204 needs TLC

Chapter 204 [Fort Karon]
The day after the audience I left preparations for departure to Zanoba and came back to the inn to meet with Roxy.

 　ロキシーは完全武装のまま、宿の一室に待機していた。
 　けだるそうだったが、俺の姿を見るとすぐに立ち上がり、駆け寄ってきた。

Roxy was waiting in our room, armed to the teeth. // Completely Equipped ?? //

She seemed to be stiff and rushed up to me as soon as I entered.

 「大丈夫でしたか？　連絡がなかったので心配していましたが……」
 「はい。何事もありませんでした」

"I was worried when I didn't hear from you? Are things ......"

"No, there was nothing to worry about."

 　彼女は朝食がまだだというので、宿屋の一階で食事を取りつつ、謁見の内容を伝える。

 　パックスがヒトガミの使徒である可能性が低い事。
 　ヒトガミの意図がわかりにくい事。
 　王竜王国の国王が怪しい事。
 　起こったことと、気になった事を全て。

Because she had not had breakfast yet, we ate on the first floor of the inn while I told her about the contents of the audience:

That possibility that Pax is an apostle of Hitogami is low.
That it is difficult to discern the intent of Hitogami.
That the king of KDK is suspicious.
I told her everything along with my worries.


 「……ふむ」

 　ロキシーはスープをカチャカチャと飲みつつ俺の話を聞いて、難しい顔をした。

 「正直、寝不足であまり頭が働かないのですが……」
 「ですよね」

 　目の下にうっすらとクマもできているし、全体的な動きも鈍いな。
 　たった一晩の徹夜でと思うかもしれないが、前日まで移動しっぱなしだった。
 　その上で戦闘態勢。慣れた冒険者でも、やっぱり疲れるもんだ。

"Hmm ......"

While making a difficult face, her soup spoon clicking against her bowl, Roxy listened to my story.

"Honestly, my head isn't working very well right now due to lack of sleep..."

"Right."

You can see bags beneath her eyes, and her overall movement is dull.
It would be wrong to think of it as an all nighter, after all we had kept moving the entire day before.
Even an adventurer will become tired if they remain at attention for so long.


 「戦いは無し。
 　パックス王子は理知的に。
 　ヒトガミの名前は出てこなかった……。
 　これでは、何も判別できませんね」

 　さすがのロキシーでもわからないか。
 　俺の説明も足りていないかもしれない。

"There was no fight.
Prince Pax was rational.
The name Hitogami did not come up; we learned nothing new."

Roxy could not think of anything either, but maybe my explanation was lacking.

 「戦いがなかったのなら、わたしも行っておけばよかったかもしれません」
 「どうしてですか？」
 「自分の耳で聞けば何かわかったかもしれませんから」

"If there was not going to be a fight I should have went as well."
"Why you?"
"I may have been able to figure something out if I could have heard it with my own ears."

 　ああ、それはあるかもしれない。
 　俺は謁見中、ヒトガミの罠や、死神についてばかり考えていた。
 　自分の予想してない方向に、なぜだと首を捻ってばかりいた。

 　なら、別の思惑について考える頭が必要だったのかもしれない。
 　その頭がロキシーだったのかもしれない。
 　まあ、過ぎた事を言っても仕方がない。

Ah, there might have been something like that.
During the audience I was thinking only of Hitogami's possible traps and the Death God.
Over the course of events there may have been something outside of my expectations which I missed. // Some expression about twisting necks I'm not familiar with.  Maybe going around in circles or spinning gears or something? //
Another head with different expectations may have been necessary.
That head may have been Roxy's.
Well there is nothing I can do about what's already past.


 「……ヒトガミの罠、どこにあるんでしょうね」
 「うーん……罠はオルステッドの考えすぎで、実は何の関係もなかったのではないですか？」
 「仮にそうだとしても、最悪のケースを想定して動きましょう。軽視すると、俺たち家族の首を締める事にもなりかねません」

"... Somewhere there will be a trap created by Hitogami."
"Hmmm, could it be that the trap is only in Orsted's imagination, and there is nothing?"
"We should assume the worst and move accordingly.  It may be that, right now, there is an invisible noose drawing around our family."

 　救世主になるというララが泣き叫んだのも気になるしな。
 　今のところ、ヒトガミの気配はないが、何かあるかもしれない。
 　何かだ。

 「そうですね、軽率な発言でした」

 　ロキシーはぺこりと頭を下げた。

The fact that Lara, who has become the savior, cried like that has made me nervous.
For now there is no sign of Hitogami, but we might just be missing it.
It could be anything.

"Well, it was a careless remark"

Roxy lowered her head apologetically. // I think はぺこり is litterally kowtow, but I can't think of a way to phrase it right in English. //

 「仮に罠だとして、呼び出して叩くだけなら、罠とはいえないでしょうから、何かを隠しているのだと思います」
 「何かを……例えば？」
 「例えば……今朝方、ジンジャーさんが情報を持ってきてくれました」
 「ほう」

 　ジンジャーの姿は見えないが。
 　彼女も裏で動いているということだろう。

"If you think of it as a trap he called us here it spring, he won't announce it, and I think he's hiding something." // I can't seem to parse this at all.  Roxy is talking about getting caught in a trap something and then accuses Pax? of hiding something. //
"For example... ?"
"For example, this morning Ginger-san brought me some information."
"Oh?"

Although I haven't seen Ginger, she must be moving behind the scenes.

 「現在、北のカロン砦には、たった５００の兵しか詰めていないという話です」
 「５００」

 　数字だけ聞かされても、多いのか少ないのかわからないな。
 　５００しか、という言い方を見るに、少ないのだろうけど。

 「対する敵の戦力は、約５０００だそうです」

"Her report says that 500 soldiers are at Fort Karon."

"500"

If only a number is told, I won't understand if that is too little or a lot.
By her way of speaking it sounds like that isn't much.  //  I may be wrong about this line. //

"The enemy force seems to number nearly 5000.

 　そりゃひでえ。
 　十倍も差があるのか……。
 　勝ち目は無いじゃないか。

 「それについては聞きましたか？」
 「…………いえ」

 　少なくとも、俺はその話を聞いていない。
 　ただ行けと言われただけだ。

Well that's horrible, if there is a difference of 10 times, there doesn't seem to be a chance of victory.

"Did you hear about that?"

"... No."

I didn't hear about that at all, I was told to just go.


 「私もジンジャーさんから聞いただけの話ですが、
 　パックス王子はカロン砦が最小限の兵力で持ちこたえている間に、
 　後方にあるリコン砦に傭兵を集め、迎え撃つつもりだという話です。
 　その戦略については聞いていますか？」
 「……いいえ」

"Ginger also told me this:
Prince Pax is keeping the forces protecting Fort Karon to a minimum.
The rumor is that in the background mercenaries are gathering for an anbush. // I'm not clear on whose forces; I left it vague
Did you hear anything about the strategy?"

"... No."

 　初耳だ。
 　だが、そうか。
 　カロン砦は捨てるのか……。

 　表向きはザノバを迎え入れて、使い捨てる。
 　ザノバが死ぬまで敵軍を引き止めるのに貢献している間に、自分は自分で戦力を整えられる。
 　パックスがザノバを邪魔に思っているのなら、まさに一石二鳥だな。

 「また、ルディへの罠にもなりますね」
 「と、いうと？」
 「わたしも戦争は初めてですが、かつて一人の聖級魔術師が１０００人の兵を押しとどめた、という記録を読んだことがあります」

I had not hear any of that.
But, yeah, it would be possible to throw away For Karon.
On the outside he could be welcoming Zanoba, but his intention could be to use him and then throw him away.
While Zanoba holds the enemy at bay with his life, he would be able to consolidate his fighting force.
If I suppose that Pax thinks of Zanoba as a liability, then that would be killing two birds with one stone. // Maybe liability should be hindrance; that's a more literal translation. //

"In addition it could be that getting Rudy was the intention all along."

"Why do you say that?"

"I have never been to war myself, but I have read an account of a single Saint class magician who was able to hold off 1000 soldiers by themself."

 　そんな記録があるのか。
 　一騎当千。
 　聖級魔術の規模を考えばわからなくもない。

 「わたしは王級。ルディは帝級相当。
 　二人が砦に赴けば、かなりの時間、持ちこたえられるはずです」

Is there such a record?
A warrior worth a thousand men.
I had not really thought about the scale of Saint class magic.

"I am King ranked, Rudy is the equivalent of emperor rank.
If it's the two of us, we should be able to hold a fort for a considerable amount of time."

 　うむ。
 　５０００人ともなれば一気に殲滅する事は難しいかもしれない。
 　いきなり全軍で突撃してくれば魔術で一気に殲滅するだけだが、
 　向こうだって情報収集ぐらいはする。
 　王級、帝級の魔術師がいるという情報はどこかで漏れるだろう。
 　そんな砦に、固まって突っ込むなんて馬鹿な真似はすまい。

Hmmm.
It might be difficult to annihilate a 5,000 strong force.
If it's me, though, and I come at the entire force with the intention of killing them,
but even just being there the other side should know about it.
Information that a King and Emperor class magician are present should leak out somehow.
It would be the height of foolishness to just plunge into such a well defended fortress.

 　あるいは突っ込んできたとしても、
 　５０００人もいれば、相当数の魔術師もいるだろう。
 　そんな魔術師たちに一斉にレジストされれば、いくら聖級魔術でも無効化される可能性がある。
 　いや、無効化されたらもう一発打てばいいだけの話なんだけど。

 「しかし、魔力総量には限りがあります。疲弊もするでしょう」

 　その程度で俺の魔力総量が切れるとは思えないが。
 　ともあれ、戦っていくうちに疲労は貯まるだろう。
 　魔力総量も無限ではない、使った分だけ減るはずだ。

Or possibly if an attack came, out of those 5000 soldiers there may be a considerable number of magicians.  If it is a full assault by such magicians, even someone Saint ranked could be overwhelmed and destroyed no matter how much more powerful they are.
No, in an all or nothing battle it would only take one good blow to be disabled.

"However there is a limit to magical power.  Eventually you'll become exhausted."

I can't imagine running out of magic power myself, but while fighting fatigue will accumulate.
Magic power is also not infinite, it will decrease by the amount you use.

 「その疲弊した所を狙って『死神』を送り込み、確実に……という可能性はどうでしょうか。罠っぽく思えませんか？」
 「おお、確かに」
 「それから」

 　さらに、ロキシーはスプーンを指先のように立てた。
 　先生のポーズ。

"If the Death God is sent to us when we are exhausted from battle... possibly that could be his aim.  Do you think it seems like that kind of trap?"

"Ah, it's certainly possible."

"Also."

Roxy raised her spoon between her fingers: the pose of a teacher.  // I can't think of a way you would raise your spoon up without your fingers; maybe I'm missing something.  Also sensei no pose is adorable. //

 「使徒は三人と言いましたね」
 「はい」
 「王竜王国の王はパックスをやや無理矢理、王にした。ゆえに間違いないとして……。
 　その段階では敵国が攻めてくるかどうかはわかりませんよね？
 　ルディだったら、どこに使徒を配置しますか？」

 　どこに配置するって……。
 　あ、敵国か！
 　シーローンは王竜王国の属国みたいなものだ。
 　攻め入ればリスクを犯すことになる。
 　国内でも反対意見は出るはずだ。
 　それを押し通すための使徒。
 　カロン砦を攻めてくる国の王族……いや、将軍あたりがいいか。

"There are only three apostles?"

"Yes"

"The king of KDK making Pax king feels kind of forced.
At this point it's kind of hard to tell whether an enemy attack is coming, isn't it?
Rudy, who do you believe the apostles should be?" // Might be too liberal of a translation. //

Who would I make as the apostles...
Ah, the enemy nation!
Shirone is kind of like a vassal state to KDK.
There would be a risk involved when invaiding.
A disenting opinion should appear in the country.
An apostel would be needed to push past that.
Perhaps a member of the royal family from the enemy country... // 'attacking Fort Karon' was in the original text but it seems superfluous in English. maybe? //
No, maybe someone like a general.


 「ヒトガミに助言をもらいながら、俺たちを疲弊させ、死神を使って確実にか……確かに」

 　ロキシーの予想を聞いたお陰で、俺の方でも少し考えがまとまった。
 　ヒトガミの使徒の可能性が高いのは二人。
 　一人は王竜王国の王。
 　もう一人は、カロン砦に攻めてくる敵国の偉い人。

 　じゃあ、三人目はどこの誰だろうか。
 　アスラ王国の時だと……ルークだった。
 　てことは正直、ザノバあたりが怪しいが。
 　昨日話した感じでは、使徒っぽくはなかった。

"While getting advice from Hitogami, bringing us to ruin reliably with the Death God... surely."  // I'm not doing much better than machine translations for this sentence. //

Thanks to Roxy's insight, my thoughts were coming together.
There are two people with a high possibility of being Hitogami's apostles.
One is the king of KDK.
The other person should be an outstanding person from the group attacking Fort Karon.

As to the third person, I wonder who it could be?
In the Asura kingdom it was... Luke's turn.
To be honest, this casts some doubt onto Zanoba.
However from the talk yesterday he did not feel like an apostle.

 　じゃあ、ジンジャーとか。
 　アスラ王国での編成を考えると、死神あたりも怪しい。
 　もしくは、パックスの隣にいた、あの王女様の可能性もある。
 　今まで、ヒトガミは二人以上の駒を使ってこなかった。
 　となれば、今回も二人で、最後の一人は別の場所で次の手に向けて動いている可能性もある。
 　つまり、三人目がいない可能性だ。

 　色んな可能性があるな。
 　三人目はまだ判別できない。

 　しかし二人は大体固まった。
 　やはり、ロキシーは頼りになる。

Then there is Ginger. // toka... とか...  I have no idea what that's about so this might be wrong. //
Given their organization in the Asura Kingdom, the Death God is suspicious.
Or there is the possibility that it is the Princess who was beside Pax.
Until now Hitogami has not come with more then two pawns.
That is to say, if there are only two people this time then the other one is possibly moving towards the next goal in another location.
In other words, there is likely no a third person.

There are numerous possibilities.
The third person can not be determined yet.

However the general identities of two people have solidified.
Roxy is once again reliable.

 「仮に、カロン砦が虎口だとするなら、どうしましょうね」
 「……そうですね。ひとまず、相手の思惑に乗らないことが重要だと思いますが……」
 「カロン砦に行かないのが一番ですよね」

 　けど、ザノバはすでに行く気まんまんだ。
 　止めても行くだろう。
 　一人でも行くだろう。

 　でも、パックスが兵力５００しかない場所に、ザノバを送り込んだ、という事は説得の材料にもなる。
 　パックスはザノバを殺そうとしている……というほど強い感情は持っていないにしても、死んでもいいとは思っている。
 　使い捨てようとしているのだ。

"For argument's sake, what will you do if going to Fort Karon becomes like climbing into the lion's mouth?" // Some kind of expression, such as out of the frying pan into the fire. //

"Well... for now I think it's important that we don't speculate too heavily about the other party."

"I strongly believe we should not go to Fort Karon."

But Zanoba is raring to go already.
He'll go even if we stay.
He'll go even by himself.

But Pax is sending Zanoba to a location with a mere 500 troops, with that knowledge I could try to persuade him.
Pax you are trying to kill Zanoba...  You are heartless enough to say, 'Even if you don't want to, go there even if you die.'  // I may have gotten the implication wrong here.  Should it be 'Are you heartless' instead ?? //
It is that you are going to use him and throw him away.

 　無論、その理由だけじゃザノバは止まるまい。
 　ザノバは出掛けに、「国を守るのが義務だ」と言っていた。
 　なら、敵が攻めてくる状況で「帰ろう」と言っても、頷かないだろう。

 　まてよ……じゃあ、その５０００の敵をなんとかすれば、ザノバも満足するか？
 　パックスは、カロン砦が持ちこたえている間に、兵力を集めている。
 　つまり、カロン砦を守りきれば、国は安定するってわけだ。
 　国を守った事になるんじゃないだろうか。

That reason alone will not stop Zanoba.
Zanoba will just set out with, 'It is my duty to protect my country.'
In that case, if someone said to retreat during an enemy attack he would not just nod his head and listen.

Wait...  if somehow the enemy is 5000, might that satisfy Zanoba?
While Fort Karon is holding out against the enemy Pax can gather more forces.
In other words, while Fort Karon is protected the country is stable.
I wonder if they are just pretending to defend the country.  // I may be wrong to translate 事 as pretending.  I'm not sure about this line. //

 「……カロン砦には行きましょう。ザノバは助けます」
 「わかりました」
 「問題は、罠に関してですね」

 　そう言うと、ロキシーも苦い顔をした。
 　とりあえず、『一式』は持っていくとしよう。
 　真正面から打ち破れれば、それが一番なんだがなぁ……。

 「まあ、カロン砦につくまで時間はあります。色々考えてみましょう」
 「はい、先生」

 　と、俺達の会話が終わった頃、ザノバの乗った馬車が到着した。

".... We'll go to Fort Karon to save Zanoba."

"I understand."

"The problem is, there is still a trap."

Roxy made a bitter face when I said that.
For the time being I had better bring Mk-1.
I wonder if it is possible to beat it head on...

"Well there is time before we go to Fort Karon.  We can consider various things."

"Yes, Sensei."

Then, around the time we were finishing our conversation, a horse drawn carriage arrived carrying Zanoba.

 ---


 　ザノバは500という数字を聞いても顔色一つ変えなかった。
 　むしろ、「まぁそんなもんでしょうなぁ」と嬉しそうに頷いただけだ。
 　あっけらかんとした態度。
 　思わず「こいつ、もしかして戦力差の事とかわかんないんだろうか」と思ったぐらいだ。

 「いいか、ザノバ、子曰く『十なれば即ちこれを囲み、五なれば即ちこれを攻め、倍なれば即ちこれを分かち、敵すれば即ちよく闘い、少なければ即ちこれを逃れ、しかざれば即ちこれを避く。故に小敵の堅は大敵の檎なり』だ。つまり戦いは数だよザノバ。数の多い方が有利なんだよ」

 　こちらは砦持ちだが、１０倍の戦力差では、持ちこたえることすら困難だ、と。
 　回りくどく説明すると、ザノバはぽかんとした顔で首をかしげた。

Zanoba did not change his expression even after hearing about only having 500 soldiers.
Rather he just happy nodded with a, "Oh, is that the case."
His attitude was indifferent.
Suddenly I realized, this guy maybe doesn't consider the difference in strength between himself and his opponents.

"Listen to this Zanoba, 'If the difference is 10 times then it's a siege.  If it's 5 times it's an attack.  Once it is doubled there is a difference.  If there is an enemy, then fight well.  If there is an attack, then escape.  If there is a seige then avoid it.' When you get right down to it a fight with a large difference in numbers is disadvantageous."  // The story part might be a little fuzzy. I'm not good with that kind of prose. //

The place is a fort, but if the strength difference is 10 times it will be difficult to endure.
After my roundabout explanation Zanoba just tilted his head and gave a blank stare.

 「数が多い方が有利な事ぐらいは存じておりますが？」
 「じゃあ、なんでそんな明るいんだよ。10倍だぞ、10倍」
 「いやいや師匠、10倍もあるわけないではないですか」

 　10倍も無いって……。
 　こいつ、マジかよ。
 　算数もできないのか？

"How do we know that in this case it is disadvantagous?"

"How can you take a difference of 10 fold lightly?  It's 10 times more."

"Seriously Shishou, can you not think of a way in which we are not outnumbered 10 fold?" // awkward //

Somehow not 10 times...
Is this guy serious?
Can he not even do basic arithmatic?

 「こっちは500、相手は5000だぞ？　500の10倍は5000だ。大丈夫か？」
 「ふむ……師匠は余を試しているのですかな？」

 　ザノバはフッと笑った。
 　小馬鹿にしたような笑いだ。
 　ぐぬぬ、こんな顔をザノバにされるとは……！

 「よいですか師匠」

 　そして、ベラベラと話し始めた。

"We have 500, doesn't the opponent have 5000?  Ten times 500 is 5000.  Are you feeling okay?"

"Fumu...  Shishou, I wonder if you are testing me?"

Zanabo sighed and let out a laughed.
It's the kind of laughter that a fool might make.
All the while he had a tense face.  // He made a face like 'gununu', I don't know how to describe it but if you enter ぐぬぬ into Google you will see it. //

"Look at it this way, Shishou:"

Then he began to ramble.

 「その計算では、師匠とロキシー殿が含まれていません。
 　聖級魔術師は運用次第では1000の兵に匹敵すると言いますからな。
 　それを考えればこちらの戦力は最低でも2500。
 　師匠とロキシー殿が二人とも王級以上であることを考慮すれば、3000以上と見ていいでしょう。
 　通常、城攻めには3倍の兵力が必要と言われていますが、
 　カロン砦は特に守りに適した位置にあります。
 　ゆえに、それ以上の兵力が必要となりましょう。
 　加えて師匠の魔力総量を考えれば……余裕すらありますな」
 「…………」

"In that calculation Roxy-dono and Shishou are not included.
It is said that a Saint ranked magician can be equal to 1000 soldiers in the right situation.
I view the forces we have here as at least worth 2500 soldiers.
Considering Roxy-dono is king rank and Shishou is Emperor, I imagine that it is closer to 3000 or more.
Convention says that it should take forces in excess of 3 times an occupying force to storm a castle.
Fort Karon is an ideal place to defend in this manner.
Therefore the enemy will require more troops.
Additionally Shishou has a surplus when it comes to aggregate magical power."

" ...... "


 　絶句した。
 　予想以上の答えが帰ってきた。
 　こいつ、意外とっていうか、なんていうか。

 「ず、ずいぶん詳しいね、ザノバ君」
 「余は幼少期、この国の将となるための勉強を叩きこまれましたからな」

I was speechless.
The answer I got back exceeded my expectations.
This guy, I mean, it was really unexpected.

"T-that was surprisingly detailed Zanoba-kun."

"Ever since early childhood I was forced to study military tactics for when I would become a leader within the country."

 　国を守るために生かされていた。
 　って言っても、別に飼い殺しにされてたわけじゃないのか。
 　そりゃそうだな。
 　戦場に出て暴れまわらせるにしても、状況判断をする知識を付けさせてやった方がいいだろう。

 「師匠は初陣のようですが……ご安心ください。
 　余は昔、少し戦場に出た事もあります。
 　師匠とロキシー殿がいるのであれば、むざむざ敵に砦を明け渡すような事にはなりませぬ」

 　自信まんまんだ。
 　本当に大丈夫なのだろうか。
 　大丈夫じゃない気がする。
 　ていうか、カロン砦に行かない事が、現状ではベストだ。
 　少し、説得してみるか。

He had been kept alive in order to protect the country.
Just for this time he had been allowed to remain on the payroll. // remain on the payroll is probably too literal, but I can't think of a better way to phrase it. //
That's exactly the case.
And unless you just want him to mindlessly rampage across the battlefield then you better teach him well things that will increase his judgment.

"This is Shishou's first battle... but please don't worry.
In the past, just for a little, I have entered the field.
As long as there is Shishou and Roxy-dono, the enemy will not enter the fortress."

He's brimming with confidence.
I wonder if it's really alright.
I don't feel like it is.
Still, it's best under the present conditions not to go to Fort Karon.
I'll try to persuade him, just a bit.

 「でもパックスは少なくとも、ロキシーの存在を知らずに、お前を北の砦に配置しようとしたんだよな」
 「まあ、そうなりますな」
 「俺の魔力総量が凄まじく多い事だって、パックスは知らないはずだ」
 「師匠、何が仰りたいのですか？」

 　まだ前置きの途中なんだが、そんなに急ぐなら結論を言おう。
 　ずばり、言うわよ。

 「お前、捨て駒にされたんじゃないのか？」
 「…………」

"But Pax was going to place you at that fort without, at the very least, knowing about Roxy."

"Well I would still go."

"If it's about my tremendous agrigate magical power, then Pax should not know of it."

"Shishou, what are you trying to say?"

I took my time with the preface, but I'll get right to the conclution.
I'll just be frank.

"You don't feel like you are being thrown away?"

" ...... "


 　ザノバは、鳩が豆鉄砲をくらったような顔をした。
 　ザノバなら、どんな鉄砲も豆鉄砲だろうが、まぁそれはいい。

 「確かに、パックスはもうお前の事を恨んでいないかもしれない。
 　でも、死んでもいいぐらいには思ってるはずだ」
 「……まあ、そうかもしれませんな」

 　ザノバは頬をぽりぽりと掻きつつ、俺の言葉を待つ。

 「そんなのに従う必要は、ないんじゃないか？」

 　ザノバは、フッと笑った。
 　なんだそんな事かと言わんばかりの表情だ。

Zanoba made a face like a dove shot with a bb-gun.
To Zanoba, though, any gun would be like bb-gun, huh.

"Pax surely might not feel bitter towards you anymore,
but he may still expect you to die." // I'm not 100% on the last half of this line. //

"... Well, that could be."

Zanoba waits for me to speak while scratching his cheek.  // ... with a pori pori sound.  I have no idea what to do with some of these sound effects. //

"Is there really a need to follow this order?"

Zanoba sighed and let out a laugh.
It's an expression that asks, 'Just what are you trying to say?'

 「戦争では、誰かが犠牲にならねばならぬ時があります。最初に犠牲になるのは兵ですが、時には王族も、死なねばならぬ時があるのです」
 「でもそれは、パックスの尻拭いだよな。他の王族を全部殺したんだ。お前がやる義理はないだろ？」
 「誰かが失敗してもフォローをするのが大事だと、師匠もよく言ってるではありませんか」

 　ザノバはそう言いつつ窓の外を見た。
 　窓の外には、傭兵たちにまじり、普通の町人も歩いている。
 　普通の様子だが、しかし少し不安げな気配をまとっているようにも見えた。

"In war, there are times when someone must be sacrificed. Soldiers must become the first casualty, but also sometimes the royal family bares this burden. There may be a time when I must die."

"But is it necessary to clean up after Pax?  He killed the rest of the royal family.  Do you really have an obligation to him after that?"  // 'after that' is implied originally, also maybe it should be 'Is there really any justice in doing that?' but I think it's obligation //

"What is important is the serious matter before us, not past blunders.  Doesn't Shishou often say the same?"

It's the normal Zanoba, but if you look close he seems to be a little uneasy.
Outside the window mercenaries mingle alongside the regular merchants.
It's also normal out there, but if you look closely it's a little uneasy.

 　ザノバは出掛けに言っていた。
 　他国との戦争が自分の義務だと。
 　なら、王がパックスで、パックスがザノバをどう思っていようが、関係ないのだろう。
 　……やはり、現時点で説得は無理か。

 「わかった。変な事言って悪かったな」
 「いえ、師匠が余の身を案じてくださっているのは、よくわかっておりますゆえ」
 「そこまで言うなら、カロン砦を守ろう。俺は素人だから、お前の指示に従うよ。なんでも言ってくれ」

Zanoba has said he is going.
To go to war with other countries is his duty.
In that case, that Pax is king, or the relationship between Zanoba and Pax, those things don't matter.  // I think this is right but... //
... As I thought, right now persuasion is impossible.

"I get it, It was wrong of me to say that." // 'I shouldn't have said that strange thing.' ?? //

"No, I understand that Shihou is just showing his concern for me."

"If we are going to Fort Karon, then, because I am an amateur, I will follow your orders.  Feel free to say anything."  // 'Say whatever.' doesn't sound right, but this is still not ideal. //

 　ザノバに置いていかれないためにも、そう言っておく。

 「おお、ありがとうございます。師匠がいれば百人力ですな！」

 　よし。
 　ひとまず北のカロン砦とやらを守りきろう。
 　そうすれば、パックスも軍備を整えるし、敵国も攻めてこなくなるかもしれない。
 　時間が経てば、国も安定化するだろう。
 　国が盤石になれば、ザノバも国を守ったって事で、満足するかもしれない。
 　あとは王竜王国やパックスの仕事だ。

For the sake of Zanoba that had to be said.  // 'That had to be said' maybe should be 'we will do this' or something like that. //

"Ah thank you!  If Shishou is there then it's very reassuring."

Okay.
We'll go and hold the northern Fort Karon for the time being.
By doing that Pax will be able to consolidate his strength.  Also the enemy might not even attack.
Over time the country will stabilize.
The country's defense will be bolstered, Zanoba can protect his homeland, the result should be satisfactory.
The rest is Pax and DRK job.

 　あれ？
 　この『王竜王国の属国』って状態から、どうやってパックスが共和制にするんだ？
 　んー……。
 　いや、オルステッド曰く、３０年後の予定だって話だ。
 　なら今から３０年の間に、また何か事件が起こるのかもしれない。
 　王竜王国の王が使徒なら、近いうちに崩御するだろうしな。
 　一度に全てを片付ける必要はない。
 　ザノバを連れ帰った後、あらためてオルステッドと相談すればいいだろう。

 　『ザノバを生きて連れて帰る』。
 　それが今回の俺の目的だ。
 　忘れちゃいけない。

Wait?  // or maybe huh? //
From the currant situation where Shirone is a vassal state of KDK, how will Pax turn it into a Republic?  Hmmm....
No, Orsted says that is a story that won't happen for 30 years.
Also some other incident is likely to happen between now and then. // lit: within the next 30 years //
If he turns out to be an apostle then the king of KDK will certainly meet his death in the near future.
It isn't necessary to put everything in order all at once.
After we bring Zanoba back home, I'll have to consult Orsted about again.

[ I'll bring Zanoba back alive. ]
That's the reason I'm here this time.
I will not forget this.


 ---


 　砦に向かうメンバーは、俺・ロキシー・ザノバの三人だ。
 　ジンジャーは、王都に残る。
 　ザノバが砦に向かうと聞いて少し悩んだようだったが、情報収集を続ける事にしたようだ。
 　何か、気になる事があるらしい。
 　王子をくれぐれも頼みますと、頼まれた。

 　それにしても、たった三人だ。
 　王子の出陣だというのに、見送りもない、護衛もいない、援軍も無い。
 　御者台に座るのはこの国の兵士だというが、態度はよそよそしい。
 　やはりパックスはザノバを捨て駒にしようとしているのだ。

Three members head towards the fort: Roxy, Zanoba, and myself.
Ginger remains at the capitol.  //  Otomi? Castle Town? //
When she heard that Zanoba was going to the fort she seemed troubled a bit, but she had decided to remain and continue to collect intelligence.
It seems certain there is something she is anxious about.
She sincerely requested it from the prince.  // I'm confused, did she request that Zanoba allow her to stay?  I think that's it but Rudy never calls Zanoba 'The Prince'. //

At any rate, we are only three people.
This is, you would say a departure for the front, no a farewell escort, not even that but maybe unique reinforcements. // I'm not sure if it should be unique or scant or nonexistent; I went with what seemed best. //
There is one of this country's soldiers driving the carriage, but he is formal and distant.
It seems like Pax plans to make Zanoba a sacrificial pawn after all.

 　魔導鎧『一式』はザノバの趣味の人形って事にして、パーツ毎に別途で運搬してもらう。
 　俺たちより、到着は遅れる。
 　この世界の運送業は、現代日本の運送会社と違ってルーズだしな。
 　俺の到着と魔導鎧の到着。
 　その間に何か起こるかもしれない。
 　心配だ。
 　魔導鎧『一式』用の大型ガトリング砲だけは自分で持っていくとしよう。

 　そんなに心配なら着て移動すればいい、とも考えた。
 　すぐにオルステッドとの戦いの時、魔力切れで死にかけた事を思い出した。
 　出来る限り、魔導鎧を着るための魔力は、温存させておきたい。

 　ともあれ、俺達は出発した。

As for the Magic Armor Mk-I, just like Zanoba's dolls, it has been disassembled so that we could transport the parts separately. // I don't think this implies that Zanoba is bringing his dolls to war, but it would be funny if it did. //
It will arrive after us.
The transportation in this world is sloppy unlike the shipping industry in modern Japan.
The magic armor's destination is the same as mine but
something could still happen in the meantime.
I'm worried about that.
The only part of the Mk-I that we have with us is it's large gatling gun.

I'm so worried that I have even considered equipping it.
I remembered that during my fight with Orsted I became half dead by running through all my magical power.
As much as possible I need to preserve my magic for the Magic Armor.

In any case, our departure was underway.

 ---


 　戦場へは、大きな街道は通っていなかった。
 　田んぼのあぜ道のような細い道を、ひたすらに馬車で動く。
 　農村はあるものの宿場町はなく、時には野宿をしながら北へと向かう形となる。

 「……」

 　道中、最初はヒトガミのことばかり考えていたが、
 　ふと「これから戦争に行くのだ」という事実に思い至った。
 　その途端、不安がもたげた。

There was no large road leading to the battlefield.
We road along in a horse drawn carriage earnestly moving forward down a small road like the footpath between rice fields.
As we head north we move from small towns, to farming villages, and then sometimes we end up camping.

" .... "

Along the way I began to think about things at first just Hitogami.
Because of everything I'm now 'going to war'.
As soon as I thought that anxiety reared its ugly head.

 　体がこわばる。
 　戦争。
 　殺し合いはこの世界に来てから、まぁ、そこそこ慣れた。
 　しかし、戦争。
 　その字面には、言い知れぬ怖さがある。
 　殺す事でも、殺される事でもなく、
 　ただ戦争という現象に対する、怖さがある。

 　……ていうか、勝てるのだろうか。
 　先日の説明で、なんとか戦えそうって事は分かったが。
 　実際に戦争するのは初めてだ。
 　不安だ。

My body became stiff.
War.
After coming to this world I still only have just some experience with killing other people.
However... war.
There is an unspeakable fear from that word.
To kill or be killed.
Just from the idea of war there is fear.

Or rather... I pray for victory.
Because of the explanation the other day, I now know there is likely to be battle.
I'm going to war for the first time.
I'm anxious.

 「師匠、見てください。冒険者の一団がいますぞ。こんな何もない場所であんな重装備をして、どこへ行くのでしょうなぁ」

 　不安な俺とは裏腹に、ザノバは実に楽しそうにしていた。
 　何かを見つけるたびに俺に報告し、笑いかけてくる。
 　スゲー明るい。
 　これから戦争にいくのだとは思えないほどだ。

 「あれは、迷宮探索に赴くパーティですね。
 　ここらは迷宮が多いのですが、全ての迷宮が町から近いわけではありません。
 　本気で迷宮を踏破したいパーティは、ああして人の少ない迷宮に足を伸ばすのです」

 　ロキシーも落ち着いている。
 　ザノバほど明るくはないが、いつも通りだ。
 　戦争は初めてだと言ってたはずだが、おくびにもださない。

"Shishou look.  There is a group of adventurers, but I wonder what they plan to do lugging all of their heavy equipment way out here."

Despite my unease, Zanoba seemed to be having fun.
Every time he discovers something he comes to me, smiling, to report it.
His cheerfulness is amazing.
So much so, you would not believe that he is headed to war right now.

"That is a party set out to explore a labyrinths.  There are not a lot of labyrinths around here, but plenty can be found out away from towns. A party that is serious about doing labyrinths, those kinds of people will move the last stretch out from their location on foot."

Roxy is calm too.
Zanoba is cheerful as usual.
I am going to war for the first time timidly.  //  Or did I get that backwards? //

 「おお、さすがロキシー殿。物知りですな」
 「わたしも一時期、このあたりの迷宮に潜っていましたからね」

 　ブルってるのは俺だけだ。
 　なんで二人はこんなに落ち着いているのだろうか。
 　俺だけがなにか、安心材料を見落としているのだろうか。
 　もしかして彼らにとって、俺が安心材料なのだろうか。
 　だとすると、あまり不安は顔に出せないな……。

"Oh, Roxy-dono is indeed knowledgeable."

"At one time I also dived into a labyrinth in this area."

I'm the only one that's blue.
I wonder how those two people are so composed.
Somehow only I seem be missing the materials to have peace of mind.
For them, I wonder what those materials are.  // both these lines might be off in content //
Perhaps my anxiety does not show on the surface. // Or something like that //

 「そういえば、ロキシー殿は迷宮単独踏破の功績が認められ、我が国の宮廷魔術師になったのでしたな」
 「はい、懐かしい話です」
 「迷宮に単独で挑むなど、並の所業ではないと聞きます。
 　師匠の師匠であれば当然だと思っておりましたが、なぜそのような無茶をなさろうと？」
 「え？　ええっと、その、探しものというか、なんというか……若気のいたりですね」
 「ほう、それは見つかったのですかな？」
 「その時は見つかりませんでしたが、後日、見つけたというか、見つけてもらいました」

 　ロキシーは帽子の影から、チラチラと俺の方を見て言った。
 　ああ、これは例の話か。
 　ロキシーが恋人を探して迷宮に行ったとかいう。

"Come to think of it, it was because Roxy-dono completed a labyrinth on her own that she was asked to become the court magician of our country."

"Yes, that's a nostalgic story."

"You never hear of someone challenging a labyrinth alone, that is not an ordinary feat.
I had thought that it is, of course, only natural of Shishou's shishou, but why did you do something so excessive?"

"Eh?  I mean let's see, that is a search for, it is something beautiful...  It was an error caused by a youth's passion."

"Ho, I wonder if you discovered what you were searching for ?"

"It was not found at that time, but at a later date I finally got my hands on it."

From under her hat Roxy looked at me with sparkles in her eyes.
Ah, it's that kind of story.
Roxy went into the labyrinth looking for a lover, or something.


 「なるほど、青き髪の天才魔術師が結婚相手を探しに迷宮に入ったというのは本当だったのですな」
 「そんなはっきりと言わないでください、恥ずかしいじゃないですか」
 「良いではないですか、師匠も学校に入学した頃からロキシー殿の事をずっと前から慕っていたようですしな」
 「本当ですか？　シルフィといい仲だったのでしょう？」
 「いや、それがですな、当初は余も知らなかったのですが師匠はロキシー殿の――」

 　ザノバとロキシーは楽しそうに昔話に花を咲かせている。
 　普段だったらザノバに嫉妬の一つもする所かもしれないが、
 　今はどうにもそんな気になれない。

"I see, this blue haired genius magician entered a labyrinth in search of a husband."

"Please don't clearly say such embarrassing things."

"Isn't it great?  Since before Shishou has entered school he has been yearning for Roxy-dono."

"Is that true?  Would he be in a loving relationship with Sylphy if it were?"

"No, it is true.  At first I wasn't aware that Roxy-dono was his shishou."

Zanoba and Roxy have fun recounting an old story.
If it is like usual times this might be were Zanoba's jealousy would show.  // awkward //
At this time I have become accustom to it.  // I'm feeling like these three lines aren't that good. //


 「まぁ、昔からルディはわたしの……ルディ？　どうしました？」

 　気づくと、ロキシーが俺の顔を覗きこんでいた。
 　顔が近い。
 　キスでもしようかと思ったが、やめておく。

 「いや、ザノバは、戦争に行くのに、随分楽しそうだと思って」
 「ハハハ、余も男ですからな！　なんだかんだ言って、死力を尽くした決闘や戦は心が踊ります！」
 「……」

 　不安だ。

"Well the Rudy back then and I...  Rudy? What's wrong?"

I became aware of Roxy looking straight at me.
Her face is close.
I thought about trying to kiss her, but I didn't.

"Hey, Zanoba I think you are having quite a bit of fun considering we are going to war."

"HAHAHA, I am a man too!  My heart will dance when I am preparing to enter a duel with my life on the line."

I'm uneasy.


 ---


 　9日後。

 　カロン砦は、思った以上に立派な砦だった。
 　遠目に見た外見は石造りの小振りの城といった風情。
 　どこにでもありそうな感じで、やや頼りないという第一印象だった。

 だが、立地はいい。
 　三角州のような川と川の合流地点に立てられているのだ。
 　確か、かの有名な墨俣一夜城もこんな場所に建築されたはずだ。

 　さらに言えば、川より先には森が広がっている。
 　森を抜ければシーローン王国に入るのはたやすいが、軍隊を率いて森を抜けるのは困難だ。
 　特にこの世界の森には、魔物が出るからな。
 　魔物と戦って足止めをくっている間に先回りして、森の出口で魔物と挟み撃ち。
 　なんて行動も可能だ。

Nine days pass.

Fort Karon was a more splendid fort then I had imagined.
It's appearance, when viewed from a distance, was of a small sized stone fortress.
It was a kind of place you could see anywhere, with a somewhat undependable atmosphere.

However it's location was excellent.
It was constructed on a delta between the mouths of two rivers.
Indeed, the famous Sunomata overnight Castle was built in a place like this.

In addition there is a forest spread before the river.
Coming in and out of the Shirone kingdom through this forest is simple enough, but leading an army through it would be difficult.
In this world, especially, demons will be lurking in the forests.
While held in place fighting demons, before too long more will come down the other side of the path and flank you.
There is nothing you can do about it.

 　まさに要害の地、というやつだろう。
 　近づいてみると、思った以上に威風堂々としており、屋上には物見櫓や投石機のようなものも設置されているのも見えた。
 　５００人しか詰めていないと聞いていたので、もっと小さくてちゃっちいのを想定していたが、立派なものだ。

 　しかし、そこで動く兵士たちの数は少なく、顔色も暗い。
 　敵が圧倒的と聞いて、沈んでいるのだろう。

That guy who called this place a strong position was correct.
Once I got a better look I realized it was more imposing then I had initially thought.  Something like a trebuchet was installed on the roof of a watchtower.  // Not perfect. //
Because I heard that only 500 people were lodged here I had assumed it would be rather small, but it was a respectable size.
However the number of soldiers moving around was few and their countenance was gloomy.
After hearing of the overwhelming enemy, their spirits probably plummeted.

 「師匠、ロキシー殿、こちらへ」

 　俺たちはザノバに率いられ、砦の責任者である部隊長の元を尋ねた。
 　部隊長は、作戦会議室と思しき場所で、数人の副隊長たちと地図を前に頭を突き合わせていた。

 「何者だ？」
 「シーローン王国第三王子、ザノバ・シーローンである」
 「……！」

 　彼らは胡乱げな目を向けてきたが、ザノバが名乗った瞬間、すぐに膝をついた。

"Shishou, Roxy-dono, this way."

We were led over by Zanoba where we inquired about the officer who is currently responsible for the fort.
We found the commanding officer in a place that looked like a strategy meeting room.  Him and some vice captains where huddled over some maps with their heads together.

"Who is it?"

"It is the third Prince of the Shirone kingdom: Zanoba Shirone."

" .... ! "

When we entered they all looked over at us with blank suspicion, but the moment Zanoba gave his name they dropped down on one knee.

 「シーローン王国騎士ガリック・バビリティ、カロン砦防衛隊隊長を勤めております」
 「うむ、今までご苦労。王より文が届いていると思うが……」
 「ハッ、先日受け取りました」
 「ならば話が早い。翌日から余がこの砦の指揮官となる。良いな」
 「……ハッ」

 　ガリックから、不満気な気配が感じ取れた。
 　自分がトップから外されるのが嫌というより、こんな奴に指揮権を譲るのか、という感じだろうか。
 　彼も今まで砦を守ってきたプライドがあるのだろう。
 　一応仲間なのだから、仲違いしない程度にフォローしといた方がいいんじゃなかろうか。

"Shirone Knight, Garrick Babiliti, Karon Fortress Defense Coprs captain." // What kind of name is Bability - I'm leaving the y as an i. //

"Yes, thank you for your work until now. I think a message was sent by the king but... "

"Yes Sir, I received it just the other day."  // I'm making that ハッ as yes sir, even though I'm not sure. //

"If possible lets speak quickly.  I will take over command of this fortress starting tomorrow, alright."  // I need a more royal replacement for ', alright' when Zanoba says 良いか //

"Yes Sir."

I could sense a slight bit of dissatisfaction from Garrack.
Rather then being bothered by being removed from the top, is he troubled over whether to give command to this guy here?
I wonder if he has been proud to be in charge of this fort until now.
Once we join together with these guys, we don't want to leave any questions about discord under the surface.  // this line gave me trouble //

 「とはいえ、余も戦場に出るのは久しぶりだ。ゆえにあくまで補佐的な立場に徹し、実際の指揮に関しては、引き続きガリック殿に頼みたい。良いか？」
 「ハッ」

 　と、俺が何かを言うまでもなく、ザノバがフォローしていた。
 　うんうん。こういうのはベテランに任せるのが一番だよね。

 「さて、さっそくだがガリック殿。兵の士気を上げたい、この砦にいる全兵士を集めてもらおう」
 「ハハッ！」

 　ザノバの言葉により、砦に残る兵士と顔合わせをすることになった。

"That said, It has been a long time since this one has stood on the battle field.  Therefore, to that end, I will put myself into an aid-like position and rely on Garrack when it comes to real world problems. Will that suffice?"

"Yes Sir!"

On Zanoba's orders we prepared to greet the remaining soliders in the fort.

 　小一時間後。
 　砦の外に備え付けられたお立ち台の前に、４００名近い鎧姿の軍勢が並んでいた。
 　５０名は砦の上にいる。見張り役だ。
 　残り５０名は、偵察やら輜重部隊の護衛やらで、この場にはいないらしい。

 　並んでいる連中は誰もが力強く、ふてぶてしく、タフな顔をしている。
 　思った以上に精悍で、そして壮観だ。
 　５００は少ないと思っていたが、実際に目の当たりにするとそんな気持ちにはならない。
 　これだけいればなんとかなるんじゃなかろうか。
 　いや、相手はこの１０倍だから、なんともならんのだろうけど。

 　彼らはザノバが壇上の姿を現すと胡乱げな顔を向けてきた。
 　誰もが士気が低い。
 　王族の前だというのに、ヒソヒソと隣と話している者もいる。

An hour later.

Before a podium which was set up outside the fort an army of armored figures totalling nearly 400 were lined up. // podium is literally a balcony made for royalty - I have no idea what to call that in English //
On top of the fortress were 50 people, part of the watch.
The remaining 50 troops where occupied outside the force with reconnaissance or as part of the transportation corps.

The soldiers in formation are all strong brazen looking guys with tough faces.
Everyone appears more fearless then I expected; it's spectacular.
I had thought that 500 was a small amount, but once I saw them all lined up that was no longer the case.
With this many if feels like we could do it.
No, with an opponent 10 times larger, I wonder if this even amounts to anything.

On the dais Zanoba was standing with his suspicious looking face.
Everyone's moral is low.
Standing before them is a member of the royal family so there is a lot of whispering and chatting between the men.

 「シーローン王国第三王子ザノバ・シーローンである」
 「ザノバ殿下！　我ら一同、貴方と共に戦える事を光栄に思います！」

 　最前に立つ部隊長は胸を張ってそう言ったが、お世辞だろう。
 　彼自身も、あまりザノバを歓迎していない気がする。
 　何しにきたんだって顔だ。

 「うむ」

 　ザノバは大仰に頷き、兵士達を見下ろした。
 　俺があげた全身鎧と棍棒のせいか、何やら様になって見える。

"I am Shirone kingdom's third prince, Zanoba Shirone."

"Your Highness Zanoba!  Every man present is honored by the chance to fight with you!"

The commanding officer standing in the front sticks out his chest as he compliments Zanoba.
He does this even though I do not think he feels like welcoming Zanoba himself.
His face is asking Zanoba why he is even here.

"Yes." // Zanoba's royal yes. //

Zanoba looks down on the soldiers while nodding in an exaggerated fashion.
Perhaps because of his full body armor or the club I had made for him, but Zanoba had become something else entirely.

 「まず、状況を説明せよ！」
 「ハッ！　現在、敵方との小競り合いが続いております。
 　捕虜を尋問した所、近々、大攻勢に移るつもりであると判明しております」
 「なるほど。ならば時間は無いな」

 　ザノバは、うむと頷いた。
 　部隊長は、ちょっと不安げな顔だ。
 　本当にわかってんのかって顔だな。
 　ザノバは胸と大声を張り上げる。

 「まずは諸君らに、援軍の紹介をしよう」

"First, explain the situation!"

"Yes Sir!  Currently skirmishes with the enemy side are continuing.  It has become clear from questioning captives that we will soon be facing a large offensive."

"I see, then we don't have any time to prepare."

Zanoba nodded with an 'Umu'.  // It's that royal yes again, I don't know what to do with it. //
The commanding officer's face looked a little uneasy.
You can tell a lot from his face.  // this is more of a guess //
Zanoba, from deep in his chest, raises his voice.

"First of all, gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you your reinforcements."

 　援軍と聞いて、兵士たちの顔が少しだけ明るくなった。
 　ああ、士気が上がる瞬間って、わかるもんなんだな。
 　しかし、援軍なんてどこにいるんだろうか。
 　少なくとも、パックスからはもらっていない。

 　と、思ったら、ザノバが俺たちの方に目配せをした。
 　俺とロキシーは促されるように壇上に上がった。

 「おい、あれって」
 「前に一度……」
 「でも確か……」

Just hearing the word reinforcements caused the soldiers faces to lighten a bit.
It is easy to understand how quickly morale increased in that moment.
However, just where could those reinforcements be?
At least, there has been nothing from Pax.

Just when I'm thinking of this Zanoba looks our way.
Roxy and I go up on the stage when prompted.

"Hey there."

"Up front... another." // I dunno //

"But surely..."

 　兵たちがざわめきだした。
 　そいつらは、主にロキシーの方を見ている気がする。
 　戦場では女が少ないから、ロキシーに野獣の目を向けているのだろうか。
 　ロキシーは可愛くて美しい上に神々しいからわからんでもないが……。
 　女兵士も、ロキシーを見てる。
 　しかし、男も女も、見ているのは年かさの人物が多い気がする。
 　三十代から四十代。

 「諸君！
 　敵は多数、味方は少数。
 　敵の大攻勢も予想されるときて、
 　皆の者も、さぞ不安に思っていることであろう。
 　しかしながら、今回は魔法都市シャリーアより、
 　非常に強力な援軍を連れて参った」

The soldiers began to murmur.
I feel like some people are looking mainly toward Roxy.
There are few women on the battlefield and I wonder if she is rousing the beast in them.
Yes fellows I know that Roxy is awe-inspiring and beautiful and cute but...
There are female soldiers looking at Roxy.
Hold on, men and women, you are all looking at a living person like an object.
It's all people in their 30s and 40s.

"Gentlemen!
There are many enemies but few allies.
We also are expecting a large offense from the other side.
Everyone surely is feeling anxiety.
However from the magic city Sharia now
I have called up some very powerful reinforcements."

 　ザノバが目配せしてくる。
 　なるほど、援軍ってつまり俺たちか。
 　そうだな、聖級以上は一騎当千。
 　俺とロキシー、二人合わせて２０００万パワーだ。

 「どうも」

 　ロキシーが帽子を脱いで挨拶をした。
 兵達のざわめきが強くなる。

Zanoba gave a wink.
Certainly, we are those reinforcements.
That's right, Staint rank or higher is a match for a thousand.
Roxy and I together are 2000 men in power.

"Thanks."

Taking off her hat, Roxy greeted them.
The men's commotion increases.

 「やっぱり！　あれは、宮廷魔術師だった……」
 「王級魔術師の――」
 「今の教練の基礎を作ったっていう……」

 　ザノバはドヤ顔をしつつ、ロキシーの説明を始めた。

 「こちらはロキシー・ミグルディア。
 　かつて我がシーローン王国の宮廷魔術師だった者だ。
 　知っている者も多いかと思うが、現在の対魔術教練の基礎を作った者でもある。
 　それに、その弟子であるルーデウス・グレイラット。
 　ふたりとも、王級以上の凄腕魔術師である」

"I thought so!  That was the court magician..."

"The king ranked magician - "

"The one who developed some of the basics we use in drills..."

While making that 'dogai' face, Zanoba starts to explain about Roxy.  // I'm tired of dogai face. //

"This is Roxy Migurudia.
She is a person who was at one time the court magician to our Shirone kingdom.
Although I think many of you know this, she is also the person who developed the foundations of our modern paired magical training.  // lit: drill //
And this is Rudeus Greyrat, her disciple.  // Student is probably a better translation but he IS a disciple of the Roxy faith so... //
These two are both resourceful magicians of King class or higher."

 　おおおっ、と場がざわめいた。
 　なるほど。
 　ロキシーはかつて、この国の宮廷魔術師だった。
 　兵たちの中には、当時からこの国で兵士をしていたものもいるのだろう。
 　でもなザノバ。
 　今のロキシーは、ロキシー・ミグルディア・グレイラットだ。
 　間違えちゃいかんよ。
 　まあ、ミグルティアだけの方が通りがいいんだろうけど。

 「聖級魔術師は１０００人に相当するという話は、諸君らも聞いたことがあろう。
 　ならば王級魔術師はいかなるものか……！
 　知らぬ者もいるかもしれぬが、実は過去のラプラス戦役において、一人の王級魔術師が10万の大軍を押しとどめたという記録もある！」

The place came alive with oohs and ahhs.
I see. // Of course?? //
At one time Roxy was the court magician for this country.
Among these soldiers there will be those who had been around in those days.
But that's not like you Zanoba.
Right now Roxy is Roxy Greyrat, not Migurudia.
Just how did you make such a blunder? // 'What a regrettable mistake.' does not seem right.//
Well perhaps Migurdia is required to evoke her reputation.  //  This could be 100% wrong.  It might also be about preference. //

"I'm sure you will have heard the story that Saint class magicians power is worth 1000 men.
In that case King class magic could be any kind of thing... !  // いかなる only comes up as any kind of thing when I look it up.  That doesn't seem right though. //
Not many people know this, but in fact there is also a story from the Laplace campaign in the distant past where a single King class magician successfully repelled an army a 100,000 strong!"

 　場がシンと静まり返った。
 　10万はフカしすぎだろ。
 　俺はそんな話聞いたことねえぞ。
 　だが、信じた者もいるらしい、俺の方を憧れの目で見ている奴もいる。

 「そんな王級魔術師以上の二人に加え、神子であり『首取り王子』の異名を持つ余が、前線にて直々に指揮を取る！」

 　神子や『首取り王子』という単語で、兵士たちに期待の表情が広がる。
 　俺がシーローン王国に行った時は忌み嫌われていた異名でも、
 　戦場となれば頼もしく聞こえるのだろう。

The entire place fell silent.  // omitting the sound effect again //
100,000 is probably too much of an exaggeration.
I have never heard such a story,
but there are some guys looking at me with yearning in their eyes. Apparently they believe it.

"In addition to these two people with King class or higher magic, myself, with the nickname 'Head Ripping Prince' and a miko, will be leading from the front lines!"

After hearing that he is a miko and also the 'Head Ripping Prince' the soldiers expectations soar.
In Shirone kingdom there is a miko called the 'Head Ripping Prince' and even though he has a detestable nickname, when you put him on the battlefield he becomes reliable.

 「余は、諸君らに勝利を約束しよう！」

 　ザノバが拳を握り、叫ぶように宣言した途端、
 　兵士たちは歓声を上げて、拳を突き上げた。

 「オオオォォォ！」

 　士気は上々だ。
 　なかなかいい演説だったのではないだろうか。
 　ザノバは意外と、リーダーとしての素養もあるのだろうか。
 　今までそんなこと、一度たりとも思った事なかったけど。
 　王になるには素質が足りないだろうが、将になるには十分といった感じなのかもしれない。

"Gentleman, I will promise victory to you."

As soon as Zanoba said this he raised his fist into the air.
The soldiers also raised their fists and yelled out loudly.

"Whooooooa!"

Their morale is excellent.
By no means was it a bad speech.  // double negatives? //
Surprisingly I wonder if Zanoba doesn't have the necessary talents leadership.
I had never once thought such a thing, even just a bit, until now.
Talent isn't enough to become a king, but it might be enough to make someone a general.


 　しかし、この攻めにくそうな砦に加えて、二人の王級魔術師。
 　こちらから攻め出て勝つのは難しそうだが、守るのは容易だろう。
 　ザノバが自信満々で、兵たちがロキシーを見て歓声を上げるのも、わかる話だ。

 　拳を上げる兵を見続けていると、不安は薄れた。

 　ちゃんと修行もしてきたのだ。
 　頑張ろうじゃないか。

So, in addition to this for that seems hard to attack we have two king class magicians.
To attack from here might not work, but defending it should be easy.
Zanoba is full of confidence and the soldier are cheering for him, it's that kind of story.

As I watched those soldiers saluting my anxiety faded.

I've trained myself properly.
I will do my best.