider, so let’s go over our options,” said Mireille, her tone and expression taking a sudden turn. She sounded calm, all things considered. “Magic-wise, we’ve got sound, and that’s it. We also only have medium-sized catalyzers on hand, which means we can use a maximum of thirty M’s worth of aqua magia per side. That means we’ve got four spells in our arsenal today, so we won’t have to come up with anything complicated to win this one.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Catalyzers, the tools used to cast magic, came in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The one we’d used to test Charlotte’s magic way back when was a small catalyzer that was roughly the size of a baseball. Medium catalyzers were just about basketball-sized, while large ones were around the size of those rubber exercise balls that people sat on. As you might expect, a metal device of that size was heavy and hard to move around, so they were transported using carts. We wouldn’t be using any of those in this practice battle. Hell, House Louvent didn’t even own any!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The bigger the catalyzer, the larger the volume of aqua magia you could pour into it. That made a big difference, since higher-level spells required a massive amount of aqua magia. Large-sized catalyzers were used primarily to cast that sort of battlefield-changing super spell. As a side note, the unit of measurement used for aqua magia was M. A small catalyzer could fit three Ms of aqua magia, while the mediums each side could use for the mock battle could fit thirty. Not having anything bigger wasn’t an issue because we didn’t have the funds to be blowing much more aqua magia than that during practice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So the four types of magic we’ll be able to use today are, umm…Hyper Voice, Rumble, Transmit, and Noise Trap, right?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Each of the available spells had different effects. Hyper Voice amplified the volume of the caster’s voice. Rumble created a thunderous roaring noise that could, in theory, distract or disturb your enemy. Transmit allowed you to send sounds across long distances, but there were a bunch of caveats─you had to use a specific sort of catalyzer, for one thing, and you could only send sounds to another catalyzer of the same variety. You had to know a number associated with the catalyzer you were transmitting to, and you couldn’t even transmit complex sounds, meaning speech was off the table. Just to make things even more complicated, the maximum possible transmission distance was determined by the caster’s magical ability. The final spell was less complicated, at least: Noise Trap was another spell that made a loud roaring noise, but only when somebody passed through an area you designated as you cast the spell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With medium-sized catalyzers, those four spells would be our entire repertoire for the day. As far as their aqua magia expenditures went, Hyper Voice required two Ms, Rumble and Transmit took three, and Noise Trap took ten. In terms of practicality, Hyper Voice and Transmit were both used to convey information across a battlefield. Noise Trap was also useful, since setting the spell up in strategic locations would allow you to detect the enemy’s movements without keeping an active guard posted. Rumble, however, was a bit of an exception─as far as I knew, it was pretty useless in actual combat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I bet they’ll try to ambush us,” said Mireille. That theory seemed convincing to me, considering ambushes had proven to be effective in our practice skirmishes thus far."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The tough part about being on the defending side was that if you tried to mount your defense in the precise location where your troops started, the enemy would know your army’s location and you’d lose the initiative. Losing out in that manner meant putting yourself at a notable disadvantage, and when you had the precise same number of troops as your enemy, that sort of disadvantage would decide the outcome of the battle in your foes’ favor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Moving your troops out from their defensive position to set up an ambush, on the other hand, had the opposite effect. It could gain you an overwhelming advantage if things went well, and even if you didn’t manage to pull the surprise aspect off, you wouldn’t be fighting on your enemy’s terms."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That might make it sound like there were nothing but upsides to attempting an ambush, but there were a fair few downsides as well. Three situations could bring an end to the match: if a commanding officer was neutralized, if one side surrendered, or if the attacking team managed to slip at least thirty of its troops into the town of Lamberg, in which case the defenders would lose. On the flip side, if the attacking team didn’t manage to accomplish any of those objectives by sunset, the match would be called in favor of the defenders. In other words, if the defenders abandoned their defensive position, the attackers could win by marching right on into town."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was only one proper road leading into Lamberg from where my team was located. That said, my army was small enough that traveling cross-country was practical. That meant it wouldn’t be easy for our opponents to predict which route we’d take into town. Typically, the defenders would send out scouts to locate the enemy force. Those scouts would then report back on the attackers’ movements via the Transmit spell, and the defenders would set up an ambush along the attackers’ chosen route."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And of course, we’re up against Rietz,” said Mireille. “If we did march straight in, he’d catch us in an ambush and wipe us out without breaking a sweat.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re not wrong about that, but I’m surprised you’re giving him that much credit,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re not the only one with an eye for people. I’m not half-bad, either, and I can tell that he’s got a real impressive head on his shoulders, and isn’t the careless type. If I had to pin his biggest flaw down, I’d say it’s that he takes himself too seriously. You hear people go on and on about how Malkans are inferior, but it only takes one guy like him to show how stupid that belief is. Did you pick him out as a retainer ’cause you figured out he was talented at a glance too, kiddo?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right,” I confirmed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then that power of yours might be something special. No matter where you go in the Empire, Malkans get a rough lot in life. I bet Rietz went through some tough times before he joined up with you, eh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He…did, yes,” I answered, a little hesitant. When I first met Rietz, he’d lost any semblance of a place where he belonged and had seemed just about ready to give up and die. He’d made a living for himself with a band of mercenaries up until that point, which might’ve been a decent environment compared to what other Malkans went through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rietz has the potential, no doubts there. The other kiddo you’ve got training to be a tactician, though─Rosell, right? Hate to say it, but he’s not cut out for the role.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why do you say that?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, I should rephrase that. It’s not that he’s not cut out to be a tactician. It’s just that he’ll never be first-rate, no matter what he does. He’s got the brains, don’t get me wrong! Little guy’s as smart as they come. But you have to be more than just smart to be a tactician. You have to be creative─to have the ingenuity to come up with schemes that your enemy could never possibly see coming, which is something he lacks.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille had a very respectable Intelligence score herself, so I couldn’t dismiss her view of Rosell offhand. That said, Rosell’s Intelligence cap, according to my Appraisal skill, was 109 points. If that was accurate, yet he somehow wasn’t cut out to be a tactician, then I couldn’t even begin to guess what sort of person would be suited to the role."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille might be decent at judging people, but maybe she just can’t see deep enough in Rosell’s case to give him the credit he deserves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to think of it, Rosell’s been complaining that your way of teaching is, well, pretty strange. Is that because you decided that he doesn’t have any talent?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That, and ’cause I’ve never been one for teaching,” Mireille readily admitted. “I do feel the urge to teach people a trick or two when it looks like they’ve got what it takes, but that’s about it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood. In that case, I think you’ll find yourself wanting to teach Rosell for real before too much longer,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille arched an eyebrow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? You’ve got an awful lot of faith in your ability to judge people, don’t you, kiddo?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’re getting off-topic. We should figure out a plan and move out as soon as possible. Got anything cooking, Mireille?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nothing too complicated. We’ll just send someone over to pretend they’ve double-crossed us, leak false info to the other side, and ambush them when they come looking for us.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now it was my turn to arch an eyebrow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And you think they’ll fall for that? You think they’ll believe that one of my men would betray me in a training exercise?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Eh, should work just fine. I’ve got a few tricks in mind,” replied Mireille. Then, she explained what she was plotting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That…does make sense,” I said when she finished. “That might trick Rietz and Rosell.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You think? Good. Then let’s pick someone to send out.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I chose the soldier who’d be playing double agent, and we put Mireille’s plan into motion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the same time, Rietz’s army was holding their ground in the position they’d started at. Rietz had sent out a few soldiers to scout out the enemy, determine their movements, and report back using the Transmit spell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Transmit spell’s capability to transmit information was rudimentary. Casting the spell expended some of the aqua magia within the associated catalyzer, and the specialized catalyzers designed for the spell were made to emit a knocking noise when their aqua magia was expended. As such, while transmitting human speech was impossible, transmitting coded messages with a series of knocks could allow mages to communicate with each other. Rietz had sent out one such mage along with one regular soldier to scout ahead and had just received their report."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seems they’re on the move,” Rietz muttered. His scouts had informed him that Ars’s team of attackers was beginning to mobilize. He’d already told the scouts to continue observing and reporting after the enemy army began to march, so there was no need for him to send a reply. That was important, since casting the Transmit spell didn’t allow one to send a message back without expending more precious aqua magia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Where’re they headed?” asked Rosell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In two different directions,” replied Rietz. “It seems they’ve split their forces, with one traveling along the road and the other through the woods. Lord Ars is proceeding with the group on the road, so our scouts will be following them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Scouting was, traditionally, a one-mage job. If you sent two mages out to report back, you’d burn through too much aqua magia to transmit all the relevant information. Although splitting your forces meant that neither group would be capable of taking on the enemy’s main contingent, you would also more or less guarantee that your enemy would only know the location of one of your two troops. It wasn’t an unreasonable plan, given the circumstances."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz and his troops were stationed on a road to the south of Lamberg. The road continued onward due south, and if you followed it for long enough, you would reach the starting point for Ars’s forces. Woodlands occupied the areas to the east and west of the road. The western woodlands were dangerous enough that they’d been declared out of bounds for the training exercise, but a known and safe route through the eastern woods made them fair game. A safe route wasn’t necessarily an easy route, however, and if you didn’t move with caution, you could get lost. Traveling that way was far from simple."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now we just have to decide how we deal with them,” Rietz muttered. There were any number of ways he could counter the attacking team’s chosen strategy. Choosing one enemy troop to crush first with his full might was an obvious option, but splitting his own forces to handle both at once had its advantages as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Rietz and Rosell were just beginning to discuss their options, a booming voice rang out, “Can you hear me, Rietz?! This is Shamal, from the attacking team! I want to talk!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shamal was one of House Louvent’s mages. It seemed he’d cast Hyper Voice to deliver his message."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’s this about?” Rietz wondered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I say we ignore it,” cautioned Rosell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve chosen to betray Lord Ars today, but I do it for his own sake!” Shamal’s voice rang out again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“To betray him…? Is he offering us information?” asked Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s an obvious trap,” said Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm… But think about the circumstances surrounding this battle,” replied Rietz. The instant that the concept of betraying Ars for his own sake was broached, he’d understood what Shamal was alluding to. If Mireille failed to lead Ars to victory in this battle, it was reasonable to assume that Ars would decide she hadn’t contributed in the manner he’d hoped, which would in turn lead to her expulsion from House Louvent. Considering the widespread distaste that Ars’s retainers held for her, it wasn’t implausible that one of them would decide to betray him here. “I think we should hear him out, just in case.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz ordered that Shamal be brought to him, and Shamal explained the details of Mireille’s strategy to Rietz. According to him, Mireille had plotted to have the contingent in the forest pretend that they’d fallen under attack from a real enemy force and sound the alarm. When Rietz’s troops rushed in to provide backup, the remaining portion of Ars’s troops on the road would mount a surprise attack and wipe the defenders out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That plan…doesn’t seem to be in the spirit of the rules, does it?” sighed Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, well, it’s not like the rules were all that clear cut,” noted Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, because under ordinary circumstances, nobody would consider putting a plan like that into action. It wouldn’t make for good training material.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If there was any chance that a genuine enemy attack had occurred, then Rietz would have to rush in, whether or not he realized that it might be a trap. It would defeat the purpose of a training exercise of this nature. Nobody had tried to carry out an underhanded stratagem like that, so there had never been any reason to prohibit them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Of course, I wouldn’t put it past that woman to come up with something so brazen,” Rietz noted. “Her grasp of common sense is tenuous.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But she’s not their leader, is she? Ars is. Wouldn’t he stop her?” asked Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Perhaps, but she’s a glib one. She may have talked Ars into going along with her scheme…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz could feel that he was missing something. Mireille had a way with words, to be sure, but Ars was no fool. He couldn’t believe that his lord had fallen for such a trick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes…you’re right. Everything I’ve just told you is a lie,” said Shamal, shocking everyone present."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” grunted Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s as you guessed, Rietz. Mireille told me to pretend to betray her and feed you false information. The thing is, I really hate that woman’s guts,” Shamal said, launching into an extended description of how and why he despised the tactician, concluding with a simple sentiment: “The way I see it, I might as well betray her for real while I have the chance. The plan I told you about before is a lie, but I’m about to tell you what she’s really up to now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thus, Shamal launched into a second explanation of Mireille’s true scheme. In short, her plan started with the leaking of false information to Rietz’s army. She would allow them to get the jump on Ars’s flank, but only briefly─at the most critical possible moment, when their sneak attack was being launched, Shamal would cast Rumble. The spell did nothing more than make a loud and unnerving noise, but when said noise was coming from the center of their own formation, it would shock Rietz’s soldiers and throw off their operation. It would also have a secondary purpose: functioning as the signal for the attacking team to break down the defenders’ ambush and turn the tables on them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think you should pretend to have fallen for their trap,” said Shamal. “After all, the whole operation hinges on me casting Rumble. If I don’t do that, we’re left with an actual surprise attack that they won’t be prepared for, and once Mireille’s plan fails, she’ll be chased out of House Louvent. Please, Rietz─make the right call!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz fell silent. He couldn’t decide whether or not to trust Shamal’s claim. It went without saying that both of the man’s stories could be fabrications, but his final tale was consistent with his motivations, so it seemed plausible. He didn’t appear to be lying, but Rietz didn’t know him well enough to say whether or not he was a skilled enough actor to pull off such a ruse, and Rietz wasn’t dumb enough to take someone’s word at face value."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then. I’ll trust you,” Rietz lied. He didn’t trust Shamal by any means, but he’d chosen to play along for the time being."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If Shamal was lying, then it was only a matter of time before the fact would be exposed, and the attacking team’s next move would become that much easier to predict. If he was telling the truth, on the other hand, then as he’d said, a sneak attack could lead to an easy victory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz didn’t believe that he’d made the best possible choice…but at this point in time, he hadn’t the foggiest idea what a terrible mistake he’d just made."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz directed his troops to march forward. Their destination: the location that Shamal had identified as the position where the attacking team would carry out their operation. Ars would be present in that unit, according to Shamal’s information. He also provided a map with the precise location marked on it, and according to Rietz’s scouts, Ars’s unit was already on the move toward that position."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before moving out, Rietz had to confirm one last thing with Shamal: the status of the division that Ars had sent into the woodlands. Shamal explained that they were insurance. If Rietz somehow managed to escape unharmed from the ambush, the backup troops in the woodlands would pursue him and finish him off. Just to be on the safe side, Rietz decided to dispatch ten of his own soldiers to hold that extra division off long enough for the main force to deal with Ars."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That wasn’t the only precaution that Rietz took, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then, before we move out, I’ll be taking your catalyzer. I’m sure you understand,” Rietz said to Shamal. His knowledge of the enemy’s plan wasn’t clear, and if Shamal was working for them and did cast Rumble to call in a surprise attack, Rietz and his men would be sitting ducks. Fortunately, Shamal handed over his catalyzer─a small-sized one─without protest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s strange, thought Rietz as he inspected the device. Catalyzers all had numbers inscribed into them. When a mage cast Transmit, the incantation involved reciting the number associated with the catalyzer they wanted to send a noise to. Something seemed wrong about the number on the catalyzer that Shamal handed over, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This catalyzer’s number is 23159…but that’s not Shamal’s number, is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Each catalyzer in House Louvent’s possession was assigned to a specific individual. Keeping the numbers consistent reduced the possibility of the flow of information becoming tangled. Furthermore, one of the rules for their practice battles was that you were not allowed to use Transmit to send information to the opposing team. Rietz wasn’t a mage himself, and as a result, he hadn’t had enough exposure to the catalyzers to memorize all of their numbers, but he still had the strangest feeling that Shamal’s was off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But if this is the wrong number…did his break? Or does he have two?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A catalyzer breaking down wasn’t unheard of, but it would have been odd for Shamal to have already been casting spells early enough in the drill to get one swapped out. Rietz wasn’t sure whether or not Shamal would have had to cast anything to tell that his own catalyzer was broken, but the probability that he was carrying two seemed higher overall. If Shamal had two catalyzers, it would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he intended to betray Rietz. Otherwise, he would have handed the spare over as well─there’d be no need to keep it hidden."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz knew that House Louvent’s mages all had the catalyzer numbers and their assignments memorized, so he went over to Charlotte in secret and asked her what Shamal’s was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Shamal’s number?” said Charlotte. “Uh, think that was…22134? Wait, no, 23112? Hmm…nah, sorry, no clue.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My apologies,” sighed Rietz. “I should have asked someone else.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He’d forgotten that Charlotte was bad at memorization, and hadn’t committed any of the catalyzer numbers to memory. Her overwhelming magical ability made her an unstoppable force on an actual battlefield, but her inability to use Transmit meant that she was an impediment in a mock battle, if anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz found a different mage to ask about the numbers instead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“23159? No, that’s Tenks’s number. Shamal’s is 23111.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I thought so,” said Rietz with a grimace."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oooh, 23111? Dang, I was pretty close,” grumbled Charlotte, who had tagged along with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It would save us a lot of trouble if you’d memorize the numbers yourself, you know?” Rietz sighed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why’s his number different, though?” Charlotte asked. Rietz explained his theory, and she nodded in understanding. “Oh, he has two of ’em? That’d do it for sure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is strange for a mage to be carrying another mage’s catalyzer,” explained the mage who’d confirmed Rietz’s suspicions about the numbers. “Each catalyzer has a certain feel to it, and it’s much easier to cast with one that you’re used to.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The fact that a mage found the situation so unnatural only deepened Rietz’s suspicions. Nothing had been proven yet, but this left him with one option: to search Shamal for a second catalyzer. Shamal was opposed to the check at first, but he gave in and allowed himself to be searched. Lo and behold, Rietz soon found a second catalyzer that he’d hidden."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So tell me, why did you have two of these?” asked Rietz. Shamal didn’t say a word, and Rietz shrugged. “No need to hear it from the horse’s mouth─I already know your answer. According to my scouts, Ars’s unit has reached the location you told us about and is standing by. You were going to wait until we were almost upon them, then use your second catalyzer to cast Rumble. Well, sorry to say, but that plan is a wash now.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Tell me about it,” Shamal sighed. “You’re right about everything. Man, I’ve made a real mess of this operation.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed that passing over the borrowed catalyzer rather than his own had been nothing more than a careless mistake."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well then, new plan. We’ll pretend that we’ve fallen for their scheme and head straight for Ars’s unit. They’ll be counting on that Rumble spell to alert them of our presence, which means they won’t see us coming,” said Rietz. He was convinced that the battle was already all but over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, yeah, at this point, I’m sure they think they’ve already won,” chuckled Mireille with a smirk as she explained how Rietz would be directing his forces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To sum her plan up in the simplest way possible, she had designed it under the deliberate assumption that her enemies would see through her scheme. Mireille had set Shamal up in a way that made him screwing up and revealing the details of her plan to Rietz and his troops the most likely outcome. According to her, nothing put a person off-guard like the misguided belief that they’d seen through their enemy’s plans. She’d made her fake plan as convoluted as possible to aid in that effort because if the plan that Shamal leaked was too straightforward, Rietz might end up questioning its authenticity."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was impressed. Mireille’s plan betrayed a remarkable level of psychological analysis on her part. The scouts that we’d sent had reported that Rietz’s troops were already on their way to our position, so now we just had to wait until he was closer to spring our trap and defeat him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once Rietz’s army was close enough to ours, we would move to a new location. Casting Transmit required a mage to chant a spell, and that took a hefty period of time. If we could relocate our troops and attack Rietz’s army from a blind spot before his scouts had the time to report back to him, we could catch him and his men off-guard and enter the battle at a massive advantage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Of course, there’s no guarantee that your plan will succeed. Rietz and his people might not have caught on to the part you needed him to figure out,” I noted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, I’m not too concerned about that,” said Mireille with a smirk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Rietz had missed Mireille’s convoluted setup, he’d still have made his way to our position. The difference was that in that instance, he would’ve been doing so without letting his guard down. That would require some major alterations to the plan, but it wasn’t a major problem."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All that said, our scouts had reported that Rietz and his troops were moving at a faster pace than usual. They were rushing forward in a manner consistent with them believing they’d seen through our strategy and dropping their guard as a consequence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just a little while later, one of the mages on my team received a message through their catalyzer. That was the signal we’d been waiting for─it was time for us to move out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, let’s get a move on,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right,” agreed Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I gave the order, and my entire squad began to move out. Rietz’s team wasn’t quite close enough to see with the naked eye yet, so me and my troops were able to move off to the side of the road and circle behind his group without being noticed. I knew that the slightest delay in setting up our trap could have spelled doom for our whole operation, so I urged my forces to move as fast as possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t long before Rietz’s troops came into view, and we managed to circle around them without getting spotted. Rietz had ordered his troops to a stop. My best guess was that he was receiving a report from his scouts at that very moment, and I wasn’t about to give him the time to act on the information they’d sent him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First, I ordered our archers to open fire. We peppered Rietz’s formation from behind with arrows, thinning their ranks in an instant. That threw their remaining force into a state of mayhem, but Rietz was a competent enough leader to rally them back into formation before the clash began. Unfortunately for him, that preemptive strike by our archers had taken its toll. It was a hard fight, to be clear─much harder than expected, considering we’d gotten the jump on him─but in the end, our team emerged victorious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“My team has won the day, and we have Mireille’s strategy to thank for it,” I declared, addressing all of my troops after the battle was done. “As such, her employment with House Louvent will not be terminated.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A lot of my troops didn’t look very happy about how things had turned out, but they had agreed to the terms and they weren’t the sort to break promises. In the end, nobody spoke out against my decision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That said,” I continued, turning to Mireille. “I can’t rule out the possibility that I’ll cast you aside if you continue to cause problems. I expect you to be on your best behavior.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right, right,” replied Mireille with a dismissive wave."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, at least she can’t say she wasn’t warned now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was pretty skeptical she’d heed said warning, but in any case, Mireille had earned her place as a retainer of House Louvent."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0017.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days after the mock battle, a letter from Couran ordering me to report in for a war council arrived. The venue: Couran’s very own stronghold in Semplar. The County of Semplar was located in southern Missian, a fair ways to the southeast of Lamberg. I’d never been there myself, so I didn’t know how long of a journey it was, but I’d been told that it could take up to ten days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We set about preparing for our departure. Rietz, Rosell, and Mireille would all be going as my resident tacticians, while a number of my soldiers and Charlotte would be accompanying us as guards. We’d be traveling by horse-drawn carriage this time, on account of the length of the trip. We’d have too much luggage to get by on horseback, so bringing a carriage was the practical option."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, everyone,” I said when our preparations were complete. “It’s time! We ride for Semplar!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The road to Semplar wound through a lengthy stretch of flatlands, so it wasn’t a particularly treacherous journey. Well, not in terms of the road itself, anyway─the fact that we were set upon by bandits several times after leaving Canarre meant that it was quite treacherous by most standards. I’d never encountered bandits during my journeys within Canarre itself, so either Canarre was a safer county, I’d just gotten lucky, or having a carriage made the bandits peg us as wealthy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whatever the case, Charlotte drove off the bandits without breaking a sweat. Mages appeared to be above the typical bandit’s league, since it often only took one spell from her to make them turn tail and scatter to the winds. Charlotte could adjust her spells’ output as desired, and I didn’t want her leaving craters in our wake, so I had her stick to low-powered warning shots for the most part."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "However, every once in a while, we encountered a group of brigands who refused to submit to intimidation. In those cases, we had no real choice but to kill them. It was the first time I’d seen anyone die since my father executed a criminal in front of me, and while it didn’t leave me as shaken as that first experience, it still made me sick to my stomach. I wasn’t used to death, and I didn’t want to get used to it, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days after our departure, Mireille approached me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, look─can’t you do something about the kid for me?” she asked, looking frustrated. She was the one who most often made other people make that expression, so this was something of a rarity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What kid?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You know, the brat! Rosell! I’m telling you, it’s been one question after another from him ever since the training drill!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, right…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My retainers’ overall opinion of Mireille hadn’t gone up as much as I’d hoped after the mock battle, with one notable exception: Rosell’s had skyrocketed. He’d been skeptical about her abilities from day one, but ever since our skirmish, he’d started asking her so many questions that he was getting to be kind of a nuisance. Mireille had told me that she wasn’t a fan of teaching, but Rosell was so persistent that she had no choice but to start answering him every once in a while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As a direct result, Rosell’s long-stagnant Intelligence score had grown by a full two points over a very brief period of time. It was now sitting at a healthy score of 93. I had thought for the longest time that his lack of real-world experience was the problem, but it seemed that what he’d lacked might’ve been a capable enough mentor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not that Rietz was someone to scoff at, of course─his Intelligence was plenty high─but at a certain point, Rosell’s abilities had grown to the extent that Rietz just didn’t have much to teach him. They felt like equals more than a teacher and his student. So perhaps someone with an Intelligence score substantially higher than Rosell’s, like Mireille, made a better teacher. Mireille wasn’t happy about that arrangement, but she’d just have to deal with it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry to ask this, but I’d like you to keep answering Rosell’s questions. It’ll be good for him,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, fine. Don’t wanna get myself chased out, I guess. Plus, I’ve started thinking you might be right about him. Feels like he might have the makings of a decent tactician.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, you think so?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, every once in a while, he comes up with something really out of the box. He’s a lot better at understanding stuff and thinking it through than I first thought, too. Not saying he’s got what it takes, but I can’t rule out the possibility that I misjudged him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then why not take him under your wing?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“’Cause even I’ve got my limits,” grumbled Mireille. “The kid comes after me non-stop! Question after question without a break! I can’t go telling him off too much ’cause he’s a kid, but he’s way harder to persuade than you’d think. I just can’t deal with him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess she’s having a harder time than I thought…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hadn’t expected her to be the sort of person who hated people approaching her for help. Still, the fact that Rosell was so interested in having her teach him felt like a step in the right direction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hopefully, his Intelligence will keep rising."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days later, we arrived in Semplar. The city was located on the coast and was surrounded by a large curtain wall. Unlike Canarre, there was no external portion of the city that was outside of the walls. It looked new as well, so I concluded that they’d been built in recent years."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The gateway into the city was close enough to the ocean that we could see the coast as we made our way inside. I hadn’t lived in a land-locked prefecture during my life in Japan and I’d seen the ocean plenty of times, but this was the first time I’d seen it in this lifetime. That said, the ocean was just the ocean, even in another world. It was big, blue, smelled like salt, and the sound of the waves lapping at the shore was calming. Everything was as I remembered it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, what’s with all the water?” asked Charlotte, who looked downright puzzled. Apparently, this was her first time seeing the ocean."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s the ocean. It’s my first time seeing it as well,” explained Rosell, who sounded more moved than shocked. “It’s enormous, huh? It stretches out so far that you can’t even see what’s on the other side.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I guess with that much water around, folks here never have to worry about going thirsty,” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not quite,” I replied. “Seawater’s too salty to drink. If you tried, you’d get even thirstier than before.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Seriously? Then all that water’s useless!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It isn’t.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Calling the whole ocean useless because you couldn’t drink from it felt just plain disrespectful, in a weird sort of way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After we’d gotten our fill of the ocean, we made our way into the city of Semplar itself. Getting through the gates didn’t pose an obstacle─the guards asked a few questions, then waved us through without much fuss. It became clear as we stepped inside that Semplar either boasted a much higher population than Canarre, or at the very least had a lot more people coming and going. I had memories of my old world, so I wasn’t surprised to see streets packed to the brim with pedestrians, but Rosell and Charlotte were shocked by the sheer number of people who were out and about."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If memory serves, Semplar has the second highest population of all the cities in Missian,” Rietz explained. The biggest, I had to assume, was the capital, Arcantez."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The size of the crowds wasn’t the only factor that made them so impactful─there was also a palpable sense of energy in the air. The streets were lined with stalls, and the hawkers who manned them were shouting their lungs out to advertise their goods. It seemed like all sorts of rare and interesting things were up for sale, so I found my attention drawn to them. However, the rational part of my brain knew we weren’t here on a shopping trip, so I held myself back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A massive castle stood far away down the city’s main street. That, I knew, was Castle Semplar: the site of the war council. I was already planning to come back and take the full tour of the city, but for the moment, we had to make our way straight to the castle without wasting a moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before we reached the castle, though, we ran into yet another wall. This one was much older than the first we’d passed through. I assumed that Semplar had once had a similar setup to Canarre, with an inner and outer city. That thought led me to the sudden realization that, considering Canarre was right on Seitz’s doorstep and that Seitz had grown more and more aggressive as of late, the town of Canarre was under-fortified at the moment. Of course, building walls took an abundance of time and money, so it wasn’t an easy problem to rectify."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Passing through the inner wall required us to present some sort of authorization. I didn’t have the sort of permit that locals would use, but I did have the letter of summons that Couran had sent me, which I showed to the guard. That gained us immediate entrance, thankfully. As we stepped into the inner city, I noted that the people here were more well-dressed and the buildings were more refined than those outside. It seemed this was where the rich people lived."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We arrived at the castle proper, I showed the guards my letter once again, and they ushered us through the outer gates."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Castle Semplar looked even more imposing up close than it had from a distance. I was certain that it was much larger than Castle Canarre. More impressive even than its size, though, was its coloration: the entire castle was a brilliant gold. I couldn’t tell if it was paint or if they’d covered the whole thing in gold leaf, but the effect was impactful regardless of the method. I’d seen plenty of castles by then, but this was the first golden one I’d encountered. I had to wonder whether that was Couran’s personal touch, or if it had always been that way. It seemed like a little too much, and the sheer excess struck me as more tacky than appealing. But as a show of wealth and power, it certainly did its job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We have awaited your arrival, Lord Ars Louvent,” a man said to me as I stepped inside. I recognized him as Robinson, the retainer who had accompanied Couran and I when we had our discussion back at the party. “His Lordship Couran has instructed me to escort you to him at once.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We exchanged a quick greeting, and then Robinson led us to Couran. As we walked through the castle’s corridors, I was again struck by how opulent the place was. The carpets were colored a bright shade of red, while the walls were the same golden color on the inside as they were on the outside. We passed by several statues that seemed to be made of gold and studded with jewels along the way, as well. I had to wonder just how much gold a man could want in his life to justify this sort of design."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My train of thought was derailed, however, as a man clad in a suit of jet-black armor stepped out in front of me. His face was chiseled and handsome, and if I had to guess, I’d say he was somewhere in his late twenties. It was hard to describe what it was about him, but somehow, he gave off a sort of aura that told me he was no average individual. The man gave me the swiftest of sidelong glances, then went on his way without saying a word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Was that man a member of the Maitraw Company?” Rietz asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes,” replied Robinson. “That is the current leader of the Maitraw Company, Clamant Maitraw III.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Maitraw Company was a band of mercenaries that Couran had taken into his service. They were purported to be the most capable group of sellswords in all of Missian, and I was already regretting missing my chance to appraise their leader. I resolved to give him a closer look the next time I had the chance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Robinson led us onward through the castle. It was as tall as it was broad in scope, and it seemed Couran was on one of the upper floors. I lost count of how many staircases we climbed and was pretty tired by the time Robinson came to a stop and gestured at a door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You will find Lord Couran inside,” he explained, and I took that as permission to open the door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So you’ve arrived, Ars! Good,” said Couran as I stepped inside. “And you’ve brought your retainers, as promised! I have high hopes for their contributions.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm─I take it the Malkan is the renowned Rietz?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is an honor to be known by a man of your station, Your Lordship. Rietz Muses, at your service.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And I see he’s quite the agreeable one, at that! What of the child next to you, Ars? He looks to be around your age. Is he a tactician as well?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes. In terms of pure potential, he’s the most talented individual I’ve met so far.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“M-My name is Rosell Kischa… I-It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Lordship,” Rosell somehow managed to say despite how nervous he was. Couran was the sort of high-ranking noble who exuded an air of authority, so I couldn’t blame him for feeling intimidated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I’ll be looking forward to the insights you have to offer,” replied Couran. “And what of the girl? She strikes me as a mage, if I had to hazard a guess.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, that’s correct. This is Charlotte Lace, who I brought along to serve as my bodyguard. She’s very capable─we were set upon by bandits several times over the course of our journey, yet she drove off every single one of them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nice meetin’ you, pops,” said Charlotte. It was such a casual way to greet a lord of Couran’s standing I almost choked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ch-Charlotte!” I gasped. “Have some manners─he’s a lord! You’re supposed to call him ‘Lord Couran’ or ‘Your Lordship’!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hah!” chuckled Couran. “No need to worry; I am not offended. From the perspective of a young woman like her, I’m sure I’m more than old enough to merit that sort of nickname.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed that he was an understanding enough person to laugh off that sort of casual boorishness, for all the good that did my fraying nerves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lumeire has told me of an incredible mage in your employ─I presume that would be her, yes? And as for the last in your group,” said Couran, his gaze turning to Mireille. Instantly, his expression shifted. “Wh-What in the─Mireille?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I guess he knows her, I thought, then realized that it should have been obvious. Mireille was once powerful and esteemed enough among noble circles to be granted her own territory, after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait a minute…she told me that she was chased out of her position, right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She’d given me that whole speech about how she’d been set up, sure, but considering what she was like, I knew I could trust that about as far as I could throw it. She’d definitely caused some sort of trouble to get herself cast out. There was no way for me to know what she’d done, but it hit me that bringing her here might’ve been a bad idea."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, if Couran already knew Mireille, then it was safe to assume that he knew how talented she was. It was also safe to assume that he knew she was the sister of one of his enemy’s top tacticians. I was certain that, even knowing the risks, he would have the resolve necessary to make use of her knowledge and tactical prowess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So…you’re still alive,” Couran said after a long pause."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Somehow,” replied Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I certainly can’t deny that you, of all people, have the ability to serve as a tactician,” said Couran. “That is not, however, to say I don’t have any reservations regarding this arrangement. How much do you know about this woman’s background, Ars?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gave Couran a quick rundown of everything I knew about Mireille, and he nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, that’s correct. She is indeed the sister of one of my enemy’s tacticians, and she was also a close ally of Vasmarque himself, no less. I can by no means dismiss the possibility that she is a spy.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If I can get a word in edgewise,” said Mireille, “Vasmarque and I were never close. He used me, then gave me the boot. I have a grudge against the bastard like you wouldn’t believe.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That answered one question, or at least started to: it seemed Vasmarque himself was involved in Mireille’s banishment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Plus, if I were a spy, why would I throw my lot in with House Louvent? Even I’m shocked that serving a petty little lordling has somehow ended up with me getting to meet you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That is…reasonable, I must admit,” said Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I were just a petty baron of a tiny territory who had no particular ties to Couran, then it would make no sense for a spy to enter my service. She would’ve gone to Couran himself, or at the very least chosen a more influential lord to use for her purposes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran folded his arms and sank into thought. He seemed to be weighing the costs and benefits of taking Mireille into the fold."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How long has it been since you hired Mireille as your retainer, Ars?” he eventually asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“About a month.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And how has her behavior struck you, so far?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told him about Mireille’s conduct, sparing very little detail. In other words, I told him about how she’d shirked as much responsibility as possible, drank to excess at all times of the day, and caused so much trouble that she was more or less loathed by almost everyone else under me. The longer I spoke, the more I realized that if she was a spy, she had a funny way of going about her work. Most spies would have been downright desperate to earn the trust of the people they were spying on, yet she seemed to be doing the opposite, if anything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That isn’t enough to tell me beyond a shadow of a doubt that she isn’t a spy, but I’ll admit, it does seem unlikely. A problem remains, however: the fact that the other lords in my service will oppose her presence. We’ll have to do something about that,” said Couran after I finished. It seemed that he, at least, had decided that having her around was worth the risk. “In any case, there’s still some time left before the council begins. Until then, please make yourself at home.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With our conversation over, Couran led us off to a luxurious chamber in another section of the castle. There we would wait for the war council to begin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few hours later, we were informed that it was time. The council was to be held in a room they called the Chamber of Debate. A large table was situated in the center of the chamber, and a map was spread out atop it. A fair number of nobles were already inside as well, seated around the table. I recognized most of them from the party I’d attended, but since their retainers hadn’t been allowed inside at the time, there were quite a few people present who I’d never seen before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, Ars!” a voice rang out. “Couran told me that he’d invited you, but I have to say, I didn’t believe it until I saw you walk through the door!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Lumeire!” I replied, turning to face him as he walked up to me. I hadn’t considered the possibility, but it seemed he’d been invited to the council as well. I also recognized Menas, one of his chief retainers, who was standing behind him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m impressed that Lord Couran already has you attending his councils. It seems he’s taken quite a liking to you! I’m very impressed!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I owe it all to you, Lord Lumeire. This is all thanks to you telling Lord Couran about me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lumeire paused to consider my words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“When you put it like that, I suppose I did bring you up a fair share of times, didn’t I? So yes, it was my doing! Though, I don’t think the tales I told were particularly tall ones. I reported the truth of your exploits, and if Lord Couran took a shine to you as a result, then you have your own efforts to thank for it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as Lumeire finished, a nearby nobleman called out to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You there─you’re the boy from the party, aren’t you? What are you doing here?” he asked, looking more than a little suspicious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I received a personal summons to the council from Lord Couran,” I politely replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You? A mere boy? And even if you were a man, House Louvent has not done enough to merit a seat at this table,” the nobleman snorted in contempt. He didn’t accuse me of anything, but his pointed glare made it clear he suspected I’d earned my invitation through underhanded means."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What I want to know is who that Malkan he brought with him is! Can’t be his retainer, can it?” called out another noble. “Why in the name of decency would anyone bring one of those into these chambers?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As a matter of fact, he is my retainer, yes,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A Malkan, a retainer? You can’t expect me to swallow this drivel without question, can you? Malkans are an inferior breed, and if you think one of them is fit to serve nobility, I have questions about the stock you were raised from! Send him away before his stench starts to linger,” the first nobleman said, giving Rietz a look of open disgust."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Stop right─” began Lumeire, but I held out an arm to interrupt him before he could defend us. I knew that this was a moment where I had to speak up for my people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rietz is an exceptionally capable individual. His mind is as sharp as his blade, and he wields both with expert precision. He has done more for me and my household than any other. More to the point,” I continued, dropping into a sharper and less cordial tone, “I hope you recall that you stand within Lord Couran’s castle, not your own. It was under his orders that all of us were called to participate in this council. Neither I nor Rietz is under any obligation to bow to your command.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That shut him up quick. The nobleman couldn’t seem to find the right words to respond with, so he spent a moment just glaring instead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmph! Stay, then, and prove yourselves to be the worthless fools you are. I shall enjoy the spectacle,” he jabbed, then spun about and stormed off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you, Lord Ars,” said Rietz once the man was out of earshot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Defending the honor of my retainers is one of my responsibilities as a lord.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Several people gave him very skeptical looks after that point, but nobody else seemed inclined to speak out against him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shortly thereafter, we took our seats around the table. It seemed that quite a large number of people had been summoned to participate in the council. I assumed the idea was that the more people who were present, the more chances there were of formulating a decent plan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I thank you all for answering my summons,” said Couran as he stepped into the chamber. “I would like to begin our discussion at once, and I hope to develop an overall strategy for our campaign before we adjourn.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In other words, Couran intended to plot out the course of the whole war at this very meeting. Without a solid plan to base the movement of our troops around, even if we were to win battles on a local scale, we would have very little hope of claiming victory in the long term."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Robinson?” said Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Milord,” said Robinson, who then spread open a rolled-up sheet of parchment, which he began reading off of. “At present, our forces number one hundred and ten thousand. We have fifty-five thousand infantrymen, thirty thousand archers, twenty thousand cavalrymen, and five thousand mages at our disposal. In regards to the latter, we are capable of providing three thousand small catalyzers, two thousand five hundred medium ones, and five hundred large ones. Our aqua magia reserves come out to an approximate total of fifty-four thousand, one hundred and thirty Ms. Our provisions, meanwhile, can keep our entire force fighting fit for years on end. As for the enemy’s forces, while we lack information on the particulars, we are aware they have twenty thousand more men than we do. That said, our men are far better equipped.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact that we didn’t have clear information about the state of Vasmarque’s forces was vexing to me. No sooner than Robinson finished his speech, one of the nobles I wasn’t familiar with began to shout."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have a plan!” he bellowed. “Our forces are made up of strong men and their morale is high! My armies will dominate any battlefield they are dispatched to! I believe that we should march upon the enemy stronghold, Arcantez, right away! If we mobilize the full might of our combined forces, we will not fail!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was clear just by looking at the man that he was more of a fighter than a thinker. In fact, judging by the nature of his plan, I wasn’t convinced there was so much as a single thought running through his head at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your grasp of the situation is shallow,” said another noble with glasses. “The odds of us seizing victory with such a barbaric plan are much lower than you give them credit for.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He seemed bright, so I appraised him and found that he had an Intelligence score of 71. The other guy, by the way, had a 41."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The only way to guarantee victory in battle is to grasp your opponent’s weakness,” said the man with glasses. “Vasmarque’s one fatal flaw is the illegitimacy of his claim. Reason and custom dictate that the eldest son, Lord Couran, inherit his father’s household, and while Vasmarque was at one point slated to inherit the position instead, those plans were discarded. He may claim that the duke only rescinded the nomination out of respect for Lord Couran’s objection and that the duke intended to reinstate him as his successor in due time, but without the duke himself around to attest one way or the other, such claims are unsubstantiated.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man in glasses wasn’t done yet. He carried on, eloquently conveying his thoughts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Vasmarque is a capable schemer, and I’m sure he has coaxed many of our fellow lords into backing his cause, but what of the people? Do you not believe that the citizens of Arcantez question his rule? I believe that if the people of Arcantez were to denounce Vasmarque and accept Lord Couran as their true and just ruler, the war would be all but won.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now we’re getting somewhere!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That seemed like a reasonable strategy, as far as I could tell. Sure, he hadn’t proposed any specific methods for turning the people of Arcantez against Vasmarque, but this was a general strategy meeting, and that fell more within the realm of tactics."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It seems your information is somewhat lacking, Mark,” said Couran. Mark, incidentally, was the name of the bespectacled lord. “Our foe is talented at rallying the people to his cause. In the time I have spent building up Semplar into Missian’s capital of trade and commerce, Vasmarque has gained the backing of citizens in cities throughout the duchy. The people of Arcantez are loyal to him, to the extent that earning their trust after he is defeated will pose a problem in its own right. So long as Vasmarque lives, gaining the support of Arcantez’s population will be all but impossible.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-Is that so?” replied Mark, the color draining from his face. “My deepest apologies, Milord.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No need to apologize. I shall not fault anyone for expressing their opinion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The atmosphere around the table remained heavy. The room fell into silence, and for quite some time, nobody dared to be the next to propose a plan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“U-Umm, m-may I say something?” asked Rosell in a trembling voice, breaking the long silence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The gazes of all the nobles present fell upon him. Whispers began to circulate, most of them along the lines of, “That child has something to contribute?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell flinched back, terrified, but then he took a deep breath and seemed to calm down. Then, he began to speak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It, umm, seems like everyone’s assuming we have to claim Arcantez, but I believe the enemy will have the city well-fortified, and Castle Arcantez is the sturdiest and most defensible stronghold in all of Missian. Conquering the city would prove difficult, and so, I think we should instead focus our efforts on the next largest city under their influence, Velshdt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Velshdt? What will conquering Velshdt gain us?” asked a nobleman. “We’ll never win this war unless we take Arcantez!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s true that taking Velshdt won’t guarantee our victory, but it will bring us much closer to that objective. I’m sure all of you understand the strategic importance that Velshdt holds, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that, the assembled lords fell into thought. Rosell was proposing that if they couldn’t claim the enemy’s capital, they should start small and claim the surrounding regions first. If Velshdt were to fall, then it would expose Vasmarque’s weakness and raise the odds of the lords serving under him deciding to stab him in the back. As far as I could tell, it wasn’t a bad plan at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Unlike Arcantez, I do not believe the people of Velshdt hold Vasmarque in high esteem,” said Couran in a thoughtful tone. “In the worst case, claiming Arcantez by force could result in its citizens rising against us. Claiming Velshdt, however, would pose no such risk. Moreover, the castle in Velshdt is one of the oldest and most decrepit in all of Missian. I’d bet it hasn’t been fortified to withstand modern war magic, and that would make it all but impossible to defend… A sound plan, indeed.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The enemy will expect us to advance upon Arcantez,” said Rosell. “I propose that we do so, to start, but then divert the bulk of our forces to Velshdt, leaving a small force on the path to Arcantez to draw out their army. If all goes well, we could claim the city with ease.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not only had Rosell’s suggestion been approved by the commanding lord, but he’d even proposed a specific method to go about carrying it out. It was obvious that nobody was happy to have to take a child’s suggestion, and some of them were trying to come up with counter-arguments, but nobody seemed able to think up anything good enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“May I offer a suggestion as well?” asked Rietz. This time, the lords’ scornful gazes turned upon him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please speak, Sir Rietz,” said Robinson, granting him formal permission to offer his viewpoint. With the word of Couran’s right-hand man backing him up, none of the assembled nobles had any hope of silencing him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe Rosell’s suggestion that we conquer Velshdt is sound. However, I do not believe that a feint is our best option. Not only is there a chance that the enemy will catch on and send troops to reinforce Velshdt, but the even greater danger is that they will instead send their forces here, to Semplar. If Semplar were to fall, we would find ourselves fighting at an overwhelming disadvantage. We would have to call our troops to its defense if we learned the enemy intended to strike here, which would render our surprise attack on Velshdt moot.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good point,” said Rosell, nodding all the while. Rietz had indeed picked out a flaw in his plan. “That means we would either have to leave part of our forces in Semplar to guard the city or send more troops off to make the diversion more convincing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we thin out our troops, conquering Velshdt may prove difficult,” countered Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“True, but think about it this way: if the enemy’s main force in Arcantez is drawn out to attack Semplar, that means they’ll be fighting on our terms! It’s easier to set traps when you’re fighting in your own territory, for one thing. We’d be at an obvious advantage! In the best-case scenario, we may even be able to surround the enemy’s main force and wipe them out in one fell swoop!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That does make sense,” I said. I was indeed under the impression that as long as you were aware that the enemy would be advancing on your territory, fighting on home turf gave you the upper hand. Would that be enough to turn the tide in our favor, though? Vasmarque was known to have several talented tacticians on his side, and provoking him into attacking Semplar seemed pretty risky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you think about all this, Mireille?” I asked, turning to the third member of my party."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think Rosell’s got the right idea when it comes to attacking Velshdt first,” replied Mireille, who looked like she’d been about to nod off before I called on her. “I’ve seen Castle Arcantez up close and personal, and I can tell you that it won’t be easy to bring it down. The rest of the plan, though? I’d toss that out. Vasmarque and his people aren’t suckers, so there’s no way we’d fool them with such cheap tricks. I doubt they’d bother attacking Semplar at all.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now that Mireille had the room’s attention, the nobles began to whisper amongst themselves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Wait a moment…I’ve seen her somewhere before.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He called her Mireille, didn’t he?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Surely not that Mireille?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Apparently, most of them already knew of her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Guess I should’ve expected that, since she used to be a baroness and all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What an honor that I’d be remembered by such esteemed guests.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Couran!” a nobleman shouted. “Do you know who that woman is?! She was driven out from her place of authority for a very good reason!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And her brother is Vasmarque’s closest ally!” another yelled. “She could be a spy!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hold!” shouted Couran. “I know who she is, and I was already aware that she was in attendance. Her skill is unquestionable, and I have deemed it unlikely that she is a spy. As such, I have chosen to trust her.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once again, none present could bring themselves to defy their direct superior’s orders. Mireille was free to speak once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“More than anything else, Vasmarque moves with caution. He anticipates every possible development and plans how to deal with each and every one of them in advance. I doubt we can out-plot him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe I know better than anyone how clever the man is,” replied Couran. “But what, then, do you propose we do to overcome him?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have a few plans in mind that he’d have a hard time dealing with, even if he does see them coming. First of all, the territory that Vasmarque governs shares its north-western border with the Duchy of Paradille. We could enlist their support.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait,” said Couran. “The Duke of Paradille has long despised my father, and as his children, we’ve inherited that distaste. I cannot imagine he would ally himself with Vasmarque, but by the same token, I do not believe he would offer me aid.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“True, but the Duke of Paradille’s also part of a dying breed: he considers himself an oathbound servant of the Imperial House. If we could convince them to serve as an intermediary, the odds are high that we’d be able to get Paradille on our side. These days, the Imperial House is starved for coin, so with the wealth you wield, enlisting their aid shouldn’t be hard at all.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0019.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Asking the Imperial House to serve as our intermediary… I see. I do not claim to like the idea, but it may well be our best option. Moreover, Vasmarque does not have the sort of funding to his name that I do. It is a card that he would be incapable of playing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran seemed to be considering putting Mireille’s plan into action."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well, then,” declared Couran. “Allow me to summarize the plan as it stands. Although our ultimate goal remains the conquest of Arcantez, we will disregard it and instead endeavor to claim Velshdt first. Furthermore, we will do so by enlisting the aid of Paradille to bolster our numbers.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, the broad strokes of the plan were settled. That meant it was time to focus on the nitty-gritty little tactical details: when to appeal to the Imperial House for aid, who to send on that mission, how much money to have ready for the bribe, and so on and so forth. Everyone agreed that sending our emissary right away was the best course of action, but it would still have to wait until a variety of preparations were complete."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It went without saying that Couran wouldn’t dream of having anyone less than exceptional conduct negotiations with the Imperial House. However, with matters in Missian as they stood, handling the matter himself wasn’t feasible. Thus, it was decided that Couran’s first-born son would be entrusted with the task, with Robinson going along as his assistant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I happened to notice that Couran looked more than a little apprehensive when he nominated his son for the task. I’d never met the son in question, but I didn’t get the impression Couran believed he was all that capable. Couran claimed that everything would work out as long as he had Robinson there to advise him, though it sort of sounded like he was talking to himself when he said that just as much as he was talking to the rest of us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As for the money, an astonishing sum of several tens of thousands of gold coins was readied─and that was just the advance payment. A boat was to be readied to transport it. The Imperial Capital, like Semplar, was located by the coast, so traveling by sea was the quickest option. The ships at Couran’s disposal were cutting-edge by the standards of this world’s technology, and he had both a skilled navigator and a talented marine pilot under his employ, so the chances of the vessel sinking en route were next to none."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few plans were also hashed out for what to do if the negotiations went awry. We still wouldn’t be trying to outwit our foe, though. Instead, we’d be shoring up our defenses and mounting a more direct invasion of Velshdt at the same time, attempting to gain the upper hand by way of pure tactics. In short: the idea was to keep plan B simple and straightforward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And with that, our immediate plans were laid and the conference came to an end. The assembled lords began to leave the Chamber of Debate one by one. I, however, remained seated on account of Couran having ended the meeting with the words: “Ars! I would like you to stay for a moment.” His choice of phrasing seemed to convey he wanted me and me alone to stay, and the other lords took the hint, so it wasn’t long before I was left alone with him and Robinson in the chamber."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You have held up your end of our bargain well, Ars. The tacticians you brought are exceptional indeed, and you have my thanks,” said Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m honored by your words, Milord.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Of course, I could take issue with your choice to bring Mireille, of all the people, but considering the circumstances, I’ll refrain from nitpicking,” he added with a smile. “Now then, to business. I have another favor I would like to ask of you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed that thanking me was the preamble─Couran had asked me to remain behind because he wanted me to do something for him once again."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As you are aware, I have already selected an individual to negotiate with the Imperial House. However, I have my apprehensions about sending Rengue and Robinson alone to handle the task. Are you familiar with anyone who would do well as an assistant in such negotiations?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rengue, of course, was the name of Couran’s son. I knew that Robinson’s Politics score was quite high already, but it seemed Couran was still unconvinced that his help alone would be enough. Either Couran was extremely cautious, or Rengue was just that unreliable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rietz would be the most politically adept of my retainers,” I replied without hesitation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rietz, is it…?” said Couran with a frown. “That would pose difficulties. The Imperial Capital and the surrounding regions are among the most prejudiced in all the empire when it comes to the Malkan people. I would be disinclined to send him, for his own sake.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. I didn’t know.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Okay, so the next highest Politics score would be… But who would that be? Rosell? No, even if his score is the highest, this is way too heavy of a task for him. Mireille and Charlotte are out of the running as well, so I guess I don’t have any retainers suited for the task."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or so I thought, but then, at the last second, I remembered Licia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait, that’s right! She has a high Politics score! Maybe she’d be able to help!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The problem, of course, was that she was my fiancée, not my retainer. She wasn’t even a part of my household yet, so giving her such a task seemed like a tall order…but I decided to let Couran know about her anyway, just for good measure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your fiancée, you say? Hmm… I am less than inclined to coerce a girl such as her into going out on this sort of journey. Nevertheless, if you speak with her and her father and receive their consent, I would like you to bring her to see me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood,” I replied. Just talking with Licia and her family sounded easy enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, Couran’s business with me was finished. We spent the night in the castle, then departed for Lamberg."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arriving back at my estate and then immediately setting out to visit Licia at her home would have been rude, so instead, I decided to send her a letter expressing my desire to visit first. Essentially, I wrote that I had important matters to discuss with her regarding the war and that she didn’t need to bother preparing to welcome us as formal guests."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I sent the letter to her father, Hammond, not to Licia herself. I had a feeling that he’d be opposed to the idea of sending her to the capital, so I knew I was going to have to have a discussion with him before long. Of course, I had a hard time imagining that Couran would judge him for turning down that sort of request, so I didn’t think it would be a disaster even if he dug his feet in. I wasn’t certain how helpful Licia would be in the negotiations, anyway, so I wasn’t planning on insisting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before I received a reply, one of my retainers came to report to me on an altogether different matter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I bring a report from Ben of the Shadows, Lord Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d known that I’d be out for some time on account of my trip to Semplar, and wouldn’t be able to receive any reports from Ben in person. And so, I’d left one of my retainers with instructions to retrieve his report and hand over the gold in my place. It seemed that had worked out as intended."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good work,” I replied, then opened up the report and began to read."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To begin with, it informed me that the Shadows had begun developing channels of information that would let them learn about our enemies. The report said nothing about how they were doing that, but I wasn’t going to fuss over the little details. Anyway, it went on to say that as time passed, Vasmarque was becoming more and more convinced that his occupation of Castle Arcantez gave him the upper hand in the war. As such, he would not choose to sally forth and strike the first blow at present. That was only true for the time being, though, as one of Vasmarque’s advisors had started insisting that an invasion of Perreina was their best move. Talks on the subject were still ongoing, but they were growing rather heated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Next, the report explained that Vasmarque was attempting to forge an alliance with the Duchy of Seitz. The plan, it seemed, was to convince Seitz’s leadership to carry out an attack on Couran’s domain. Discussions with Seitz had yet to bear fruit, but it seemed they had expressed a certain degree of interest, so I couldn’t rule their alliance out. They had also tried to conduct under-the-table negotiations with both the Duchy of Paradille and the Imperial House, but both of those attempts had fallen through. Vasmarque had anticipated that Couran might attempt to ally himself with Paradille, but had written the plan off as a flight of fancy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That concluded all the new information the Shadows had for me. The letter ended with a note that all of it had come from a single source─one of Vasmarque’s retainers─so they couldn’t guarantee it was a hundred percent reliable. Still, I was impressed that they’d managed to amass that much information about the enemies’ strategies in such a short time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looks like the Shadows live up to their reputation! Good thing I went to the effort of hiring them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew that if Vasmarque and Seitz worked out an alliance, things would get very nasty, especially here in Canarre. Since our county was on the border with Seitz, it seemed safe to assume that we would suffer the most damage if the duchy threw itself into the war. Needless to say, that included Lamberg─there was no chance my barony would escape unscathed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to report the Shadows’ findings to Couran. I had a feeling that he had some sort of spy network of his own, and he might have already found all of this out himself, but just to be safe, it seemed like a good idea to let him know. I wrote down all the pertinent information in a letter, then sent it off right away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days later, a letter arrived from Hammond granting me permission to visit him and his daughter. I wasted no time in calling together an escort and setting out for Torbequista and the Pleide family’s estate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Torbequista, the barony that House Pleide ruled over, was located in the County of Canarre, so it wasn’t a far trip from Lamberg. If we kept a rapid pace, the whole journey would take less than a day. I set out first thing in the morning with Rietz and the others as my escort, and after urging our horses on for the better part of the day, we arrived in the evening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s wonderful to see you, Lord Ars!” exclaimed Licia, who was waiting to greet us upon our arrival. “It feels like it’s been so long since we last met!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The last time we’d met, as far as I could remember, was about two months ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess that counts as a long time…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn’t long enough for her to look any different, though she did have a rather extravagant dress on. It seemed she’d dressed up for the occasion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s good to see you too,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Licia went around to greet Rietz and the rest of my escort, then turned back to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then, allow me to lead you into the estate.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "House Pleide’s estate struck me as just a little older than my own, at least judging by its appearance. The grounds were full of flowers, which I assumed Licia had grown herself. It was the tenth day of the second month, which meant it was fall. Once the cold of winter set in, the majority of the flowers would die off, but it was still early enough in the season for quite a wide variety of them to be in full bloom."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We proceeded into the estate’s main building, the interior of which reminded me of House Louvent’s. Licia led us to a parlor where we found Hammond waiting for us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s wonderful to see you, Ars! Welcome to our abode,” said Hammond with a smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s a pleasure to see you as well, Lord Hammond,” I replied. “Thank you for allowing us to visit you today.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, think nothing of it! I’ve been hoping to speak with you as well, as it so happens. Come, come─have a seat!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sat down, and Licia took a seat in a chair beside her father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I do hope you’ll pardon us for being so ill-prepared to host you. I know you were gracious enough to write that we needn’t bother, but I only refrained because such joviality seemed less than suitable for talks of war.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No need to apologize,” I replied. “I’m grateful enough that you were willing to hear me out.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And on that subject, let us proceed to the matter at hand! You wrote that Licia would have to be present for our discussion as well, yes? What, may I ask, is your business with us today?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I explained that Couran would soon be conducting negotiations with the Imperial House and the Duke of Paradille, that he was looking for assistants to aid in the negotiations, and that I had proposed Licia as a potential candidate. Licia’s and Hammond’s eyes widened when I delivered that last piece of news. They seemed shocked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You want Licia to play such an important role?” Hammond asked. “And are we to interpret this as an order from Lord Couran?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, not an order. As things stand, I’ve merely proposed Licia as a candidate for the task. Lord Couran informed me that he has no intention of forcing her to accept the role, and specified that he would need consent from both of you before anything concrete is decided.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that so…?” murmured Hammond. “But would Licia even be capable of serving as a negotiator’s aide? She’s but a girl of thirteen, and has very little practical experience with such matters…not to mention the fact that a journey that long is liable to be fraught with danger.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As expected, Hammond seemed reluctant to give his permission. Thus, I decided to make an effort to talk him into it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have full faith in Licia’s abilities. I believe that she has an exceptional talent for this sort of negotiation─more than enough to carry out this task. In regard to the dangers, Lord Couran’s own son will be serving as the chief negotiator, so you can rest assured that their party will be well-guarded.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia’s current Politics score was sitting at 89 points. She was still a single point shy of an even 90, but that was still plenty high for her to be helpful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… I’m Licia’s father, so I am aware of her talents. And if her guard will be that reliable, then perhaps… Yes, this may well be a learning opportunity for her… I would not be opposed to such a venture,” said Hammond. I’d managed to change his mind without too much trouble, it seemed. “What about you, Licia? What are your thoughts on the matter?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia’s opinion was the sole remaining obstacle. If she agreed, I’d be able to move my suggestion forward with Couran. She spent a moment in thought, then said, “I would be willing to go, under two conditions. First, I would ask that Lord Ars accompany us on our voyage. Even with Lord Couran’s soldiers present, I would not feel safe with an escort of strangers. If Lord Ars was there, though, I would be able to rest easy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Wait, me? But I have no talent for combat, and I’m not even fully grown! I’m as weak as they come! There must be someone among House Pleide’s retainers who would be a better fit for the role…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you’re by my side, Lord Ars, I will be able to rest easy,” repeated Licia with a smile and a firm tone that told me she would brook no argument."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I see…” I replied, for lack of a better option."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As for my second condition… After the war is over, I would have you marry me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An identical look of bewilderment crossed the faces of everyone present."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Wait a moment, Licia,” said Hammond. “Don’t you think it’s a little too soon for you to be thinking about marriage? Y-You are engaged to Ars, yes, but that doesn’t mean─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I imagine the war will carry on for about two years or so,” replied Licia. “By that point, I will be fifteen and Lord Ars will be fourteen. I would hardly call that too soon, Father!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By Japanese standards, it was, but in this world, a marriage at the age of fourteen wasn’t anything out of the ordinary─not that you’d know it from Hammond’s reaction to Licia’s proposal. I, on the other hand, was worried about something different: promising someone you’d marry her once the war ended felt like the start of my tragic end."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That ominous bit of foreshadowing aside, I wasn’t opposed to the marriage itself. I mean, we were already engaged, so our marriage was already a matter of when, not if. My perception of Licia had changed quite a bit since I’d first met her, and I was a lot less apprehensive on that front than I used to be. From my perspective, there were nothing but upsides to marrying her, so it felt a little weird for that to be used as a condition on her part. I had to wonder if Licia had some reason why she wanted to speed our marriage along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The main problem was that she wanted me to go to the capital with her. That would mean I’d have to leave Lamberg unattended for a lengthy period of time. Would everything be all right while I was gone?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you think, Rietz? Should I go with them?” I whispered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let me think… Your absence would indeed cause a fair share of inconveniences, but if you succeed in your task, you may well gain Lord Couran’s trust to an even greater degree. Moreover, I believe visiting the capital and Paradille will be a very good experience. You might even find someone talented to bring into your employ… So yes, I believe it would be in your best interests to accept.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It occurred to me that as long as I left Rietz behind to manage things, I wouldn’t have to worry about anything going wrong back at my estate. And, as Rietz himself told me, I stood to gain quite a lot from taking on the task."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well, then,” I said, looking back to Licia. “I accept your terms.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wonderful! You have my thanks, Lord Ars,” Licia replied with a smile. “In that case, I too shall accept your offer and agree to serve as an advisor for the negotiations.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And I will not object,” added Hammond, who still seemed a little reluctant when it came to the matter of marriage. Seeing as he was her father, I couldn’t blame him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, I now had my master negotiator. Licia and I would be traveling together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I needed to make plenty of preparations before I set out for the capital, so for the moment, I returned to Lamberg. Licia had her fair share of things to do as well, it seemed, and since Lamberg was closer to Torbequista than Semplar, we decided that she would first stop by my estate, after which the two of us would travel together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thus, preparing for the trip to Semplar had to come before anything else. I was planning on stocking up on the supplies I’d need for the capital leg once I arrived there─after all, if I brought along everything I’d need to get to the capital, I’d have way too much luggage to handle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I also had to decide who I’d take with me. It went without saying that I would need a guard to escort me to Semplar, and although Couran’s guards would be watching over me from there to the capital, I still wanted somebody around who I knew I could trust. That was especially true because I realized Couran’s guards would prioritize his son’s safety over mine in the event of an emergency. I needed someone who could protect me and Licia if we ended up getting the short end of the stick."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I figured asking Charlotte to tag along was a good call. Since the central Empire was extra prejudiced against Malkans, I couldn’t bring Rietz, so I decided to leave him in charge of my estate instead. That left me with few retainers with high Valor scores. The next most attractive candidate was Mireille, but there was no telling what sort of trouble she’d cause if I brought her, so I decided against it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, there’s also no telling what sort of trouble she’ll get up to at the estate while I’m gone, but I’m sure Rietz will be able to keep her in line."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell’s brothers had pretty decent Valor scores, so I decided to take them instead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Next, I wrote a letter to Couran informing him that Licia had accepted the task under the condition that I go with her. I knew that it would take quite some time for a reply to arrive, so I wasn’t planning to wait to hear from him before I departed. I just had to hope he wouldn’t object to the idea of me making the journey, since that would throw a real wrench into the works. I kept telling myself that Couran’s boat would be huge and that it would be just fine, but I knew deep down that there was a chance he’d reject the plan. In the worst case, I was prepared to attempt some desperate last-minute negotiations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days later, Licia arrived at my estate by horse-drawn carriage with an escort of maids and soldiers. I didn’t know when we were supposed to set sail, so my goal was to get to Semplar as fast as humanly possible, and we ended up setting out pretty much right after Licia arrived."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I’m off,” I said to Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Safe travels to you! Know that your estate will be in good hands until you return,” replied Rietz, looking pretty glum about the idea of being left behind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What, not bringing me along? Bah─and I was gonna sample all the booze the capital had to offer! They get stuff in from all across Summerforth!” grumbled Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I think the trip would be a lot more fun with Miss Mireille along for the ride,” Charlotte added, a hint of hope in her voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’re not going on vacation, people,” I sighed. “And besides, there’s plenty of booze for you here in Lamberg.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille clicked her tongue in frustration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Drat! Figures it wouldn’t work.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Ars is just too stubborn,” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This wasn’t the first time Mireille had tried to talk her way into the trip, and I’d turned her down on every attempt. I had a bad feeling that a drunk Mireille plus Charlotte would be a disastrous combination, and I did not want our faces ending up on wanted posters after we blew away half of the capital with magic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What’re the capital and Paradille like, anyway?” asked Rosell. “Be sure to bring back some souvenirs, Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I just said we’re not going on a vacation…but yes, I’m sure I can bring something back for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell was a real bookworm, so I figured I’d look for some sort of rare tome that he’d appreciate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well then,” said Rietz, “I shall be praying for your safe return and success in your endeavors, Lord Ars. You as well, Charlotte.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thanks. I’ll be back before you know it,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Later!” shouted Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, we set off from my estate, climbing aboard a carriage and making our way to Semplar with Licia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once again, we were set upon by bandits a few times on the road to Semplar. Once again, Charlotte drove them away with her magic without breaking a sweat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re incredible, Lady Charlotte!” gushed Licia after one particular incident, her eyes sparkling with admiration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Meh, it’s not that impressive. Taking out a few bandits is a given for someone as skilled as I am,” said Charlotte. She practically exuded smugness from every pore."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I swear, you give that girl even a hint of praise and it goes straight to her head, I thought, giving her a chilly glare. But then, I let out a reflexive shout as something jolted the carriage out of nowhere. Not just once, either─it kept bumping and swaying around as we carried along. It seemed we’d reached a road that was less than well-maintained. The shaking was so intense that I ended up falling over and catching onto Charlotte’s shoulder to support myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Whoa, there! Bumpy ride, huh? I’ll keep you nice and safe, Lord Ars!” said Charlotte, who then proceeded to wrap her arms around me and pull me right into her chest. I felt my face press into something soft…and was distracted by her distinctive scent. I’d lived for thirty-five years in my previous incarnation without ever so much as touching a woman, so I wasn’t used to this sort of thing. In short: I had no idea what to do with myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“H-Hey, Charlotte!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ve grown a little, huh, Lord Ars? Surprised you’re this heavy,” said Charlotte, ignoring my protests. It felt like she was treating me like her little brother or something."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the end, Charlotte kept holding me until we made it onto a more well-maintained road, where she released me. I reeled back and clutched at my pounding heart, then happened to glance over at Licia, who appeared to be smiling. I said “appeared to be” because for some reason, the smile on her face terrified me. It was hard to explain, but there was an intensity to her expression that I didn’t want directed at me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Ars?” said Licia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I trust that Lady Charlotte’s bosom made for a comfortable cushion?” Licia asked. Her smile didn’t slip for a second, but her voice came out in an unusual and frightening monotone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’s gotta be mad, right? I mean, she is my fiancée, and Charlotte might be one of my retainers, but she’s also a girl! Sure, she was just keeping me upright, but she didn’t have to hug me that close. If Licia’s angry, I can’t blame her at all!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“N-No, it’s not what you th─” I began, hoping to explain myself, only to be cut off by Charlotte herself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right! I guess Lord Ars is a boy,” she said. “I was wondering why his heart was pounding up a storm. But hey, all boys love big breasts. You can’t blame him for it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Licia’s smile spasmed."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0021.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, god. She’s mad. She was mad before, and she’s frothing mad after that comment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no explaining my way out of the situation anymore, so I decided to just clam up and drown in my own cold sweat. Licia, meanwhile, just stared at me, unblinking, her smile never budging. I spent longer than I liked feeling like I was sitting on a bed of nails before she looked away and I could breathe a sigh of relief."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At that point, Licia scooted over to whisper in Charlotte’s ear. Just when I was wondering what she could be asking, Charlotte spoke up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? How to make yours as big as mine? Just eat a lot─that’s all I did,” she said, out loud, ruining Licia’s efforts to ask the question surreptitiously. Licia flew into a blushing panic and shushed her, but the damage was done. I’d never seen Licia freak out like that before, though considering the subject matter at hand, I couldn’t blame her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unfortunately for Licia, Charlotte either didn’t understand her gesture or otherwise didn’t care, and just kept on talking without a hint of restraint."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y’know, I wasn’t that big myself before I moved to the estate, but I started eating way better once I got there. I think you might just be underfed, Licia.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, no. I’m pretty sure you just happened to hit your growth spurt around the time I hired you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, it was possible that she wouldn’t have grown as much if she’d suffered malnutrition throughout said growth spurt, so she wasn’t all wrong."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At that point, Licia glanced over at me. I did my best to look away and pretend I wasn’t listening, but it occurred to me that I wasn’t a great actor and that overplaying my lack of reaction just made it more obvious that I’d heard everything."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia let out a long, heavy sigh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You and Lord Ars are each hard to handle in your own right,” she muttered, her shoulders slumping with weariness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We made it to Semplar unscathed. Licia seemed moved as she stared out at the city streets."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So this is Semplar,” she marveled. “I’ve never been so far from my homeland… I’ve heard tales of the ocean, but it was hard to believe that such a vast body of water existed.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’re about to ride a ship over it to get to the capital, so you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate it,” I noted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just the thought of it is exciting!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d been sort of worried that she’d find a journey of this length nerve-racking, but it seemed those concerns had been groundless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our next destination was Castle Semplar, where we brought Licia to meet with Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I take it you are Licia?” he asked. His voice sounded a little lower than usual, and that tone gave him a very intimidating air. “I am Couran Salemakhia.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A pleasure to meet you,” Licia replied without missing a beat. “My name is Licia Pleide. I have heard many tales of your exploits and achievements, Lord Couran.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran gave Licia a long, appraising glance, and then his expression softened."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm. Most girls I meet are so scared of me that they can hardly speak a word. I can see your nerves are made of stronger stuff than the average lass’s.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, was he testing her? I wondered. It made a certain amount of sense─if that was enough to leave Licia shaken, then she wouldn’t be ready for a mission of this magnitude. I had absolute faith in my power’s assessment of Licia, of course, but I could understand his desire to give her a quick test himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now then, I’ve read your letter, but for the sake of certainty, I must hear it from your lips. Do you mean to travel with the negotiators, Ars?” asked Couran, seeking my confirmation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, on Lady Licia’s request.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then I see no need to object. You are welcome to accompany the party.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I felt more than a little relieved that he’d granted me permission."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In fact, I find that plan the opposite of objectionable,” Couran continued. “I’m pleased to hear that you will be a part of this venture.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you saying you want me to look for more talented personnel in the capital?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, not at all… Tell me, Ars─does your power allow you to perceive your own talents?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, it doesn’t. I’m the only person it doesn’t work on.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. Then it may come as news to you that you have a gift for politics─or at least, you do in my eyes. I believe it’s quite possible that you, yourself, will play an important role in the negotiations.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“D-Do you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A gift for politics? Me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d more or less surmised that my Valor and Intelligence were less than exceptional, but I had yet to pin down my Leadership or Politics scores, even in a broad sense. I knew I wasn’t talentless, but I also never saw any particular reason to describe myself as talented. Frankly, I couldn’t think of any instance in which I’d demonstrated any sort of talent to Couran, and I was unsure where he’d gotten the idea that I had any into his head. Maybe it was just instinct? I didn’t believe I was talented, in any case, but I didn’t see anything wrong with indulging in the fantasy every once in a while."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It will take about another week to prepare for the voyage. And, oh─it so happens that my son is visiting the castle today. I’ll introduce you to him now,” Couran said before he sent out one of his retainers to summon his son."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A short while later, the door to the room opened once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You called for me, Father?” said a tall, blond-haired man. He stepped inside, along with a red-haired girl who looked about ten or so."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The boy was Couran’s son, Rengue. I could see the resemblance─even if I hadn’t been told he was Couran’s offspring, I would’ve known they were related at first glance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who’s the girl, though? She’s cute, yeah, but that’s about all I can…hmm?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looking a little closer, I realized that she was wearing a style of clothing more common to boys."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are they a boy, then? But it’s odd for a boy to have hair as long as theirs…and they’re cute enough that I can’t see them as anything other than a girl!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to just appraise the two of them. First off, I took a look at Rengue."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He turned out to be more or less what I’d expected. His maximum scores were rather high, but his current scores were low. For a man of twenty to have that big of a gap between his current state and his potential, I had to assume that he was either a lazy bum or just a late bloomer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Next, I appraised the child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His stats ended up being just a little above average. He struck me as a jack of all trades, master of none. He was also another Salemakhia, so I had to wonder if he was Couran’s son as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is my first son, Rengue, and my third son, Teknado,” said Couran. “I intended to send Rengue on his own at first, but Teknado insisted on accompanying him. I believe that getting out of Semplar and seeing the world will be a valuable experience for him, so I granted him permission to do so.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So he is Couran’s son, then. He’ll be joining us, huh? Guess he wants to let his kids leave the nest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, Father? Who are these people?” asked Rengue."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They shall be accompanying you on your journey,” explained Couran. “Their names are Ars Louvent and Licia Pleide.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I bowed and Licia curtsied as he introduced us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” Rengue blinked. “But they’re just children, aren’t they? Isn’t it too dangerous to send kids out on a trip like this? I don’t think this is a good idea.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that your way of saying that I shouldn’t be going with you, Rengue?” asked Teknado."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is, yes. You shouldn’t come either,” Rengue answered in the bluntest manner possible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I appreciate your concern, but I’ve already received our father’s permission, so I will be going with you,” countered Teknado."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rest assured that your guard will be more than sufficient to protect you,” added Couran. “More to the point, Teknado’s skill with a blade is hardly lacking, even compared to your own.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Judging by their respective Valor scores, I didn’t think he was kidding. Though to be fair, Rengue at least had a higher maximum score."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I’ll prove my worth on the battlefield when the time comes!” stammered Rengue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran just gave him a long, hard look, then sighed. I didn’t have a full grasp of his personality yet, but that exchange gave me the feeling that Rengue was a bit of a problem child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, if Father says it’s all right, I won’t press the matter. But that said, umm…Arms and Lillia, was it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh god, he’s forgotten our names already."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I re-introduced myself as Ars, then Licia reminded him of her name as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-Yes, of course. Ars and Licia, you should know that this mission will mark the first of many grand achievements that I shall, um, achieve over my lifetime. A child or two perishing en route would spoil the story, so if you’re intent upon following me, I’m going to have to ask that you don’t wander off and die somewhere,” said Rengue with an air of pompous superiority. Apparently, the man had quite a high opinion of himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That takes care of today’s introductions. The two of you may go on your way.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Father,” Rengue and Teknado replied, then left the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran turned to me once more and asked, “Ars…did you appraise Rengue?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I did,” I replied with a nod."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I imagine you’re aware of his lack of ability, and you may have also surmised that in spite of that inadequacy, he has the utmost faith in himself and makes no effort whatsoever toward self-improvement. I can only assume I was unprepared to raise a child─even now, I fear I lack the knack for it… At least Teknado has turned out diligent in comparison,” Couran sighed. He seemed troubled by his son’s flaws."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s true that Rengue’s abilities are underdeveloped, at the moment,” I replied. “But you should know that he has remarkable potential.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Most of his ability caps were in the seventies or above, while his maximum Politics score was an impressive 91."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If he put some effort in, he could become an extraordinary person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Truly?” asked Couran. “I do recall you mentioning that your power allows you to perceive one’s latent abilities…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s correct, and yes, I’m certain.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm. I see… Still, none of that matters until he puts in the requisite effort. If only something would make him want to try for once in his life.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was remarkable─when Couran started fretting about his children, he stopped looking like a lord and started looking like an ordinary father. I’d never had any children in either of my lifetimes, so I couldn’t relate to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s enough of this topic for now,” Couran said. “But ah, yes─I do have one more thing I wish to discuss before you leave. It concerns your letter.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I assumed he was talking about the letter I’d written to him based on the Shadows’ report."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m glad it made it to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t know where you found those spies of yours, Ars. It’s not every day you come across mercenaries so capable of espionage. I am very impressed, with you and them alike. I have my own way of gathering intelligence, and I was aware that some form of negotiations were being carried out between Seitz and Vasmarque, but I didn’t know how well or how far they had proceeded. If they establish an alliance, it will put us in a precarious position.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It sounded like Couran hadn’t known about the information I sent him after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good thing I bothered, I guess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If Seitz attacks, we will lose our current advantage,” Couran continued. “I intend to begin conducting my own negotiations with Seitz as well. Gaining their aid may well be out of the question, but I hope to ensure they do not enter the conflict as our enemies.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Does that mean you’ll need another negotiator?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not necessarily. Our goal is to make our position look as advantageous as possible, and to that end, a successful conclusion of our negotiations with Paradille could prove fruitful. I assume Vasmarque will lure Seitz to his side by offering them a substantial reward should he emerge victorious. In other words, if Vasmarque were to lose, then Seitz’s soldiers would have died in vain. Making Vasmarque’s chances of victory appear as slim as possible could prove instrumental in preventing this alliance.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Does that mean that after our talks with Paradille conclude, you’d like us to proceed to Seitz?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It does,” confirmed Couran. “Unless you would object, of course.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would mean a longer journey, yes, but I didn’t have any problem with that. I knew I couldn’t speak for Licia, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I would not. But tell me, what are your feelings on the prospect, Lady Licia?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I, too, would not object,” she replied without even a hint of hesitation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good. Your ship will set sail a week from now. If you need anything in the way of supplies or resources, you need only ask. I shall provide as much as I am capable of.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Like Couran said, a week of waiting around for our departure ensued. He procured all the provisions we asked for, so we didn’t have to lift a finger. As a result, I found myself with quite a lot of free time that week and decided to use it to get a feel for the city of Semplar. It was known as Summerforth’s capital of trade, so I thought that just looking around might prove interesting. I also had a reasonable chunk of funding on hand, so I was on the lookout for anything interesting to buy. The first time I came to Semplar, I’d been in quite a hurry, so I left the city without ever getting the chance to see the sights─this was my chance to make up for that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t about to go out on my own, obviously. I planned to ask Licia and Charlotte to accompany me, starting with Licia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think that’s a wonderful idea!” she replied without hesitation. “This is my first time in Semplar, and an abundance of sights caught my attention as we walked through the town to reach the castle. I would love to explore it with you! I would also love to take a closer look at the ocean, as well.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The ocean, huh? Are you sure? You’ll be seeing so much of it in a week that you’ll be sick of it before long.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were scheduled to travel to the capital by boat, after all. The trip was slated to take more than just a day or two, which was plenty long to get sick of the sea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-When you put it that way, that’s a fair point.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What say we look around the marketplace? They might be selling rare and exotic goods there, for all we know.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Semplar is famous for being a center of commerce,” Licia said with a nod. “And I am quite curious what the market looks like.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We have our destination, then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our plan for the day was established. The next step was to ask Charlotte to join us, but when I went to see her, she told me she’d rather spend the day lazing about in her chambers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The problem, however, was that Licia and I couldn’t just wander around without an escort, and I’d been hoping that Charlotte would fill that role. Couran would arrange for a bodyguard if we asked, but I just couldn’t bring myself to trust a stranger with my safety when Licia was in the picture. I wanted Charlotte to be out there watching our backs, and thankfully, I managed to talk her into it without putting her under too much duress."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The marketplace was located right next to the port, so the salty sea breeze graced the entire area with its distinctive scent. The market itself, meanwhile, was bustling with activity. Throngs of people walked about as merchants and hawkers cried out to advertise their wares, most of which seemed to be a wide variety of fresh fish. Some of those fish were species I’d never laid eyes on. It was my first reminder in quite some time that I was living in a world unlike the one I used to know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One massive species with vivid red and blue stripes caught my eye. I had to wonder what sort of purpose a coloration like that could serve. Wouldn’t it make it easier for its natural predators to see it? Or was the species just so big that it had no natural predators? They were said to be quite tasty and were rather expensive as well. It seemed like you were paying more for the experience of eating something rare and exotic than the fish itself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Look at that, Lord Ars! It’s so cute!” squealed Charlotte. For someone who’d started the trip griping and moaning about how she’d rather stay inside, she’d ended up overflowing with enthusiasm as soon as we made it to the market."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This time, Charlotte’s attention had been captured by a cat, though unlike the cats I knew, this one’s fur was a shade of blue. Cats weren’t native to Missian, so they were considered rare and exotic animals."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey there, li’l miss,” called out a nearby merchant. “Looks like you know how to cast a spell or two, eh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, you bet I do,” replied Charlotte with a proud grin. “There aren’t many people out there who can cast more spells than me!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In that case, I’ve got just the item for you!” said the merchant, brandishing his wares. “This here is a new model of mini-catalyzer! Not only are the spells you cast with it five times as powerful as the old models, but it uses half the aqua magia! And the best part? It can be yours for a single gold coin! You won’t find a bargain like this anywhere else in all of Missian!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The guy couldn’t have sounded any less trustworthy. For one thing, I hadn’t heard so much as a peep about any new types of catalyzer. Plus, if they did exist, it would’ve made waves throughout the empire. Catalyzer technology improvement could’ve rendered any form of warfare other than the magical obsolete, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“For real? That’s crazy,” said Charlotte with an air of complete credulity. It looked like she was liable to buy the thing if I left her to her own devices, so I stepped in and dragged her away from the merchant before she made a bad decision. “Oh, come on, Lord Ars! I was about to buy something super awesome!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh, no. I’m pretty sure you were getting grifted, Charlotte.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Grifted? What’s that mean?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It means he was trying to trick you into buying something useless. Think about it, if a catalyzer of that quality existed, it would be a huge deal. I would’ve heard about it by now, that’s for sure. He was lying to you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d wager he was selling defective goods,” said Licia, jumping into the exchange. “I’ve heard stories about that sort of scam─they sell you a ‘high-powered catalyzer’ that breaks down after a single spell.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“F-For real? Then that guy’s scum! I’m gonna go give him a piece of my mind!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“N-No, bad idea! We don’t want to be causing a scene right now!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That merchant struck me as the sort of person who would pick a fight if he was pushed into a corner, so I stopped her before she escalated the situation. I was starting to wonder if bringing Charlotte along might’ve been an awful idea. Thankfully, the incident seemed to have made an impression on her and she stopped taking the hawkers at their word."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is all so incredible,” said Licia. “I’ve never seen so many unique things in one place! Hmm…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks as her gaze fell upon a blue, rose-shaped brooch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My, what a beautiful brooch! What sort of flower do you suppose this is? I’ve never seen one quite like it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia’s never seen a rose before? They must not be native to Summerforth, then."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The fact that it was blue meant that it wasn’t native to Earth, either, but that was beside the point. I had to wonder if blue was the standard color for roses in this world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia spent a moment staring at the brooch, then looked back over at me and said, “Well then, shall we move along?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re not going to buy it? I was under the impression you’d taken quite a liking to it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I do want it, yes, but I’m afraid I’ve little money on hand, so I cannot afford to be wasteful.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The brooch wasn’t all that expensive─it cost just a single gold coin. That was affordable by my standards, so I decided that I might as well buy it for her. As a man, I felt the need to demonstrate that I could provide for her when the need arose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In that case, I’d be happy to buy it for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am most grateful for the offer, Lord Ars, but at the moment, I’ve no way to return the favor,” Licia said with a shake of her head. “I do not make a habit of accruing debts that I cannot repay in short order.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once again, I was impressed by just how well she seemed to have her priorities sorted. I wasn’t quite ready to give up yet, however."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I wouldn’t consider you indebted to me at all. I just wanted to buy it for you because I was hoping it would make you smile, not because I wanted you to owe me anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was speaking from the heart, but I had to admit that I was still a little embarrassed to hear the words come out of my mouth. I hadn’t thought that would be enough to sway her, but as a blush spread across her face, I realized my effort might’ve been more effective than I’d initially given it credit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I see that your silver tongue has not dulled, Lord Ars. You’ve left me with no choice─how could I turn down the gift after such a bold declaration?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was good enough for me. I bought the brooch, then handed it to Licia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you very much,” she said with a broad smile as she accepted it from me. Her cheeks were still flushed as she tucked away the brooch. “This is precious indeed─I shall have to take care to choose the right moments to wear it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? No, You don’t have to do that. You can wear it whenever you want.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hardly! This is the very first present you’ve given me, Lord Ars. I will treasure it for the rest of my life.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suddenly, I found myself questioning whether I should’ve gone for something a little better than a simple brooch. If she was going to treasure it for life, perhaps something more expensive was in order. Then again, people always said that the thought was what counted when it comes to gifts…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After that, we went back to touring the city, then returned to the castle. I enjoyed myself, and I was pleased to see that Licia and Charlotte had a good time as well. We ended up going out together several more times over the next week…until the day of our departure arrived."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was time for us to set sail. We gathered and made our way down to Semplar’s harbor, where we found a massive, three-masted ship docked and waiting for us. I was shocked, but not by the size of the vessel─no, I was surprised by the fact that it was made out of metal rather than wood. I’d seen my fair share of boats in this world, but all of them had been made from wood. I hadn’t even realized the technology to craft one out of metal existed, so the fact that I’d be sailing on one caught me off-guard. I was no shipbuilder, but I was aware that the principle of buoyancy allowed metal ships to stay afloat back on Earth, and it seemed those rules held true here as well. The masts, I assumed, meant it was wind-powered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is the ship made of metal?” Licia asked a nearby crew member."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, that’s right,” replied the sailor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then it’s a wonder that it stays afloat! How very mysterious.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re telling me. Ever heard of levitum? It’s this metal that floats in the air, all on its own. Caps out at around ten feet up if you just let it do its thing. Well, when you melt it down and mix it with iron, you get an ore that’s as strong as ever, but is light enough to float on water.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So much for the principle of buoyancy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ll only find ships like this here in Semplar. Levitum’s some rare stuff, making a boat at this scale’s ain’t cheap, and mixing up the levitum and the iron’s not easy either. Semplar’s the one city with all the craftsmen and resources you need to make it happen,” the sailor continued. I was starting to realize we’d be traveling aboard a very valuable vessel. “And they ain’t just made of metal, either─they’re also the fastest ships in all of Summerforth! We’ve got five of ’em in our navy, and I doubt we’ll ever lose a battle at sea thanks to ’em.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good day to you all, ladies and gentlemen!” a voice rang out, cutting off the conversation. I turned to look and found Couran’s son, Rengue, approaching us. Teknado was right beside him, and Robinson followed just a step behind. “And what a day it is─we couldn’t have hoped for better sailing weather! You know, this will be my first time in the capital as well. Why, I can hardly contain myself!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no point in him mentioning how excited he was, considering his demeanor made it readily apparent. He didn’t seem at all apprehensive about the importance of his upcoming mission─to the contrary, he was downright chomping at the bit to get out there and explore the unknown. His brother, on the other hand, seemed nervous."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh? Wait a moment,” said Rengue, glancing at me. “You’re the child who’ll be traveling with us, aren’t you? Arsh, was it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars, actually.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-Yes, of course! My apologies… My, what a magnificent vessel! But still, to journey the seas is a treacherous thing indeed. Do take care not to get too worked up while we’re aboard, my dear Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If any of us were in danger of getting too worked up and frolicking our way off the deck, it was him, but I resisted the urge to tell him that and replied, “I won’t.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte, on the other hand, muttered, “If anyone’s going overboard, it’s you,” under her breath, almost giving me a heart attack in the process. Thankfully, Rengue didn’t seem to hear her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before we boarded, the ship’s captain called everyone together to talk. All together, there were over two hundred people who I assumed served as the vessel’s crew. It took some time for everyone to gather, at which point the captain stepped to the front of the crowd. He looked middle-aged─somewhere in his forties, perhaps─and he was wearing an eyepatch. His face was rough and grizzled, as well, so it was kind of incredible just how much he looked like a stereotypical pirate. If someone had told me he’d been one at some point, I would’ve believed it without question."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am Jack Testin, captain of this ship,” he said, addressing all of us. “Seems we’ll have two of Couran’s brats along for the ride, so I’ll get this out of the way right now for anyone who needs to hear it: when you’re on my ship, I am your king and you will follow my orders. I don’t give a damn if you’re a kid or if you’ve never set foot on a boat in your life─if you’re a passenger on my ship, you’ve gotta carry your weight, and if you get in the way, we’ll throw you overboard… Okay, maybe not overboard, considering present company, but we’ll beat you within an inch of your sorry life, so spare us all the trouble and just do what I say.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was impressed that he had the guts to refer to Couran sans title, not to mention treat his children like that. I assumed he must have had history with Couran, and couldn’t help but wonder what their relationship was. The way he talked made them sound more like friends than a lord and his retainer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought for a moment that Rengue would be incensed by Jack’s rudeness, but it seemed he was too intimidated to protest regardless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, all aboard, people!” called Jack, at which point we all started crossing the gangplank."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This is such a strange sensation,” said Licia as she stepped aboard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This swaying’s gonna make me sick,” added Charlotte, who was also getting her first taste of being on a boat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Get ready─it’ll be even more noticeable once we’re moving,” I warned them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh?” said Charlotte, cocking her head. “Have you traveled by boat before, Lord Ars?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Uhhh… Yeah, technically,” I replied, remembering that all my experiences with boats had occurred during my former life. This was my first time aboard one since I’d been reincarnated─and this world’s boats were less equipped for smooth sailing─so I decided to try to prepare myself for a much rougher ride than I was used to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Cast off!” Jack shouted, his voice ringing out across the deck at a volume far louder than I’d thought the human voice was capable of. I figured he must be using sound magic to amplify his voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Moments later, the ship began to sail out of port."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our voyage had begun. It wasn’t quite as rough of a ride as I had been anticipating, but it was a lot less comfortable than the trips I’d taken aboard modern boats in my previous life. The ride was within the acceptable limit for bumpy travel as far as I was concerned, anyway. Either the captain had a very firm hand on the rudder, boats in this world were more advanced than I’d given them credit for, or the sea was just calm that day. Regardless, I didn’t get seasick at all. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Licia, Charlotte, and Couran’s two sons."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe I’m getting used to this,” moaned Licia. “My apologies for letting you witness me in such a disgraceful state, Lord Ars…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were below deck, and now that she was on the path to recovery, Licia was more than a little chagrined about her seasickness. It wasn’t that she was embarrassed about getting nauseous, to be clear─it was more that she’d emptied her stomach in front of me. That wasn’t the sort of thing a young girl would want to do in front of people, so I’d done my best not to watch when it happened, but that didn’t seem to have helped much."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No need to apologize,” I said. “If anything, I’m the one who should say I’m sorry! I should have explained that being on a boat could make you sick.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The chamber we were in was a common room. The crew wasn’t allowed access, though─as it was a cabin reserved for noble passengers and their attendants. And speaking of attendants, Charlotte burst into the room just a moment later."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No good,” she declared out of nowhere."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s no good?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I tried to go above deck, and they said I wasn’t allowed ’cause it’s too dangerous.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I mean, yeah.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But I wanna get a better look at the ocean!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There’s a window in your room, right? Why not just look from there?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… I dunno. It just feels like it’d be nicer to see it from up on the deck.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could see where she was coming from, but there was no denying that going above deck involved its fair share of dangers. All complaints aside, I was happy to see that Charlotte seemed to be doing well. She’d been blue in the face and moaning about how she was going to die just a little earlier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh! Good day to you,” said Teknado, who wandered into the room just a moment after Charlotte. He greeted us as soon as he noticed us, which sort of impressed me. In terms of social standing, he was miles above anyone else present, so his courtesy struck me as remarkable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good day to you, Lord Teknado,” I replied. “I hope you’ve recovered from your seasickness.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have, yes. My brother, however, is still in the thick of it. Last I heard, he was moaning about how he would ‘never set foot on one of these accursed vessels again.’”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I winced. From the sound of things, Rengue was even more prone to seasickness than the rest of our party."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Pardon the intrusion,” said Robinson as he stepped inside just a moment after Teknado. He had escaped the seasickness epidemic entirely. I had to wonder if he’d spent a fair deal of time on boats. “It seems everyone has recovered, so I was hoping to discuss several matters before we arrive at the capital. Is that acceptable?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Rengue hasn’t quite recovered yet, to my understanding,” I noted. “Is that going to be a problem?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have already explained everything to Lord Rengue, so no, it will not. Though whether or not he heard a word I said to him is an altogether different matter,” he added, doing very little to mask his exasperation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Robinson didn’t seem to hold Rengue in the highest esteem. I’d seen the two of them interact and it didn’t seem like he outright hated him, at least. If I had to describe their relationship, I would say that Robinson treated Rengue like an irresponsible younger sibling."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I’m free to hear your explanation,” I replied. Licia nodded in agreement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very good. There are many matters I would like to bring to your attention before the negotiations commence. First and foremost, I should note that I do not anticipate our talks with the Imperial House to be especially fraught. Our relations with them stand in good order, and I see no reason to believe they will reject our request once we’ve supplied them with the requisite funding. The talks with Paradille, however, are a different matter altogether. Our relations with them could hardly be any worse.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why is that?” I asked. “What’s put us on such bad terms with the whole duchy?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The source of the conflict arose after the revolution in magical technology began,” Robinson explained. “At the time, Missian and Paradille were close allies. Trouble began when it became clear that a certain variety of magistone could only be mined in Paradille─a variety that Missian’s nobility had an intense desire to own. Paradille, however, shut down any attempt at trade. The magistone in question was quite rare, and they had no intention of allowing any of it to make its way outside the duchy’s borders. Missian responded by breaking the alliance with Paradille and declaring war, hoping to obtain all the magistone they wanted in the process.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Assuming all of that was true, it sounded like Missian was in the wrong. I had to wonder what sort of magistone could have driven them to make such a bold move."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ultimately, the emperor─who still possessed considerable influence at the time─intervened on Paradille’s behalf, and Missian was forced to withdraw. This all happened some time ago, but due to that incident, the Duke of Paradille lost all faith in Missian’s nobility…and it seems he’s made a point of passing that distrust down to his heirs.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, now I’m starting to wonder if it’s going to be possible to negotiate with them at all,” I sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I share your doubts,” replied Robinson with a nod. “I believe having the Imperial House backing our cause will make Paradille lend us an ear, but the duke’s grudge is quite deep-seated. I fear he will be inclined to turn us down offhand regardless. Moreover, the Duchy of Paradille has its own fair share of troubles to deal with. I cannot predict how the negotiations will turn out─their results rest upon our shoulders.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, if I wasn’t feeling the pressure before, I am now!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then again, I was effectively attending the negotiations in the capacity of an assistant’s assistant. The real expectations were resting on Robinson’s shoulders. As long as I did my best to help him out, I figured I’d be doing my job well enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And hey, if he doesn’t ever need help, I’m just taking a vacation on someone else’s dime! That doesn’t sound bad at all!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After several days of smooth sailing, we arrived at the capital."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0023.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So this is the capital,” I muttered to myself as I stepped off the deck of the ship. Looking out over the cityscape, I was struck by how the design of the buildings was subtly different from the ones I was used to back in Missian. I’d thought that Semplar was huge, but the capital was even larger, with its most eye-catching feature being the enormous castle in the center of the city. It was, without a doubt, the biggest castle I’d ever seen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, we were still in Summerforth, but I hadn’t forgotten that every duchy of the empire had been its own country at one point, so I was expecting there to be plenty of things I wasn’t familiar with. I’d heard, for instance, that there were linguistic differences between the various duchies. I wondered if I’d even be able to communicate well in the capital. I decided to ask Robinson to assuage my worries."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The people here will understand you, yes,” he replied, much to my relief. “There are peculiarities to the speech here, as you’ve heard, but I doubt you’ll have any trouble. Some duchies speak different languages, but their nobility will be familiar with our tongue.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I took that to mean the people in the capital spoke a different dialect. As long as they could understand me, I figured it wouldn’t be an issue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s been so long since we’ve been on dry land that not feeling the ship rocking is making me feel unsteady,” noted Licia as she stepped off the ship. I knew what she meant─when you spend long enough on a boat, you stop noticing that rocking sensation until you step onto land and it feels like the whole world’s moving beneath you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As Rengue stepped onto the dock, a tall, long-haired man walked up to him, gave him a deep, formal bow, and began to speak."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We have anxiously awaited your arrival, Lord Rengue Salemakhia, Lord Teknado Salemakhia. I bid you and your attendants welcome to the Imperial Capital of Ranverth. The Imperial House stands ready to provide you and yours the utmost hospitality.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The man was wearing what looked like a butler’s uniform, and several similarly-dressed individuals were lined up behind him. It struck me that while the words he spoke were more or less indistinguishable from the language I spoke, his intonation was unlike what I was used to. I assumed he was attempting the Missian dialect, but the characteristic intonation of his own natural dialect was still showing through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, it seemed clear that he and the rest of the retinue had been sent to greet us by the Imperial House. That led me to realize we weren’t unexpected visitors. Couran must have gotten into contact with them and informed them of our journey while we were preparing for the trip. The tall man in front looked quite competent at a glance, so I gave him an appraisal just for good measure. However, he ended up not having any stand-out abilities after all. I learned that his name was Den Martinez, at least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyway, I’d been worried that Rengue would end up putting on airs when confronted with one of the Imperial House’s servants, but much to my relief, his reply was polite and cordial. Come to think of it, if he weren’t capable of at least the bare minimum when it came to etiquette, he would never have been sent to negotiate with the emperor himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My name is Den Martinez,” said the butler, “I serve as steward to His Majesty the Emperor. Please, allow me to guide you to the castle.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We took Den up on his offer and made our way toward the emperor’s fortress. That involved walking a fair distance through the streets of the capital, and frankly, my first impression wasn’t positive. The streets were filthy, and there were beggars on every corner. I could tell that the populace here was impoverished, which was strange, considering that seaside cities like this one tended to flourish on account of the trade that flowed through them. On the other hand, I’d heard that the Imperial House itself was in dire financial straits, and I imagined that the state of their seat of power was a reflection of that. I had to assume their current leaders had wasteful spending habits, didn’t know how to bring in a decent income, or possibly both."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Castle Ranverth was large, even viewed from a distance, but as we drew closer, its sheer scale became more and more evident. Den led us up to the gates, where we found a very short man arguing with one of the guards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I said no, dammit! Outta the question!” roared the guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“C’mon, I know you can do something! We’re mates, ain’t we?!” pleaded the man. Now I was starting to see the slight differences between our dialect and the local one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Since when’ve I been your mate?! And even if I were, you wouldn’t be gettin’ through this gateway!” snapped the guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I swear to you, my theories are all sound! I know the airship’ll fly if you use these blueprints to build it! Let me through, please!” the man shouted, waving around a rolled-up sheet of parchment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Dunno what you’re talkin’ about, and I don’t care, either! You’re not passin’ through, and that’s the end of it! Off with you!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Blueprints for an airship?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suddenly, the man had my full attention. The stat blocks that my skill gave me had an aptitude for “Aerial” listed, but I’d never heard of any sort of military operations conducted in the air. I’d always been curious about what that meant, but so long had passed without an answer that I’d more or less given up on trying to figure it out. Could it be that the skill was referring to airships that had yet to be invented? And could this man be holding the plans for those very vessels? I couldn’t help but wonder, so I decided to appraise him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His name, it seemed, was Shin Seimallo, and he was still quite young─only seventeen at present. His stats were high for someone of his age, though, with his Intelligence standing out. What caught my eye, however, were his S-ranked Aptitudes for Weaponry and Aerial combat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You again?” sighed Den as we approached the gate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ugh!” grunted Shin. The look on his face told me that Den’s arrival was not a positive development, and the way he beat a hasty retreat a moment later reinforced that assumption."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who was that?” asked Rengue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“His name is Shin,” replied Den. “He claims to have designed a flying ship, and that if provided with enough funding and manpower, he’ll be able to build it. Unfortunately, he’s an ill-bred commoner who nobody in authority would ever humor. He makes his way to the gates time and time again, begging to be heard. It would be a shame if someone so young were to be executed for his insolence, but I’m afraid I can’t see the situation turning out any other way…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm… My father has been putting resources into airship development as well, as it so happens, but I’ve been told the creation of a functional ship is still a long way off. We haven’t heard of a single successful attempt across all of Summerforth, in fact. I have a hard time believing that an uneducated commoner would make that final, pivotal breakthrough!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That answered one question. As I’d suspected, a functional airship had yet to be invented. As far as Shin was concerned, I could tell he was more than a little boorish, at least on a first impression, but my skill told a different story. An S ranking in Weaponry and Aerial plus a high Intelligence made it believable that he could be the one to revolutionize the field, though far from guaranteed, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The invention of a functional airship would be a very big deal, and I was tempted to recruit him. It was pretty obvious that nobody in the capital was inclined to take him under their wing, so I had a feeling that he’d jump at the opportunity to work for me. I resolved to broach the subject with him if I happened to run into him again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My apologies for the delay. Please follow me,” Den said, then led us through the gates and into the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Coming straight from Castle Semplar, the decor in Castle Ranverth seemed rather modest. No artwork decorated the hallways, and I had to assume that the Imperial House’s lack of funds was to blame."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“His Majesty the Emperor is expecting you,” explained Den as we walked through the castle. “I shall lead you to the audience chamber at once.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds like we’ll be meeting him right away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was aware there was a chance I’d get to meet the emperor despite my comparatively low status, but I hadn’t expected it to happen so soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We stepped into the audience room. A throne was set up in the very center of the chamber, though nobody was seated atop it at the moment. Instead, a man stepped forward. His red hair was on the longer side, and something about his features felt sinister. He looked to be in his mid-twenties or so, as far as I could tell, and he was dressed in an expensive and somewhat ostentatious outfit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I welcome you, Lord Rengue and associates. I am Shakhma Dolyze, Chancellor of the Summerforth Empire,” said the man, his words carrying a sense of grace and refinement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t know what the chancellor’s duties were, but I had to assume it was a position of great power."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Maybe he’s something like a regent, and he manages the government in the emperor’s place? But the emperor himself could be handling those matters by now…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In any case, Shakhma appeared to be an important person, so I decided to appraise him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not bad stats at all…but that Ambition!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remembered that the current emperor of Summerforth was still quite young─only five years older than I was, which would make him seventeen. He had succeeded the throne at the age of eight, and last I’d heard, he was a puppet to his advisors. An emperor like that having a chancellor with an Ambition score of ninety was concerning, to say the least. Part of me had to worry for his safety."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I shall summon the emperor momentarily. Please wait here,” said Shakhma, who then left the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A moment later, a voice rang out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Make way for His Majesty, the Emperor of Summerforth!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Petty lords like me had no hope of ever being granted an audience with the emperor. We were, however, trained on the appropriate etiquette for such an occasion, just in case. It wasn’t all that complicated─you just had to bow deeply when he entered the chamber and rise once he bade you to do so. The problem was that Charlotte was with us. She hadn’t received instruction in any sort of etiquette, much less etiquette regarding the Imperial House. I glanced back to see if she was following our example, only to find her standing upright and yawning. Fortunately, I managed to whisper frantic instructions to her, get her to bow, and bow myself before the emperor made it into the chamber."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I heard footsteps drawing closer. I couldn’t see what was happening, but I could tell that somebody had entered the room. I had to assume it was the emperor himself. Eventually, a voice rang out, “You may rise,” in a slow tone. I looked up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We are the twelfth Emperor of Summerforth, Charles Bydoras,” said the young man sitting atop the throne before us. My first impression of him was that he looked remarkably, well, unremarkable. His garb was of the finest quality and he wore a crown upon his head, but his face was as ordinary as they came."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn’t like I was under the impression that nobility guaranteed good looks or anything! It’s just that, well, I assumed the emperor himself would be a handsome man, or at least have the sort of face that exuded a sense of charisma, somehow. But no, instead, I was faced with a man who looked so ordinary that I would never have imagined he was the emperor if he’d dressed like a commoner."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0025.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, I stood before the emperor and was beyond curious how capable he was, so I appraised him on the spot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His stats were the definition of unexceptional. The one point that made him remarkable was his Ambition─he had a score of zero, the lowest I’d ever seen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess when you’re guaranteed the position of emperor from birth, there’s nothing else left for you to aspire to."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the other hand, plenty of duchies were already moving toward independence, so I couldn’t say with confidence that he was the preeminent authority in Summerforth. If he had any aspirations to bring the duchies under his heel, I had to assume his Ambition would be a little higher, so I was left to conclude that he was just an unambitious person by nature."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, the emperor had made his introduction, and Rengue followed suit by giving a rather overblown introduction of his own. Then, Shakhma spoke up once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then,” he said. “Let us proceed to the matter at hand. In my capacity as chancellor, I shall hear your request on His Majesty’s behalf. Though I have already been apprised of the details of your visit, I would begin by hearing them in your own words, if you would be so kind.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed we wouldn’t be negotiating with the emperor after all. Rengue took the lead, explaining that we were hoping they would help mediate our talks with Paradille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And I trust that you would pledge some form of tribute to His Majesty in return for this intervention?” asked Shakhma."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course,” replied Rengue. “We are willing to offer twenty thousand gold coins in advance, with a further twenty thousand to be paid should our negotiations succeed.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Twenty thousand… It seems the rumors of Semplar’s prosperity were not exaggerated,” Shakhma muttered, sounding downright shocked. “His Majesty would certainly be able to put funding of that quantity to good use. However, before we proceed, there is something I would like to ask you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please, go right ahead,” said Rengue."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Should your father, Lord Couran, emerge victorious from his war and unite Missian under his banner…what does he intend to do next?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? What do you mean?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I mean to ask whether you intend to act in opposition to Imperial rule. To put it in simpler terms, I have apprehensions regarding Missian. Does your father intend to declare independence and rule over the duchy as an independent kingdom?” asked Shakhma. Rengue was shaken, and visibly so. “If you do harbor such intentions, then I believe it goes without saying that His Majesty will not lend you his support under any circumstances.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well, of course we,” Rengue began, then faltered. Couran had made his intention to declare independence clear, so Shakhma’s suspicions were valid. Rengue, unfortunately, was well aware of that, and if he was to lose his composure in a moment of panic, it would be a death sentence for our negotiations."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Couran has no desire or intention to declare independence, Your Lordship,” said Robinson, jumping in to save the day. “He has sworn an oath of fealty to His Majesty the Emperor, and he has not forgotten the weight of that commitment.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you would be…?” asked Shakhma, raising an eyebrow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Please forgive my insolence, Your Lordship. I am Robinson Renjee, retainer of House Salemakhia.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sir Robinson, then,” said Shakhma. “Tell me─does your lord truly value his oath to the Imperial House? When the ruling house of Rofeille rose in rebellion and pointed their swords at us, we called upon Missian for aid…but to no avail. Not a single regiment was sent to defend the emperor you swore to serve. I would hardly call that an action befitting a loyal vassal. Perhaps you, however, would beg to differ?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Respectfully, Your Lordship, Lord Couran held no sway over that decision. At that point in time, his father, Lord Amador, held the position of Duke of Missian. The decision to withhold reinforcements was indeed made from a position of disloyalty, but said disloyalty was the work of the duke alone. As it so happens, Lord Couran opposed his father’s decision and argued that Missian should intervene on the empire’s behalf, though tragically, his pleas fell upon deaf ears.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was all but certain that Robinson’s story was an outright lie. It was rather impressive that he could lie so well and with such little hesitation. I had to wonder if he’d anticipated this line of questioning in advance…but no, if he had, he would have briefed Rengue on the appropriate response, and there would’ve been no need for Robinson to intervene. It seemed he was lying off the cuff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Vasmarque, on the other hand, has inherited his father’s treasonous inclinations,” Robinson continued. “Should he gain control of Missian, it is all but guaranteed that he will make a bid for independence. Lord Couran has raised his forces in opposition to his brother to prevent such a thing from coming to pass.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that so…?” asked Shakhma. I couldn’t tell if he was convinced yet, but Robinson had delivered his story with such confidence that I almost believed it myself, even knowing for a fact that he wasn’t being honest. “And what guarantee can you offer to prove you are telling the truth?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I would not dare lie to you before His Majesty the Emperor, Your Lordship. Every word I have spoken is the honest truth, and I am certain that Lord Rengue will corroborate my claims.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah,” grunted Rengue. “Y-Yes, of course. My father’s retainer speaks true indeed. I swear it upon the emperor’s name.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rengue was in a state of panic. It wasn’t hard to tell that, and I was worried that he might cast suspicion upon Robinson’s whole story. I wasn’t sure if Shakhma had believed every word of it, but he acquiesced to our request and agreed to offer the emperor’s backing in our negotiations with Paradille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had learned one thing from the first round of negotiations: if Missian were to declare its independence in the future, the Imperial House would do everything in its power to prevent it. Of course, there would be a lot of strife even if we hadn’t talked up our loyalty, but it would only be worse after we so blatantly claimed that we had no intentions of doing anything of the sort. If Missian declared independence after all that, the odds of us ever reconciling with the empire were nonexistent. I had to wonder if we’d overstepped by making such a claim, but I figured it was better than letting the negotiations end in failure, and it was too late to take it back now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We shall send a letter to the Duke of Paradille shortly,” said Shakhma as the negotiations came to a close. “We would ask that you remain in the capital until we receive a reply.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thus, despite an unexpected question derailing the whole meeting, our negotiations with the Imperial House came to a successful conclusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I did what I had to, but I fear I may have gone too far,” muttered Robinson after we departed from the audience chambers. We’d found a quiet place where we knew for a fact that nobody could hear us, and settled down to discuss what had transpired."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You do? Why?” asked Rengue. “You weathered the storm! It seems like it all turned out well to me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not only did I tell the emperor a bald-faced lie, but I also swore that I was speaking the truth,” Robinson explained. “After I delivered such a firm and unambiguous statement, Lord Couran’s eventual declaration of independence will make the empire lose face. War is an inevitability.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… I doubt they would turn a blind eye to our independence regardless,” replied Rengue."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“True, but without this sort of open provocation, we would have a much easier time suing for peace. I’m certain Lord Couran does not wish to declare independence, only to be plunged into an endless war with the empire.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm, hmm. I see…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As such, I fear the outcome of our talk with the emperor was far from ideal. Would you concur, Lady Licia? How would you have conducted yourself, were you in my position?” Robinson asked, turning to Licia. It felt like he was testing her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Let me see… To start, I do not believe that you made a poor decision, Sir Robinson. Ensuring that the Imperial House will aid in our negotiations was our first and foremost priority, and you prioritized the success of our objective above all else. I admire your ability to speak before the emperor himself with such confidence and grace. That said, if I had been in your position…hmm…” Licia trailed off there. It seemed she’d opened with a compliment to soften the blow of her true opinion. “I don’t believe I would have chosen to swear fealty with such absolute certainty. We know how great the Imperial House’s need for funding is, and when Lord Rengue told the chancellor how much we were willing to offer, he almost gave in right there. I was stunned by the sum as well, in fact! I believe that the negotiations would have worked out even had we taken the risk of showing a small degree of disrespect. You could have, for instance, feigned offense at the implication that Lord Couran would be disloyal and implied that you intended to withdraw the offer. The Chancellor may have even apologized!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All that said, in terms of maximizing the chances of the negotiations succeeding, your method was superior, Sir Robinson. As such, I would hesitate to say you made a poor decision.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No,” said Robinson with a shake of his head. “In retrospect, I believe your method may have been the best option available to us. It would entail a degree of risk, to be sure…but considering the current state of the empire, I doubt they had the leeway to reject the funding we were offering. If I were a more skilled negotiator, I may have been able to dodge or deflect the question. My inadequacies have never been more painfully apparent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, that is all water under the bridge. Let us move to more pressing matters,” Robinson said, picking himself up again with remarkable speed. He was a man with remarkable mental resilience. “We have some time before our talks with Paradille begin. I have dispatched a spy, who I trained, to the capital of Paradille, with instructions to report on anything regarding the state of the duchy that may aid us in our negotiations. I believe that the spy will be arriving with information any day now, and once we’ve learned all we can, we should determine our overall diplomatic strategy. I would like the two of you to participate in that discussion, Lord Ars, Lady Licia. I trust you’re willing?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course,” I replied. “That’s the whole reason we made this journey.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d feel pretty guilty if I went home without ever helping!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Licia replied that she would be happy to participate as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well then, you are welcome to do as you please until my spy reports in. Oh, and I almost forgot─I doubt this will serve any purpose in future negotiations, but did you happen to appraise His Majesty the Emperor and his chancellor, Lord Ars?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I did, yes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If possible, I would be interested in hearing anything you’ve learned.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, of course,” I said, then explained the details of their stats to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see,” replied Robinson with a thoughtful nod. “So the emperor is an ordinary person, and Shakhma is capable, but likely treacherous.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Correct,” I confirmed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you─this has been most enlightening. I must say, I’m astonished that your power can even judge a man’s loyalty! It is an astonishing ability indeed, and I hope that I am never forced to stand in opposition to you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn’t clear to me why Robinson had wanted to learn about their abilities. Either he was just curious, or he was thinking past the upcoming negotiations and preparing for the the inevitable outcome where Missian declares independence. I assumed the latter was the case, given that Robinson didn’t seem like the sort of person who would ask that sort of question to satisfy his curiosity, and did seem like someone who would think several steps ahead of the present moment. Not that it mattered to me either way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was still exhausted from the trip, so I spent the rest of that day resting at an inn. The next day, however, I was free to do as I pleased, so I had to think about what I wanted to accomplish while I was in the capital. In the end, I decided to just walk around, see the sights, and look for potential recruits. I’d already gathered that the people of the capital were more impoverished than I’d expected, so I had a feeling I’d have decent luck recruiting anyone who stood out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was on a fast track to becoming the Count of Canarre, if the war went well, and if that happened, I’d need more talented retainers than ever. Plus, even if I wasn’t looking at an oncoming promotion, having more capable help was never a bad thing. Thus, I set out into the city with Charlotte as my guard and Licia as an unexpected tagalong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Umm, Licia?” I asked when she made her intent to join me clear. “You know that I’m looking for recruits, right? I doubt this is going to be very fun for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You could hardly be more mistaken! Anything is fun so long as I’m with you, Lord Ars. Besides, I’m interested in watching you put your power to use.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s there to watch? All I do is look at people.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you sure that’s all there is to it? You don’t have some sort of special trick?” Licia pressed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t, no.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is she trying to figure out what makes my appraisals work, or something?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then─why don’t you tell me about that man’s abilities?” Licia suggested, pointing to a brawny man who was standing nearby."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to humor her and appraised him, painfully aware of Licia staring at me as I did so. His Valor was a little above average, but the rest of his abilities were awful─he was a real musclehead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, finished,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes. And I wasn’t surprised by the results─he’s as strong as he looks, but he doesn’t have what it takes to lead soldiers or think deeply about much of anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see,” said Licia, still staring intently at me. “It’s true, then─you don’t do anything special, at least as far as I can tell. To be honest, I suspected that you were using magic to enable your talent.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Does that sort of magic even exist?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If it does, I have yet to hear of it. However, new forms of magic are being discovered on a near-daily basis, so I cannot rule out the possibility. This does seem to be particular to you, though, which raises all sorts of questions. Were you born with that ability?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, I was,” I replied. “But you’re the same way, aren’t you? Don’t you have the ability to tell how people feel about you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I do, but I wasn’t born with it. I obtained that sense of how people perceive me after spending a very long time observing others and taking note of their mannerisms. I believe that anyone could learn to do what I do, provided they invest enough effort into the task, but your power is different. Perhaps God has chosen to favor you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t believe for a second that just about anyone could obtain Licia’s preternatural sense, but she was right that my power was downright impossible to learn. I had to assume that having been reincarnated from another world had something to do with how I obtained the ability. This sort of thing was rare, but I couldn’t rule out the possibility that other people had powers similar to it, even if Licia wasn’t one of them. Regardless, I soon went back to searching for recruits, and Licia went back to staring at me all the while."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Lord Ars,” Charlotte suddenly piped up. “If you’re searching for new hires, mind looking for someone who can use magic?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A mage, huh? Never hurts to have more of those around…but honestly, with you by my side, I don’t think I’m lacking in the magic department.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, but I’ve been to battle a bunch of times, right? And the biggest thing I’ve learned is that magic is crazy important,” said Charlotte. “My spells are the best, don’t get me wrong, but none of our other mages are worth much. We could use a few more folks who know their stuff.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had a point. I’d never witnessed a real battle, but I’d been told how pivotal magic’s role in war was more times than I could count. The one problem was that people with a talent for magic were hard to find. A B-ranked Aptitude for magic was high, and very rare to boot. I was pretty sure Charlotte was the only person I’d ever seen with a rank above A, and I could count the number of A-rankers I’d found on one hand. In fact, the only one I could remember offhand was one of the Shadows─Ben, maybe? At the very least, I knew for a fact that I hadn’t found any other S-rankers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t mind keeping an eye out for magic users, but they’re pretty rare, so don’t get your hopes up.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, are they?” replied Charlotte, a little disappointed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“House Pleide has no skilled mages at all,” said Licia. “I think you’re even more remarkable of a person than you realize, Lady Charlotte!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Remarkable… I like the sound of that,” Charlotte muttered as Licia’s compliment went right to her head in record time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We spent a lot of time walking around the capital, but in the end, I didn’t find anyone with a notable talent for magic. Just as I was getting tired enough to suggest returning to the inn, I heard a familiar voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Please, I’m begging you! I just need a loan! I’ll pay you back before you know it, I swear!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I turned to look…and found a small-statured young man prostrating himself before a man who looked like a merchant. It took me a minute, but I remembered where I’d seen the young man before: he was Shin Seimallo, the person who’d claimed he could build an airship when we first went to see the emperor. Unfortunately, his supplications seemed to have fallen on deaf ears, as the merchant departed without saying so much as a word."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0027.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hellfire!” Shin shouted, standing up and stomping the ground in a rage. At that point, he noticed that I was watching him and shot me a sharp glare. “What’s your problem?! This ain’t a show, brat!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess staring at him while he was bowing and scraping was a little rude of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then beat it before I get even madder!” Shin roared. He was in a truly foul mood, though after prostrating in public and still getting turned down, I couldn’t blame him. I could tell that I was going to have a hard time making him to listen to me, but I also knew that if I left now, I might never see him again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let’s give talking a try, at least!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I have something I’d like to discuss, you see,” I told him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? You wanna talk to me?” said Shin, his glare growing sharper still."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Could it be that this man has some sort of talent, Lord Ars?” asked Licia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s right.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He a mage?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No. Well, he can use magic to some extent, but that’s not the talent that caught my eye.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, boo! Let’s go, then. We don’t need him,” Charlotte grumbled. She wasn’t one for delicacy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Look me in the eye and say that again, ya surly little harlot! If you want a fight, you’re doin’ a damn fine job of pickin’ one!” Shin shouted, now enraged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She’s not, really! You have the wrong idea!” I yelled, jumping in between the two of them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Charlotte, shut up for a second!” I whispered over my shoulder, then turned back to Shin. “Ahem! My name is Ars Louvent, and I come from Lamberg, a district of the County of Canarre in Missian.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Missian? No wonder you talk like a buncha bumpkins,” commented Shin. In my book, he was the one who was talking funny, but that sort of thing was just a matter of perspective."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your name is Shin Seimallo, correct?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-How’d you know that?!” asked Shin, a wary look in his eyes. The truth was that I’d learned it by appraising him, but I decided to claim that Den had told me about him after our encounter with Shin at the castle gates. “Oh, so you’re the one who was with the butler back then. I thought you looked familiar.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s how I learned about your ambition to build an airship. I’m very interested in your plan, and as it so happens, I am the head of a noble household back in Missian.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A noble household? You’re a lord? But you’re just a brat!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My father passed away while I was young, and I inherited his title,” I explained."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, so you’re like the emperor, eh? And wait─did’ja say you’re interested in my airship?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am, yes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“F-For real?! Then take a look at this!” Shin shouted as he forced the airship blueprints he was carrying into my hands. I had a feeling I wouldn’t be able to make heads or tails of them, but I took a look anyway, just for good measure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Needless to say, after a couple moments inspecting the plans, I came away with maybe even less of an idea about whether or not it would fly than I’d had before I looked. All that I could say for sure was that it was designed to fly using principles unlike those that the planes and blimps on Earth used. As best as I could tell, Shin’s design was supposed to work using some sort of magical whatsit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So? What do you think? I can build it, I’m positive!” Shin insisted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m afraid I’m not well-versed in the field of aeronautics, so I can’t tell at all.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eh? You’re not? Then give that back!” snapped Shin as he snatched the plans away from me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To be clear, I’m not knowledgeable in the field, but I am very interested.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I mean, who wouldn’t be? It should be obvious that airships are the future.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I agree. And while I lack the expertise to say whether or not your plans are feasible, I can say with certainty that you have the talent to make one.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eh? How would you know somethin’ like that?” Shin asked. I gave him a quick explanation about how I had the power to perceive people’s strengths, and he nodded in understanding. “Oh, gotcha… If it made you believe I’ve got real talent, then your power must be the real deal, too.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d been a little worried that springing the truth on him out of nowhere would just make him more skeptical, but to my surprise, he believed me without question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He must believe in his own abilities to a ridiculous degree…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You said you’re a lord, right…?” asked Shin, a hint of hope creeping into his voice. “D-Does that mean you’ll fund me?! See, I’ve been thinkin’ I could build my ship if I had the resources, but I’m broke!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How much would you need?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I could make a small one with about a thousand gold!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A thousand gold… I’m afraid that’s out of my budget at the moment.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had a feeling that Couran would loan me the money if I asked him, but the consequences if Shin’s project failed would be pretty dire in that case. The odds of him succeeding were quite high, to be sure, but I wasn’t quite prepared to bet on it. That left me with just one choice: to become the Count of Canarre and commission the project afterward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Missian is on the brink of war at the moment, but if my side emerges victorious, my territory will expand,” I explained. “My income will increase at that point as well, and I’ll likely have a thousand gold to spare. If everything goes as planned, I’d like to fund your project when that time comes.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“R-Really?! That means I’m in for a real wait, eh? Wait, doesn’t that mean I’d have to pack up and move to Missian?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm,” mumbled Shin, hesitating for a moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I won’t ask you to commit yourself to this arrangement right away,” I clarified. “I’ll be in the capital for some time longer, so just try to decide before I leave.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shin, however, shook his head and immediately replied, “Nah, all good. I’ll go. No matter how hard I work, nobody’s ever gonna spare me a copper here─the locals wouldn’t know talent if it hit ’em with a brick! Stickin’ with you’s my best shot of making my dream a reality.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is that so? In that case, feel free to accompany us when we return to Missian. How should we get in contact with you when the time comes?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shin gave us his address, then ran off to prepare for the journey."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thankfully, it seemed my day of headhunting had been a success. I’d recruited a budding engineer who just might build me an airship someday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I spent the next two days looking for more potential new hires, but didn’t find anyone who lived up to my standards. After that, a message arrived from Robinson informing us that the spy from Paradille had arrived. He wanted to discuss our strategy for the upcoming negotiations, so Licia and I went over to his room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The inn we were staying at was a very high-class establishment, and since we were traveling on Rengue and his father’s dime, we’d rented out the whole place."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you for coming,” said Robinson as we stepped into his room. I glanced around and found that he was alone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No need to thank us─this is what we’re here for. Will Lord Rengue and Lord Teknado be arriving later?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The two of them will not be participating in this discussion,” replied Robinson."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, weird."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could see why Teknado would be left out, but I’d been certain that Rengue would attend. Had he refused to participate? Or had Robinson refrained from inviting him, since he would likely get in the way? Whatever the case, I didn’t have a problem with his absence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Before we begin, I have news to share,” said Robinson. “It seems the war in Missian has begun.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Already?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So it would seem. Lord Couran made the first move, marching his troops into the County of Alpharda, which lies between Semplar and Velshdt. Meanwhile, Vasmarque launched a surprise attack upon Ludawson, a district of the County of Faama. One of Missian’s larger magistone mines is located in Ludawson, which gives the territory great strategic value. I believe his strategy is to use the minimum number of forces necessary to seize locations of that general nature, depriving us of necessary resources while his own troops are bolstered. One of Vasmarque’s tacticians is known for his surprise attacks, and I suspect that they will prove to be a major thorn in our side.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hadn’t expected the war to escalate already, and I hadn’t expected the enemy’s tactics to be so hard to deal with. It seemed we’d be fighting a losing battle if we let the war drag out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, forget all that, let’s move to the topic at hand. To begin with, I will provide some necessary context regarding Paradille itself. Paradille is the least populated duchy in all of Summerforth, and it also shares borders with nearly every other duchy in the Empire. As a natural consequence, it has faced a disproportionate degree of aggression from other duchies that view it as an easy target. There are, however, a number of reasons why Paradille has yet to fall under the control of another duchy,” Robinson continued. “For one, a mountain range known as the Ruffords runs along the duchy’s northwest and western border, placing a physical barrier between it and two of its neighboring duchies, Scheutz and Canshiep. The presence of the mountain range makes mounting an invasion from either of those directions difficult. Another significant factor is the strength of Paradille’s military. Not only are their troops skilled, but Paradille is also the duchy with consistent access to healing magic, which gives them a significant advantage. Their numbers may not be remarkable, but they are still a fighting force no less capable than any other duchy.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I glanced at a nearby map. Paradille was in the center of Summerforth, so that explained how they hadn’t been spared invasion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As for the information my spy provided, it would seem Paradille faces several problems at the present moment,” said Robinson, moving on to the next topic. “A series of crop failures have left the duchy in a state of near-famine. Plus, Paradille’s relations with Scheutz have deteriorated. It seems the ruling powers of Scheutz are seeking a means to traverse the mountains and mount an invasion of Paradille. From Scheutz’s perspective, Paradille is the perfect staging ground from which to conquer the rest of the continent, and the healing magic enabled by Paradille’s magistone mines is a prize far too valuable to ignore. My spy also reported that the mines’ output of healing magistone has been diminishing by the year.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It sounds like they have a lot on their plate right now. That works in our favor, doesn’t it? Their conflict with Scheutz has to be a pressing issue on their minds, so provoking Missian can’t be on their current list of priorities. In the worst case, they could end up fighting us and Scheutz on two fronts.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No matter how capable Paradille’s military was, I had a hard time imagining they would be able to defend their duchy under conditions like those."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Quite. There should be many benefits to forging an alliance with us, from Paradille’s perspective. Though they would have a difficult time turning the tide on Scheutz alone, with Missian’s help, it would not be beyond the realm of possibility. The abundance of Missian’s harvests gives us another means of influence as well─we have plenty of food to offer. Frankly, there are very few downsides to our proposition, and if the duke were a reasonable individual, I don’t believe he would turn us down. However…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’re not dealing with a reasonable man?” I guessed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Indeed. It would seem the current duke has a rather limited grasp of the principles of diplomacy. Before their relations worsened, Scheutz was making an effort to ally with Paradille. Such a pact would have enabled Scheutz’s military to pass through Paradille to the other duchies, allowing them easy access to the entire continent. Paradille is staunch in their policy of not allowing other duchies access to their healing magistone, and it’s hard to believe an alliance with Scheutz would have led to a change in that policy, but if Scheutz were to fight alongside Paradille’s forces, it wouldn’t have made a difference. The alliance seemed almost too good to be true, and Scheutz pursued it with fervor, but talks fell apart on account of Paradille’s duke. It seems he decided that the alliance would be to Paradille’s detriment for rather emotionally-driven reasons. Considering Paradille has nothing to gain from a conflict with Scheutz, I would not hesitate to call that attempt at diplomacy a catastrophic failure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So he’s the sort of ruler who lets his emotions get the better of him?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had a bad feeling that could spell doom for our negotiations as well, since he was already predisposed to loathe Missian."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Furthermore, the duke is not the only one who bears Missian ill will. The people of Paradille hold us in just as low esteem. I fear that even if they were to send troops to support our cause, those troops would be fighting with very low morale,” said Robinson. With that, the report from his spy was settled and we were ready to move along. “Now then─after taking into account the information that I have shared, I would like to discuss our options.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What can we offer them in exchange for their cooperation against Vasmarque?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Gold, food, various other resources, and military aid. In short, we have the means to resolve the majority of the problems Paradille is facing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Judging by that phrasing, I got the impression that Robinson was prepared to offer a very generous reward for Paradille’s help. With that many bargaining chips on our side, you’d think the alliance was already a done deal, but if the duke was that liable to govern based on his emotions and whims, I knew it might not be enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How about we spread a rumor that Vasmarque intends to ally with Scheutz and invade Paradille once he unites Missian?” I suggested. “It’s a plausible move for him to make, so we wouldn’t be lying, and since we have some time before the negotiations start, we should be able to lay the groundwork.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Interesting… That would incentivize Paradille to ensure Vasmarque does not gain control of Missian, yes,” said Robinson. “And you’re right, I believe we have ample time to spread such a rumor. That said, there’s a real possibility that the duke will not consider a mere rumor worthy of his consideration. But then again, there’s no harm in trying…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He had a point─that alone wouldn’t be enough to ensure the negotiations’ success."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you think, Lady Licia?” I asked, turning to face her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm…” Licia paused for a moment to consider the matter. “I’m afraid that no matter how many benefits our alliance may offer them, I doubt Paradille will accept. We lack the single most important factor that a successful negotiation requires.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And that is…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Trust. If Paradille is operating under the assumption that we will not keep our promises, then no amount of food, money, or reinforcements will sway them. And even if we spread rumors that Vasmarque intends to invade Paradille, I fear that the duke will be inclined to assume that Lord Couran would do the same. If he does, such rumors would gain us nothing.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Can’t argue with that. But doesn’t that leave us at a standstill? How are we supposed to gain their trust?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We didn’t have an excess of time before the negotiations were set to begin, so dispelling years of distrust in that short period seemed like a pretty tall order, if not downright impossible. This was a deep-seated grudge we were dealing with, and it wasn’t the sort one could wave away as a minor misunderstanding. Were the negotiations doomed from the very beginning? I knew Vasmarque had abandoned the idea of getting Paradille on his side, but had he been right to give up?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That is the question indeed. Being as His Majesty the Emperor has agreed to mediate, I don’t believe that regaining Paradille’s trust is entirely impossible. It will require no small amount of groundwork before the negotiations begin, however.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What sort of groundwork?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia leaned forward and began explaining the particulars of her plan. “In essence, I believe that if the duke can be convinced that Lord Couran’s loyalty to His Majesty is genuine, he will accept that Lord Couran will honor the terms of our agreement.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And how, specifically, will we convince the duke that Lord Couran is loyal?” asked Robinson."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe we should establish a line of contact with one of the duke’s chief retainers. I do not believe that every last member of Paradille’s government will stand in opposition to these negotiations. Why, I would be surprised if there isn’t at least one among their number who will advocate for an alliance with Missian. If we can convince that person that Lord Rengue and Lord Couran hold the deepest loyalty toward His Majesty and the empire, then they may be able to convince the duke in a manner that we never could. Moreover, we know that the Imperial House and the ruling House of Paradille share a close relationship, and are at least somewhat aware of each other’s internal affairs. If we can convince someone from the Imperial House to make contact in our stead, we will have a much easier time carrying out these preparations.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So we’d be getting at the Duke of Paradille by way of one of his retainers, and getting at that retainer by convincing someone on the Imperial side to do it for us. The duke did seem to trust information that came from the emperor. The question, of course, was whether or not anyone on the imperial side of the equation would hear us out. Considering that they were the ones enabling the negotiations, they’d likely be inclined to facilitate their success, if for no other reason than the promise of more gold. Robinson’s declaration of Couran’s loyalty during the last round of talks might have worked in our favor, I reasoned─after all, the imperials would be under the impression that Couran ruling over Missian was an easier situation to deal with than if Vasmarque took control."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That strikes me as a reasonable proposal,” said Robinson. “However, I don’t believe that the duke is so naïve as to trust that sort of information unconditionally, even if it does come to him by way of the emperor himself. He will take steps to verify whether or not Lord Rengue’s supposed loyalty is a fabrication. As such, we would have to take steps to ensure that ample proof of Lord Rengue’s loyalty makes its way into the duke’s hands.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Agreed,” said Licia. “Any claim we make will need proof to substantiate it. But if this plan were to succeed, I believe it would surely sway the duke in favor of approving our alliance. Of course, the most important factor is and will remain our eloquence and ability to respond to the duke’s questions and claims during the negotiations themselves.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In other words, the success or failure of our plan would hinge on Rengue and the rest of the negotiation team’s ability to make themselves seem trustworthy. Unfortunately, I had a feeling that would be the hardest obstacle of all to surmount."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then again, I’m sure Robinson will be able to pull us through."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe that will do for tonight,” said Robinson. “I thank the both of you for your most valuable perspectives. I shall speak with my contacts in the emperor’s employ, and if I find they cannot be swayed to help us, we can come up with a different plan.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thus, the evening’s strategy meeting came to a close."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days later, Robinson succeeded in convincing someone in the emperor’s circle to help us. It seemed they had already sent a message to the Duke of Paradille asking him to participate in talks with Missian, but his reply had been less than encouraging, asking for some time to consider the matter and promising nothing─not even that he would hear us out. Robinson convinced them to send a new message, though, and this time not to the duke, but to a prominent noble in Paradille: the Lord of House Staured. Said lord was very close with the duke, and was one of the few people who the duke trusted. Lord Staured also had connections with the Imperial House, so he seemed like the perfect individual to use as a proxy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The messenger returned about ten days later with a response from Lord Staured, indicating he was willing to attempt to persuade the duke to speak with us. In the meantime, Rengue had begun taking action to prove his loyalty to the emperor. Specifically, he’d taken to flying into fits of rage whenever anyone badmouthed the emperor in his presence, which happened often when out and about in the capital. He’d also made a point of loudly discussing how talented the Imperial House was at policy-making, how incredible it was that they’d ruled over the empire for so long, and how disrespecting them was downright treasonous every time he and Robinson ate out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no telling when one of the emperor’s people might be watching Rengue, so he was forced to keep up the act at all times, and it wasn’t long before it started taking a toll on the poor man’s nerves. It didn’t help that he wasn’t an exceptional actor, to say the least─I was worried that nobody would believe he was being sincere."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days after the message from Lord Staured arrived, another message from the Duke of Paradille came, in which he stated that he’d be willing to take part in the negotiations. Rather than inviting us to Paradille, he said that he would be traveling to the capital himself. That wasn’t what I’d expected, but on further consideration, it made sense─he may have felt that since the emperor’s representatives would be mediating, it would be disrespectful to ask them to travel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days after the message came in, the duke’s retinue arrived in the capital and made their way to the castle. We wouldn’t begin the talks right away, it seemed─the first day we’d just exchange greetings and attend a welcome party. The negotiations would begin in earnest the day after. I wanted to get this deal hashed out as soon as possible, but building a foundation of friendship would raise the odds of the negotiations proving successful, which seemed to be the purpose of the whole thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When we met the Duke of Paradille, we did so in the presence of the emperor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have come in response to His Majesty the Emperor’s summons. I am Mahkfa Sarcassia, Duke of Paradille,” said the duke. He was a middle-aged man with a very no-nonsense sort of look on his face, which was well-proportioned in a way that made me imagine he’d been quite handsome in his prime. If I had to guess, I’d have put his age somewhere around forty or so, but I knew an appraisal would sort that question out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His stats weren’t bad, but they also didn’t mark him as exceptional. He was also quite a bit older than he looked. A few of Mahkfa’s retainers were standing behind him, and I appraised all of them as well, for good measure. Most of them had high Valor, which led me to assume Paradille appointed the strong to positions of importance. Valor aside, though, they didn’t strike me as very remarkable, either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One man, however, was an exception. His stats were rather astonishing, even though he was short, plain, and stood at the back of their formation. The man’s status window looked like this:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unlike his fellow retainers, his stats were high except for his Valor. He hadn’t fulfilled his true potential yet, but his ability caps were high enough that if he did, he could make something of himself. Still, considering his position in the duke’s procession and his forgettable appearance, I had a feeling I was the only one who’d realized how much potential he had. I decided to pay special attention to Bamba, knowing that if I didn’t take caution with him, he could pose serious problems for us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the emperor greeted Mahkfa, it was Rengue’s turn to exchange pleasantries with the duke. The two of them were quick and to the point with the process─they were polite enough, but I could tell there was a degree of lip service going down. Paradille’s language, I noted, was indistinguishable from Missian’s. It seemed Ansel, Missian, and Paradille all spoke a similar dialect. Scheutz’s and Seitz’s dialects, in contrast, were apparently a lot different."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once all the formalities were out of the way, the evening’s main event began: a catered party intended to deepen the bonds of friendship between everyone present. The emperor wasn’t expected to dine with lower nobility and made an early exit. Rengue, Shahkma, Mahkfa, Robinson, and the others, however, all dined at the same table. I, meanwhile, made a point of seeking out Bamba. I was always curious about people as talented as him, and I wanted to hear what he thought about the upcoming negotiations. I eventually found him eating alone in a corner of the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“May I join you?” I asked as I walked up to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Youngling…” muttered Bamba as he glanced up at me. “You’d do well to keep your distance from me. There’s no telling when the seal of darkness inscribed upon my right hand may lash out at you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he just say “seal of darkness,” or did I mishear him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was a term I hadn’t heard thrown about before, so I decided to dig a little deeper."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m sorry, I’m not sure I follow. What exactly is a ‘seal of darkness’?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No sooner had I been born than a devil laid its curse upon me, carving its seal into my flesh and soul─that is the seal of darkness,” replied Bamba. “Should it come undone, it will transform me into a devilish form, to run rampant and destroy all around me…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What? Like, seriously, what? Since when did this world have devils, or any of this other stuff, for that matter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Granted, this world did have magic and plenty of creatures unlike anything on Earth, but devils seemed a step too far for me to accept. Something felt off about all this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“May I take a look at this ‘seal’ of yours?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So you’re interested, youngling…?” Bamba said, then showed me the back of his right hand, where I saw a mark shaped like a skull. That mark, however, was smudged in several places. It was obvious that he’d drawn it himself with some kind of ink."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your, uh, ‘seal’ is a bit smudged.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” Bamba blinked, then looked at the back of his hand. “Gah! Hell’s bells! D-Do you have any ink on hand?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m afraid I don’t. So, umm…I take it you drew that yourself?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Oh, n-no, of course not…! Ahem! Worry not, youngling. Today is a day of balance─a day when the seal is calm. That’s why it looks a little smudged,” he explained, making stuff up on the spot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was astonished. As best as I could tell, I was dealing with a genuine, hardcore edgelord. Back in my old world, most people who went through that sort of phase did so in their early teenage years, but this guy was twenty-two! I had to wonder if something about society here resulted in people succumbing to their cringiest instincts later on in life. That, or this particular guy had just always been like this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But those stats…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I felt the need to give him another appraisal just to make sure I hadn’t been seeing things, and no, he really did seem to have remarkable abilities. I started wondering if my power might have been on the fritz and decided to talk to him some more to figure out what his deal was."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So…my name is Ars Louvent,” I said, trying to restart the conversation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And most call me Bamba Phanamahmaf,” replied Bamba. “I see, then─so you are Ars Louvent…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Have you heard of me somewhere?” I asked, a little taken aback. Could it be that my power had gained me a degree of notoriety?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, not at all. This is the first time I’ve heard the name.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“…Okay. Right. So, why did you make it sound like you already knew me?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Because putting it that way gives the statement a certain gravitas,” explained Bamba."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That settles it. He’s useless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I spent a little longer talking with him, but all I took away from the conversation was that he was an enormous weirdo, so I decided that it was time to abandon all subtlety and just ask him what I wanted to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, Sir Bamba, what are your thoughts regarding the negotiations that are about to unfold?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm─well, we can’t trust anything your boss tells us, especially not the part about him being loyal to the emperor.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why would you say that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, setting aside this Rengue Salemakhia fellow, his father Couran is known to be a capable commander and a man of great accomplishments. It’s very hard to believe that a man such as him would feel heartfelt loyalty toward the current emperor. Great men only bear true loyalty toward men as great or greater than they are,” Bamba explained, throwing the emperor under the bus in the process."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But Lord Mahkfa has sworn his loyalty to the emperor, hasn’t he?” I pointed out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“His lordship has his fair share of eccentricities,” said Bamba, which had horrifying implications. What would it take to make a man like him describe someone as eccentric? It looked like Mahkfa and Rengue were having an ordinary conversation to me, at least. “That said, there’s plenty to be suspicious of, but there are also plenty of advantages to forging a pact with your side. We’ll just have to dig deeper on a couple of matters first.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What matters would those be?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not for your ears─for the moment, at least.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed, then, that he was planning on grilling us once the negotiations kicked off. I still wasn’t quite sure if he was capable or not, but I was convinced that he was a man I’d have to keep a close eye on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The next day, the negotiations began in earnest. They would transpire under the watchful eye of the emperor himself, where those who had sworn loyalty toward him would, in theory, not dare attempt to deceive the other party. We were operating under the hope that Licia wouldn’t have to be an active participant, but she’d come along just in case things went south."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The talks started simply enough: Rengue stated for the record what Couran wanted from the Duke of Paradille, and what Missian could offer him in exchange. I noticed a shift in Mahkfa’s expression as Rengue laid out our terms─they were, after all, rather generous. Mahkfa asked a few questions, which Rengue answered with practiced ease. By all appearances, the process was going quite well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just when I thought we might earn that alliance with a lot less trouble than I’d anticipated, Bamba, the man I’d met at the party the night before, raised his hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“With permission, I would like to ask a question of Lord Rengue,” he said in a completely different tone than the one he’d used the night before. Gone were the flowery, half-baked metaphors and blunt frankness─this time, he spoke with grace and level-headed consideration. I was shocked to realize that the man could tone it down when the need arose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And you are?” asked Rengue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Bamba Phanamahmaf, at your service. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Lordship,” said Bamba, his manners impeccable. His attitude had shifted so dramatically that I was starting to wonder if everything I’d heard the night before had been a hallucination."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And your question?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We have received word that you and your father, Lord Couran, claim a remarkable degree of loyalty toward His Majesty the Emperor. If I may be frank, however, I cannot help but harbor doubts as to the veracity of those claims.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No need for doubts. The rumors are true.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Alas, Your Lordship, I am afraid we are left with little choice but to question a claim so bold. Once, when Rofeille raised its standard in rebellion, Lord Mahkfa was the only duke in the land to rally his troops in defense of the emperor you supposedly serve. Much as I’ve thought through the circumstances, I cannot for the life of me imagine any reason why Missian would have been unable to do the same.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that point, Robinson stepped in to offer his defense─the same defense he’d used when Shakhma raised the same objection. Bamba smiled."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see. So the previous duke and Vasmarque are alike in their opposition to imperial rule, while Lord Couran holds true to his vows. I am afraid, however, that there still remain some details that do not add up. If Lord Couran were truly so fervently loyal, would he not have disregarded his father’s orders and rode out in support of the emperor alone, if need be? I’ve reviewed the records of the conflict, and I could not help but notice no account of anyone matching Lord Couran’s description arriving to reinforce His Majesty’s army.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For just a moment, Robinson paused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Couran was still young at the time, and was not yet a warrior of the renown he boasts today,” he eventually explained. “He was in no position to support an army.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that so? Nevertheless, I cannot help but think that if he were truly as loyal as you claimed, he would have rushed to the front to do his part regardless. I certainly would, were I in the same position. I’m afraid I have no choice but to conclude that for all his pretense of loyalty, at heart, he felt the need to prioritize his own safety over that of the man he serves.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Couran is a man of remarkable intellect,” said Robinson. “And he is well-aware of his own station and limitations. As the successor to his father’s domain, he bears a great deal of responsibility upon his shoulders, and he knows that his demise would spell disaster for the land House Salemakhia rules over. It was only after extensive thought that he chose to remain in Missian, and he did so with the greatest of reluctance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, but your words merely prove my point,” Bamba countered. “The way I see it, a willingness to cast rationality aside in favor of the one you serve is the mark of true loyalty.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That is your personal opinion, and one that you’ll find is far from universal. Lord Couran believed that rather than ride out on his own, he could serve the emperor better by remaining in Missian and petitioning his father to change his mind. The fact that his efforts proved unsuccessful is a tragedy, but such is the way of things.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bamba’s interrogation continued for some time, and Robinson matched him question for question. I was sure that most of his replies were outright lies, so I found myself both impressed by how capable he was at twisting the truth and also struck with the realization that I’d do well not to trust him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm,” Bamba eventually said, turning to Rengue. “Might I ask, Lord Rengue, whether you profess the same loyalty to His Majesty that your father claims?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Of course,” said Robinson. “Lord Rengue is as loyal and devoted as─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m afraid, Sir Robinson, that I was addressing His Lordship personally,” interjected Bamba, cutting Robinson off. “Being as he is in attendance, I would very much like to hear him express his intentions in his own words.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed he’d determined that Robinson was unlikely to slip up, and had shifted his attention to Robinson’s less eloquent superior."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rengue, of course, asserted his loyalty as well, but Bamba cocked his head and asked, “Is that truly so? I consider the information that I obtain for myself to be what is most trustworthy, and I have done no small amount of digging to determine where your loyalties lie.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rengue hesitated. He was shaken by Bamba’s words. He’d done his best to put on a pretense of loyalty toward the emperor, but it seemed he knew his act was less than foolproof."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I trust, Lord Rengue, that you are aware of the consequences that will befall you should you choose to lie before His Majesty?” Bamba pressed, his tone taking on a threatening edge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Rengue─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am speaking with Lord Rengue and would ask that you hold your tongue!” snapped Bamba, cutting Robinson off once more as he tried to come to Rengue’s defense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rengue was panicking. From what I could tell, he had no idea what to say. From a calm and detached perspective, Bamba had nothing in the way of conclusive evidence to disprove Rengue’s loyalty─or at the very least, if he did have evidence, he did not have it on hand. For all we knew, the most he had were rumors and hearsay. My best guess was that Bamba was dialing up the pressure because he didn’t know the truth, and was testing Rengue to see whether he had a guilty conscience."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When all was said and done, all that Rengue had to do was confidently declare his loyalty, and we’d be out of the woods. But he didn’t─couldn’t─and the longer he spent waffling, the more suspicious he appeared. Robinson was at a loss, which meant that if anyone was going to save Rengue, it would have to be me. But what could I do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An idea struck me at just the moment I needed it. I decided to jump into the conversation and do my best to turn the situation around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If I may, it seems quite evident that you harbor doubts regarding Lord Rengue’s loyalty. Might I ask what it is that has made you so very suspicious?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Our suspicions are a matter of necessity,” replied Bamba. “Our ability to trust your word is contingent upon the assurance that you would not dare to lie in front of His Majesty, and one who has not sworn loyalty to him wouldn’t dare to bear such compunctions.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“From my point of view, all citizens of Summerforth owe His Majesty their loyalty,” I countered. “Frankly, I can’t understand why you’re being so insistent. Unless you’re projecting, perhaps? Tell me, are you predisposed to see disloyalty in others on account of your own lack of faith in the empire?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My goal was to disrupt Bamba’s momentum by turning his accusations back on him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Frankly, I am offended,” said Bamba. “On what basis do you dare accuse us of disloyalty?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“None. However, I believe you have failed to consider the implications of your persistent line of questioning. The way you’ve chosen to press this issue almost makes it seem like you have very little faith in His Majesty’s ability to gain and maintain the loyalty of his followers.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bamba opened his mouth, ready to refute my point, but before he could get the chance, Mahkfa spoke up instead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well put. Let us move on, Bamba. Any further discussion of this matter would be disrespectful toward His Majesty.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bamba did as he was told, albeit reluctantly. I’d known that my argument was flimsy even as I delivered it, but it had somehow carried us through the crisis."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that point, Rengue either managed to calm down or had received instructions from Robinson while I was the center of attention. One way or another, he managed to declare his loyalty in unambiguous terms, which nobody moved to question. After that, a formal document was drawn up that Rengue, Mahkfa, and Shakhma (acting on behalf of the emperor) applied their personal seals to. The emperor’s seal made it official: under his mediation, our negotiations had concluded, and Paradille would be obligated to come to our aid against Vasmarque."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You have my sincerest gratitude, Lord Ars. We were in a precarious situation, but your help pulled us through,” said Robinson after the negotiations concluded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was just speaking off the cuff. I’m glad to have been of service, though,” I replied. I meant it, too─I’d thought that bringing Licia along would end up being the extent of my contributions, so the fact that I’d managed to pitch in felt nice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you as well, Lady Licia. Your suggestion to make Lord Rengue’s loyalty to the emperor known in advance proved to be quite an asset. I must admit that if I’d come here on my own, the talks would not have ended this favorably,” Robinson continued, then paused to breathe a sigh of relief. “I’m just glad that Paradille has accepted our terms. This will turn the tide in our favor, without question.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ll be negotiating with Seitz next, right?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, of course─regarding your next step, Lord Couran has instructed that if the negotiations with Paradille proved successful, the two of you should be sent back to Missian while I proceed to Seitz.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He did?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Indeed. It seems Seitz’s domestic affairs have taken a turn for the worse. The situation within the duchy is turbulent enough that they won’t have any troops to spare. I’m only going to confirm the state of things in person.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d known that Seitz was on somewhat shaky ground, but I hadn’t expected things to go south at such a convenient time. It struck me that Couran was a very lucky man, considering this meant Vasmarque’s most plausible source of reinforcements was off the table. I’d always heard that fortune played just as vital of a role as skill when it came to war, and I was starting to understand how true that was. Right now, it felt like Couran stood a good chance of coming out ahead in this war."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our preparations to begin the trip home were already complete, but since I still had to make contact with Shin, I asked to for some more time. Then, I started by visiting the address he’d given me. My plan was to meet him and tell him that we were ready to depart for Missian whenever he was finished with his own preparations."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Already done over here! I’m good to go any time,” said Shin without hesitation. I’d more or less expected him to be ahead of the game, and it seemed I was right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good! Then it’s time for us to depart. For formality’s sake, allow me to reintroduce myself: I am Ars Louvent, Baron of Lamberg. I hope to make our relationship a mutually beneficial one.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Same to you,” said Shin. We shook hands, then set out to finish our final preparations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I just had a little shopping left to do, personally. Rosell had asked me to bring something back for him, so I was doing some last-second souvenir hunting. I would’ve felt bad about only buying something for him, so I decided to get stuff for Rietz and the rest of my retainers as well. I didn’t fuss too much over prices─I just picked out something that each of them would appreciate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once I’d finished my souvenir shopping, we boarded our boat and set sail for Semplar. Robinson remained in the capital on his own. It seemed he’d be traveling to Seitz by land, which would make for a quicker journey overall."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The voyage to Semplar was no faster or slower than it had been on the way to the capital, and we arrived without incident. Many of Couran’s retainers were waiting for us at the docks when we landed. They informed me that Couran was pleased with our efforts, and wished to meet at our soonest convenience. Rengue, Teknado, Licia, and I all set off to see him, while Charlotte and Shin retired to another chamber in the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When we met with Couran, he began by thanking, congratulating, and rewarding Rengue and Teknado for their efforts. Rengue looked absolutely giddy throughout the whole process, and I got the sense that he wasn’t used to receiving his father’s praise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After he finished with them, Couran turned to me and Licia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is good to see both of you again as well. I’ve been told that you played quite an active role in the negotiations’ success, and I would like to reward you accordingly.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t think that I’d done much at all. Sure, I pulled Licia into the proceedings, which was at least some sort of accomplishment, but that wasn’t a big deal. Still, I wasn’t about to turn down a reward. In the end, Couran presented both of us with a hundred gold coins each as thanks for our efforts."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I hope to continue to be of service to you, Your Lordship,” I said as I accepted the reward."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll be holding you to those words. Thanks to your success, we now have the upper hand. You may have heard that our assault upon the County of Alpharda has already begun, but frankly, it hasn’t been going well thus far. Vasmarque’s surprise attacks have claimed many strategic locations that we’ve been unable to reclaim─as things stand, our prospects are grim. With Paradille on our side, however, the tables are sure to turn!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My main takeaway from this new information was that as things stood, the war was very much not progressing in our favor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran soon dismissed Rengue, Teknado, and Licia, but asked that I stay behind for a moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have a favor to ask of you,” he said as soon as the others had left."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What favor would that be?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I would like you to deliver this letter to Lumeire,” Couran explained, passing me a note. “It contains instructions on his deployment. I have withdrawn my troops from Alpharda. Once Paradille’s assault on Arcantez has begun, the chance of Alpharda being attacked will diminish, even if it is only defended by a small unit. We shall amass our forces and bring their full might down on our enemies. I’ve received word from Paradille that they intend to commence their attack on the twentieth day of the fourth month, so we will time our advance to coincide with theirs.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was currently the nineteenth day of the third month, meaning that the attack would commence almost one month from now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“At the moment, Lumeire is under orders to bolster Missian’s defenses in anticipation of an attack from Seitz,” Couran continued. “But with Seitz in a state of chaos, an attack of that nature seems less than likely. Lowering our guard on the border with Seitz to bolster our main attacking force should not pose any troubles in the long term. I intend to have Lumeire lead Canarre’s forces to Semplar, and I would ask that you march with him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood,” I replied. It seemed the time had come: I would be participating in my first military campaign. The thought made me a little nervous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just one month from now, I’ll be going into battle…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have high hopes for what you and yours will contribute on the battlefield. Though, if all goes as planned, Alpharda will fall in short order.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, my private audience with Couran came to an end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The war had already started, but with Paradille’s involvement and Missian’s troops being called into battle, it felt to me like it was only just now getting into full swing. Canarre had a large population compared to the other counties in Missian, so the fact that we would be involved implied that this was going to be a large-scale battle─and the bigger the battle, the more people would wind up dead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I started to get cold feet, but shook my head and slapped my cheeks to snap myself out of it. I was a baron, and that meant I was in no position to let myself be scared of combat. I’d be disgracing my father’s legacy if I let that sort of cowardice show!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Soon after, we set off on the final leg of our trip back to Canarre. I planned on stopping by Lamberg before delivering Couran’s letter to Lumeire, and that was where I’d be seeing Licia off on her journey to Torbequista."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I trust that you’ll keep your promise once the war ends,” Licia said to me as we were saying our goodbyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By that, she meant the promise that I would marry her when that time came. I was a little shaken by the prospect, but managed to reply, “Of course,” without missing a beat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just so you know, if you break your promise…” added Licia, her words trailing off ominously."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I gulped, “If I break my promise…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A brief silence fell, and eventually, Licia just smiled at me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll see you soon, Lord Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Oh, right! See you soon.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And then she left without ever clarifying what she’d do to me. Oddly enough, that left me feeling more terrified by the prospect than learning her plans. I wasn’t going to break the promise, so there wasn’t any need for me to be scared, but I was starting to understand that I’d have to propose the instant the war came to a close, for fear of the consequences. That prospect was pretty terrifying, but I’d have all the time in the world to think about it. For now, I made my way back home."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0029.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Master? I have a question, if you’ve got a moment,” asked Rosell in a rather amiable tone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille glanced over at him, then rolled her eyes and replied, “Since when was I your master, Rosell? I’m pretty sure I’d remember taking on a disciple.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? You mean I can’t call you that…?” said Rosell. He looked like a sad little puppy who’d been abandoned out in the rain, and Mireille had no clue how to react."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille had never been the merciful sort. She could order stunning acts of brutality without batting an eyelash, but for some reason, she just couldn’t seem to muster up her callous side when Rosell was concerned. Something about him was just so tragic, so frail, and whenever he looked at her like that, her deepest instincts started screaming that she could not allow this sad little pipsqueak to come to harm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the end, she sighed and said, “Y’know what? Whatever. Knock yourself out,” accepting him as her apprentice in the process."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All traces of sadness vanished from Rosell’s face in the blink of an eye."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I will! Thank you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille just rolled her eyes again, unable to understand why he was dead set on being her apprentice. She knew that what’s done is done, though, and took the time to answer his question. Rosell’s capacity for learning was remarkable, and she was stunned every time he demonstrated it. Mireille had always prided herself on her intelligence, but clearly, the kid’s mind was just made of different stuff."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille and Rosell spent time studying together before adjourning for a break."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to think of it, I wonder when Ars will be getting back?” muttered Rosell. Ars had departed from Lamberg to journey to the capital several weeks ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not for a while, I bet. The capital’s not exactly a quick stroll away from here. I just hope he doesn’t get himself killed out there.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know what you mean, but he’s not the only one I’m worried about…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At that moment, Rietz stepped into the room and asked, “Hm? Am I interrupting your studies?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, no, not at all! I was just asking my master a few questions.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille, meanwhile, muttered, “Speak of the devil,” under her breath, just quiet enough that Rietz couldn’t hear her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m taking a break at the moment. We were just chatting.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Chatting with Mireille…?” said Rietz with a skeptical glance at Rosell’s newfound master. “I hope you haven’t been teaching him anything untoward.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You and your unfounded accusations!” countered Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Th-That’s right! She hasn’t been teaching me anything bad at all!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then what have the two of you been discussing?” asked Rietz, still skeptical."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We, umm,” Rosell began, then floundered. At just that moment, however, a pair of servants passed behind Rietz, gossiping loudly enough to be overheard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to think of it, I’m surprised Lord Ars isn’t home yet!” said one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The estate sure feels empty without him, doesn’t it?” agreed the other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh. Oh, no, Rosell thought with a wince, then glanced back over at Rietz. His expression had been neutral up until a moment ago, but the second the servants’ words reached his ears, Rietz began to tremble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“L-Lord Ars… He still isn’t back yet…? But why…?” Rietz muttered. “Could something have gone wrong…? Maybe he’s in danger, and if he is…th-this is no time for me to be standing around! I have to hurry to Lord Ars’s side!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“M-Mr. Rietz, no!” shouted Rosell as he leaped forward, grabbing Rietz by the arm the second before he lost his composure and dashed out of the estate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Un-Unhand me, Rosell! I have to find Lord Ars!” Rietz wailed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars tasked you with watching over his estate, didn’t he?! He can take care of himself! He’ll be fine!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But… But he’s─”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He’s in the capital! Do you realize how far that is?! You have to learn to have faith in him!” Rosell pleaded. After some time, Rietz seemed to regain his bearings."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This had been a persistent problem since Ars had left on his journey. If Rietz so much as heard his master’s name, he broke down in fits of worry. Rietz had borne an incredibly strong sense of loyalty toward Ars and internalized the idea that it was his job to protect him from any and all potential threats. This, it turned out, meant that when Rietz wasn’t capable of protecting Ars─or, for that matter, knowing if he was being threatened─his imagination ran wild and he had to be restrained, a task which fell upon the shoulders of Rosell and House Louvent’s servants. Rosell had been in a near-constant state of worry that someday he’d be too late and Rietz would vanish into the wilderness, rushing to Ars’s side, common sense be damned."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0031.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes… Yes, you’re right… I have to believe in him… I have to be here to welcome him back when he returns home!” he declared, returning to his usual self."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell took one last look at Rietz to make sure he wouldn’t relapse, then heaved a sigh of relief. Nobody had worked harder than Rietz since Ars had left, and at this point, the Louvent estate could hardly function without him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille watched as Rietz went on his way to take care of some menial task or other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That guy sure takes his job seriously, huh?” she said as she stifled a yawn. “Okay, that’s enough studying for today. I’ve got a bottle with my name on it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Aww,” Rosell whined as Mireille stood up and waltzed out of the room without another word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unfortunately for her, Rietz was still close at hand and happened to see her leave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hm? Are you finished with your studies? In that case, do you think you could lend me a hand?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille didn’t curse out loud, but considering the look that crossed her face, her feelings on this development were apparent. She knew that when Rietz asked for a favor, the odds of it being a massive chore were high. And if she told him she was off to find herself a drink, he would force her to help him instead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It just so happens that I’ve made plans to train the troops out in the yard today, and I’d appreciate your help,” Rietz continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O-Oh, c’mon, I’m sure you can handle a little training session on your own!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Perhaps, but an extra pair of hands does wonders for efficiency. And if you’re not helping Rosell study, I don’t imagine you have other plans. You should be free.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was true, yes. Mireille had been outmaneuvered, but she wasn’t about to let herself go down without a fight. She’d get out of that tiresome training session no matter what it took. So, she resorted to desperate measures: turning tail and running as fast as her legs could carry her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey! Wait!” Rietz shouted, then took off in hot pursuit. Seeing as he was not only faster than Mireille, but also more well-acquainted with the estate’s layout, it wasn’t much of a chase. He caught her without difficulty, then dragged her off to help with the soldiers’ training."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars still isn’t home, huh?” said Kreiz, Ars’s younger brother."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He went to some place called the capital,” said Wren, Kreiz’s twin sister. The two of them were chatting as they lounged about in their room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At this particular moment in time, the twins were six. They’d grown considerably over the past few years, both physically and─to an extent, anyway─mentally. They’d even begun devoting themselves to the sort of rudimentary studies most children started with."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kreiz had also started learning the fundamentals of swordsmanship. Ars had appraised both of them when they were born and had found that Wren had the potential to be remarkably bright, while Kreiz was a master of warfare in the making. The twins had never resembled each other in appearances, and their talents were just as mismatched."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right!” shouted Kreiz. “Let’s go play outside! I wanna ask Rietz to teach me how to fight!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Outside?” huffed Wren. “But playing inside’s so much more fun!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wren’s sluggishness and Kreiz’s enthusiasm cut a stark contrast with each other. One was a born and bred homebody, while the other was a natural wild child. That was a third manner in which they were opposites."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, fine, then I’m going out on my own!” Kreiz declared, then rushed out the door without even waiting for a response."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Kreiz! Wait!” Wren called after him. She didn’t want to go outside, but staying inside on her own would surely be boring, so she chased after him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The two of them sped down the estate’s hallways until they found Rosell in the dining hall. That was a welcome sight─Rosell often played with the twins. In their eyes, he was kind, knowledgeable, and knew how to tell an excellent story. All in all, the two of them were extremely fond of him. They had, in fact, decided to ask him to play with them again today, but as they rushed into the dining hall, Kreiz skidded to a halt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s wrong?” Wren asked with a quizzical cock of her head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“L-Look!” replied Kreiz, pointing across the room─not at Rosell, but past him, toward a woman with long, black hair. It was still the middle of the day, but she already seemed to be partway into a tankard of spirits."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Wren─isn’t she…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“M-Mireille,” Wren whispered in fear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins had yet to speak to the newest arrival at the estate. It wasn’t that they hadn’t had the chance to speak to her, they’d had ample opportunity, but had chosen to avoid her each and every time. Why? Simply put: she scared the living daylights out of them. Mireille had a sharp glare, a wild and imposing manner, a villainous sneer that got all the worse whenever she laughed, and most of all, an apparent contempt for children. There was nothing about her that would endear her to kids of the twins’ age."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They wanted to run over and talk to Rosell, but the fact that he was mid-conversation with their household bogeywoman was a major obstacle, and for a moment, they found themselves at a standstill. Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t long before Rosell caught a glimpse of them out of the corner of his eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, Kreiz, Wren! What are you two up to?” he called out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twins panicked. This was not going according to plan. Rosell was all smiles as he beckoned them, but they were just too scared to bring themselves to walk over…until Kreiz decided that nobody likes a scaredy cat, mustered up his courage, and strode across the room. Wren wasn’t at all excited about the idea, but the invisible pressure exerted by her brother’s advance ended up dragging her along for the ride."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” grunted Mireille as the twins approached her. “Who’re these runts?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait, you haven’t met them? They’re Ars’s twin siblings, Kreiz and Wren. They’re still only six─aren’t they adorable?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm─the kiddo’s siblings, eh…? Wait, you said they’re twins? They sure don’t look it, huh? Guess it’s true that some twins look just the same, and others don’t resemble each other at all.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kreiz and Wren shrank back under the pressure of Mireille’s stare, quivering in fear. Rosell, fortunately, picked up on their terror and intervened."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Master, please, don’t scowl at them like that! Look at them, they’re terrified!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Someone woke up on the rude side of the bed today, huh?” countered Mireille. “I wasn’t scowling, I was just looking at them! Excuse me for having a scary face!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You could make an effort, at least! Try smiling at them!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, nah, bad idea. Kids don’t like it when I smile.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh. Oooh,” said Rosell as he pictured one of Mireille’s usual grins and realization dawned. She had a point─a smile like that was liable to scare children away from her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But anyway, that’s not even the point,” Mireille continued, pausing to take a swig from her tankard. “I just had Rietz shove his chores off on me, I’m exhausted, and I just sat down to revitalize myself with a nice, stiff drink─why should I have to placate a couple of brats now? You know I hate kids!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell just gave her the stare of a boy who’d sat through too much of his master’s nonsense. A moment later, a thoughtful look appeared on Mireille’s face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Though, hmm… If they’re the kiddo’s little siblings, then it wouldn’t hurt to get in their good graces,” she muttered, then smirked as she looked over at Kreiz and Wren. “All right, get over here, you two! It’s high time the three of us got some bonding in!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The twins found the sneering grin on her face horrifying and spun around to flee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s okay!” said Rosell before they could make a break for it. “She’s not as scary as she looks, I promise!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell was a known factor for the twins, and between their trust in him and the gentleness of his tone, his words got through to them. They timidly approached and took a seat close to Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, want a sip?” Mireille asked, offering her tankard to the two of them. “It’s the good stuff!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You can’t give them alcohol! They’re children!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m kidding, god! So, you, the boy…Kreiz, I think? You planning on being some sorta warrior when you grow up?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kreiz nodded vigorously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I’m gonna learn to fight and help protect my big brother!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? That’s some real resolve for a runt like you. Y’know, you wouldn’t guess it, but I’ve seen my fair share of battles. I’ve got a lot of stories I could tell you, if you wanna lend an ear.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, Mireille began regaling the twins with her war stories. Before they knew it, Kreiz and Wren had forgotten their fear and were hanging onto her every word. She told them about her spectacular exploits on the battlefield and the fearsome strength of her enemies, simple tales that any child could appreciate, at first. As she got deeper into her cups, however, her stories started drifting in a somewhat untoward direction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She told them, for instance, about a time she caught her foes in a trap and picked them off in a one-sided slaughter, about the particulars of her torture methodology, about how she’d slipped out of an enemy’s trap and dodged death by a hair’s breadth, and about some of the more gruesome ways in which her former allies had met their ends. In short: stories that one should never, ever tell to children for fear of traumatizing them. Kreiz, who it bears repeating was six and thought of war as a spectacular and heroic affair, was shaken to his core and stunned speechless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, and then there was this one time─must’ve been when I was twenty or so─anyway, I was up against this real nasty son of a bitch with a whole─”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“M-Master, stop!” wailed Rosell, who just couldn’t take it anymore. “That’s enough! Look what you’ve done to poor Kreiz!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” Mireille paused there and took a look at her audience for the first time since several stories ago. They’d been paying such close attention at the start that she’d assumed they were just listening in enraptured silence. In truth, Kreiz was trembling with abject horror."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-Hey, what’s wrong, kid?” asked Mireille. Kreiz, in lieu of an answer, shot to his feet and bolted out of the dining hall in a flash."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“K-Kreiz, wait!” called Wren, who followed along right after him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell let out a long, weary sigh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Those aren’t the sort of stories you should ever tell to a six-year-old, Master.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O-Oh. That so? Brats sure are picky about these things, huh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was right around the time that Rietz stepped into the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did something happen? Master Kreiz and Mistress Wren just dashed past me like they’d seen a ghost!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell summed up the recent sequence of events, and Rietz turned to Mireille with a look of exhausted disdain on his face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-What, you’re blaming me?!” she asked, lashing out preemptively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, it is your fault,” said Rosell. “And after Ars said that Kreiz had the potential to be a swordsman, too! What are we supposed to do if he ends up too scared of fighting to polish that talent?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In contrast to Rosell’s concern, Rietz just smiled. He’d watched over the twins since their birth, and he knew a thing or two about their personalities."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No need to worry about that,” he said. “Master Kreiz is quite the strong-minded child.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As it turned out, Kreiz’s ultimate destination after he heard Mireille’s horrific tales was the training grounds. He took up a short practice sword designed for children, then began running through his swordsmanship drills. Wren, meanwhile, took a seat on a nearby stool to watch him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Weren’t those stories we just heard scary, Kreiz?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah!” Kreiz shouted back as he swung his blade, his expression a portrait of determination. “They were scary, so I have to get stronger! It’s the only way I’ll be able to protect Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wren felt a little impressed as she watched her brother train with such earnest resolve. She thought he was amazing, but at the same time, she felt a lurking sense of danger. Wren was a clever one, and she knew that this could lead to Kreiz getting himself caught up in a real mess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ll have to make sure he doesn’t take things too far, Wren thought to herself with a nod, promising herself that she’d guide her brother true as she watched him work."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0033.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“L-Lord Ars! Welcome home!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No sooner had I stepped into my estate than Rietz sprinted up to me, shouting an enthusiastic welcome. I assumed he’d already been informed of my impending arrival and had been waiting in the entryway to be there the instant I made it back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s good to be back. And thank you for keeping the place intact in my absence, Rietz.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Think nothing of it, Milord. I’m just glad to see you safe and sound! Now then, I’ll have to organize a welcome party at once, and─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait, wait─no time for a party,” I clarified before Rietz could go overboard. “I know I’ve only just arrived, but I’ll have to leave for Canarre right away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“For Canarre? Why?” Rietz asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have a message to deliver from Lord Couran. I’m planning on setting out tomorrow.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. Still, even if we don’t have time for a party, we can’t let your homecoming go unacknowledged! I’ll arrange for our dinner tonight to be a lavish one!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, he hurried off to give the news to the cooks who worked at my estate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wow. Rietz didn’t even look at me, did he?” Charlotte grumbled with a pout. “He completely ignored me! Talk about rude!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wasn’t wrong. In fact, Rietz hadn’t spared her or Shin the slightest of notice. Considering Shin was a fresh new arrival, the fact that Rietz hadn’t seemed to realize he was there was almost impressive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just how relieved to see me was he?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Suddenly, a thought struck me: Shin was from the capital, and everything I’d heard suggested that people in the capital were egregiously racist when it came to Malkans. I glanced over at Shin, wondering what he would think of Rietz and his position among my retainers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So this is the Louvent estate, eh? Not much to look at, but eh, I knew he was a small-timer. No real surprise there,” Shin happened to mutter to himself just then. It seemed he wasn’t feeling especially polite at that particular moment, but he also didn’t seem to have felt anything in particular about Rietz’s appearance. Still, I decided to clear up my newfound doubts."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, Shin─you saw that I have a Malkan in my employ. If you have any complaints regarding the matter, now would be the time to air them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A Malkan?” Shin blinked. “Oh, yeah, I guess he was, huh? That’s pretty rare for a noble house, isn’t it? I couldn’t give two hoots who you hire as long as you let me build my airship, though. That junk ain’t my problem.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was starting to realize he was an apathetic person when it came to just about everything other than airships."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Soon, I reunited with Rosell and Mireille as well. The two of them seemed to have gotten quite a bit of bonding done while I was out of the house. I spent the afternoon passing out the souvenirs I’d bought for everyone, and when night fell, I was treated to a more luxurious dinner than we’d usually serve. Everyone asked me all sorts of questions while we ate─what the capital was like, what the emperor seemed like, that sort of thing. I, meanwhile, asked if anything unusual had happened in Lamberg while I was away, and was relieved to hear that nothing had gone wrong in my absence. We hadn’t received any new info from the Shadows, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next day I set out for Canarre, Lord Couran’s message in hand. I arrived in the early afternoon, made my way to the castle, and was ushered in to meet with Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars! Welcome, welcome!” he said as I stepped into the chamber. “I take it your mission from Lord Couran ended without incident?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It did, yes. The negotiations were a success.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Were they? That’s wonderful news! Lord Couran will have the upper hand now, no doubt about it!” Lumeire exclaimed. “I’m told you have a message for me─could it be that he’s ordered us to set forth?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m impressed, Lord Lumeire─that’s correct,” I replied, then handed him the letter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire opened it up, gave its contents a read, then nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, it is as I suspected. There’s little chance that Seitz will go on the offensive. That’s why the first thing I did after I learned about the turmoil across the border was send word to Lord Couran. To my knowledge, one of Seitz’s most powerful noblemen rose against its duke in rebellion, and several other lesser nobles followed his example to stage uprisings of their own. The ruling powers of Seitz are in no position to send their troops over to another duchy, that much is for certain.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was my first time hearing any of the specifics about what had happened in Seitz. From the sound of things, their duke didn’t strike me as the most capable of leaders."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I intend to amass Canarre’s forces here in Canarre City, then set out for Semplar,” Lumeire informed me. “Today is the first of the fourth month, so I’m not certain that bringing all our men there by the twentieth will be feasible…but in any case, we will do what we can. As for you, Ars, I would like you to return to Lamberg and bring your troops here at once.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood,” I replied, then hurried on off back to Lamberg without missing a beat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The moment I got back to my estate, I issued orders for our troops to prepare to march. This time around, I intended to take Rietz, Charlotte, Mireille, and Rosell with me, leaving only Shin behind. He seemed satisfied with that arrangement─apparently, he planned on using the time I was away to hash out any last flaws or tricky details in his airship plans. I was a little worried about how the estate itself would get along in our absence, but some of my servants had been working there since before I was born, so upon further reflection, I figured they’d be able to keep the place running just fine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that moment in time, House Louvent’s standing military was two hundred men strong. We’d bolstered our numbers the past several years, but we were still a very small force in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, I led my men to Canarre."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We weren’t the first group to arrive in the county’s capital, but we also weren’t the last. That meant we’d be spending some time on standby while we waited for the other lords to assemble, and I decided to use that period to wrap up a bit of outstanding business I had in Canarre. Specifically, I was planning on asking the Shadows to shift their priorities."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew that as the war progressed and battles became more frequent, I would feel the need to call upon their services in different ways. It seemed reasonable to assume that they could be a huge help in securing us a route into an enemy castle we had to capture, for instance. As such, I asked them to withdraw from Arcantez for the time being and scout Velshdt instead. I offered them the same rates I’d been paying for their work in Arcantez and requested that the information they gained be brought to me in Semplar, since I couldn’t exactly go gallivanting back to the Tremps every single time they had a report for me. Our meeting place would have to change as time went on, depending on the course the war wound up taking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben, my contact with the Shadows, wasn’t present in Canarre at that particular moment. I had a retainer who I’d tasked with accepting all the information that the Shadows brought to us, though, so I entrusted him with the task of informing Ben of my new priorities and requesting that further information be brought to Semplar. I had no way of knowing when they’d show up with my first report, and it was possible that I’d have already moved before that time came, so I told my retainer to hurry off to Semplar the moment my message was delivered and stay there to accept any reports if our timelines didn’t mesh."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few hours after I settled my business with the Shadows, the Lord of Torbequista, Hammond Pleide, arrived at almost the same time as the Lord of Coumeire, Krall Orslow. Torbequista and Coumeire were both larger and more populated territories than Lamberg, so both of them had brought more troops along than I had provided. Of course, “more troops” was relative─Hammond led a force of three hundred and fifty men, while Krall’s troops numbered only two hundred and fifty, so my contribution didn’t feel too inadequate in comparison. All told, around four thousand soldiers ended up arriving in Canarre City."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When everyone was there, Lumeire stepped up to address us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Soldiers of Canarre! You have done well to answer my call,” he cried. “As we speak, the capital of our fair Duchy of Missian, Arcantez, lies in the traitorous hands of a pretender to the throne: Vasmarque! Lord Couran, the true and just ruler of Missian, has requested that we join with his army and reclaim what is rightfully his! We ride to his aid, and we ride to cast Vasmarque out! We shall begin our campaign by occupying the city of Velshdt, which has chosen to side with the enemy. Once Velshdt falls, Arcantez will fall in short order! Soldiers of Missian─today, we march to glory and victory!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Over four thousand voices rose in an uproarious battle cry. Their shout rang out loud enough that it shook the ground beneath our feet. With that, Lumeire led us out of the city, and our march to Semplar began."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We arrived in Semplar on the eighteenth of the month, several days after our march began. A tremendous number of soldiers had already gathered in the city by the time we got there. From what I saw, the best estimate was that close to sixty thousand soldiers were present in Semplar, with another ten thousand scheduled to arrive before long. It seemed Couran’s goal of beginning his offensive the day after tomorrow would be met, and if the remaining ten thousand men didn’t arrive for whatever reason, we wouldn’t be pushing back the schedule to wait."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In total, Couran’s army numbered a hundred thousand strong. The thirty thousand soldiers unaccounted for were either defending strategically significant locations or already on the move to retake sites that had been lost to Vasmarque. Even with thirty percent of his troops elsewhere, the sheer scale of his army astonished me. The thought of all those soldiers going into battle at once had me more nervous than I’d ever been before. Just how large-scale would the battles before me be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Two days remained until Paradille was scheduled to begin its attack, and I knew that I had to pull myself together. I couldn’t humiliate myself in front of my retainers. I had to resolve not to lose heart no matter what horrors I ended up witnessing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Two days later, on the twentieth, we received word that Paradille had begun its invasion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The time has come!” shouted Couran as he addressed his army. “We march upon the County of Alpharda!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that command, I and the rest of his massive host began to advance on our first target."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I bring urgent news, Your Lordship! Mahkfa Sarcassia, the Duke of Paradille, has led a force of thirty thousand across the border! They’ve crossed over into the County of Lund, claimed the city of Menpha with ease, and are advancing upon Castle Lund!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The report arrived without warning. Vasmarque and his advisors were gathered in Castle Arcantez’s Chamber of Debate at the time, engaged in a war council, and the moment he heard the news, Vasmarque’s famously unreadable expression let slip a rare hint of displeasure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vasmarque’s most trusted confidant, Thomas Grunzeon, his tactician, Remus Ives, and the rest of his advisors sitting at the round table in the chamber’s center were all astonished."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is this certain? There are no doubts?” Vasmarque asked the soldier who had delivered the message."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I’m afraid so, Your Lordship,” replied the soldier. “His movements would suggest that Mahkfa’s objective is to make his way here, to Arcantez. Word has it that he’s convinced you are an enemy to the emperor, so he’s decided to mount a campaign to keep you from rising against him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“An enemy to the emperor…?” Vasmarque muttered, losing himself in thought. “Well, I suppose he’s not entirely mistaken.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just then, a second soldier burst into the room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I come bearing a report, Your Lordship! Couran has sallied forth from Semplar, and has marched into the County of Alpharda with an army over fifty thousand strong! They’re making their way toward Castle Kranpless at a rapid pace!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that, the room fell into deathly silence. Vasmarque’s advisors were capable enough to understand how perilous their situation had become."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So Couran and Mahkfa have forged an alliance…” Remus mumbled, his brow furrowed. “This spells trouble for our cause─of that, there can be no mistake.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right, and there’s no time to waste,” added Thomas, who turned to Vasmarque. “What’s the situation in Seitz?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All contact with Seitz’s leadership has ceased since the rebellion began,” replied Vasmarque. “I have very little hope they will be able or willing to provide reinforcements.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Figured as much,” Thomas sighed. “Suppose it’s our own damn fault for thinking we could rely on them.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“For them to have allied with Paradille, however… I can only assume the emperor’s men served as an intermediary,” mused Vasmarque. “Even with imperial backing, it couldn’t have been easy to lure Mahkfa into an alliance…but it wouldn’t have been impossible, either. It seems Couran has managed to betray my expectations.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Alas, what’s done is done,” said Remus. “We ought to be thinking of countermeasures, not wallowing in regrets! The enemy aims for Velshdt, of that we can be certain, and if we lose it, we’ll lose all trace of advantage we have left. It’s a small mercy that to take Velshdt, they’ll have to first conquer Alpharda and Samkh.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve got about thirty thousand men in and around Velshdt,” added Thomas. “We should assume they’re sending in all their troops, not just the ones we’ve seen. Worst case, we could be dealing with somewhere around eighty thousand. I’d love to say we should take this chance to conquer Semplar while it’s undefended, but Paradille’s attack rules that right the hell out. We’ve got the upper hand in terms of numbers, but Paradille’s troops aren’t the type to mess around. If we give them the chance, they’ll sweep in and take our heads before we know it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And if our allies in Alpharda learn how perilous their situation is, they may surrender,” stated Remus. “The Count of Alpharda has always been an opportunist. I’ve little doubt he’ll betray us at the first sign of weakness on our part. Samkh, at least, is led by Your Lordship’s loyal followers. I would not think that they would betray you, but alas, their army is weak, and Castle Samkh is old and decrepit. They will crumble under the slightest pressure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vasmarque, Thomas, and Remus began a heated discussion, analyzing every last detail of their predicament. Not even the most ardent of optimists could describe their situation as advantageous, and while many ideas were proposed, none seemed to be the masterstroke they needed to save their campaign."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It seems we’ve no choice,” Remus eventually muttered. “We must find a way to protect Velshdt with what few forces we have available.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vasmarque paused for a moment to consider Remus’s words, then nodded to himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thomas, make your way to Velshdt and take command of their forces. You will be fighting at a disadvantage, but I have faith that your abilities will carry the day. If you buy us the time we need for the rebellion in Seitz to be quelled, the chance for a counterattack will present itself.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As you command, Milord,” said Thomas. “I swear to you that I’ll make Couran squeal like the swine he is!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vasmarque scrawled a quick letter to the Count of Velshdt, handed it to Thomas, and sent him on his way."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Under Couran’s command, we led our troops into the County of Alpharda. The Count of Alpharda maintained his stronghold in a region known as Kranpless. The count had lived in the barony that was Alpharda’s namesake in the past, but had moved his base of operations to Kranpless as a matter of convenience. The relocation of the capital wasn’t enough of a justification to change the cities’ names, so the County of Alpharda was ruled from a seat not located in Alpharda, the city. Incidentally, I’d heard of a few other counties that had gone through similar processes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A checkpoint existed on the Alphardan border, but with the size of our army, breaking through was more or less trivial. It wasn’t even a fight: the border’s guards took one look at Couran’s force and surrendered. Alpharda’s soldiers, it seemed, weren’t much for loyalty─nor, as it turned out, was their count. Partway through our advance on Kranpless, a message from the count arrived, stating his intention to surrender to Couran. Apparently, he’d heard about the size of our army, realized that with Paradille’s invasion on Vasmarque’s plate, there were no reinforcements coming, and threw in the towel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The count’s surrender was not, however, unconditional. In short, he demanded that he be allowed to maintain his position as Alpharda’s ruler. A number of Couran’s followers took umbrage to that─why should a man who sided with the enemy be allowed such generous terms, they asked─but the opportunity to take Alpharda without losing a single man was too good to pass up. Plus, refusing his terms would have sent a message to the other counties that offering to surrender wasn’t worth the effort. As such, Couran decided to accept the count’s deal, and Alpharda fell without any real fight to speak of. After spending so much time steeling my resolve for my first campaign, it felt like a bit of an anticlimax to see the battle end before it even began."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the fall of Alpharda, Couran ordered for messages to be sent to every other county in the vicinity of Velshdt urging their immediate surrender and stating that those who chose to give up would be allowed to keep their station, as the Count of Alpharda had. It wasn’t long before a reply arrived from a county called Muta indicating that they had decided to surrender as well. The armies of Muta and Alpharda totaled around eight thousand, all of whom became a part of our main force."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not long afterward, Couran called all the prominent nobles within his army together in one of Castle Kranpless’s chambers for a war council. I was allowed to attend once more and got to bring Rietz, Mireille, and Rosell with me, though I ended up attracting the same sort of unpleasant attention as I had the first time. Thankfully, everyone who would have been inclined to complain had already gotten that out of their systems during that first council, so we didn’t face any direct harassment this time around."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then,” said Couran. “Our next objective is the conquest of Samkh. We cannot expect this foe to capitulate as easily as the last, I’m afraid. The Count of Samkh is a cousin of the Count of Velshdt, and their bond is strong. The Count of Velshdt, meanwhile, is Vasmarque’s brother-in-law. It’s hard to believe that any of them would cast aside their allegiance.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From what I knew, Vasmarque was married to the older sister of the Count of Velshdt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“With an army our size, the chance of defeat is less than one in a million,” Couran continued. “However, there is always a possibility that our enemy will prove unexpectedly resourceful, and I have no desire to lose men on account of my complacency. I intend to proceed with caution and ensure my plan of action accounts for all contingencies.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The council began, and Couran’s followers started to offer their suggestions. One advocated for a surprise attack, while another noted that while the Count of Samkh would not betray Vasmarque, the same was not true of his retainers. The latter plan was shot down on account of the count’s retainers being known for their loyalty, while the former was rejected due to the risks far outweighing the benefits─surprise attacks were a go-to tactic for forces that were outnumbered and fighting at a disadvantage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Figuring out what our enemy’s next move will be is vital,” Rosell eventually suggested. “Given the circumstances, I doubt they’ll be aiming to defeat us in battle─no, they’ll be doing their best to stall for time. Although Vasmarque is fighting at a significant disadvantage now, with enough time, Seitz may overcome its internal turmoil and send reinforcements, or Paradille could be forced to retreat, enabling Vasmarque to send backup. I know none of that is certain, but my point is that the tides could turn against us at a moment’s notice.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm─perhaps. I can’t say I wouldn’t consider just that, in his position. We may be in a position where we can win this war, but we have not won yet. If Vasmarque feels he’s been backed into a corner, he’ll begin plotting to catch us by surprise, or, as you said, he may feel that stalling for time is his best hope,” said Couran. He seemed to agree with Rosell’s line of thought. “As for how he’ll stall for time… Given the trends of the era, I imagine he’ll hatch some scheme involving magic.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe so as well,” replied Rosell. “There are plenty of ways you can set traps with magic, and I think he’ll use them to try to stall our advance.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had come to understand that there were a wide variety of trap spells out there. They all tended to operate off a similar principle: you would cast them on a particular location, and they would activate when someone crossed into their area of effect. They weren’t foolproof. One could be trained to spot places that had been trapped, so sending soldiers who had undergone such training to scout an area was common practice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d go so far as to guess he’s already begun setting traps,” Rosell continued. “We’ll have to proceed with caution to ensure we don’t get caught in them, but the longer we take the more traps he’ll have time to prepare. If we don’t advance now, at the quickest pace possible, we’ll find it difficult to make progress down the line.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see,” said Couran. “Thankfully, we’re more than prepared to deal with trap magic. We shall mobilize the majority of our traphunters and proceed as fast as possible in their wake!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We went on to discuss the specifics of the plan─who would take point, which route we would travel, and the like─then called the meeting to a close."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our invasion of the County of Samkh had begun. As promised, Couran mobilized all of his magical traphunters, and as Rosell predicted, they found and disabled an astonishing number of magical traps in our path. Fortunately, Couran’s men were up to the task and our main force was able to proceed unharmed─for the most part, anyway. Unlike in Alpharda, Samkh’s rulership had not chosen to roll over and surrender, so we clashed with enemy troops on several occasions, but each time we overcame them with little difficulty and moved along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then,” said Couran, “our next move is to capture Vakmakro. If we succeed there, Samkh will be within our grasp!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He had called a war council once again, this time to discuss the capture of a key strategic point between us and the county capital. Vakmakro was one of the County of Samkh’s major cities, and it was also located near the capital city of Samkh itself. If we wished to conquer Samkh, then the fort that stood in Vakmakro had to fall first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Though the fort itself wasn’t especially well-known, it was still all but guaranteed that the place would be stuffed with magical traps to prevent a direct invasion. Sending a unit to sneak in and disable the traps was too risky, so we were trying to work out a way to take the fort without resorting to that or a frontal assault. Couran had already called for Vakmakro’s surrender, to which we’d never received a reply, and the soldiers occupying the fort seemed to be settling in for a drawn-out siege. They were going to do everything they could to delay our march."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lumeire!” said Couran. “I want you to lead the assault on Vakmakro.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Your Lordship,” Lumeire replied with a bow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lumeire’s the vanguard?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was part of Lumeire’s force, which meant it was time for me to experience a real battle first-hand. The skirmishes up to this point had been quick and easy efforts, so we had yet to see a proper engagement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Prepare your men for battle, Ars,” Lumeire said to me as we hustled off to get ready for the upcoming assault."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we’re able to claim Vakmakro without difficulty, we’re sure to wind up in Lord Couran’s good graces. Tell me, do you have a proposal for how we should carry out the assault?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not…offhand,” I replied, caught off-guard by the question. “I’ll give it some thought. What about you, Rietz? Do you have any suggestions?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm… I’m afraid that without any information on their forces or the fort itself, it would be difficult to formulate a plan.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The fort’s walls aren’t particularly tall, and it’s not big enough to accommodate many troops,” said Lumeire. “It seems their magical defenses are lacking, as well.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that so?” replied Rietz. “In that case, it seems rational to let our mages play a central role in our assault.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I nodded. We had Charlotte on our side, so if the enemy was unprepared for a magical bombardment, we could hit them where it hurt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Out of curiosity, what do you mean when you say their defenses are lacking?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Broadly speaking, you need a mage to defend against a mage,” said Lumeire. “That’s as true in a siege as it is anywhere else, and there are specific spells intended for defending castles. There are also extra-large catalyzers made for that purpose. Without one of those catalyzers, the strength of your magical defenses and the area you can safeguard diminishes. Catalyzers like those take up as much space as a turret in and of themselves─why, we had to remodel a tower in Castle Canarre to install one of them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d never heard of a catalyzer of that scale. I’d thought there were only three sizes, but it made sense that defending a castle would merit something larger. Thinking back, I remembered that one of Castle Canarre’s towers had some sort of strange writing inscribed onto its walls. I hadn’t made much of it at the time, but knowing what I did now, I had to assume that tower was the catalyzer he was referring to."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“According to our scouts, the fort does have a catalyzer tower, but judging by its design, it’s an old and outdated model. I should think that our mages are capable of penetrating its defenses.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I see. Fortunately, Charlotte is an exceptional mage. I think she’ll be able to break through the fort’s defenses without issue.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very good. I have spared little expense in training my mages…though none of them measure up to Charlotte’s reputation, of course! I shall requisition large catalyzers and aqua magia from Lord Couran’s stores, and then we’ll mount our attack!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire was able to obtain the catalyzers without issue and gave the order for us to march. We advanced toward Fort Vakmakro, trailing behind a troop of magical traphunters who disabled all of the booby traps on our path. Before long, a small fort that I assumed to be our target came into view. It was more or less as it had been described: not only was it rather small, but its walls were also quite low. Given that this was a strategically significant location, the fort’s unimpressive nature led me to assume Samkh wasn’t a very wealthy region."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The time has come,” said Lumeire. “But how should we go about staging the assault? Shall we blow the walls away with explosive magic, then storm the place afterward?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe it would be in our best interests to not decimate the fort, Your Lordship,” Rietz gingerly suggested. “I’m sure Lord Couran wishes to use this fort after we seize it, and damaging its defenses will make it easier for our enemies to reclaim it in the future. That, in turn, could lead to a severing of our supply chain, which could spell disaster for our invasion.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A fair point,” replied Lumeire. “Though even if we were to take the fort without damaging it, it’s hardly all that defensible to begin with. What’s to stop them from reclaiming it, intact walls or not?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not much, but an intact fort stands more of a chance of surviving an assault than one that’s been halfway obliterated. That goes double in the case of a surprise attack─large catalyzers are too heavy to move around at a rapid pace, so the enemy won’t have access to the sort of magic that we do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, yes. Indeed.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Large catalyzers were close to the size and shape of an exercise ball, and they were heavy enough that it took at least two people to drag them around in a cart. Speed and stealth were the most vital components when it came to the success or failure of a surprise attack, and having to bring one of those with you would cripple your ability to pull off either. A mid-sized catalyzer was more practical under those conditions, but it seemed to me that even Fort Vakmakro’s outdated defenses would be enough to repel that sort of firepower."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course, while I wouldn’t recommend destroying the walls, damaging part of them shouldn’t pose a problem. I’m certain our troops are capable of rebuilding a single wall, if necessary.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm─so, we destroy a segment of the wall with magic, then storm the fort using that entrance?” asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, I believe that’s the perfect plan. Though, it remains to be seen how many traps they’ve set in the interior of the fort. I would recommend we send some of our most skilled traphunters in alongside the first wave of troops.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, our strategy was set in stone. We began the operation the very next day, starting with Charlotte’s magical offensive. She stood before a large catalyzer filled with explosive aqua magia and began chanting her incantation. This would be my first time seeing an explosion spell cast in person, so I didn’t know what to expect."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As Charlotte’s incantation came to an end, a red-hot globe of fire burst into being before her, rocketing off toward the fort at an astonishing velocity. Then, moments before it impacted the wall, the fireball detonated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The sheer scale of the explosion was awe-inspiring. We were pretty far from the fort, but I could still feel the shockwave. However, when the smoke cleared, the fort’s wall was still standing─in fact, it was untouched!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I asked Rietz what had happened, and he explained to me that, “Weak or not, this fort has some degree of magical defenses. I doubt they’ll withstand another spell, however─I’d wager that one blast has already strained them to their limits.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d never gotten a sense of how magic worked, and I couldn’t pretend to understand the details, but I took that to mean that magical defenses had a set degree of durability. Lo and behold, Charlotte’s second spell proved Rietz right─this time it reached the wall before detonating, and blew said wall to smithereens."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0035.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, wow,” I marveled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Charlotte’s work is a sight to behold, indeed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte, meanwhile, shot me a smirk, then cast another fireball just for good measure, widening the gap in the wall. A gaping hole had been opened in the fort’s defenses, but we weren’t planning on rushing forward. Instead, we watched and waited as enemy troops gathered by the broken wall…then once again activated our catalyzers, this time to cast flame-aspected magic. The other mages who had accompanied us joined Charlotte this time, and in the blink of an eye the hole in the wall─and the soldiers in that vicinity─were engulfed in a raging inferno. I was too far away to make out what was happening in there, but judging by the intensity of the flames, I assumed the enemy soldiers had been quite literally burned to ashes. Only then did Lumeire give the order to advance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Charge!” he bellowed, leading his soldiers on a mad dash through the gap in the wall and into the fort."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, on the other hand, was left behind. I couldn’t fault Lumeire for deciding to leave me behind─I was self-aware enough to realize that I would have just slowed him and his troops down. Rietz had been prepared to sally forth, as far as I could tell, but had ended up holding back to watch me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t long before we received word that the remaining enemies in the fort had surrendered. Apparently, the one-two punch of the wall being blown to bits and a sizable chunk of their forces being burned to death had done a number on the survivors’ morale, so the whole fort had descended into a state of panic. None of them had imagined that their defenses would fail right away, which meant that they hadn’t realized they’d be facing Charlotte. No, her name still hadn’t finished making the rounds in Missian, so they probably weren’t aware of her at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, with the fort’s defenders falling into disorganized chaos, storming the place hadn’t been an issue even with all the traps. Before long, the enemy’s leader had decided that the situation was hopeless and given the order to surrender in hopes of sparing his troops’ lives. All things considered, Fort Vakmakro had fallen with unexpected ease."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the battle was over, those of us who’d been left in the rearguard made our way up to the fort to help in the post-battle cleanup. Before I could step into the fort myself, Rietz held out a hand to stop me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Ars…I think it would be for the best if you didn’t look inside.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It didn’t take much thought to realize what he meant. The battle had just concluded, so it was easy to imagine that the inside of the fort was a veritable hellscape. In particular, the area that had been devastated by magical flames was in an unspeakable state."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nevertheless, I knew that I had to witness all of it─I couldn’t run away. Lumeire may have been in command of this operation, but my retainers had still been responsible for the deaths of countless soldiers. I believed that averting my eyes from the consequences of my actions was unconscionable for a person of my status. Plus, on a more practical note, I knew that I’d end up setting foot on battlefield after battlefield in the future, and the quicker I got used to seeing corpses, the less likely I would be to panic and screw up at the worst possible moment. Familiarity with the horrors of war could mean the difference between life and death."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There’s no need to shelter me, Rietz,” I said, brushing past him. “I’ll be going inside.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well, Milord.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz sounded reluctant, but he understood where my resolve was coming from and didn’t try to stop me again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I stepped into the fort along with Lumeire and his men, and as expected, past the wall was a field of corpses. It was hellish─worse than anything I’d ever seen before─and a sudden wave of nausea almost overcame me. I just knew Rietz would worry if he saw me retching, so I fought it back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A fair number of the bodies had been reduced to charcoal by our flame magic, and in a sense, those were the easiest to look at. I couldn’t recognize them as human bodies, even when standing right next to them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t the only one experiencing my first battlefield─Rosell had come along as well, and he couldn’t tear his eyes off the horrors around us. Rosell was still a child, and a part of me worried that exposing him to a mountain of charred and brutalized bodies might not have been the best thing for his psychological development, but at the very least, he didn’t seem to be so shaken he’d lost himself. The rest of my retainers were used to this sort of thing, so they barely paid any mind to the sight at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We proceeded deeper into the fort, where we came across a group of people who had been disarmed and tied up. They were, I assumed, the fort’s surviving soldiers and commanding officers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What will you do with them now that we’ve won?” I asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It is up to Lord Couran to decide. That said, though circumstances have led us to come to blows, these men are our fellow Missian countrymen. I’m confident that His Lordship will spare their lives. We won’t be letting them go until this affair has been resolved, but take care to ensure that they’re kept safe and comfortable.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood,” I replied. I couldn’t predict how Couran would react to the prisoners, but I agreed with Lumeire, since I couldn’t imagine him ordering their executions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Several of the prisoners were looking at us with clear and undisguised animosity in their eyes. Their leader may have ordered his troops to surrender, but I got the sense that not all of the troops had been pleased with his decision. Some of them were fiercely loyal toward the Count of Samkh, and I had a horrible feeling that their executions would prove unavoidable…though of course, I could always petition Couran for mercy if it came to that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now then─we must have this fort back in a defensible state on the double. I leave that task in your capable hands, Menas,” said Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Milord,” replied Menas. He was one of Lumeire’s most trusted retainers, and given his B-ranked aptitude for Fortification, I presumed he was knowledgeable when it came to those sorts of repairs. Menas gathered up a few of Lumeire’s mages and started giving them directions on how to mend the wall."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, umm, about the bodies,” I said to Lumeire. “I think it would be a good idea to lay them to rest, if that’s an option.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My proposal wasn’t motivated by respect for the dead─I just didn’t think I could tolerate being around them for that much longer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A fine point. Our casualties were few, but we did lose some men, and as I said a moment ago, our enemies were also fellow countrymen. They ought to be treated with respect in death.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lumeire ordered a few of his men to begin preparations for a funeral service. Cremation was standard practice in Missian, and after bodies were burned, the bones of the dead were buried in graves. The local customs were similar to those of Japan, all things considered. We could identify our own casualties, and I assumed their remains would be returned to their families, but there was no way for us to determine who our fallen enemies had been. We burned them together and laid their bones to rest in a mass grave."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After we’d finished dealing with the corpses, all that was left was for us to wait for Couran to make his way to the fort. I couldn’t seem to calm down as I waited, which was no surprise─it would have been more surprising if I had been calm after witnessing all those bodies. Rietz, Charlotte, and the others all seemed fine, but I was beginning to understand that I just wasn’t built for the battlefield. Even ignoring my mental weakness, I was also frail and had never had much of a mind for tactics. Frankly, I didn’t think I was of much use at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not even my Appraisal ability was useful─it wasn’t like I could tell everyone to stop fighting and spare an enemy soldier if I realized they were talented. It was kill or be killed on the battlefield, and I wasn’t naïve enough to think that sort of softness would fly. I wanted to end this war as soon as possible, receive my promised promotion to Count of Canarre, and redouble my efforts to seek out and recruit more capable retainers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I mulled over my plans for the future, Rietz stepped up to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There’s been a development, Lord Ars,” he said. “It seems Pham has made his way here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?” I gasped, stunned by the news."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why would Pham be here? I thought I asked the Shadows to infiltrate Velshdt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He wishes to speak with you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then─I’ll be right there,” I replied, then set off to find Pham without wasting a second."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, there. Been a while,” said Pham as Rietz and I approached him. We’d found him just a short ways away from the fort, accompanied by the retainer who I’d tasked with working as my point of contact with the Shadows. It seemed he was the one who had informed Rietz of Pham’s visit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Considering the fact that I asked you to move your operation to Velshdt in my last message and you’re here instead, I’m guessing something about the request wasn’t to your liking?” I said, cutting straight to the point at hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’d better believe it. I mean, if the particulars of a job are gonna change that much, I wanna hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. Miscommunication can be fatal in this line of work.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That makes sense, I guess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In retrospect, completely shifting the objective of his operation based on a message he didn’t even know had come from me seemed a little unwise, yes─not to mention that our working relationship didn’t go back very far, and he didn’t have any particular reason to trust me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In any case, it just so happened that I was beginning to rethink my plan to have him infiltrate Velshdt. Conquering the city was going to be the most formidable obstacle in our path, certainly, but there were still several forts and castles to deal with first, and not all of them were going to be as easy to topple as Fort Vakmakro."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I figured the Shadows’ skills might help us take those castles down. They could disable traps that had been set up within them, for instance, or open their gates from the inside, or poison the soldiers stationed there, or set fire to their provisions and ensure they couldn’t withstand a long-term siege. Having a group like theirs on our side would open up all sorts of options."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d spoken with Rietz about my idea earlier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see… Yes, I believe that would be wise. It could be much quicker and easier to claim the forts in our path with the Shadows’ aid,” he’d replied at the time. “Of course, I can’t say with certainty whether participating in battles is at all their forte.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fair enough. Still, there’s no harm in asking.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And ask was what I did, in the end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If possible, I was hoping the Shadows would be willing to help us in battle. Specifically, I’d be asking for you to infiltrate castles, disable traps, open gates─that sort of thing. Are any of those activities that your people are willing to engage in?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Willing? That’s our bread and butter, if anything,” replied Pham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, it is?” I asked, a little surprised."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, we all have our strong points, ’course. My specialty just happens to be infiltration and sabotage.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yeah, I can see that being helpful in a siege."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“’Course, I’ll be charging you a lot more for it than I was for gathering information. Think you can afford our rates?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How much are we talking?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A minimum of two hundred gold per infiltration. We’ll be putting our lives on the line, so it’s a fair rate, by my measure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s…a little outside my budget,” I admitted with a wince. “However, I believe Lord Couran would be willing to pay you at that rate.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Your general, right? Meh, no skin off my back─all coin is worth the same,” replied Pham with a shrug."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed I’d have to bring Pham up to Couran the next time I had the opportunity. Given that Couran had faith in my Appraisal skill, I had a feeling he’d be willing to play along."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, guess you had second thoughts about the Velshdt thing?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right. I’m changing my request. We’ll be staging assaults on numerous enemy bases in the immediate future, and I would like the Shadows to be available in case we end up needing your services. I’d like you to travel with our army for the time being, if that’s doable.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Works for me,” Pham immediately agreed. He explained that while some of the other members of the Shadows had accompanied him, they’d be holding back and tailing our forces rather than traveling with us. If he ended up needing them, Pham had methods for calling them over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pham himself, incidentally, would have to stay by my side while traveling with our troops, and explained that he’d be playing the role of my maid to explain his presence. The story would be that he’d been so worried about his─or rather, “her”─beloved master that she’d been unable to stop herself from running off to join me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was kind of astonishing how fast he changed into his maid outfit. I didn’t even catch where he’d been keeping the thing! I also had to wonder why he’d had it on him, given that he’d had no idea he’d wind up impersonating my maid when he came to see me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I always keep my disguise kit on hand,” Pham explained before I even had the chance to ask. My questions must have shown through on my face."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shortly thereafter, the three of us returned to the fort. Pham’s maid act was flawless, and not a single person even began to suspect him of anything untoward. He’d told us to call him Rin while he was in his maid persona. Even Charlotte, who’d met him before, was taken in and asked me when I’d hired a maid like her…though when I explained that “she” was Pham, it turned out that Charlotte had just forgotten about him altogether."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We didn’t meet him that long ago, did we?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell remembered everything about our meeting with Pham, and much to my surprise, Mireille took one look at him and said, “Oh! Is that you, Rin?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It took me up until that moment to remember I’d hired her on Pham’s recommendation, and I assumed that he’d already been using the Rin persona back when he’d first met her. Mireille didn’t seem to have seen through to his true identity, though I had a feeling that she at least had her suspicions. I had mentioned to her that I had a band of skilled spies in my employ, and she seemed like the sort of person who’d put those pieces together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-Oh, is that you, Mireille? It’s been ages!” exclaimed Pham, barely missing a beat before dropping into character."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, good to see you. Got myself a new lord to serve thanks to your reference.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, congratulations!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thanks. And hey, that maid outfit really suits you! I could just eat you right up,” said Mireille with a mischievous smirk. If she had seen through Pham’s identity, I didn’t get the sense she was planning on pointing it out…or at least, not until she walked up to me and whispered, “So, just how good of a spy is he?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yeah, of course she’d figure it out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He’s good, no doubt there. His group managed to infiltrate a castle and steal a letter.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… Sounds like little ol’ Rin’s quite something─if that is his real name. Anyway, what’s his role in their operation?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He’s the leader.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The leader?! But he’s just a kid!” Mireille gaped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He may look like a kid, but he’s twenty-two.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No kidding? I figured out he was a guy easily enough, but I didn’t see that one coming, that’s for damn sure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Speaking of which, how’d you figure out he was a guy?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I mean, you can tell just by looking at him, right?” replied Mireille with a shrug."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Uh, no… In fact, I doubt I’d have ever figured it out if I couldn’t appraise him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hell, there were times I couldn’t believe it even after I’d appraised him. I still had my doubts, on some level─it wasn’t like I’d ever seen any concrete evidence one way or another. He’d told me he was a boy, and my infallible Appraisal skill had corroborated that claim, but his cross-dressing was just so convincing that I couldn’t help but question that reality…and yet somehow, Mireille had seen through it in an instant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe she’s been cross-dressing this whole time and knows from experience… She’s never struck me as feminine, come to think of it…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re thinking something real rude right now, aren’t you?” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“N-No, not at all!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, keep it that way! Anyway, if he can work his magic when we get to Castle Samkh, the county will more or less be ours already. We’ve got ’em outnumbered, and if they lose their main stronghold on top of it, surrender’ll be their only option.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oddly enough, Mireille didn’t seem all that excited about the thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is there something wrong with that?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nah, not exactly. I just thought this war would test me, y’know? Thought it’d give me a real thrill. Guess I’ll just be bored from here to Velshdt,” Mireille said as she stifled a yawn. It seemed that the ease with which we’d claimed Fort Vakmakro had made her lose motivation. I hoped I could count on her to find it again when we needed her, but I was starting to get pretty concerned about her attitude."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We spent a few days after that in the fort. Eventually, our report reached Couran and he arrived to meet us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Splendid work, Lumeire! I’m astonished─to think you’d claim the fort with almost no losses! Well done, my man!” said Couran, singing our commanding officer’s praises the moment he arrived. “And you deserve commendation as well, I’m sure. I imagine your service proved invaluable, Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not at all, I barely did anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha! No need for such humility─I’ve already heard that Charlotte, one of your retainers, proved instrumental in your victory!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That, I couldn’t deny. Charlotte’s presence had made all the difference, and I had a hard time imagining the fort’s wall would have fallen so fast without her. I’d done some asking around after the battle ended, in fact, and had learned that even though the fort’s magical defenses were weak, it would have taken an ordinary mage far longer to penetrate them. It seemed the defenders’ state of disorder had been sparked in no small part by those defenses falling much sooner than anyone could have anticipated. In that sense, Charlotte was more or less the battle’s MVP."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What shall we do with the soldiers we took prisoner, Milord?” asked Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… If at all possible, I’d absorb them into my own army to get them to fight for my cause,” said Couran. “But I’m sure some of them would refuse to swear loyalty to me. Those who follow me can be spared, but the rest will have to be put to death.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was more or less how I’d expected him to treat the captives. I’d actually made a point of not appraising them because I’d known it might come to this. If I found out that one of them was talented, and if that soldier refused to swear fealty to Couran, I wouldn’t put it past myself to beg for them to be spared, and that would sour Couran’s opinion of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had no confidence in my ability to sit back and watch a soldier with Nobunaga-level stats get beheaded. Of course, considering that human life was equally weighted whether or not the human in question was talented, the way I was viewing the whole issue was kind of messed up. I knew that on an intellectual level. I just couldn’t help but feel that executing somebody with talent was an unbearable waste. Long story short: I’d resolved to only appraise the prisoners after it had been determined that their lives would be spared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars,” said Couran, “have you appraised the prisoners yet?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, not yet,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then you should do so at once. I would prefer not to kill someone with the potential for greatness.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Does that mean he might spare someone if I say that they’re talented enough, even if they don’t swear fealty to him? It’d be way too dangerous to let them go, so maybe he’s planning on throwing them in jail until they change their mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was something to be celebrated, but it led to an immediate, much less appealing realization: by identifying someone as not talented, I would be sentencing them to death. The thought was a little distressing, to say the least, but I couldn’t deny the rationality of the solution. I knew that I could lie and claim that all of them were talented, but that sort of ruse would be easy to see through. I’d have to put pity to the side, tell the truth, and accept whatever came from it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I set about appraising the prisoners. There were just about fifty of them in total, and it took me some time and quite a bit of eye strain, but I eventually appraised them all. None of them turned out to have the sort of superhuman talents I’d found in Rietz and Charlotte, but five of them were rather remarkable by more ordinary standards, and three of those individuals had refused to defect to Couran’s side. Those three were dragged away, still tied up, and I was told they’d be transported to Castle Kranpless, which had a jail they wouldn’t be breaking out of any time soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The soldiers who had agreed to serve Couran were released from their bonds and told to remain in Fort Vakmakro, where they’d serve as part of its guard. That left just twenty soldiers who neither had exceptional talents nor were willing to disavow their former masters. There were actually thirty of them at first, but after some persuasion, ten of them had been convinced that their loyalty wasn’t worth their lives and had agreed to switch sides. The remaining twenty were those who had refused to serve Couran come hell or high water. Eventually, Couran concluded that convincing them otherwise would be impossible and ordered their execution."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The twenty soldiers were lined up on their knees, their heads laid down upon stools. An equal number of executioners stood to the side, axes held at the ready. I wasn’t required to witness the deed being done, but I decided that it would only be right for me to see it through. They were dying because I hadn’t picked them out as being talented, so I felt I had an obligation to see this through to the end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d witnessed an execution before, just once, and the man who had been killed back then was a criminal and a murderer─the lowest of the low. These men weren’t criminals, though. If anything, their refusal to betray their cause proved their loyalty and sincerity. I almost couldn’t bear to watch…but I forced myself to anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do it,” said Couran. The executioners’ axes fell, and the prisoners’ heads plopped to the ground, which was soon stained red by the blood flowing from the stumps of their necks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I watched it all, from start to finish, without averting my gaze once. This time, nausea didn’t overtake me. Part of that was because I was starting to grow desensitized to violence, but mostly, my disgust at the spectacle was overwhelmed by the sorrow I felt at the senselessness of their deaths. Some of them were still young─they couldn’t even have been twenty yet. Taking part in a battle meant putting your life on the line, and I knew they’d accepted the possibility of their deaths, but I still couldn’t help but grieve for the futures that had been denied to them. I could only pray that, like me, they would be reincarnated and granted another chance at life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After the prisoners’ bodies were cleared away, Couran gathered all of his commanding officers and advisors for a meeting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Fort Vakmakro is ours,” he said. “I wish to keep this momentum going and claim Castle Samkh next. Once the castle is in our hands, our control over the county at large will be indisputable.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Umm…may I suggest something?” I asked, raising my hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As you will.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In regards to our attack on Castle Samkh, I believe that the services of a group of spies I’m acquainted with could prove helpful. If we have them lay the groundwork for our assault, it could make claiming the castle much easier. And since we’ll still have plenty of fighting to do before Velshdt falls, we should do whatever we can to expend as few men and resources on Castle Samkh as possible.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh?” said Couran, raising an eyebrow. “Would these spies of yours happen to be the same band who pilfered the letter that brought Perreina to our side? If so, their abilities have already been thoroughly proven. This could be a tenable plan indeed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That is correct, yes. There’s just one thing─their services come at quite the cost. They want at least two hundred gold coins to get the job done. That sort of cost is beyond my means, I’m afraid, but if you would be willing to hire them…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Two hundred gold is more than affordable,” Couran said without hesitation. “Their skills have already been proven, as I said, and I trust your ability to judge their worth. I look forward to the benefits their services will provide.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thankfully, it didn’t take much convincing at all to get Couran to foot the Shadows’ bill. I was relieved to know that they’d be on our side going forward. I hadn’t heard much about Castle Samkh, but I knew it wouldn’t fall as easily as Fort Vakmakro."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I would like to hear what these spies will do for us directly from their leader, if possible. Will you bring him to our next council?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Umm… I’d like to, but their leader makes a point of not exposing his identity in public. I doubt it would be easy to convince him to attend a meeting like this,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm. Understandable, I suppose, considering his profession. In that case, I shall leave it to you to serve as an intermediary. As far as my priorities for their services are concerned, I would be most interested in them opening the gates, disabling any magical traps within the castle, or destroying their supplies of aqua magia. Any of those would make our assault far easier.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I blinked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You want to destroy their aqua magia? With all due respect, won’t our forces be able to use them once we’ve seized the castle?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Our supplies are more than ample already. The potential to gain a surplus is worth less to me than reducing our enemies’ ability to drive us off.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood. I’ll see to it that your message is delivered.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good,” said Couran. “And with that, I call this meeting to a close. We shall decide upon a date for our assault as soon as Ars’s spies inform us their work is complete.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the council disbanded, I went out to find Pham. The moment I made contact with him, I launched into negotiating for the Shadows’ services."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’re hoping to hire you to open Castle Samkh’s gates, disable any magical traps you find inside, and destroy their stocks of aqua magia. Will that be possible?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A three-parter, eh…? Should be doable. I’ve taken a look at Castle Samkh before, and from what I could tell the place isn’t locked down very tight. Shouldn’t be hard to slip right in.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And how much would you charge for the task?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“For all three objectives? Two hundred and fifty gold, with fifty paid up front.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood. I’ll speak with Lord Couran about paying your advance. Is there any way for you to inform us when your work is finished?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, that won’t be a problem. We’ll have Ben standing by outside the castle, and he can use sound magic to send a message once we’re done.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Perfect,” I replied. All things considered, our negotiations concluded without a hitch. I reported back to Couran on the matter, and as expected, he approved the advance payment without question."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that, we began our advance upon Castle Samkh, taking great care not to wander into any magical traps along the way. We set up our encampment in a wide-open field a short ways away from the castle, close enough that the moment we received word that the gates had been opened, we’d be able to storm inside."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The enemy showed no signs of sallying forth to engage with our army─it seemed they were intent on settling in for a long siege. There’d been no reports of the castle receiving reinforcements from Velshdt, and Rosell and Mireille theorized their goal was to stall as long as they could using as few troops as possible, thus buying Velshdt more time to prepare."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Assuming the troops who remained in Castle Samkh knew all this, they were prepared to fight to the death. They weren’t lacking in morale, that was certain, and I knew that soldiers who were prepared to die were far more dangerous than those who valued their lives. Breaking a siege by force wasn’t impossible, by any means, but it would take time and involved sacrificing quite a few of our troops. It seemed my choice to rely on espionage had been a good one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve received another request from Lord Couran,” I told Pham, who I’d met to update him on our plans. “He wants you to open the gates after dark, if possible.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We were hoping to catch the castle’s defenders off-guard, and they’d more likely notice the gates opening during the middle of the day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Didn’t need to tell me that,” replied Pham. “That was our plan from the start.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? Well, good.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right─we’ll be sneaking into the castle, so this’ll be the last you hear from me for a while. Ben will contact you as soon as we’re finished laying the groundwork. You remember what Ben looks like, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I, umm…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I remembered how unmemorable Ben’s appearance was. I’d taken to recognizing him by his real name instead, which was unique, to say the least: Alexandros Vermandolt. I figured that if I saw a person who looked unremarkable, but had that name upon appraisal, I could be certain it was Ben, so I told Pham I remembered him for simplicity’s sake."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that, Pham set off for the castle. I was pretty sure some of the other Shadows would be sneaking in with him─not that I could see them─and I said a quick prayer for their success, then settled in to wait for their report."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The County of Samkh was situated in the eastern reaches of Missian, and Castle Samkh was the single most strategically significant structure in the county. That significance was part of the reason why tensions within the castle were running so high."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I knew they’d take Vakmakro, but I never thought it would happen this soon,” muttered Fredore Bandle, the reigning Count of Samkh. His long and bushy beard covered the lower half of his face, but it wasn’t enough to hide the obvious traces of fatigue that colored his complexion. He’d hardly slept a wink since hearing the news of Couran’s troops marching on him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fredore had known that Fort Vakmakro’s defenses wouldn’t hold under pressure, but it had come as quite a shock to hear that it had fallen in a day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m told that one of the enemy’s mages was fearsomely powerful,” said the retainer who had brought Fredore the news."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Fearsome indeed. And now we’re supposed to stand up to that very same mage?” Fredore grumbled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran’s army had set up an encampment near his castle. They had yet to lay siege to the structure, nor had they attempted a direct assault, but Fredore knew it would be coming any minute. The best he could hope to do was stall for time, and he was certain Couran was aware of that fact as well, so he expected an all-out offensive soon. They were just taking their time preparing for the attack─there was no telling when they’d go on the offensive, and the castle’s residents had to be alert for fear of getting caught unawares by a sneak attack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you certain this was wise, Milord?” asked the retainer. “You could have petitioned Lord Kanses for reinforcements.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And I’m sure he would have been happy to provide. My cousin has always been too generous for his own good,” Fredore sighed. “Sending us soldiers would have been a foolish decision on his part, though. Losing this battle is inevitable, but if we hope to win the war, we must delay the enemy here for as long as possible, using as few troops and resources as we can manage.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kanses Bandle, the Count of Velshdt and Fredore’s cousin, would have been eager to aid him, and Fredore knew it. Unfortunately, he knew just as well that doing so would have spelled doom for Kanses in the long run."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve trapped this castle to the nines, and we’ll be making our enemies’ lives hell even after they claim it. Couran’s strategy will fail, and this is where it will all fall to pieces,” said Fredore with a malicious smirk. He’d made peace with the fact that he would die before the battle was over, and he’d ensured that the only soldiers who remained in Castle Samkh all shared his resolve."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Later that night, Fredore had found the time to take a brief nap. Nervous as he was, no one could stay awake forever. However, he’d chosen a poor moment to catch up on his rest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s an emergency, Milord!” a soldier bellowed as he burst into Fredore’s bedchamber."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Has it begun?!” Fredore shouted as he leaped out of bed, certain that Couran had commenced his assault."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“N-No, it’s not the enemy,” the soldier sputtered. “It’s our aqua magia storehouse! There’s been an explosion, and our reserves have been wasted!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Th-They what?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All of our flame and explosion-aspected aqua magia is gone! We won’t be able to repel an enemy assault at this rate!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Despite having just been roused from a dead slumber, Fredore was as wide awake as he’d ever been. The shock was just that intense. The castle’s aqua magia reserves were meant to supply an enormous catalyzer installed within the keep. It would have allowed them to rain hell down upon an attacking army, gouging away at their numbers and dealing a massive blow to their morale. It was painfully easy for Fredore to understand just how much the loss of that capability would set his castle’s defenses back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Have we been infiltrated?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I believe so…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And the spy?! Have you found him?! This will only get worse if you don’t catch him! The aqua magia could be the least of our worries! He could throw the damn gates open, in the worst case! We wouldn’t last a day! Find him! Find him now!” Fredore shrieked, his face pallid with panic and anger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Milord!” the soldier shouted, then spun around to search for the spy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that precise moment, however, a thunderous noise rang out. Fredore had heard such sounds before─it was the noise generated by a Rumble spell, and a noise that almost always spelled trouble. Fredore felt a sinking sensation in his gut the second he heard it, and a moment later, that feeling was proven all too prescient as a voice, enhanced to many times its natural volume by sound magic, echoed through the castle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Attack! We’re under attack! The north gate’s been breached!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Night had long since fallen, but Couran’s encampment outside of Castle Samkh was abuzz with activity. His soldiers stood at the ready, prepared to begin their assault at any moment. I didn’t anticipate that I’d be participating in said assault, however─nor would Couran, Lumeire, or any of the army’s other high-ranking commanding officers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As far as I understood the plan, the moment the gates opened, a group of Couran’s most elite soldiers would rush inside to secure the gatehouse. Earlier that evening, Ben had found me and informed me that the Shadows would tell us that the gate was open by way of a Rumble spell. I’d already informed Couran, who in turn had informed his soldiers, so that spell would be the signal that set the whole operation off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually, the distinctive sound of a Rumble spell echoed across the plains. It was too dark out to see what was happening in detail, but I could tell that the entire army had started moving out. Our assault on Castle Samkh had begun."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now we just have to hope the castle falls with little resistance,” muttered Couran, who was standing nearby."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before long, shouts, screams, and the enemy’s magically-enhanced messages and orders began to ring out, accompanied by the occasional explosion. Those last noises I could attribute to our own mages, who’d been supplied with explosive aqua magia for this particular mission. Charlotte, however, was not among them─she and Rietz were both with me, standing by as part of our reserve force."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille, on the other hand, had chosen to participate in the initial attack. In her own words, “I’ll lose my edge if I don’t get a decent fight in one of these days!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was a little caught off-guard by that, considering what a lazy bum she came off as most of the time. On the other hand, she was as strong as most men, and a capable fighter to boot. She’d chosen to wield a glaive in this particular battle: a weapon that resembled a spear with a sword attached to one end. It was on the hefty side of things, but Mireille swung it around with practiced ease."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille had trained with a wide variety of weapons, it seemed, but the glaive was her personal favorite. She’d also brought along a small catalyzer, enabling her to wield magic as well. I knew well how tough Mireille was, but I had to admit, I was still a little worried about her. She didn’t seem like the sort of person who would die in vain, so those worries were likely groundless, but still."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We stood there, waiting for word from our invading force. After a far too brief period, a single soldier rushed over to deliver a report."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Castle Samkh has fallen, Your Lordship! The enemy is routed, and the Count of Samkh has been apprehended!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well done!” Couran shouted. “And with such speed! You certainly didn’t take your time!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It seems the enemy planned their defense around magical traps within the castle walls,” the soldier explained. “By the time we arrived, however, every single one of them had been disabled. The spies you sent in may well have won us the day.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did they, now? Then you are owed a fair share of credit for introducing them to us, Ars,” said Couran, turning to me. “Thanks to your contribution, we’ve claimed Castle Samkh with ease. I see once again that I was right to turn to you for help.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was happy to receive his praise, but I also felt a little uncomfortable considering that, once again, I hadn’t done much on the actual battlefield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then, I wish to speak to the count. Bring Fredore here at once.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Milord!” the soldier replied, then spun about and rushed back toward the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I soon learned that we’d taken an awful lot of captives this time around. That, I assumed, meant I’d be put to use for the same sort of judicial process as at Fort Vakmakro. I wasn’t at all excited by the prospect, but I knew that if Couran ordered me to do so, I’d have very little choice in the matter. All I could do was prepare myself for when the moment came."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I tried to steel my nerves for that development, a woman wearing a maid uniform stepped up to me. It took me a moment longer than it should’ve to realize that “she” was, in fact, Pham. His work complete, he’d returned to me much quicker than I’d anticipated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nicely done,” I whispered to ensure nobody around us overheard me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Great, thanks. So, think you could throw a bonus onto that payment?” Pham asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What for?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There was an unexpected factor we took care of for you,” he explained. “We could’ve ignored it, but you might’ve lost half your army if things went south, so we figured you’d prefer we get it done.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What? Start over, and actually explain it this time.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The basement was rigged with a real nasty, specialized magical trap. Long story short, they were ready to blow the whole damn place up, castle and all. Whoever set the thing up must’ve been an incredible mage─dunno who it was, and considering it looked like it was cast around a hundred years ago, they’re probably dead. Point is, it was a real pain in the ass to disarm.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0037.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They were going to blow up the entire castle?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In other words, if the castle ever fell and its defenders were killed, they had a system in place to ensure the structure itself wouldn’t be used against them. That was a rather crafty move, and the fact that Pham’s crew had disarmed it saved us from incurring massive losses. I did have to wonder how much of a “pain in the ass” disarming the trap had been, considering the plan had gone according to schedule, but I decided not to question it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll negotiate with Lord Couran on your behalf,” I promised."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You do that,” Pham said, then left just as quickly as he’d appeared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Count of Samkh, Fredore Bandle, was brought to us. Our soldiers had to carry him, on account of him being bound hand and foot. His beard was the first thing I noticed about him. It was long and didn’t seem particularly well-kept. It was downright scraggly, even. His height wasn’t remarkable─I would’ve described it as average─and he had a muscular build that told me he could hold his own in a fight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "According to Couran, Fredore would not join his side no matter what we said or did to him. Killing him, however, would bring all sorts of complications with it, so Couran had decided to spare his life for the moment. In the long term, however, keeping him jailed had the potential to be even more tiresome, so it wasn’t the easiest of decisions to make. In any case, his capabilities wouldn’t play a factor in his fate, so I decided to refrain from appraising him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hello, Fredore,” said Couran. “I hardly need to ask, but for the record: have you any interest in becoming my subordinate?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you would have me,” Fredore said, hesitating for just a moment. “I would enter your service and fight by your side, Lord Couran.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran looked taken aback. That was not the answer he’d been expecting. His shock was only visible for a moment─it wouldn’t do to let his true feelings show during this sort of conversation─but that single instant was enough to tell me how surprised he was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fredore went on to tell us about how he’d fallen into conflict with his cousin, how he had no end of doubts regarding the manner in which Vasmarque conducted himself, and a wide variety of other explanations for his decision. Still, even with all those factors taken into consideration, it was hard to believe he was willing to side with us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unless… Wait… Of course!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The pieces finally clicked together the moment I remembered the trap that Pham mentioned. Fredore, in all likelihood, had no idea that it had been disabled. It seemed plausible that Fredore was plotting to lure Couran into the castle under the pretense of surrendering, then light the whole place up, killing both of them in the process. Unfortunately for his scheme, the trap that the whole plot centered around had already been dealt with. His self-sacrificing assassination attempt would never come to fruition."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well,” said Couran after Fredore finished his explanation. “I understand your position, and I would gladly─”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Might I have a word, Your Lordship?” I asked, interrupting him before he could make any promises."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What is it?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I thought you would want to hear a piece of information the spies I hired passed to me a moment ago. It seems there was an unbelievably dangerous trap set up within Castle Samkh that they’ve managed to disable.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What?!” Fredore shouted in shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As such, if you intended to lure Lord Couran into your castle and end his life, you should know the effort would be wasted.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-Impossible,” Fredore stammered. One look at him was enough to convince Couran my story was true, and he asked me for the details, which I readily provided, from the particulars of the trap to the plan I assumed Fredore had concocted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm… Judging by how the good count has reacted to this news, I assume it’s all true. I never knew such a trap was possible─it seems I’ll have to be more vigilant than ever, going forward. Your spies will be rewarded generously for their service, Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ugh!” grunted Fredore, the color draining from his face. He may have lost his castle in the span of a single night, but I presumed he thought he’d still be able to redeem himself by taking Couran with him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shall I assume, Fredore, that everything you just told me was a fabrication?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fredore didn’t respond. Instead, he just glared at Couran with a gaze as cold as ice and as baleful as hellfire. I would’ve been shaken to see someone give me that sort of look, but Couran seemed unmoved. It was, I supposed, the composure of a man who’d managed to maintain a position of power for years on end in the unstable environment that was the Summerforth Empire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lock him up in the castle jails,” Couran commanded. “Don’t let him out, no matter what happens.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Milord!” replied one of the nearby soldiers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Speak with his surviving followers as well. Those who are willing to swear fealty to me shall be spared, while those who refuse will be appraised by Ars. As before, I will take his report regarding their talents into consideration, then decide who will be jailed and who will be executed.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Soon, a procession of prisoners was brought before me. Some of Fredore’s soldiers had fled toward Velshdt, but the majority of them had been captured. I wouldn’t have to appraise an entire castle’s worth of troops, since the successful escapees, those who were slain in battle, and the small number who agreed to swear allegiance to Couran made up most of the castle’s soldiers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The appraisals, if you would,” said Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right,” I replied. I had way more people to deal with than I’d had back at Fort Vakmakro. However, I had no choice but to do what I could. It took quite some time, but I managed to make it through all of them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nobody struck me as truly exceptional this time around, though I did find that one of their commanding officers had a Valor of 88, which put him far above the mid-seventies score I’d expect from people in his position. Seven others seemed skilled enough that killing them would have been a waste, but that was about it. Once again, I was surprised by how rare talented individuals were. I was starting to appreciate just how lucky I’d been to meet Rietz and the others when I was young."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I told Couran everything I’d seen, sparing no detail, and he declared that those who would not serve him would be put to death the next day. Then, we retired to Castle Samkh to rest and discuss our strategy for the next stage of the war."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now that was the workout I’d been looking for!” said Mireille. She’d started drinking the second she got back from the assault on Castle Samkh. She’d sustained a few minor flesh wounds, but thankfully, she seemed fine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Just don’t go taking any unnecessary risks, please,” I sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Risks? Hah! You think I’d get myself killed in a place like this?” Mireille replied indignantly. “You should’ve come along, Rietz!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Perhaps I should have. It has been too long since my last engagement,” Rietz replied. It seemed he was a little more battle-hungry than I’d thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t get to fight this time. I wanna hurry up and take on someone who’s worth my time!” Charlotte grumbled. I was starting to suspect that people with high Valor scores were just more combative on the whole."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Meh, you wouldn’t have had much luck there. We only faced grunts and small fries this time around. Hope we’ll get some real opponents in the next battle.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She’s planning on fighting again next time?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, right! I got some good info from one of the prisoners,” Mireille continued. “Seems my little brother got sent over to Velshdt!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your little brother?” I repeated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, he’s one of Vasmarque’s flunkies. Not exactly top-shelf material, but he is my brother, so he’s got a little more fight in him than the trash we dealt with here. Taking Velshdt might be an actual struggle! This is gonna be fun!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You seem awfully excited to go to war with your own brother,” I observed. “Wouldn’t most people be upset about that?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Upset? Why?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I mean, isn’t it normal to not want to fight your family?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oooh, I get it. We used to get along okay, sure, but not so much these days. I’d be fine with killing him if it came to that,” Mireille casually explained. It didn’t seem like she was putting on a front, either─there was no sense of familial affection in how she talked about her brother. I was once again reminded that Mireille had a very unusual way of looking at the world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What sort of person is your brother, Master?” asked Rosell. He’d taken to calling her “Master” in the time I’d been away from my estate, it seemed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm─good question… He used to be a brainless little moron, but he learned to use his head a little as he grew up. I’ve heard rumors that he’s Vasmarque’s right-hand man these days, if you can believe it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Doesn’t that mean he’s kind of amazing?” asked Rosell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hard to say. He’s smarter than the average peasant, for sure.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was having a hard time telling if she held her brother’s capabilities in high esteem or not. I couldn’t imagine Vasmarque would have sent him to Velshdt if he was incompetent, though. If he were, that would be a sign that Vasmarque was awful at choosing his most trusted subordinates."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, it was clear that the fight for Velshdt would be harder than the conquest of Castle Samkh in terms of its leadership, its garrison, and the sturdiness of the castle itself. We would still have them outnumbered, but that didn’t mean we’d be able to just waltz in and storm the place this time. Castle Samkh might have proven simple to claim, but I couldn’t let myself get used to that sort of good fortune. I’d have to plan and prepare with great caution before our next engagement. Conveniently enough, it wasn’t long before Couran gathered his retainers for a meeting regarding the imminent conquest of Velshdt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The battle for Castle Samkh is won, and thanks to your valiant efforts, our victory came at negligible cost! All of you have my sincerest thanks,” Couran said as our latest council of war began."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He went on to explain that our next move would be to bring the entirety of the County of Samkh under our control. We’d claimed the castle, but there were still pockets of resistance elsewhere in the county, and we couldn’t claim to have conquered Samkh until all of them were eliminated. Luckily, there weren’t all that many of them, so he didn’t anticipate the mop-up process would take an egregious amount of time. Couran declared who would be responsible for suppressing the remaining resistance in Samkh, and neither I nor Lumeire were among them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that discussion concluded, we moved to the primary topic at hand: the strategy for our invasion of Velshdt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To begin with,” said Couran. “Rosell. What are your thoughts on the matter?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe that we should carry out our attack with all due haste─even quicker than we swept through Samkh,” Rosell replied. After all the plans he’d contributed to so far, it seemed Couran and the rest of his followers had formed quite a high opinion of Rosell and his perspective. Virtually no one looked down on him on account of his age anymore, and even the nobles present lent his words serious consideration."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t imagine our enemy anticipated that we would advance this quickly, and I’m certain they aren’t yet prepared to face us. If we take advantage of this opportunity to strike several key strategic locations, it could prove instrumental in the long term.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Indeed,” said Couran. “As it so happens, I had the same thought. Pressing our advantage will incur no small number of risks, but I believe it is for the best. We will have to claim Castle Staatz before an invasion of Castle Velshdt is feasible, of course, and Castle Staatz is known for being nigh impregnable. If we give them the time to improve their defenses, the losses we’ll incur will be severe─and needless to say, the fewer casualties now, the easier our eventual invasion of Velshdt will become.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran’s other advisors spoke up one after the other to advocate for his and Rosell’s plan. I was motivated to get the war over with as quickly as possible, so I also agreed with that course of action. I thought that nobody was going to object until suddenly, Mireille leaped into the conversation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wait a minute─bad plan. You’ll get us all killed at this rate,” she said. I was a little surprised. I’d expected her to be the sort of person who’d be all for seizing the initiative. “I’m guessing you haven’t heard that my brother’s gonna be in charge of the enemy’s forces from now on, right?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have, in fact, been informed of that matter. To my understanding, Thomas has been stationed in Velshdt to coordinate their defense.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I shouldn’t have to tell you that you need to tread lightly. Ambushes are my brother’s specialty. If your army has a weakness that can be exploited, he’ll see through it and hit you right where it hurts most when you least expect it. Rush into a battle with him, and you’ll regret it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… I must admit, you would know Thomas better than any of us,” said Couran. “However, I cannot dismiss the possibility that you’ve chosen to advocate for a passive strategy out of a desire to not see your own brother slain.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re kidding, right? My brother’s one of the enemy’s key advisors! Do you realize how far up in the world I’d move if I offed him? Why would I not want him dead? If he were here, I’d chop his head off myself.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You have very little regard for your own family, it would seem,” said Couran with a frown."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m surprised you’d criticize me for that, considering you’re trying to kill your brother for the title of duke.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran fell silent. That, it seemed, was a point he couldn’t argue against. Unfortunately, it was also not a point he’d be pleased with, and Mireille was my subordinate. If I didn’t chastise her, I knew it would reflect poorly on me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s enough, Mireille,” I said. “You’ve spoken out of turn.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hm? Oh, right. My bad.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn’t convinced she understood what was wrong with what she’d said, but I was grateful that she apologized anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“For the record, I’m not saying this ’cause he’s my brother─I’m saying it ’cause keeping that in mind will increase our odds of victory.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, I understand very well now that compassion does not motivate your actions,” said Couran. “Nevertheless, if we do not seize the initiative here, I cannot see how we’ll ever hope to topple Castle Staatz.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not saying we have to slow our advance to a crawl or anything,” replied Mireille. “I just mean that moving faster than we already are would open us up to attacks. You can see how that would be a problem, yeah?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So you propose that we advance at the same rate as before?” asked Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right. I think our current pace strikes just the right balance between speed and caution.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And if we progress at the same rate, will we be able to claim Castle Staatz?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good question. They’ll be bolstering their defenses, so we should start working out a plan for taking down a fully fortified castle, just in case.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What would such a plan entail? Sending in spies as we did for Castle Samkh?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’d be a tough trick to pull off twice. Our enemies aren’t stupid, and when they learn how quickly the castle fell, it won’t be hard for them to figure out that spies were to blame. Their guards will be wary of that sort of trick, and no matter how skilled your spies are, it’d be hard to pull off a job when your target’s ready for you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wouldn’t be convinced of that until I’d asked Pham for his perspective, but I had to admit that infiltrating a fort that was alerted to your presence did sound much harder than infiltrating a fort that was unaware of the danger you posed. All of that, however, left a question burning in my mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But wait, Mireille,” I said. “In that case, how should we take down the castle?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve got plenty of options. We could find a way to blackmail one of their commanders or leak false info to throw their defenses into chaos. We could lure the defenders out of the castle and into a trap or declare a ceasefire, then ambush them the second they lower their guard. We could take this in all sorts of directions, but I can’t say which would be the most effective yet. First things first, we need more info. Those spies of yours might not be able to bring the whole castle down again, but they can do that much for us, can’t they? And hey, even if they can’t make it into the castle to get the juiciest info, tidbits gleaned from the surrounding area could make all the difference.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was convinced by her logic. It wasn’t like we’d be able to clean up the resistance in the County of Samkh and proceed directly to Castle Staatz─there were smaller forts on the border that we’d have to deal with, so we’d have plenty of time to gather information. Couran seemed to agree, as he declared that he would refrain from moving forward with excessive haste. We’d gather information on Castle Staatz, then iron out a concrete plan once we had a clear picture of what we were dealing with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our invasion of Velshdt would begin soon. If we emerged victorious, it would increase Couran’s odds of defeating Vasmarque and claiming his place as the Duke of Missian."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My ultimate goal was to make the land I lived in as prosperous and peaceful as possible. If Couran defeated Vasmarque and granted me the position of Count of Canarre, as promised, I’d have taken a major step toward the fulfillment of that objective. War was far from my area of expertise, but I was resolved to do everything in my power to help lead us to victory."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0039.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you for purchasing volume two of As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World! This is the author, Miraijin A, speaking."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This volume is scheduled for publication right around the end of the year. 2020 has been quite difficult in all sorts of ways on a global scale, but on a personal level, I’ve managed to publish multiple books and have had my stories used as the basis for comic adaptations. It’s been a good year for me, all things considered. I have nothing but gratitude for the good people at Kodansha for publishing this book despite these turbulent times, and I’m truly grateful beyond words for my readers who bought the novel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The first volume of Reincarnated Aristocrat focused primarily on the main character’s quest to assemble a team of talented followers, but this second volume is centered around the conflict between a pair of brothers who each seek to rule over Missian. How did that new plot structure feel to you? I certainly hope you found it entertaining."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve always loved historical stories that engage with battles and political maneuvering alike. I’ve read all sorts of comics and novels based on Japan’s Warring States Period and the Records of the Three Kingdoms, and I love watching historical dramas set in those eras. Needless to say, I’ve played my fair share of video games based on the subject as well! This volume was extra fun for me to write due to all that knowledge─though with the fun came a newfound understanding of just how difficult stories like this are to tell. Depicting battles and politics requires an incredible degree of knowledge and descriptive ability, and writing a story involving those things was no easy task. I felt a clear and pressing need to improve my skills as I wrote."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Several new characters were introduced to the cast this volume. Stories that center around medieval conflicts like this one tend to have a ton of characters, and I know it might be hard for my readers to remember all of them, but trust me: it gets confusing for us authors sometimes, too! Personally speaking, I find that the more retainers there are in a story like this the more interesting it becomes, so I’m planning to add tons of characters as the story progresses."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I intend to bring the story of the war in Missian to a conclusion of sorts in the next volume. This installment was full of battles that our heroes won surprisingly easily, but you can expect them to have a harder time in the next one! That means I’ll have plenty of opportunities to push Rietz, Charlotte, and the others into the spotlight. And, as I implied a moment ago, we’ll be seeing some new characters as well! I’ll do my best to write a book that my readers will enjoy, so I hope I see you again when volume three is published!"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0040.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 2"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miraijin A"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is Kumamoto resident and full-time author Miraijin A speaking! The spread of the coronavirus has turned 2020 into a real mess, but personally speaking, I got a ton of books published, had some of my stories turned into manga, and my favorite baseball team, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, won the Japan Series! It was a pretty good year for me, all around, and I hope that the virus will settle down and that next year will be even better!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m the illustrator, jimmy! I’m pretty much nocturnal─I just can’t shake the habit. I hope you like the book!"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-02-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0041.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "About thirteen years had passed since my life in Japan ended and my new existence as Ars Louvent, heir to a noble family in another world, began. I was reborn with the ability to judge the strengths and abilities of the people around me, and using that skill, I managed to gather a whole host of outstanding individuals to serve as my retainers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "First and foremost was Rietz Muses, an all but perfect superhuman who could do nearly anything, but had been cast to the wayside before I found him on account of the fact that he was a Malkan: a race discriminated against in the land we lived in. Next was Charlotte, a girl I found in a slave market with truly monstrous magical capabilities. Followed by Rosell, the son of a hunter who was physically unimpressive but staggering in mental acuity. All three of them were more than capable, but all three of them had been born into circumstances that had kept them from living up to their full potential. And so, I took them into my service, where I knew they would shine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father passed away long before his time, and I was thrust into a position of rulership over his barony at the age of twelve. I’d lived for thirty-five years in my previous incarnation, but almost nothing I’d learned in that lifetime was of any use when it came to governing a territory. If I’d been on my own, I doubt I would’ve been able to handle it, but thanks to the help of my retainers, I’d managed to get by. I couldn’t exactly call myself self-reliant, but at least I was surviving."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Soon after, a civil war split the Duchy of Missian in two. We picked a side and took up arms, and thanks once again to my retainers’ abilities, we achieved great things on the field of battle. Thus, bringing Couran, the elder son of the late duke, massive strides closer to his eventual victory. Thanks to that distinguished service, Couran chose to grant me the title of Count of Canarre. I was to manage a far vaster realm than the petty barony I’d ruled over so far, and be responsible for the livelihoods of more people than ever before. My personal dwelling would be different, as well: I’d be moving from the estate I’d lived in all my life to the count’s castle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One thing was for sure: I was moving up in the world, and fast."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I used to be your everyday, run-of-the-mill office worker. Back then, I never could’ve dreamed I’d come this far. That success brought its fair share of anxiety along with it, to be sure, but with my ever-faithful retainers at my side, I felt a defiant sense of confidence that no matter what happened, we’d be able to work something out."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0009.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The day after Lumeire agreed to hand the title of Count of Canarre over to me, Couran called his vassals together to officially announce the appointment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None of the assembled lords stuck their necks out to object to the decision, this time, but I had a feeling that I’d probably earned the envy of at least a few of them. Some of them were giving me less than friendly looks, at the very least. I took the time to appraise the ones who looked especially hostile, and made sure to write their names down as soon as I could so I didn’t forget them. That way if disaster ever struck, I would know who not to turn to for help."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, our business in Velshdt was fully concluded. While we were preparing for the journey home, though, Couran called me out once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars! I’m sure you remember that our agreement was for you to become the Count of Canarre after I emerged victorious in the war with Vasmarque. That said, I simply couldn’t leave your achievements here in Velshdt unrewarded. You were magnificent, plain and simple, and I hope you’ll understand why I felt the need to move your promotion up,” he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I still wasn’t used to being praised for achievements that my retainers, in truth, had won. It never failed to make me feel uncomfortable. I’d played an active role in talking an enemy general onto our side, so it wasn’t like I hadn’t contributed anything to the war effort, but I’d barely done much at all on the battlefield. I still had to play the part of the feudal lord, though, so I bottled up my discomfort and offered him my thanks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I am truly honored by your words, Your Lordship, and my gratitude knows no bounds,” I replied. “As Count of Canarre, I swear to serve you to the best of my ability.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good. I’m expecting great things from you,” said Couran with a nod. “Now then─as I told you previously, we’ll need time to prepare before we’re ready to mount an invasion of Arcantez. Our provisions have run low, and equally problematic is the fact that Paradille’s forces have sustained heavy losses over the course of their assault on the city. My hope is to cooperate with Paradille’s army and stage our final attack with theirs, and that means we’ll need to give them time to bolster their forces before we can march on the capital.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That meant, I assumed, that it would be even longer before the invasion of Arcantez began than I’d suspected. I was relieved to think that I’d be able to spend the intervening period without having to go out into battle. Becoming the Count of Canarre meant that I had a lot to learn, which would be a struggle in its own right, but nothing compared to risking my life on a battlefield."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sure your new position will bring plenty of challenges with it, but don’t forget to prepare for the battle to come!” said Couran."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Your Lordship,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran gave me a satisfied nod, and we said our goodbyes. It was finally time for my retainers and I to return to Lamberg."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before we embarked on our journey, a final member joined up with our party: Lumeire’s faithful retainer Menas Renard. He would be accompanying me to explain the current state of Canarre, guide me around the castle, and generally help acquaint me with my new role. He was a very capable man─one of Lumeire’s best─and knew all about the Count of Canarre’s duties."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was a little apprehensive about depriving Lumeire of one of his best men. He’d be taking up a new position as the Count of Velshdt, and I was sure he’d need all the help he could get. However, when I asked, he told me that while Menas would surely have been a godsend for his transition, he’d been a count for many years already and would be able to make due. I, on the other hand, was new to the role and was in much greater need of a helping hand. He really seemed to be acting as my benefactor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our first destination was Lamberg, where I stopped to explain the circumstances to all of my people who’d stayed behind at the estate during the war. Reactions were mixed. Some of them were shocked, others were ecstatic, and some seemed worried about what would become of Lamberg in my absence. After all, becoming the count meant that I would hold domain over the district of Canarre, and would no longer be personally reigning over Lamberg."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d lived in my family’s estate my whole life, and I felt a little reluctant to leave it behind. That being said, Castle Canarre and the walled city that surrounded it wasn’t a very long trip away from my homeland, so if I ever grew so homesick I couldn’t stand it I could always just take a quick trip back when I had a moment to spare."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The one remaining question was who would take over the position of baron in my stead. That decision was mine to make, and the person I’d most trust to fill that role would be Rietz…but I preferred for him to stay as close to me as possible so he could keep acting as my right-hand man. Eventually, I decided to consult my retainers and get their input before making the decision."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When I set out for the city of Canarre, I did so with my retainers and a few of my family’s servants. I couldn’t take everyone─that would leave Lamberg without any management to speak of─so I started out by bringing the bare minimum of staff with me. We packed our bags, then hit the road once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I made the journey to Castle Canarre by carriage. Lamberg wasn’t very far from the capital at all, so it only took a few hours for us to arrive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Castle Canarre was relatively old compared to the castle in Semplar or the Imperial Capital, and it hadn’t been the most stunningly lavish or fortified structure to begin with. Still, the thought that I’d become the sort of lord who had his own personal castle was pretty hard to swallow. All the more so considering the mundane, white-collar life I’d led before my reincarnation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It struck me how long it had been since I’d found myself here as we made our way into the castle. If I recalled correctly, the first time I ended up inside the castle was when I came here in my father’s place after he died, and as that thought crossed my mind, I was struck with a question: what would my father have said if he learned I’d become the count? Would he have been shocked? Or thrilled? Possibly both, I imagined, and as I pictured the face he might’ve made when he got the news, I felt a sense of desolation swell up within me. I had to carry on House Louvent’s legacy, both for my sake, and to help my father’s spirit rest easily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Menas guided me through the castle. I hadn’t gotten the full tour on any of my prior visits, so I wasn’t well acquainted with its layout yet. The castle was three stories tall, with the first floor containing the dining hall, the great hall, a parlor, a treasure vault, an armory, the kitchens, the pantry, and the bathing chambers. The second floor was home to the library, a common room, a meeting room, and personal quarters for retainers and staff. Finally, the personal chambers for the count and their family were located on the third floor, along with a study and the count’s office."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Compared to the Louvent estate, the castle was massive. Just taking the full tour ate up a fair chunk of time. I would’ve liked to take a little more time touring the place, but I had a lot more on my plate than just seeing the sights, so I kept it to a quick walk-through for the moment. The servants I’d brought with me and those who’d remained in the castle after Lumeire’s people cleared out set about organizing my chamber, and in the meantime, I retired to the count’s office to receive a detailed explanation of my duties from Menas."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A massive desk was set up in the middle of the office. A few shelves lined the walls as well, stuffed with documents that I assumed had some relation to Canarre’s management."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“To begin with, I’d like you to read through this,” said Menas as he passed me a rather thick bundle of papers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What are these? I wondered as I leafed through the first few pages. I soon came to realize that they were a set of documents describing the current state of Canarre County. They detailed the current status of our standing army, the yields of the latest harvests, the income from the latest round of tax collection, the county’s population, problems they faced, the local state of law and order, and even included an up-to-date map and an analysis of the local natural resources. The bundle was packed with information."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d gotten similar reports when I ruled over Lamberg, but the territory I governed back then was so much smaller in scale that there had not been much information to report to me in the first place. I’d never had to peruse more than a few sparing pages. This time, though, it took me two hours just to read through the whole packet, and by the time I finished my eyes were dry and weary."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0011.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It occurred to me as I put the bundle down that if I’d tried sitting still and reading for two hours straight in my previous life, it would’ve left me with back pain and stiff shoulders to go along with the eyestrain. My current body was still young enough that I didn’t have to deal with any of those aches, mercifully. My next impression was that, as expected, I would be working on a much larger scale than I had back in Lamberg from now on. I mean, all the latest info about Lamberg was still present in this new report!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d almost forgotten that I used to have to send those off to the count."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This concludes your orientation,” said Menas. “I encourage you to discuss how you’ll manage your territory from here on out with your people, and take their advice into consideration. Oh, and I would also advise you to invite all of Canarre’s barons to meet with you at your convenience. They have already been informed of the change in rulership, but nevertheless, it would only be proper.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood, and thank you for all your help and guidance,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Menas’s orientation had been far shorter than I’d expected, overall, and I had to wonder if he’d received orders to return to Velshdt sooner than anticipated. I quickly penned letters to each of Canarre’s barons, then called my retainers together to discuss the matter of Lamberg’s new ruler."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“To start, I’d like to talk about who we’ll be appointing to watch over Lamberg in my stead,” I said. “I’ll be spending most of my time here in the castle from now on, so I’d like to leave Lamberg in the hands of someone I can trust to keep it safe.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell spoke up first. “I think that Rietz would be the best man for the job.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For just a moment, Rietz looked startled. All of us knew very well how much he’d contributed to our cause. There wasn’t anyone left among my people who looked down on him for being a Malkan, and in fact, everyone seemed to accept Rosell’s suggestion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Personally, I would’ve liked to keep Rietz at my side, but I was starting to see that it wasn’t for the best. There was no mistaking the fact that he was the most reliable candidate for the job. When I glanced over to see how he was reacting to the nomination, though, I found that he didn’t look pleased by the idea at all. In fact, it almost looked like he wanted to speak his mind, but was holding himself back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Does he not want the job? I’d rather figure out how he feels before I make any decisions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you have any objections to that suggestion, Rietz?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz hesitated for a moment, but then replied, “If that is what you wish of me, then I would not dream to object, Lord Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But even as he claimed to be all right with the suggestion he gave me a look like a sad little puppy dog that had been abandoned by its owner. It was abundantly clear that he didn’t want to leave my side, and after everything he’d done for me and my household, I wasn’t about to force him to take on a job that he didn’t want to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Be honest with me, Rietz. What do you really want?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz hesitated once more, his gaze dropping to the floor, but then he stood up straight, looked me in the eye, and spoke with conviction. “If possible, I would sooner remain in your immediate service, Lord Ars,” he said, his voice laden with intense emotion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn’t about to disagree. I wanted Rietz by my side as much as he wanted to be there, so if he was opposed to the idea of being Lamberg’s baron, I didn’t see any reason not to keep him with me in Castle Canarre."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well,” I replied. “I will respect Rietz’s wishes, and refrain from asking him to fill the vacancy.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, okay,” Rosell muttered. “Who else could do the job, though…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Everyone present sank into thought. Eventually, Rietz himself broke the silence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe it would only be fair for the most successful member of our council to be given rulership over Lamberg,” he said. “Does that sound reasonable to you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I paused to consider his words."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The most successful among us…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My gaze─and everyone else’s─drifted briefly to Charlotte, and a moment later, all of us grimaced in unison. She was, undeniably, the most successful of all my retainers in terms of pure contributions to the war effort. Even in the context of Couran’s whole army, she was the soldier who’d contributed the most to the cause on a personal level."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Managing a barony, though…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t picture her doing a good job in that sort of position."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte was watching my expression, and judging by the scowl on her face, I’d been doing a poor job of concealing my thought process."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmph! Do you have some sort of problem with me?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“N-No, of course not! But, well…I just think there may be someone else more suited for the role,” I said, frantically attempting to appease her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not exactly nice to hear you don’t think I could do a job like that. Barons spend all day sitting around at their desks, right?” Charlotte sulkily grumbled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You can’t think it’s that easy?” I sighed. As expected, I couldn’t leave Lamberg in her hands. I needed someone more responsible for the job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe that Rosell may be well-suited for the position,” Rietz chimed in once more. “He may be young, yes, but his youth belies his intelligence, and I believe his contributions to the war have proven his strength of will beyond a doubt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“N-No way! I can’t!” Rosell shouted with all his might. “Ruling over a territory’s way out of my comfort zone! I’m not cut out for it, no way, no how! And just think about how little time I’d have to study if I became a baron!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was about as unenthusiastic of a response as I could’ve expected. Rosell had been very helpful to me, and I didn’t want to impose a job that he didn’t want on him either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that just leaves one candidate…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Guess that means it’s up to me, huh?” Mireille said as she crossed her arms. “Wouldn’t be my first time around the baron block. I can take care of Lamberg, no issue.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s a great idea, come to think of it! I’m sure Master would do an excellent job!” insisted Rosell, who’d badgered his way into Mireille’s apprenticeship. Mireille had one dedicated supporter already."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My one concern about the suggestion was her Ambition score. It was high─scarily high, even. To be honest, I couldn’t bring myself to trust her. She was more than capable of ruling Lamberg, to be sure, but that didn’t do away with my concerns."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe Mireille would be the best candidate for the task as well,” Rietz said, catching me off guard. I’d been under the impression that he hadn’t accepted her as one of my advisors, and certainly didn’t trust her, so I never imagined he’d advocate for her to be given this sort of power."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With Rosell and Rietz both offering Mireille their endorsements, part of me felt that it would be for the best to entrust the job to her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But still, that Ambition of hers…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I mulled over the choice, Rietz leaned in to whisper into my ear. “No need to worry, Lord Ars. The people of Lamberg hold House Louvent in the highest of esteem, and even if you give her control over the barony, turning its populace against you would be no simple task. Moreover, with the Shadows in your formal service, you have ample means to keep an eye on her.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That explained a lot. It seemed that Rietz really didn’t have faith in Mireille after all. He just believed we had the means to ensure she wouldn’t or couldn’t betray us. And he had a point─it was true that assigning a member of the Shadows to work for her while reporting to me on her every move would make it very hard for her to betray me. Rietz’s reassurance made me feel a lot less nervous about this whole prospect."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m convinced. Mireille, I’ll leave Lamberg in your care. I trust that no one objects to this decision?” I said, and as expected, nobody was opposed. Mireille would be the new Baroness of Lamberg."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With our most pressing decision having been made, we called the day’s meeting to a close. There were plenty of small policy matters that we’d have to choose our course on, but I’d decided that we could space those out over a number of meetings in the future."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seeing as all of Canarre’s barons have been invited to the castle, I believe our first order of business should be to prepare a banquet to receive them. I believe it likely that all of them will accept the invitation,” suggested Rietz after everyone else had gone on their way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good thinking,” I agreed. “Let’s start preparing at once.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d only just sent out the letters, so needless to say, I hadn’t received any replies yet. Still, I had a hard time imagining that any of Canarre’s barons would snub my invitation. There was a chance they might resent the fact that a kid like me had been made the count, but since the order had come from Couran himself, a mere baron didn’t have the sort of influence it would take to mount a proper objection. At the absolute least, I was positive that Hammond Pleide, the Baron of Torbequista, would make an appearance─I was engaged to his daughter Licia, after all─and even in the worst-case scenario where nobody showed up, I wouldn’t lose anything by having been prepared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come to think of it, I wonder how Licia’s doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d promised her that I would marry her once the war was over. I wasn’t opposed to the idea of marrying her, in and of itself, but the war technically hadn’t come to a close yet, which left us in an awkward situation. Couran held an overwhelming advantage, but the enemy’s main citadel, Arcantez, still stood strong for now, and the fighting could break out again before long."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Personally, I was in favor of waiting until the war came to a complete, conclusive finish before we tied the knot. I was not, however, convinced that Licia felt the same way. The odds were very good that she’d come along with her father to visit, and I decided I would take a moment to discuss the matter with her when that time came."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days of banquet preparations later, messages arrived from the Baron of Torbequista, Hammond Pleide, and the Baron of Coumeire, Krall Orslow. Both of them stated that they would make their way to Canarre at once. Later that same day, while I was helping with the banquet preparations, Rietz approached me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If I may, Lord Ars?” he said. “Shin Seimallo has arrived at the castle, and requests an audience with you. Are you inclined to meet with him?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shin Seimallo…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The name didn’t ring any bells for a second, but then it hit me: he was the man I’d met in the capital who had a remarkably high Aerial Aptitude. I’d promised him that when I moved up in the noble world and gained access to greater resources, I’d support and finance his quest to build an airship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you intend to invest in his airship development effort, Lord Ars?” Rietz asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I did give him my word,” I answered with a shrug."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, indeed, and one must not break one’s word without due cause. Nevertheless, the state of Canarre’s finances is, if I may speak frankly, rather poor. The recent string of conflicts has done us no favors on that front, either… If you can convince Shin to accept a delay on his promised funding, I believe that would be for the best.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was true that Canarre as a county had less money to throw around than I’d expected, and it made sense that the recent conflict was to blame. Still, I had more funding at my disposal now than I’d had back in Lamberg, and I was a little concerned about what Shin would say if I told him his airship would have to go on the back burner. He hadn’t struck me as the patient type. Besides, I was anxious for the airship to be built as soon as possible myself. If we managed to build the very first airship in the world, it would earn House Louvent no small amount of prestige."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see what you mean, but I also believe that Shin’s airship will be of great importance to us,” I said, countering Rietz’s point."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that so…?” said Rietz. “I don’t know how much funding Shin intends to ask for, but regardless, why not offer to start with a partial payment? You can give him a third of what he requests, and deliver the rest of the funding later on. Even without a full budget, he should be able to make progress so long as he has some funding available to him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That makes sense. I’m convinced─we’ll go with your plan. Bring him here, please.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Your Lordship.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz left the room, only to return momentarily with Shin in tow. He looked like he was in an excellent mood, and struck up a conversation before I had the chance."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gotta say, I’m real impressed! If I’m bein’ honest, I didn’t actually think you’d make yourself a count! Looks like I picked a damn fine horse to hook my carriage up to!” Shin said, openly admitting that he hadn’t believed in me up until now. “So, you’ll be footing my development costs, right? I’ve gone over all my plans ’n theories again, and I’m more sure than ever that it’ll fly! All I need’s the money to make it happen!” he asserted, brimming with confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, about that,” I said. “Becoming the count has been a step in the right direction, but I’m afraid to say that Canarre’s finances are already rather strained.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-What?! Does that mean ya can’t spare the coin?!” Shin shouted, aghast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I didn’t say that. My intent was to provide you with one third of the money you need, to start. You’ll have the rest of your funding once we’ve brought our books into balance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-Hmm. And you’re sure that’s gonna happen?”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0013.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll make it happen, one way or another.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shin looked a little dissatisfied, but nodded anyway."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, then. You won yourself the count’s seat, as promised, so I’ll trust you to keep yer word again,” he said, looking me squarely in the eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that point, I finally asked how much money Shin wanted. It turned out to be quite the sum, but while giving him the full payment would’ve strained my budget, a third of it was more or less manageable. Before I handed the money over, though, I had Shin sign a written contract that I’d had Rietz prepare in advance. It specified that the completed airship would be the property of House Louvent, and included clauses intended to prevent the details of the ship’s construction from falling into the wrong hands and gave us exclusive rights to profit off its design."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shin, for his part, was only interested in building and flying the thing. So long as he was allowed to pilot the ship he didn’t care a whit who owned it on paper, and he signed the contract─in blood─without hesitation. With that, his grand endeavor had finally begun."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days later, the barons arrived at Castle Canarre. House Pleide and House Orslow would both be in attendance, representing Torbequista and Coumeire respectively. I picked out Licia among House Pleide’s party, and the moment she noticed me, she beamed, dashed over, and threw her arms around me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank goodness, Lord Ars! I’ve been so worried,” she said, her shoulders quivering with emotion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I almost panicked the moment she hugged me, but when I realized she was shivering, I regained my composure. I’d been away for a long time, thanks to the war, and it seemed she’d spent that whole period worried that I’d never come back. That was just how things went when there was a war to fight, but I still couldn’t help but feel guilty when confronted with clear proof of how anxious she’d been."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m sorry to have worried you. I’m back now safe and sound,” I said as I returned her embrace, doing my best to reassure her. It seemed to work, or at the very least, her shivering quickly abated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After we released each other, Licia leaned in and whispered quietly enough that only I could hear her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I never imagined you’d become the Count of Canarre so soon! I was right to expect great things from you,” she said, dropping the cloyingly sweet voice she usually spoke in to address me in a more calm and composed tone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remembered that Licia wasn’t just an innocent little girl who feared for my safety from afar. She was also a cunning and calculating girl who boasted high Intelligence, Politics, and Ambition scores."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hee hee!” Licia giggled. “Why, at this rate I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you’d claimed the whole duchy, one of these days!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Th-The duchy? I wouldn’t get your hopes up,” I replied awkwardly. If I wanted to inherit the title of duke from Couran, I’d need to take his heir, Rengue, out of the picture first. That was a move I had no intention of attempting. My goal was to grow Canarre into a stronger, more prosperous domain, and aspiring for more felt like it’d be asking for trouble."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, I was only teasing,” said Licia with a grin, though it hadn’t sounded like a joke to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hammond, the Baron of Torbequista, and Krall, the Baron of Coumeire, stepped up to greet me next. Both of them took a knee, bowed deeply, and spoke in unison."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I hereby pledge fealty to His Lordship Ars Louvent, Count of Canarre,” they said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Stand, please,” I said. “I may be the count, but I’m still far from experienced. I can’t even begin to guess how much I have left to learn, so I’ll be counting on both of your support as I strive to turn Canarre into an even better place than it already is.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At my command, the barons stood once more. Glancing at their expressions I could tell that Hammond had no misgivings about my sudden promotion, but that Krall was…well, not necessarily apprehensive, but not enthusiastic, either. The way he looked at me made me feel like he was sizing me up. I had a feeling that he had yet to decide whether or not I was worthy of my new title, and I had serious doubts about whether he’d meant the oath he’d sworn just moments before. He wasn’t outright hostile, at least, so I figured that as long as I did a good job and proved my worth to him, he’d come to accept me in due time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The banquet began, and the atmosphere in the castle took a cheerful turn. As the festivities went on, Hammond eventually broached the subject of my engagement to Licia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I seem to recall that you and my daughter agreed to be wed when the war was over,” he began."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, that’s true,” I said. “However, in my eyes the war has yet to come to a close. The battle for Arcantez will begin before we know it, and I’m inclined to put off our marriage until after it’s concluded.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-Yes, of course,” said Licia. “Our agreement was that we’d marry after the war was over, so naturally, having our wedding now would be premature,” she agreed. She seemed a little reluctant, but a little relieved as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The banquet eventually drew to a close, and the next day, the barons returned to their territories."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After the barons went on their way, I managed to secure a brief period of time for myself. I hadn’t had so much as a moment to rest since I’d returned from the war, and the exhaustion had been piling up. The castle’s bathhouse was the perfect place for me to relieve a bit of that fatigue, so I started my time off with a good, long soak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No sooner had I gotten out of the bath and returned to my chamber than the high-pitched voice of a child rang out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Come practice sword fighting with me, Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I looked over to find that my little brother, Kreiz, had stepped into my room with a wooden sword in hand. Kreiz was six years old, and had grown up into quite the rambunctious little troublemaker as of late. His youthful face carried distinct traces of our father’s features, and his blond hair emphasized the resemblance. Of course, a little kid like him had no hope of emulating the intimidating aura our father had exuded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course he can’t train with you, Kreiz! That would be much too tiring. You should study with me instead, Ars!” said my little sister, Wren, from behind him. Wren’s hair was black, and she looked more like me than our father. She struck me as a little more mature than her brother, as well. They were twins, but they’d never resembled each other, physically or mentally. Fraternal twins were just like that, I had to assume."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He’s gonna sword fight with me!” shouted Kreiz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, he’s going to study with me!” insisted Wren."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of them were seconds away from a nasty fight, so I hastily intervened before things got out of hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll do both! Just don’t fight, please!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Really?!” Kreiz and Wren gleefully exclaimed together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So much for my break. Nothing I can do about that, though."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll train with Kreiz first,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hurray!” Kreiz yelped as he threw his hands into the air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Aww,” pouted Wren."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My brother had remarkably high Valor, while my sister’s Intelligence was something special. Both of them had shown a clear interest in the fields they were talented in, as well. They were only six years old, and were still far from fully grown, but they’d been picking up skills as time went on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The three of us made for the training grounds. I found a wooden sword for myself, and got ready to spar with Kreiz while Wren sat off to the side to watch us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, here I come!” said Kreiz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Whenever you’re ready,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was far from talented when it came to swordsmanship, but Rietz had taught me the basics, and while Kreiz was brimming with talent, it wasn’t enough to let him win against a boy seven years his senior…or so I thought, but as our duel commenced, I was surprised to find it a much closer contest than I’d been expecting. He was fast, for one thing, and so strong you’d almost think we were the same age. I managed to eke out a win, but only just, and I had a horrible feeling that a year from now I wouldn’t even be able to do that much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ahh, I lost! You really are tough, Ars!” Kreiz groaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re plenty tough as well, Kreiz. It won’t be long before you’ve left me in the dust,” I said as I patted him on the head. I’d always viewed the two of them as something closer to my children than my siblings, and when you took my thirty-five years of life in Japan into account, our relative ages made that distance feel pretty appropriate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You bet I am! I’m gonna get tougher than you, Rietz, and everyone else! Then I’ll become a warrior and fight for you!” Kreiz said as he clenched his fist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was honestly quite impressed that he had such a defined dream for his future already. He had a pretty high Ambition score, but he was also such a purehearted child that he’d never struck me as the sort who’d do anything to get ahead. Then again, he was only six years old."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, one more round!” said Kreiz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It ended up being a lot more than one round, in the end, and we kept sparring until Wren stepped in to intervene."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, that’s enough! It’s time to study!” she shouted. I was pretty tired at that point, so her timing couldn’t have been better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Aw, whaaat? But we were just getting started!” whined Kreiz, who apparently still had energy to spare. “Why don’t you train with us, Wren?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There’s no way I’m letting you swing those swords at me! That would be terrifying! Anyway, I’ve been waiting long enough─it’s my turn, already!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She’s right, Kreiz. Don’t be selfish,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmmph!” Kreiz grunted, but reluctantly agreed to bring our session to an end."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We returned to the castle and made our way to the library, within which I was unsurprised to find Rosell with his nose buried in a book."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, Rosell! Are you studying too?” Kreiz asked. Rosell, however, was concentrating so deeply that he didn’t even notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’ll be no asking him to join us, then. He never listens to anyone when he gets like this,” Wren said, sounding a little disappointed. The twins both loved playing with Rosell, though Wren was especially attached to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We left Rosell to his own devices and started a three-person study session. It had been quite some time since I’d studied with Wren, and it seemed that Rosell had been rubbing off on her. I was astonished by just how knowledgeable she’d become, and could hardly believe she was only six years old. Kreiz, on the other hand, had clearly been devoting his time to other pursuits and was lagging behind his sister by a fair margin. The gap between their respective levels made working with both of them at the same time a bit of a challenge, but I somehow managed to pull it off in the end."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nope. I can’t. I’m done,” Kreiz eventually groaned as he slumped over onto the table. He’d hit his limit for the day, and boiled his brain in the process."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha! I think you’d better focus on your studies a little more from now on, Kreiz,” I said. “I’m impressed with you, though, Wren!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rosell’s been teaching me all sorts of things,” Wren explained. “Kreiz is a blockhead, so I have to be smart enough for the both of us,” she added with a mischievous grin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had a feeling that when the two of them grew up, Kreiz would end up doing Wren’s bidding more often than not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as I’d decided that it was time to wrap up my break from administrative work and get back down to business, Rietz arrived on the scene with an astonishing invitation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Would you care to go fishing with me, Lord Ars?” he asked out of the blue."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was, on a fundamental level, a workaholic. I’d barely ever witnessed him goofing off or taking time for himself. I’d actually encouraged him to work a little less and rest a little more on a few occasions, but he’d never seemed to take that advice to heart. It was just about the only thing he didn’t take my words as gospel for, in fact."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You’d think that living a life of hard work, day in and day out, would leave Rietz exhausted and bedraggled, but he never showed any signs of being worn down. Back in my last life when I was an office worker, I’d known people who did far less work than him and seemed like they were just barely pushing through their fatigue. Rietz, however, seemed to be living his best life. I had to wonder how he did it. My best guess was that he just liked working for other people’s sake, and enjoyed his duties so much he could keep at them indefinitely. That was why I’d decided not to pressure him into taking more breaks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With all that in mind, the fact that Rietz was now inviting me to take a moment away from work with him was shocking. I didn’t even know that he liked fishing! That being said, I’d always wanted to spend a day off with him, so while I was curious about what had brought this on I said, “All right, let’s,” without probing any deeper. It would mean putting off my work for a little longer, sure, but it could wait until I got a quick fishing trip in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you very much! I couldn’t ask for a better companion for this excursion!” said Rietz with a stunningly─almost blindingly─brilliant smile. The thought that going finishing with me made him that happy was a little embarrassing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz explained that we’d be fishing at a small lake located quite nearby to the city of Canarre. We gathered up our gear, trekked out to the lake, set up, and started fishing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few hours passed us by."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The fish must not be hungry today, huh?” I mumbled."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It would seem so,” sighed Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We hadn’t caught a single fish so far. It wasn’t that there weren’t any fish in the lake─the water was pure and clear enough that we could see them swimming about below the surface. They just weren’t biting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hadn’t been much of a fisher in my last life, but I’d had a friend who was, and he’d taken me out to fish with him a few times. I remembered catching quite a haul at the time…but then again, fishing in modern Japan and fishing in another world could’ve been completely different beasts, for all I knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For lack of fish on our hooks, Rietz and I quickly turned to chatting with each other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Mireille’s drinking is as out of hand as ever,” he said to me. “I took a trip to Lamberg to check in on her just recently, only to find she’d drunk herself into a stupor.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ha ha ha,” I laughed uncomfortably. “Do you think leaving Lamberg in her hands was a bad idea after all…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Surprisingly, her followers’ accounts would suggest otherwise. It seems she’s been content to leave the day-to-day management of the barony to them, only stepping in when they find themselves at a loss, and providing clear, effective instructions whenever the need arises.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, that’s certainly something. I suppose that’s how I’d imagine her managing a territory.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Effective baron or not, I did make it clear that I wished she’d refrain from overindulging,” Rietz added."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-Oh, did you…?” I said with a wince."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And about Rosell,” he continued. “He’s been shut up in the library for days on end, and I’m concerned about his health. I’ve tried to encourage him to go outside and exercise on occasion, but he’s been uninterested in lending me an ear.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve heard about him spending all his time in the library, yeah. I probably should’ve expected it, knowing him,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Castle Canarre’s library boasted a collection of books that dwarfed what few we’d had back in Lamberg. Considering what a bookworm Rosell was, I imagined that his new home was something of a paradise for him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He’s an incredibly fast reader, though,” I continued. “It’s only a matter of time before he’s worked his way through the whole collection, and he’ll start going outside again once he’s done.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d certainly hope so,” said Rietz. “It’s always seemed that he commits most books to memory after a single reading, but according to him there’s always a danger he’ll forget bits and pieces of them, so he makes sure to read every book he can at least twice. Reading the entire library twice over would take quite some time, even for him.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-Yeah, you have a point,” I said, resolving myself to encourage Rosell to get out and go for a run every once in a while. On the other hand, the more he learned, the more helpful he’d be for Canarre on the whole, so I’d have to take some time and consider whether making that a formal order would be for the best or not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Charlotte,” Rietz began, then hesitated. “Well, Charlotte’s more or less the same as she’s always been, from what I can tell.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Aside from the weight of her wallet,” I noted. “She was rewarded quite generously for all her exploits in the war. You’d think a girl like her would use it to buy clothes, or something, but I’ve heard she’s been spending all of her money on food instead.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All of it…? I can’t believe she’s still so slender,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She’s the sort of person who just doesn’t gain weight, no matter what she eats. Of course, she claims that all of it goes straight to her chest.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That seems…borderline unfair,” replied Rietz. “I put quite a lot of effort into maintaining my physique, for what it’s worth. Putting on too much weight would hamper my mobility, and I have to be ready to fight at any given moment.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess Rietz has things he struggles with that I’ve never even considered, I reflected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We kept chatting away, and eventually, we ran out of subjects to talk about. A minute or so passed by in silence, until suddenly, Rietz looked over his shoulder, back toward the castle. The lake was close enough to the city that it was visible from here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All of this makes me a little emotional, I must admit,” he said. “To think─you, the Count of Canarre!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know what you mean,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I always had faith that you’d make your way to a station worthy of you, of course. But that you’d become the count in such a short span of time defied even my wildest expectations.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I couldn’t have done it without you and the others,” I said. “In fact, I barely did anything at all myself!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s not true!” Rietz said─almost shouted, really, loudly enough to make me jump. “Ah! My apologies,” he continued. “But truly, that couldn’t be farther from the truth, Lord Ars. If you hadn’t made me your retainer, I’m confident I would’ve either wound up dead in a ditch, or spent the rest of my life wandering aimlessly through Missian, or maybe even some other duchy. Charlotte would have lived her life as a slave, and Rosell would have remained the talentless son of a hunter forever. And that’s not to mention Mireille─she’d still be drifting from bar to bar, making a nuisance of herself.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0015.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz turned to look me in the eye, his expression profoundly serious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I cannot express the gratitude I feel toward you, Lord Ars. I never would have become the person I am today if it weren’t for you, and if the need arises, I will gladly lay down my life for yours.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hearing all of that directly was, to say the least, a little awkward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I didn’t make you my retainer out of good will,” I said. “I did it for myself, and you’ve done more than enough to help and support me since then, so I don’t think there’s any need for you to feel that indebted to me… But of course, that doesn’t change the fact that I’m very glad to hear how you feel.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The day was drawing to a close, and it wouldn’t be long before evening set in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Should we head on home?” I suggested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right,” said Rietz. “A shame we didn’t catch anything, in the end. My apologies. I feel like I’ve dragged you out to spend a day wasting your time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s fine,” I said. “We didn’t catch any fish, sure, but talking with you was a great use of time in my book. Let’s do this again sometime.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course!” Rietz said with a smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of us made our way back to Castle Canarre, entering through the main gateway. The moment we stepped into the great hall, the roar of numerous voices rang out in unison."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Happy Birthday, Lord Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d only just stepped inside, not expecting anything of the sort, and it was all so abrupt that my brain shut down for a second. A moment later, though, I finally managed to process what was happening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My birthday…? Oh, that’s right─yesterday was the seventh day of the eighth month, wasn’t it? That means that today’s the eighth…so it really is my thirteenth birthday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d been so busy since I became the count that I’d forgotten about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My apologies for not informing you, Lord Ars,” said Rietz. “We carried out our preparations in absolute secrecy. We wanted it to be a surprise, you see.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So this is why you invited me to go fishing with you?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes,” said Rietz. “Ah, though I wasn’t lying when I said I wanted to, of course!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suddenly, it all made sense. Still, though, I was astonished. I’d seen surprise parties portrayed in comics and cartoons over and over in my past life, but I’d never experienced anything of the sort in reality. I’d thought that a party being a surprise wouldn’t make it any better than an ordinary sort of event…but, actually, I was a lot happier about it than I’d ever imagined a party could make me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re really growin’ up on us, huh, Lord Ars? Here, I got you a present!” said Charlotte with a smirk, pleased by how thoroughly she and the others had caught me by surprise. She handed me her gift, which turned out to be a bag that was packed to the brim with cookies."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sweets were scarce and precious in this world, and I barely ever got to eat them, so it was a remarkably thoughtful gift that I appreciated."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you, Charlotte,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just glad you like it! I really mulled it over, y’know? Thought it might be better to get you something that you could keep forever, but, well, nothing’s better than eating, and you have to live for the moment, right? So I decided that food would be best in the end,” Charlotte explained. That did feel like the sort of philosophy she’d adhere to. “Oh, and I baked all of those myself, so you’d better savor them!” she added as an afterthought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You…huh?” I said, then gulped."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn’t recall having ever heard anyone mention Charlotte knowing how to bake. They looked like perfectly ordinary cookies, but I was very apprehensive about how they’d taste."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“L-Lord Ars,” said Rietz, “perhaps I should sample one of those before you─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, for the─they’re not poisoned, dangit!” Charlotte snapped. “Could you get any ruder?! They’re good, so just eat one already!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn’t very well say no to that, so I opened up the bag and sampled a cookie. They really were quite tasty, as it turned out, and I had to admit that Rietz and I had been a little rude by assuming otherwise, so I gave Charlotte a quick apology."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m up next! Here! I got you some books!” said Rosell. The fact that he’d gotten me books wasn’t a surprise, though the fact that he’d gotten me ten of them was quite something. “They’re novels, and all of them are worth your time! Be sure to read them all!” he added."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell had recommended novels to me before, and almost all of them had been so extraordinarily complicated that a single reading hadn’t been enough for me to understand them on a basic level. Repeated readings, however, had led to me catching on, and by the time I understood what he saw in them I was always hooked. In other words, just one book took a long time to read, and he’d given me ten. I wouldn’t be at a lack of ways to kill time in the immediate future, that was for sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Guess I’ll go next,” said Mireille. She’d traveled here from Lamberg specifically for the sake of my party, it seemed. “Here. It’s booze. Got you the good stuff,” she said as she offered me a bottle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had to admit, I was quite happy with her gift. I’d been a grown adult in my past life, so I was reasonably well acquainted with the joys of alcohol. This me, however, had only just turned thirteen, and that meant that booze was off the table. The standards of this world weren’t different from my old society, in that regard. I knew that perfectly well, but I was also tempted to give it a try, and was just about to give in and accept her gift when Rietz cut in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why in the world would you give him alcohol, you degenerate?!” he snapped. I, meanwhile, had been about to accept the bottle, but quickly snapped my hands back down to my sides."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, quit kicking up a fuss about every little thing, Rietz,” said Mireille with a roll of her eyes. “What’s wrong with a nice bottle of booze?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The fact that Lord Ars is only thirteen, for one thing! He’s too young to indulge!” Rietz fired back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Always thought that was a stupid rule, personally,” Mireille grumbled. “Okay, how about this, then?” she said, and handed me what I assumed was a backup present. It seemed to be a piece of white…triangular…fabric…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wait, is this what I think it─?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Underwear?! Are you out of your mind?! That’s even worse! You mustn’t touch such filth, Lord Ars!” Rietz shouted as he snatched Mireille’s underwear out of my hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? Kiddo’s thirteen, right? What could he want more than a pretty girl’s unmentionables?” Mireille said, then smirked. “Oh, I see how it is. You took ’em because you wanted ’em too, didn’t you, Rietz? Come on, you can’t go stealing your master’s things! How about I give you the ones I’m wearing now instead?” she offered, already reaching for her waist."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Keep them on!” Rietz bellowed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When all was said and done, Mireille gave me a silver coin that she happened to be carrying in her pocket. I certainly wasn’t one to turn down money, and was grateful, setting aside the process it took to get us there. This was my own personal funding, too, so I figured I’d use it to buy something just for myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just as I accepted the coin, the castle’s front doorway opened with a slam. A girl rushed inside, then planted her hands on her knees, panting and wheezing for dear life. It was, I quickly realized, Licia!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-Why wasn’t I informed of this sooner…?” Licia said between heaving gasps. “How could I possibly not be present for Lord Ars’s birthday party…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“M-My apologies,” said Rietz. “We should have sent news to you sooner, yes. I fear the message didn’t arrive until yesterday, or somewhere thereabouts?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“As a matter of fact, it did,” said Licia. “Yesterday evening, to be precise. Never before have I had to prepare for a journey on such short notice! I left Torbequista the moment I was able!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia seemed exhausted. Judging by the bags under her eyes, she hadn’t slept at all the night before. She was so haggard that part of me couldn’t help but think she should’ve just written the party off and stayed home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Licia took a moment longer to catch her breath, then stepped up to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Happy Birthday, Lord Ars,” she said with an elegant curtsy. The moment she managed to collect herself, all signs of her fatigue vanished into thin air and she was once more the very picture of refinement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you for coming,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve prepared a gift for you as well,” Licia continued, passing me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “I selected them from my personal garden in Torbequista.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just as I was thinking what a nice, thoughtful gift she’d prepared for me, Licia’s servants began carrying box after box into the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“In addition,” Licia said, “I’ve brought fruits grown in our Torbequistan orchards, as well as a number of dishes I cooked for you myself… Oh, this one has clothes in it, I believe… Ah, and I just knew that the accessories in this one would be the perfect fit for you…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She shouldn’t have. Like, really, she shouldn’t have, I thought as the sheer scale of her gifts became apparent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m afraid Lady Licia’s gift has rather outshone my effort, but nevertheless─Happy Birthday, Lord Ars,” said Rietz as he presented me with his present."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz had prepared a sword and a suit of armor for me. He explained that he’d commissioned them from a craftsman, and that the blade was both finely-made and specifically designed to suit my strengths. The armor, meanwhile, was a light, mobile set of clothing with chainmail sewn into it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your safety is of the utmost importance,” said Rietz, “so I spared no expense in obtaining the finest set that I could get my hands on. They’ll protect you should you find yourself in battle once more, so please, be sure to wear them when the time comes.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d never been much of a fighter, so I needed every edge that I could get to keep me in battle. A well-crafted set of gear could mean the difference between life and death, in that sense. It was a wonderful present."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you, Rietz,” I said as I accepted his gift."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The party carried on for some time after that. By the time it drew to a close, I was certain beyond a doubt that this had been the best birthday party I’d ever experienced, in either lifetime."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The day after my birthday, I decided that I’d had plenty of rest and called my retainers together to have a detailed discussion regarding the management of Canarre. Rietz, Rosell, Charlotte, and Pham all gathered for the meeting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before we addressed the main subject of the day, I had a question for Pham."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How’s Mireille? Is she doing a decent job of managing Lamberg?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“According to Ben, she’s been swilling booze like it’s water and hasn’t been the portrait of nobility when her subordinates come to her for advice. She’s not making it look like she’s taking it seriously, and I can’t say she doesn’t have issues, but she hasn’t shown any signs of turning traitor, at least,” Pham reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess I only just promoted her. It’d be strange if she was already causing more serious issues."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her lack of seriousness was an issue in its own right, of course, but it wasn’t as concerning as the worst-case scenario."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then─I think it’s time for us to get started on our main topic of discussion,” I said. “I’ve called you here today to discuss what areas we’ll focus on in our management of Canarre. I’ll start by proposing that we prioritize gathering more capable personnel to help us.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now that I was the count, the number of people I could keep in my service had increased substantially. Well, not as substantially as I would’ve liked, considering how the county was pressed for funding, but I could certainly bring a couple dozen people or so into my service."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Seeking out skilled individuals is very much your forte, Lord Ars, so I believe that applying yourself to the task would be a suitable use of your time,” said Rietz. “That being said, I believe the methods you’ve used up until now─going into town to seek out talented recruits to personally solicit, for instance─might be inefficient, at this stage.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz had a point. All the walking involved in seeking people out personally always tired me out, and even if I found a diamond in the rough there was no guarantee they’d be interested in serving me, so all my effort sometimes went to waste. I certainly couldn’t claim that it was an efficient method."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you have any alternatives?” I asked. I knew that Rietz wouldn’t bring up that sort of issue unless he had an idea in mind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe you should put out word that you’re recruiting individuals with something to offer the county,” said Rietz. “Make it known that you’ll take anyone with talent, regardless of their social standing. It might also do us well to make it known that you have a gift for perceiving people’s talents. That could draw people to you in the hopes that you can tell them what areas they’re gifted in.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can spread that sort of notice far and wide now that I’m the count, so I could see that working well. Let’s try it,” I said with a nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell spoke up next."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Um, about that. Bringing in more people’s all well and good, but there is a limit to how many we can afford to hire. I think it’d be a good idea to decide what sort of people we’re looking for first,” he suggested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s…a very good point, actually,” I said. “I don’t know, though. If someone with talent shows up, I’m going to want to hire them no matter what it’s for.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I must concur with Rosell, Lord Ars,” said Rietz. “Individuals with truly exceptional talent are worth making an exception for, perhaps, but for those less stunning but still worthy candidates, having a clear goal in mind will almost certainly be for the best.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, you win,” I said. When Rosell and Rietz were both in favor of something, I could always be all but certain it would be my best course of action. “What sort of people should we be looking for, though? We have a battle on the horizon, so I guess capable fighters should be our top priority?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Perhaps… Currently, that does seem prudent. We may want to reassess our priorities after the war has come to a close, though,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What about that new guy, Braham? He’s about as capable as fighters get, right?” asked Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, Braham? I asked Rietz to take care of him. How has that been turning out?” I inquired."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, he’s as capable of a fighter as ever. The problem was his mind, but as it happens, he’s turned out to be a quicker learner than expected,” said Rietz. “As you predicted, Lord Ars, his intellect isn’t as lacking as one might have believed at a glance. On the other hand, he’s starting from an unenviable baseline, and I’d still be hard-pressed to call him, well, smart. As things stand I believe that asking him to lead a large regiment would be too risky, but so long as a capable aide was assigned to him, he could command a smaller squad without issue.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sounds like he’s making steady progress, then. That’s good to hear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, if we’re talking people who can fight, I think we’d better bring in a few more mages,” said Charlotte, speaking up for the first time this meeting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That is a good point. We could always use more magic on our side,” I admitted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, and new mages is only part of the picture. We could also use people to teach other people magic, and a place to study it would be great too,” Charlotte continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was drifting away from the topic of recruitment, but I had to admit, I was stunned to hear such a reasonable and well-considered proposal come from Charlotte, of all people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What? Why’re you all looking at me like that?” Charlotte grumbled. Apparently Rietz, Rosell, and I hadn’t done a great job of concealing our shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the moment, Canarre didn’t have any sort of facilities for the research and instruction of magic. I had no doubt that making a place like that would be to the county’s benefit, in the long run."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A facility meant for magical studies would indeed be worth creating,” said Rietz. “That being said, we’ll need to bring in plenty of people with magical talent beforehand. Plus, there’s the matter of the funding needed for construction, and then for any research. There are a number of barriers that make it somewhat less than practical, for now.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, even if we don’t make it right away, it sounds like it’s something we should prioritize in the near future,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Indeed,” agreed Rietz, “but let us return to the matter of recruitment. Focusing our search in the hopes of finding capable mages seems advisable, I would agree.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Same,” I said. “I think we have a plan, then! Let’s get that notice sent out!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With Rosell and Rietz’s help, I drafted up a public notice that would hopefully bring as many candidates as possible to me, then gave the order to have it posted on signboards which would be set up all throughout Canarre."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our course of action was now firmly set, and I knew we’d be focusing on proactive recruitment for the time being, but that didn’t mean we could slack off in other areas. We’d have to dedicate a fair share of time to preparing for the upcoming battle, as well. Mobilizing our forces took money and food, not to mention the resources required to keep them armed and armored. The troops were only the beginning, too─we’d also need to procure as many strategic resources as possible, chief among them aqua magia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was already feeling the loss of the money I’d pumped into airship development. Every coin devoted to that cause meant soldiers I wouldn’t be able to pay and goods our troops would lack. Fewer troops, in the worst case, could damage Couran’s opinion of me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess I’ll just have to make up for it by being extra useful on the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bolstering our numbers was only part of what it would take to prepare our army for war. We’d also have to train our troops, better preparing them for the battles to come. That task I left in the hands of Rietz and my other retainers. I, meanwhile, spent my days appraising the people who came to us after seeing one of our recruitment signboards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Said signboards seemed to be doing their job quite well, and a decent number of hopeful applicants soon started arriving in hopes of entering into my service. The people who arrived for appraisal came from all walks of life. Some were the children of disgraced nobles, some were ordinary townsfolk, some were farmers, some were former mercenaries or bodyguards, and some were hunters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I quickly settled into a routine, first appraising the applicant, then telling them that we’d inform them of my decision in a few days’ time and sending them on their way rather than giving them their results on the spot. We’d written that I was capable of perceiving people’s talents at a glance on the signboards, but I had a feeling that if I really just looked at them and sent them home, the failed applicants would be less than satisfied. I figured that acting as if some sort of test were happening behind the scenes would make them take the news a little better, at least."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, I’m basing my choices off people’s long-term potential, not their current capabilities."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It still seemed possible that once the results were in, someone would decide to kick up a fuss about how someone who seemed superficially less useful had been accepted, while they’d been rejected. There just wasn’t a perfect answer, at least as far as I could find."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the first day, I appraised over a hundred people and wore my eyes into a state of exhaustion, but didn’t find a single one who struck me as the perfect candidate. There was one person who was reasonably capable, with maximum stats in the seventies or so, and I spent some time wondering whether or not to recruit him before deciding to ask Rietz for his input. He noted that the man’s magical Aptitude wasn’t remarkable, and since he wasn’t exceptional in any other way, I took his advice and turned the man down. I did keep his appearance and where he lived in the back of my mind, just in case the county’s fortunes turned around and I had the chance to reach out again and recruit him for real. Whether or not he’d accept was a whole different question, of course!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was one other noteworthy fact about the first day of applications that caught my attention: every one of the prospective candidates was a man. As a general rule women weren’t a match for men in close combat─with some exceptions, of course─but I knew that some of them could have incredible talent for magic slumbering within them, like Charlotte. Whether or not someone was smart or politically capable had nothing to do with their sex whatsoever, either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d intended to hire any exceptional women who showed up, but in society’s eyes, women were meant to stay at home while men went out to earn their family’s keep, and that bias had proven powerful enough to convince Canarre’s women not to even try. We’d written that anyone could apply, but we hadn’t gone out of our way to specify that “anyone” included women. I’d thought that was just a given, but to the people of this world, “anyone” apparently meant “anyone, as long as you’re a man.” And so, even though it would be a bit of a pain, I had the signboards altered to include a specific note inviting women to apply as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hopefully I’ll have a few women start showing up in the next couple batches of applicants!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days packed full of appraisals came and went, but I just wasn’t finding as many new retainers as I’d been hoping for. I’d met plenty of people, but they just weren’t up to my standards, and the fatigue of it all was starting to take a toll on me. I briefly considered putting the whole project on pause and rethinking things, but in the end, I decided to push through and keep looking, however long it took."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I kept searching and searching until almost a month had passed. I took a few days off here and there over the course of that period, but still, interviewing the sheer number of people I’d gone through was brutal. To make matters worse, I still had yet to find anyone who suited my desires. After turning down that many people, I was starting to worry that rumors would start spreading about the requirements for the job being impossibly high. That could mean that my pool of applicants would dry up, and I was starting to think that it’d be a good idea to bring someone on board, even if they were less than ideal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Forty applicants await your judgment, Your Lordship,” one of the castle’s servants reported to me. That was a relatively small crowd, and I was relieved to think it would be an easy day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The applicants filed into the room all at once. They were mostly men, as usual, but two women had shown up as well this time. I started out by offering them a quick greeting, then got right to my appraisals, starting with a conspicuously tall, red-headed man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh? These stats aren’t bad at all!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His name was Zaht Brouzdo, he was thirty-one years old, and he had a Valor score of 81, which told me he was quite the capable fighter. His Intelligence and Politics scores were in the seventies as well, which wasn’t bad at all. His one lacking skill was his Leadership of 51, which told me he wasn’t the sort of person who excelled in a position of command. His Ambition was also 56, which was a little on the high side. His current scores and maximum scores were all almost equal, so I had to assume he’d been through some proper training."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zaht had an A-ranked Infantry Aptitude, which was quite high. The rest of his Aptitudes were all around C or D-ranked, however, which meant that he wasn’t much of a mage. Still, with stats like his, taking him into my service seemed like it would be worthwhile on the whole."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I moved on to the rest of my appraisals in an excellent mood, elated at having finally found my first exceptional new recruit. Neither my mood nor my luck would last, as applicant after applicant turned out to not live up to my standards."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, I reached the fortieth and final candidate, who turned out to be a child. They were just about as tall as I was, and at a glance, I couldn’t tell whether they were a boy or a girl. Their hair was pretty short, and their chest was flat as could be, so I assumed they were a boy until I appraised them and found out that I was wrong, and that she was, in fact, a girl after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her name was Musia Trick, and she was sixteen years old─much older than I’d been expecting. The important part, though, was her status box…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, she’s not bad either, actually!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All four of her core stats had maximum scores in the seventies, and her Ambition score was 32, which wasn’t too high at all. Her current stats were all in the forties, so I could imagine that her abilities weren’t all that impressive at the moment, but I had high expectations for her growth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It struck me as pretty rare for a woman as small as Musia to have that high of a Valor score. Mireille had high Valor too, but she was practically a giantess, with muscles to match. That was when I looked at Musia’s Aptitudes, and found my explanation: there, in the section for her Mage Aptitude, sat the letter “A.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had all of the day’s applicants return to their homes, for the time being. Part of me had wanted to snap up my chosen candidates on the spot, but I didn’t want to earn them the enmity of all the people I hadn’t picked, and I also wanted to talk with my current retainers before I made the choice official. I was all but set on bringing Zaht and Musia into the fold. Especially Musia─an A-ranked Mage Aptitude was exactly what I’d been looking for this whole time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I eventually found the time to gather my retainers for a meeting. I’d more or less tasked Rietz with handling all of our war preparations, so his schedule was pretty packed and it took quite a while for us to find a good moment to get everyone together. But soon, everything fell into place, we all gathered up, and I gave everyone a brief summary of Zaht and Musia’s capabilities."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So you’ve finally found a talented mage! Well done, Lord Ars!” said Rietz with a broad smile."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Even just a single capable mage more makes all the difference in terms of the strategies available to us! I’m so glad we got one, honestly. Who knows if they’ll be battle-ready before the fighting starts, though,” said Rosell, who was happy too, but a little more tempered in tone. It seemed he wasn’t optimistic about Musia’s ability to participate in the imminent conflict."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Woohoo!” Charlotte cheered with a pump of her fists. “So, what’s the new mage like?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, she’s a woman like you, to start,” I said. “She’s sixteen, and short for her age. We didn’t talk much, so I’m not sure what sort of personality she has yet.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A girl? Nice! I’ll have to really press her nose to the grindstone,” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Please don’t,” I sighed. “I mean, don’t be that hard on her. It took a long time to pick her out, you know?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The last thing I wanted was for Charlotte to go nuts with Musia’s training routine and drive her away. Of course, knowing the sort of person Charlotte was, I couldn’t imagine her really being that much of a drill sergeant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As for the other candidate you mentioned…Zaht, I believe? You said his abilities are exceptional, per your appraisal, yes?” said Rietz. “In that case, I believe that bringing both of them into your service is an excellent idea. Given how few results our search has produced so far, I was of the mind to suggest recruiting someone soon, no matter who they were.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz, it seemed, had been thinking along the same lines I was, and since nobody had raised any objections, Musia and Zaht’s recruitment was set in stone. I had letters dispatched to both of their homes at once, informing them of their offers of employment. A few days later, they arrived at Castle Canarre once more."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s an honor to enter your esteemed service, Your Lordship,” Zaht said with a bow the moment he saw me. He was clearly a man who knew his manners, though considering how high his Ambition score was, I wasn’t about to let myself lower my guard around him. Who knew what he might do if I was too careless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“U-Umm… Did I really pass the test?” Musia asked in a tone devoid of self-confidence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, you did. You have remarkable potential,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“D-Do I really? I can hardly believe it… What sort of potential do you mean, Your Lordship?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The potential to be a mage. You have a talent for magic,” I explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“F-For magic?! But I’ve never cast a spell in my life!” Musia exclaimed in bewildered shock. I could understand why being told she had a talent for something she’d never even tried would be hard to swallow, to be fair."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“With enough training, you will become a mage among mages. I can promise you that with absolute confidence,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“B-But…mages are soldiers, aren’t they? You expect me to fight?! Even if I can use magic, I think I’d do better work far away from the front line,” Musia muttered. Her apprehension about my proposal was plain to see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It struck me that Charlotte’s willingness to march right into battle without a hint of protest made her quite the rare exception. By this world’s values, sending a woman to war was an incredibly cruel thing to do. I’d sort of assumed that her talent for magic meant that Musia would be just as much of a weirdo as Charlotte was, but it turned out that she was an ordinary girl, at least in terms of her personality."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And wait,” Musia continued. “Are you saying that women can use magic?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, they can,” I replied. “One of my retainers is a female mage who’s achieved great things on countless battlefields. You haven’t heard of her?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“N-No, I haven’t. I had no idea,” Musia said with a shake of her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d thought that Charlotte was pretty famous, so I was a little surprised. To be fair, I wasn’t on Earth anymore and my current society didn’t have the ability to diffuse information like my old world did, so maybe it was only natural that word hadn’t gotten around in the way I’d thought it would. On the other hand, it felt a little strange that someone who was trying to enter into the service of the count wouldn’t have looked into that sort of thing before signing up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I don’t know if I can fight, and I don’t know if I can use magic, but I’ll do my absolute best anyway!” Musia said with a panicked bow. And with that, House Louvent formally welcomed two new retainers into its service."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey! I’m Charlotte. I think they said your name was, err… What was it again, actually?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“M-Musia,” House Louvent’s newest recruit timidly replied. She and her senior retainer were a short distance away from the city of Canarre, in a training ground set up for the count’s troops."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where in the world have I let myself get dragged off to? Musia thought to herself as she glanced around at all the male mages in the training grounds. They were all looking back at her, their gazes sharp and appraising. They weren’t trying to intimidate her, though─that was just how their expressions wound up while they were training. Soldiers like them took their practice very seriously, and there was always an almost electric air of tension in the air when they ran through their drills."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“U-Umm,” Musia said, raising a trembling hand into the air. “I’m, well, a girl…and I’ve never used magic at all, so…is it really even possible for me to have a talent for it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re not the first female mage in this crew,” Charlotte pointed out. “Plus, Lord Ars picked you out! That means you’ve got some crazy talent for sure. But, eh, might as well give it a try and see for yourself, right?” she added, passing Musia a small catalyzer already full of aqua magia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do I do with this?” Musia asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just chant a spell. That’s all it takes to use magic! Here, I’ll show you one.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte recited the incantation for Fire Bullet, a flame-aspected spell. Musia, in turn, repeated the incantation in an almost inaudible mutter. Fortunately, the volume of a mage’s voice was unrelated to the effectiveness of the spell they cast. A mage couldn’t get away with just mouthing the words, of course, but past that point, how loudly they cast wasn’t a factor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The very instant Musia finished reciting her spell, an orb of flame burst forth before her. It slammed into a target and detonated in a moderately-sized explosion. It wasn’t an outlandishly large blast, by any means, but for an absolute beginner’s very first spell, it was without a doubt remarkably powerful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ooh,” one of the nearby mages exclaimed in admiration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Impressive,” said another."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That was a far cry from one of Charlotte’s spells, but it’s quite something to see a beginner cast like that,” added a third. Now, at least, their businesslike frowns faded away, and they complimented their new ally with smiles on their faces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Was that pretty good, or something?” asked Charlotte, who’d never had a proper grasp of what counted as a reasonable level of magical power."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had been casting outlandishly ultra-powered spells from the very beginning, and was very much an outlier─enough so that she couldn’t judge other mages’ abilities by any reasonable standard. The other mages, however, had a clearer perspective, and explained how impressive Musia’s spell was by using the stories of their own first spells as a comparison."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh! That so?” said Charlotte. “Guess she really is amazing, then! I knew Lord Ars wouldn’t screw up that sorta call.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia, however, didn’t hear so much as a word of Charlotte and the mages’ exchange. She was too busy staring blankly at the charred wreckage of the target she’d just immolated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I…I can really use magic? Musia thought to herself, so moved by the revelation she began to tremble. Until she’d recited the spell─until she’d seen the fireball conjured by her own will slam into the target─she had never truly believed that she had the potential to be a mage. A person like me? Really…? And it was pretty powerful, too…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia had never seen magic in person before, so by her standards, the spell she’d cast had appeared tremendously destructive. At the absolute least, she could tell that if she’d directed a spell like that toward a person, terrible burns would be the best-case scenario for them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing I’ve ever tried to do before now has felt like it clicked…but maybe I’ve found the one thing that does."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that moment, Musia could tell that her life was about to change dramatically."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, Musia’s training as a mage began."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The first time she saw Charlotte, the leader of Canarre’s mage division, cast a spell, Musia was stunned. She realized instantly that the spell that she had cast was nothing compared to the sheer power that Charlotte wielded. That being said, she didn’t feel frustrated by the revelation, as she was still a rank and file beginner. To the contrary, she felt a sense of admiration toward Charlotte. The knowledge that a woman like her was capable of casting such mighty spells made Musia begin to wish that she, too, could be that skilled one day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She soon had opportunities to watch the other mages cast as well, and found that, Charlotte aside, none of them were particularly impressive. They were all capable of casting more effective spells than Musia’s had been, of course─it was, after all, her very first attempt─but none of them blew hers out of the water like Charlotte’s had. Musia realized on an intuitive level that it might not be long at all before she surpassed them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As time passed by and her training continued, Musia’s magical capabilities never spiked dramatically. They did grow, though, little by little and day by day, which was enough to catch Charlotte’s attention and give her a positive impression of Musia’s capabilities. Many of the other mages never seemed to improve no matter how much they practiced."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hey, Musia! Let’s go get some grub!” Charlotte called out one day after the mage unit’s training came to a close. She’d taken quite a liking to the newest mage in their force, and was hoping to get to know her a little better over a meal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well, all right,” Musia agreed hesitantly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their meals were waiting for them in Castle Canarre’s dining hall. Musia and Charlotte returned to the castle together, collected their food, and sat down to eat at the same table."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, looks like you’ve been enjoying yourself, eh? I bet you’re pretty glad to get to throw some magic around, huh?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Oh, I mean, yes! It’s been wonderful!” Musia replied with a smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Great! That’s good to hear, seriously. The more you like it, the easier it is to get motivated, y’know?” Charlotte said as she nodded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, umm─can I ask you a few questions?” inquired Musia, who was starting to get a little worked up. She’d been hoping to speak with Charlotte about all sorts of things for quite some time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sure, go for it!” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, then─how do you use such incredibly powerful magic?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oof, that’s a toughie,” said Charlotte. “I just kinda do it, and then it’s like…bam! Magic! Nobody ever seems to get it when I try to explain.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, umm…bam?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia paused to ponder Charlotte’s words, but just couldn’t understand what she was trying to describe. The two of them sank into silence for a moment, and eventually, Musia decided to ask a new question and change the topic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, how did you become a mage?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, that was thanks to Lord Ars! I was a slave, see, but then he came along and bought me. Said he was buying me as a retainer instead of a slave, though, and, well, here I am!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A s-slave…?” Musia repeated in shock. She’d never imagined Charlotte had such a history."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, I screwed up and got nabbed by a snatcher,” said Charlotte. “If Lord Ars hadn’t found me, I’d probably be a sex slave right about now. I’ve got the looks for it, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She certainly did, though Musia was a little put off by the fact that Charlotte had pointed the fact out herself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What about you? What’s your story? Before you got here, I mean,” inquired Charlotte, turning the question back around on Musia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was just a plain old peasant,” Musia replied. “I spent all of my life helping out at home. It was, well, very ordinary.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh,” mumbled Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "One might’ve expected her to ask why Musia had chosen to enter into a lord’s service, but Charlotte did no such thing, much to Musia’s relief. It wasn’t a topic she cared to discuss, though not because the answer was complicated or touchy. To the contrary, she was embarrassed to explain herself because her motives were so plain and simple."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, glad to have you, in any case!” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thank you!” said Musia with a nod, returning Charlotte’s smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, Zaht was already regretting his decision to become Ars’s retainer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Graaaaaah! Show some backbone, you buncha slugs!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The source of his regret: Zaht’s direct superior Braham, who was, charitably, an idiot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On Ars’s orders, Zaht had been stationed as the second in command of a small troop of elite soldiers. That wasn’t a problem, in and of itself. The problem─or rather, the many problems─were on account of the commander of the troop, Braham. The man exuded an aura of stupidity, no matter where he was or what he was doing. It wasn’t long before Zaht found himself questioning why he’d been made to work under a man like that, and it was only shortly thereafter that he found his patience for the situation dangling by a rapidly-fraying thread."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The recruitment sign was weird enough to get my attention, and everything seemed all well and good up until I passed the test…but how was I supposed to know I’d end up working with someone like him? Maybe it’s time for me to make tracks, Zaht thought to himself as he fretted over his immediate future."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zaht hadn’t been born into a distinguished family, and had never achieved anything especially great upon the field of battle. He was a capable enough fighter, but he knew that wouldn’t be enough to get him far in the world. There was no guarantee he’d be able to find employment if he left Canarre, which meant that he couldn’t afford to make any hasty moves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, Zaht, it’s sparring time! let’s do this!” Braham shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The proposal had come out of nowhere, and Zaht hesitated for a moment, but then decided to take Braham up on his offer. The man was an idiot, yes, but judging by the way he carried himself, Zaht judged that he was exceptionally physically capable. This struck him as a good opportunity to judge Braham’s ability as a fighter firsthand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The men took up wooden swords and faced off against each other. Braham’s specialty was the spear, but he’d chosen a sword today in spite of that fact. He was capable of holding his own, even without using his weapon of choice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s do this!” Braham bellowed as he swung his sword toward Zaht. Braham’s small stature belied the sheer power packed into his compact frame, and his first strike was a heavy one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Zaht skillfully parried the attack rather than blocking it head-on. The duel wore on in much the same manner for some time, but in the end, Braham’s strength won out and Zaht’s sword was knocked clean out of his hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zaht found himself so frustrated by the loss that he soon chose to challenge Braham to a duel in turn. They fought again, and then again, but time after time, their battles ended in Zaht’s defeat. He had no choice but to admit that Braham was a remarkable warrior, in spite of his stupidity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m on a whole new level of strength thanks to Rietz’s lessons!” Braham proudly declared. “I’ll pass on some of his wisdom, so listen up: When you’re fighting someone, you’ve gotta watch their movements really carefully!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s the most basic of the basics! Zaht’s inner voice shouted indignantly. It was so basic that it went without saying, in fact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When you watch how the person you’re fighting moves, it makes it easier to hit them and to dodge their attacks! You should see how Rietz fights─he’s a master, through and through!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zaht had to wonder: if Braham had only learned that particular lesson recently, then how in the world had he been fighting up until then? And moreover, what did it say about Zaht that he was incapable of defeating a man who didn’t know how fighting worked on a fundamental level? A budding sense of self-loathing was beginning to grow within him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess I won’t be quitting after all, Zaht thought. Not until I manage to take this idiot down, anyway!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, Zaht found his resolve, by way of intense, bitter frustration."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few weeks had passed since I took Musia and Zaht into my service, and I decided to check in with everyone and see how the two of them had been acclimating to their positions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia, it seemed, had been diligently training away to improve her magical skills. Although her Mage Aptitude was quite high, the spells she cast weren’t as fearsomely powerful as Charlotte’s just yet. I’d come to understand that some people with high aptitudes learned and grew quicker than others, and Musia seemed to be on the slow and steady end of that spectrum. That being said, she was still capable enough to almost immediately wield more powerful magic than the rest of our mage division. Her talent was unmistakable─it was just still developing, and she hadn’t quite reached a level where she could participate in a real battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte, meanwhile, had grown quite fond of Musia and had taken it upon herself to act as the fledgeling mage’s personal tutor. I wasn’t convinced that affection was a two-way street─Musia was, after all, getting an up close and personal view of Charlotte’s whimsical nature─but Musia did at least seem to genuinely admire Charlotte and the powerful magic she wielded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zaht, on the other hand, was an exceptionally skilled combatant and was easily capable of going out into battle already. His lack of Leadership meant that he wouldn’t be commanding any armies any time soon, so I’d formed a small division of relatively capable soldiers and made him one of its members."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d entrusted the leadership of that division to Braham, a former enemy soldier who I’d recruited after a recent battle. Braham had the potential to be an incredible leader, but at the moment, his Leadership score was less than impressive. I’d decided to start him out in command of a small force, hoping that would give him the chance to get some experience and boost his score. I gave Zaht the role of the division’s second-in-command, tasking him with aiding Braham in his duties. Braham had a rather over-the-top personality, but Zaht was a little older and considerably calmer, so I was hoping that the two of them would balance each other out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I kept up my recruitment drive even after bringing Zaht and Musia into the fold, and eventually found ten other individuals who struck me as capable enough to hire. Musia was the only one with a talent for magic, in the end, but the rest of them were gifted enough in their own rights. Some of them were already capable and ready to go out into battle at once, while others’ talents were still latent and would take some fostering before I could use them. Most of the people I chose were either commoners or disgraced nobles, and a few of them had come to Canarre from other duchies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My search had taken quite a long time in the end, and I’d only managed to recruit twelve or so people, so I found myself questioning whether this new method was as efficient as we’d hoped it would be. I wished there were some way for me to cast a wider net. My best idea for the moment was to foster relationships with the counts of the nearby counties and put myself in a position where I could search their territories for talent as well. That, surely, would make for a more efficient process. My hands were full just dealing with my own county, and I’d had no opportunities to socialize with my fellow counts so far, which seemed like something I’d want to make happen in the long run."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe I’ll have to invite all the counts I can to a party, or something to that effect? And if I get an invitation from any of them to any gatherings, I’ll definitely have to make attending it a priority."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Several months after I assumed leadership over Canarre, Rietz came to me with a report."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Ars,” he said, “a letter from Lord Couran has arrived for you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, has it?” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Indeed. I presume the war is soon to resume, and he has chosen to order you to assemble your troops and march to the front lines.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz handed me the letter, which I opened and read on the spot. It was exactly what he’d anticipated: a request that me and my troops march to join forces with Couran’s army. That said, it also noted that there were reports of suspicious movements in Seitz, and instructed me to leave behind a standing force to deal with any sudden developments on the border."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had actually already been made aware of Seitz’s questionable movements, and Rietz, capable as he was, had recognized the importance of the news. He hadn’t even waited for me to give the order before using all our available resources, the Shadows included, to start amassing information. It wasn’t long before I’d received a full report on the situation in Seitz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seitz’s leadership had recently been disrupted by a rebellion, and the man responsible had managed to drive the now former Duke of Seitz out of the duchy and install himself as the new leader. It was a classic case of a retainer unseating the lord that he served. The rebellion’s success was still a recent development, so the situation in the duchy was still far from settled and I’d initially assumed that they wouldn’t be capable of any aggressive moves for some time, but there was also the possibility that the presence of an external enemy would bring the armies of Seitz together faster than I was anticipating."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The easiest target of invasion for Seitz, however, was not, in fact, Missian. Scheutz, the duchy to Seitz’s north, presented a more appealing target, and if Seitz was to march on any of its neighbors it seemed more than likely they’d head in that direction. Missian still couldn’t let its guard down, though, and strengthening our borders was a clear necessity. Of course, the fact that I’d been told I didn’t have to bring my whole army to the front meant that even if I showed up with a somewhat unimpressive force, Couran wouldn’t blame me for it. The situation wasn’t completely devoid of upsides."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Spread the word, Rietz─we’ll begin preparing to march into battle at once!” I ordered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, Your Lordship!” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On Couran’s command, we set about preparing to sortie on the double."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Meanwhile in Castle Arcantez, Vasmarque’s followers were delivering a report to their lord."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Our attempts to sabotage Couran’s alliance with Paradille have failed, Your Lordship.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“With regards to our appeal for an armistice with the Emperor, we have regrettably received a letter denying our request.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vasmarque scowled. Velshdt had fallen, his right-hand man Thomas taken captive, and now Couran was rallying his troops for another offensive, leaving Vasmarque in a genuine predicament. He’d tried everything he could think of to extricate himself from his dilemma, but to no avail."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve few options left…and little choice but to make do with the means available to us. We must fight to our last breath─or otherwise, lay down our arms and surrender,” said Remus. Although he’d led his troops to victory in countless battles, the old veteran seemed half-resigned to defeat already. “I would have it be known that even were we to fight to the last, we would gain nothing more than needless bloodshed. For Missian’s sake, I believe our proper course is to admit defeat.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No. Never…” Vasmarque muttered, his fists clenched so tightly they trembled. “I have never thought myself to be a man of great ambition. I am well aware that my talents suit the role of a counselor more than they do a leader. But…I would never leave Missian in Couran’s hands.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A tinge of fury crept into Vasmarque’s words as he spoke on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Couran is a man held in high esteem, I will grant him that. His underlings adore him, and he is by no means inept. I, however, have spent my whole life watching him. I know him all too well─I know his pettiness, his small-mindedness, and his utter inability to truly trust anyone. The moment he claims the highest seat in Missian, he will purge any of his subordinates who may be capable enough to challenge him, and in their absence, the duchy will begin its inevitable decline. It would be bad enough if we lacked external foes, but in this day and age, the slightest sign of weakness will bring our neighboring duchies down upon us. They will feast upon Missian’s carcass, and House Salemakhia will fall to ruin. That, above all else, I cannot allow to come to pass.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Being Couran’s younger brother offered Vasmarque a unique perspective into the man’s personality. That perspective─those memories of his brother─led him to conclude that Couran did not have what it took to lead the duchy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But, Lord Vasmarque,” said Remus, “you mustn’t blind yourself to reality. The simple truth is that we have no moves left to make.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No,” said Vasmarque with a shake of his head. “Not quite. We still have one remaining ray of hope. If it fails, then I will concede that we’ve exhausted our last option…but not until then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At that moment, another of Vasmarque’s subordinates burst into the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ve returned from Seitz, Your Lordship!” he shouted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Excellent work! What news do you bear?” Vasmarque asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The rebellion has unseated the duke, and Lord Grenda Domatson has claimed his position! He has stated that he’s willing to negotiate, and entrusted me with a letter for you!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“He has?! Let’s see it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vasmarque believed that if he could bring Seitz into the conflict on his side, he would still have a chance to turn the tide in his favor. To that end, when he heard that the rebellion was nearing victory, he’d had a letter dispatched to Seitz’s current rulership. The new duke, Grenda Domatson, had seized his position in a remarkably short period of time, and was unmistakably as capable as rulers come. He would surely prove to be an invaluable ally."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vasmarque scanned the letter. As his subordinate had reported, it stated that Grenda was willing to open negotiations. It did not, however, make any concrete promises of an alliance to come─that would depend on how their talks played out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A chance to negotiate was a boon, to be sure, but there was no guarantee that the negotiations would end in Vasmarque’s favor. Knowing how recently Grenda had ascended, it seemed all but certain he would have his hands full with internal issues as well. Even if he were looking for opportunities to stage an assault on his neighboring duchies, Scheutz would be a far easier target. Moreover, Scheutz was home to a cavern known colloquially as Mage’s Paradise, in which an incredible variety of magistone deposits could be found. Seitz was comparatively limited in its magical resources, so a potential windfall of that nature would be almost impossible to resist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ve few cards to play, and the tide is flowing against us. But that doesn’t mean it’s over─whether or not we can secure this alliance will all come down to our ability to negotiate, thought Vasmarque. He was determined to come out of the talks with a new ally, no matter what it took."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My retainers and I rallied our troops, and began our preparations to join forces with Couran’s army. As I’d anticipated, however, we lacked proper funding, and could only afford to bring some of our men into active mobilization. Then, there was the matter of Seitz, and the fact that we needed to leave a standing force behind to ward off any unexpected assaults. Between those two factors, we wound up with a considerably smaller army that was ready to march than we’d had last time we sortied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then again, it’s not like Couran’s lacking in manpower to begin with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had a pretty clear idea that he didn’t want me there for my rank and file troops─he wanted me for my exceptional retainers and the out-of-the-box ideas they could supply him with for his attack. Considering how small Canarre’s population was, I would have been shocked if he’d expected us to bring along many soldiers in the first place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was to understand that Couran’s force would hold a considerable advantage in manpower during the fight for Arcantez, but that wasn’t to say that Vasmarque’s personal troops would be pushovers by any means. I was certain that the battle would be winnable, but I was also certain it wouldn’t be easy. We’d have to do everything we could to tip the odds in our favor and make it as simple of a conquest as possible, in the hopes of putting me deeper into Couran’s good graces."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The troops are prepared to move out whenever you’re ready, Lord Ars,” Rietz reported."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Great! In that case, let’s get─” I began, but before I could finish giving the order, a man burst into the room."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was Ben, the Shadows’ resident message-runner. He was usually an impassive man, but for once, there was a clear hint of panic on his face. I didn’t like what that impression implied one bit. It seemed unlikely he was here to deliver good news."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What happened?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ben took a moment to catch his breath, then returned to his usual blank expression and gave his report in an almost indifferent tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seitz’s troops are preparing to mobilize, and they’re gathering up in the County of Purledo, which is just across the border from us. Their objective isn’t clear yet, but the odds are high that they’re preparing for an invasion of Canarre.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They’re…what?” I gasped. I was in a state of utter and complete shock. I’d known there was a chance that Seitz would make a move on Canarre, but now, of all times? Moreover, they were gathering what sounded like a sizable invasion force. I couldn’t begin to guess how many soldiers that would mean, but it certainly sounded like they intended to take the county by storm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How many soldiers are we talking?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Around eighty thousand,” said Ben."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“E-Eighty thousand,” I stammered. It was almost too large a number for me to wrap my head around, and was far greater a force than Canarre had any hope of fending off. In fact, it was a large enough army that I had to wonder if they were planning on starting with Canarre, then rolling over the rest of Missian while they were at it. “F-First things first─call off the sortie, and be ready to send a message to Lord Couran on the double! Then, gather everyone up for an emergency meeting!” I ordered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mere moments beforehand I’d been occupied by the thought of how I could make myself more useful to my superiors. Now, though, I’d shifted gears and was single-mindedly focused on how I could protect my territory. To start, I returned to my room and drafted a letter to Couran as quickly as I could manage, explaining the situation and requesting as many troops as he could possibly spare to back us up. I entrusted it to one of my retainers for delivery, then hurried off to meet with Rietz, Mireille, Rosell, and the others, who would hopefully help me figure out what in the world we could do about our newfound crisis."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, we’re sure in one hell of a pickle this time, aren’t we?” said Mireille. She sounded rather casual for a woman who’d just rushed from Lamberg to Canarre at a breakneck pace, but then again, she’d never seemed to react dramatically to this sort of crisis. Part of me suspected she enjoyed the thrill of an oncoming disaster."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-Why are you acting like nothing’s wrong?! Th-This is a disaster!” Rosell shouted. He was so stressed he’d gone pallid, but also, I had to agree with him. Blind panic was the natural reaction in this situation. Mireille’s aloof attitude did help me feel a little reassured that we could still turn things around, though, so I didn’t fault her for it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Assuming the Shadows’ report is accurate, the enemy force is far larger than we have any hope of dealing with on our own. Waiting for reinforcements is our only option,” said Rietz, who seemed relatively calm and collected. His conclusion was undeniable, as well. Canarre’s army stood no chance of defeating eighty thousand men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The question is, how many men will he even bother sending…?” Mireille muttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I believe Lord Couran has ample cause to send a sizable force,” said Rietz. “Canarre may not be a location of vital importance, but we are quite close to Semplar, which serves as his base of operations. Should Canarre fall, Lord Couran will face a distinct threat on his doorstep.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille shook her head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s wishful thinking,” she said. “If Seitz has eighty thousand troops on the border, that pretty much guarantees they’re convinced they’ll profit from an invasion. And if that’s true, then odds are good they’ve got some sort of trick up their sleeve.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Such as…?” I prompted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d put money on Seitz and Vasmarque working together on this one. Dunno what sort of deal they could’ve made with each other, but I’m positive that Vasmarque’s going to use Seitz’s assault to spring some sort of trap of his own. That’ll keep Couran busy, and he won’t be able to send us the backup we need as a result.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille’s explanation seemed weirdly convincing to me. There was something unnatural about Seitz’s offensive, when she put it that way, and them having made a deal to work together and take down Couran would make everything make sense again. We didn’t have any concrete evidence, of course, and there was always the possibility that Seitz had just decided to invade and take over Missian on its own initiative. If we received a message from Couran saying that Vasmarque was on the move and he wouldn’t be able to help us, though, then I would consider Mireille’s theory all but proven."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think Master’s right,” said Rosell. “Vasmarque’s supposed to be a tactical genius, so I’m sure he could have pulled a plan like that off without much trouble.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“There’s no telling how the situation may develop, but for the moment, it would behoove us to plan for the worst-case scenario. After all, should reinforcements not arrive, then protecting Canarre will fall upon our shoulders.” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, but…protect it how?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille, Rietz, and Rosell all fell silent. Even with all three of their exceptional Intelligence scores put together, it seemed that figuring out how to repel a force of eighty thousand men wasn’t such an easy task."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, nah. It’s a lost cause,” said Mireille. “Not only do we not have the manpower, but our cities aren’t designed to repel a serious invasion. Castle Canarre’s walls aren’t equipped with any half-decent magical weapons or defenses at all. If Seitz really wanted this territory, they could have it within a year, at most. Our only hope’s that Couran will defeat Vasmarque before then and send reinforcements our way.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In other words, Mireille was recommending that we fight a defensive battle and stall for as much time as possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’d be leaving our fates in the hands of our allies…but is that our only choice?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, there is one other option,” Mireille continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What would that be?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Surrender to Seitz before the battle even starts,” said Mireille. “They’ll probably ask us to lay down our arms before they invade in earnest, and if we say yes, they might decide not to kill the lot of us. I’m sure the Duke of Seitz would love to get his hands on your power, and if you play your cards right, you might even manage to move up in the world. Seitz’ll move in to hit Couran in the flank and take Semplar, most likely, and if you manage to contribute enough in that battle, he might just set you up in charge of the place. Hell, you might even be able to keep Canarre too, for all I know.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could think of a word to describe that proposal: a betrayal. Mireille was right that stabbing Couran in the back could save the lives of me and my retainers, and it seemed less risky than the other options on the table. Considering that I’d made a point of prioritizing the continued existence of House Louvent, it should’ve by all rights been an option that I took into serious consideration…but I just couldn’t help but balk at the idea."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why was I so opposed to betraying Couran? Simply put, one of the biggest reasons was because I’d taken a liking to him as an individual. He was understanding, honest, and generous in treating his followers to lavish rewards and feasts. He also seemed to hold me in high esteem, whereas I had no idea how the Duke of Seitz would view me if I jumped ship. The promise I’d made to Lumeire played a motivating factor as well. He was deeply loyal to Couran, from what I could tell, and having inherited his former territory, using it and its resources to stab Couran in the back would feel downright coldhearted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I quickly reached my decision."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m afraid I would prefer not to surrender, Mireille,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lemme set something straight, kiddo. You think that surrendering would mean betraying Couran, right?” Mireille replied. “Well, this whole scenario’s assuming that he either doesn’t send any reinforcements to help us, or sends too few to make any difference. If one of his vassals asks for his help and he doesn’t deliver, that means he’s failed in his lordly duties. If you’re faced with unbeatable odds and your lord doesn’t send anyone to back you up, then when you surrender, it’s not your fault─it’s the lord’s, no question. That means that nobody will see it as a betrayal, and you won’t damage your family’s reputation.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to admit that I found her argument compelling, and a part of me wavered, but I’d made my choice and I felt compelled to stick with it. Rietz and Rosell seemed to see the logic in surrendering as well, and while they didn’t like the idea of giving up without a fight, they were of the opinion that in the worst-case scenario it might be our only option. I wasn’t excited about the idea of fighting to the death, either…and if it came down to it, I knew that surrender could be the best way to save my retainers, my family, my fiancée Licia, my citizens, and, of course, myself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, none of this will matter if Lord Couran can get us the troops we need,” I said. “Let’s wait for his response before we make any major decisions. That, and send what troops we have on hand toward the border. Can we deploy them right away?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We were already preparing for a sortie, so they can move out at once,” said Rietz. “I believe we should have them set up camps at a number of strategic points immediately.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I’ll leave commanding the army to you. I’m counting on you,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, Your Lordship!” Rietz said, then headed out to give the troops their orders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days had passed since the news of Seitz’s impending invasion arrived, and the possibility of Vasmarque making a move and preventing Couran from sending us reinforcements was still nothing more than speculation on Mireille’s part. Her Intelligence score was exceptional, but that didn’t mean she was always right. I hoped she’d gotten this one wrong, frankly, but all I could do was await news from Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Finally, a soldier came hurrying into my office."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I bear urgent news, Lord Ars! A message has arrived from Lord Couran!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s finally here?!” I exclaimed, then hurried over to accept and read the letter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran’s report read like a summary of Mireille’s predictions. At the same moment Seitz’s forces began massing on our border, Vasmarque’s troops had gone on the warpath. He sent out a vast number of his troops─enough to leave the capital almost undefended─in an all-out effort to recapture Velshdt. At first Couran had assumed that Vasmarque was trusting Arcantez’s fortifications to hold the castle while he was away and staking the war on a gamble, but when news of Seitz’s preparations reached him, he realized that it was no gamble at all, and that Vasmarque had made a deal with Seitz behind the scenes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Velshdt had been hard-won, to say the least, and would be incredibly important for the sake of the war. Losing it could prove fatal, and so Couran had no choice but to throw everything he had into its defense. The force marching toward Velshdt was substantial, and since Couran had to send just as many troops to support the city, that left him with very few reinforcements to dispatch to Canarre’s aid."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He did not, however, intend to abandon Canarre entirely, and pledged to dispatch a small force to back our troops up. Small, in this instance, meant twenty thousand. Canarre’s standing army numbered eight thousand, giving us twenty-eight thousand troops to work with in total. That meant we were still outnumbered, but not by so dramatic an extent as to make it possible for the enemy to rush in and overwhelm us in a flash. In addition, while he wasn’t able to send us many men, he did promise to send resources and provisions in abundance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran also mentioned that the Maitraw Company would be among the reinforcements he sent to us. I’d fought with the mercenaries before, and I knew that their leader was exceptional and his troops highly skilled. I’d learned in our previous engagement that they weren’t the sort of sellswords who did the bare minimum to earn their pay, and I felt that I could trust them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran, it seemed, had every intention of warding off Vasmarque’s assault and coming to our aid before Canarre fell. Until then, our job was to buy time and hold out for as long as possible with what troops he could spare. He emphasized that he would send more men, no matter what, and asked that I keep up the fight in spite of our inferior numbers and not surrender, no matter how dire the situation seemed. Clearly, he’d realized that we’d be considering raising the white flag if the situation devolved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The difference in numbers hadn’t been balanced, but on the other hand, if we were to devote ourselves purely to defense, I had a feeling that we might just be able to pull through. Couran was no slouch in battle, and I didn’t imagine he’d have a hard time winning the day on his front, even with his brother as his opponent. I resolved myself to believe in him and fight as hard as I could…though first things first, I needed to call my retainers together for a meeting on the double."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was still in Castle Canarre, but Rietz had headed out to the border to help set up our defensive encampments and wasn’t available at the moment. As such, we’d have to conduct our meeting without him this time. He was always a source of calm, sensible analysis, and I would have preferred to have him around, but there wasn’t much I could do to make that happen under the circumstances. I sent word to the rest of my people and got things underway at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Twenty thousand, eh? That’s gonna be dicey, but I can’t say it’s impossible,” Mireille said after I finished updating her on the situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So they outnumber us three to one…? This isn’t good at all… At least we’ll have the Maitraw Company on our side… But when all’s said and done, war’s a game of numbers…” Rosell muttered to himself. I could tell by the pallid gloom cast over his face that he was going into pessimist mode again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’d be handy if we could get more detailed info on how many we’re up against, or about the state of the provisions and resources they’re working with. Do we have anything along those lines yet?” asked Mireille."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0017.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d asked the Shadows to investigate the enemy forces, and as luck had it, their initial report had arrived just moments before Couran’s letter. According to that report, they had yet to begin their invasion in earnest, but the fact that they intended to attack Canarre was no longer in question. They numbered roughly eighty thousand, as we’d expected, and they were well-stocked with the provisions needed for an extended campaign. They could keep it up for a year, at minimum."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Their magical resources, in contrast, were somewhat limited. Fire-aspected magistones weren’t a resource that Seitz had in abundance. The most common sort of magistone in that region was earth-aspected, and while earth magic was quite useful for creating walls and moats in a flash, those were primarily for defensive purposes, and it wasn’t especially useful when fighting an offensive war. A capable mage could use it to attack by synthesizing chunks of metal and sending them flying through the air, but for an average mage, digging holes and making walls was the best you could hope for."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Missian’s relationship with Seitz had been rocky for quite some time, so very few fire magistones had been exported in recent memory…at least, in theory. Somehow, though, the Shadows reported that Seitz’s army was stocked with a supply of fire-aspected aqua magia. Vasmarque, clearly, had engineered a means to deliver those resources to Seitz, and that meant that we couldn’t assume they’d be lacking in straight-up firepower."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The report also mentioned that the assault would not be led by the newly-ascended Duke of Seitz. Rather, it would be spearheaded by his most trusted retainer, a man named Boroths Heigand who had played a key role in enabling the new duke’s rise to power. He was a very capable leader who had once crushed an army of a hundred thousand with a force half their size. That victory had dealt a serious blow to the former duke’s resistance, and had ultimately played the deciding factor in the war."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I realized, in retrospect, that I should’ve known the new duke would have capable followers on his side, considering the dramatic rise to power he’d pulled off. I wasn’t the only lord with people who knew their stuff, and I knew I had to get in the habit of taking that fact into consideration."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So they have plenty of provisions, not much flame aqua magia, and a small stock of explosive aqua magia,” Mireille summed up. “And the enemy commander’s a force to be reckoned with, huh…? What about their morale? That can make or break a battle, when all’s said and done.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not so great, apparently,” I said. “They just finished one large-scale war, so I imagine none of their soldiers are very excited about jumping right into another one.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So their morale’s pretty low, then,” said Rosell. “Though if their commander’s as capable as you say he is, I’m sure he has a trick or two to raise morale up his sleeve. We can’t assume his troops won’t be fighting their best.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In other words, we’re still in dire straits,” Mireille muttered. She didn’t sound optimistic, but the smirk on her face told a different story."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Do you think we stand a chance?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, first off, we can’t let that story about their commander taking on an army twice the size of his and winning scare us. It’s not exactly rare for military men to exaggerate their victories, and even if it is true, sometimes a little luck makes all the difference in battle. It’s possible that he caught a lucky break and his plan worked out perfectly by pure chance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell nodded in agreement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s true,” he said. “Not to mention that taking on a large force with a small one and taking on a small force with a large one require totally different tactics.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Plus, our goal this time is to drive them away, not to wipe them out. Considering that, I’d say yeah, we stand a good chance,” added Mireille."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Seitz wouldn’t be invading if they didn’t think they stood to gain something,” Rosell claimed. “I figure they must have made some sort of deal with Vasmarque, but if we can put them in a position where they’d lose more by carrying on the invasion than they’d gain from the deal, they’ll probably withdraw. I don’t know what they’re gaining by attacking us, but I can’t imagine it’s enough to justify getting the better part of their army killed.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So, essentially, you’re saying we have to convince the army of Seitz that their losses would outweigh their gains?” I asked to make sure I was following his logic. Rosell nodded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And that means everything hinges on the start of the war,” said Mireille. “We need to make this invasion look as unappealing as possible from the outset. If we can take the wind out of their sails right away, it’ll ruin their morale so badly that even the most skilled commander would need time to bring their troops back around. That’ll make them less likely to press the attack.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Taking the wind out of their sails, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her reasoning was sound. Considering the advantage in numbers the enemy held, that felt like our best bet at keeping their invasion at bay. We had an incredibly powerful mage on our side in Charlotte, and a very capable battlefield commander in Rietz. We also had the Maitraw Company on the way to reinforce us, and they were sure to equal the enemy’s troops in skill. In fact, I was willing to bet they’d surpass our foes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I guess we’ll be relying on Charlotte again,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’re counting on you, Charlotte!” Rosell chimed in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte was present at the meeting…physically, anyway. She must not have been keeping up with the conversation, though, and the closest we got to a reply from her was a slovenly snore. She was also drooling, which didn’t make her look like less of a moron. I had my apprehensions about staking Canarre’s future on her, but I knew that for all her flaws she was a magical monster on the battlefield, so I decided to try my best to have faith in her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, then,” said Rosell. “First, let’s have the Shadows keep watch on the enemy, report on their movements, and try to figure out how they’ll be coming at us. That aside, we should also find a place to set up our main encampment that’ll give us as much of an advantage as possible. Considering how many troops the enemy has compared to our force, I’m sure they’ll go on the attack even if we have a clear upper hand in terms of positioning. Then, we’ll use that advantage to turn the tide and drive them back, or something to that effect.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the time being, we just had to watch and wait for the Shadows’ report. I wasn’t expecting them to figure out every last detail of the enemy’s strategy─that seemed like it’d be hoping for too much, however capable they were─but what they could tell us would determine our course from then on. Well, with enough time they might’ve been able to figure out the enemy’s entire plan, but I doubted they’d be giving us that sort of time to work with. Rosell and Mireille’s theories would have to suffice, as far as predicting the enemy’s movements went."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, we’d made all the plans we could for the moment, and our meeting came to a close."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran’s reinforcements ended up arriving before the Shadows could get us any more solid information to work with. Thankfully, the army of Seitz seemed to have had some delays in transporting their aqua magia, so they had yet to march on the border. The downside was that it had turned out they had a fair bit more aqua magia to work with than the Shadows had first reported, which made them more of a pressing threat than ever. Thankfully, our reinforcements had brought plenty of flame-aspected aqua magia with them as well. Even though they were only twenty thousand men strong, their resources gave us a massive boost to our overall combat potential."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With the Maitraw company, of course, came their leader, Clamant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We meet again,” he said when we reunited."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t think either of us had been expecting our next meeting to be so soon. The look in his eyes was as chilly as ever, and the way he stared at me made it feel like I might freeze over."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can’t understand how a child like you could end up becoming a count. Is it those strange eyes of yours?” Clamant asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had to wonder who had told him about my Appraisal skill. He’d said something about not liking the way I’d looked at him the last time we met, so maybe he’d figured it out on his own? He was far more observant than the average person, that was for certain. In fact, he was exceptional enough that I would’ve loved to make him my retainer, but I got the sense that if I tried to recruit him now, he’d turn me down in a heartbeat. He struck me as the sort of man who wasn’t fond of serving others, and unless I could make him really like me, bringing him into my service would be a lost cause."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“On second thought, I don’t care,” Clamant said before I could answer him. “I’ve been told the situation here’s grim, but we were paid generously for this job, and we’ll give you your money’s worth.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m relieved to hear it,” I said, and I meant it from the bottom of my heart. His policy as a mercenary was to fight as hard as he’d been paid to fight, and I had a feeling that Couran had really shelled out for his services this time. That meant I could expect great things from him and his men on the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With our reinforcements in tow, we made our way to the most important defensive site on the border with Seitz: Fort Coumeire. Holding the fort against an enemy attack would prove difficult, so we were planning on stationing the bulk of our forces there to shore it up. It would serve as our headquarters, and all of the orders we gave our troops would be dispatched from there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz had set up an encampment on a nearby road in record time, helping to expand our line of defense. That line would be the front in our defensive war, and with any luck, we’d both hold it and inflict major damage to the enemy force in the process, convincing them that the war wasn’t worth it and that they should withdraw to Seitz…or at least, that was the best-case scenario."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As we moved our troops about and prepared for the oncoming battle, word arrived that the army of Seitz was on the march. The war was about to begin in earnest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So they’re finally on the move?” I said. “All right─our goal’s to deal as much damage as possible in the first skirmish, and convince them that this invasion isn’t worth it after all! As such, I want Rietz, Charlotte, and the Maitraw Company to all fight on the front lines.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood,” said Rietz. Charlotte and Clamant offered no particular reaction, though."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We need to win a crushing victory here for the sake of our overall strategy, but if the enemy force is tougher than expected and things start to turn for the worse, I want you to get out of there as quickly as possible. We’re not fighting to the death here, so stay safe,” I added."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn’t afford to lose Rietz and the others, no matter what happened. Winning big here and prompting the enemy to withdraw was the best possible outcome, but I knew there was no guarantee the battle would proceed that smoothly. Fortunately, even if it didn’t turn out well, we had plenty of provisions and resources to hold out for a long time, and Couran would be sending reinforcements in droves the moment he could. If worse came to worst, holding out and buying time was always an option."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The problem with that option, of course, was that it would be a constant, perilous struggle, and we’d likely lose plenty of soldiers in the process. There was also the danger of them laying waste to wide swaths of the county if the enemy army managed to push past our borders. Driving them back immediately with a one-sided shutdown was the best possible way that this could end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In any case, Rietz agreed to not put himself at risk, but I knew that there was a real chance he’d push himself too hard anyway when the fighting began. In a sense, that was my biggest concern. Being a mercenary, Clamant knew exactly when to cut his losses and withdraw, and Charlotte wasn’t dedicated enough to hesitate if the time came to run. Rietz, on the other hand, was dedicated and loyal to a fault, which meant he might try to hold out past the point of reason."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I would be staying in Fort Coumeire and wouldn’t be able to give orders directly, so I was concerned for Rietz’s safety. I considered heading out to the front lines myself, for a moment, but quickly thought better of it. I was the count, after all─the leader of Canarre on the whole─and if I got myself killed here, the chain of command would shatter and we’d lose the war before it even began. I appreciated now more than ever that my own personal safety was directly linked to the safety of my retainers and my domain. Plus, in all practicality, I wouldn’t have been very useful out there even if I did head for the front lines in person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The time has come, then. We depart for battle, Your Lordship!” Rietz said, then led his troops off toward the front line."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I watched him go, still deeply concerned. Thanks to my Appraisal skill I knew that he was objectively one of the most capable warriors I’d ever met, but still, I couldn’t help but worry about him. In the end, I cared more about Rietz returning to me safely than I did about whether or not we won the battle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fort Purledo stuck out like a sore thumb. Built in the wilds of Purledo, a county of Seitz, the fort featured a beautiful design that contrasted sharply with the rugged wastes that surrounded it. It was from that fort that the army of Seitz would march into battle, and it was within that fort that the man they called the Duke of Seitz’s right hand, Boroths Heigand, watched over his men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Boroths was a tall man with a long, well-kept mustache. He was in his early thirties, and his rather narrow eyes combined with the slightly raised corners of his mouth made it seem as if he was constantly smiling. At a glance, most people assumed he was a pleasant, good-natured person."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The duke had directed Boroths to command his army in the oncoming battle, and Boroths had chosen Fort Purledo to serve as his headquarters, from which he dispatched orders to the leaders of each of his army’s divisions. Boroths wasn’t much of a fighter himself, but as a strategist, he had his fair share of talents."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t say I understand what His Lordship is thinking this time. I suppose this is what I get for choosing to serve a master who sees things in such a peculiar way,” Boroths muttered to himself as he restlessly stroked his mustache. “It’s not as if the rewards Vasmarque offered in exchange for us occupying Canarre are all that remarkable. We’ll hardly gain any territory worth speaking of, and the provisions and resources weren’t much better. I suppose that having him in our debt once he’s united Missian has its merits… But I’m sure we could have asked for more in exchange, as well… Is His Lordship truly that dedicated to making Canarre’s vassals his own?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To most of his retainers, the Duke of Seitz had claimed that he’d determined that Vasmarque was a more worthy and capable ruler than Couran, and that by helping him unite Missian under his banner, Seitz would gain a powerful ally. In private, however, he had told his closest associate Boroths his true motive: he believed that finding skilled individuals to serve him was of the utmost importance, and that he who brought the most talent under his banner would one day rule all of Summerforth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The duke was aware of Ars, the newly-appointed Count of Canarre. He had been struck by the promotion of one so young to a position of such importance, and had concluded that there must be more to the boy than meets the eye. He had gathered up as much information on the young count as he could, and after a careful investigation, the duke had learned that Ars was either exceptionally capable of perceiving people’s talents, or otherwise of drawing those talents out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The duke had immediately decided that he needed Ars as one of his vassals, and that he wanted the various talented retainers Ars had gathered so far as well. The duke believed that having capable followers was paramount, and someone who could either find or create those with talent would be the most essential follower of them all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There were a number of ways to bring another lord’s vassal into one’s service, but this time, the duke had decided that engaging Ars in battle, defeating him, and bringing him into the fold after he chose to yield was the only practical possibility. Convincing a lord who ruled over a sizable region to defect to your side would be difficult without a similarly-sized territory to offer them, and at the moment, Seitz had no appropriate regions that could be spared. This was no time to be tearing territory away from one of Seitz’s current lords, either─the fallout of such an act would be instant and dramatic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Buying Ars’s allegiance would be similarly difficult, considering the sheer wealth that Couran had at his beck and call. If Ars was dissatisfied with Couran’s rule, then convincing him to turn traitor on his own initiative may have been possible, but at the moment, there were no signs whatsoever that he was. Occupying Canarre, taking Ars into captivity, and forcing him to enter the duke’s service seemed both the quickest and most likely method to succeed. That, in truth, was why the duke had decided that war would be a necessity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He had, of course, considered the possibility that his actions would earn Ars’s enmity, and that the boy would refuse to serve him as a result. The duke believed that he could talk Ars into working for him, but in the event he was unsuccessful, Boroths was quite certain the duke intended to put Ars to death. Anyone with talent who wouldn’t serve him, after all, was a threat, and would remain so until they were removed from the picture for good. As things stood, having Ars ruling over a county directly across the border from Seitz made him a clear and immediate threat. In the eyes of the duke, either making Ars into one of his own men or otherwise killing him was a vital step to securing the future of the duchy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Could this Ars Louvent really be that special? He’s still just a child, isn’t he? Maybe he can see people’s talents, or maybe he can raise them up…or, maybe he just got lucky and blundered his way into a host of capable subordinates,” Boroths said to himself, then sighed. “Then again, His Lordship is rarely wrong, in spite of his peculiarities. I thought his rebellion was hopeless as well, at first, and look at us now. I’m sure he has the right of it once again.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The duke had Boroths’s wholehearted trust and loyalty. Even if he had no clue what his master was thinking, he never truly believed that the duke was wrong."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We hold the advantage of numbers, but our foes have a host of exceptional individuals on their side. This may not be an easy fight, but His Lordship has instructed me to bring it to a close as soon as possible, even if I have to lose scores of men in the process. I must win this war, for his sake!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even if Canarre’s army proved more capable than expected and the fighting turned fierce and bloody, Boroths had no intention of calling off the assault. The plan was for him to carry on the fight after Canarre was occupied, moving deeper into Missian to invade Semplar and storm Couran’s headquarters from its flank. As such, he couldn’t afford to lose too many men in the early stages of the war, but so long as he managed to secure or slay Ars before the war was finished, his most important mission would be accomplished even if the worst came to pass and Vasmarque fell, leaving Missian in Couran’s hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Boroths let this chance slip past and Couran united Missian before Ars was dealt with, he knew there may never be another chance to take Ars out of the picture. Couran valued Ars’s service highly, and was unlikely to ever let him go or treat him poorly. Ars had talented spies in his employ, as well, which made assassination a bad prospect. The duke had made it very clear to Boroths that this was their best, and perhaps only, opportunity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well then─time to get this war underway,” said Boroths. He was dead set on making his lord’s will a reality, so wasted no time putting his plan into motion."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0019.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The first thing Rietz did upon arriving at the front lines was call a meeting with the leaders of each squad and give them their instructions for the upcoming battle. Present at the meeting were Rietz himself, Charlotte, Braham, Zaht, and Clamant. Mireille and Rosell had both stayed behind at Fort Coumeire with Ars."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right!” Braham shouted. “The second the enemy shows up, my squad’ll charge in and wipe out the lot of ’em! We’ll take them down, no matter how many of ’em there are!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz gave Braham a scathing look, and Braham instantly realized what Rietz’s intense silence was meant to communicate. Braham’s enthusiasm vanished in the blink of an eye, and he muttered “Sorry…” as he withered away."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Zaht watched the whole exchange with a look of exasperated disbelief on his face. The fact that he was wondering why he’d been forced to serve under a man like Braham was plain to see."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Our encampment is set up on the bank of a river,” said Rietz. “The water is shallow in that vicinity, and it’s possible to ford the river on foot, but the enemy’s movements will be slowed while they do so. That’s when we’ll bombard them with magic. They’ll be expecting us to attack while they’re on the move, of course, and I’m sure they’ll have their defenses raised, but Charlotte’s magic should be powerful enough to blast through any shields they can prepare. While they’re shaken by her attack, our archers will step in to riddle their ranks with arrows. The enemy’s likely to make a strategic retreat and attempt to regroup, at which point we’ll pursue them. If all goes as planned, we’ll inflict significant losses upon them, and maybe even force them to withdraw.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz believed that his plan had a high chance of inflicting substantial casualties upon the hostile army. The enemy’s commander supposedly had a keen mind, but he was likely unaware of just how fearsome some of Missian’s soldiers could be. Rietz didn’t believe their guard would be down, but he did believe they’d be unlikely to send a force so large that the Missian army couldn’t overwhelm and repel them. They would be feeling the waters, at first, and would only mount a full assault once they had a preliminary grasp of what they were up against."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz’s hope was that if they suffered a crushing, one-sided defeat, they would come to the conclusion that the Missian army’s advantage in skill outweighed the Seitz army’s advantage in numbers. That would lead to the realization that they could, in fact, lose the war, and would ultimately prompt their withdrawal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz had thought the whole situation through, and concluded that forcing the enemy to turn back was well within the realm of possibility. The current Duke of Seitz had only just ascended to his position, and it seemed very unlikely that he had already settled all of the duchy’s internal issues in that short span of time. There were surely plenty of factions within Seitz that still opposed him, and losing a war in dramatic fashion could embolden those factions and plunge the duchy into yet another civil war. It still wasn’t clear what Vasmarque had offered Seitz to incentivise their invasion, but given the perilous position he was in, Rietz couldn’t imagine that Vasmarque had anything he could give that would justify the duke taking on that sort of risk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Charlotte? I’m aware that Lord Ars took Musia in as his retainer on account of her talent for magic, but to what extent has it manifested itself? How capable is she at this moment?” asked Rietz. Having a second capable mage would make the odds of his plan turning out well substantially higher, and since Charlotte had been watching over Musia’s training, she would know better than anyone how powerful the fledgeling mage had grown."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eh, she’s not really there yet,” said Charlotte. “I brought her along anyway, though. She casts a spell with some punch to it every once in a while, but most of them are still pretty weak.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Understood,” said Rietz with a disappointed frown. He believed his plan would work with Charlotte as their only capable caster, but still, having another powerful mage on their side would have made a massive difference."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What about me, teach?! What should I be doing?!” Braham asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Weren’t you listening when I explained the plan?” Rietz countered. “Can’t you figure that out for yourself?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nope!” Braham proudly declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Have you no shame whatsoever…?” Rietz sighed. “Your division’s work will come toward the end of the battle. Once the enemy line crumbles and they begin their retreat, I want you and your men to charge in and pursue them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Pursue them?! Wait a minute─I’m not the sorta guy who kicks a beaten enemy while they’re down! Gimme a different job!” Braham insisted. He was not a man who minced words, whether or not he was in a situation where doing so would be to his benefit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Chasing after a broken enemy is a valid and necessary aspect of warfare,” said Rietz. “If you simply stand back and let your foes escape, then whatever victory you may have claimed will be rendered all but meaningless. Your division is mobile, and your men are highly skilled. In other words, you’re perfect for the task.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The men in Braham’s division had been chosen from among Canarre’s most capable close-range fighters."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Valid and necessary, huh…? Well, if you say so! I don’t like it, but I’ll do it,” said Braham, caving to Rietz’s argument with uncharacteristic ease."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sir Clamant,” Rietz said, turning to the mercenary captain next. “How many mages, archers, infantry, and horsemen have you brought with you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“More infantry and horsemen than the others,” replied Clamant. “We’re short on mages, but we have a few men who know their way around a bow. If you want concrete numbers, we have eight infantry and eight horsemen for every three archers and one mage.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clamant’s troop numbered roughly three thousand men, and since only those with a natural talent for magic could learn to wield it effectively, it was only natural he’d wind up with very few capable mages. It was a consequence of not prioritizing their recruitment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“More mages is never a bad thing, but I’m more concerned with their level of skill. How capable would you say your men are, in that respect?” asked Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wouldn’t have recruited them if they weren’t capable. I don’t have any mages who could stand up to her, though,” Clamant said with a nod toward Charlotte. “Not even close. The first time my best mage saw her cast, he said she was ‘an outlier.’”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte stood taller than before and smirked, practically exuding an aura of smug self-satisfaction. Compared to her, the Maitraw Company’s mages came out looking inadequate. She was simply too powerful to assess on the same scale as more mundane mages. Still, Clamant insisted that his mages were far from inept, and that at least some of them would be of use in the coming engagement. Even one more mage would make Rietz’s plan more likely to succeed, so in his eyes, this was a positive development."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that, Rietz made sure everyone knew and remembered the signals they’d be using out on the battlefield and polished his preparations to perfection. No sooner had he finished than a scout arrived to report that the enemy army was on the move."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After Rietz’s meeting came to a close, Charlotte gathered all the army’s mages and began preparing for battle. She and her men set up large catalyzers and determined who would use which of the catalyzers they had available, with Charlotte directing the process and giving orders all the while. Her usual lackadaisical attitude was nowhere to be found─on the battlefield, Charlotte transformed into a woman who could issue clear, precise orders at the drop of a hat. It was almost hard to believe she was the same person. However, the rest of the mages in her contingent only knew her from the battlefield and their training sessions, and never got to see her everyday personality. They thought of her as both exceptional and terrifying, and treated her with an almost reverential air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“U-Umm, Miss Charlotte? Am I supposed to fight too?” Musia nervously asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup,” said Charlotte. “Lord Ars says that you have the talent to be an incredible mage, and need all the experience you can get. We can only use so much aqua magia during our training sessions, so the only time we get to play with these big catalyzers is out on the battlefield. Plus, you’ve managed to cast a few real nice spells here and there, so who knows? Maybe we’ll get lucky and you’ll bust one of those out mid-battle.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“This battle’s supposed to be important, though, isn’t it? What if I end up getting in everyone’s way?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No need to worry about that. Even if you do get in the way, I’ll win this battle for us no problem! It’ll be a piece of cake!” Charlotte said with a confident grin that Musia couldn’t help but admire. “Anyway, it’s not an issue if your spells are kinda puny, but hesitating to cast them’s a whole different matter. I don’t really get it, but apparently that’s an issue for a bunch of people. They can cast just fine until it’s time for the real deal, and then all of a sudden they can’t sling a spell to save their lives.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was only then, as she mulled over Charlotte’s words, that Musia realized that wielding magic on a battlefield would mean taking people’s lives. She had never killed before, and as the understanding she would soon have to sank in, a rush of terror began to well up within her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte could tell that Musia was starting to panic, and decided to give her some advice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Listen,” she said, “you can’t let yourself think that killing your enemies is a bad thing. You know why all those people are gonna be running at us? To kill us, and our friends too. If you don’t kill them, you can bet they won’t hesitate when you’re the one at their mercy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-Yes, that’s right,” Musia stammered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Unfortunately, this wasn’t the sort of problem that could be solved with a quick word of advice. She would need to experience the reality of a battlefield for herself, and overcome her fear on her own. Ars had said she had potential, though, and that was enough to convince Charlotte that Musia would make that leap in the long run."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few days later, a report arrived informing Rietz that the enemy’s arrival was imminent. By that point the catalyzers were all in place, and his preparations for the battle were complete. Whenever the enemy showed up, he would be ready for them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz gazed out in the direction the army would be arriving from. Before long, a distant rumbling began to shake the air. The army of Seitz had arrived, and was rushing toward his position, but Rietz held fast, waiting to give the order to attack. First, he had to wait for his foes to reach the river. He would aim for the moment they began to ford it, slowing their pace and making them an easier target. The army of Seitz, of course, was aware that would be their moment of weakness and would deploy defensive magic to protect themselves, but Rietz wasn’t concerned. After all, his force had Charlotte to lead their attack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Finally, as Seitz’s forces began to cross the river, Rietz gave the signal for the mage division to begin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte completed her spell first, unleashing the strongest of all fire-aspected magics: Hellfire. This would have been a perfect moment to bring out explosive magic, but that was in short supply, and had to be conserved to protect particularly significant locations. Some of Ars’s retainers had lobbied to use it anyway, considering how much they were wagering upon this single battle, but in the end, it had been decided that it wasn’t worth the risk. Fire magic lacked in destructive potential compared to explosive magic and was easier to guard against, but when Charlotte was casting it, those factors hardly mattered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A single cast of Hellfire exhausted all of the aqua magia in a large catalyzer, and the spell couldn’t be cast at all using any of the smaller models. When cast by an ordinary mage, it was capable of engulfing an entire battlefield in raging flames, turning the landscape into a veritable hell on earth. When Charlotte cast it, the word “hell” didn’t do the scene justice. Her spell shredded the enemy’s defenses so quickly it was like they hadn’t been there at all, and transformed the battlefield into a sea of flame in the blink of an eye. Rietz had speculated that the river would dampen the spell’s effects, but it was so overwhelmingly powerful that any difference the river might have made was impossible to perceive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The other mages’ spells followed soon after Charlotte’s. Their army only had a limited number of large catalyzers on hand, so most of them used medium or small ones instead. The mages stationed on the large catalyzers were the cream of the crop, with one exception: the division’s newest mage, Musia, had been given a large catalyzer to operate as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That had been Charlotte’s decision. She was in charge of her mages’ stations, and while Rietz had decided not to question her choice, he had been somewhat concerned about it. Musia’s magic could be incredibly powerful on occasion, but she was still inexperienced and her spells failed sometimes as well. Wasting an entire large catalyzer’s worth of aqua magia was an expense they simply couldn’t afford. All Rietz could do was watch over Musia and pray that she would pull her spell off…but the moment the battle began, his worries were obliterated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In spite of her inexperience, Musia’s Hellfire swept across the battlefield to nearly as devastating of an effect as Charlotte’s had. It seemed luck was on Canarre’s side, and this was one of her good days. Even Musia seemed shocked by the power of the spell she’d cast─most likely, this was her most effective spell to date. It was a happy miscalculation, to be sure: Charlotte’s spell had already thrown the enemy army into a state of turmoil, and Musia’s had crashed down on them just moments later, shaking them even further."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In an instant, the enemy soldiers began to break ranks and run. Their commanding officer didn’t seem to have given the order to retreat─this was an uncoordinated withdrawal. Most likely, the brutality of the situation had driven the soldiers into a panic. They’d lost their will to fight, disregarded their orders, and decided to flee. They weren’t inexperienced or poorly led soldiers by any means, but nevertheless, the spectacle was simply too devastating and their spirits were broken in an instant. Watching one’s comrades be burned to death─seeing them writhe and suffer as the flames consumed them─had dealt an incredible psychological blow to the entire enemy force."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once Rietz confirmed that they were retreating, he ordered his mages to cease fire and ordered his cavalry to charge. Clamant and Braham both led their troops into the fray, chasing after the hostile soldiers. Rietz’s goal was to deal as heavy of a blow as possible, and that meant his men would have to pursue their foes as they retreated and cut down as many of them as they could. Thankfully, with their chain of command shattered and their withdrawal a chaotic jumble, chasing after them was child’s play. One by one, the fleeing soldiers were slain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Soon, Braham spotted the leader of the offensive, who was withdrawing along with the rest of his force’s rearguard. Braham led his men in a charge. Since they were mounted and their foes were fleeing on foot in a disordered mess, it wasn’t long before they had overtaken the enemy leader and scattered what little remained of his personal guard. Finally, Braham himself engaged them in single combat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your head is mine!” Braham bellowed as he laid down his challenge. The leader of Seitz’s force fought desperately, but Braham was a more than capable warrior, and this time he didn’t make the sort of mind-numbingly stupid mistake that had led to his defeat the time he dueled Rietz. It was a one-sided battle, and in almost no time at all, Braham came out on top."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, the first battle ended in Canarre’s overwhelming victory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Later that night, Rietz and his men were back in their encampment, celebrating their success."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did you see me out there?! I stormed into the enemy’s lines and struck down their commander!” Braham declared."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You struck down the remnants of a broken army who were fleeing from you,” commented Zaht. “If anyone deserves praise for their exploits in battle tonight, it’s Charlotte.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I mean, sure, I did the most out there,” said Charlotte, “but Musia comes in at a close second, I’d say. Who knew she could sling a spell like that? Goes to show that Lord Ars knew what he was doing when he chose her!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-What? You’re exaggerating,” Musia said with a distinctly strained smile. Her spell had been a massive success, certainly, but it had also resulted in the deaths of more people than she could count, and she had yet to work through the mental trauma she’d sustained from that knowledge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia aside, the majority of the soldiers who’d participated in the battle were experienced enough to turn a blind eye to the horrors of war and celebrate without reservation. Rietz, meanwhile, watched on from the sidelines. He was a little worried that his men were overdoing it, but he also knew that soldiers needed the chance to cut loose every once in a while, and resisted the urge to tell them off for their revelry. As their commanding officer, however, he couldn’t let himself engage in it. While everyone else was having the time of their lives, Rietz was perhaps even more on guard than ever."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0021.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ve won our first battle with only a few dozen dead on our side, while the enemy suffered over a thousand casualties, Rietz thought to himself. They still have more than enough men to spare, but there’s no denying that we’ve gained significant ground today. I just hope they’ll take this as a sign and withdraw."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz knew, though, that expecting them to do so was naive. The army of Seitz turning around and abandoning their invasion would be the optimal outcome, yes, but however stunning of a failure this first battle was for them, they still had tens of thousands of men on their side. Losing one battle and then fleeing would set a bad precedent for their force, and Rietz knew it was likely that they’d make a point of achieving something before giving up their cause."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ll win a few battles more, then offer to negotiate an armistice. We may need to make concessions to secure Seitz’s withdrawal, but so long as we can keep winning until then, bringing an end to the war through negotiations may well be possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Seitz was able to secure a promise of money, valuable works of art, resources, and the like, then they could claim that their invasion had been a success and save face, to an extent. Carrying on the fight and continuing to lose had to be the worst-case scenario, from their perspective. That would be like asking for Seitz’s precarious state of stability to come crashing down again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So long as Canarre could offer a reasonable compromise, Rietz believed that there was a good chance their foes would accept their terms. The thought of making concessions despite coming out ahead in battle vexed him somewhat, but if it meant driving an army tens of thousands strong away from Canarre’s borders, it would be a small price to pay."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After that disaster of a first battle, their troops’ morale must be dangerously low. They probably thought they could judge our capabilities after the first battle and work out a plan to deal with us from there on out, but there just isn’t much that can be done in the face of Charlotte’s magic. We’ll win the next engagement as well, Rietz thought with confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The news of our army’s total victory in their first battle arrived at Fort Coumeire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Our forces slew over a thousand enemies, and our own casualties number in the dozens. The battle was a great success,” said Ben, who’d come to deliver the report. His summary of the battle was as concise and to the point as ever. I could always trust him to tell me what I needed to know in as few words as possible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ha ha ha! Sounds like Rietz and the others are doing some nice work out there! I didn’t think they’d crush the Seitzans that badly,” Mireille said with an elated laugh. “Maybe they weren’t as tough as we were expecting them to be? Either way, this was a major step in the right direction,” she added with a satisfied smirk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it just me, or is she going out of her way to tempt fate?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“M-Master, please! You can’t take the enemy lightly!” insisted Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“When this war’s over, I’m gonna drown myself in the most expensive booze I can get my hands on,” Mireille said wistfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Again, you’re really tempting fate here! I’m starting to get a bad feeling about this war!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“They still have far more troops left than we had to begin with,” said Rosell. “I doubt I need to tell you this, but having more manpower puts you at a clear advantage in war! We can’t let our guards down!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell, at least, wasn’t the sort of person to let a great victory go to his head. I have to admit that when I heard we’d crushed our foes I’d let myself get a little complacent too, but now, I decided to do away with that mindset."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just then another report arrived, this time from one of Fort Coumeire’s soldiers rather than one of the Shadows."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Ars,” the soldier said, “Lady Licia Pleide has arrived at our gates, and requests an audience with you. Shall we show her in?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“L-Licia’s here?!” I gasped. I hadn’t seen her arrival coming!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Fort Coumeire was on the war’s front line, which made it a very dangerous place to be. Hostile forces wouldn’t be rolling up to our gates within the hour, granted, and since the whole war didn’t hinge upon us holding the fort─not to say it wasn’t important, mind you─we would probably withdraw long before anyone got around to storming it. It wasn’t likely that she’d get hurt just by being in this vicinity, but that didn’t make it a safe place to be, either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, one way or another, she was here now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What could she want? I wondered. Licia was smart, and she surely knew there was a war going on, so I couldn’t imagine she would have made the trip without a very good reason. I’d better meet with her as soon as possible!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I left my room behind me and set out to find my visiting fiancée."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Ars! Forgive me for my sudden intrusion,” Licia said the moment she saw me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, about that─why are you here?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“When I heard that a war was brewing, and that you would be leading from the front lines, I just got so nervous… I couldn’t simply stay at home and worry, so I decided I would rather be here, with you. I don’t know if there’s anything I’ll be able to do to help, but may I at least stay by your side?” Licia asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be frank, I was happy to hear that she wanted to be here with me. I could tell that her request wasn’t coming from a calculating or self-interested place. She truly was worried about me. That said, being here would put her at risk of meeting a terrible fate should the war go awry. I didn’t want to expose her to that sort of danger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m pleased to hear that you feel that way,” I said. “However, I can’t allow myself to drag you into harm’s way. If you would stay somewhere safer, I’d be much─”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No!” Licia shouted, cutting me off before I could even finish my request. “How could I possibly be content in safety when you’re out here, risking your life…?” she asked. Tears began to pool in the corner of her eye, but she wiped them away. “And moreover, I’m certain beyond a doubt that you will emerge victorious! You’ve used your power to choose the most capable followers a lord could possibly ask for, and they would never allow you to be defeated! I know for a fact that no harm will befall me here!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Licia looked me straight in the eye, her expression determined."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wavered, unable to decide which course to take. On one hand Licia didn’t know the first thing about warfare, but on the other, part of me felt somehow reassured by her presence. I didn’t have a rational reason to want to be with her, but I felt that way nonetheless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d say you ought to keep your cute little fiancée around, personally,” said Mireille from behind me. “Girl’s got a strong will, and she’s pretty smart, too. Plus, she’s a girl. Might give her the perspective to come up with stuff that we’d never think of.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Aren’t, umm, you a girl too, Mireille?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh. Right, yeah, guess I am. Ha ha ha─slipped my mind for a minute there!” Mireille said with an amused chuckle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess thinking of her as a girl might not be the best idea, when she puts it that way, I reflected. She was unlike a normal woman in too many ways for me to count, after all. She felt more like an old man than anything else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All questions of her gender aside, Mireille’s input had helped me reach a decision. Having Licia around would help me on an emotional level, and if we found ourselves in a fix, it was always possible that she’d have an idea that could get us out of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You win, Lady Licia,” I said. “If you would be so kind, I’d be honored to have you here by my side.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Licia gave me a smile so pure and carefree, it was downright angelic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gladly!” she replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz, who was still on the front lines to lead Canarre’s army, waited within his force’s encampment for the scout he’d sent out to report back on their foe’s movements. It was right around time for the scout to return, by his best estimate, and sure enough, no sooner had the thought crossed his mind than the scout rushed to his side."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0023.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ve sighted the enemy army! They’re on the move!” the scout reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are they staging another attack?” asked Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They are! And while they only sent a small portion of their men at us in the last engagement, this time, they’re moving en masse!” the scout succinctly reported."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How’s their morale?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“High, by the look of it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And who’s commanding the attack?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The vanguard is led by Rantolk Rooder, a Seitzan commander well known for his unparalleled bravery. Rantolk is accompanied by his brother, Trapaul Rooder, as well as Barl Rogue, Levanton Mackrend, and Lopat Termika, all capable commanders in their own rights!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz had heard those names before. Rantolk Rooder and his brother Trapaul had both commanded troops in the Seitzan civil war, and had both achieved great things on numerous battlefields. The same could be said of the other commanders who had been named─all of them were well-reputed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz wasn’t capable of picking out their strengths like Ars could, and didn’t have precise figures by which to judge his foes’ strength, but judging by their many accomplishments, he couldn’t imagine that any of them were incapable. It seemed clear that Seitz was done testing the waters, and was now prepared to begin their invasion in earnest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In addition, it seemed that the massive force marching upon Rietz’s position was not, in fact, the entire army of Seitz. They were still holding a number of divisions in reserve. Rietz had hoped that his foes would give up and abandon the attempt after a few setbacks, but it seemed the war wouldn’t end so easily after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How could their morale be high, though? Rietz wondered. I’d think their troops would be quaking in fear after Charlotte and Musia scoured the battlefield last time. Whoever’s leading their army must be capable indeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seitz’s frontline soldiers had witnessed their comrades getting burned to death before their very eyes, and it was likely they’d spread that story to the rest of the army. After witnessing a sight like that it was only natural to want to tell the tale, and once a rumor like that started spreading, it would disseminate throughout the whole force in a flash. Rietz tried to imagine how he would’ve helped his men find the will to fight again after an event that traumatic if he’d been in charge of Seitz’s army at the time, and found himself less than confident that he could have pulled it off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, if the enemy’s on the move, we have to be ready for them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "However many troops Seitz threw at them, Rietz knew that with Charlotte and her mages guarding their encampment, it would be difficult to break through. That being said, they were up against the sort of numbers that could manage to do so anyway through sheer, brute force alone. Rietz began working out the tactics he’d employ in this engagement, well aware that it might not end as easily as the first battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz thought through all the options available to him, and eventually decided that centering his plan of battle around magic would still prove to be the best option available to him. He knew that his foes would prioritize strengthening their magical defenses, after what had happened last time, but Rietz had a plan to break through those bolstered defenses in turn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Magical defenses were only effective against magical attacks. In other words, if an archer could bring down the mages maintaining a magical barrier, the force it was protecting would be left exposed to magic. Thanks to Ars’s Appraisal skill the soldiers of Canarre had all learned what their personal strengths were, and their army had grown considerably more formidable as a result. Its archers were no exception, and a few dozen of them were skilled enough to serve as snipers in a pinch. Of course, if they didn’t choose to bulk up their magical defenses, Rietz figured that his troops would be able to drive them away with magic in the same way they had before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz and his troops quickly finished their preparations, and a few days later, a soldier rushed over with a report."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sir Rietz! The enemy is upon us!” he cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The second wave had arrived, and this time, the enemy was not holding back. The size of the force they’d sent was breathtaking, but Rietz knew he couldn’t let himself lose his nerve. If it was for Ars’s sake, he could take on an army of any size without so much as a hint of fear."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You saw the sort of men we’re up against last time,” Rietz proclaimed to his troops. “The enemy is weak! It doesn’t matter how many of them they throw at us─we’ll drive them back all the same!” he asserted, doing his best to rouse his men’s spirits in the face of the overwhelming numbers that opposed them. His speech had its intended effect. Many of his soldiers had looked nervous before, but now they regained their confidence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once Rietz was sure that morale had been restored, he turned to survey the enemy army with his own eyes and found that his prediction had been entirely off the mark. There was no sign of any significant mage presence among their number─just an incredibly vast quantity of troops, all marching toward the river. On the one hand it looked like a thoughtless, reckless move indicating a total lack of a real strategy, but on the other hand, it was a paradoxically difficult tactic for Rietz to deal with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The enemy force dramatically outnumbered Canarre’s, and if they just kept pouring in, Rietz’s men would be overwhelmed. No matter how devastating Charlotte’s spells were, large catalyzers had to be refilled after their aqua magia was exhausted, and that took time. She couldn’t sling spell after spell nonstop, and in the meantime, the enemy would be advancing uncontested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even if it works, tactics like that are going to make their losses even bigger than ever. Are they more serious about taking Canarre by storm than I expected…? Or is this a show of force aimed at convincing us to surrender? Rietz wondered. He simply couldn’t think of anything the enemy could hope to gain from taking over Canarre that would justify this sort of sacrifice. If they keep coming at us like this, we’ll have to consider falling back. Thinning their ranks with magic before beating a retreat should keep our losses low while also dealing significant damage to their army."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz’s force was at a significant numerical disadvantage, but if he played his cards right, he knew he could use this situation to close that gap. The one flaw in that plan was that if he fell back here, his troops wouldn’t be able to take their large catalyzers with them. If they were going to withdraw from the engagement and prepare to confront the enemy again at a later date, they’d have to do it quickly, and large catalyzers were heavy and difficult to move about. Bringing them along would slow Rietz’s force down enough that the enemy could catch up to them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Large catalyzers were highly valuable, and losing them would be a blow, but in this instance Rietz saw it as a necessary sacrifice. He’d lose them whether they left them behind deliberately in a retreat or was forced to leave them after the enemy broke through their lines, so the end result would be the same regardless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz kept his gaze fixed on the advancing forces. The moment they entered into his mages’ range, he gave the signal for them to begin casting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canarre’s mages began to unleash their spells. Charlotte’s magic was incredibly consistent, and her spell was as fearsomely powerful as ever. Musia, in contrast, couldn’t replicate her remarkable firepower from the previous battle and suffered a miscast. Charlotte’s assessment of her had been on the money: she had talent, but every once in a while it let her down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia’s spell had considerably strengthened Canarre’s firepower in the last battle. Needless to say, its absence reduced the impact of the mages’ volley. Charlotte’s spell was still tremendously powerful, of course, so Seitz’s army was far from safe, and once again, a mountain of corpses began to build up in the river. This time, though, they didn’t turn around and flee. Seitz’s troops advanced dauntlessly, stepping over the bodies of their fallen comrades and spooking Canarre’s soldiers in the process."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The spell Charlotte was casting, Hellfire, took some time to invoke even if the large catalyzer she was using was already full of aqua magia. The rest of Canarre’s mages who had been stationed at large catalyzers were casting the same spell, but their version of it paled in comparison to hers. Musia, meanwhile, failed to cast several times in a row."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The gaps between Charlotte’s spells provided moments of relative respite for Seitz’s forces, and they used them to continue advancing through the river. Eventually, Seitz’s advance overtook Canarre’s ability to refill their catalyzers, and the invading force reached the opposite bank. Canarre’s troops were waiting for them, and the moment Seitz’s army stepped onto dry land a brutal melee ensued."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The troops on Canarre’s front line fought their hardest, but for every enemy soldier they felled, another stepped up to replace them. Rietz concluded in an instant that it was only a matter of time before the enemy broke through their formation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just then, Charlotte finished her preparations for another spell. Firing it off into the melee would mean catching her allies in the blast, so she targeted an area full of nothing but Seitzan soldiers. She incinerated them in droves, but there were just too many, and their momentum didn’t so much as slow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This isn’t looking good. I think it’s about time for us to pull back, Rietz thought. Otherwise, every Canarrean soldier present was liable to be killed. Rietz decided to leave a number of troops behind to hold the enemy back while the rest of his army withdrew. He’d had embankments raised and palisades constructed in preparation for the battle, so it wouldn’t take all that many men to hold the line and give the main force the time they needed to flee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The longer Rietz waited to give the order, the deeper the enemy would push into their lines and the greater the damage they would suffer. Delaying the withdrawal by even a second too long could prove disastrous, so the moment he settled on his decision, Rietz sprung into action."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Fall back!” he shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As soon as Rietz gave the order to withdraw, a nearby mage on sound magic duty cast Hyper Voice to issue a massive, booming signal, sending the message to the entire army. Hyper Voice worked by amplifying the caster’s words, so directly ordering everyone to fall back was an option, but it went without saying that doing so would have been less than wise. Instead, Canarre’s army had worked out a set of code phrases in advance. In this case, “commence plan D” indicated that it was time to withdraw."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Issuing orders in code was useful in a number of ways. It put the enemy army on guard, for one thing, buying Canarre’s forces precious moments to prepare for their flight. Once you’d used a code phrase it had to be changed, of course, and in the next battle “operation D” would mean something entirely different."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Preparing for moments like these was vital. If you only made plans for your victory, then you’d suffer far greater losses than you would have if you’d prepared yourself for defeat as well. Canarre’s forces had spent ample time preparing for an emergency retreat, and under Rietz’s command, they began preparing for their withdrawal in a quick and orderly fashion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The soldiers on the front line would be responsible for stalling the enemy. Orders issued with Hyper Voice were loud enough to cross the whole battlefield to reach them, and the moment they received their new directive, they began deliberately dragging out their battle, buying as much time as they could manage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once their preparations were complete, Canarre’s army began to withdraw with Rietz at their head. They had prepared a secondary encampment in advance, and would be regrouping there to take up position wthin it. Thanks to the efforts of the soldiers who stayed behind, no enemy forces were able to pursue the main army, and Rietz’s withdrawal succeeded with only a minimal number of casualties."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After his army had safely retreated and taken up position in their secondary encampment, Rietz took stock of the situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How bad were our losses?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Around two hundred and fifty men in total, sir!” a soldier replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Most of the men who’d stayed behind to buy time, it seemed, had been either killed or captured. Only a few of them managed to make it to the secondary encampment, and most of those who did were wounded badly enough that they couldn’t be sent back out into battle. Considering the total size of Rietz’s force it hadn’t been a small price to pay, but their losses quailed in comparison to the casualties the enemy army had sustained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz didn’t have any concrete numbers to work with, but by his best estimate over a thousand Seitzan soldiers had been killed or incapacitated by Canarre’s magical barrage. The soldiers who’d stayed behind had fought like men possessed, as well, and had likely done a fair deal of damage in their own right. Seitz’s losses were considerable, no matter how you looked at it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From a perspective of pure numbers, Canarre seemed to have come out well ahead in the battle. The fact that they’d been forced to retreat, however, was a major loss. If they were driven back further still, they’d have to leave all sorts of supplies behind for fear of the weight slowing them down, and that would be far too great of a loss to write off as a necessary expense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In spite of Couran’s support, Canarre’s resources were still very much limited. They almost certainly weren’t as well-equipped as the army of Seitz was, and they’d already left several large catalyzers for the enemy to claim due to their bulk making them hard to move around. Charlotte’s ability to cast multiple times in sequence using multiple catalyzers, as such, had been greatly diminished."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It didn’t seem like the enemy cared about what happened to their men at all, Rietz reflected. How could their morale be so high with a strategy like that in play…? I did my best to minimize sacrifices during our retreat to preserve our own morale, but it’s still had a clear impact. In any case, I have to report to Lord Ars as soon as possible!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz jotted down a letter and had it sent off to Fort Coumeire posthaste."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille, Rosell, and I had all gathered up in Fort Coumeire to read a letter from Rietz. The message-bearer had ridden a horse to get it to us as fast as possible, so our update on the situation at the front arrived on the same day Rietz had dispatched it. It seemed that the enemy’s onslaught had proved too overwhelming, and our army had been forced to retreat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmh,” I grunted with concern."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess I knew it wasn’t going to be that easy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sounds like the other side’s got some real motivation worked up,” Mireille observed. She must not have anticipated that their morale would be as high as it had turned out, and looked just as surprised by the news as I was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-What should we do?! If they keep pushing that hard, they’ll reach this fort before we know it! And there are just so many of them─not even Mister Rietz or Charlotte could hold off numbers like that,” Rosell moaned. He’d been consumed by his own pessimism once again, though considering how bad things looked, I couldn’t blame him for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d say our first move should be trying to negotiate an armistice,” said Mireille. “They’ve lost a solid chunk of troops over these past two battles, so if we offer enough bonuses to sweeten the deal, they might just take us up on it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you mean, bonuses?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y’know, supplies, money, resources, art─valuable stuff, basically. Might as well just write down your terms, plus a list of everything you’re willing to hand over to get them to leave, and have it sent over to the enemy side.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll give that a try, then,” I said with a nod, then got to work on implementing her advice and moving toward peace talks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I took some time thinking through all the provisions, funds, and resources we could spare, plus all the artwork that happened to be lying around in my castle. Then, I wrote up a list of everything that seemed worth offering, plus the terms I was hoping they would accept, and had a messenger carry it off to the enemy army."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To make a long story short: the attempt was a failure. They didn’t literally kill the messenger, at least, but they did send him back with a letter refusing my terms. They weren’t outright opposed to the idea of laying down arms, but the deal I’d offered wasn’t to their liking, and they’d offered a different set of conditions instead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The County of Canarre is to be annexed by the Duchy of Seitz. Lord Ars Louvent may maintain his position as count, and should he desire anything of His Lordship the Duke of Seitz, his requests will be accommodated. Should Lord Couran of Missian assault Canarre in an attempt to win back the territory, reinforcements will be dispatched to support you…” I read out loud."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had serious and immediate apprehensions about handing over my territory…but on the other hand, they’d made it explicit that I’d be able to maintain my position. In a sense, accepting their offer wouldn’t change much of anything for me at all, aside from the fact that I’d answer to the Duke of Seitz instead of Couran."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm,” said Mireille. “So Seitz isn’t set on taking all of Missian right away─they’d be satisfied with just Canarre, looks like. Canarre’s not the most desirable territory out there, but it would give them a launching point to threaten the rest of the duchy from. I guess this means they’re playing a long game and looking toward their future strategies? And even if they go after Scheutz instead, they’d still have to keep an eye on Missian just in case, so having Canarre under their control certainly couldn’t hurt.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seitz had just emerged from a regime-changing civil war, and in order to bring the duchy together, they needed an external enemy to focus on. In that sense, a war in some form was a necessity. No matter who that war ended up being against, Missian or Scheutz, having Canarre as part of their territory would be handy in some way or another, and since Missian was going through its own period of internal turmoil, it was the perfect chance for them to snatch the territory up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If that’s true, then we might want to consider accepting this offer,” Rosell muttered. “There’s no telling how things will end if we decide to keep up the fight, after all. At the very least, accepting their terms would mean that Ars can keep his position as count.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that point, Rosell paused."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, wait,” he said, then started muttering once more, arguing in an entirely different direction. “What if this offer’s a trick to begin with? There’s no reason why they couldn’t execute Ars after we accept… And even if it is a genuine offer, accepting it while Lord Couran’s troops are fighting under our banner would be a betrayal that House Louvent’s reputation might never recover from… And it’s so important to maintain trust…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Betrayal was an option, then, but one that carried plenty of downsides."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t believe that betraying Lord Couran would be for the best,” said Licia, who was sitting close at hand. “You’ve judged his capabilities and seen for yourself that he’s an exceptional leader, yes?” she asked, turning to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I have,” I confirmed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And it seems that he values your capabilities highly as well. Furthermore, a failed attempt at betrayal could end with Lord Couran crushing all of us underfoot.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crushing us? Yeesh, that’s a scary way of putting it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She was not, however, wrong. The fact that Couran thought so highly of my skills meant that if I were to become his enemy, he would approach his conflict with me very cautiously. Worse still, if Couran was the sort of person who would never trust a person who’d betrayed him once, and if he managed to reclaim Canarre, he’d put me to death."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, none of that would be a problem if I surrendered to Seitz, joined up with the Seitzan army and Vasmarque’s forces, and crushed Couran entirely. On the other hand, I’d only just been given control over Canarre, and turning around and using my position to wage war against the man who’d promoted me would feel downright ungrateful. It would mean coming into conflict with Lumeire, as well, and I was worried that some of Canarre’s soldiers would decide to rebel rather than fight their former lord. It didn’t seem like a very wise plan of action, all around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I give it high odds the whole thing about letting you stay as count’s a lie, honestly, so if you want to keep your position, better not to take ’em up on this,” Mireille continued. “I mean, from their point of view, you’re a thirteen-year-old brat with no accomplishments to speak of, right? It’d be a whole different matter if they knew about your power, but you haven’t been blatant enough with that for the info to get all the way to the Duke of Seitz, have you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Again, she had a point. If Canarre was intended to be their staging point for an attack on Missian, it would be way too important to leave in the hands of a young, inexperienced ruler like me. Furthermore, unless the Duke of Seitz was an absolute master when it came to gathering information, it seemed unlikely that he’d know about my Appraisal skill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I mean, who knows. Maybe they really won’t kill you, and maybe you could get some other territory out of the bargain,” said Mireille. “If you can use your power to make yourself look helpful, you might even manage to become the retainer of some Seitzan bigshot. Staying on as count, though? I can’t see it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In spite of the fact that she’d suggested surrendering to Seitz before the war started, Mireille seemed firmly against the decision now. Having gone through all the pros and cons of the option, I was convinced as well: it just wasn’t the right move. I wouldn’t have been excited about it even without a logical argument against it, to be fair, since betraying Couran would mean breaking the promise I’d made to Lumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But if we don’t accept their offer, won’t that take peace off the table entirely…?” I muttered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yup, so we’ll just have to beat ’em,” Mireille said with an air of casual indifference."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And what are the odds of us pulling that off?” I asked, looking to both Mireille and Rosell for a reply. I knew that with our peace talks scuttled fighting was our only option, and I wanted to know if either of them thought that victory was feasible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Considering the possibility of Lord Couran and his army arriving to reinforce us, we stand a chance as long as we do our best to drag the war out. I can’t say I’m totally sure we’ll lose, anyway…” Rosell said with an anxious frown. The look on his face gave me the sense he was worried about something, and a moment later, Mireille piped up to clue me in on what was concerning him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Waiting it out’s definitely not a plan we can count on working,” she said. “When Couran will be able to help us out’s a total unknown, and all. It’s pretty likely that something or other will end up tying him up for a good long while, and even though he didn’t send us many men, any number of reinforcements here represents a chunk of men who aren’t fighting to wrap up his side of the war. Not that I think he’s gonna lose Velshdt, or anything.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good point,” I said. “And if we’re dragging out the fight for reinforcements that might never show up, it’s going to have an impact on our soldiers’ morale.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But we also don’t know that Lord Couran won’t arrive to help, and stalling tactics can be effective,” piped up Rosell. “Of course, the longer we drag the war out the more we’ll lose, and if the fighting spills into Canarre proper we might see some of our citizens get caught up in it as well.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Preventing as many deaths as possible was a high priority for me, and I was afraid that if things went on for too long we’d have to withdraw from Fort Coumeire, allowing the enemy army to run rampant throughout the county. Who knew what sort of chaos they would wreak? That was a scenario I wanted to avoid at all costs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d like to prevent any harm from coming to the people of Canarre, if at all possible. Is there any chance that we could repel the enemy, using only the troops available to us now?” I asked. That would be the best possible option, if it was on the table, and would make for the cleanest finish to the war."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If we could repel the enemy while minimizing losses on our side, we might even be able to follow it up by launching an attack on Arcantez to gain even more favor with Couran. The enemy’s overwhelming numbers, however, were still a factor I didn’t know if we could cope with. It was clear that they were serious about taking Canarre, so we wouldn’t be able to offset that advantage without some serious tactics backing us up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If we’re fighting them by conventional means? Nah, that’s off the table,” Mireille said matter-of-factly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, yes, I know that,” I sighed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At that point, Rosell stepped in to lay out our options in Mireille’s place. “There are a number of tactics that are suitable to opposing a numerically superior enemy, but not many of them would be possible for us to put into practice,” he said. “Convincing their commander to defect to your side’s one, but that’s not doable unless you’ve laid the groundwork for it in advance, so it’s off the table for now. Beating them on a pure tactical level’s not technically impossible, but in our case the difference in numbers is just too substantial. Even if we win battle after battle to start, it’d only be a matter of time before they wore us down.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So then, what can we do?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe our best option would be to use the Shadows to our advantage,” Rosell proposed. “Seitz’s army is vast, but deploying that many soldiers takes a lot of provisions, and their mages will need plenty of aqua magia as well. If we could sabotage their stores, we might be able to cripple their ability to carry on the fight, and I believe the Shadows are skilled enough to make that happen.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aiming for their supplies? Interesting."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Reducing their aqua magia supplies would certainly make their mages less of a threat, and mages were half of what made going into battle so terrifying. Plus, it would damage their ability to raise magical defenses just as much, making our own magical assaults all the more effective. A lack of provisions, meanwhile, would make it hard for their soldiers to fight in the first place. Rosell was right that the Shadows were incredibly capable, so I was sure they’d be able to at least partially accomplish that objective."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I like the sound of this, but not even the Shadows would be able to take out all of our enemy’s supplies. Would wiping out a chunk of them be enough to win us the war?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Destroying all of them would be hard, yeah, but if we can get rid of enough of them, it could let us hold out against their army no matter how big of a difference in numbers we’re dealing with,” Rosell replied. “Magic rules the battlefield in this day and age, and is especially necessary when you’re assaulting a fortress. As long as we can deplete their aqua magia, we’ll have okay odds of holding this fort.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille frowned. “I’m not so sure about that,” she said. “It’d be a different story if this place were more defensible, but if I’m being honest, it’s not the sturdiest fort I’ve ever seen. For a fort on the border, it’s kind of concerning just how poorly fortified it is.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was true that Fort Coumeire was far from a heavily-fortified citadel. It had been known as one at some point in history, supposedly, but times had changed. Between the fort’s deterioration and the advent of magical warfare rendering what was left obsolete, it could hardly be called well-defended in this day and age. The previous Count of Canarre, Lumeire, hadn’t put much effort into repairing the fort. Canarre’s finances were far from stable, to be frank, so a large-scale renewal just wasn’t possible given the budget he was working with."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then again, I can’t deny that taking out their aqua magia would be a big boost to our odds, whether we’re fighting in a siege or on the open field,” said Mireille. “I just think that if it’s our only plan, it’ll fall short. We need something else, too.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you have any ideas, Master?” asked Rosell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Seriously?!” I moaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She doesn’t? None?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Something about the flow of the exchange had convinced me that she’d thought up a master plan ages ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Look, kiddo, if I could come up with perfect plans at the drop of a hat, my job would be a hell of a lot easier,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Okay, but…isn’t that basically what you did all throughout our last war? You never made it look hard then, either,” I countered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, ’cause it was an easy war. We had numbers on our side pretty much every battle. Their castles were pretty tough, but that was the worst of it,” said Mireille. It seemed an overwhelming numerical disadvantage was a tough problem to solve, even for her. “Anyway, I’m with you─I doubt just buying time’s our best bet, either. Trust me, nothing’s more irritating than sitting around and dragging out a war without going on the offensive at all. We’ve gotta come up with something that’ll let us deal a solid blow to their army.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not exactly the most logical reason to choose a tactic, is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At that point, Mireille let out a yawn."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Anyway, all this thinking’s made me sleepy. I’m gonna hit the sack,” she said, then headed for the door."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Considering she’d just made it sound like she was about to start planning for real, I was beside myself with shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wait, what?! You’re going to sleep?! I thought you were going to pull out all the stops and really start planning!” I exclaimed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why bother? I’m not gonna be having any good ideas while I’m this tired,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I mean, you have a point, but this is a critical juncture in the war! And it’s the middle of the day!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The nice thing about humans is that we can sleep whenever we feel like it, day or night,” Mireille said, then yawned as she left the room without another word. Presumably, she was heading for her chambers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Well,” I said, “she’s certainly a free spirit.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-Oh, gods. I have to think as hard as I can,” Rosell moaned, then started racking his brain for a solution."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hee hee hee! Mireille’s just such an interesting woman, isn’t she?” Licia said with an amused smile. “But I can tell she’s also quite reliable. The situation’s dire, but she wasn’t even flustered! I’m sure she has absolute faith that we’ll manage to win the day somehow.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell and I had both been well on our way toward succumbing to anxiety, but Licia’s words helped us feel a little better about things. She was right─Mireille hadn’t seemed panicked in the slightest. She probably believed that everything would work out for the best, one way or another. I, meanwhile, noted that Licia had remained just as composed and unshaken as Mireille had. In my mind, she was just as reliable as the older woman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, and I believe you should make contact with the Shadows before you expend any more effort on planning,” Licia added."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O-Oh, right! Good point. I’ll give them their orders right away,” I said. I’d almost forgotten that I still had to tell the Shadows about the sabotage I wanted them to attempt, but thankfully, Licia had been there to save me at the last minute."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh! You should do that, yes, but you should also send orders to Mister Rietz,” said Rosell. “I’d say that for now, we should tell him to do his best to buy as much time as he can.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Got it,” I replied, then went off to send out my instructions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Shadows were currently focusing their efforts on information gathering. That didn’t take all of their efforts, so they’d left Ben with me to serve as a point of contact, and I gave him the message that I was changing their current mission. Ben had a way of relaying messages incredibly quickly, so I felt confident that Pham would know what I wanted him to do next within a day or so. As for Rietz, I simply wrote a letter describing the current state of things in Fort Coumeire and asking him to buy us time, then dispatched it to the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The negotiations have failed…the Shadows are working behind the scenes…and I’m supposed to be buying time,” Rietz muttered as he read Ars’s letter and tried to grasp the current state of things. “Buying time, huh…? That’s not going to be easy.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The enemy army was massive, their troops’ morale was high, and they were pressing forward at a rapid clip. They were a force to be reckoned with, all around. On the other hand, the fortification of Rietz’s force’s new encampment was proceeding smoothly. They’d lost a fair number of large catalyzers when their previous line was breached, but they hadn’t set up every single catalyzer they had in reserve for that battle, so they were once again able to prepare a decent enough line of them for battle. Still, even with those preparations complete, Rietz wasn’t convinced they’d be able to hold the enemy off for long."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’ll all come down to how well the Shadows’ sabotage plays out, Rietz thought. If they can eliminate enough of the enemy’s food and aqua magia, then their troops won’t be able to go on the offensive with the sort of vigor they displayed during the last battle. I suppose all I can do is have faith in the Shadows and their skills. Buying the time we need is going to be difficult, but I have no choice other than to see it through."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz made a silent vow to accomplish the mission he’d been entrusted with. A Malkan like him would never have had the opportunity to prove his capabilities and be granted control over an army if it weren’t for Ars’s support, so there was very little he wouldn’t do to live up to Ars’s expectations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Seitz’s forces were already close at hand, and this time, Rietz expected them to charge in at their full strength without bothering to test the waters first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We don’t have the time to come up with an elaborate strategy, he thought, and that only leaves us one other option…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If clever tactics were off the table, Rietz’s only option was to rely on brute force. That, needless to say, would involve Charlotte. Without her magic, any plan would be doomed from the outset. Rietz was worried, though, that in this case, her power alone wouldn’t be enough."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Using magic meant spending time filling catalyzers with aqua magia, so if it was the only cornerstone of their offense, there would be unavoidable periods during which their attack would stall out. If they let hostile forces close the gap during those periods again, they’d be forced to retreat, just like they had in the previous battle. That ran contrary to their purposes─they wouldn’t be buying anywhere near enough time if they had to pull out that quickly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz needed some way to hold the enemy army back while his mages were preparing their catalyzers. That task would logically fall to his infantry and cavalry, but their foes numbered far too many. If they charged in and tried to hold their foes back by conventional means, they’d be overrun in an instant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I suppose my only choice is to take this into my own hands, Rietz concluded. If he led the charge, bringing the fight to the enemy and making a show of his prowess, he thought he might be able to scare them enough to slow their advance. Seeing their commander fight in the vanguard could give his allies a morale boost, as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ars had ordered Rietz to take care of himself. Not only was Rietz an incredibly capable subordinate, but he was also the person who Ars trusted above all others. Ars had made it clear that he didn’t even want to consider the possibility of Rietz’s demise. In the absence of the time to plan out a detailed strategy, though, Rietz decided that unless he disregarded Ars’s orders and put himself in harm’s way, his side would have very little chance of winning the day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But of course, none of that will be an issue. I just have to make it back alive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz had no intention of dying. He had the utmost confidence that he would make it through the battle alive, and carry out his plan to perfection. He believed in his abilities─in the abilities that Ars had discovered and drawn into the light."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can’t die here. A man who earned Lord Ars’s acknowledgement would never perish in a place like this!” Rietz told himself. It wasn’t his own abilities he believed in, in truth. No, he believed in Ars’s Appraisal skill."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Prepare for battle! We’re buying as much time as we can manage!” Rietz shouted to his men, then began giving out detailed orders to each division. First, he instructed Braham, Zaht, and the Maitraw Company to accompany him in his offensive push."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right! Now this sounds like a battle I’ll be able to rack up some accomplishments in!” Braham excitedly declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Zaht, on the other hand, was smart enough to not be excited about his assignment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Umm… It seems to me that the encroaching army is a little too large to hold back that easily… In fact, is it even going to be possible with our numbers?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What Rietz was proposing would be far from easy. They had roughly five thousand men, and those five thousand men would need to stop a force numbering in the tens of thousands that was running on high morale."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The combined forces of Canarre’s army and Couran’s reinforcements numbered almost thirty thousand, but it wasn’t feasible to use that entire force for this sort of stalling tactic. Seitz wouldn’t be sending all their men onto the field either, most likely, but they’d still have several times the manpower as Rietz’s force would. Quality trumped quantity when it came to the value of mages on the battlefield, but foot soldiers were a different matter. Strength in numbers was the single most important factor for them, and when your opponent held that advantage, holding them back was a very tall order."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s all right. I know we’re up to this task,” said Rietz. He didn’t explain where his confidence was coming from, but it came through enough to encourage his comrades nonetheless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“One thing,” said Clamant, the head of the Maitraw Company. He wasn’t the type to express his opinions, even during tactical discussions, so Rietz was caught off guard by him speaking up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes?” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If our goal is to buy time, we should rethink how we’re arranging our defense. As is, the enemy’s probably going to break through our lines,” said Clamant, his expression as unchanging and impassive as ever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clamant had a wealth of experience on the battlefield, and Rietz knew that any opinion he expressed would be an informed one. “How do you mean? What’s wrong with our current formation?” Rietz asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We have our large catalyzers all lined up in a row, and the plan’s to cast with all of them at once, right?” Clamant confirmed. “It’s true that more firepower means more dead enemies, in our current situation, and most of the time turning a battlefield into a sea of flames is enough to scare your enemy so badly their morale plummets and they can’t even fight properly. However, we’re up against a commander capable enough to keep his men in line and fighting in the face of that. It’d be one thing if we could wipe them all out in one blast, but with numbers like theirs, they’ll keep coming until they overwhelm us. Instead, we should have our mages carry small and mid-sized catalyzers and send them into battle with our vanguard to provide covering fire.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wait a moment,” said Rietz. “I’m inclined to think that you’re misunderstanding the driving purpose behind my plan. It’s true that a round of magic from our large catalyzers wasn’t enough to shake our enemy during the last battle, but each time we hit them, they’ll need time to regroup before they can come at us once more. That’s how we’ll buy time, which is our whole objective. We need the large catalyzers active if we want to have any hope of pulling this off.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m not saying that you should take the large ones out of commission,” said Clamant. “I’m saying you should cut down on them. That Charlotte woman’s spells would be enough to inflict the damage we need on their own.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz fell silent as he considered Clamant’s words. Having Charlotte as the only mage stationed on the large catalyzers would reduce the firepower his forces were capable of putting out in a single burst. However, it was also unmistakable that Charlotte’s spells had done far and away the most damage to the enemy army. Part of Rietz was convinced that she could handle the task on her own, but part of him was still worried that they wouldn’t have the destructive potential they’d need with Clamant’s proposed setup."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If you don’t think she can handle it, then just put another mage over there with her─the one called Musia. Her spells are the second most powerful in your force, aren’t they?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s not quite that simple. Musia’s magic is powerful at the best of times, yes, but her consistency leaves a lot to be desired,” said Rietz. In his mind, putting Musia in such an important role would be a dangerous gamble."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I think Musia can handle it,” Charlotte chimed in. She also rarely spoke up during meetings, though in her case, half of the time that was because she was asleep. “She’s had a look in her eyes lately that I’ve never seen from her before, and she’s been practicing with a small catalyzer whenever she has free time. Been getting better and better with it, too. I figure going into battle must’ve been good for her. We won’t know until she tries casting something big, of course, but I’ve got a feeling she’ll do just fine.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A feeling…?” Rietz repeated skeptically. Charlotte’s confidence struck him as baseless, and trusting in her judgment would take quite a bit of courage, but he decided to muster that courage up and have faith in her anyway. Ars had handpicked Musia for her potential, just like he had Rietz. There was no denying that she had the ability to do great things slumbering within her, and it wouldn’t be strange at all for that capability to awaken during combat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, in the absence of any concrete evidence, Rietz decided to be optimistic. He took Clamant’s advice and assigned Charlotte and Musia to be the only mages who’d use the large catalyzers during the upcoming battle. The remaining mages in his force would join his division in the vanguard, using their magic to slow the enemy army down from up close. Having that many mages supporting them would make the fight substantially easier for the foot soldiers out front, and would make it significantly trickier for the enemy to fight their way through to the back lines."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz’s troops followed his orders to the letter, gearing up and moving to their assigned positions. Soon all their preparations were complete, and all that was left was to wait for the enemy to arrive. That time would come all too soon. The army of Seitz marched onward, and under Rietz’s command the army of Canarre stood fast to intercept them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia’s breath came in heaving gasps as she laid her hands on her large catalyzer. The pressure and tension of the situation was enough to send a fledgeling mage like her into a hyperventilating fit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the last battle, she’d known that she was just one of many mages on her side. She’d thought that meant that everything would be fine, even if she screwed up. This time, though, it was just her and Charlotte. If her spell failed again, the consequences would be devastating."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That wasn’t the only cause for her nervousness, though. She also had yet to grow desensitized to the act of using her magic to kill people. It was kill or be killed, and she knew it, but that didn’t stop her from feeling a moment of hesitation before every spell she tried to cast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I have to do this… I have to,” Musia muttered to herself as her hands started to tremble. The pounding of her heart grew faster and faster, and a bead of cold sweat trailed down her cheek, dripping off her skin and spattering to the ground below."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Calm down, Musia.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia jumped as a voice rang out from nearby. She’d been staring at the ground, but now she looked up to find Charlotte standing beside her. The look on her face was nothing like how she usually presented herself. Her expression was kind in a way Musia had never seen before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I know you can do it,” Charlotte said in a gentle tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia felt reassured upon hearing that, and clenched her fists."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’ve always wanted to change, she thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia had responded to Ars’s solicitation for retainers because she was sick of herself, and sick of the environment she’d been trapped in. Men held all the power in the Summerforth Empire. It was true no matter what duchy you found yourself in, and Missian, Musia’s birthplace, was no exception. Women were expected to marry a man, bear children, and dedicate themselves to supporting their household."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia was taught that being treated that way was a matter of course. Her family had trained her to do housework, and nothing else. She’d never had a proper education, and had settled into a vague acceptance of the fact that everyone lived this way. Still, though, somewhere deep down, a part of her had always wondered: was this what she wanted?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is marrying a man really my greatest ambition? Is raising children really all that I want out of life?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Again and again, she found herself harboring doubts that no imperial woman was ever meant to consider. Once the thought had struck her, she couldn’t stop it from taking root. She’d never had anyone to discuss those feelings with, though─after all, if she told anyone, there was a good chance they’d treat her like a lunatic. That was when Musia had chanced upon one of the signboards that Ars had put up to gather new talent. She’d read that anyone could apply, even women, and had realized that this could be her one chance to make a big change in her life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia had set out to Castle Canarre determined to change, but when she was told that she had a talent for magic and was offered a position as a mage, her first instinct was to assume she was being lied to. She hadn’t heard the tales of Charlotte’s exploits, and had always thought that a woman could never serve as a soldier. She’d assumed that being the count’s retainer would be something like being his maid, assigned to do chores around the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In spite of her apprehensions, Musia had agreed to become a mage, and when she cast her very first spell, she found herself profoundly moved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "So women like me really can use magic, she’d thought. Our spells aren’t any less powerful than the ones men can cast, either."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia realized that what society thought of as common sense was wrong, plain and simple. For the first time, she was confident that the doubts she’d harbored for so long had never been mistaken."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In that moment, Musia swore a silent oath to herself: “One day, I will be a great mage.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Day after day of magical training followed. She hadn’t had very much time to practice, in the grand scheme of things, but she’d poured every ounce of effort she could into developing her skills."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have to gather my resolve. It’s fine if I make mistakes, but if I let my fear take hold of me, I’ll never get anywhere! she told herself. Gradually, the shaking of her hands subsided and the panic that had almost consumed her began to dull. Charlotte said that I can do this. That means I can, without question!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia had only cast a few perfect spells so far. That lack of experience had left her unable to fully believe in herself…but she could believe in Charlotte’s faith in her."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0025.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, here they come. Time to focus,” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia looked out over the battlefield. The enemy army was drawing closer, and she and Charlotte had been entrusted with the job of bombarding them with magic. Musia tried to follow Charlotte’s advice, shutting her eyes and taking a slow, deep breath to sharpen her focus. Her hands were no longer shaking, and her pulse was very close to its usual pace."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Musia had a feeling that she could rise to the occasion. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than a signal, amplified by sound magic, rang out. It was the sign that Rietz had ordered her to begin casting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Musia’s eyes snapped open. She chanted her spell, and her magic flared to life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz proceeded out to the front of his formation to command his troops. They would be on the defensive in their upcoming battle, and maintaining his army’s morale was critical to their success. A commander who led from the back line would never be able to motivate his men to fight to the death, but a commander who rode out ahead of all others, leading the charge, would drive his soldiers to fight even harder─assuming, of course, that he survived the attempt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going out into battle personally meant he carried the inescapable risk of being struck down. Not even Rietz could go forth onto the battlefield without some apprehensions. The fear of death forever lurked within him. He had also, however, served as a mercenary long before he entered Ars’s service, and risking his life had long since become a matter of course for him. The one key difference was that when he was a mercenary, Rietz had received orders, whereas now he was the one who had to issue them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He had, of course, fought on the front lines countless times before. He’d had his fair share of close calls, as well. Rietz had learned one thing in particular from all those battlefields and the experiences he’d had upon them: so long as he could stay calm, he would live to see another day. Keeping his composure and doing what had to be done at the right moment would carry him through any battle, no matter how vicious. His incredibly high Valor stat came in handy as well, of course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In this battle Rietz would be fending off an army with several times as many men as his own, but all he had to do was calm himself, and he knew he’d be able to fight to the best of his ability. Rietz took a deep breath, and settled his nerves. Meanwhile, the enemy drew ever closer. It was now time for him to give the signal for Charlotte and Musia to unleash their magic. Rietz raised his right arm into the air. A nearby mage took notice of the gesture, and cast a sound magic spell to send a signal ringing out across the army’s ranks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Barely an instant later, magical death rained down on the battlefield. Rietz had been concerned about whether or not Musia would be able to cast to her full destructive potential, but it seemed he needn’t have worried. The spell she cast wasn’t quite as powerful as the one she’d let loose during the battle before last─her first battle ever─but it was still more than sufficient, and combined with Charlotte’s consistently mighty magic, the two of them sent forth a wave of destruction just as powerful as Rietz had been hoping for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Enemy soldiers fell in droves. Charlotte and Musia didn’t stop, though, casting again and again until the battlefield had transformed into a veritable hell on earth. At that point, they’d exhausted their aqua magia supply and their large-scale spells came to a halt. It would take time for their catalyzers to be refilled, and until then, Rietz and his men would have to hold the line."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Seitzan forces clambered over the corpses of their comrades to advance on Rietz. Hellish though the sight was, they didn’t falter in the least. Rietz could only imagine the hours of training and toil it had taken to drive that mindset into them, and he found himself impressed by their skill and professionalism, even as he waited for the perfect moment to give his men the order to attack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz couldn’t order his infantry and cavalry to charge yet, on account of the mages equipped with small and medium catalyzers who stood behind them. His plan was to have his mages open the battle with their magic, sending the enemy ranks into a state of disarray. Then, he would have his cavalry charge, followed by his infantry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz himself wasn’t riding a horse this battle. He believed that seeing him down on the muddy ground, fighting man to man, would raise his soldiers’ morale more effectively than seeing him parade around on horseback would. Braham and Clamant had taken command of the cavalry division in his stead. Braham fought his best unmounted, but he was a perfectly capable horseman as well when the need arose. Clamant, on the other hand, stood head and shoulders above all others no matter how he was called upon to fight. The two of them easily had the ability to lead the cavalry division to victory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Soon, the enemy soldiers stepped into Rietz’s mages’ effective range. Rietz raised his left hand this time, sending the signal for his battlefield mages to begin casting. They leaped into action without delay, sending a storm of low-level spells flying into the enemy ranks. Magic of that level wasn’t powerful enough to inflict any serious damage, and their enemy was far from defenseless to boot, using their own mages to deploy shields and intercept the majority of Rietz’s offensive."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Spells cast from a large catalyzer could punch through defensive magic, but spells from a small or mid-sized catalyzer didn’t have the power to manage such a feat. Unless, of course, they were cast by a mage as skillful as Charlotte, who could break through barriers using any sort of catalyzer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’ll need to take out their mages before we stand any chance of making this work, thought Rietz. And they’re stationed in the enemy’s back ranks…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Targeting soldiers in the rear of the enemy’s formation wasn’t easy. There were two ways Rietz could approach the problem: having his archers target the mages, or having his cavalry navigate around their formation and strike them from behind in a surprise attack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Defeating the enemy’s mages using archery alone would be far from easy. The enemy army, after all, knew very well that their mages were a weak point to be protected. Their mid-sized catalyzers were made to serve a dual purpose as shields, allowing them to protect themselves even as they cast, and small catalyzers fit in a person’s hand, so the mages wielding them could hold small shields in their other hands. They were ready to defend themselves if Rietz’s army launched a volley of arrows their way, making eliminating them in that fashion a difficult prospect indeed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The attempt, however, could force the army to advance at a slower rate. Running with a shield raised wasn’t exactly easy, so by ordering his archers to fire on the enemy mages, Rietz could slow their advance to a walking pace. If the main army advanced too far ahead of the mages, they wouldn’t remain protected by the barriers, so if the mages’ pace slowed, the rest of the army would have to match them. Even if it didn’t result in any fatalities, it could still give them a leg up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz, however, chose not to bring his archers into play just yet. At this stage in the battle, slowing the enemy’s advance just wouldn’t make enough of a difference to be worth the effort. Rietz knew that the only way he could buy the time he needed was to break the enemy’s formation and force them to retreat─just slowing them down for a moment wouldn’t be anywhere near enough. That meant that using his cavalry was his only option."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "First, Rietz would send his foot soldiers forward to engage with the enemy. If they could gain an advantage in that melee, even just for a moment, they would be able to draw the enemy’s attention to them and away from their cavalry. At that point, the cavalry division could use their momentarily low profile to slip around the enemy formation and strike them from the rear, cutting down as many mages as they could before the opening closed. Rietz’s infantry would then withdraw, and while the enemy pursued his cavalry, his mages would open fire and his infantry would charge back in once more, hitting the enemy while their formation was at its weakest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz had his plan fully formed in his mind, but that wasn’t to say it was without flaws. For one thing, the enemy army’s morale was incredibly high, and gaining the upper hand over them wouldn’t be easy. That stage of the plan would hinge on how effectively he could lead his men and how much damage he could deal on his own. He was also planning on directing his archers to fire into the enemy’s front ranks rather than at their mages. The enemy’s infantry were equipped for mobility rather than defense, and a well-placed arrow should be capable of bringing one of them down. They’d likely chosen to equip their troops in that fashion under the assumption that Rietz’s archers would only be targeting their mages."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The cavalry division’s attack on the rear of the enemy’s formation could also be a stumbling point. A maneuver like that would be far from easy to pull off, and it was possible that it would fail entirely. Even if it did succeed, the danger of Rietz’s cavalry not making it out of the attack was very real. Clamant and Braham would be leading the attack, and both of them were skilled horsemen, but Rietz had his concerns about whether Braham would be able to carry out such an important task."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clamant’s competence was beyond question, and while some part of Rietz was concerned that a mercenary like him could turn tail at any moment, he reasoned that Clamant wouldn’t have come to help Canarre’s forces to begin with if that was his inclination. Rietz assumed that Couran had promised him a massive sum of money for the task, and with that in mind, he believed that Clamant would see it through."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz signaled a nearby soldier to send a message for him. He’d be fighting on the front lines and wouldn’t be able to issue moment to moment orders, nor grasp the situation of the battle in its totality, which would make gauging the right moment to send out his cavalry difficult. As such, he instructed Clamant and Braham to judge the situation themselves and choose the right moment to make their move together. Braham’s ability to make that call was questionable, to say the least, but Clamant was a storied veteran, and Rietz had no doubt the mercenary would find the perfect moment to strike and take advantage of the enemy’s opening."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With his message dispatched, it was time for Rietz to set forth and engage the enemy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The time has come! Follow my lead─charge!” he shouted, then spearheaded the attack, rushing forward to meet his foes head-on. His archers acted in time with his attack, peppering the enemy formation with arrows."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz let out a bellowing war cry as he fought. The enemy soldiers poured in one after another, and what they’d sacrificed in defensive capabilities had gained them substantial mobility. They came so swiftly that for each one that fell with an arrow in his breast or a sword in his gut, another would be there to replace him without missing a beat. Rietz, however, fought valiantly against their endless onslaught, cleaving through his foes in droves. He didn’t give them the chance to strike back, and his armor was soon stained red with the blood of his enemies. He fought like a vengeful deity descended to the battlefield."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Zaht fought by Rietz’s side, and performed admirably in his own right. Ars had recruited him knowing that he was already a capable warrior, and although he lacked the ability to command troops, his skill in direct combat was tremendous. He was a man who Rietz felt comfortable trusting his back to, and Zaht fought hard enough to justify that faith."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of them carved through the melee, and their might and fury roused the spirits of all the men around them. The enemy was fearless enough to walk into Charlotte’s inferno, but Canarre’s soldiers met them head-on, never faltering in the face of their foes’ bravery. Gradually, the battle began to turn in Canarre’s favor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hah… Hah…” Rietz panted. He’d slain droves of enemies, and fatigue was beginning to set in. Strong as he was, his endurance was not unlimited, and it was only a matter of time before he grew too tired to carry on the fight."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He would have to withdraw before that happened, one way or another. Rietz knew very well that if he fell here, the army of Canarre would suffer massive losses. If he withdrew too soon, however, he’d ruin any chance of buying the time that his men needed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m not done yet, Rietz told himself. I can still…fight…!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz’s limits weren’t bearing down on him just yet. He had stamina left to keep up the fight─stamina left to slay more of his foes. He roused his spirits, raised his sword, and plunged back into the battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, let’s move,” Clamant said as he surveyed the battle from atop his horse. He’d been keeping careful track of the enemy troops, and had judged that their focus was sufficiently diverted by Rietz and his foot soldiers to let the cavalry division slip around the outskirts of the battle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?! Already? You sure?” asked Braham, who didn’t know what he was looking at well enough to assess the state of the battle. He’d been through plenty of battles himself, but since his former superiors had judged him to be a strong liability, he’d very rarely been deployed to the front lines. Reading the state of the enemy’s focus was beyond him. “Y-Y’know what? You seem like you know your stuff just a little better than I do, so I’ll take your word for it!” Braham added before Clamant could reply."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The old Braham would have chosen to trust in his own instincts and rush into battle when his whims told him to, but now, he decided to follow his ally’s advice. He’d learned, at least, how to judge whose calls were worth listening to. Thanks to Rietz’s guidance, Braham was growing as a person, little by little."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Clamant and Braham’s force rode as swiftly as they were able. Their goal was to catch the enemy off guard, so they’d taken as few troops with them as possible. The more horsemen rode with them, the more likely it would be that the enemy noticed them. Furthermore, keeping their numbers low meant they could handpick the most skilled troops for the task."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Their division was made up of roughly a hundred horsemen, each of whom was highly skilled. More of the Maitraw Company’s men had made it into the mission than Canarre’s cavalry. The fact that Clamant was leading the charge partially explained that imbalance, but it was also true that the Maitraw mercenaries were more skilled at mounted combat on the whole. They’d trained well, and many of their men rode as if they and their mounts were of one mind and body."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The elite cavalry squad galloped in perfect formation, maneuvering around the battle toward the mages at the back of the enemy’s formation. The soldiers caught up in the melee up front didn’t have time or attention to spare, and took no notice as the horsemen rode to their sides. They drew closer and closer to the mages, who were occupied with the barriers they were maintaining and took no notice either, until the cavalry were all but upon them. The moment they realized what was happening the mages began to shout and panic, but Clamant and Braham were already crashing into their formation, swinging their spears from atop their horses and mowing down the mages around them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The mages reacted quickly, switching from protective magics to offensive spells as they tried to drive the horsemen back. Magic burst forth from point-blank range, and several horsemen fell as spells slammed into them, but since every member of the attacking force was so skilled at riding, most of them avoided the assault. The horses themselves deserved credit as well─they were just as capable as their riders. Most horses would be thrown into a panic at the first sight of magic and render their riders unable to fight, but these were exceptionally well-trained mounts that didn’t so much as flinch at the sight of a spell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mages were more vulnerable than most soldiers in close combat, and while they fell left and right, the horsemen attacking them were largely unscathed. One of the mages cast a sound spell to alert their allies of the danger they were in, but it had taken far too long for them to get the spell off. You could only keep one type of aqua magia in a catalyzer at once, and the mages had all been using flame-aspected aqua magia, which allowed them to cast barriers that were effective against flame-based spells. Few of the enemy mages, if any, had been carrying a catalyzer full of sound-aspected aqua magia when the attack began. And as a result, their warning went out long after it should’ve."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Finally, though, the spell rang out and the rest of Seitz’s force was made aware of the peril their mages had found themselves in. The battle at the front was still ongoing, however, and the rank and file soldiers were unable to break away and help the mages. To the contrary, the news just contributed to the chaos. All the while, Canarre’s cavalry kept at their assault, whittling away at the mages’ numbers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It’s time! Rietz thought as he heard sound magic ring out from deep within the enemy’s ranks. He would order his soldiers to fall back, and as soon as they’d broken free of the enemy lines and the Seitzan forces moved to pursue them, Rietz’s mages would begin their barrage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If Rietz’s troops stayed engaged with the enemy, the risk of friendly fire would be too great for his mages to cast safely. However, pulling out from a frenzied melee was easier said than done. Under normal circumstances the enemy would pursue and deal heavy damage to the retreating troops. In this case, however, the enemy was confused and distracted. Rietz believed he could take advantage of that opening to slip away. He could have also taken advantage of it by pressing the attack, but the current state of chaos wasn’t intense enough for him to feel confident they wouldn’t regroup before he could gain enough ground. Rietz chose to trust in his own judgment, and issued the order to fall back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Formation three!” Rietz shouted, issuing the order with a code phrase to ensure the enemy army wouldn’t catch on to his plan. Orders like that would normally be issued using sound magic, but since Rietz was on the front line he could give the signal in person, using his own voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Changing the code phrase for a retreat battle after battle was a confusing nuisance, but Canarre’s troops were well-trained and remembered each battle’s codes without trouble. No sooner had the words left Rietz’s mouth than his men started falling back, suppressing the urge to cut down their distracted foes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The enemy’s troops noticed that the army of Canarre was falling back, but they were in no position to rush to pursue. Even if they’d had that leeway, they’d taken notice of Rietz’s retreat far too late to take advantage of it. Their commanding officer was only informed that the enemy was falling back a matter of minutes after the retreat began. He issued a frantic command for his men to pursue, and when his men moved to carry out that order and chase after Rietz’s men, Rietz’s mages took that as their cue to rain magic down upon the enemy formation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The cavalry division’s surprise attack had succeeded. That wasn’t to say that they’d slain every hostile mage, but they’d brought down enough of them to leave their magical barrier full of holes. This time, Canarre’s mages’ spells met their mark and blew away Seitzan soldiers one by one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That didn’t stop their advance, though, and Rietz’s foot soldiers immediately shifted their formation to intercept the enemy and protect the mages behind them. They’d been prioritizing their offense during the prior melee, but now they fought with defense in mind, sending soldiers armed with shields and spears to the front. Shifting formations in that manner wasn’t something that most armies could do in such short time, but Canarre’s forces had trained diligently for just such an occasion, and Rietz’s skill as a commander aided them in their efforts. In their case, the shift was all but instantaneous."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Seitzan troops found themselves unable to break through Canarre’s front line. Meanwhile, the troops behind Seitz’s front line were picked off in droves by Canarre’s mages. They relied entirely on their mages’ barriers to protect them from magical attack, and without those barriers, they couldn’t even protect themselves from spells cast with a small or mid-sized catalyzer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As more and more of their men fell, Seitz’s morale began to plummet. It was now plain to see that Canarre held the upper hand, but Seitz’s strength in numbers still carried them onward, and the shieldmen at the front of Canarre’s formation gradually began to fall. It seemed inevitable that Seitz would break through…but that was when Charlotte and Musia finished preparing for their next set of spells. Once again, blasts of incredibly powerful magic rained down on the hostile forces, incinerating many among them in the blink of an eye. Musia’s second wave of magic was less powerful than her first had been, but it was still devastating in effect."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That, it seemed, had dealt the finishing blow to Seitz’s morale. Their troops’ spirits were shattered, and they began to break ranks and flee. Their leaders seemed to realize that they would be in trouble if they couldn’t regroup, and chose a strategic withdrawal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The battle had gone as Rietz had planned, and he’d managed to drive the opposing army into retreat. He was relieved by his victory, but at the same time, his expression remained grim. The lengthy melee had proven costly, and many of his men lay dead on the ground. His cavalry division’s losses were less heavy, and his mages were untouched."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The enemy’s losses, meanwhile, had been grave. By all rights it had been an incredibly fruitful battle, but Seitz still had plenty of troops kept in reserve. They would keep attacking, no matter how many of their allies were killed, and since their leaders were sure to work out a counter strategy to deal with the tactics Rietz had used today, the same plan wouldn’t work twice. That wasn’t the biggest problem that he faced, though. Of far greater concern was his stock of aqua magia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the rate we’ve been expending our reserves, they’ll last for two more battles, at most. Our foes, on the other hand, have plenty to spare."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was still a stock of aqua magia at Fort Coumeire, but defending the fort with no aqua magia whatsoever was impossible. Canarre’s success in battle so far had been reliant upon their ability to drive the enemy off with magic, though, and without aqua magia, their defeat would be all but set in stone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We need to have the Shadows eliminate the enemy’s aqua magia supplies, and soon, Rietz thought. He couldn’t keep buying time forever. Eventually, he would have no choice but to retreat, and if the Shadows had yet to accomplish their mission by that time, the war would be lost. Rietz said a quick prayer for the Shadows’ success as he set about preparing for the next battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So we’re supposed to take out their aqua magia and provisions, eh?” Pham muttered as he accepted Ars’s letter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His band of spies, the Shadows, had recently become Ars’s formal retainers. In truth, though, their work hadn’t changed much compared to how they’d conducted themselves as mercenaries. They no longer had the right to turn down their client’s orders, but their members still reported directly to Pham, and they accomplished their missions in the same manner they always had."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The mission they’d been given this time would not be an easy one. Pham had gathered extensive information on the army of Seitz, and had learned that they too employed a band of spies much like the Shadows. They were less skilled than Pham and his people, but their presence still made all the difference for the Shadows’ purposes. The enemy’s spies, after all, weren’t participating in the war to gather information on Canarre’s forces─they were there specifically to root out and counteract sabotage by enemy spies. In other words, Seitz’s army was well-defended against Pham’s tactics."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Seitz, presumably, had decided that with the advantage in numbers they held over Canarre, there was no need to resort to trickery. If they fought head-on, as they always did, they would win regardless. The only problem would arise if circumstances conspired to prevent them from fighting as they always did, and the only way that could happen would be if Canarre slipped spies into their camp to sabotage their provisions or aqua magia supplies. The spies were there to make sure that didn’t happen, and using them in that manner was a logical decision on Seitz’s part. It takes a spy to catch a spy, after all. No one else would handle the task more effectively."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sabotaging an army under the protection of spies was a tall order. Worse still, Pham was operating under a strict time limit. The job might have been reasonable enough with sufficient time to prepare, but he needed to make it happen as soon as possible. An average spy would probably say that the mission just wasn’t doable…but the Shadows were far from average. They were the best spies that money could buy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Guess the boss’s word is law. If this is what he wants, we’ve just gotta get it done,” said Pham. He took pride in the knowledge that he and his compatriots could achieve any mission, no matter how difficult. Not to say he could have turned it down to begin with, of course. He was Ars’s retainer now, not just an independent contractor, and that meant he had to live up to his lord’s expectations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pham put his mind into overdrive, running through every possible method he could use to guarantee the success of his mission. There were a number of means he could use to deprive the enemy of their provisions and aqua magia. Broadly speaking, he could target them while they were being transported, or target the storehouses they were kept in. Those storehouses were kept close to the battlefield as a matter of necessity, and the Shadows had determined their locations."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The one issue was that the army of Seitz had spread their supplies out over a large number of sites, rather than keep them all grouped together. Putting all their eggs in one basket would’ve been too risky, and they’d planned accordingly. That would make distribution slightly less efficient, but it seemed they’d decided it was worth the price, and Pham suspected there were even more sites that the Shadows hadn’t managed to discover."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The supplies being spread across numerous locations meant it would be exceedingly difficult to destroy them all. Hitting them in transit would pose difficulties as well, though. They’d be protected by a large squad of soldiers that the Shadows would have a very hard time breaking through."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’re not supposed to take out all of their supplies this time─just shave away at them. It won’t do any good if we just get rid of a little, though. We need to eliminate as much as it takes to give Canarre the edge in battle, thought Pham, trying to get a grasp of Ars’s intentions. Ars had written the orders hastily, and had neglected to specify quite a few pertinent details about his priorities. We’ll probably be better off picking just one target: their food, or their aqua magia. You have to feed your soldiers if you want to send them into battle, and fighting without aqua magia’s doable in a pinch. It might make more sense to aim for their food…but maybe not…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When he was a mercenary, Pham had only thought about accomplishing his mission and getting paid. Now that he was in the service of a lord, though, he had to think past those goals and consider his benefactor’s long-term victory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Losing a few sites’ worth of food won’t have any immediate impact on their ability to fight. Unless we can destroy all of them, we won’t make them retreat─we’ll just make them more eager than ever to end this war soon. Why would we light a fire under our enemy’s asses? That could bring the whole army down on us at once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What about the aqua magia, though? Seitz isn’t supposed to be all that rich in magistones, so if they lost that, they wouldn’t be able to replace it in a hurry. Running low on aqua magia has a direct effect on an army’s ability to fight effectively, too. Even if we’re losing in numbers, if we can beat them in terms of our aqua magia reserves, winning a defensive battle might just be doable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After considering all his options, Pham reached his decision."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ll go after their aqua magia!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that decided, Pham moved swiftly. He started by looking into which sites the army of Seitz was keeping their aqua magia at. He would prioritize taking those sites out, though the sheer number of them made eliminating all of them impossible. The number they could feasibly destroy just wouldn’t make that much of a difference, in the long run."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But what if we didn’t destroy their aqua magia? What if we stole it instead…?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Making off with the enemy’s resources would damage their ability to wage war and prop up Canarre’s in one fell swoop, killing two birds with one stone. However, stealing a stock of aqua magia from a battlefield would be harder than destroying it by an order of magnitude. All you had to do to destroy a storehouse was set it on fire, but stealing its contents would involve finding an opening, sneaking into the enemy camp, and carrying it all out again, without getting caught."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pulling off a heist like that undetected would be close to impossible. It would be a different matter with access to shadow magic, but Pham had used up the last of his appropriately aspected aqua magia saving Couran’s life some time earlier. It was a rare and prized resource, and he had yet to find a way to replenish his stock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Pham wanted to steal the enemy’s aqua magia, there was only one way he could think of to make it happen. The question was, was pulling it off realistic? If his scheme succeeded, he would be able to gather up the better part of the enemy’s aqua magia supply in one place, then steal it all in one fell swoop. Canarre’s forces would benefit considerably from that outcome, and the more he thought about it, the more he realized that it was doable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The one issue: the Shadows wouldn’t be able to handle it on their own. He would have to communicate his plan to Ars and ask for his cooperation. Pham quickly explained his plan to Ben, then sent him off to deliver it to their lord."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually, Ben returned with the reply from Ars that Pham had been waiting for: the soldiers he needed would be readied for him at once. It had taken him less than a day to make it back, meaning he’d managed to deliver the message at quite an impressive speed. Ben’s speed had always been one of his strong points, and his stamina was exceptional to boot. His plain appearance belied his remarkable abilities."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the moment, the Shadows were operating in the city of Purledo, the seat of the County of Purledo. There was a fortress located a short ways away from the city, from which the commander of the army of Seitz dispatched his orders to the front lines."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Purledo’s proximity to the fortress meant that people affiliated with the army passed through every once in a while, and that made it a decent place for the Shadows to pick the enemy’s brain indirectly and accomplish their current objective: gathering information. Seitz’s spies were working behind the scenes to block the Shadows’ efforts, but gathering information was the speciality of more than one of the Shadows’ operatives, and they’d managed to pull it off without running afoul of the enemy so far."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As soon as Ben had finished his report, Pham started giving out orders."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, let’s get this operation rolling,” he said. “Remen, Lambers, Mulad─go get it done.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The three spies Pham named would be responsible for the day’s operation. Pham wasn’t one to shy away from getting his hands dirty out in the field, but after deciding what the task of the day would entail, he’d realized that his subordinates would be more suited to seeing it through. Their skill sets were a better fit for the mission, so he’d handed it off to them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lambers was a master of disguise, and Remen was an expert when it came to seduction. Remen wasn’t an exceptionally beautiful woman, to be clear. She was hardly ugly, but she wasn’t any more or less remarkable than any of the other moderately pretty women you could find just about anywhere. Her barely above-average looks, however, did nothing to hamper the area in which she shined: her ability to charm men through the art of conversation. In fact, a truly beautiful woman wouldn’t have been able to do what Remen did without arousing suspicion in her marks, so in a sense her looks struck the perfect balance with her area of expertise. Mulad, meanwhile, was a fighter born. Remen and Lambers weren’t much for battle, and if the operation took a turn for the worse, Mulad would be their lifeline."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The three Shadows acknowledged Pham’s orders, then got to work at once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So that’s the guy, eh…?” Remen muttered as a somewhat frivolous looking man walked into her field of vision. His name was Kaisas Lopardo, and he was a non-combatant official in the army of Seitz. The term “official” may have been giving him too much credit, though─he was essentially a flunky, not responsible for any important tasks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The bulk of his work revolved around checking the stockpiles that the army transported. In other words, he was responsible for making sure their provisions, aqua magia, and the like were in stock. With a little luck and some skillful maneuvering, he had the potential to rise to an overseer role for the army’s whole supply chain, but at the moment, he was little more than an assistant to those with real authority."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kaisas had finished his work for the day, and was on his way to a local pub to drink the evening away. He was fond of drinking without company, and entered the pub alone. Remen followed just a moment behind him, and took a seat at a nearby table. Kaisas was hardly a prolific skirt-chaser, but he proved no match for Remen’s skillful wiles, and had soon taken an interest in her─just as she had hoped he would."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before long, Kaisas invited Remen to retire to a room with him. The pub he’d chosen functioned as an inn as well, and he quickly rented out a room, which Remen was all too happy to follow him into. There they engaged in a romantic tryst, interspersed with occasional conversation…all of which Lambers, who was lurking in the next room over, listened in on. That was all it took for him to commit Kaisas’s manner of speaking and personality to memory."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mulad was lying in wait in the same room as Lambers. Eventually, Lambers gave him a signal and Mulad left the room, went over to Kaisas and Remen’s chamber, and walked right in. He dashed over to Kaisas faster than the eye could follow, wrapped his arm around the man’s neck before he could even scream, and choked him into unconsciousness before snapping his neck, killing him instantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The spies stripped the clothes off Kaisas’s corpse. Lambers quickly dressed himself in them, then took a lengthy moment to study Kaisas’s face, memorizing every last little detail of his countenance so he’d be able to reproduce it later on. Finally, the three of them hid the body somewhere it wasn’t likely to be discovered any time soon, then departed from the room and the pub."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Damn them all… They’ve no idea what I do for them, fools that they are,” Raktor Brandol muttered irritably in his chamber in Fort Purledo. He was a short, plump man in his late thirties. He didn’t look like an especially capable fighter, and in his case, appearances were not deceiving. He had, however, been entrusted with an important role by Seitz’s commander: overseeing the transport of their supplies, from food to aqua magia and everything in between."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Raktor had never struck down enemy generals and achieved mighty deeds on the front lines, but he was nevertheless a man who contributed greatly to the army behind the scenes. The maintenance of supply lines was a critical factor in war, and the fact that he had been given responsibility over the task spoke to the trust that had been placed in him. Up till recently, that trust had been well-earned. He’d ensured that the soldiers on the front lines had ample and immediate access to everything they needed, and had contributed greatly to his army’s success. Word of his achievements hadn’t spread far and wide across the land, but among the inner circle of the army of Seitz, his efforts were much praised."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Due to the army’s most recent battle, however, Raktor had found himself the subject of scathing criticism. He had ensured the army’s resources were moved carefully and cautiously, storing their provisions and aqua magia in a multitude of locations to ensure that even if the enemy caught them unawares, they would avoid losing a fatal quantity of their resources. That choice, however, had impacted the efficiency of the transportation process. The slow speed with which resources had been transported across the battlefield had resulted in the army not having enough of everything they’d needed to press the attack and keep the pressure up on their foe. As a result, his colleagues had started blaming Raktor for the fact that Canarre had managed to mount a counterattack and push them back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ve been doing everything I possibly can! They just don’t see it,” Raktor said with a grimace. For all his talk of not being at fault, he knew deep down that their criticisms, in truth, were not off the mark. He was used to running supply lines for a force fighting at a numerical disadvantage, and supplying an army that held an overwhelmingly superior position was new to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Grr… There must be something I can do! Raktor thought. I told my underlings to submit any good ideas they had to me, but they’re a bunch of worthless louts to a man. I can’t expect anything from them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The transportation of resources was hardly a glamorous affair, and very few capable individuals were chomping at the bit to get involved. Just when Raktor resigned himself to the fact that he’d have to think up a new, efficient, and risk-free means of transporting goods to the battlefield, an associate stepped into his chamber to deliver a report."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sir Raktor,” said the man, “Kaisas says he wishes to speak with you. Do you have a moment to spare?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kaisas? Wasn’t he the third son of House Lopardo…? thought Raktor, whose memory was exceptional. He’d memorized the backgrounds of most of his subordinates in surprising detail, but he knew very little about Kaisas aside from his status in his family. He knew what the man looked like, at least, but only vaguely. They’d had few opportunities to meet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m thinking right now,” said Raktor. “Tell him I don’t have the time.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But sir─Kaisas claims he has a proposal to deal with our supply line situation!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A proposal…?” Raktor parroted skeptically. He had no idea how capable of a man Kaisas was, but he did know that if he was the sort of man who had good ideas, he wouldn’t have escaped Raktor’s notice for this long."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then again, it would hardly be the first time I’ve written a youth off, only to discover they have talent deep down after all. There’s no telling who might have latent potential, in the end. I suppose I should hear what he has to say, Raktor concluded, then agreed to see Kaisas, albeit with rather subdued hopes for the meeting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kaisas soon arrived at Raktor’s room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you for sparing the time to meet with me, Sir Raktor. I’m well aware of how busy you are, and appreciate you going to the trouble,” said Kaisas."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Enough with the formality,” Raktor sighed. “I’m told you have a plan. Out with it.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well,” Kaisas said, then quickly summarized the tactic he had in mind. In short, he proposed that the supply chain could be made more efficient by allocating their resources in a more centralized location, but making that location an underground site, thus rendering it beyond their enemy’s ability to detect."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Underground, you say…?” said Raktor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, sir,” Kaisas confirmed. “An aboveground site capable of holding all our stores would be large enough in scale that our foes could find and assault it with ease. If we can establish an underground site, however, then the odds of them finding it will be next to nothing, regardless of its size.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“But wait─how would we build an underground facility of that size? You’re proposing the impossible!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It would be perfectly possible, through use of earth magic.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Earth magic…?” Raktor repeated, then sank into thought. Building structures was indeed an accepted use for earth-aspected magic, so Kaisas had a point. Building a large-scale underground facility through magical means wasn’t implausible. “Tell me, Kaisas. How did you come up with this idea?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I enjoy reading in my spare time, and happened to come across a record of an old war some time ago. That record described the army of another duchy─Rofeille or Canshiep, I believe─making use of a similar tactic.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hmm…” Raktor was somewhat educated in military history, of course, but the historical tactics of the far northern duchies weren’t an area of study he’d committed to memory. He’d never thought they would be of any use to him. “That’s not a bad plan you’ve come up with, Kaisas. I’ll begin putting it into practice at once, and you can expect a healthy bonus for your trouble.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Much obliged, Sir Raktor,” said Kaisas with a bow…followed by an almost imperceptible smirk. “You needn’t bother with the bonus, though,” he added quietly enough that only he could hear it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then, let us decide upon the particulars of our plan! I’ll be expecting your help, of course,” said Raktor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So? How’d it go?” Pham asked his three fellow spies after they returned from their mission."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Swimmingly, Boss. Raktor’s all set to shift his strategy for his supply lines.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is he? That’s a surprise. Didn’t think he’d go for it that easily…not that I’m complaining,” Pham said impassively. It didn’t show on his face in the slightest, but inwardly, he was relieved and overjoyed to hear the news. The plan hadn’t succeeded just yet, though, and Pham forced his feelings of accomplishment to the side."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Shadows had known from the start that Raktor was in a pinch, but Pham hadn’t expected him to go along with the plan they’d fed him without question. At the absolute least, he’d expected that Raktor would take some time to think it through and consider the potential implications of the shift in strategy before adopting it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kaisas, the man Lambers had impersonated, was a grunt. He’d ended up as the Shadows’ target because killing and assuming the identity of someone important would’ve been too much of a risk, what with the enemy’s spies working to obstruct any potential subterfuge. Kaisas simply wasn’t significant enough to earn his side’s spies’ attention, so impersonating him was a comparatively low risk. That carried downsides, of course, chief among which was the fact that getting their plan adopted would be rather difficult with only an underling’s influence to back it up. Pham had expected it to take quite some time and maneuvering, but much to his surprise, it had gone off without a hitch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not only was it true that using underground supply depots was a tactic with some precedent, it had proven quite successful when implemented in prior wars. Raktor was also an open-minded man who understood the need to be flexible with his plans, which might have explained why he was so open to the suggestion."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Looks like that flexibility’s about to stab him in the back, Pham reflected."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Building a supply depot underground was an effective plan, yes. Having all their supplies in a centralized location would boost the efficiency of their distribution dramatically. Setting up multiple sites would involve finding optimal locations for every one of them, plus the actual work of constructing the facilities and the effort involved in communicating the supply lines to the rest of the army. It was, in short, a difficult and bothersome tactic."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Centralizing their network would resolve all those issues in one fell swoop, and locating the supply chain’s nexus underground would minimize the risk of enemy detection. To make the prospect even more attractive, aqua magia was known to be less likely to deteriorate in underground facilities than it did on the surface. Aqua magia was highly unstable and prone to deterioration, so one had to take careful steps to store it in a way that would maintain its optimal condition."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Furthermore, locating the site underground would make it harder for the enemy to infiltrate it. Aqua magia’s instability meant that it didn’t take much at all to render a batch unusable, and even a single enemy agent could deal a critical degree of damage to their stock, in the worst case. Keeping it in a large building would, of course, make it that much easier to infiltrate the supply site, so centralizing one’s aqua magia stockpile was generally not a feasible idea. Putting it underground, however, meant that even if the site’s location was discovered, all it would take was a careful guard kept over the entrance to render infiltration all but impossible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The plan had plenty of merit. Duchies with ample supplies of earth-aspected magistones had gone so far as to set up tunnel systems to run their supply chains through in the past, and while Seitz lacked the aqua magia reserves needed to go that far, they had enough to implement the plan that Lambers had used Kaisas’s identity to propose, and Raktor wasted no time in doing just that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lambers being party to the discussion, of course, meant that Canarre would know where the site would be located the instant it was decided upon. That would give the army of Canarre plenty of time to use earth magic to set up their own underground space in the immediate vicinity of Seitz’s chosen site. Then, all they would have to do is wait for Seitz to finish their facility, tunnel over to it using earth magic, and steal all their aqua magia right under the army of Seitz’s nose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thanks to Lambers, we’ll know exactly where Seitz’s supply hub’s set to be built. Let’s get to work, boys,” Pham ordered, sending the Shadows out to make their preparations for the upcoming operation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The army of Seitz constructed their new supply network at a breakneck pace. They brought in a contingent of reasonably skilled mages to do the bulk of the work, and had underground caverns hollowed out in no time flat. It seemed their numbers had made getting that sort of work done in short order a simple task."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The speed of the network’s construction, however, worked out in Canarre’s favor. Rietz could only hold the line and buy time for so long, so the sooner the Shadows could put their operation into motion, the better it would work out for their army’s prospect of victory. Raktor’s efficient work had, paradoxically, become a boon for his foes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "New supply sites were typically constructed in areas where they’d be difficult to find─within forests, for instance. In this case, however, Lambers had used Kaisas’s identity to propose the plan, and had been present at the meeting where the sites were chosen, rendering all attempts at secrecy futile. That said, the army of Seitz did diverge from the plan he’d suggested in one major way: instead of going all-in and building a single site, they’d chosen to make a still modest six, using three of them to store provisions and three to store aqua magia."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even with the aqua magia split between three locations, however, stealing all of it at once was not an impossible prospect. The Shadows would just have to hit all three sites simultaneously, and all they would need to do so was proper backup."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the new supply depots were finished, Seitzan forces started hauling their resources in from their old sites. Once that process was complete, it was time for the Shadows to take action. They used earth magic to dig tunnels near the new supply hubs, broke into them, and carried off their precious resources with no one the wiser. An army that was used to operating underground could have magically reinforced their facilities, making it difficult for an enemy force to burrow their way in, but Seitz had rushed the construction process and had taken no such precautions. As a result, Canarre seized their supplies with ease, carrying them off to Fort Coumeire before their foes even knew what had hit them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My jaw dropped as I looked over the spoils of the Shadows’ latest operation that had arrived at Fort Coumeire. A massive quantity of aqua magia sat before me. When I’d heard that we’d be taking it all for our own rather than destroying it, I thought the plan sounded too good to be true, but it seemed the Shadows were somehow even more capable than I’d been giving them credit for. This was an achievement beyond my wildest expectations, and I knew I’d have to find a way to reward them accordingly. There was always a chance they’d go find someone else to serve if they grew dissatisfied with their pay, after all, and that was a scenario I wanted to avoid at all costs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell and Mireille were just as astonished by their success as I was. The two of them had been a little more optimistic about the plan than I was, but not even they had anticipated it going this perfectly. Now that we knew it had, though, the three of us got right to discussing our next moves in the war."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, we’ve managed to claim an incredible amount of aqua magia from the enemy,” I said. “I think this increases our odds of coming out on top of this war considerably.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s a big achievement, yeah, but it’s still too soon to assume we’re out of the woods. Keep in mind that our army’s still a fraction of the size of theirs,” Rosell cautioned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Apparently, I’d been letting the minor successes go to my head. We hadn’t won the war yet, so I tried to take Rosell’s advice to heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right then, do either of you have any ideas about what could win this for us?” I asked. I’d done my best to think up a plan as well, putting all the tactical knowledge I’d accrued to use, but in the end I hadn’t come up with anything that felt just right. I’d need to make use of Mireille and Rosell’s talents if I wanted to get through this."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not sure I’d say I came up with a plan, per se, but now that the Shadows have achieved their mission, I think what we should do next is pretty obvious,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And what’s that?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rally our troops and march on Seitz’s forces,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I’m sorry, what?” I asked, flabbergasted by her left-field reply. We were still at a disadvantage, so engaging the enemy in open battle on purpose seemed like a very questionable decision to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Our enemies just had the better part of their aqua magia stolen from under their noses, and you’d better believe that’ll send them into a state of chaos. Their supply chain’s going to be next to useless until they fix things, and whatever aqua magia might be left sure as hell isn’t gonna make it to the front lines in time. That’s a state of affairs we can take advantage of. Giving them time here means they’ll rebuild their supply lines and set up a new distribution system, so we need to strike now, before it’s too late.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was thinking the same thing. If we’re going to take the fight to Seitz, it’s now or never,” said Rosell. It was pretty rare for him to advocate for a plan as bold and decisive as this one, pessimist as he was. I took that as a sign that this was our best chance. “Considering the fact that we’ll have way more aqua magia than them in our next battle, we could deal some major damage if we can lure them into a position that’ll limit their mobility. It won’t work if they can just turn tail and run, so we’ll have to make absolutely sure they take the bait.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The more we could limit the mobility of our enemy’s infantry, the more effective long-ranged attacks from our archers and mages would become. Our highest priority for our next battle was to whittle down their numbers as much as possible. Even if we technically won the battle, it wouldn’t matter in the long term if their soldiers could escape unharmed, regroup, and come at us all over again. That would gain us a healthy chunk of time, and it was always possible that Couran would defeat Vasmarque and send reinforcements our way, but I wasn’t interested in structuring our plan around an unknown factor like that. If we wanted to drive the Seitzan army out of Missian, we’d have to make a decisive move."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All that being said, I had no idea whether or not we’d be able to lure our foes into a trap. My first assumption was that our enemies would wait to attack until the chaos among their ranks died down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Where would we be able to lure them that would limit their mobility?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Maybe the woods…or a marshland? What’s available nearby…?” Rosell muttered to himself as he looked over a map of the local area. Seconds passed, and he didn’t seem to find anywhere that suited his purposes. “No, not here, it’s too far away… And this place would leave them too mobile… Maybe there isn’t anywhere well suited after all?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed that Rosell’s ideal battlefield was nowhere to be found, at least in this area. Unfortunately, luring our enemies into a trap was off the table if we couldn’t find anywhere to set said trap in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“There’s a river over here, though…” said Mireille. “Hey, have you taken inventory of all the aqua magia we stole from Seitz? Do we have a list of what types we got?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did, in fact, have such a list available to me. I remembered receiving it, and had stored it on a nearby shelf. I tracked it down and handed it over to Mireille, who gave it a look and smirked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Looks like we’ve got a lot of water aqua magia, huh?” she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What are you planning?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“If we use water magic to bulk up the river’s flow, we can cut off their escape route. We don’t have to lure them in anywhere after all─we can drive them to the river instead,” Mireille explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The river in question was slow enough that normally, you could just wade from one side to the other. If we flooded the river, however, we could render crossing it on foot impossible and turn it into a major roadblock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Driving them to the river and pinning them against it, huh…? I dunno─won’t putting their backs to the wall like that just make them harder to deal with?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wall? What wall?” asked Mireille. Apparently, that wasn’t a common expression in this world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What I mean is that if we pin them against the river, their soldiers will realize they have nowhere to run and decide that they have to fight or die. Situations like that have a way of driving people to fight way harder than they usually would,” I explained."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ohh, I get it. You mean like the Harmant turnabout. That tends to happen because being put in a do-or-die situation raises the defender’s morale, and also because the attackers tend to get complacent with that sort of advantage backing them up. This is the era of magic, though. No matter how high their morale gets, they won’t be able to turn the tables if they don’t have the aqua magia they need to pull it off. A situation like that might give them a boost in close combat, sure, but it won’t stop our magic from blowing them away,” Mireille reassured me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d heard the phrase “Harmant turnabout” at some point over my studies of tactics. It referred to a situation in which an army had their back up against a wall and mounted a successful counterattack, with Harmant being the location where the battle had taken place. I couldn’t remember where Harmant was for the life of me, though─somewhere in Paradille, maybe?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Will they even try to retreat across the river?” I asked. “Even with their supply chain in chaos and their resources inaccessible, they still have the advantage of numbers. If they can work out their supply issues, they’ll be able to push us right back, so don’t you think they’ll try to avoid retreating at all costs? They know that if they take too long, Vasmarque could lose his war and Couran could send us more men.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“True enough,” Mireille admitted. “We might have to go into battle once, gain an advantage over them, then send in the Shadows to spread some misinformation through the enemy camp, or something to that effect.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What sort of misinformation is she talking about? Maybe we could have them spread a rumor that Canarre managed to steal a shipment headed their way, so they wouldn’t get any more aqua magia any time soon? Or we could trick them into thinking that Vasmarque’s already lost, and a horde of reinforcements is headed our way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It would only matter if the enemy troops believed the rumors, of course, but I had every confidence that the Shadows could make that happen. It seemed clear that we’d be relying on them yet again, and I was starting to feel a little guilty for working them so hard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I’m convinced,” I said. “Let’s use Mireille’s idea as the basis for our plan. We’ll wipe out as many of their troops as possible, and ensure they never advance even a step farther into Canarre,” I declared."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0027.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We wasted no time putting the plan we’d settled on into action. To start, we sent a message through the quickest means available to Rietz, who’d fought his hardest to hold the enemy back. We informed him that the Shadows’ plan had been a success, and told him our strategy for the battle to come. We also requested that he write us a detailed update on the current state of Seitz’s troops."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz’s reply soon arrived, and he offered no objection to the strategy we’d proposed. I had to presume that he agreed with our assessment of the situation, but I still felt the need to meet him and talk it out in person before we put our plan into action. He also reported that, as expected, our enemies were in a state of turmoil. They’d kept up the attack with unwavering ferocity at first, and Rietz had just barely managed to ward them off, but his soldiers’ stamina had withered and his aqua magia reserves were running dry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment Rietz had considered falling back, but then, without warning, the enemy’s attacks had ceased. I had a feeling that if I asked, I’d find it was the very same day the Shadows had pulled off their operation. They’d likely judged that carrying on the attack with their supply lines in shambles would be too tall a task, and had brought their offensive to a momentary halt. I had a suspicion that they’d used up the last of their aqua magia in the battle with Rietz’s force, and had been counting on more being delivered when the Shadows’ plan succeeded. If that was true, then this really would be our ultimate chance to go on the offensive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I also sent a message to the Shadows. There was no real need for them to infiltrate the enemy ranks at the moment, so I instructed them to return to our vicinity for the time being. I was planning on sending them out to slip into the enemy’s ranks shortly before our next battle, where they’d spread misinformation and encourage our foes to withdraw."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right─I should be heading out soon, myself,” I said. I’d kept a decent number of troops with me at Fort Coumeire, and I was planning to sortie with almost all of them and join the attack on Seitz’s army. Going into battle carried some risks, of course, but Rietz’s force just wasn’t large enough to guarantee the sort of enemy casualties I was hoping for. Without the troops in Fort Coumeire, he’d have a hard time winning the upcoming battle, and we had to bring an end to this before the enemy could regroup, one way or another."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Ars…” Licia said wistfully. There was just no way I could bring her along on this mission, so she would have to remain at the fort. I’d wanted to see her before I left for the front, so I’d called her over to a room where we could have some privacy."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll be leaving Fort Coumeire mostly unguarded,” I said. “Staying here will be far too dangerous. I’d feel much better if you’d travel back to Torbequista, or Castle Canarre. You’ll be safer there.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I won’t be safe anywhere if your plan fails. No, I shall stay here and await your return,” Licia replied firmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought back to our first meeting. When I appraised her and discovered her remarkable Ambition score, I’d thought that she had the potential to be an exceedingly dangerous girl. Since then, though, I’d learned that she was more dependable than anyone, and I’d grown very fond of her─so fond, in fact, that before I even knew what I was doing I’d pulled her toward me and kissed her. I was acting on pure impulse, and as our lips parted, my heart started pounding like a drum for more reasons than one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ah…” Licia gasped, her face beet red."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment I was convinced I’d screwed up big time…but then she leaned in to kiss me in return."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Ars,” Licia whispered as we parted once more. Our second kiss had lasted longer than the first one. Part of me wanted to stay that way forever, but I suppressed the urge and forced myself to break away from her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’ll continue this after you return safely, and after we’ve had our wedding ceremony,” said Licia, who was still blushing vividly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I nodded, aware that my face was probably in much the same state as hers. “I’ll be off, then. I swear I’ll come back,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know you will,” said Licia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With that, I stepped out of the room…and immediately caught sight of a pair of people failing to act nonchalant as they walked down the hallway, away from the door I’d just exited. Even from behind, I could tell at a glance that they were Mireille and Rosell. I had a terrible feeling, and chased after them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey!” I shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-Yes?” Rosell replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You weren’t watching me, were you?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“N-N-N-No way! We most certainly did not see you and Lady Licia kissing! Perish the thought!” Rosell replied, confessing his crime before his interrogation had even begun. That settled it: they’d been snooping."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sounds like you’ll finally become a man after the war’s over, eh, kiddo?” said Mireille. “Shame, that. I was hoping to snatch your first time myself.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That was never going to happen!” I shouted indignantly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Will this woman never find herself a filter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, guess I’ll just have to make do with Rosell’s,” Mireille sighed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-What are you saying, Master?!” Rosell shrieked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, amid some turmoil, we departed from Fort Coumeire."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We marched out from the fort with a host of roughly eight thousand soldiers following behind us. Our goal was to rendezvous with Rietz’s force and advance upon the Seitzan army as soon as possible, so we set a rapid pace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had spent some time agonizing over which of our mages to put in charge of the water magic spell our plan would hinge upon. If we couldn’t flood the river thoroughly enough, we wouldn’t be able to corner the army of Seitz. Our only options, as far as I could tell, were to have Charlotte do it or to have a large number of mages work in unison. If I gave that job to Charlotte, then she wouldn’t be available to decimate the hostile forces after we had them cornered, which would be a major loss for our offensive potential. The firepower she could put out was a vital tool in our arsenal."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That said, losing a whole group of mages would obviously be a problem in its own right, and we only had so much aqua magia we could devote to the task. We’d stolen some from Seitz’s stockpile, but not enough to guarantee success under those circumstances. If Charlotte was casting on her own, she’d only use a single mage’s worth of the stuff, so running out wouldn’t be an issue. Mages with her level of talent could cast spells many times the power of an average mage using the same quantity of aqua magia, and on the flip side, having a group of mages cast enough spells to equal her power output would consume many times the quantity of aqua magia she would. It seemed very likely that we’d run out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the end, I decided to entrust the task to Charlotte and one of our force’s other top-ranking mages. Losing her in the main attack would be a blow, but I’d received word that Musia, the fledgeling mage my skill had led me to recruit recently, had gone through something of a magical growth spurt and improved her skills by leaps and bounds. I had no doubts about her talent, and if she’d improved that dramatically of late, I was sure she’d make a massive difference in the battle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A period of marching later, our force met up with Rietz’s and I gathered my usual advisors for an immediate meeting. I wanted to keep our discussion as fast and to the point as possible."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m sure you understand the plan after reading my letter, but just to be safe, I’d like to make sure we’re all on the same page,” I said to Rietz as soon as he arrived."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The vast majority of the army of Canarre is to march on the army of Seitz and catch them off guard. They will be unable to fight back through magical means, thanks to their deficient supply of aqua magia, and with our foes in that weakened state our odds of victory will improve dramatically. Should the enemy attempt to retreat after the battle is won, we will flood the river behind them, cutting off their path to safety and allowing us to wipe them out to a man,” Rietz recited."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Perfect,” I said with a nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’d have to clear a number of hurdles to make this plan a success. First was the simple question of whether or not we could defeat the army of Seitz, even in its magic-deprived state. Charlotte would be in charge of flooding the river, so she wouldn’t be able to participate in the battle from its outset. There was also a danger of them retreating too fast, in which case they could potentially cross the river before she was ready to flood it. That would mean that we’d wasted her firepower and lowered our chances of victory for nothing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Even assuming we did win and pinned our foes in, whether or not we could wipe them out was still in question. The river wouldn’t stay flooded forever, and if the Seitzans could hold out well without magic on their side, there was a chance that some or most of them would still get away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those were only a few of the ways I’d thought up in which the plan could go sideways, and since Rosell, Mireille, and Rietz were all sharper than me when it came to tactical scenarios like these, I had a feeling they knew even more ways in which it could end in disaster for us. Nevertheless, we were committed to seeing it through. A small force like ours had no hope of taking down a numerically superior foe without taking some risks in the process."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Charlotte, you’ll head upstream accompanied by a small division of soldiers,” I continued. “Be extremely careful not to let the enemy see you. We’ll use sound magic to send a signal when we want you to cast your spell and flood the river.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Gotcha. And hey, even if they do see us, I can just blow ’em away with my magic, so no need to worry,” said Charlotte, who seemed as casual and carefree as ever, even though she’d been given the most important role in our whole operation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wasn’t quite sure whether I should be worried or reassured by her confidence. Not freaking out about the task would hopefully make it easier for her to pull it off, at least."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m more worried about you guys. You sure you’ll be able to win this battle without me?” Charlotte jabbed in a joking tone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ll manage,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I sure hope so,” said Charlotte. This time, I could feel an element of sincere concern behind her less than serious front. I never would’ve imagined that Charlotte of all people would worry about me, but then again, she was right in the sense that we relied a lot on her firepower. Not having her around was a legitimate cause for concern."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are the soldiers ready to march?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They are. We can leave for the front whenever you give the order,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well then, no sense in wasting time. Tell the men to─”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, wait a sec,” said Mireille, cutting me off. “We should send the Shadows to start spreading their misinformation before we go on the march.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now? Shouldn’t we wait until after we’ve won this battle?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Nah,” said Mireille. “If we do it now, then if everything goes well, their morale will take a hit before the fighting begins. No sense in putting it off.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s…a good point, actually. What sort of rumors should I tell them to spread?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That Couran’s won his war and is heading for Canarre, or something like that? Oh, and we could say that the army of Canarre’s been emboldened by Couran’s victory and is getting ready to crush Seitz in one fell swoop. Since that last part’s true, it’ll make the rest of the rumor seem more believable when the attack happens. They could figure out that Couran winning’s a lie if they took the time to dig in and verify the rumor, of course, but Seitz just doesn’t have that sort of time to spare right now.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None of us could think of any reason not to accept Mireille’s plan, so I communicated it to the Shadows and ordered them to begin putting it into practice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right! Now we just have to wait to hear back from the Shadows, and then we can set out,” I said. “Oh, Charlotte? You should head upstream and get ready to cast right away.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You got it,” Charlotte readily replied, then went along on her way. We didn’t want to draw the enemy’s suspicion with a large group, so I sent her out with just a few mages and a small number of soldiers to serve as their bodyguards."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, all that was left was to wait for word from the Shadows."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Shadows’ report arrived the very next day─much faster than I’d expected. It seemed our foes had bought the story we’d fed them. I didn’t know how the Shadows had gone about spreading the rumor, but really, all that mattered was that they’d succeeded."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed that the Seitzan army had gotten word of the fact that me and my troops had sallied forth from Fort Coumeire, and had reasoned that I wouldn’t make a move like that unless I had some cause to believe I would win the ensuing battle. Just when they were at their most cautious, the rumor that Couran had won his battle arrived, and suddenly, everything seemed to fall into place. The wrong place, of course, but there was no way for them to figure that out in time."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Shadows also gave me a report on the current state of the enemy army. Apparently, opinions on what their next move should be were thoroughly split. Some of them believed they should march straight to Fort Coumeire and claim it before Couran could arrive, some believed they should retreat at once, and others believed they didn’t have a full picture yet and advocated for gathering more information before making any drastic moves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The commanding officer present on the front lines was apparently not heavy-handed with his authority, and took his subordinates’ advice into serious consideration, which in this case had left him in a state of indecision. His soldiers, meanwhile, picked up on his bafflement and had grown restless in turn. Per the Shadows’ analysis, now was our perfect chance─the chance to strike at the army of Seitz, and deal a decisive blow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, let’s move! This time, I’ll be heading into battle with you!” I declared at the head of my army. I wouldn’t be fighting on the front lines, but I’d decided to at least set foot on the battlefield alongside my troops. I knew very well how much of a morale boost having their main general present could give my forces."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you certain about this, Lord Ars…?” Rietz asked apprehensively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll be fine,” I said. “I’ve been through my fair share of battles, and I’m not the child I used to be. I won’t be reduced to a quivering mess by the sight of a criminal’s execution anymore.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Back then, I’d given my father no choice but to go out into battle, and the strain had reduced his remaining lifespan. No matter how much manpower I brought over to my side with my Appraisal skill, none of it would mean a thing if I couldn’t show that I had a lord’s bravery and keep all my followers dedicated to my cause. Defeat would mean death, yes, but that didn’t change the fact that sallying forth onto the battlefield was a necessity for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All that said, it wasn’t like I was planning on hurling myself into the enemy lines with a sword. That was exactly what my father used to do, supposedly, and he was known to fight like a man possessed─especially in pivotal battles like today’s. I was by no means a swordsman, though, so feats like the ones he achieved were beyond me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So, uhh…where should I be standing?” Rosell asked with an anxious air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was planning on commanding from a little ways behind the front lines, and ideally, I was hoping he would be nearby enough to give me advice on what orders to give."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I want you to stay close to me and give me any advice you think is necessary,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“R-Right! Got it,” said Rosell with a nervous nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille and Rietz would be out on the field as well, leading our troops on the absolute front line. My position in the central force behind them would allow me to have a grasp of the whole battlefield and give orders to my allies. I was prepared to order the central force to move up and meet the enemy head-on if necessary, of course. Rosell’s instructions would be vital for that sort of judgment call, and he was clearly feeling a great deal of pressure, but I knew he’d come through for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, Clamant would be leading the Maitraw Company as something of a mobile strike force."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll follow your orders for the most part, but you should know in advance that I may take it upon myself to act on my own initiative,” he told me. “If that happens, know that I am not double-crossing you or acting on impulse. Whatever I decide to do, I do for the sake of winning this battle, and nothing else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could feel the weight of his ample experience on the battlefield backing up his words. I wasn’t exactly excited about having someone inform me he wouldn’t necessarily follow my orders, but he didn’t leave me any room to argue with him, and I knew very well how difficult winning this battle would be without him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I want you protecting Lord Ars in this battle, Braham,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? But I wanna fight on the front line!” Braham whined."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Don’t underestimate the importance of this task, Braham,” Rietz cautioned. “If Lord Ars is struck down, our army will crumble. This is a duty I could only entrust to a warrior as strong and capable as you.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As strong as me, eh…? W-Well then, guess I’m the only choice you’ve got! Gra ha ha!” Braham bellowed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz, clearly, had gotten very good at convincing his troublesome pupil to do as he was told. He went on to assign Zaht and the rest of the elite squad that Braham led to my unit. Having them around would dramatically reduce the odds of my untimely demise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And us? What should we be doing?” asked Pham."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Shadows had already contributed more than enough to this battle, and part of me wanted to tell them to just take it easy, but they were also capable enough that I knew they could still do plenty to turn the tide in our favor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How ’bout we stir up a fuss around the enemy commander and take him out in the confusion? I can’t guarantee we’ll pull it off, but it could be worth a shot,” Pham suggested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm… That’s not a bad idea, but do you think you could join our mages for this battle instead? You have a knack for magic, so I bet you know some attack spells that would come in handy,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pham grimaced."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I mean, I can use attack magic, sure, but I’ve never had to use it to blast away on an open battlefield before.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’re running a magical firepower deficit with Charlotte out of the picture, so every little bit matters. Would you be willing to at least give it a try?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, if those are our orders, we’ll do it. Just don’t get your hopes up,” said Pham. He still sounded reluctant, but at least he wasn’t arguing with my decision."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the subject of mages, Musia would be fighting on the front lines. Our mages were going to stand at the head of our formation and hit the enemy army with everything they had, and I could hardly make an exception just for her. A line of soldiers would be there to defend them, but that didn’t change the fact that it would be a dangerous role─and yet Musia didn’t seem to be any more or less scared than the rest of the mage division. It seemed the battles she’d fought in so far had helped her grow as a soldier, in a mental sense."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "According to Mireille, the first strike would set the tone for the rest of the battle in a magic-heavy engagement. Landing that first magical barrage would shred your foes’ morale, and unless they pulled themselves back together quickly, they’d be forced into a withdrawal. Magic really did hold that much sway over the battlefield even at the best of times, and with Seitz at a lack of aqua magia, it was all the more true today."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We didn’t have the time to iron out any intricate details for our battle plan, so we’d have to just play it by ear after the battle began. I had Rietz and Mireille to direct my troops on the front line, and both of them were skilled enough to do the job well, but I knew that didn’t mean I could slack off. Commanding the central unit was also important, and a weighty responsibility, even if I knew I could count on Rosell to steer me in the right direction."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn’t long before our soldiers were ready to sortie."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right─all units, march!” I shouted from the front of our ranks with as much gravitas as I could muster."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We set off toward the enemy encampment with my whole army in tow. The army of Canarre plus Couran’s reinforcements numbered over ten thousand men, so catching our foes unawares was out of the question. That was why we sent scouts ahead to keep watch over their force and inform us how they were moving once they’d learned of our offensive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When word from our scouts arrived, I was unsurprised to learn that they’d chosen to meet our attack head-on. Even if they were low on aqua magia, they still had enough of a numerical advantage to make retreat the less likely option. The area we’d be fighting in was largely devoid of hills, and the army of Seitz had set up their formation in a wide open plain. Making their stand on elevated ground would have given them an advantage, so I was grateful for the region’s flat plains. Of course, defending against an all-out magical barrage would’ve been difficult whether they had the higher ground or not."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Broadly speaking, our plan was to avoid engaging the soldiers in melee combat as much as possible, and instead whittle away at them from a distance using magic. They would try to close the gap, of course, so we’d keep blasting at them as we gradually retreated. From an outside perspective it would look like they were attacking us, even though the reverse would be true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The one thing we had to be vigilant about avoiding above all else was getting surrounded. Even if they only managed to partially encircle us, being attacked from multiple flanks at once would put us in a nasty predicament. They had far more men at their disposal than we did, so they could split their force and come at us from several directions. If our foes attempted to use that sort of tactic, it would be the Maitraw Company’s job to intercept the flanking force. They were exceptional warriors to a man, and had the capability to go into a lopsided battle and tip the scales in their favor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Needless to say, we would have to keep constant lines of communication running throughout the engagement. As soon as I received an update on the state of the battle, Rosell and I would decide what move we should make next, then send out our orders to our forces. Of course, I was anticipating that Rosell would end up doing most of the actual planning."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As we marched onward, a scout arrived with bad news."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Part of the enemy army is on the move!” he cried. “It’s only a small contingent of a few hundred men, but they’re heading toward Charlotte’s division! They mean to wipe them out!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What?!” I shouted. This was an emergency, and since Rietz and Mireille were off in the vanguard, I couldn’t ask them for advice. Rosell was the only one close enough to consult. “Does this mean they’ve figured out our plan?” I asked him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not necessarily,” answered Rosell. “They didn’t send very many men, relatively speaking. Considering how big their army is, they would’ve dispatched a much larger force if they knew what she was there for. A force of a few hundred means that they know she’s there, but haven’t figured out why yet. I doubt this is anything more than a precautionary measure on their part.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That makes sense… But still, a few hundred men? She’s in serious danger!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“She is, yes. Considering how powerful her magic is Charlotte could probably send a force of that size running for the hills, but there’s always a chance they get the better of her. I think we should send backup.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Backup…? Who could we send right away, though? I suppose there’s Braham,” I muttered, but frankly, I didn’t have much faith in the man. I knew he’d grown slightly smarter thanks to Rietz’s guidance, but could I trust him with such an important task?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then again, nobody else sprung to mind as being capable enough to manage it, so Braham was my only option. I tried appraising him, just for reference, and found that his previously embarrassingly low Intelligence score had gone up somewhat, at least. In the end, I decided that trusting in him and giving him the order to back Charlotte up would be my best bet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Braham,” I said. “I need you to go to Charlotte’s current position and reinforce her squad.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh?” Braham grunted. “Wait, but I thought my role was to fight by your side?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your role’s changed. Charlotte has enemies bearing down on her, and is in a pretty nasty situation. Take a hundred men and make sure she survives.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Isn’t Charlotte the lady who does all that crazy magic? Won’t she be fine on her own?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“She might be able to drive them away, yes, but she also might not, and that’s not a risk we can take. For the sake of us winning this war, and for the sake of Canarre’s future in general, we can’t let her die no matter what happens.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was invested in Charlotte’s safety on a personal level as well, needless to say, but I knew that as the count it was important for me to view these things in a pragmatic manner and tried to frame my decision in terms of our future prospects. Sending away Braham and his men would be a painful loss, but I was sure we’d be able to work things out without him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then. I’ll get it done,” said Braham. I told him what route Charlotte had taken, and ordered him to get there as quickly as possible. Then, he gathered up his hundred horsemen and rode off to reinforce Charlotte’s squad."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, that’s one problem solved…probably,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-Braham’s a lot less wild than he was at first! I’m p-pretty sure it’ll be fine,” said Rosell, exhibiting a rare moment of optimism that the unease in his expression immediately offset. I couldn’t let myself worry about my choice to send Braham, though. I had to believe it would work out, and press on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We marched onward, and eventually drew close enough to the army of Seitz to see it with the naked eye. Once we sighted them and confirmed that we were close enough to put their camp within our mages’ effective range, I ordered my whole army to a stop."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My division, the army’s main force, was positioned in the central rear of our formation. To either side of the main division were troops in charge of protecting us. They were few in number, but the soldiers in each of them were quite capable. Rietz and Mireille’s divisions made up our formation’s front line, and Clamant and his mercenaries were right behind them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our plan was to fight a reactive battle, taking stock of the enemy’s movements and responding accordingly, and that necessitated my unit being in a position where I could give orders to the whole rest of the army efficiently. The two divisions in the front of our formation consisted of soldiers with shields in the front, and rows of mages behind them. We’d brought twelve large catalyzers into battle, and the mages who weren’t placed on one of them were carrying small or mid-sized models."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was almost no chance that the enemy hadn’t seen us, at this range, and as expected, they were in a state of high alert. They did not, however, go on the attack. I imagined that if they’d had a sufficient stock of aqua magia, our inferior numbers would have led them to sally forth and drive us back immediately. Lacking those resources, though, they adopted a more passive approach. I had to wonder if their commander had yet to decide what his best move would be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Regardless, if the enemy had no interest in moving toward us, that just meant we had free rein to use them as target practice. I had given Mireille and Rietz permission to act with a degree of autonomy when they saw fit, and they weren’t the sort of people who’d let a chance like this pass by. They ordered their mages to attack, and a volley of fire-aspected spells rained down upon the enemy encampment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Our foes weren’t all out of aqua magia, and at first, they managed to raise their barriers and repel our spells. Gradually, though, their defenses began to weaken. It was becoming increasingly clear that going on the attack was their only choice, and before long they came charging at us in a mad dash, throwing caution to the wind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hadn’t witnessed it in person before this moment, but I’d been told that throwing hordes of soldiers at their enemy without sparing a care for the casualties they suffered had been the army of Seitz’s standard practice in this war. It looked like a mindless suicide rush to me, but considering their sheer numbers, it had the potential to be an effective method. More than just the potential, even─they’d managed to successfully break through our line once already, after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In this battle, however, we had mobilized almost every soldier that the army of Canarre had to offer. Furthermore, we were effectively the only side able to make use of aqua magia. Charlotte’s absence was a cause for some concern, but I believed that we’d be able to stymie their brute force tactics even without her magic, and it soon became clear that I had been right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Enemy soldiers fell one after another to our mages’ relentless storm of spells. Musia’s magic in particular proved even more powerful than I’d expected. She was no Charlotte, of course, but her spells were still potent. I knew that one’s Valor score impacted their ability to do magic, but it seemed that their Aptitude as a mage played an even greater factor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz and Mireille’s clear and precise orders helped tremendously as well. They kept us at a constant distance from the enemy, ordering our troops to fall back and advance as needed and ensuring the vanguard could keep up its attack without risking an enemy breakthrough. If our foe’s situation became too grim they would have no choice to retreat, and forcing them to do so was our primary goal in this engagement, but they proved remarkably resistant to that decision. Coming this far had cost them dearly, so perhaps that was no surprise. They’d faced down Charlotte’s magic on multiple occasions, and I could understand the stubborn desire to get something to show for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That said, they weren’t just being stubborn. There was a strategy informing their tactics as well, which became clear when they sent a massive cavalry division galloping toward our ranks. Mages ruled the battlefield, but horsemen came in second thanks to their incredible mobility, especially given that riding fast enough made it very hard for mages to land their spells. The cavalry weren’t aiming for Rietz, Mireille, and their mages, however. They were heading for me and our main division."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The enemy cavalry split into two groups, riding at us from both sides to catch us in a pincer attack. Aiming for the enemy commander was the oldest trick in the book, so we’d laid plans to combat it, so Rietz and Mireille didn’t let the enemy’s charge throw them out of sorts and kept their soldiers in line. My troops and I didn’t panic, either, and Rosell seemed to have read our enemy like a book, predicting both that they would send out their cavalry and when they would do so. The instant they made their move, he was ready to shout out orders to counteract it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Maitraw Company! Fall back to reinforce the main unit’s guard!” Rosell shouted."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Maitraw Company moved to obey his command at once, proving that they could take orders when the situation called for it. I’d had a preconception that mercenaries ran wild over the battlefield however they saw fit, but it seemed I was mistaken on that front. That, or I was correct and the Maitraw Company was unusually professional and willing to work within the chain of command."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Clamant had an exceptional way of leading his men, and he and his mercenaries fell back to smoothly reinforce our guard against the cavalry charge before I knew it. They placed spearmen in their front ranks to prevent the enemy from charging straight into them, and Rosell followed suit, ordering our soldiers into an anti-cavalry formation in a sequence of movements smooth enough to rival the Maitraws."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The enemy cavalry bore down upon us. I couldn’t tell if their horsemen were skilled or if their horses were the remarkable ones, but one way or another, they were incredibly fast. The horses looked a little larger than the ones I was used to, too, and I could imagine how forceful their charge would be. Still, though, I held fast and kept command over my troops."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Get ready, mages!” I shouted. We hadn’t put all of our mages into the front divisions with Rietz and Mireille. We knew the enemy might attempt a cavalry charge like this, and had kept some stationed within my unit and with the Maitraw Company. We each only had twenty or so mages to work with, but that was plenty for their magic to make a real difference."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On Rosell’s order, the mages unleashed fire magic upon the charging cavalry. Some of their horses faltered in the face of the inferno, and their charge grew disordered. An effective cavalry charge required you to either ensure your horses were protected from your enemy’s spells, or otherwise to ride horses that had been trained to not panic in the face of magic. Some of the enemy’s horses cleared that bar and didn’t falter, but others failed, and their erratic movements became an obstacle to the more well-trained steeds. Just a few flinching horses was all it took to slow down an entire formation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A full-speed cavalry charge was a terrifying thing indeed, but once their pace was slowed, they were nothing to fear. The enemy cavalry arrived at my unit at a reduced pace, and my men intercepted them with long spears, aiming for the riders rather than their mounts. One by one, the horsemen fell. The moment their formation had fallen to pieces, we had already won."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The enemy cavalry soon fell into a retreat. The Maitraw Company had proven just as successful at repelling them as my men had. In the end, anticipating our enemy’s maneuver had allowed us to thwart their attack with ease."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After their cavalry charge failed, the enemy army attempted to use all sorts of tactics and came at us using all sorts of formations, but under Rietz and Mireille’s command, our front line divisions drove each and every one of them away. Our foes were in a uniquely vulnerable state thanks to their lack of magical defenses, but those two and their incredible leadership abilities deserved plenty of credit as well. Their orders were so clear and concise that their soldiers could move to carry them out the instant they were issued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As things stood, our army had suffered few losses, while our foes had died in droves. I couldn’t see any option for them other than to retreat, but they’d proved stubborn in the past, and I wasn’t convinced they would go for it. As I pondered their options, though, a report came in from the front."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The army of Seitz has begun to fall back!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We’d done it. Everything on our end had gone as planned, and now all we had to do was act in coordination with Charlotte and drive our foes to the river. She’d already reported via sound magic to tell us she was in position. Casting sound magic over that sort of distance would be difficult for an ordinary mage, but for someone with her skills, it was as easy as could be. Me and my men would be on the move while we herded our enemies, of course, but I didn’t imagine we’d leave her sound magic range. The one problem left, then, was that of the soldiers that had been sent toward her position."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I sent Braham to deal with them, so he’ll work it out…I hope."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was a little concerned, but decided to have faith and focus on driving our enemy into position."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few hours before the army of Seitz began their retreat, Charlotte was standing by near the river, waiting for Ars to send her the signal to cast her spell. She’d sent her own magical sign shortly beforehand, and had received a reply telling her to wait for further notice. Until she received her order to start casting, waiting was all she had on her plate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m sooo booored,” Charlotte droned. Her catalyzer was already full of water-aspected aqua magia, so there weren’t even any preparations remaining for her to get done. “Hey, I’m bored as hell over here! Got any good ways to kill time?” she asked, turning to one of the soldiers who had accompanied her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Really, Charlotte…? This is a battlefield, not a picnic,” the soldier sighed with exasperation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why not try fishing if you’re that bored? That’s what I do whenever I get a moment to myself,” suggested another, significantly less serious-minded soldier."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Fishing? How’s that work?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All you need’s a fishing rod and a body of water, really. I’ve got the rod, and hey, there’s a river right there!” said the second soldier as he produced his fishing kit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-Why in the hell did you bring a fishing rod onto a battlefield?!” barked the first soldier. “I was wondering what that pole you were carrying was!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, lighten up. I can fight just fine, even with my rod handy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That is not the issue, and if you ever bring that thing into battle again, I’m reporting you to Rietz!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, you wouldn’t! Come on, cut me some slack! I’ll buy you a round next time we’re at the pub, okay?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Meanwhile, Charlotte had claimed the second soldier’s fishing rod and wandered over to the river. She baited the hook, cast her line into the river, and waited for all of several minutes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nothing’s biting, and I’m bored again,” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Umm, Charlotte?” said the second soldier. “It’s only been a few minutes, you know? It takes a little longer than that to catch a fish, most of the time.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And what, you’re supposed to just sit around until then? How’s that any different from doing nothing at all?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, I mean…that’s sort of what fishing’s all about, in a sense… It’s all about the anticipation of it, I guess? Sitting there, knowing a fish could bite at any moment!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, that’s boring and I’m done with it,” Charlotte grumbled as she tossed the fishing pole away and started looking for some other way to kill time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, uh…shouldn’t you people be taking all of this a little more seriously? You know we’re in real danger right now, don’t you?” said a third soldier, who was trembling and looked just about ready to pass out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What danger?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I mean the enemy soldiers that are headed our way! We got a report about them, remember?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right. But they said they were sending us reinforcements too, so it’ll be fine.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Will it, though? Really?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Eh. It’ll work out, one way or another,” Charlotte said with an unconcerned air. She had never been one to let other people’s worries get to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Um, Charlotte?” said the third soldier. “You never seem to worry about anything, do you? Aren’t you scared of dying?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Nah, not really,” Charlotte replied offhand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The soldiers were baffled. They were all courageous men in their own rights, but every one of them feared death. The idea of not being scared to die was hard to fathom."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And, I mean, think about all the soldiers I’ve killed in battle so far,” Charlotte continued. “I lost track of how many people I’ve killed ages ago. It’d be pretty pathetic for someone with a kill count like mine to be afraid of dying, wouldn’t it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I d-don’t think that whether or not it’s pathetic is the question at hand,” said the third soldier."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh? Well, I’ve always been a weirdo, so maybe it’s just different for me,” Charlotte said, then went back to looking for entertainment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just then, a shout rang out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Emergency! Enemy soldiers sighted!” yelled the party’s scout, who’d gone out to do some reconnaissance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So they’re here, eh? What about those reinforcements?” asked one of the soldiers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No sign of them so far,” said the scout."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Does that mean they’re not going to make it in time?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It might!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A pall came over the soldiers’ faces. The situation had gone from bad to worse."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, not like running away’s an option. We’ll just have to hold here and fight to the last,” said Charlotte, as unconcerned as ever. Seeing her, the highest-ranking member of their party, act so calmly helped soothe the soldiers’ nerves. “It’ll be all right. We just have to wipe them out like we always do,” she continued, trying to reassure them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The enemy soldiers drew closer to Charlotte’s party’s position. They hadn’t sent an especially large unit of troops, but Charlotte’s group was small enough that there were still several enemy soldiers for every one of theirs. In a straight-up fight it wouldn’t even be a contest."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte began preparing the small catalyzer she was carrying on her person. Her group had brought a large catalyzer with them as well, but it had already been filled with water-aspected aqua magia, and they couldn’t afford to waste it in the oncoming skirmish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The enemy soldiers arrived on the other side of the river, and Charlotte immediately cast a Fire Bullet spell, sending it flying toward them. The ball of flame met its mark, and burst within their ranks. It couldn’t compare to the spells that she cast with a large catalyzer, but it was still an impressive explosion, and sent several dozen Seitzan soldiers flying."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Despite the carnage they’d just witnessed, the enemy soldiers’ advance didn’t falter. They waded into the river, one by one, which slowed them down and made them easy targets. Their numbers gradually thinned, but defeating all of them before they forded the river proved too much to ask, and a few managed to make it to the other side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The soldiers that had been chosen to accompany Charlotte were capable warriors, and they managed to hold the enemy forces off at first, but as more and more of them made it to their side of the river, Charlotte’s men were overwhelmed. Charlotte, meanwhile, couldn’t use her magic as effectively after the melee broke out for fear of catching her allies in the blast. She was capable of limiting the power of her spells, but if her control slipped she could easily hurt her allies, and she had to cast with the utmost caution."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O-Okay, this might be pretty bad,” Charlotte muttered. Not even she could deny the gravity of the situation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte knew that at that particular moment, whether she lived or died wasn’t just her problem. If she were to perish, then so would the army of Canarre’s hopes of prevailing in the war. She didn’t fear her own death, but she did fear the possibility that her death could put her lord and her friends in danger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have to do something, but how? I can’t use my magic like this, Charlotte thought. Unfortunately, thinking had never been her strong suit and a way to break out of her predicament eluded her. She was starting to panic, and in her distraction, an enemy soldier drew close to her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Charlotte, look out!” cried one of Charlotte’s men."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte chanted a spell at a breakneck pace and blew away the enemy who’d gotten close to her. It had all happened in the blink of an eye, and in her haste, Charlotte failed to dial back her spell’s power as much as she should have and was caught in the blast. The force of the spell sent her flying, and while she was lucky enough to escape grave injury, her leg scraped across the ground when she landed and she found herself unable to stand. Meanwhile, her enemies drew closer and closer still. This, Charlotte realized, could be the end…or so she thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Graaaaaah! Pick up the paaace!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A bellowing voice rang out across the battlefield─Braham’s. He had finally arrived with his reinforcements. Braham steered his horse into the crowd of enemy soldiers and swung his polearm with all his might, cutting down his foes. Braham’s usual weapon of choice was the sort of spear one would thrust with rather than swing, but when on horseback, he switched to a type of spear with a longer blade that was more suited to slashing attacks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Many of the soldiers that had accompanied Braham were among the most skilled in the army of Canarre, and they quickly overwhelmed the Seitzan force. They were still technically outnumbered, but the gap in skill proved to be the more consequential difference. Charlotte’s magic made an impact as well, and numerous enemy soldiers died wreathed in flames thanks to her spells. In the end, the attackers chose to turn tail and flee before they were wiped out. Charlotte had escaped mortal peril by a hair’s breadth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Gra ha ha ha ha! We’ve won a great victory, all thanks to me!” Braham declared with an elated cackle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You’re, uhh…Braham, right?” said Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right! Braham, the man who just saved your life!” Braham said, then let out a pathetic, squealing grunt as Charlotte kicked him, hard, directly in the groin. The blow caught him by surprise, and he crouched down in a pigeon-toed ball of suffering."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s for being so late. What the hell took you so long?” said Charlotte. She wasn’t the sort of person who got angry often, but clearly, this was one of the rare exceptions to that rule."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“U-Uhh… I, umm…might’ve taken my time getting here, just a little… I mean, I thought ‘eh, it’s Charlotte, she’ll be fine,’ that’s all,” Braham wheezed. He was usually a man with a wealth of confidence and an attitude to match, but now he withered in the face of Charlotte’s fury."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte sighed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, whatever. You saved us in the end, and you put up a good fight, so I’ll let it slide.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Th-Thank you very much,” Braham replied reflexively."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right! We’re out of the woods now, so this seems like a perfect time to take a rest,” said Charlotte as she began to sit down and recover from what had turned into a mentally taxing battle. Just then, however, one of the other soldiers in her squad began to shout."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Charlotte! We have a signal from the main army! They’re saying you should cast your spell now!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vasa Lupericol, one of the army of Seitz’s commanding officers, blazed with fury as he coordinated his force’s retreat. His direct superior, Boroths, hadn’t deigned to set foot on the battlefield himself, and had appointed Vasa to lead the army in his stead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "None of this would have happened if it weren’t for the damned fools in charge of our supplies! Vasa thought indignantly, and rightfully so. If it hadn’t been for the blunder in the supply chain, and if their force had received the aqua magia they needed, the battle would have played out in an entirely different manner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was not, however, to say that Vasa was without fault. He had known that he didn’t have the resources he needed, and if he’d ordered a retreat the moment he became aware of the aqua magia situation, he could have saved the lives of countless soldiers. A truly skilled leader would have chosen to fall back the instant that fact became clear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We’ll withdraw for now, regroup, and invade once more. I’m sure we’ll bring Canarre to heel when we do…but will I be the one leading the army when that time comes? Have I wasted my one big chance to move up in the ranks?! Vasa fretted. He had left a contingent of soldiers to serve as a rearguard, engaging the enemy to buy time while the rest of the army fled. He’d left a slightly larger number of troops to handle the task than he felt he needed to, too, so it seemed very unlikely that the enemy army would break through his back lines and reach his own contingent. Even considering their foes’ one-sided access to magic, Vasa believed that his retreat would succeed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was terribly, terribly wrong."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What the blazes is that sound?” Vasa muttered as he neared the river. A strange noise in the background had given him pause, but he didn’t have the time to worry about anything other than fleeing, and pressed onward."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was only when the river came into view that the truth came to light, and Vasa’s jaw dropped. The river was inundated. Its waters surged and roiled, and its current was strong enough that even at a glance, it was obviously uncrossable."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-Impossible. How could this be…? It hasn’t even rained,” said Vasa in dumbfounded shock. He even glanced up at the sky in his confusion, though of course it was still as bright and clear as ever."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It wasn’t long before Vasa realized what had happened. His foes had sent a mysterious squad of troops upriver some time beforehand. Vasa had sent a small division of Seitzan troops to eliminate them, just for the sake of caution, but it seemed he hadn’t been cautious enough."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That squad must have included a powerful mage, he thought. I’d bet this is the work of that woman─the monster who bathed the battlefield in flames, over and over. Did she kill all the men I sent to stop her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No spell’s effects could last forever. The river would return to its normal state eventually, and if Seitz’s rearguard could just hold out until then, Vasa knew there was still a chance he could escape. Once again, though, his hopes were betrayed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Canarre’s army broke through our back line! They’re coming!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shortly after I sent the order for Charlotte to cast her water spell, Mireille, Rietz, and their soldiers in the vanguard broke through the enemy lines. Our foes had put up a harder fight than I’d expected and it had taken a fair chunk of time, but not long enough to put our plan at any risk of failure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I gave the order for our whole force to corner the enemy soldiers. Charlotte’s spell had gone off without a hitch, and the river was raging at a tremendous speed. Anyone brave enough to try jumping in would be swept away to their doom. I was reminded all over again of just how terribly powerful Charlotte’s magic was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The army of Seitz had clearly not foreseen any of this. They must have been in a state of total chaos, and wound up stopping dead in their tracks by the riverside. Their commander, it seemed, was not good at adapting to unexpected circumstances. Their troops weren’t poorly trained by any means, according to Rietz and the others, and they were very good at raising and maintaining their soldiers’ morale, so I had to assume that training and morale-boosting were their strengths, while adaptability was their one big weakness. I wouldn’t necessarily say it disqualified them from being a capable leader, but unless they had a talented second-in-command or tactician to advise them, I couldn’t see a person like that doing a great job in the long term."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We spread our army out, pinning in the panicking remnants of the army of Seitz, then battered them with magic. They had nowhere left to run, and no choice but to take the spells we slung head on. I saw countless soldiers fall to our mages’ blasts, and we still had plenty of aqua magia left to keep up the assault for as long as it took. The fact that Charlotte wasn’t around still had me concerned, but even without her firepower on our side, the fact that the Seitzans were unable to magically defend themselves made our tactic astonishingly effective."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few enemy soldiers threw caution to the wind and plunged into the river, only to be swept away. I couldn’t see them making it out of that current alive. Others, meanwhile, made an attempt to mount a counterattack, but that was something we’d planned around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This was the battle’s most critical moment. Our enemy was more ready than ever to fight to the death, and nothing was more dangerous than a warrior who knew that they had to kill or be killed. Normally, our magic would intimidate our foes, but if those enemies knew that choosing to flee would mean death, then that wouldn’t be in play."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A mage’s one greatest weakness was that they couldn’t allow their enemies to get close to them. That was why we stationed a line of soldiers in front of our mages─to keep the enemy away. Yet our foes fought with the crazed strength of dead men walking, and the men we’d sent forward to stand guard soon found themselves hard pressed to hold the line. They probably wouldn’t have managed it, if it weren’t for the individual efforts of some of my most trusted retainers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was the first to jump into the fray, hurling himself into the enemy’s ranks and making short work of them with his masterful swordsmanship. As he cut his foes down, he let out a spirited battle cry, rousing the rest of my men to turn the tide. I felt uneasy watching him fight on the front lines like that, to be honest, and I wanted to order him to fall back to the safety of the rearguard immediately, but I couldn’t deny that having him out there to support and encourage the vanguard was making a massive difference. I decided to believe in Rietz and his exemplary Valor, and watch on without interfering."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz hadn’t set out for the front lines alone. Zaht, who hadn’t accompanied Braham on his mission, was out there as well, fighting by Rietz’s side. His Valor was remarkably high as well, and he was doing an incredible job of supporting Rietz in battle. His fighting style wasn’t flashy, but it was more than effective enough to make up for it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mireille, on the other hand, hadn’t rushed out to the front lines. She was certainly strong, and she was an incredibly capable warrior for a woman, but she couldn’t keep up with men like Rietz and wasn’t capable of running wild in the thick of battle like he did. Instead, she stayed back and shouted, “I hope you miserable louts know what’ll happen to you if you turn tail and run!” at our men."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had no idea what she meant by that, but apparently our soldiers did, and they fought noticeably harder from that point onward. The boost of motivation put them on just about even footing with our foes, though I couldn’t help but notice that our men looked downright terrified as they fought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What on earth has Mireille been doing to those poor men during their training sessions…? I wondered. In any case, thanks to my retainers’ efforts, our forces managed to overcome our enemy’s last-ditch attempt to fight their way out of the trap they were caught in. My belief that having the right people on your side made all the difference was reaffirmed once more. Since our foes were effectively surrounded, the troops at the center of their formation were left with no one to fight and nowhere to go, turned into living targets for our mages. The longer we kept this up, the more their numbers would dwindle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As our soldiers held their ferocious attack back, Musia unleashed one of her spells. I’d heard that she would cast a spell that rivaled Charlotte’s magic every once in a while, but I hadn’t fully understood how destructive that meant she could be. The spell she’d cast landed squarely in the center of the enemy formation, where I’d expect their main force to be found, and for a moment I thought she might have taken out their commander in a single blow. As time went by and their formation didn’t collapse I concluded that he must have been elsewhere after all, but her spell had still thinned their ranks by a fair margin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Moments later, the effects of Charlotte’s spell faded and the river began to return to its normal flow. The Seitzan forces hurried to ford the river and beat a retreat, once again leaving a contingent of soldiers behind to delay our pursuit. It seemed they intended to ensure that their commander and his division escaped, and they were even willing to sacrifice the rest of the army to make sure that happened. We tried to pursue after wiping out their rearguard, but unfortunately, their withdrawal was a success. We couldn’t catch up in the end, but considering how many enemy soldiers we’d slain, we’d still accomplished our objective with flying colors."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the fighting was over, I went to inspect the site of the battle up close. The corpses of innumerable enemy soldiers littered the ground in a scene that might as well have been drawn from the depths of hell itself. I could barely stand to look at it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hellish as the aftermath was, however, our military victory was overwhelming. After confirming the number of enemy soldiers who’d died and sending out scouts to see how many had escaped, we learned that we’d killed somewhere in the vicinity of forty thousand men over the course of the battle, leaving roughly thirty thousand remaining in their army. They’d lost about ten thousand in all our previous battles combined, but today four times that number had died, for a total of fifty thousand casualties over the course of their campaign."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Canarre, on the other hand, had gotten off somewhat lightly. We’d lost some men, yes, but our casualties amounted to only five thousand in total, leaving us with twenty-three thousand soldiers remaining."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In other words, they still have a leg up in terms of numbers,” I muttered. I’d thought that we’d claimed the advantage in this latest battle, but that judgment had been premature."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it too early to assume we’ve won this war…?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“They still have more men, yeah, but I doubt Seitz is going to attack us again,” said Rosell. “The defending side of a battle holds an advantage, generally speaking, so defeating us with only seven thousand extra troops is tough. And that’s not even starting on the fact that they lost fifty thousand of their men, and only killed five thousand of ours in the process! If they can swallow that truth, then there’s no way they won’t conclude that seizing Canarre will be impossible.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s exactly right,” said Mireille. “And honestly, even if they did try to take another swing at us, we’d just have to treat ’em to another slaughter for their trouble. They don’t have the numbers to overwhelm us anymore, so driving them off will be a cinch.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is there any chance of them replenishing their forces and attacking again?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ve got a decent enough picture of the state of Seitz’s internal affairs, and they don’t have the men to spare,” said Mireille. “Even if they do manage to gather enough reinforcements somehow, I figure it’ll take them a long time to pull it off. Couran’ll have taken Vasmarque down by then for sure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Judging by Rosell and Mireille’s read on the situation, we were more or less out of the woods. Eighty thousand men wasn’t really all that impressive of an army, when measured in terms of a duchy’s standing force. As a matter of fact, Couran could mobilize a larger army himself, and he wasn’t even in control of Arcantez, the capital of Missian and its largest source of troops. Seitz’s duke had just taken his throne and the upheaval in his duchy had yet to fully die down, so it was no wonder he didn’t have the sort of manpower his neighbors did. The invasion of Canarre had been a wild throw of the dice to begin with, and it was hard to imagine he’d be willing or able to spare any more resources on it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We soon made our way back to Fort Coumeire. I was fairly convinced that the enemy wouldn’t be taking another shot at us, but I wasn’t ready to let my guard down quite yet, and intended to keep the border well protected. I was also planning on continuing to dig up as much information on the enemy as possible, and proceed with all due caution."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A number of months came and went without any sign of movement from the army of Seitz. Then, on the twentieth day of the fourth month, year 212 of the Imperial Era, as fall set in, the news we’d been waiting for arrived."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Couran is victorious! Vasmarque’s army has been repelled!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, at long last, the forces of Canarre regained our peace of mind."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0029.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I admit it. They got the better of us on every level,” Boroths Heigand, commander of the army of Seitz, muttered to himself. News of Vasmarque’s defeat had just arrived in Seitz. Boroths had been hard at work putting his army back together for another attempt at conquering Canarre, but with Vasmarque no longer on the offensive, he knew his chances of victory were low enough to be practically nonexistent. “Now the only question is what punishment I’ll face for this miserable defeat…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Boroths was well aware that after a loss this spectacular, there was little to no chance he’d be allowed to keep his current position. The knowledge that he’d betrayed his lord’s expectations deeply wounded him. Canarre’s clever schemes and stratagems certainly played a factor in their victory, but Boroths couldn’t deny that his decision to leave the role of battlefield commander to his subordinates had contributed to the ultimate outcome of the war as well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Boroths knew perfectly well that he wasn’t cut out to lead from the front. He was more capable than your average battlefield commander, perhaps, but his true strengths lay in the development of strategies and the effective delegation of the army’s most important tasks. Hence his decision to entrust command in the field to Vasa. Boroths had believed the man had what it took to lead his army to victory, but time had proven that he had been mistaken. He had thought that Raktor, the man he’d placed in charge of the army’s supply logistics, was a reliable man as well, but instead he’d been caught up in an enemy scheme."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vasa and Raktor were both men with ample accomplishments to their names. That was why Boroths felt he could trust them to do their jobs, and do them well. The truth, however, was that results rarely spoke for themselves. Sometimes luck could carry a man to high places, and his record could tell a very tall tale compared to his true abilities. People occasionally experienced moments where circumstance allowed them to perform far beyond their true potential for just a brief instant. Unfortunately, judging the precise strengths of the people around you was impossible…unless you happened to possess a truly exceptional ability."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In spite of all the blunders the army of Seitz committed, their sheer numbers should have been enough to overwhelm Canarre…and yet, they hadn’t. Canarre’s forces had flipped the war on its head, and Boroths knew that they would never have been able to do so if it weren’t for the talent of the individuals in their upper ranks far exceeding that of those under Boroth’s command."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars Louvent. A dangerous man indeed,” said Boroths."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It hadn’t been long at all since Ars had ascended to the status of count. No matter how capable of picking out talent he was, it would take time for him to find those talented people and gather them to his side. And yet, even at this early moment in his career, he already had enough of them to open a gulf between him and his enemies. How much would that gulf widen in the future?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A sense of impending doom rushed over Boroths. The crisis that his master, the Duke of Seitz, had foreseen now felt all too real to him. It felt almost palpable."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0031.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve lost this battle, yes, but that wasn’t my only order. I will see Ars Louvent dead, no matter what it takes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Ars could not be made into Seitz’s asset, he would have to die. Such were Boroths’s orders, and the man no longer had the luxury to be picky about how he carried them out. He would stoop as low as it took…and so, Boroths resolved to employ the finest assassins he could find to engineer Ars’s death."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some time after the news of Couran’s victory arrived, reinforcements dispatched from his army showed up at Fort Coumeire. I’d informed him of the current state of the war, and it seemed he’d judged that we were no longer in need of a large host and had only sent a modest contingent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "While we were defending Canarre, Couran had been defending Velshdt. He’d repelled Vasmarque’s assault, wiping out a hefty chunk of his army in the process, and had then pushed back, marching on Arcantez in a joint effort to besiege it with Paradille’s army. It struck me as truly remarkable how quickly Couran had switched from defense to offense. He’d known that was his chance, and had acted upon it without hesitation. That judgment was part of what made him seem like such a capable leader to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, however, would not participate in the siege of Arcantez. While Couran oversaw that front of the war, I was to stay behind in Canarre and keep a careful eye out for any movements from Seitz. Couran had ordered me to do so, explaining that another Seitzan attack would be a nuisance, and that we needed to be ready if that time came."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Time passed by, and there was no sign of Seitz resuming its attack. I didn’t expect them to make another attempt, frankly, and while Canarre’s nature as a border county meant that I’d never be able to abandon our watch over our neighbors, I did eventually let myself relax a little. I was tired of war on a personal level, and was grateful to have an opportunity to take it easy for once."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vasmarque’s defense of Arcantez was persistent, but at this late stage in the war there was simply no way for him to turn the tables. Couran had conquered all the castles and forts in the capital’s vicinity, and Vasmarque had no allies left. He was trapped and isolated, and at the end of the day his struggle was in vain. Castle Arcantez finally fell to Couran on the fifteenth day of the sixth month, three months after Couran had repelled Vasmarque’s attack on Velshdt. On that winter’s day, Missian was united under Couran’s banner."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A banquet celebrating the war’s end was to be held in Castle Arcantez, and my presence was requested. I set off for the capital with an armed escort, among whom Rietz was not, in fact, present this time. We still couldn’t afford to completely write off Seitz, so he and Charlotte had to stick around in Canarre just in case the unexpected occurred. Instead, I brought a troop of fifteen handpicked bodyguards, including Braham and Zaht. That would leave everyone back home with ample means to defend the county, and since Braham and Zaht were such capable fighters, they made for the perfect bodyguards."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A round trip to Arcantez from Canarre and back again took about thirty days by carriage. Our journey proved uneventful, and we arrived in Arcantez on the thirtieth of the sixth month. I’d never been to the capital before, and it was exactly as large as one would expect from the seat of the duchy. The symbol of the city, Castle Arcantez, loomed large over its surroundings…though of course, it wasn’t quite as impressive in scale as the Emperor’s palace in the imperial capital had been."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Arcantez was certainly impressive, but in terms of the town and its people, I had a feeling that Semplar had been a little livelier. Semplar was a port town, which made it a natural economic hub. Financially speaking, I wouldn’t have been surprised if Semplar was better off than even the capital."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before the festivities could commence, there was one matter left for Couran to take care of: the execution of Vasmarque, the cause of the civil war. I’d been convinced at first that Couran would never kill his own little brother, but I soon learned how naive I had been. Couran refused to make any exceptions for Vasmarque, and sentenced him to death. Family or not, he couldn’t turn a blind eye to anyone who would raise arms against him…or perhaps it was because they were family that he couldn’t afford to show mercy. Because of their shared blood, so long as Vasmarque lived he would always be in a position to take another stab at claiming the throne. Killing him was the only way to prevent that with certainty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vasmarque was to be beheaded─decapitated with a massive axe, specifically. That was standard practice for executions in this world. Some executions were carried out in more brutal ways to set an example─burning them at the stake or drawing and quartering them, for instance─but Couran wasn’t cruel enough to sentence his own brother to such an agonizing death."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The execution took place in the plaza in front of Castle Arcantez. When I arrived, I was unsurprised to find that a massive crowd had gathered to watch Vasmarque meet his end. I’d gone back and forth on whether I wanted to watch, but had eventually decided that since I’d fought in the war against his faction, it would only be right for me to witness his final moments."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Moreover, I’d never actually seen Vasmarque in person, and wanted to get at least one look at his face. I wouldn’t appraise him, though. I was curious about Vasmarque’s abilities, yes, but there was nothing to gain from learning how capable a man was moments before he was killed. All I’d get out of it would be regret, if he turned out to be exceptional─and from what I knew about him, I had a feeling that was likely the case."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Vasmarque was led up onto a scaffold at the center of the square. My first impression of him was that he didn’t resemble Couran at all. His hair was black, and his features weren’t quite as handsome as his brother’s, either. I also noted that he didn’t look at all afraid. It seemed, to my eyes, that he had accepted his fate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Vasmarque took a deep breath, then shouted to the crowd around him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Mark my words!” he said. “A time will come when Missian will be divided once more! My death changes nothing! Couran has neither the right nor the ability to rule over any of you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To me, that just sounded like the braying of a sore loser. I knew for a fact that Couran was capable, and he struck me as an excellent leader. The idea that he didn’t have the ability to rule just felt preposterous to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I know him well─better than anyone! I know the petty, despicable fool who lurks behind the polite pretenses. There will come a day when his followers see what I have seen, and abandon him! I see it now, clear as day!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran watched on from afar in silence. He wasn’t flustered by his brother’s words, and in fact, he didn’t react at all. Either he didn’t think anyone would take Vasmarque’s shouting to heart, or his allegations were so far off the mark that Couran couldn’t even bring himself to care. Whatever the case, it was clear that not a word that Vasmarque said resonated with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Couran raised a hand into the air, and in unison, the headsman raised his axe. Then, Couran brought his hand down…and the axe descended, slicing clean through Vasmarque’s neck. Blood scattered into the air as his head fell from the scaffold, coming to rest on the ground below."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, the curtain fell on the life of Vasmarque Salemakhia, second son of the former Duke of Missian."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The banquet was held following Vasmarque’s execution. Nobles arrived to celebrate in droves, some of whom I recognized."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh! Well, if it isn’t Ars!” a very familiar voice rang out. The former Count of Canarre and acting Count of Velshdt, Lumeire Pyres, approached me. “I’m told you’ve been doing splendid work, truly splendid! I see leaving Canarre in your hands was the right path indeed!” he said with a beaming smile and a flushed face that told me he’d already started drinking."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you, Lord Lumeire? How has Velshdt been treating you?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Velshdt? A fine place indeed, but so large compared to Canarre! I find myself overwhelmed at every turn by the scale of it all! But to be fair, all the boorish nobles who wouldn’t give me the time of day when I ruled over Canarre practically hang on my every word now, so, yes, there are some upsides!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Canarre was one of Missian’s most remote counties, and it wasn’t especially large, either. In these turbulent times the relative status of nobles was determined by the power they wielded, and the easiest measure of power was the number of soldiers one was ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. It was only natural that ruling over a larger territory would elevate Lumeire’s standing in the eyes of his peers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Soon, the banquet began in earnest. Couran stood before the assembled nobles and gave a speech, but I barely heard a word of it. Instead, I found Vasmarque’s last words echoing through my mind once more."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One day, he claimed, Missian would be divided all over again. Couran had no brothers left, younger or older. His eldest son surely knew that all he had to do to inherit the territory was wait for his time to come, so unless Couran did something truly appalling to him, I couldn’t imagine he would be inclined to start a revolt. I just couldn’t see any practical risk of Missian fragmenting any time soon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why, then, had Vasmarque chosen to give his warning? I recalled him saying that Couran’s followers would lose faith in him and abandon him. Did he mean that Missian would go the way of Seitz, with one of Couran’s most capable vassals raising the banner of rebellion and splitting the duchy apart? Was that what he’d foreseen?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It wasn’t unthinkable, but then again, I’d now seen all of Missian’s counts in person, and I knew that none of them were as capable as Couran himself. The idea of a vassal less talented than him rising up and unseating Couran was, of course, ridiculous. It just wouldn’t happen, and once again, I found myself concluding that Vasmarque had simply missed the mark."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And above all others, I would acknowledge the Count of Canarre, Ars Louvent, for his many and mighty contributions to our cause! Step forward, Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "While I was lost in thought, Couran called me out by name. I couldn’t just ignore him, so I made my way to the front of the crowd and stood before the gathered nobles."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Canarre was set upon by a mighty host of Seitzan soldiers,” said Couran. “Had they achieved their aims and conquered the county, we may not have been able to bring Arcantez under our control. Eighty thousand men marched upon Canarre, and between Ars’s men and the sparing few I could send to him, he had only thirty thousand with which to repel them. But repel them he did! Outnumbered by more than twofold, Ars stood strong and protected his realm! His is an achievement worthy of celebration!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After an explanation like that, none of the nobles in the room could protest the treatment I was being given. Plenty of nobles had opposed the idea of granting a child the title of count, and I hoped that this would help quell their protests."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Will you say a word, Ars?” Couran asked without warning."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I froze. I hadn’t even begun to consider how I could address the hall, and when I failed to do so, a heavy silence fell. The atmosphere grew unbearable, and I knew I had to say something, even if it turned out to be painfully trite."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Umm,” I began. “Canarre was in real danger for quite some time, but in the end, we managed to prevail. I intend to continue devoting myself to Lord Couran’s service and to the betterment of Missian as a whole.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was far from a masterfully delivered speech, but at the very least it wasn’t a complete flop with my audience. I got the sense that many of the nobles who’d previously had a rather poor image of me were now seeing me in a new light. The way they looked at me had changed. Defeating a superior foe, it seemed, was the sort of achievement that could change an aristocrat’s mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You have my thanks, Ars, and you will, of course, be well rewarded,” said Couran, who ended up presenting me with a massive amount of gold coins. My coffers had been hurting lately, so I couldn’t have been happier. Once again, no one spoke up to object to my reward. They were too busy celebrating my accomplishment instead."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After the festivities concluded, we made our way back to Canarre. Then, on the eighth day of the eighth month─my fourteenth birthday─I would be formally wed to Licia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A wedding."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d dreamed of marriage in my previous life. Up until around the time I graduated from college, I’d held onto the baseless belief that I was sure to get married someday. Then, I went out into society, got a job, never met anyone I clicked with, and was a thirty-five year old bachelor before I knew it. I’d never even had a girlfriend, so getting married was a fantasy I hardly even dared to dream about anymore."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was the life I led, and the life that was passed on to the new me, Ars Louvent…and so, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I’d get married at the age of fourteen. Upon reflection, I found myself thinking that fourteen was just a little too young for that sort of thing. I wasn’t even half as old as I’d been when my previous life came to an end! I could technically sire offspring, I supposed, for whatever that was worth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Those were among the thoughts that preoccupied me as I sat around in my tuxedo. The ceremony was scheduled to begin in about two hours, and I was well beyond the point of no return."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The marriage would be held in the great hall of Castle Canarre. Holding weddings in churches wasn’t traditional in this world, it seemed. I’d already gotten changed, and was standing by in my chambers. Licia was still changing into her dress─women’s wedding attire was a lot more time-consuming to put on than men’s, so I’d ended up with some time on my hands."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was so nervous, I could hardly stand it. The actual ceremony shared some similarities with how they were conducted in my old world. The couple was expected to exchange vows and a kiss, for instance. The religious aspect of swearing your vows before God was missing, though, and instead you swore before a human witness. Nobles like me usually brought in a higher-ranking noble to play that role, and Lumeire would be mine. I’d asked him if he would be willing right after the celebration in Castle Arcantez had wrapped up, and he had readily accepted. Couran was a higher ranking noble as well, of course, but by such a wide margin that asking him to be my witness felt disrespectful."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After our witness finished his speech, we would exchange a kiss, and that was it. The bride and groom weren’t expected to give speeches of their own, or anything like that, so in a certain sense my role in the ceremony was quick and easy. Still, for some reason, I couldn’t suppress my anxiety."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some time later, one of Castle Canarre’s maids arrived to inform me that Licia had finished changing. In other words, the time had finally come. I would meet Licia by the entrance to the great hall, and we’d enter the chamber together, walking up to Lumeire. That was more or less all I’d have to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stood up, took a deep breath, and set out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I made my way to a waiting room near the great hall. A few minutes after I arrived, Licia stepped inside. She was wearing a pure white wedding dress, and was so strikingly beautiful I found myself at a loss for words. I just stared blankly at her, which I soon realized was making her pretty nervous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Crap, what am I doing? I need to man up and tell her what I’m thinking!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You look stunning, Lady Licia,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia beamed, her cheeks ever so slightly flushed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you look dashing, Lord Ars,” she replied, setting my heart aflutter."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of us walked into the hall together. A red carpet had been laid out to guide us to the front of the chamber, and as we proceeded along it, a band serenaded us with a soothing musical number. All sorts of people had come together to attend the ceremony, and my retainers, of course, were among them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I glanced at each of them in sequence as I walked along. Rietz had broken down into tears the moment he saw me, and I could hear him muttering, “Oh, how you’ve grown, Lord Ars… I’m so proud,” as I passed him. You’d almost think he was an old man, the way he was acting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte, meanwhile…was eating. Musia was with her, and I had to imagine that Charlotte had been the one who’d suggested that this would be an appropriate time for a meal. Musia noticed us enter the hall and tugged at Charlotte’s sleeve to get her attention, at least, but Charlotte was so focused on her food she didn’t even notice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rosell was so nervous, his face was a corpse-like shade of white. That, I assumed, was because he was scheduled to read out a message to the two of us during the ceremony. Rietz would be reading his first, but Rosell would be right after, and he wasn’t exactly used to public speaking. I couldn’t blame him for freaking out a little."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mireille was three shades to the wind and getting handsy with one of the maids. That maid, upon closer inspection, was Pham, the leader of the Shadows. The maid outfit was just a disguise, and he was doing his best to deal with Mireille in a convincingly maid-like fashion, but I could tell how irritated he was behind the facade. I could only hope he didn’t lose patience and beat Mireille to a pulp before the ceremony ended."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Braham was seated next to Zaht, quietly watching as we made our entrance. I was surprised to see a sizable lump on his head, when I looked a little closer, and imagined that he’d done something he shouldn’t have and earned a scolding from Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia and I walked along the red carpet, eventually coming to a stop in front of Lumeire. The music cut off at the same instant, and for a moment, silence filled the hall. Even Charlotte’s muttering about how good the food was and Mireille’s incessant solicitations toward Pham ceased."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Finally, Lumeire’s voice broke the silence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ars Louvent. Licia Pleide. On this day, the two of you shall be joined in matrimony. Do you swear to stay together, in sickness and in health, until the end of your days?” he asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Our answer was obvious."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I do!” Licia and I declared at the exact same moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Then let your vow be sealed with a kiss,” Lumeire urged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stepped up to Licia and gently pressed my lips to hers, lingering for a few seconds before I broke away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I, Lumeire Pyres, have witnessed your vows, and do hereby declare them binding and unbreakable!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After our ceremonial kiss, we listened to the congratulatory speeches that Rietz, Rosell, and the others had prepared. Couran hadn’t come in person, but he’d sent me a letter expressing his congratulations to make up for it, and I was once again impressed by how thoughtful he could be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, the ceremony more or less transitioned into a banquet. We ate, drank, and made merry to our hearts’ content. We also had a few performances put on, and it soon felt like we were throwing a full-blown festival within the castle. I’d always imagined noble parties to be more elegant, refined affairs, but this celebration was anything but. I wasn’t disappointed, though. Actually, I felt a lot more comfortable in this sort of atmosphere, and truly enjoyed myself."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0033.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You should try this meat, Lord Ars! It’s exquisite,” said Licia, who seemed to be having just as good of a time as I was. “Oh, allow me to feed you! Say aah!” she added, holding a piece of meat out toward me with a fork."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Being fed like that was on the top three list of things I’d always wanted my girlfriend to do for me someday. Although, we were in a great hall, surrounded by people. Doing it here would be incredibly embarrassing…but still, I wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by. I tried to pick a moment when as few people were gaping at us as possible, then took the bite she’d offered me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you think?” asked Licia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-It’s delicious,” I replied. It really was, though frankly, I was more taken with the act of being fed than I was with the meat itself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, aren’t you two getting feisty,” said Charlotte. I had no clue how long she’d been standing next to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Were you watching that?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Every bit of it,” she said with a smirk. I knew that face. It meant she was about to tease me mercilessly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-You really shouldn’t disturb them,” said Musia, bringing some much-needed reason into the picture. Unfortunately, Charlotte just ignored her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right! If that’s how we’re playing, I think I’ll feed Lord Ars too!” Charlotte said, then jammed her fork into a slice of cake and brought it up toward my mouth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“W-Wait a second,” I stammered in dismay."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, Lady Charlotte? What, precisely, is the meaning of this?” asked Licia in a tone of voice that terrified me. I glanced back at her and found her smiling in that very particular sort of way that made it clear she was not pleased."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-Ha ha ha, just kidding around!” Charlotte said with a forced laugh, then ate the piece of cake herself. Not even she was capable of resisting the silent pressure Licia could exude."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I believe you would do well to turn her down more clearly, Lord Ars,” Licia continued. “Whyever were you so flustered?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gah! Now it’s my turn?! You’re scaring me, Licia!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was going to tell her no, of course! It was just so sudden! I’m afraid I was too startled to reply clearly,” I said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, is that so? In other words, you hadn’t even the slightest interest in eating her cake?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, of course not!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, I’m glad to hear it!” said Licia, still smiling in the most intimidating manner possible. It was starting to dawn on me that she would be keeping a firm handle on the reins of this marriage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After all of us finished eating, everyone presented me with gifts. It was my birthday, after all. I’d received a wide variety of presents every year, but the fact that this year’s celebration doubled as my wedding led to me receiving even more valuable gifts than usual."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The festivities went on for hours on end, and finally came to a close after nightfall. I was exhausted, and fell asleep the moment I had the opportunity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next day I saw Lumeire and Hammond, Licia’s father, off on their journeys home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I trust…no, I humbly request that you treat my daughter well, Count Louvent,” said Hammond. I held authority over him, as things stood, and he was doing his best to speak with a deference that reflected that fact, which made me feel more than a little uncomfortable considering he was now my father-in-law."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I swear to you that I will make Lady Licia happy,” I replied, then turned to Lumeire. “Thank you again for traveling all this way, Lord Lumeire.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Think nothing of it!” said Lumeire. “The two of us are compatriots, are we not? And I must say, for having just suffered a large-scale invasion, I’m astonished that Canarre itself seems all but untouched!” he added with a surprised smile. “I have faith that you will lead this county to growth and prosperity. Best of luck to you, Ars!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Thank you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With those parting words of encouragement, Lumeire and Hammond set off for their respective domains."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The day passed by, and night fell. The day of my wedding had been so busy I’d fallen asleep the moment I had the opportunity, so I was a day late, in a sense…but the fact that I was married now meant that I had a certain responsibility to fulfill at nighttime. Licia and I, shall we say, had to spend our first night together."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I bathed myself, making sure to scrub every inch of skin as clean as possible, then returned to my bedroom. Licia hadn’t arrived yet, but I knew it was only a matter of time. I sat down on the bed and fidgeted restlessly as I waited for her to turn up."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A-Are we really doing this tonight? Will I be able to manage it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I never lost my virginity in my previous life, and it goes without saying I didn’t have any experience in this one either. Suddenly, I felt myself starting to get cold feet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could always pretend to have already fallen asleep…? No, no, I’m not that much of a wimp, and I can’t let myself disappoint her like that!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before I managed to gather my resolve, a subdued knock rang out from the door. My heart was pounding so loudly, I could hear it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Lord Ars? It’s me, Licia. May I enter?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-Y-Yes, go ahead!” I shouted back."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Pardon me, then,” said Licia as she opened the door and stepped inside. She was wearing a dressing gown, and her whole face was flushed red. She also took great pains to not look directly at me and fidgeted, which made it very clear how nervous she was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was a little surprised. I’d imagined her as the sort of girl who would always keep her cool, even at a time like this. Upon further consideration, though, it struck me that this would almost certainly be her first time too, so perhaps her nervousness was a given."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Licia stepped toward me, but it was a clumsy, faltering step. She was as stiff and awkward as could be, and it was so funny to watch, I couldn’t stop myself from bursting out laughing. That made her blush even harder than before, her face as red as an apple. She sped up, rushing over to the bed and plopping down beside me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I-I can’t believe you! Why would you laugh at me?” she said, her lips pursed in a sulky frown. She was cute when she was mad, and seeing her that way made me feel just a little less nervous."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“S-Sorry,” I quickly replied. “I just thought it was odd for you to be so out of sorts.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“F-For your information, I tried to learn how to conduct myself in the bedroom, just so I could be prepared when the time came. I asked the oldest of the maids at our estate to teach me…but she claimed that the less I knew the more pleased the gentleman I wound up with would be, and told me nothing. I’ve reached this day without learning a thing…a-and if I’d known it would turn out this way, I would have insisted…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I said a silent but emphatic word of thanks to the maid in question. If she were here, I would’ve tipped her a few gold coins on the spot."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Your maid was right, actually. Deep down, all men would prefer to take the lead when it comes to these things.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-Is that so? But still, I am older than you…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Age has nothing to do with it. Plus, you’re so adorable right now that I can hardly tell.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once again, Licia’s face turned a bright shade of red."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O-Oh, don’t tease me!” she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not! I mean it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“O-Oh, you…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ah, I know!” I said. “You haven’t been taught about these things at all, right? So you have no idea what it entails?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“U-Umm… Y-You take off your clothes…and embrace…?” Licia muttered bashfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed her knowledge was surface-level, at best. It struck me that she couldn’t be prepared for what we were about to do if she had no idea what we’d be doing, so I took a moment to give her a quick but detailed sex ed crash course."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-You what?! S-So then, that means…y-you’ll have to see and touch just about every inch of my body?!” Licia exclaimed with her brightest blush yet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well, more or less, I guess,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“H-How utterly shameful! How could I…ah, but wait. Would that not mean that I would get to see and touch every inch of your body, too…? That…certainly has quite the appeal…ah! I-I didn’t say anything!” Licia shouted as she shook her head, driving away the fantasies that had almost consumed her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few seconds of silence passed by. Finally, I steeled my nerves, laid a hand on her shoulder, and pulled her toward me. Before I knew it, we were face to face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lord Ars,” Licia said, then closed her eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I leaned forward to kiss her, then gently laid her out on the bed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Lady Licia,” I said as our lips parted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“We’re husband and wife now,” said Licia. “I’d prefer if you’d cast aside the formalities and call me by my name. Speak to me casually, like you do with the others…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She had a point. It felt strange to keep up the formal courtesy now that we were married."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“V-Very well… I mean, all right, Licia,” I said. Licia looked ecstatic the moment I said her name. “I’ll ask the same of you,” I continued. “Will you call me by my name alone?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” Licia blinked. “But, I couldn’t possibly…”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If you’re willing, I’d like to think of you as my partner and my equal.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For a moment, Licia fell silent. Then, hesitantly…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "…she said my name."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We kept saying each other’s names, over and over until they flowed naturally from our mouths. I knew this was the sort of behavior that would’ve made me wish a painful death upon all the happy couples of the world if I’d witnessed it back in my old life, but I couldn’t bring myself to stop. Then, after we’d said each other’s names time and time again, I kissed her─deeply this time, which was a first for me across both of my lifetimes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, we whiled away the night in each other’s passionate embrace."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I saw was Licia’s face. I was so startled I almost shot to my feet, but then the events of the night before came back to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh. That’s right…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I remembered now. Last night, I finally lost my virginity. I didn’t recall how the experience had felt in any intricate detail, honestly, but I could say for a fact that the instant we were joined together was the single most joyful moment I’d experienced since I was reborn in this world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For all the joy of that moment, though, I was now feeling an all-encompassing sense of sluggishness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, that’s right, I thought as another detail came back to me: I’d wanted to go to bed after the first time, but Licia just wouldn’t let me sleep. I didn’t know if she’d just adapted to the idea at a record pace, or what, but she was so aggressive it was almost hard to believe she’d been so shy and innocent at the start, and she’d left me in a state of exhaustion. Licia, it seemed, had quite the libido."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I thought back over the events of the night before, Licia’s eyes fluttered open."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ah, Lord Ars… Wait, no…I mean, Ars… Good morning,” she said with a smile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Good morning, Licia,” I replied, then fell silent as my thoughts returned once again to the night before and I got embarrassed. We spent a moment just looking at each other…and then my gaze fell to her chest, which was exposed to view."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Licia followed my gaze, realized what I was looking at, and covered herself up in a fluster."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I-I suppose it’s a little late to be embarrassed by these things, considering what we did last night,” she said with a bashful smile. It would’ve felt awkward to lie around in the nude, so we quickly changed into our sleeping clothes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Does this mean I’ll bear a child?” Licia wondered out loud as she stroked her midsection."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, I think the odds of that happening after just one time are pretty low,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that so? Then we’ll just have to do it as many times as it takes,” said Licia. “Fortunately, you seem to have plenty of stamina! I’m sure it won’t be any trouble.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well, if I wasn’t embarrassed before, I sure would be now…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’d like about twenty children or so, which means we’ll certainly have to keep busy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Surely that’s a few too many?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“House Louvent has only recently risen to power, and lacks a broad and established bloodline! I believe having as many children as possible will be to our house’s benefit, and I’m certain that any child of yours will prove to be exceptional in their own right!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She wasn’t wrong in the sense that I had very few blood relatives, and could do with more. Our children turning out exceptional, however, I was less convinced of. Licia was an outstandingly talented woman, yes, but I…well… I couldn’t use my Appraisal skill to see my own stats, so I couldn’t speak to my talents with any real certainty. Still, I couldn’t imagine that my numbers were very impressive. And, regardless, twenty was just way too many kids!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ll have to strive to reach even greater heights, for our future children’s sake!” said Licia. “Our goal is to make you the Duke of Missian…no, the emperor of all of Summerforth! I know you’ll be able to manage it, Ars! I’ll be doing my utmost to aid you, all the way!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hearing her bombastic declaration made me realize that she really did have as high of an Ambition as my skill claimed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s talk about becoming a duke or an emperor another day, okay…? Right now, we need to focus on making Canarre as prosperous as we can,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course! That’s what you’ll be discussing at today’s meeting, isn’t it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now that I was no longer busy, I’d decided to bring my most trusted retainers together and discuss the future of Canarre at once. The civil war was over, and Seitz had suffered such a crushing defeat that they were unlikely to attack again any time soon. This was a golden opportunity to focus inward and build up Canarre on the whole."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I intend to participate in your meeting as well, by the way,” said Licia."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Of course. I’ll be counting on you,” I replied. I had a feeling she’d have helpful ideas to contribute, and had been hoping she’d join us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I got up and moved to change out of my nightclothes, Licia grabbed me by the hem of my shirt. She blushed as she looked up at me, clearly wanting something, and it only took me a moment to figure out what that something was and give her a kiss."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Apparently, I’d guessed right. The kiss lasted longer than I’d thought, and gradually grew more and more passionate. I’d felt so sluggish after getting up, but kissing her like that blew away my fatigue and roused my lower half before I knew it. There was no stopping us now. Licia and I got right back to our marital business first thing in the morning, and wound up arriving late to our meeting as a result."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "By the time Licia and I arrived at the meeting, everyone else had already assembled. Rietz, Mireille, Rosell, Charlotte, and the rest of the usual crowd were all there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sorry I’m late!” I said immediately, only for Mireille to smirk at me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hard at work first thing in the morning, eh? Well, guess I can’t blame you, mister newlywed,” she teased."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yup, we’re busted. Was she watching us? Or was that just a really good guess?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Producing an heir is a lord’s responsibility. You should ignore her teasing, Your Lordship,” said Rietz in a complete deadpan. The fact that I knew he was being totally serious made it more embarrassing than ever, and I felt myself begin to blush. I almost would’ve preferred him to tease me, though knowing Rietz, that would have been way too much to ask."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In any case, I wanted to get off this topic as quickly as possible and did my best to propose a new one and move the conversation along."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Incidentally, Mireille, I’ve been told you’ve obtained a house in Canarre and have been living here, as of late. What about Lamberg? How are they going to get by without you?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’d entrusted the Barony of Lamberg to her in the hopes she’d take care of my old domain, but to my understanding, she’d been spending most of her time in Canarre instead. That made her easier to summon for meetings like this one, but I also had to worry that Lamberg itself was being left ungoverned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Not an issue,” said Mireille. “Lamberg’s a stone’s throw away from here, and I shoved all the petty beancounting onto my subordinates. It’s all under control.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You shoved it onto them? Really…?” I sighed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup, and if anything ever comes up that they can’t handle on their own, I pop in to take care of it for them. Everyone wins!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was hard to imagine how she could be any less responsible, and I was starting to wonder if I could rest easy with Lamberg in her hands. I’d received reports that no serious problems had arisen in the barony─and, in fact, that it was flourishing─but I had no way of knowing if that meant that Mireille’s style of management was surprisingly effective, or if she’d just gotten lucky so far. One way or another, I couldn’t exactly strip away her title without a clear reason for doing so, and had no choice but to let her keep at it for the moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The conversation moved along, and we began discussing Canarre’s immediate future. To start, the end of the civil war meant good things for our local economy. The counties that had sided with Vasmarque and the counties that had backed Couran had been operating in economic isolation from each other, and with lines of trade and commerce now renewed, all of Missian was experiencing an economic surge."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The flow of people across county lines had been boosted as well, and it went without saying that Canarre was reaping the benefits as much as everywhere else. I had a feeling that we’d be seeing an income spike very shortly, and having new people make their way into the county meant that I’d have better opportunities to bring new talent into my fold. I’d taken down the recruitment signboards over the course of the war with Seitz, but now that it was over with, I’d had them put right back up again. That meant I was in for another round of day in and day out appraisal in the near future, but that was simply the price I had to pay. I’d also received a bounty of gold from Couran for my service in the war, and I was planning on using that to fund Shin’s airship project."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With Vasmarque’s demise, many of the nobles who had sided with him had been either exiled or executed, leaving a large number of territories in need of new management. I wasn’t given any new territory this time, though. I presumed that Couran knew that the more territory─and, by extension, influence─I was given all at once, the more other lords would oppose me as a result. I’d have to take things slow and steady."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since Couran would be ruling over Arcantez as the duke, his old county, Semplar, would be given to his son, Rengue, of all people. I’d met him before, and frankly, he struck me as more or less incompetent, so I was rather worried about his ability to keep the county under control. He’d apparently be given an advisor, at least, so that was something. In any case, I suspected that Couran had been extra generous with his financial reward to make up for the fact that I wasn’t given any new territory. I was fairly certain that this sort of money would be plenty to let Shin build his airship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aside from investing in Shin’s project, my retainers also proposed pouring money into developing our local mines, sponsoring local craftsmen who made catalyzers and the like, and a variety of other potential opportunities. We didn’t have the funding to take on all of them, so we had to be a little choosy. Sponsoring craftsmen felt like an easy project to lead to success, since I could choose individuals that my skill identified as having a high Weaponry aptitude. Canarre wasn’t blessed with an abundance of natural resources, so selling man-made products had the potential to boost our economy far more efficiently than trying to bolster our ability to harvest raw materials, and in the end, I decided to lean in that direction."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With the matter of our funds settled, we moved on to the next topic at hand: our military. There weren’t any wars looming on the immediate horizon, but that didn’t mean we could afford to lower our guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I could really do with some more mages,” Charlotte said, echoing the sentiment she’d expressed the last time we talked about this. “Oh, and make them cute girls like Musia, if you can. Makes training ’em feel worth the effort.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seemed that Charlotte had taken quite the liking to Musia, and was hoping to strike gold twice and find another woman just like her. I was in agreement, mostly, and certainly wanted to bring in more mages, but they just weren’t as easy to find as she was making them out to be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Speaking of our mages, I have an idea,” said Rosell. “Why don’t we put some time into training a magical cavalry unit?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Magical cavalry was a fairly self-explanatory term that referred to mages that ride into battle on horseback. They would typically intermingle with traditional cavalry, using their spells to aid in their charges. The idea of a dedicated unit of magical cavalry, though, was less typical, and I wasn’t certain what Rosell meant by it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I was picturing a unit made up entirely of magical cavalry─a few hundred to a thousand of them, or so,” Rosell explained. “As far as I know, no military’s ever established a unit like that since finding people with the ability to ride and cast isn’t easy. With your power, though, I think it might just be possible.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And would it be worth it? Just how much of an impact would a unit like that have on the battlefield?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, I can think of all sorts of ways we could use them! We could have them slip around enemy formations to blast them with magic from behind, or move them to quickly guard our troops from magical attack when we’re caught by surprise. They’d be a unit capable of both offense and defense, and they’d have the mobility needed to do it all at once! The only downside’s that magical cavalry can only use small catalyzers, so in terms of pure power they’d lose out against a traditional mage.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rosell was making a very compelling case. It sounded like the unit he was proposing would make a massive difference in battle. That said, no matter how much I used and abused my skill, I didn’t imagine that finding the people for a unit like that would be easy. I figured that magical cavalry would need at least a B-ranked Aptitude as a Mage and as Cavalry, and I’d already been having enough trouble just finding plain old mages. This was not going to be a simple project."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, can I get a word in?” said Mireille. “I’ve been curious─you heard anything about my little brother, Thomas? Any idea what he’s been up to lately?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew that Thomas had been captured, of course, but that was the last news I’d received of him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do you know anything, Rietz?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Thomas Grunzeon has been transferred to a prison in Arcantez, supposedly. He shows no inclination to serve Lord Couran, as of yet,” Rietz immediately replied. He’d always had a keen ear for that sort of information."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thomas is still rotting in prison, then. Guess that’s no surprise."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’d been devoted to Vasmarque, who Couran, in turn, had put to death. There was no way Thomas would turn around and serve Couran after that. I assumed he’d either live out the rest of his life in jail, or otherwise be executed himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It doesn’t have to be right now or anything, but I was hoping I could go meet him and bring him back here with me,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You want to bring Thomas here?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yup,” said Mireille with a nod. She seemed confident enough that I had to assume she had a plan to make it happen. “You got a good look at him, right? I bet you could tell he’d be pretty useful.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thought back to Thomas’s status screen. I didn’t remember any specific numbers, but I was pretty sure that he’d had multiple stats in the nineties. He was a capable man, all right, no question about it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, he would,” I agreed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then bringing him onto the team wouldn’t be an issue, right?” Mireille pressed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I mean…not in and of itself, but would he even agree to that? I know you’re his sister and all, but I was under the impression the two of you weren’t on good terms.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, nah, he probably hates my guts. No matter how much he can’t stand me, though, he’s still my little brother. I’ll make him play along, one way or another,” Mireille said with a terrifying sneer. I didn’t know much about their relationship, but I gathered it was a complicated one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, I had no objections to recruiting Thomas, so I gave her a nod."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, then. Just let me know when you decide you’ll be going out to persuade him. I’ll dispatch a letter to Lord Couran when you do.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You got it,” said Mireille."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Next, we moved on to discussing how we could forge stronger relationships with our surrounding counties. Seitz still loomed on our western border, and considering the scale of the war we’d just had with them, we wouldn’t be making true peace any time soon. They seemed obsessed with taking control of Canarre, and I couldn’t see any path toward reconciliation aside from giving them what they wanted and joining them, which I had no interest in doing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unless something major and unexpected shook the situation up, it seemed safe to assume our relationship with Seitz would not be improving in the near future. The other counties of Missian, however, posed an opportunity to build up some positive relationships, and we decided to proactively work toward that end."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The largest and most powerful counties in Missian were Arcantez, Velshdt, Maasa, and Semplar. Arcantez and Semplar stood out as exceptionally powerful among those four, being the capital and a coastal economic powerhouse, respectively. Couran ruled over Arcantez now, and his son Rengue controlled Semplar. I already had a fairly amicable relationship established with Couran, and while Rengue didn’t have any particular fondness for me, his father’s influence over him meant that I had no reason to build up a friendship with him so long as Couran was on my side."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That, however, would only be true as long as the status quo remained unchanged. When Couran eventually passed away, Rengue would likely become the new Duke of Missian. I was also closer to Rengue’s age than I was Couran’s, so my relationship with him would likely be a longer lasting one than my relationship with his father. From a long-term perspective, getting in Rengue’s good graces was for the best. He was a simpleminded man, at least, so I didn’t imagine that earning his trust would be all that challenging."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Velshdt was ruled over by Lumeire, who I had a strong and long-standing relationship with already. The Count of Maasa, in contrast, I’d barely even met, so it went without saying I didn’t have a relationship with him yet. Maasa was fairly close to Canarre, so if I managed to establish a line of contact, it could prove helpful for both trade and military purposes. Reaching out to him felt like it would have a lot of merits."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What exactly should we do to establish a friendship with Maasa, though?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You could invite their count to a party, to start,” suggested Licia. “Attending a party that he throws could be a good opportunity as well! You could also send him gifts, or get in the good graces of his allies to draw closer to him indirectly. The most certain method would be to forge a familial bond through marriage, but that may be difficult in your case.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was already married to Licia, and my siblings were both too young for their marriages to be on the table. As for the Count of Maasa, I didn’t know who was in his circle of friends and allies, but I had to assume that Lumeire had some degree of acquaintance with the man. Couran likely would as well, considering the Count of Maasa had sided with him from the very beginning of the war. It was hard to imagine he’d do that if they weren’t on good terms."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The question, then, was how to broach the subject. Sending them a letter saying “I want to make friends with the Count of Maasa, will you help me?” felt like it’d be something of a breach of etiquette. I figured my best bet would be to attend any parties that Lumeire or Couran held, approach the Count of Maasa there, and start sending him gifts to express my desire to build a friendship with him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t have any evidence to back my assumption up, but I had a hunch that the Count of Maasa would be interested in figuring out my intentions in much the same way I wanted to ascertain his. I’d climbed the social ladder and gathered immense power in Missian at a breakneck pace, and I had to assume that had garnered me a fair deal of attention, especially considering my age. There was no guarantee that attention would be positive, of course. He might be wary of the possibility I could act against him, for all I knew, but as long as I had his attention, I figured that would give me the chance to forge a relationship."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gathering as much information as possible was also an important aspect of diplomacy, so I sent the Shadows out to learn as much as they could about all of Missian’s counts. That sort of information-gathering was easy work, by their standards, so I had confidence they’d do an excellent job."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With that, our meeting came to a close. For the time being, my primary occupation would be searching for new talent, though if a party was ever scheduled I’d have to make time to attend it. I also wanted to get Shin’s airship project moving along as soon as possible, so that very same day I sent him a letter requesting his presence at the castle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A few days later, Shin arrived at Castle Canarre."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Is it true?! You got the money?!” Shin asked the moment he saw me, his eyes shining with excitement. I could instantly tell just how eagerly he’d been awaiting his funding."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I was rewarded for my service in the war, so yes, I did,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hot damn! I’m startin’ to think you might be some sorta bigshot, Lord Ars!” said Shin in a very impressed tone. “Before you hand over the cash, though, mind taking a look at the fruits of my research so far?”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0035.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Should I take that to mean said research is proceeding smoothly?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You already handed over a third of the money I needed, and I’ve been putting it to good use! I have a feeling that once you’ve seen what I’ve managed so far, you’ll feel like giving me an even bigger budget,” said Shin."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed, then, that he was fishing for additional funding. Shin didn’t seem to have any interest in anything other than airship development, so I wasn’t worried about him wasting whatever funds I gave him and was open to the possibility of boosting his budget a little. I hadn’t blocked out all of the money I’d received from Couran for him, either, so I had a little flexibility in that regard."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Couran had rewarded me with nine hundred gold coins this time around. It was an outrageous amount of money, and proved once again how generous of a man I was serving. Shin, meanwhile, had estimated that he’d need a thousand gold to build his airship. Considering the amount I’d already paid him, giving him the full sum of Couran’s reward would put his total funding over that estimate, but that wasn’t necessarily an issue. I had the money the county had collected in taxes to work with as part of my budget, so I had a little breathing room to use Couran’s reward to bump Shin’s funding up if I felt the need."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right, then,” I said. “I can’t promise I’ll increase your budget, but if you’ve made progress, I’d certainly like to see it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right─you can decide if you wanna hand over the coin after you’ve seen what I’ve done! Let’s get a move on!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shin led me off to see the fruits of his research. Rietz, Rosell, and Licia all came with, and Charlotte tagged along as well because it “sounded like fun,” dragging Musia with her. We followed Shin to a grassy field outside of town, where a few people were already at work preparing the demonstration, which seemed like it would center around what looked like a small sailboat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is that…?” I questioned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A miniature airship,” Shin confirmed. “Had ’em start setting it up the moment I got your letter. Doin’ all the work on my own would’ve been tough, so I used the first batch of coin you gave me to hire on a few extra hands.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Does it fly, then?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Sure does,” Shin said without hesitation. “It’s a puny li’l thing, though, so there’s not gonna be much use for it. My goal’s to make a proper, full-sized airship, in the long run.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could see plenty of uses for an airship, from trade to warfare and everything in between, but a ship that small would probably be pretty limited in use, like he said. I could still see some applications, though. I didn’t know how high of an altitude it could reach, but if it was high enough it could be quite the resource to have in a war."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shin stepped onto the airship. Apparently, he was planning on flying it himself. If that thing crashed he’d either die outright or at least sustain terrible injuries, so I took the decision to mean that he was very confident it would remain airborne. Shin started fiddling with some sort of controls on the ship’s deck, and a moment later, it gently floated off the ground. It didn’t stay merely floating for long, however─within moments it was soaring through the air."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just stood there and gaped as I watched it go. Rietz was just as awestruck, and seemed speechless, while I heard Licia mutter, “Th-That’s incredible,” from beside me. Rosell was muttering too, though he seemed to be attempting to work out the scientific principles that allowed it to fly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Okay, I’ve gotta ride that thing! Come on, Musia, let’s give it a go!” said Charlotte with a look of pure excitement in her eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“B-But that sounds terrifying! How can you be sure it won’t crash?” asked Musia, who looked just plain scared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was astonished. It really could fly after all. I’d always known that Shin had talent, thanks to my Appraisal skill, but that didn’t make seeing a functional airship with my own eyes any less shocking. It wasn’t very fast, and it wasn’t all that high up in the air, but it was still flying, and that was a major step forward in its own right. It was still a work in progress, after all─speed and altitude could come later."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shin guided his ship back down to the ground, jumped off, and sprinted back over to us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How’d you like that?!” he shouted. His whole body practically exuded an aura of triumphant smugness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How in the world did you make it fly like that?” asked Rosell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Shin launched into an explanation. The better part of it sailed right over my head, to be honest, but the long and short of it was that wind-aspected magistones were doing the bulk of the heavy lifting. They were a relatively popular variety of magistone, and while they were available in abundance in northern Summerforth, virtually none could be found in Missian. Wind magic was less useful in battle than fire magic and getting ahold of large numbers of the appropriate magistones was a challenge, so it wasn’t used much in Missian at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "According to Shin, he’d used a custom-made piece of machinery to draw out the power of the magistones and convert it into a source of buoyancy. Significantly, he didn’t have to synthesize aqua magia for that part─he just used the magistones as-is. The theories he was operating off of were rather different from those that drove spellcasting, but they were similar at least in the sense that they both drew out the power of magistones and put it to practical use. It was starting to dawn on me, incidentally, that it would be a good idea for me to study up on magical theory a little more in the future."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once the ship was floating, Shin used another machine that drew out the power of wind-aspected aqua magia to make it move. The fact that it used magistones to make the ship float and aqua magia to propel it struck me as unnecessarily convoluted, frankly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Did you invent all of those machines yourself?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’d like to say that they’re all my work, from start to finish…but nah, I got the idea from the theories of a preeminent magical researcher who used to live in the capital. We use catalyzers to cast magic, and we can use magic of all sorts of different aspects with them, but apparently that’s not efficient. According to that researcher, if we used catalyzers specialized for particular aspects of magic, we could trade the ability to use any sort of aqua magia in exchange for using way less aqua magia with each cast, and upping the sorts of single-aspect spells we could cast as well.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz’s eyes lit up when Shin mentioned the magical researcher."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, I’m familiar with him as well! You’re talking about the theories of Hyness Brown, aren’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yeah, Hyness! That’s the guy. How’d you know about him, though? He got chased outta the capital before his theory could really pick up steam.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? He was?” said Rietz. “I just read about him in a book, that’s all. Why was he chased away?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“’Cause he was a real freak.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They ran him out of the capital for being a weirdo? Just how much of a freak does someone have to be to earn that sort of treatment…?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this Hyness’s theories were what made Shin’s ship fly, though, it stood to reason that they were correct. Part of me wished he’d wander into Canarre so I could recruit him, but that was too much of a coincidence for me to hope for."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll be working on a way bigger ship next,” said Shin. “The more funding I get, the quicker I’ll be able to get it done. Whaddya think?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I took a moment to confer with Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do you say? Should we boost his budget?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t see the harm,” said Rietz. “His research is unquestionably worthwhile, so it seems like a good idea to me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too,” I said, then made my decision. “All right! I’ll see to it that some extra funding is sent your way.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sweet, thanks! We’ll have this sucker done for you in no time flat!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed I could anticipate having a functional airship at my disposal sooner rather than later."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0037.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you very much for purchasing volume four of this series! This is Miraijin A, speaking!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I made a big change this past year: I moved from way out in the countryside to the big city! The change in environment was a lot to deal with, at first, but I’ve been growing used to my new surroundings. Living in the city’s convenient in all sorts of ways, but since all my hobbies are pretty indoorsy, I’ve barely been getting out at all (lol). Still, I’ve been enjoying how many places there are to choose from whenever I decide to go out and eat something nice. I can go to all sorts of events and concerts with ease now, too, so I often find myself thinking how glad I am to live here. The pricey rent’s a big downside, though!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Anyway, that’s enough about me─let’s move on to volume four. Once again, this volume centers around a war. It also brings the story of the war in Missian to a close. I was planning on having that plot arc last for around two volumes or so, so it ending in this one puts it right on schedule. The civil war may be over, but that doesn’t mean Missian’s internal conflicts are done just yet─this story’s still in its opening stages! Still, it’s relieving to know that I’ve written all the way through to the end of that first conflict."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Since I was depicting battles fought in another world, full of magic and whatnot, I tried to make them a little flashy. I hope you enjoy the way I depicted them! Reincarnated Aristocrat is also receiving a manga adaptation, and speaking as the story’s creator, I can’t wait to see how the manga depicts volume four’s battles. This volume also includes Licia and Ars’s first night together, and since I’m not used to writing scenes of that nature, working on it was a very fresh experience."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In volume five, I’m planning on writing about Ars’s efforts to find new retainers, and about the growth of the retainers he’s already recruited. It will probably be a rather laid-back volume with a very different tone than volumes three and four ended up having. I believe that the search for and development of talent is what makes Reincarnated Aristocrat compelling on a fundamental level, and I’m leaning toward going all-in on that aspect! I also know that there are elements of the setting that I haven’t clearly explained to my readers, and I’m hoping to slowly but surely fill those in as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With all that said, I hope to see you again in volume five! Thank you very much for continuing to read As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World!"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0038.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 4"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miraijin A"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank you very much for purchasing the fourth volume of this series! This volume features the continuation of the war that the previous volume kicked off. I hope you enjoy it! Between moving and all sorts of other events this year, I’ve been very busy, but I’ll keep writing to the best of my ability! Please look forward to the next volume, and onward!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’m the illustrator, jimmy! It’s been a while since I got to draw Ars and friends, so it was nice to get back to them! I hope you enjoy the book!"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-04-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0039.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This summer, my father died. Though he was born a peasant, his innate courage and valorous deeds allowed him to deftly climb the ranks of society. He was even granted a noble title, albeit a minor one, before his life was cut short at the age of thirty-nine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My father had long suffered from a chronic illness. Before he took ill, he was a strong and sturdy man, but as the days passed by and his sickness took its toll, his vitality faded. He was eventually an emaciated husk, barely recognizable as the man I once knew."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "When he passed, his final breaths came so quietly and softly that I almost thought he’d fallen asleep. My father had suffered so terribly for so long, but at the very end, as he slipped away from us, he looked peaceful─tranquil, even. The moments before death, it would seem, have a way of relieving us of all our anguish."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The day of his funeral service arrived, and my father was laid to rest atop a bonfire. Cremation was far from a universal practice in the Summerforth Empire, and some regions went so far as to prohibit it, but it was simply the way things were done in our territory. Watching the flames crackle and dance before me, watching the plume of smoke waft up overhead, drove in the reality of the situation: my father was dead and gone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Truth be told, thanks to certain complications in my personal history, I had never fully accepted the fact that he was my father. That didn’t change the fact that he was the person I trusted and respected above all others in this world, though. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I held them back."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can’t allow myself to cry."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew what I had to do next, and if I was going to pull it off, I couldn’t break down. Not here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "After the funeral, I gathered my father’s closest subordinates. I stood before them, clad in the most impressive outfit I owned, doing everything in my power to present myself as a grown man─or at least as close to one as I could manage. Then, head held high, I made my declaration."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“From this day onward, I, Ars, shall succeed my father Raven as the head of House Louvent!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was the twelfth year since my life in Japan had ended. Twelve years after I died and was reborn in this world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My own death had come so abruptly that it was downright anticlimactic."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was a thirty-five-year-old man, living out an utterly mediocre existence in a country called Japan. I was born into an average family, went through elementary, middle, and high school without incident, graduated from an average college, and found a job at an average company that paid me a salary of around four and a half million yen a year─a perfectly unexceptional wage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The only part about my life that wasn’t ordinary to a fault was the fact that I never got married. Considering Japan’s rapidly declining birth rate, though, for all I knew, that might have also been within the realm of average."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fact that I never had a girlfriend either probably counted as abnormal, however. I’d describe my looks as, well, average, so I suppose my personality must’ve ruined any chance at romance for me. I’d often been told that I was too passive for my own good…and that I was too absent-minded just as often."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The people who told me that weren’t wrong, either. I never found anything that really sparked my enthusiasm, aside from my lifelong love of books, and I just didn’t have it in me to be proactive about things that didn’t catch my attention. That might have had something to do with why I never found a girlfriend, actually. After all, I never met a girl who I genuinely fell for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyway, let me set the scene for you: it’s Monday morning and I’m just about to walk out the door, dejected at the thought of going back to work after a blissful weekend of freedom. I step outside, my favorite briefcase in one hand and my key in the other, and just as I’m about to lock the door behind me, wham! I gasp in shock and pain as a jolt of unbearable agony shoots through my chest! My hands tremble, and my key and briefcase fall to the ground. I clutch at my chest, but it doesn’t help─it hurts so much I can’t breathe or even remain standing. Moments later, I join my bag on the concrete."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is this?! What’s going on?! I try to process the situation, but the pain is so intense that I can’t focus. I can’t even think. The world goes dim, my consciousness fades, and I sink into a pit of darkness, tormented by pain worse than anything I’ve felt before, not even understanding what just happened to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When I woke up, the first thing I saw was a woman’s face. I couldn’t even begin to make sense of why that would be, so I tried to take a step back and put the pieces that had brought me there together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I remembered leaving for work, to start, just like I always did. Then I remembered trying to lock my door, being overcome by pain, collapsing, and passing out. The next thing I knew, I was waking up with a woman’s face in front of me. Her features were attractive, but clearly indicated she wasn’t Japanese. She was probably Caucasian, as best as I could tell."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Okay, so if the chest pain knocked me out, I guess this is probably a hospital?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If that were true, though, you’d think the woman would have been wearing a nurse’s uniform or something. I definitely didn’t know her, either─I’d remember if one of my friends was a Caucasian woman."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps the weirdest part of it all was the way she was looking at me. It was the sort of gentle, loving expression an affectionate pet owner might give their beloved dog. It certainly wasn’t the look you’d give some random guy who’d passed out and gotten himself carted off to a hospital."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It didn’t take long for the woman to say something, but that didn’t answer any questions. I couldn’t understand a single word that came out of her mouth. It was a foreign language, obviously, but it wasn’t one I’d ever heard. I was pretty confident I could have picked out one of the world’s more commonly-used languages, even if I couldn’t speak any of them myself, so whoever she was, I assumed she must have been from some smaller nation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tried to say something to her…and failed. I could move my mouth just fine, but for some reason, I couldn’t form words. I could make a sort of “ahhh” noise, and I could manage “oooh” just fine, but that was my limit. I tried moving the rest of my body without much more luck. I was moving, technically, just not how I wanted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As I squirmed about, my own hand entered my field of vision. It was small. Shockingly small, even. Almost like a baby’s hand, in fact."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mind was a mess of question marks. At long last, I convinced myself that surely I’d just been seeing things, but when I took another look at my hand, that theory crumbled away. It was just as tiny as before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What the hell? Is this some kind of joke? Or, could it be…I died? Have I been reincarnated?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew enough about Buddhism to be familiar with the concept of the souls of the dead being reborn in a different form. The historical Buddha taught that to live is to suffer─that human souls are bound to the cycle of reincarnation, doomed to be born, die, and be born again, over and over, trapped in a cycle of pain all the while. Only through training and discipline could enlightenment be reached, and only through enlightenment could a soul escape the cycle."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t enlightened, that was for sure, so apparently, I’d been shipped off for another trip through the cycle. That didn’t explain why I had all of my memories, of course, but at the very least, I was convinced of one thing: something extremely abnormal had happened to my body. That understanding, however, didn’t change the fact that I couldn’t speak, move, or do anything. All I could do was wait."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, as I waited, the powerful urge to sleep washed over me. I was in a baby’s body, after all. Unable to withstand the intense fatigue, I quickly drifted off into the land of slumber."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0009.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Several months had passed since my birth, and I’d gradually picked up an understanding of the local language. In doing so, I’d begun to answer some of the many, many questions that plagued me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To start, I learned that my new, post-reincarnation name was Ars Louvent. Though oddly enough, I couldn’t actually remember my former name at all. I remembered my old life itself easily enough, but my name was just gone, somehow. That didn’t really bother me, though. Having two names for myself would probably have just been confusing, so I quickly convinced myself that the bout of forgetfulness was for the best."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The next piece of info I picked up: there was a high likelihood that I wasn’t on Earth anymore. My main point of evidence in favor of that conclusion came from the fact that this probably-new world’s technological level was extremely low compared to Earth’s. Not only did they not have TVs, radios, or smartphones, but they hadn’t even worked out electricity! Oil lamps were the most advanced form of lighting available."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It went beyond just lighting, too. On the whole, I couldn’t find any of the conveniences of modern society I was so used to in my new home. I’d be able to rationalize that away if we were poor, but the house I lived in was huge and opulent, tech level aside. I had a hard time believing that a family living in a house like that could be impoverished. I suppose I might’ve just been born into an exceedingly eccentric family, though, so it was hard to draw any definitive conclusions."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did have one other reason for believing I wasn’t in my old world anymore: my family was keeping an animal the likes of which I’d never seen as a pet. It was almost like a dog, but I’d definitely never seen a dog with a pair of wings sprouting from its back during my time on Earth. They weren’t just for show, either─it could fly several feet in the air by flapping them. Though, wings aside, it bore a striking resemblance to a breed of dog called the Japanese Chin, and its name was Ahsis."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, I didn’t know everything about Earth, but I was still pretty confident that we didn’t have winged, flying dogs back there. The conclusion that I was probably in another world seemed more or less inescapable. I didn’t know what sort of world I was in yet, but the winged dog made me suspect it landed somewhere on the fantasy side of the spectrum."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In short: I’d gotten wrapped up in a situation I was extremely unprepared for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so, three years passed by in the blink of an eye."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As you’d probably guess, by the age of three I was totally capable of talking and walking around on my own. I finally had a solid grasp of the local language, and I’d begun to reach an understanding of the state of the world around me, as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To start: as expected, the world I’d been born into was indeed definitely not the Earth I used to know. My new home was apparently in a nation called the Summerforth Empire, located on the continent of Summerforth. I’d definitely never heard of a country with a name like that on Earth, much less a continent, and I knew my history well enough to be pretty sure they’d never existed at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, of course, there was the discovery that magic was real in this world. It was a power that could bring about mysterious, inexplicable phenomena─starting fires, manifesting water from nowhere, that sort of thing. Seeing real-life magic used right before my very eyes was what finally convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was in another world."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Another revelation: apparently, the Louvent family I’d been born into was a noble household. House Louvent ruled over a territory called Lamberg, a small region consisting of around two hundred households and a total population of about a thousand. I was the family’s first son, which meant that I would one day inherit the area."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Frankly, I was very worried about that whole business. I lived my last life as an office drone, after all! How could somebody like me end up ruling over anyone? Maybe I could just delegate the practical affairs of rulership to a trusted subordinate or two and spend the rest of my life idling my time away?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, and there was one last thing I discovered during the first three years of my new life: the fact that I was born with a power that people around me definitely did not possess."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“G’morning to you, Young Master!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Good morning!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One day, I decided to pay a visit to the training grounds right next to my family’s estate. House Louvent technically had about a hundred and twenty troops ready to mobilize, but the vast majority of them were really just farmers. The only thing that made them soldiers was the fact that they’d occasionally steal a moment out of their busy schedules to make their way over to train for battle, running through drills on swordsmanship and archery."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You really spend your fair share of time here, don’t you, Young Master?” noted one of the soldiers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And he’s only three!” added another. “He’ll be a fearsome warrior when he grows up, I tell you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The soldiers were always happy to see me. Apparently, the idea of a three-year-old taking an interest in martial arts was enough to give them a good first impression of me. Truth be told, though, I was never interested in martial arts at all. I was interested in people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I looked out over the training grounds and focused my gaze on a man who was thrusting a spear. Then, I activated my power: the power of Appraisal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Appraisal was the name of the special ability I’d been born with. All I had to do to use it was stare at someone for long enough, and then I would instantly learn all sorts of information about whoever I was appraising. When I say “someone,” by the way, I mean it. I could only appraise people."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be clear, it wasn’t like someone came up and told me, “Oh, that power you’re using is called Appraisal!” or anything like that. I named it myself, actually. “Appraisal” just seemed like an appropriate name for a skill that let me peer into a person’s detailed abilities and traits."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I stared at the man, a sort of black screen materialized before my eyes with all the information I could obtain about him displayed on it. I knew from experience that I was the only one who could see the screens. That particular man’s looked like this:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The format of the status screens just so happened to bear a striking resemblance to that of the menus in a historical strategy game I was quite fond of, so I knew exactly how to interpret them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "LEA stood for Leadership: the ability to effectively command an army."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "VAL was Valor: a person’s combat prowess."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "INT meant Intelligence: ergo, how quick-witted they could be."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "POL was Politics: their ability to conduct negotiations and handle administrative work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finally, Ambition represented how likely they were to betray their superiors if the opportunity arose."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The numbers on the left indicated their current score, while the numbers on the right indicated their maximum potential. Breaking the numbers’ meanings down, the scale went something like this:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "100+: Inhuman"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "90: Excellent"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "80: Great"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "70: Good"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "60: Average"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "50: Mediocre"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "40: Bad"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "30: Hopeless"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Or something to that effect. At the very least, that was how the scale went in the game I used to play. I’d gone out of my way to appraise as wide a variety of people as I could manage, and everything had seemed to more or less line up with the game’s systems so far."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Next up, the Aptitudes. They were scored on a letter-based system, with D representing the lowest possible score and S the highest:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Infantry: the ability to fight at close range."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Cavalry: the ability to fight on horseback."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Archer: the ability to fight at range with a bow and arrow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mage: the ability to wield magic for combat purposes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fortification: the ability to construct and maintain castles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Weaponry: the ability to both create and handle weapons."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Naval: the ability to battle aboard a ship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aerial: the ability to battle in the air…probably? I wasn’t entirely sure what that Aptitude referred to, as it wasn’t from the game."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strategy: the ability to think tactically and turn the tides to your advantage."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Incidentally, the one person I couldn’t appraise was myself. Looking at my hand or my abdomen didn’t allow me to bring my status screen up, and looking at my face in a mirror didn’t do the trick, either. It was a real disappointment, honestly─I would’ve loved to know what my own talents were."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyway, back to Mister Millais, who I’d just appraised. His Valor satisfied the bare minimum standards for decency, at least, but everything else was more or less a wash. On the other hand, stats like his were probably just about normal for a rank-and-file foot soldier. Pretty much all of his fellow soldiers fell into the same basket: middling Valor, terrible everything else. Some of them didn’t even have a decent Valor score."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was one thing that caught my attention about Millais, though: his aptitude as an Archer was remarkably high. In other words, he’d probably be pretty skilled with a bow, if he got his hands on one. And yet, there he was, out on the field training with a spear. He’d been practicing his spearmanship the last time I saw him, and I couldn’t remember ever seeing him so much as hold a bow. Was he just not interested in archery? I decided to ask."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? D-Did you need something, Young Master?” Millais stammered in a panicked reply. “And wait, you know my name?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Why don’t you ever use a bow?” I asked, pushing past his confusion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A bow? ’Cause bows are a coward’s weapon, of course! Real men don’t stand off in the back lines, shooting away when their enemy can’t even reach ’em─they fight up close and personal!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wow, what an incredibly banal answer."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If that was all that was keeping him from making use of his talent, I figured stepping in to intervene was probably best. He had a B-rank aptitude for bows, so surely he’d be reasonably effective fighting with one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You should give bows a try!” I urged him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh, seriously?” Millais moaned."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You have the talent for them! Just try it!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Look, kid, just because you’re the lord’s son─” began Millais, almost certainly intending to turn me down again. But just then, the other soldiers who were training nearby started giving him a look. Specifically, it was the “You know you can’t actually turn down a personal request from Lord Louvent’s son, right?” glare."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Millais hesitated for a moment, then sighed and replied, “All right, fine, I’ll do it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The soldiers didn’t know about my appraisal ability, of course. They probably just wanted to get on their lord’s good side by way of his son."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Never drawn a damn bow in my life,” grumbled Millais as he picked up a nearby bow, then turned to face the archery targets and nocked an arrow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oi, Millais!” shouted one of the other soldiers, who specialized in archery himself. “You’re way too far for a beginner! You’re not even gonna reach the targets at that range, much less hit ’em! Move closer!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, stay right here,” I commanded."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This was all my idea in the first place, so Millais stayed rooted to the spot. He drew the bowstring back as far as he could, then let it loose."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0011.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The arrow sailed cleanly through the air…and landed dead-center in the target. He’d hit the bull’s eye. Everyone except me was stunned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The hell…?” whispered one of the more experienced soldiers. “How’s a beginner shoot like that…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“B-Beginner’s luck, that’s all! Oi, Millais! Let’s see you do that again, eh?!” shouted another of them."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Millais drew his bow once more, and again, his arrow thudded perfectly into the target’s center. One perfect shot might’ve been a fluke, but two in a row was too much to write off so easily. The nearby soldiers were flabbergasted all over again. Even Millais’s jaw had dropped so far that it was practically touching the ground."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Millais? Do us all a favor and use a bow from now on.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’ve got the knack for it, man!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I hate to break it to you, but you were always lousy with a spear.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The other soldiers clustered around Millais, and it wasn’t long before he caved in the face of their praise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well, I guess being an archer wouldn’t be that bad! What’s a little cowardice on the battlefield if it keeps you breathing, eh? Ha ha ha!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And just like that, the matter was settled. It was almost shocking how quickly he went from “archers aren’t real men” to “maybe bows are fine after all.” Honestly, he seemed a little too shallow for his own good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“But anyway, how’d you know, Young Master?” asked one of the soldiers. “What tipped you off that Millais was a born marksman?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The rest of the soldiers turned to face me as well, looking more than a little curious."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder─if I explain that I have a special power that allows me to see their stats, will they believe me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There was no telling how that revelation might go over, so in the end, I settled on a simple, one-word answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was sitting down with my family for a meal the day after my encounter with Millais. My father in this new world, Raven Louvent, sat directly in front of me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Raven was an exceptionally tall man with a rugged face and a sharp, dangerous glint in his eyes. To be completely honest, I was rather scared of him. This was, after all, a man who had been born at the bottom rung of society, a mere peasant, and yet he’d managed to climb all the way up to a noble title by virtue of his valorous deeds alone. He was a terror on the battlefield, capable of engaging ten average soldiers on his own and emerging from the brawl unscathed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His stats, incidentally, looked like this:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In short, he had the exceptional leadership and valor required to rally an army of any size and lead them to victory: a natural-born general, through and through. On the other hand, his grasp of political matters was rather tenuous. That was probably why he’d contented himself with his status as the lord of a small, unimportant territory."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After we finished eating, my father looked over at me and said, “Ars. I’ve been told that you discovered Millais has a talent for archery yesterday.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, that’s right,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“And you did so by ‘instinct,’ was it? It seems those instincts of yours are nothing to scoff at. Polish that skill, Ars. The ability to identify people’s talents is invaluable for a lord.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is that really the sort of advice you should be giving to a three-year-old? I guess I’m not exactly acting my age, though, so I should probably cut him some slack."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was still Raven’s only child, and it occurred to me that I might’ve given him the misapprehension that all kids developed as quickly as I had."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll take that advice to heart,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Several months came and went, over the course of which I turned four. As I grew, I learned more and more about the circumstances I’d been thrust into, and, well, let me put it bluntly: my future looked grim."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It might have been more accurate to say that the future of the entire Summerforth Empire looked grim, actually. From what I could tell, the odds of some sort of strife breaking out in the nation in the immediate future were incredibly high."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The empire dominated the entire continent of Summerforth. In other words, it had no external enemies to speak of at all. There were other nations out there, of course, but mounting an invasion of Summerforth would have involved sending their armies on an extended voyage beforehand, making the empire a less-than-attractive target."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The strife I was worried about, then, was internal: a civil war. The upper echelons of the Summerforth Empire’s power structure were so flagrantly corrupt that it was almost laughable. As a result, several peasant uprisings had already broken out all over the nation. My father had been sent to suppress one just recently, in fact."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "With each revolt that was put down, though, another sprung up, and the emperor’s hold over the nation was growing weaker and weaker with each passing day. Local lords, in consequence, were growing more autonomous and less inclined to bow to the empire’s word."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Small skirmishes between feuding local lords had already begun to crop up on occasion, and the ruling authorities just didn’t have the power or influence left to do anything about them. In short, the country was a mess, and battles were breaking out all over the place at the drop of a hat. Troubled times indeed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At the rate things were going, I could easily picture the empire collapsing entirely. Free from the threat of intervention, the lords of each region might escalate their minor skirmishes into all-out wars. Speaking as the first son of a noble family, I was incredibly distressed to realize what sort of era I’d been born into. The odds of me getting sent out into battle over and over were horrifyingly high, and if I’d inherited my father’s title by that point, I’d be commanding our army as well."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Part of me desperately wished that I’d been born into a peaceful era, fated to live out a mundane life pushing papers, but I was in no position to fantasize about what could have been. The last time I was born, I wound up in modern Japan, a nation that was about as peaceful as possible. I didn’t know the first thing about battle! I wasn’t even convinced I’d be able to function on a basic level on a battlefield!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just how long will I be able to survive in such a turbulent era?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mind was full of worries, but one thought took precedence above all else."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don’t want to die."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My last life had ended abruptly at the early age of thirty-five. I had a laundry list of goals I’d left unaccomplished and experiences I’d failed to have. I did not want to let my second shot at life end as early as my first did! I wanted to fade away into the grasp of senility, surrounded by a small army of grandchildren!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What could I do to stay alive, though? I thought as hard as I could, desperate to find something I could do, when suddenly, my father’s words echoed through my mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The ability to identify people’s talents is invaluable for a lord.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That’s it! People!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I just had to gather up all the most talented and exceptional individuals I could find, make them into my retainers, and let them bolster Lamberg’s power and influence! That would lower my chances of meeting a sudden and violent end for sure! After all, in the sort of turbulent times the empire was rushing toward, the most important resources you could have were power and influence."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That settled it. I’d put my Appraisal ability to work, gathering up all of the most talented subordinates I could get my hands on! I got right to it, too: the moment I set that goal, I left our estate and wandered out into town, looking for my first recruit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The territory the Louvent family ruled over, Lamberg, was home to a town of the same name. About eighty percent of the region’s population lived in the town of Lamberg, and my family’s estate happened to be located nearby. Even on foot, it only took about five minutes to reach the town."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I set off on my own. Lamberg was a relatively peaceful region, so wandering around without anyone there to supervise me wasn’t especially dangerous. My parents told me not to go out on my own, of course, but taking a guard into town would’ve made me stick out like a sore thumb. My whole goal was to keep quiet and observe the townsfolk, so the last thing I wanted was to draw attention. I even made sure to pull my hood up, just to minimize the chance anyone would recognize me as the local lord’s son."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It took me about eight minutes to make it to town. I was just four years old, so you couldn’t blame me for walking a bit slower than an adult."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The town of Lamberg was about as ordinary as provincial villages got. Its populace was primarily made up of farmers, ranchers, hunters, and the like, and its atmosphere was calm and peaceful across the board. There was plenty of food to go around, too, which might have had something to do with why the villagers seemed quite healthy on the whole."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "With a population of somewhere near eight hundred people, it was on the large side for a village. I knew that appraising everyone who lived there would be an infeasible task, so I decided to start by checking out anyone who seemed to be on the younger side of things. Conveniently enough, a young man was busy toiling away nearby, so I appraised him on the spot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hmm… Not exactly great numbers, huh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At a second glance, I realized that I’d actually seen that young man at our estate’s training grounds. That made me realize something: since the village’s young men were all liable to be conscripted if things took a turn for the worse, most of them probably came over for training every once in a while. In other words, the odds were good that I’d already appraised the majority of the village’s young men."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I guess I should move on to the women, then."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "By this world’s standards, women were judged as being unfit for the battlefield, and it was close to impossible for them to climb the social ladder. Things were more or less the same here as they were in medieval Japan, in that sense. I’d yet to find a woman with a high Valor score, but women seemed just as likely to have high Leadership, Intelligence, or Politics scores as the men, so I wasn’t about to rule out recruiting a woman to be one of my retainers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I set off once more to appraise all the women I could find, but unfortunately, pretty much everyone was on the low end of average. I even appraised a few kids, but none of them had any eye-catching, exceptional stats, either. It appeared my quest was going to be harder than I’d initially thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The ability to appraise people was great in practice, but being able to pick out exceptional talent wasn’t actually useful at all if I couldn’t find anyone with talent. I’d appraised so many people that I was starting to feel a case of eyestrain coming on, too─using my Appraisal skill was apparently sort of hard on my vision. I was just about to throw in the towel for the day when suddenly, an angry shout rang out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Get the hell outta my store! I don’t have nothin’ to sell to the likes of you!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I glanced in the direction of the commotion just in time to see a boy get thrown out of a nearby shop, landing on his hands and knees in the street. His dark complexion and distinctive facial features set him immediately apart from the Lamberg locals. I and the people I’d grown up around were fairly close to Caucasian, appearance-wise, whereas the boy looked more like a heavily-tanned Japanese person."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That kid’s a Malkan, isn’t he?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ugh, disgusting! What’s one of those doing in our town?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Probably just drifted along until he wound up here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The nearby villagers broke out into hushed conversation, which finally reminded me that I’d heard of the boy’s ethnicity before. The Malkans were a race of people who lived in an overseas nation, far away from the continent of Summerforth. The boy before me was the spitting image of how I’d heard them described."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Malkans were extraordinarily rare in the Summerforth Empire, but it wasn’t like there were none around. Most of them were the descendants of slaves who’d been brought to the empire against their will generations ago, and the people of Summerforth bore a deep-seated prejudice against Malkans on the whole. Seeing such open and undisguised discrimination turned my stomach, honestly, but I knew that if I tried to step in and help him, I’d be putting my own reputation at risk. I did decide to appraise him, though, just for good measure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For a moment, I couldn’t believe my eyes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s… It’s…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“It’s Nobunaga himself!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This mystery boy’s stats were so overwhelmingly high, so flawless, and he was the spitting image of a warlord so legendary there wasn’t a single person in Japan who didn’t know his name: Oda Nobunaga! Obviously, I just meant his stats were the spitting image of Nobunaga’s in that one historical strategy game I used to play, but still. He was young, and had yet to reach his full potential, but what bone-chilling potential he had!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To think the random boy I saw getting tossed into the street like a stray cat would turn out to be Nobunaga’s doppelgänger! Life really does throw you curveballs! Looks like his name’s Rietz Muses. Well, I can’t let him keep languishing away on the streets! I’m making him my retainer one way or another!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Considering his race, recruiting him was a surefire way to draw no small amount of scrutiny toward myself, but weighed against the merits of having him on my side, I honestly couldn’t have cared less about all that stuff. I sprung into action right away, trotting right over to him!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re having a hard time, aren’t you?” I called out to him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz shot a sharp glare in my direction, but his expression softened as soon as he realized that I was a child."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You shouldn’t talk to people like me,” he replied, picking himself up off the ground. “The adults will get mad with you. This isn’t your problem, so hurry up and get out of here.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Apparently, he was actually concerned that I’d get myself in trouble. Now that I’d had a closer look at his face, I was struck by just how handsome he was. If this were Japan, I figured he’d probably have gotten scouted as an idol or something. His black hair was cut short, and he was quite tall─probably somewhere above 5’6” or so. Considering the fact that he was only fourteen, surely he’d push past six feet by the time he was fully grown."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of course, his looks weren’t exactly a priority, as far as I was concerned. With stats like those, I’d want to make him my retainer no matter what he looked like!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I knew the risks before I approached you. I’d like you to become my retainer,” I replied, cutting straight to the chase."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Uh, umm, you mean you want to play make-believe?” asked Rietz with a somewhat strained smile. “L-Look, I’d love to play with you, honestly, but this really isn’t a good time for me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seemed he’d taken my request as the nonsensical ramblings of a child who didn’t know better. Which, to be fair, was a reasonable conclusion. I hadn’t even told him I was the local lord’s son yet, after all!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“No, that’s not what I meant,” I quickly clarified. “My name is Ars Louvent, and I am the son of the lord who presides over this village. I believe that you are an individual of incomparable talent, so I would like you to become my retainer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz’s forced smile vanished in an instant."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The lord’s son? You?” he asked, shooting me a skeptical look."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Again, I couldn’t blame him. I hadn’t wanted to let my identity be exposed, so I’d disguised myself in a set of threadbare rags. The locals might’ve recognized me if they took a good look at my face, but Rietz was almost certainly not from Lamberg, so there was no way he would have known who I was."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Anyway,” I said, cutting off his objections, “if you need help, I’m offering it. Come with me!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not so sure about this,” replied Rietz. Most likely, he was hesitating over putting his faith in a literal child. Before he could turn down my offer, though, he was interrupted by a loud growl from his stomach."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Are you hungry?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well, yeah. So?” Rietz replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We have plenty of food at my family’s estate. Come with me, and you can eat your fill.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Well…” Rietz mumbled hesitantly. The prospect of a meal was hard for him to pass up. Finally, he made his decision and replied, his face slightly flushed, “Umm, well…all right. Lead the way.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As we walked back to my family’s estate, Rietz took the opportunity to introduce himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Come to think of it, I never told you my name, did I? I’m Rietz Muses. You said you’re called Ars Louvent, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, that’s right!” I replied. This seemed like as good of an opportunity as any to ask him about himself, so I decided to dig a bit deeper. “How did you end up in Lamberg, Rietz?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“It’s a long story. I was traveling with a band of mercenaries until just recently, but most of our group was wiped out in a war we were hired to fight in. Everyone capable of leading us was killed, so the survivors ended up going our separate ways. I don’t have anywhere to go home to, so I ended up more or less wandering at random until I happened to find my way here.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I could only imagine how hard going through all that had been on him. Considering his capabilities, though, surely he would’ve been able to make a living easily enough in a different band of mercenaries, or maybe as a bodyguard? I went ahead and asked, but Rietz was less than optimistic about his prospects."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No way,” he replied. “Nobody would hire a no-name Malkan kid like me. My kind aren’t trusted around these parts. I was only allowed in my last band because my parents were part of it.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It made sense when he put it that way. Nobody would hire a bodyguard they felt they couldn’t trust, and most mercenary leaders probably wouldn’t be excited about the idea, either. Of course, most people also wouldn’t reach out to a random boy on the street and ask him to be their retainer, so weird things happened sometimes! Though, to be fair, if I hadn’t been able to appraise him and didn’t know that he had Nobunaga-level capabilities, I probably wouldn’t have been that reckless."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A short period of walking and talking later, we arrived at my family’s estate. Rietz’s jaw dropped as my home came into view."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-You live here?” he asked, gaping all the while."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I do! I told you I was the lord of Lamberg’s son, didn’t I?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s actually true…? Uh, I mean, please excuse my behavior! I wouldn’t have spoken so flippantly if I’d realized!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Think nothing of it!” I proudly replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Wait, hold up…” said Rietz. “If you really are the son of a lord, then does that mean all that talk about making me your retainer wasn’t a joke, either…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Of course! I was entirely serious.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wh-What?!” Rietz shouted in astonishment. It was such a shocking revelation that he obviously had no clue how to react."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to take him inside, find him something to eat, and then go petition my father to make him into one of our family’s retainers. Before I could follow through on my plan, however, a man burst out of the house and rushed over to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Master Ars!” the man shouted. “Were you gallivanting around outside again?! For the love of mercy, please put an end to this behavior! You realize it will be my head on a plate if anything happens to you, don’t you?!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The man’s name was Krantz, and he was the Louvent family’s steward. A man of almost fifty years of age, Krantz had served my family for decades and had been entrusted with the task of serving as my caretaker."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’ll be happy to listen to your lecture in a moment, Krantz,” I replied. “But first, would you mind preparing a meal?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A meal? Have you not eaten yet?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, not for me,” I clarified, gesturing toward Rietz. “I meant for him, actually.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hmm?” said Krantz, glancing behind me. “H-Him?! Why, he’s a Malkan! What are you thinking?! How could you bring a filthy wretch like him into your lord father’s estate?!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Krantz’s face flushed red as he reprimanded me. I wasn’t at all happy about Rietz being treated with such open contempt, but I knew that protesting it then and there wouldn’t get me anywhere. Hatred for the Malkan people was deeply rooted in Summerforth’s culture─or, at the very least, everyone I’d met thought Malkans to be an inherently inferior race. It was considered common sense, so it wouldn’t be easy to change people’s minds. It would take a lot more than a debate with a child, that was for sure."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I appreciate your concerns,” I replied, “but for the moment, please bring him a meal on the double. He’s teetering on the brink of starvation!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I didn’t know if Rietz was actually anywhere close to starving to death, of course, but I thought that appealing to the urgency of the situation would be my best shot at getting through to Krantz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well,” Krantz replied, after a moment of hesitation. “Malkan or not, it would pain my conscience to see a child starve to death. He’ll be driven out the moment he’s finished eating, though!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Krantz stormed back into the house to prepare a meal, and I was left to wonder about just how astonishingly prejudiced the man had turned out to be. Would I even be allowed to make Rietz my retainer if that was how an otherwise reasonable person reacted to him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, whether or not I’m allowed to isn’t the question. I will make him my retainer, no matter what! Rietz has the sort of talent I can’t possibly afford to pass up! I only just met him, and I can already tell how indispensable he’ll be for my future! I will not let him slip away from me over something like this!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eventually, Krantz returned with bread and water for Rietz, who thanked him and dug in without hesitation. The bread was obviously old, stale, and flavorless, but watching Rietz devour it, you’d have thought it was the most delicious thing in the world."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now then, send him away!” demanded Krantz, turning to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m afraid that’s not an option,” I replied, standing my ground. “You see, I brought him here to make him my retainer.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Wh-What?! Have you gone mad?! How could you─what?!” Krantz babbled in incoherent shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I intend to discuss the matter with my father!” I declared. Ignoring Krantz, I grabbed Rietz by the hand and pulled him toward my father’s room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Father!” I cried as I burst into his room. “Please make this boy into one of our retainers!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My father, as best as I could tell, had been writing a letter. My sudden entrance didn’t break his concentration in the slightest, though. He didn’t even look up until he’d finished writing, at which point he finally turned his attention to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“By ‘this boy,’ I presume you’re referring to the Malkan child?” asked my father."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I nodded, prompting him to shake his head and reply, “I will do no such thing. Making a Malkan into one of our retainers would be an act of unprecedented foolishness. Send him away.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He concluded with a sigh and a scowl that told me he was unamused by me disrupting his work with this nonsense."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess it’s not going to be that easy after all. I can’t afford to back down, though!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Father, this boy─Rietz Muses─is exceptionally talented! Failing to take him into our service would be an immense loss for our family!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Listen to me, Ars,” replied my father. “Malkans are overwhelmingly inferior to us Summerforthians in every aspect. There is no such thing as a talented Malkan.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That was the widespread belief regarding Malkans throughout the whole Summerforth Empire: that Malkans were clearly and fundamentally inferior as a race. Now, I’d only met one Malkan so far, that being Rietz himself, but he alone was enough to make me doubt the narrative that society at large was feeding me. If a Malkan could be as exceptional as Rietz was, then how could there possibly be that much of an inherent difference between them and Summerforthians?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I cannot speak for Malkans on the whole,” I replied. “However, I can say that Rietz has undoubtedly been blessed with incomparable talent and wisdom. I appreciate that you have your doubts, so why not put him to the test? That way you can see for yourself how exceptional he is.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father paused for a moment to consider my proposal. Eventually, he spoke up once more and said, “What makes you so certain that this boy is talented?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can just tell.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I recall you picked out Millais’s talent with the bow in much the same way, yes?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right! I feel the same sort of hunch about Rietz as I did back then. My instincts are telling me that he has talent beyond anything I’ve ever seen before.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father looked me straight in the eye. His gaze was sharp and intimidating, but I didn’t let it sway me, and stood my ground. A moment later, he turned to Rietz, who also met his gaze unflinchingly. Perhaps the trials his life had put him through had prepared him for this sort of probing scrutiny."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well,” declared my father. “If you’re so certain, then I shall put him to the test, as you suggested. If I’m convinced that he is indeed talented, I will employ him as a soldier.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All right! I actually got his permission!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Being hired as a rank-and-file foot soldier wouldn’t exactly put Rietz at the top of the social ladder, but whatever my father claimed about Malkan inferiority, I knew for a fact that he was a man who valued ability above all else at heart. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Rietz would prove himself in battle and rise to a higher standing in the long run. Plus, even if the opportunity didn’t present itself, I could just give him a boost as soon as I inherited my father’s title."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The test will be a simple one,” my father continued. “The boy and I will spar. If he defeats me, he passes.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All that confidence I’d just built up came crashing down. My father had a score of 94 in Valor, while Rietz was sitting at 70 points in total. He had a maximum score of 90, so with proper training, he might have had a chance. However, as things stood, his odds of success were slim."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Umm, Father?” I nervously spoke up. “You should know that Rietz is still young─he’s only fourteen. I’m afraid that winning a duel against a man of your age and skill may be next to impossible for him.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You said he’s talented, didn’t you?” replied my father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Well, yes, but…you’re also gifted with an incredible, innate talent for combat, Father. I believe that Rietz will be well-matched against you once he’s had time to grow and mature, but without that opportunity, he would hardly stand a chance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then I won’t fight seriously,” my father conceded. “I’ll give the boy an advantage.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What sort of advantage he’d give and to what extent he’d be giving it weren’t exactly clear to me, but I still felt reassured. As long as Rietz had a leg up somehow, he had a shot. I had a feeling my father had already given all the ground he was willing to offer, anyway, so taking him up on these terms seemed like my best bet. Thus, I nodded in agreement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We’ll have our bout in the training grounds. Follow me,” said my father, standing up and walking out of the room. Rietz and I hurried along after him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As we walked, Rietz leaned over and whispered, “Umm, Ars…err, that is, Master Ars, why would you go so far to make someone like me your retainer? Are you doing this out of sympathy?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I explained my reasons to my father just a moment ago,” I replied. “Weren’t you listening?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You mean all that talk about me having talent? But…there’s no way I actually─”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re good at fighting, aren’t you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-Yes. I’ve been told I have a deft hand in battle more than once, but that’s all! I don’t have any other talents to speak of.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s where you’re wrong. Not only are you a skilled warrior, but you can command troops, you have an astonishing intellect, and the instincts of a seasoned politician dwell within you! You have it all!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m telling you, I definitely don’t!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You just haven’t had the opportunity to put those skills to use, that’s all! Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of chances to show off while you’re serving House Louvent.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“W-Will I…?” asked Rietz, his skepticism written all over his face. I could tell he wasn’t satisfied with my explanation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come to think of it, I never actually asked him if he wanted to be my retainer, did I? I was so excited to have him around, I brought him all the way here without even thinking to check! This certainly won’t do!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Are you opposed to working for House Louvent?” I asked, looking over at Rietz once more. “If so, I can tell my father to call the whole test off.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, no, I’m honored by the offer,” said Rietz. “If anything, it seems too good to be true! But, well…that raises questions, you know? Malkans like me aren’t welcome anywhere on this continent, so we have to be cautious about these things.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m not trying to trick you, I promise! And I’m afraid it’s not set in stone whether we’ll even be able to follow through with this. I should warn you that my father’s test is likely to be a harsh one. I have faith that you’ll pass, though!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hearing all of that from me seemed to help Rietz gather his resolve. I, meanwhile, was just relieved that he wasn’t going to turn down the job. Shortly thereafter, the three of us arrived at the training grounds."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Several soldiers were running through drills when we arrived. The moment they noticed us, their expressions stiffened up in unison. My father coming down to the training grounds wasn’t unheard of, so they weren’t surprised by his appearance─no, they were worried. My father was an exceptionally harsh instructor, and things always got a bit tense when he decided to stop by."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m not here to train you today,” said my father. Instantly, all that ambient tension faded away. “I’m here to test this boy, that’s all.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The soldiers had been so focused on my father that they hadn’t even noticed Rietz, but at that point, their gazes finally turned to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You’re testing a Malkan kid?” one of the soldiers asked incredulously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I am,” replied my father. “According to Ars, he’s exceptionally talented. Assuming that’s true, I don’t see any reason not to take him in as a foot soldier.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A hushed clamor rose among the soldiers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A Malkan, talented?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Hah, as if!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The young master gets some wild ideas in his head sometimes, eh?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None of them believed in Rietz’s talent."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eh, that’s fine. He’ll just have to prove it to them!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We have wooden swords over there. Take one,” said my father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right,” replied Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of them took up their training blades and faced each other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I told you I would give you an advantage, and here it is: our match will continue for three minutes. If you manage to land even a single blow on me, we’ll consider it your victory. You can receive as many hits as you like until time runs out, or until you surrender. Gratz! Bring me an hourglass!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Right away!” said Gratz, one of my father’s men. He sprinted over to the nearby storehouse and quickly returned with a three-minute hourglass."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An unskilled swordsman would have been hard-pressed to land a single strike on my father. As a matter of fact, none of the soldiers gathered around us had ever managed the feat in single combat. Considering Rietz’s Valor and his A-rank aptitude in Infantry, though, I had a feeling he’d be able to pull it off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Come to think of it…” said my father. “You have yet to declare your name to me. If I’m going to fight a man, I want to hear his name from his own mouth first.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My name is Rietz Muses,” Rietz replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“And I am Raven Louvent, head of House Louvent. Now then─show me what you’re capable of!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A moment later, Gratz turned the hourglass and the match began. My father took the initiative, bringing his sword down with crushing force in a swing that betrayed a level of agility you wouldn’t have expected from a man of his musculature. A blow like that to the head could easily knock a man unconscious, or even kill him in the worst case."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Faced with that level of technique, an amateur would likely panic and fall over backward, but Rietz had clearly seen his fair share of battle. He kept his cool, stepping away and avoiding my father’s swing entirely before immediately springing forward again and going on the offensive."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0013.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father, however, was not so easily caught off guard. In spite of the force of the attack he’d unleashed a split-second before, he regained his balance and evaded Rietz’s attack with ease. Rietz’s eyes widened in shock─it was probably sinking in that my father was a top-tier swordsman, not just a simple musclehead."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once again, my father went on the attack. Rietz was shaken, but he didn’t let his surprise get the better of him, and intercepted my father’s blade with his own. A spectacularly fast exchange of blows began."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The nearby soldiers had been making a mockery of the match at first, but as they watched the duel unfold, they quickly fell silent. Not one of them had ever managed to hold their own against my father in single combat. My father went well out of his way to not kill or even seriously injure his opponents when he sparred, and they knew it, but even when he was holding back, they almost always ended up disarmed and defeated in a matter of seconds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not only could the soldiers not land a hit on my father, but they were also hardly even capable of having a proper match with him! These were actual soldiers who’d undergone no small amount of training, but against my father, they might as well have been children. But now there he was, fighting at what was certainly closer to his full strength than they’d ever seen against an actual, literal child who never retreated so much as a step. Nobody who knew how strong my father was could possibly have heckled a match like that."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As well as he was fighting, though, Rietz was gradually beginning to lose ground. At the beginning of the match, he’d attacked about as much as he defended, but as time went by he gradually shifted more and more to the defensive. About half of the hourglass’s sand had fallen, but neither fighter had landed a clean blow. That was no surprise in Rietz’s case, but the fact that my father hadn’t gotten in a single strike was something else entirely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As I watched, it struck me that in a real fight, your opponent landing a hit could very well mean instant death depending on where they hit you. Both Rietz and my father were likely experienced with live combat, and given they’d lived to see another day, it stood to reason that neither of them had taken very many hits, if any at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That led me to wonder if the so-called “advantage” my father had given Rietz would really make much of any difference. I was starting to worry."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is Rietz going to lose? I can’t rule out the possibility!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After going as far as I had to strike the deal, backpedaling and renegotiating if Rietz lost probably wasn’t going to fly. My father would surely acknowledge Rietz’s talent after a fight like this, but he was the sort of person who never went back on the letter of his word, its spirit be damned. Any chance of him taking Rietz in would be sunk."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I kept my eyes glued to the match, praying that Rietz would somehow manage to land a strike, even if only by pure chance. The sand in the hourglass was depleting rapidly, and it wouldn’t be long before the match concluded. Not even my father could fight at full strength forever, though, and it seemed fatigue was setting in─his movements were beginning to slow ever so slightly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was almost like Rietz had been waiting for that opportunity. He mustered up his strength and swung his blade with all his might. It was an attack born of resolve, of the fact that he knew it might be his last chance. He aimed for my father’s leg, and my father must not have seen a targeted blow coming. He couldn’t defend in time, so Rietz’s sword struck his shin true."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The soldiers stood stock-still, paralyzed in dumbfounded astonishment. They couldn’t understand what they’d just witnessed. My father was still on his feet, and showed no sign that the blow to the shin had hurt him. It was an old truism that the shin was so hard to toughen up that even the legendary warrior-monk Benkei couldn’t help but cry when he was hit there, but apparently, my father wasn’t so easy to bring to tears."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In any case, Rietz had undeniably succeeded at landing a blow. Not only had he won per the rules of the match, but he’d also won the duel by any reasonable standard of judgment. I imagined that if they fought a few more rounds, my father would probably have come out ahead in total victories, but this time, Rietz had won the day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“The bout is yours,” admitted my father, though not without a moment of frustrated silence beforehand. “As promised, I’ll take you into my employ as a soldier.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I breathed a sigh of relief. Rietz had done it─his position as a soldier of House Louvent was secured. The soldiers around us, meanwhile, were stunned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“G-Gods above, that kid’s incredible!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Did you see that? He won!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A Malkan, of all the people…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not one of them could object to taking Rietz in after the display they’d just witnessed. None of them would’ve had the guts to stand against my father’s decision in the first place, of course, but having someone as strong as Rietz on their side could be nothing but beneficial for them; I didn’t imagine they would’ve complained regardless. Adding even a single capable soldier to your side reduced the odds of your horrific death on the battlefield, after all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My father returned his wooden sword to the rack, then approached me and stated, “It’s just as you said. Rietz has an undeniable talent for battle. He’ll be a swordsman to be feared someday, I’m sure.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "One fight was all it took for my father to appreciate the depths of Rietz’s abilities. In truth, of course, fighting was only one of Rietz’s many talents─he was actually even more stunningly capable when it came to his skills as a commander, tactician, and politician."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You perceived Millais’s talent with a bow before, Ars, and this time you saw something in Rietz that no one else could. I’m starting to suspect that you have something, yourself─a power that makes you truly special,” my father continued. Had he realized that I was capable of Appraisal? “I’ve told you this before, but the ability to identify people’s strong points is a truly indispensable skill for a lord to possess. Identifying them is merely the first step, though, and if you stop there, you won’t last long in this line of work. You have to know how to use those talents, not just how to pick them out.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Once again, my father was throwing the sort of concepts at me that most reasonable people would never even consider discussing with a four-year-old. That said, his words really did give me some food for thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Knowing how to use your people’s talents… He’s absolutely right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "However many talented individuals I gathered up, if I couldn’t help them make full use of those talents, they’d be nothing but pearls before swine─the swine, in this instance, being none other than me. And wasting their talents wasn’t even the worst-case scenario. If someone as exceptional as Rietz decided I wasn’t worth their service, I could very well find myself shipped off to the slaughterhouse before I knew it. This was a lesson that I would have to take to heart."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That said,” my father added. “If your power to perceive the strengths of those beneath you is genuine, and if you do learn to make full use of those strengths, there’s no telling how high you could rise in society. We live in an era of strife and chaos, but even in these turbulent times, you could climb to the pinnacle of the aristocracy…or even claim the emperor’s throne.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The emperor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In other words, my father believed that I could quell the discord that was sweeping through Summerforth, and become a leader fit to define an epoch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t picture myself becoming someone that important, and I wasn’t interested in doing so, either. Could you imagine just how much of a pain in the ass being an emperor would be? I’d be perfectly content gaining just as much influence as it took to keep me alive, and no more, thank you very much!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Ha ha ha ha ha! I’m joking, Ars,” my father suddenly bellowed. “A noble from a backwater like this, becoming the emperor? Hah! I wouldn’t expect that much from you. So long as you stay alive and carry on the Louvent family’s name, I’ll have no complaints.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father, cracking a joke?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was a relief to know he wasn’t serious, in any case. For a moment, my father kept cackling and patting me on the head, then finally left to return to his room."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "After he departed, the soldiers descended upon Rietz, swarming around him and asking him to spar with them as well. It seemed they were eager to get a taste of his capabilities firsthand. Unfortunately for them, the intensity of his match with my father had left him so exhausted that his hands were shaking too hard to even hold his sword properly. His next bout would have to wait until another day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thus, Rietz officially became one of my family’s retainers! That was an achievement, to be sure, but there was one problem left to solve: his housing situation. The rest of my family’s soldiers were all Lamberg folk with homes in the village, so they all lived in town. Our only two options were to find an unoccupied house and have Rietz stay in town, or find a place for him to live on our estate."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I asked my father what we should do, and he told me that Rietz could live in a currently unoccupied room in the servants’ quarters. I was all for that plan─he’d almost certainly face all sorts of persecution if he had to live in the village, and sparing him that treatment was for the best. In exchange for his lodgings, he would work around the house in addition to fighting as one of our soldiers."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I’m still not so sure about this,” said Rietz after everything was settled. “Do you really want someone like me working for you?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This again?” I replied. “I swear, I must have told you that I want you here thirty times by now!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was giving Rietz a tour around our estate. One of our servants was initially tasked with the job, but it seemed like the perfect opportunity to chat with Rietz and get to know him better, so I volunteered to take over those duties."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You have, but I just can’t believe it! Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined serving a noble family!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“We may be nobles, but our territory is tiny, and our influence even smaller,” I countered. “Plus, you’ve technically only been hired on as a soldier! It’s not exactly a dream position.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Y-You don’t understand. I’d just about given up on finding someone willing to give me the time of day, much less hire me! Any position is a dream come true for a person like me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A wistful look appeared on Rietz’s face. He was probably thinking back on all the misery he’d suffered through. A moment later, he knelt down on one knee and bowed his head to me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“If it weren’t for you, Master Ars, I’m certain I would’ve died in a ditch somewhere out in the wilderness. I cannot possibly thank you enough for giving me this chance.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“You don’t have to thank me,” I replied. “I made you my retainer because I expect great things from you! I’m confident that you’ll be an incredible asset.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I will be! I swear that I’ll work myself to the bone to repay you for the kindness you’ve shown me today!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz pledged his service to me, and I chose to take his oath at face value. I knew that he was a man I could trust to never betray me─a man who would pull me back from the brink of defeat time and time again. In that moment, it felt as if our future together had been set in stone."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0015.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Interlude: Rietz’s Postscript"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "About a week has passed since I, Rietz Muses, entered the service of House Louvent through what I can only describe as a series of miracles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Malkans like me are scorned and despised no matter where we go. I don’t even want to think back on everything I’ve gone through as a result of society’s contempt for people like me. That didn’t entirely change after I began my life in the Louvent estate, to be fair, but the fact that I’m consistently well-fed and clothed makes my new lifestyle feel downright heavenly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I’m only able to live in such comparative comfort thanks to Ars and his decision to make me one of his retainers. I swore to pay him back with a lifetime of service, and each morning, I quietly reaffirm that oath to myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Rietz?” says Ars one morning. “I’ll be going into town today to scout for talent, and I’d like you to accompany me as my guard!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ars, the boy I consider my benefactor, is a mere four years old. He looks the part, as well, with childish features and big, round eyes that are, frankly, downright adorable. The elevated manner in which he speaks betrays an unusual level of thought and sophistication for a boy of his age, though, and he conducts himself with an astonishingly stately bearing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It’s like a grown adult is lurking within his childlike shell, so I can hardly believe he’s really a child at all. I have to wonder just how in the world he’d been raised to turn out this way, and whether the process can be replicated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Understood,” I reply. “I would be happy to accompany you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The thought of turning down his request doesn’t even cross my mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The two of us set out for the village, which is just a short walk away. The locals look upon me in a less-than-kind manner, as always, but with Ars by my side, nobody dares to openly harass me. I’m used to being glared at, so I don’t pay them any mind in particular as we stroll through town. Eventually, Ars chooses a place by the side of the road to stop, and carefully watches the people as they pass by."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Umm, Master Ars? I understand that we’re here to look for talented individuals…but do you intend to do so by simply, well, looking?” I ask. I had assumed we would be seeking out people with an interest in serving the nobility, then giving them some sort of test. Literally just watching people come and go strikes me as a strange way to go about this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I can tell what a person’s talents are just by looking at them,” Ars replies."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You can…huh?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Just by looking at them? Is that even possible? I suppose he did discern my talent with a sword at a glance, so maybe it is?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not only had Ars never seen me wield a blade at the time he declared I had a talent for them, he hadn’t even seen me hold one."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he’s telling the truth, though, and possesses a truly astonishing ability, then I can only imagine how incredible his achievements will be in the long term. We live in a world where the vast majority of people’s futures are decided for them the moment they’re born, so there could be vast numbers of talented individuals stuck in jobs that don’t suit them, just waiting to be discovered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, that man has a seventy in Intelligence!” Ars exclaims as a young man walks past us. “I thought I’d already checked all the men─I must have missed him somehow.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What in the world does that mean?” I ask, perplexed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To put it simply, it means that there’s a high likelihood that he’s smart. I’m going to talk to him!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This time there isn’t a doubt in my mind: judging how smart somebody is at a glance is, quite frankly, impossible. Ars, however, really does run over to speak with the man, and as I listen to their discussion, I realize that he really is quite sharp. Certainly more intelligent than your average passerby, as far as I can judge."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ars invites him to become one of House Louvent’s retainers, but the man shoots the offer down without a second thought. Apparently, he isn’t interested in serving anyone other than himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Well, that’s just how it goes sometimes,” says Ars with a shrug. “On to the next candidate!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He doesn’t seem especially perturbed by the man’s refusal, and immediately moves on with his search."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ars calls out to several people over the course of the day, and each time, they prove that his judgment is on the mark. Eventually, I realize I may well have entered the service of a truly incredible person."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0016.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Several months had passed since Rietz became one of House Louvent’s retainers. Over that short period, he’d already proven himself in battle, and the people around him were finally beginning to realize that his intellect was just as exceptional as his skill with a blade."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My father had fought by Rietz’s side several times, at that point, and was among those who had realized how clever he really was. He ended up tasking Rietz to read a book as a test, and Rietz responded by breezing through it at record speed and summarizing its contents in perfect detail. Even my father was astonished by that spectacle!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was quickly decided that Rietz would be given as high a level of an education as possible, and his standing in the household grew to the point that even though he was still a mere soldier in theory, nobody would have thought to call him one in practice. A formal education had done wonders for his Intelligence, as well, which was sitting at a current score of 89. It wouldn’t be long before he broke into the 90s, at the rate things were going. Finally, my father gave Rietz a new position in the household, which meant he would no longer be going out into battle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Now then, Master Ars, it’s time for us to begin your studies for the day!” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Right, he had been appointed to oversee my education!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that moment in time, Rietz was the most knowledgeable member of the Louvent household. Considering he’d only started focusing on his education a matter of months beforehand, the leaps and bounds he’d taken were truly mind-bending. Meanwhile, as the house’s eldest son, my education was considered a priority, so Rietz was entrusted with the job in the hopes that he would train me to be skilled with both the pen and the sword."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I, by the way, had spent the past several months so absorbed in my search for talent that I’d unfortunately let my quest to learn everything there was to know about my new world fall to the wayside. Having Rietz around to teach me the ways of the world couldn’t have suited my purposes better."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz stood before me, a book in hand. “Today, we’ll be discussing the current state of the Summerforth Empire,” he explained, opening the book up and setting it down on the table in front of me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A map of the empire, and by extension the entire continent of Summerforth, was drawn on his chosen page. It wasn’t much of a map, though─in fact, it seemed downright slipshod. Apparently, this world had yet to master the art of cartography."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s see,” began Rietz. “I believe we’ve already discussed how the continent used to be home to seven kingdoms, and how their unification signified the birth of the empire?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s right!” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I already knew the seven countries that formerly occupied the continent. The Kingdom of Rofeille had been in the continent’s northeast regions, to start. The northwest was home to the Kingdom of Canshiep, while the Kingdom of Ansel was in the eastern-central region, and the Kingdom of Scheutz took up the central-west. Between Ansel and Scheutz, at the very heart of the continent, sat the Kingdom of Paradille. Finally, the Kingdoms of Seitz and Missian were down south, with Seitz in the southwest and Missian in the southeast."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The nearest continent to Summerforth was across a channel, and the Kingdom of Ansel, which was located closest to that channel, had gained an edge over the other kingdoms by way of foreign trade. Ansel gradually amassed more and more power, and ultimately mounted an all-out invasion of its surrounding nations. The ensuing war of conquest proved successful, and the king of Ansel, Anathis Bydoras, proclaimed himself an emperor. Thus, the Summerforth Empire was born."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The old kingdoms’ names weren’t just a historical curiosity, incidentally. They were still used to refer to regions in the modern era. The Kingdom of Rofeille, for instance, corresponded to a modern-day duchy of the same name. The Kingdom of Canshiep became the Duchy of Canshiep, and so on and so forth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Each duchy was ruled by a governor formally known as a duke. The dukes tended to be either descendants of the imperial line, or the descendants of monarchs who chose to surrender and swear fealty to the Kingdom of Ansel in the early stages of the war."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The territory we lived in, Lamberg, was located in the Duchy of Missian. Missian was characterized by its seasonal climate and expansive flatland, which made the territory ripe for agriculture. Its population was quite large as well, so it struck me as a pleasant region all around."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“This year marks the two hundred and thirtieth anniversary of the Summerforth Empire’s founding,” explained Rietz. “Of course, the empire currently stands on its last legs. The dukes hardly lend an ear to the emperor’s orders, and the duchies grow more and more independent with each passing day. Nevertheless, the power wielded by the imperial line is still far from insubstantial. The Bydoras family holds direct control over a considerable swath of territory, and it’s not entirely unthinkable that the empire could regain its former glory under the command of an especially capable leader.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Is the current head of the Bydoras family capable?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The current head of the family, Bydoras XII, is an eight-year-old child. His retainers hold the true power, it would seem. I don’t know the details myself, but it would seem there’s no single individual who holds all the cards. A variety of factions are vying for influence, and frankly, I don’t get the impression it’s going especially well for any of them.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They’re focusing on political infighting while the empire falls to ruin around them? Sounds like I shouldn’t expect much from the imperial family."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“To be clear,” Rietz continued, “the Bydoras family is hardly exceptional in that sense. In fact, it’s quite likely that we’ll be seeing a conflict of succession here in Missian before long.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do you mean by that?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The current Duke of Missian, Lord Amador Salemakhia, is quite old. There’s been no word of him falling ill, but the odds are very good he’ll pass away before the decade is done. Furthermore, Lord Amador has two sons. Under ordinary circumstances, the eldest would inherit his title, but the younger of the two is exceptionally talented when compared with his elder brother. Word has it that Lord Amador himself is unsure which son he intends to name as his successor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Needless to say,” Rietz went on, “if he passes away before reaching a decision, war is all but guaranteed. And even if he does name an heir, the odds of conflict breaking out are considerable. Both brothers have expressed a desire to inherit the title, after all.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A war of succession…"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That was the sort of conflict that could spiral horribly out of control. Small-scale skirmishes weren’t particularly uncommon, from what I understood, but a real, large-scale war had yet to occur in my lifetime."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If such a war were to break out, and if my family were to throw their weight behind the losing side, then it was possible we’d lose our territory. On the other hand, if we were to ally with the victors and prove our worth in battle, expanding our territory was very much also on the table. Of course, my father would almost certainly still be alive if any of this ever happened, so deciding which side to support would fall on his shoulders. I had to wonder if he was already planning for that eventuality."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Who do you think my father would choose to support?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I understand that Lord Raven is inclined to back the elder brother, but regardless, he wouldn’t be in a position to make that decision,” Rietz answered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, that’s right!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It had entirely slipped my mind that my father was not, in fact, a direct vassal of the Duke of Missian. Each duchy of the Summerforth Empire was divided up into counties. Around ten or so counties per duchy was typical, and each county was managed by a local count. Lamberg was a part of the County of Canarre, and my father’s direct superior was the Count of Canarre. I guess if I were to write it out like a modern address, it’d go something along the lines of: Lamberg, County of Canarre, Duchy of Missian, Summerforth Empire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Anyway, the point was that the count would be responsible for choosing which of the brothers Canarre would support, so my father had no say in the matter. I suppose he at least had the count’s ear, though, so his opinion might play a factor in the final decision."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Who do you think should inherit the title, Rietz?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Y-You want my opinion? Hmm… I’ve never met either of them, so I’m afraid it’s hard for me to judge.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d thought Rietz would have an answer ready for me, considering how high his Intelligence and Politics scores were, but I supposed that was asking too much when he had so little information to work with. I had a feeling that when the time finally came, my Appraisal skill was going to come in handy."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I could get a chance to evaluate their skills, and the skills of their closest allies while I was at it, I figured I’d be able to easily determine which brother had the higher odds of coming out on top. Then I’d just have to convince my father to see things my way and have him convince the count in turn. We’d be on the road to certain victory in no time!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“For local lords with small domains like House Louvent, I believe this state of affairs presents an opportunity. In a war of this nature, proving yourself in battle could be all it takes to be promoted all the way to count. It may well be in our interests to be as prepared as possible for that development,” concluded Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We spent a while longer immersed in our studies, and finally, the day’s lesson concluded. I, of course, wasted no time in suggesting our next activity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right! I think it’s time for us to head out on our usual personnel hunt! We’ll need as many skilled subordinates as we can gather if we want to be prepared for a war of succession, after all!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well, then. I’ll accompany you,” replied Rietz. He’d been coming along on my headhunting missions more often than not recently, largely to serve as my personal guard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’d appraised the vast majority of the local villagers already, so I’d started expanding my search to the nearby towns, as well. A few Lamberg locals were skilled enough to be of some use, and I’d recruited a number of them, but unfortunately, I’d yet to find a single person with the sort of raw talent Rietz had. Venturing out to the nearby towns posed a certain degree of risk, of course, but I knew I had nothing to fear with Rietz there to protect me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Shall we?” I suggested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right,” agreed Rietz."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As the two of us stepped out from the estate, a voice rang out."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Ars! Going into town again today, are you?” called my father from the training grounds. He’d just finished running through his swordsmanship drills, it seemed, and he wiped the sweat from his brow as he walked over to us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“That’s right!” I replied. “I’m off to look for more talented new recruits!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I see,” said my father with a nod. “As it happens, I have a favor to ask. I want you to find someone proficient with magic, next.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“With magic?” I parroted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right. Magic will be a critical factor in the battles to come, and a force that can’t use it may as well not even take to the field. I don’t have the knack for it, myself, and I don’t have nearly enough men serving under me who do. If you find anyone with a talent for magic, I want you to bring them to me.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I was far from knowledgeable in that field. I’d only used it once, on my father’s orders. I’d had to pour a mysterious red liquid into some sort of strange device and chant a short spell, which produced a tiny ball of fire that leaped through the air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Unfortunately, it seemed that the test was something of a failure. My father told me that I clearly wasn’t suited for magic, and he never let me use it again. That was pretty disappointing, honestly─I’d been downright moved to cast my very first spell, and I really wanted to give it another go someday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I guess I just didn’t have a talent for magic, in the end. That said, if it was possible to determine someone’s talent in the field with a single, simple test, I had to wonder why my father even had to bother sending me out to hunt for a magic user at all. Or maybe I had it wrong─maybe it wasn’t easy to find talent, and my results made that fact painfully clear."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“All right,” I agreed. “I’ll search for someone who excels in magic!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Best of luck,” my father replied with a nod."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And so, I set off for town with Rietz, eager to make my father proud."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We made the journey to town on horseback. I couldn’t actually ride yet, so Rietz had to more or less hold me in his arms as he literally took the reins. Thankfully, his S-ranked Cavalry aptitude wasn’t just for show, and he was an impressive enough horseman to make even my father sing his praises."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "On horseback, the trip from Lamberg to the next town took roughly two hours. We were planning on staying there for two days."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I don’t know much about magic, Rietz. Is there anything you can teach me?” I asked partway through the trip. We had all that time, so a crash course on the subject seemed like the perfect way to use it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Magic? Let’s see…” replied Rietz. “Are you already familiar with the basics?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes! I’ve used it once, myself. I poured some sort of red stuff into a weird device, chanted a spell, and it just worked.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Yes, that sounds about right. The ‘weird device’ was a catalyzer and the red liquid is called aqua magia. Magic is cast by loading a catalyzer with aqua magia and reciting an incantation. The aqua magia is expended in the process.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Catalyzers and aqua magia, huh? I have a feeling I should remember those words."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“In the past, the incantations required to cast spells were incredibly long, so their output was considered insufficient to be used in battle. As a result, magic was more or less considered a party trick,” Rietz continued. “The invention of catalyzers, however, rewrote the rulebook. They allow for shorter incantations and amplify the effects of spells, making magic a practical and lethal weapon. The proliferation of magical warfare in Summerforth began about a decade ago, and it has spread to a dramatic degree since then.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, so magic’s a new thing? It hasn’t been used for ages? That’s sort of a surprise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So aqua magia’s like magical fuel?” I asked. “Is it easy to get?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Aqua magia is made by liquefying a type of stone called magistone. Magistones aren’t especially rare, but the demand for it has skyrocketed in recent years, so the price has risen accordingly. Supplying a magical combat unit with aqua magia would cost a considerable sum of money.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So it’s expensive, huh…? And House Louvent doesn’t exactly have the highest income…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lamberg was a small territory to begin with, and we didn’t have any local specialties or notable natural resources to boast of. The territory brought in very little money, all things considered. We were scraping by; that was the best I could say for our finances."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Even if we can’t put an entire unit together, having just one skilled mage in our army could make all the difference,” said Rietz. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find at least one person to fill that role. Let’s make that our priority for this excursion.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Sounds like a plan,” I quickly agreed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A long, bumpy horse ride later, we’d arrived at our destination: Canarre, a city that served as both the namesake and central hub of the County of Canarre. It was a properly fortified city, too, surrounded by a spectacular curtain wall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The wall didn’t contain the entirety of the city, to be clear─plenty of large, well-constructed buildings stood outside the fortifications as well. I took that as a sign of how long this region had been at peace. The people here didn’t see a need to keep their homes all that soundly defended, it seemed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The walls themselves were built in the era before the unification of Summerforth, and were naturally more than a little time-worn as a result. At the very center of the town stood Castle Canarre: the home of House Pyres, the head of which served as Canarre’s count."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I started by strolling around the part of town that was outside the walls. In the present day, the only people who were allowed within the walls were those of the upper class. As the son of a lord, I qualified, of course; I could have gone inside if I’d wanted to, but my goal was to find personnel, and going into the walls didn’t seem necessary for that purpose. There were plenty of people in the city outside, after all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And there really were plenty of people. The total population of the town was supposedly somewhere in the vicinity of fifty thousand, and the thought of appraising all of them was already making my eyes water. Thankfully, appraising literally everyone wasn’t even on the table─I was planning on centering my search around the poor in particular."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The problem with coming out to a city like this was that even if I did find someone exceptional, the odds were high that they’d refuse to enter into my family’s service. After all, who would want to move from the big city to a provincial hamlet like Lamberg? It wasn’t like we had the funding to offer an enormous salary in exchange or anything, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "As such, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to hire anyone unless they were in serious need of money. The people who’d been living in Lamberg all their lives were basically the only exception to that rule. And if scouting out affluent individuals was a lost cause, I just had to turn my eye to those in need!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right, let’s get searching!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I scanned the crowd from horseback, keeping a keen eye out for anyone who looked relatively destitute. I didn’t hit pay dirt right away, though. I found some people with reasonably remarkable talents, don’t get me wrong, but I was looking for someone with talent as a mage in particular, and I wasn’t planning on chatting up anyone who didn’t fulfill that requirement. I didn’t need them to be as incredible as Rietz or anything, but if their highest stats were in the mid-60s, I didn’t feel the need to go out of my way to scout them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All that squinting and eye strain got the better of me eventually, and I happened to also have worked up an appetite. We decided to take a break and dismounted to find something in the market to fill our stomachs. As we walked into the marketplace, though, I noticed something surprising out of the corner of my eye."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Wait, is that…?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I took a closer look, and indeed, I hadn’t been seeing things. A cage stood in the market, and within that cage stood a cluster of people with placards hung around their necks."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“A slave trader,” muttered Rietz as he followed my gaze."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Slavery was a common practice in the not-so-distant history of certain cultures back on Earth, but I’d never been confronted with the reality of the slave trade until that moment. My first impulse was revulsion at the thought of buying a human being, but a moment later, a second thought struck me: Who’s to say that slaves can’t be just as talented as any other person?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going this route would certainly simplify the negotiation process for bringing them in as a retainer, as well. The problem, of course, was the question of price. I’d brought a chunk of funding with me to serve as an advance payment for anyone I recruited, but would that be enough?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No point speculating─I should take a look at them before doing anything else."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Let’s have a look at the slaves before we eat,” I said to Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The slaves?” asked Rietz. “Are you planning to buy one?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“One of them might have talent, for all we know!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s…true, I suppose,” Rietz replied. He seemed more than a little hesitant, but he didn’t try to dissuade me, so we approached the cage."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I took a moment to appraise everyone there, one by one. None of the numbers that were coming up were particularly impressive, though. Just as I was about to give up, my gaze fell upon a particular girl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My eyes widened in shock."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A 92 in Leadership, a 116 in Valor, and an S-ranked aptitude as a mage…? Those numbers are insane!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her other stats weren’t anything to write home about, to be fair, but her strong points were undeniably out of this world. Hell, her Valor was on par with my father’s, and she hadn’t even reached her full potential yet!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A person’s capability in combat was determined by a combination of their Valor score and their aptitudes. As such, no matter how high your Valor was, if you were fighting in a field you had a D-ranked aptitude in, you wouldn’t be very effective at all. All of the girl’s aptitudes other than Mage were D, so in all likelihood, she wouldn’t be useful for anything other than magic on the field of battle, but that Mage aptitude! That alone would make her an overwhelming force in battle!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She had long, blue hair and a face so perfectly proportioned you’d think she was a living doll. She’d surely be beautiful when she grew up…not that I even cared. I was set! I’d buy her no matter what, bring her back to Lamberg, and have her be our army’s resident mage!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How much for that Charlotte girl?” I asked the slave trader."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh? Oh, her? Five silver. Why, you want ’er?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Five silver…"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Five gold coins─with each being equivalent in value to ten silver─was enough to cover a typical adult’s living expenses for a year. From that perspective, five silver was hardly an outrageous price. I checked on the other slaves’ prices as well, and found that on average, the men were priced higher than the women. People probably thought men would be more valuable for manual labor purposes, I assumed. Charlotte was young and attractive, which was most likely why her price was set a little higher than the other female slaves."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At the moment, I had five gold coins on hand. In other words, more than enough money to make the purchase feasible."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“P-Pardon me, Master Ars?” said Rietz. “I hope you’re not actually planning on buying that girl…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I am!” I replied immediately. “She has an unbelievable talent for magic!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I, uh, don’t mean to doubt your eye for such things, but she is a girl. We can’t exactly send her out onto the battlefield… Or rather, I don’t believe Lord Raven would ever allow us to do so.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In this world, it was broadly accepted that women were not suited for combat. It wasn’t an unfamiliar perspective to me─plenty of cultures back on Earth had similar values, after all. If I were to bring a girl back with me and say I planned to have her serve as a soldier, I’d probably raise even more eyebrows than I did when I brought in Rietz the Malkan to be one of our retainers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "People might start thinking I’m some sort of maniac, in the worst case! But then again, no matter what they think of me at first, seeing her literally work her magic should shut them up nice and quick."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What’s important, Rietz, is that she has an unmistakable aptitude for magic that we can’t ignore! Passing up this chance just because she’s female would be foolish!” I declared."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz frowned, but remained silent. Apparently, he’d given up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I passed the slave trader a gold coin. He gave me five silver in return, thanked me, then brought Charlotte out of the cage. Leading her over to me, he passed me the chain connected to the collar around her neck as well as the key to the collar itself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn’t about all that collar business, though. I knew that if I was judging her correctly, she’d go on to accomplish truly incredible feats in battle. Having a woman like that wear a collar just felt wrong to me, so I immediately reached up to unlock it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Whoa there, kiddo, not so fast!” snapped the slave trader. “She might be obedient, but trust me─you’d be better off keeping her on a leash!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’ll be fine, thank you,” I replied, removing Charlotte’s collar without a second thought. She just stood there, not running away or even moving at all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Why did you take it off?” Charlotte eventually asked. That was my first time hearing her voice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Because I have no intention of keeping you as a slave,” I replied. “I paid for you because I want you as one of my family’s retainers. A collar isn’t appropriate attire for someone of that station, right?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte cocked her head. I got the impression she didn’t really understand what I was talking about."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Tell you what─I’m pretty hungry. Let’s go get some food, and I can give you the details while we eat!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I found some food at a nearby market stall, and we had a quick meal. Well, Rietz and I did, but it seemed Charlotte wasn’t hungry, as she declined to eat with us. After we finished, I decided it was time to formally introduce ourselves."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now then, my name is Ars Louvent and this is…”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rietz Muses. Nice to meet you.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My name is Charlotte Lace. Likewise,” she replied. The way she spoke was sort of flat─almost monotone, even."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“As I said a moment ago, I bought you from that slave trader because I want to make you one of my family’s retainers,” I explained. I went on to tell Charlotte that I was the son of the lord of Lamberg. “So, if possible, I’d like you to come back with us and work for my household. What do you say?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The son of a lord? Okay,” replied Charlotte immediately. “I don’t have anywhere else to go, so I wouldn’t mind being a retainer. I’m a girl, though. I don’t know why you’d want me for a position like that. Did you think I was a boy or something? I know I don’t have much of a chest, but I’m a girl through and through. Should I prove it?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before I even had time to ask her how she planned to prove it to me, Charlotte had already stood up and started pulling down her trousers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“No, no, stop!” I shouted frantically. “I already know you’re a girl! You don’t have to prove anything!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh…?” replied Charlotte, cocking her head. “I guess that makes sense. Nobody would mistake a girl as pretty as me for a boy.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did she just call herself pretty? I mean, she’s not wrong, but still, wow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At that point, Rietz leaned in, his voice a whisper, and said, “M-Master Ars, don’t you think this girl is…a little strange? Are you really sure about this?” he asked with concern."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I don’t care if she’s a little strange, as long as she has talent!” I replied, though it didn’t seem to do much to assuage Rietz’s worries."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“So tell me, why do you want a girl like me as a retainer?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Because you have a talent for magic,” I replied."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“For magic?” said Charlotte, cocking her head again. “I’ve never used magic at all, though. How could I possibly have the talent for it?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could immediately tell she was speaking the truth─she’d genuinely never used magic before."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s weird, I thought. With a Valor score that high, I assumed she had some real combat experience. Her maximum value’s crazy high, sure, but that doesn’t explain how someone so inexperienced could have a current Valor score that’s that huge!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t have any doubts about my own Appraisal skill, but just in case, I decided to have her use some magic for us and see what happened. Fortunately, I’d had Rietz bring the necessary materials along."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Rietz? I’d like to have her use some magic for us, as a test,” I said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Very well. However, the middle of the city is hardly the place for such a thing. We should leave town first, Master Ars.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Oh, right! Good point.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz, Charlotte, and I made our way out to a plain just outside the city limits."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“All right,” I said the moment we arrived and confirmed there wasn’t anyone else nearby. “Let’s do it! Think you can show us some magic?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz produced the tools Charlotte would need for her test: a catalyzer and a leather flask full of aqua magia. The catalyzer was a sphere that was about the same size as a baseball, with writing in an alphabet I didn’t recognize inscribed across its surface. A chain was attached to it, and all you had to do to use it was loop it around your neck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To start, Rietz had to fill the catalyzer with aqua magia. Part of the catalyzer was basically a lid, and removing it allowed access to the reservoir inside. Rietz took off the lid and poured a very small portion of the thick, viscous liquid into the device. Catalyzers were made to use up all of the aqua magia you put into them, regardless of how much. As a natural result, people couldn’t cast multiple spells in a row with one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Now then, put this on,” said Rietz, recapping the catalyzer and passing it over to Charlotte. She did as he said and hung it around her neck."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“What do I do now?” she asked."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Once you’re wearing it, all you have to do is recite an incantation,” explained Rietz. “I only brought flame aqua magia with me today, so you’ll want to use some form of fire magic.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh?” I interjected, my ears perking up at a new piece of information. “Wait, does that mean there’s more than one type of aqua magia?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve only ever seen the red stuff! Could there be a bunch of them?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Yes, there is. Some are blue, some green─there’s all sorts, really,” Rietz confirmed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“What do the different colors mean?” I asked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Different types of magic have different aspects, and the color of the aqua magia indicates what magical aspects it’s capable of evoking. Red aqua magia, for instance, allows you to use flame-aspected magic. For simplicity’s sake, people tend to call it flame aqua magia as a result. Blue aqua magia allows you to use water-aspected magic, so it’s water aqua magia, while green allows the use of wind magic, and is wind aqua magia.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“How many aspects are there?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Too many to list. The three I already mentioned aside, there’s lightning, darkness, light, ice, sound, poison, shadow, profane, healing, force, etcetera, etcetera.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Rietz was pretty much blowing my mind. He’d listed off more magical aspects than I could’ve imagined, and there were even more of them he hadn’t bothered mentioning. And wait, how were dark-aspected magic and shadow-aspected magic even any different?!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Flame magistones are commonly mined in Missian,” Rietz continued. “So most of the aqua magia in circulation in this region is flame-aspected. I believe the second most common form of aqua magia in the area would be sound-aspected, if memory serves.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sound… What would you even use sound magic for? I guess you could send signals on the battlefield with it, or something? Or maybe you could make noises loud enough to burst people’s eardrums?! No, wait, that would be just as bad for your troops as it would be for your enemy’s. Scratch that plan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Can you teach me the incantation?” asked Charlotte. I was so caught up in Rietz’s impromptu lesson that I sort of forgot about her for a minute there."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, excuse me. Right away,” said Rietz, who turned back to her and began instructing her on the process. “The spell I’d like you to use today is called Fire Bullet. The incantation goes, ‘O bolt of flame, burn my foe to ash.’”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew that incantation. It was the same spell that I had used. When I cast it, an orb of flame had whizzed out in a straight line ahead of me and detonated the moment it hit something. “Detonated” might have been overstating it a bit, though─it was more of a pop than an explosion, really. That was probably on account of me rather than the spell, however, and considering Charlotte’s sheer, raw talent, I had a feeling we were about to witness a much bigger fireball."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh, and when you cast magic, you have to hold a hand out before you,” added Rietz. “The catalyzer won’t activate otherwise.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Left? Right?” Charlotte asked bluntly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Whichever your dominant hand is. It’ll be easier to aim that way.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Left, then.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Guess Charlotte’s a lefty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The field we were standing in was dotted here and there with trees, and Rietz told Charlotte to use one of them as a target. She picked the tree nearest to us, held her palm out toward it, and chanted the spell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“O bolt of flame, burn my foe to ash.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For just an instant, the catalyzer let out a flash of light, and at the exact same moment, the Fire Bullet burst out from Charlotte’s hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And I mean it burst out, at a tremendous speed. It rocketed across the field, hitting the tree dead center."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0018.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Before I could even process that, a thunderous roar swept across the field as an enormous explosion engulfed the tree. When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, there wasn’t even a charred trace of the trunk left. All that remained was an enormous crater, centered upon the point where a tree had stood tall a couple of seconds ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rietz and I stood there, stock-still, our mouths agape. When I cast that spell, its destructive potential was roughly equivalent to that of a firecracker. I knew that magic could be more or less effective depending on who was using it, but I was aghast that the difference could be that stark."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That was…pretty good, right?” I mumbled in amazement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“P-Pretty good doesn’t even begin to describe it…” muttered Rietz in response. “I’ve seen plenty of mages on the battlefield, but I’ve never seen a Fire Bullet like that before… Was that really your first time casting a spell?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte simply nodded in reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Then there’s no doubt about it. She’s a magical prodigy,” said Rietz."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn’t really need the confirmation, honestly. Watching her cast a single spell was enough to sell me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Once again, Master Ars, your eye for talent has proven its worth,” added Rietz, turning to me with a look of the utmost respect in his eyes. “I’m beyond impressed─you truly are incredible.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Charlotte’s aptitude for magic was the real deal, and with firepower like that on the table, I couldn’t possibly imagine my father turning her away, girl or not. I was convinced that I’d be able to make her one of our retainers without much fuss. We’d initially planned on staying in Canarre for two days, but I considered our mission thoroughly accomplished, and we decided to return to the estate immediately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The three of us mounted our horse together. I was barely bigger than a toddler, and Charlotte was far from fully grown as well, so the horse didn’t have too much trouble bearing all of our weight. It couldn’t quite gallop at full speed, though, so the trip back was noticeably slower than the journey to Canarre had been."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can’t believe I had this sort of talent hidden away in me,” Charlotte suddenly muttered to herself. “They say the heavens never grant two blessings at once, but I guess I’m an exception.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh? Wait, then what’s your other blessing?” I asked, my curiosity piqued."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“My face.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Somebody sure has tons of self-esteem. Like, a weirdly high amount of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Again, though, she wasn’t wrong, so I couldn’t bring myself to call her out on it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte was hard to get a handle on in general, really. I still had no idea what sort of person she was. I remembered what my father had told me: finding people with talent was the first step, but it wouldn’t amount to anything if I didn’t know how to use their talents, as well. That meant that having a solid grasp on my retainers’ personalities was an absolute must."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to start by asking about Charlotte’s history, and one question on that subject immediately sprang to mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“How did you end up getting enslaved, Charlotte?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“That’s a long, tragic story,” she replied. And of course it was, so she most likely didn’t want to talk about it. I decided not to pry further, but she surprised me by continuing her story. “I never knew my parents, and I grew up in the slums.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oof! Yeah, we’re off to a pretty heavy start. I bet slum life was so hard that she eventually had no choice but to let herself get sold off, or something along those lines."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Life in the slums was hard…for pretty much everyone else, but I was more or less the boss of all the town’s slum brats.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, scratch that theory. She was a boss? I guess it doesn’t make much of a difference whether you’re a boy or a girl when you’re a little kid. And considering her crazy Leadership score, it’s not a surprise that she’d end up in that sort of position."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“The lord who ruled over the area was a real tightwad. He taxed his people to their last copper while he lived in luxury. I hated his guts, and it’d been so long since we’d managed to get food that my kids were on the brink of starving, so I decided to go steal from his mansion’s kitchen. Long story short, I got caught. Most thieves get executed on the spot, but since I’m a real looker, he decided to sell me off instead.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I couldn’t say she’d brought it upon herself, but I also couldn’t say she hadn’t walked right into it. Then again, if the lord in question really was that much of a tyrant, and if her only choices were to steal food or die, I couldn’t blame her for turning to theft."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“So? Did you shed a tear?” asked Charlotte."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Not quite, sorry… You don’t sound all that torn up about it, either.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Huh. True enough.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Once again, I met with a wall of impenetrable indifference. Talking to her wasn’t doing much at all to help me figure her out as a person, and the circumstances of her enslavement didn’t give me very many clues, either."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few hours of getting tossed around by our horse’s canter later, we arrived at my family’s estate."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We made it back around dusk. The moment we arrived, I hurried off to find my father and ask him to make Charlotte one of our retainers."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Absolutely not,” said my father, just as I expected. “What are you thinking, Ars? You’d make a girl a mage? Men fight to protect women, not to see them driven out onto the field of battle!”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I thought you would say that,” I replied. “However, I believe that her talent for magic will fill that crucial void in your army! That’s why I brought her back with me.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My father gave me a skeptical glance. Just then, Rietz stepped in to back me up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Master Ars speaks the truth, Milord. The girl, Charlotte Lace, possesses a talent for magic the likes of which I’ve never seen.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thankfully, our desperate appeal finally seemed to get through to him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well,” my father sighed. “I’ll give her one chance to demonstrate this supposed talent of hers. If she’s the unprecedented genius you claim her to be, I’ll take her under my command as a mage.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It was time for another test! We moved outside to find an appropriate location for Charlotte to show off her magic. Knowing what she was capable of, I figured that having her cast anything on the training grounds would be incredibly dangerous, so I decided to find a different, wide-open space for the event."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In the end, we settled on an abandoned field. It had been cultivated at one point, but was now overgrown with weeds and thick undergrowth. We put a wooden box out into the center of it to serve as her target. Meanwhile, the rumor that we were putting Charlotte to the test had spread among my father’s men, who all gathered to watch."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“A girl? And she’s supposed to be a mage?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I wouldn’t be so hasty─she’s another one that the young master hand-picked for the job!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Right, but come on! This time he has to be going a step too far.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Can women even use magic?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Take a close look at her! With a face like that, maybe the young master’s planning on taking her as his bride?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“He’s four, jackass!”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I decided to disregard their color commentary. Charlotte’s magic would shut them up before long, anyway."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Go on, then,” said my father."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "At his prompting, Charlotte began preparing to cast her spell. Setting up a catalyzer was a simple enough process that she’d learned how to do it just by seeing Rietz run through the steps once."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Charlotte extended her arm, holding her palm out toward the box, and chanted her incantation. A Fire Bullet burst forth from her hand, sailing across the field and scoring a direct hit on the box."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The ensuing explosion was, somehow, even more enormous than on her first try. It seemed that lone attempt had been enough practice for her to improve her magical ability substantially. It was hard─and terrifying─to imagine just how dangerous she’d become if she had the chance to get some real practice in."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The soldiers, by the way, were all gawking in bug-eyed horror. I could literally see the nervous sweat begin to drip down their faces. Even my father was openly shocked, for once. I’d never seen his jaw drop like that before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For a moment, silence reigned. Then, at last, my father pulled himself together enough to speak."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Very well, then. We have ourselves a mage.”"
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0020.txt |
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World 1"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Interlude: Charlotte’s Postscript"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My name is Charlotte Lace, and about a week ago, I got recruited to be some lord’s retainer. Couldn’t even begin to explain how or why. I’ve lived hand to mouth my whole life─even before I was enslaved─so if this new job of mine means I get to live in a big, clean mansion and eat an actual meal every single day, I’ll count myself lucky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Hey, Charlotte! Are you getting used to the lifestyle here?” asks the source of my newfound fortune, a little lordling called Ars. I nod and give him a grunt of agreement."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He’s the one who paid my way out of slavery, all to “make me his retainer,” so it’s thanks to him that my life’s taken a turn for the better. He looks like a cute little brat at first glance, but I figured out pretty quickly that he’s actually more of a cute little weirdo. He talks like a fully-grown adult, for one thing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Speaking of Ars being weird, there’s one question I still haven’t gotten a decent answer to. When we first met, he told me that he wanted me to work for his family because I have a talent for magic. Turns out he was right. I guess I really do have more of a knack for it than most people. I thought he was just talking me up, but after arriving at his estate, I got the chance to see a couple other folks cast a few spells. Honestly? They were sorta pathetic. At the very least, they didn’t have anywhere close to the sort of power my spells seem to pack."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So, yeah, I guess Ars was right, and I really do have a talent for magic. But how the hell did he figure that out? I’d literally never cast a single spell before we met. Anyway, since he’s around and apparently up for a chat, I may as well ask him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I can tell what people’s talents are at a glance! It’s an ability of mine,” he explains. “That’s why, the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew for a fact that you had a talent for magic.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Huh, really?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I’ve never been good at, like, showing my emotions or any of that stuff, so he probably can’t tell, but I’m honestly really shocked on the inside. I mean, what? He can just look at people and tell their talents, just like that? Didn’t know that was a thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“Just for magic?”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“You mean, your talents?”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ars hesitates for a moment, then shakes his head and replies, “No, that’s not all. You probably also have a talent for leading soldiers into battle.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Do I have any talents that aren’t all about fighting?” I ask."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "“I, uh…can’t say for sure, but you don’t have any that my power can discern.”"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“Oh… Too bad.”"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That’s kind of a letdown. Then again, I’m enjoying myself plenty with magic already. If I can only have one big talent, at least I got a good one."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "“I’m off to practice,” I say, giving Ars a wave and heading toward the training grounds."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If magic’s my thing, I may as well get real good at it."
}
]
| Officially Translated Light Novels_As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World | As-a-Reincarnated-Aristocrat,-I'll-Use-My-Appraisal-Skill-to-Rise-in-the-World-Volume-01-[Vertical][Kobo]/p-0021.txt |
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