26 The Merchant Observes and Smiles at the Men who Prepare for a Life-Or-Death Battle

I step on the death of humans.

I am supported by death; saved by death; propelled by death. Forward I go.

-Merchant Ange I-

Government and the military. Cross them together, and it’s a recipe for war—when daily life is crushed underfoot by the unexpected. A calamity of violence that kills men and women alike. There’s not a thing to like about it.

So you can imagine my surprise at finding myself planning a war.

As Master of Coin for the Frontier, my job essentially boils down to merciless coercion. I wring the people dry of the funds they need to live so we can supply our military. How bizarre.

“Really, there’s no need for me to explain things. The vampires’ claim is clear cut. They recognize this place as a land in dispute, and therefore they are attacking. That’s it. No declaration of war or anything. They simply attack,” Father Felipo says jokingly, but no one is laughing. His office is like being in a jail cell waiting for trial.

“Attack? Isn’t there room to negotiate?” an officer whines. He’s the one who brought us supplies and soldiers from the northern fort. What was his name again? Something long and hard to remember.

“Pardon me... Sir. Even if you ask...”

“No, Father, let me speak. I’m not blaming you, so settle down. We face vampires, after all. It’s understandable that they will not simply sit down and chat with us.” How naive. That pause of Father Felipo’s was because he couldn’t remember your name.

“But because we face vampires, we must do something or it is the end of us. You say this is a land in dispute. In other words, they’re after the elves. Maybe we negotiate and get them to fight as far away from the Frontier as possible. It will take some time to evacuate.” Oh, he’s warming up. And yet he doesn’t understand how grave, unprecedented, and dreadful this situation is. The elves and vampires will do battle, while we humans do our best to not get involved? Such a life, akin to mere livestock, is no longer an option.

“We shall fight alongside the elves against the vampires. The matter is already decided.” Acting Captain Willow seems indignant... or perhaps not. He was so sure we could not rely on the fort. And yet, in our time of need, they’ve dispatched this nameless commander.

“Come now, Captain, why does it have to be that way? It would be insane to fight the vampires. Besides, we have a treaty of nonaggression. If we go to battle without approval it would be very bad. And how do you propose we even defeat the vampires? It’s not possible.” This commander has guts. I can see it in his eyes. He’s not ignorant; he’s being inconsiderate because he knows all too well what awaits.

“We’ve already fought the vampires,” he says... not angrily. What amazing poise this man has.

“We won. We killed some. Just as was in the report we sent to the Frontier Commander.”

“Oh, that? Sure, they read it. But no one believes it. They think you claim the elves’ efforts as your own.”

“Is that what everyone at the fort thinks?”

“No, only a handful. Mostly those who know the strength of vampires.”

“So you want us to showcase our power... the power of the Frontier Garrison Army?”

“Essentially. I don’t wish to risk my life simply to further the fame of House Willow, nor do I wish to lead my men to certain death.” Oh, I see. This is a matter of military houses. The Willows are certainly famous, but they are not perfect, nor the only ones in existence. Combine that with the mysteriousness of authority, and such discord is not uncommon.

“They already showcased their power. It was jaw-dropping.” Oh, now the old soldier from the Hell Expanse speaks up. Captain Zakkow, was it?

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Thousands of monsters, annihilated by a mere 500 cavalry. It’s also been reported to me that they wiped out a massive horde of over 10,000 monsters with only 1,200 cavalry.” Zakkow is here with a volunteer army, made up of men, peasant and soldier alike, from the Hell Expanse, who wished to join the fight at the Frontier. They are all passionate, with hopes of revenge burning in their bellies. And their leader appears to be quite the veteran. At least, so I judged.

“These soldiers are strong. Incredibly strong.” He’s practically feverish. Almost like a young buck.

“And the leader of this army says they killed vampires. It’s only natural to believe him. In fact, I question you for refusing to believe.”

“I understand what you’re trying to say. I saw the trophies. Never seen so many giant troll bones gathered in one place before.” Even so, he shrugs. He has guts. Makes me want to compliment him.

“This place is filled with suspicious activity.” He looks at all of us, even me I suspect. Ah, there it is.

“It is justifiable that your Minister of War becomes Acting Captain. And it is often the case that a priest helps with administrative proceedings. However, appointing a Head Sorcerer I cannot abide. You are ignoring customs and law by not seeking the endorsement of the Sorcerers Guild. In fact, they will see it as picking a fight.” First he goes for Odysson, eh? The man has been silent... but not angry. In fact, he nods repeatedly. Why is that?

“There is also the matter of you summoning a thousand cavalry from House Willow. It is difficult to determine whether you overstepped your bounds here, but it is far too suspicious. Rumor has it the cast-out second son is joining forces with his younger brothers to overthrow the family.” Gossiping about other people’s scandals is just so fascinating, after all. Especially when it involves a famous family.

I’ve heard about this family, oh yes. They say the eldest son is a man of mediocrity, who only cares for social life, and that compared to the second son he most certainly comes up short. It was only a matter of time before he was disinherited. But with a bit of trickery, he managed to get the second son sent to the Frontier. Even if it’s not true, such a tale of hate is all too plausible.

Captain Willow is, as always, expressionless. I wonder how his brothers would react if they were here. Would they be angered? Saddened? Or simply disgusted?

“And then there’s your master of coin. She’s the leader of the Crimson Flower Company. Of all the people to appoint... I can’t believe you trust her.” I have nothing to say to that. This commander has said nothing but the truth this whole time.

Yes, from an ethical and moral point of view, I am a villain. Human meat, human blood, human bones, human skin... anything other than living humans—if vampires want it, I locate it, gather it up, and sell it.

“Not to mention she brings the Red Lions as her personal guard. They say these guys lead vampires to human settlements. And you have them as part of your defenses? I have no words. It is beyond bizarre.” The mercenary company the Red Lions are executors for my business. They head out to contested lands and collect the dead. They prepare them for sale. And then they bring the items to the vampires. Certainly, some have gotten greedy and followed them, which brought about disaster.

But if I didn’t supply them, the damage would be even greater. Who? Tell me, who would happily deal in such dirty sales?

Huh? Applause? Who is it? Oh, you. Father Felipo. He’s been listening with a smile on his face this whole time to the man whose name he can’t even remember.

“Ah, how wonderful. A truly accurate judgment. I am quite aware of how people outside the Frontier see us. Surely there is more, but let us keep it to this for now.”

“I see. Well, there are also complaints against you, Father.” I wonder what this means. They’re smiling. I was sure they’d be at each other’s throats.

“Oh, that is a surprise. What sort of complaints?”

“The newspaper is in a fever pitch. Who in the world thought up that dramatic story? They’ve already announced a puppet show. I’ve seen it.”

“Ho-hoh? How is the performance?”

“It was entertaining. I nearly died of laughter when the snowman-like priest crawled out of the destroyed church.”

“Well, well... who wrote that script? How rude.”

“One of the scribes from the Church, I’ll bet. They certainly have a grudge against you, Felipo.”

“That is quite vexing, my dear Jashan son Peine.”

“Shorten that name. It’s too long.”

“It’s your own name.”

“Please. I told you, Peine is fine.” Really, what is going on here? Only Captain Zakkow and I are confused. Even Captain Willow and Odysson are smirking. How vexing.

“Oh, let me explain. He and I were classmates in seminary. We were thick as thieves, disparaging our families and the world.”

“Except thanks to the difference in power between our families, I was the only one expelled.” Old acquaintances, similarly terrible personalities, thick as thieves... Ah, I see. So that’s it. This officer is a spy, and he was trying to act out, with heavy ad-libbing, the various things he’d learned through gossip.

“I’m sorry for saying such terrible things. Especially to you, Master of Coin. Not only did I look down on your job, but also your humanity.”

“Indeed! If I hadn’t known you were joking, I would have slapped you!”

“I’m not that petty.”

“Oh? In that case, what would have been my fate?”

“Assassinated by the Red Lions. I don’t know your skills, but you’ve served your purpose now.” Ah-hah, what’s the matter? Your face has frozen.

“I’m joking. You used clever means to tell me what the world thinks of myself. I merely wished to return the favor. I’m not as good at this as you.”

“I-I see. I’m sorry. Truly, forgive me.” He reverently bows his head, spine straight as an arrow. I crack a smile. It’s all thanks to his farce. Even Captain Zakkow smiles, which is no mean feat. To be able to make others laugh in these times is a truly, truly wonderful thing.

“While I’m apologizing, let me say that I came here to die.” Yes, I sensed that you have guts.

“I was sure that my ‘friend,’ most sullen and sour, had died, until I received a flurry of letters asking for my help. I did a lot of calculating, and was considering being treated to a night out as payment when I heard you wanted to go to war with vampires. I mean, really.” So this, erm, Officer Peine-something-or-other has been on their side for longer than me. He’s much more involved with their important work than me. I see, I see.

“No matter how many thousands of monsters you wipe out, or how many dozens of vampires you kill; no matter if I believe everything you say and feel a bit of sweet hope... we’ll all still die. We just don’t stand a chance.” Indeed. As far as opponents go, this is the worst of the worst.

“Of all things, the vampire Apostle... Golden, was it? No, no, no.” That one fearsome word had been imprinted on their declaration of attack. The head vampire Apostle, she’d even managed to make Deep Sea withdraw.

“So, since we’re all going to die anyway, I selected the most reckless fellows from the fort. People who are bored with this world. You can count me as one of them. In fact, I’m their chief.” Is that why he can smile? He smiles just like a naughty child.

“Make me believe in hope. You have hope, don’t you? You have a human Apostle. Enough with the charades and let me meet her. Then, if she truly inspires hope in me...” He can’t stand it anymore. Can’t bear it.

“...Then I’ll fight braver than anyone, till my dying breath. With a beaming smile on my face. Shouting, ‘Glory to humans!’ the whole time.” Oh, so that’s it. This office is full of adults smiling like children. And this is how war begins.