22 The Dragon Warrior is Angered and Relieved by Human Rage, Pride, and Business

I am an Apostle. An Apostle of the human God.

Thus, I must fight Apostles of other creeds. Those are the rules.

-Dragon Warrior Fleilyu III-

“Ready, Fleilyu? Listen closely and try to understand.” Lady Sakiel stands on the bed, small but regal. I would never miss a single word she says. On the floor I sit at the ready, fully prepared to hear every word.

“Elves, humans, and vampires are all equally precious creatures. We are the only ones on the continent with surviving magical cultures, after all.” Her voice is adorable, but her words are confusing. What is she trying to say?

“In fact, there were once many apex creatures in this great land. You’ve read the stories, haven’t you? In the forests lived the elves and insectoids; on the plains, the humans and centaurs; in the mountains, the dwarves and kobolds; in the sea, the mermen and the... I don’t understand this one, but the dorodoro.” Ah, so it was a lecture on mythology? I remember hearing about these in fairy tales as a youngling. They were illogical and put me to sleep easily.

“Unfortunately due to natural disasters and wars—there was also a time when the land was covered in ice—the races died out one after another. Like petals falling from a flower.” I remember now. Myths were eerie, as well, to scare us out of staying up all night. Stuff like a devil king reviving from the depths of the earth to wage war against God, or how all of the elves went into hibernation. But in the end, they spoke of the glory of elves. It’s only natural. Elves are a race beloved by God. We exterminated the evil pagans, annihilated our ancient enemies the dwarves, and established order and justice across the world.

“Everyone calls them apes, but one of the races that has survived this turbulent history is the humans. They have a long history, just like us elves, and are a precious tribe.” I see. So that’s why Lady Sakiel makes sure to call them humans.

“So you wish to value their rarity and pay respect to their history and lineage... Is that it?”

“Mm... It’s hard to express, but I suppose that’s about right. In any case, I want to get along with humans.”

“Understood. They fought fiercely against the vampires. I am sure that Second Commander Arcsem understands their usefulness. The Council has also given orders to use this land as a strategic foothold.”

“Strategy... That again?” Oh, how tragic Lady Sakiel is. Forced to remain in this barbaric land without any hope of reinforcements... If they were simply normal orders, I would have fought against them. But orders given in the oracle’s name must be obeyed without question.

“I hate war...”

“I understand, but our opponents are the violent vampires. If we don’t fight, they will dominate this land. If we don’t win, true order cannot be restored.”

“Can’t we all just get along?”

“With all due respect, I suggest you stop talking. If it’s the Leaf Massacre that you doubt in regards to the republic’s broad policy, then please take caution.” As long as my wind deafens any possible wayward ears, there will be no problems. Still, Lady Sakiel is a risk magnet. Her loveliness can lead to unexpected rashness, sometimes.

“Ugh... Fleilyu!” I mustn’t look. Remain at attention but stare at the floor. Otherwise I’m liable to proclaim, “Leave everything to me!” Resist. Hold out. Imagine something you hate. Something I hate... the vampires. Dark creatures that must be exterminated.

That reminds me... in her story earlier, Lady Sakiel did not mention the vampires.

“Lady Sakiel, may I ask a question?”

“Mm? What is it?”

“How does one explain the vampires? I heard they suddenly appeared about 300 years ago, around when I was born.” They are a miserable, cursed species that preys upon the apex races that she spoke so proudly of. They are violent, pleasure-seeking, and slaves to their instincts—the embodiment of all the world’s evils, and the natural enemy of elves. I find it hard to believe they are “precious.”

“They’re... Mm? Fleilyu?” There is a disturbance in the wind. Soldiers? They’re already here, then.

“Forgive me. It seems your humans have arrived.”

“Ohh! The time has finally come! And? Is everything prepared?”

“As you have commanded.”

“Good, good! Let’s go, then!”

“Lady Sakiel! Let me receive them first. Perhaps after, you may appear...”

“No, I’m going. They’ve come to visit me, so how can I not be the one to welcome them?” She hops up and down in such a lovely manner. Oh, and how she takes quick small steps! Being able to observe such things is one of the perks of being her guard. No, I must not get distracted. Lately I’ve been getting lost in my own thoughts more easily. It’s a blessed and unexpected harmful side effect of having a monopoly over serving Lady Sakiel’s every need. It only takes a bit of mental preparation to handle the hardships, but the opposite turns my mind to mush.

“Good, good! The tea and snacks are all ready.” The tea room set up on the roof is filled with the sweet things that Lady Sakiel adores. I can only hope the humans are able to appreciate it.

“Still... aren’t there a lot of guards here?”

“Not at all.” My security is perfect. Five wind hawks circle in the sky above us. Ten wind and ten water mages are stationed on all neighboring rooftops, each accompanied by a silver leopard. And this time, I am here as well.

“I see... you don’t think they’ll take offense?”

“Considering your station, the security may even be too light.”

“But...” There is one threat. What was her name... the black-haired one who cut through elven magic. The humans gossip about her and call her unrefined things like “50-Vampire Killer,” but that’s clearly an exaggeration. After seeing the remnants of the battlefield, they must be stretching the truth. The vampires attacking from the south were probably hit by a surprise attack by the humans that threw them into chaos and caused them to slay their own allies. That would also explain the Thunderbolt cast from an inexplicable position.

“Ohh! Thank you for coming! My name is Sakiel!”

“...Kuroi.”

“Kuroi, huh? Mm, a good name.” Not only does she refuse to name herself first, but she only nods slightly? I swear, humans are so... at least she came unarmed. That is only natural, of course. Two men accompany her, what looks like a military officer and a civil official.

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Ange of the Crimson Flower Company, recently appointed Master of Coin for this land. I hope we can get along.”

“Mm! You’ll have no problems from me!” The civil official is a middle-aged female. Her build is nothing special, but I can sense a slight air of magic to her.

“It is my honor to make your acquaintance as well. I am Marius, younger brother of the acting representative. I’ve come to serve as his proxy.”

“Ohh! Siblings, is it? I’ve heard that means your faces are similar!” This handsome male is a commissioned officer. I can tell from the way he holds himself.

“You are well-versed. I am told that my brothers take after our father. I, the youngest, take after our mother.”

“Hoh! Humans have such profound mysteries.”

“The resemblance can even cross generational lines. People say I am the spitting image of my great-grandmother.”

“Such is possible? Then perhaps your relatives also resembled people who once lived thousands or tens of thousands of years ago!” The Kuroi girl is silent and expressionless, but her companions are friendly. However, I do not understand. I was expecting the representative, the priest that serves as a negotiator, and the fire mage to accompany her.

“Come, sit! I’ve got some really good snacks.”

“We appreciate your hospitality. However, the Dragon Warrior appears quite suspicious of us.”

“...I have some concerns in regards to security and etiquette.”

“F-Fleilyu!”

“I understand. Allow me to explain.” I nod, urging him on. I hate to make Lady Sakiel wait, but I need to understand the situation.

“The three you invited have, for their own reasons, decided to step back.” He smiles as he peddles his excuses. He never shows any bashfulness, does he?

“First, Father Felipo has been forbidden from getting near this place by your own Second Commander. Something about trying to prevent any unnecessary negotiations.” Damn you, Second Commander Arcsem. Talk about uncalled for.

“Next, Frontier Sorcerer Odysson is unfortunately a bit ill. He has had to adopt a rather special method of training for the Fire Corps... Heh heh... Pfft!” What? He seems quite amused by something. I’m aware that the man was sent to train those who could summon fire into mages. I take it that is going well. If it is, that is also a threat. But according to our investigative reports, they were practicing “strange, bizarre, and superstitious rituals.” As I recall, they were forced to balance vases of oil on their heads while assuming stances like twisted branches, and zigzagging through a course of roof tiles surrounded by embers...

Idiotic. Truly uncivilized practices. Apparently humans do not even know meditation techniques.

“My brother, Agias, is simply not here at the moment. Monsters have attacked several nearby villages, and he has gone to hunt the creatures down.” Monsters, eh? A favorite pawn of elves and vampires. This story is probably true. There have been so many soldiers coming and going lately that it has been difficult to tell the difference between their training exercises and battle sorties, but I do remember one thing: a few days ago, 700 cavalry rode out and have yet to return.

“Where did the monsters appear?”

“To the southwest, as well as the northwest.” I knew it. Neither of those are strategic elven locations. Assuming these were not naturally random encounters, then it would be the work of vampires. With so many battles occurring on the front lines lately, there’s no way our army could have circled around to enemy lines and set this up.

“As well as the east.” No! It’s not possible! Even if there was an irregular operation that I was unaware of, there would have at least been some consideration for us. There’s no way they would risk the possibility of the battle reaching Lady Sakiel.

“It is possible these reports are mistaken or false. We have become a base of hope and dependability for our people.”

“Yes, indeed. I came here precisely because of the stories I’d heard of this place.”

“Hoh, hoh! Is this place so popular? I can understand that!”

“Lady Sakiel, let me serve the tea.”

“No, I’ll do it. I am the host, after all.” Her hospitality is wasted on them. No, this is just a part of Lady Sakiel’s bleeding heart. The humans ought to be crying in thanks.

“The guest of honor is you, Kuroi. Drink up.”

“No. Forgive me, but I shall partake first.” How dare you dash her hopes. Humans are such miserable creatures.

“...Such arrogance. And I don’t mean just your tea etiquette.”

“Oh, my. You wish to speak of manners? What I suggested was only natural.”

“What was ‘natural?’ You offer not even the slightest bit of thanks for Her Grace’s unprecedented hospitality. Have some shame.”

“Hoh... Hospitality? Shame? Ho-ho-ho!” She laughs. At me. At an elf?

“All this from those who, after threatening us, offer a cup of possible poison straight away to Lady Kuroi and order her to drink? And you would have us rejoice? Why, it’s outrageous. I must wonder who really lacks gratitude and grace here.” What? What did she just say? A mere human. A lowly human dares...

“Indeed. It is an unexpected peril that we have fallen into such a heavy siege.” The officer glances toward the spots where our flyers hide. No. He can’t have spotted them in such a short amount of time.

“It seems we were correct to come instead.”

“An excellent decision indeed. It would not affect the local government terribly if we were to not return.” What are they doing? Why do they kneel, pull back their collars, and expose their bare necks? What am I supposed to do with that?

“We ask that you take our two heads, and in exchange grant our people mercy from your gleaming white army. Just please, allow Lady Kuroi to leave. She is our people’s hope.” What is going on? How did this happen? Argh, Lady Sakiel is looking at me with tears in her eyes! Was it me? Me? Did I misunderstand something to bring about this situation? Lady Sakiel had been so excited for this opportunity, but just like the concert the other day, my thoughtlessness has brought everything crashing down.

Sip.

Crunch, crunch.

The Kuroi girl is drinking her tea and nibbling on a snack. Everyone—me, the humans, the soldiers—sit there, dumbstruck. We can only stare as she eats without a care.

“Well? Is it good?”

“Yes.”

“Is that presence at your back... your god?”

“Yes. He just descended.”

“Enjoying my tea, I take it?”

“Yes. Seems so.”

“I see... That’s great to hear.” Lady Sakiel and Kuroi are conversing. The scene seems so far away, as if hidden behind a veil of mist.

“You and me. One day.”

“It is the destiny of Apostles, yes. But not yet.”

“Yes. God is facing west, I believe.”

“Mm. Same here. It is a sad thing, in my opinion...” I see. So Kuroi is a human Apostle.

With a calm mind, I listened to the human soldier’s urgent report. Monsters had appeared en masse from the mountains to the northwest. The tea party was adjourned. A few minutes later, the military officer rode out with 500 cavalry. I watched them go, their horses kicking up dust.

Now I serve silently by Her Grace’s side, observing the machinations of humans.