Volume 2 Chapter 8-2 Rubelin's Wall
Eleonora advanced, holding a white flag high in the sky as she walked with Linker, and when she reached the middle, a voice calling for identification echoed.
"What business do you have with Rubelin?"
"I have come as an envoy! Let us discuss!"
After a moment of silence, the door opened, and Eleonora, the first visitor as a mere human, was awed by the town's streets beyond the door.
"What a beautiful town!"
Although made of wood, the ground was so neatly leveled that it did not seem like dirt at all.
The houses were built with enough space between them to avoid a sense of coldness, and from the roofs, children were peeking at Eleonora.
"I will guide you to the castle, envoy."
"Thank you."
Rubelin Castle was also wooden, but it was protected by fire prevention magic, so it was not built in a way that would easily catch fire.
As she was guided to such a castle, soldiers surrounded Eleonora, armed with bronze swords to ensure she would not escape.
"Are you the general of that army?"
"It is my first time meeting you; I am Eleonora, commanding the Ropseine army."
Offran returned the greeting with a generous demeanor, as Eleonora was of lower status... regardless of the current power dynamics.
"What is your purpose this time?"
"Under the banner of Ropseine, I would like to join forces with you."
"Are you asking me to become your subordinate?"
"...Perhaps temporarily."
"Temporarily?"
In response to Offran's echoing words, Eleonora began to discuss her predictions for the future.
"During the unification of Magelun, the East Clanf king will likely extend his influence. We will break through this and penetrate East Clanf, bringing Princess Elodia back to Parisess in triumph."
"...And then?"
"If it is a legitimate restoration of Loriengita, Ropseine, which has not received formal approval from the Pope, will be unnecessary; it would be sufficient for Your Majesty to succeed."
Everyone present, not just the king, was surprised by the unexpected talk of ceding the country, but that did not mean they would quietly yield, as it would tarnish their authority.
In the midst of that, Wilhelm stepped forward in front of Eleonora.
"You might not recognize me in this form, but... I am someone who lost in the tournament."
"...Two-sword style?"
Wilhelm, who grinned slyly, was correctly guessed by Eleonora, who recognized what it was.
"I understand that you do not want to shed blood, but if you do not do anything and surrender, the King's name will also be tarnished. So, how about a single fight?"
"Are you suggesting a duel again?"
"No, we Rubelin elves are confident in our defenses. So, let's go with a race."
Doubts about the word 'race' arose, as it would favor them since they are local and familiar with some kind of race.
"It's simple; from your camp to this wall, run and touch the wall──if you touch it, you win. If you can stop us, we win."
"If you say so, then that means interference is allowed, right?"
"I will be the only one shooting arrows, and you just need to dodge that and head towards the wall... I should mention, I am better with the bow than with a sword."
When Wilhelm showed his bow, Eleonora accepted it too. Once the challenge was announced, both armies lowered their weapons and watched the outcome.
"Good luck, big brother!"
"Sister! Do your best!"
Responding with one hand to the cheer, Eleonora took a breath and gave a signal to Linker. In that moment, Linker also ran at full speed, fulfilling the master's expectations.
───Hyuuh
The sound of wind slicing reached Eleonora's ears, and she tilted her head. At the edge of her sight, she saw arrow feathers.
Linker increased his speed further and charged toward the wall, but on the second shot, the arrow was released.
It aimed precisely at his left chest and was deflected and discarded as Tottnok was drawn and swung.
"Damn it, you're not doing this to kill me, are you?"
Feeling the earrings received in the selection glow hotly with heat, Eleonora increased her speed further.
"Well, at this level, it won't stop me."
Wilhelm took 3 arrows into his hand, nocked them onto his bow, and poured his magic power into them, shooting them consecutively.
The 3 arrows fell onto the ground ahead of Linker's trajectory and exploded one after another with a time lag.
"How about this?"
If attack from a point is ineffective, face it broadly; Wilhelm, faithful to the basics, added a straightforward attack, but a premonition-like idea crossed his mind.
"That's just what I want!"
Dust billowed as Linker reached top speed.
This arrow will probably be the last in terms of time, Wilhelm took out a large special arrow and aimed it at the sky.
When the blade of the released arrow detached, the thorn that was stored inside was scattered over a wide area and fell.
"Scattershot, not!"
The thorns are small individually; even if hit, they cannot be fatal.
As Eleonora judged so, she charged, and the moment one thorn pierced Linker's back, Linker stood up in intense pain, and Eleonora leapt off to avoid falling from the horse.
"Linker..., sorry!"
They were in a position where they were just about to reach.
Eleonora, who involuntarily looked up at the wall, made eye contact with Wilhelm, who had aimed the arrow.
"..."
After a moment, Wilhelm lowered the arrow.
Eleonora started running, leant on the wall, and then ran again in the opposite direction.
"Linker!"
In front of a war horse writhing in pain, Eleonora still tried to soothe it while holding the reins.
Usually, Linker would faithfully obey the owner's commands, but he was forgetting himself due to the pain for the first time.
"Use this water, the thorn of the flametree (Uras) will fall off quickly."
Wilhelm, who had arrived somehow, offered a bucket full of water. With a vigorous swing, he splashed the water, and Linker's previous frantic behavior was like a lie; he regained calm.
"My sister creates magical water with high effect, and I often owe her when I accidentally get pricked."
Wilhelm, speaking so, tried to stroke Linker, but he was threatened and pulled back his hand.
"Please don't be so angry, I think I did something bad."
"Because he's smart, Linker will never forget."
Eleonora petted the mane, and Linker snuggled up, pressing his face against her hand. Seeing that, Wilhelm set his bow on the ground and knelt down.
"O brave hero who avoided my arrow and touched the Rubelin wall, I wish to dedicate this bow beneath your sword."
"I think there will be wars unrelated to you."
"That's what I want. Although a life without change was wonderful... even once, it might be interesting to entrust oneself to the raging current."
Eleonora snorted, raised Tottnok, and seeing that, the soldiers below cheered.
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### Character Footnotes:
1. Eleonora (according to the narrative): Female. A commanding officer of the Ropseine army. Her appearance is that of a confident and strategic leader, likely wearing military attire. She is diplomatic yet assertive, aiming to form alliances. She has a close relationship with her horse, Linker, and is respected by her troops.
2. Linker (according to Eleonora): Male (horse). A loyal war horse. His appearance is that of a strong and agile steed. He shares a deep bond with Eleonora, faithfully executing her commands. He is injured during the race but calms down with Eleonora's care.
3. Wilhelm (according to Eleonora): Male. A skilled archer and warrior from Rubelin. His appearance includes a bow and possibly elven features. He is cunning and strategic, proposing a race to test Eleonora's abilities. He shows respect for her bravery and offers assistance after the race.
4. Offran (according to Eleonora): Male. The ruler of Rubelin. His appearance is likely regal, befitting a king. He maintains a generous demeanor but is cautious about alliances. His relationship with Eleonora is formal, given her lower status despite her military power.
5. Princess Elodia (according to Eleonora): Female. A princess mentioned in Eleonora's predictions. Her appearance is not described, but she is central to the political plans of restoring Loriengita. Her relationship with Eleonora is indirect, as Eleonora aims to bring her back to Parisess.
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### Place Footnotes:
1. Rubelin: A town located in the kingdom of the same name. It is known for its wooden structures, neatly leveled streets, and fire prevention magic protecting its buildings. The town has a castle at its center and is ruled by Offran.
2. Rubelin Castle: Located in the heart of Rubelin town. It is made of wood but protected by fire prevention magic. The castle is where Offran resides and where diplomatic discussions take place.
3. Ropseine: The kingdom from which Eleonora hails. It is not formally approved by the Pope, and Eleonora seeks alliances to strengthen its position. Its exact location is not specified but is implied to be near Rubelin.
4. East Clanf: A kingdom mentioned in Eleonora's predictions. It is located east of the continent and is expected to extend its influence during the unification of Magelun.
5. Parisess: A location mentioned as the destination for Princess Elodia after her restoration. Its exact location is not specified but is part of the broader political landscape.
6. Magelun: A region undergoing unification, where East Clanf is expected to expand its influence. Its exact location is not specified but is part of the geopolitical context.
7. Loriengita: A kingdom or region mentioned in relation to Princess Elodia's restoration. Its exact location is not specified but is central to the political plans discussed.
Character Notes:
• Linker - A large gray horse won by Eleonora in a tournament. He is friendly, enjoys apples, and is named by Eleonora. He will be kept at the academy for riding lessons.
• Rubelin - A forest fortress city located in Blackwood (Schwarzwald). It is ruled by the elf king Offran and serves as a strategic stronghold.
• Offran - The elf king and lord of Rubelin.
• Magelun - A dangerous and barbaric land, but a potential refuge from the East Clanf Kingdom.
• Elodia - The second princess of Loriengita. She has shown favor to Georges, who aims to marry her by achieving military merit.
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