Black Iron Magician

Heya~ The schedule is back~

Chapter 52 National Border Fort

―――― The tenth day of training.

「We arrived~!」

Haru jumps out of the carriage after overcoming a long training. We finally arrived at the national border fort just before noon on the third day after leaving the city. Judging from the scenery alone, this area of trees and grasslands is peaceful itself. However, the fort built to block the road is huge and the checkpoint is strict even though it’s a friendly country. Well, we don’t have to worry about it since we have Nell, who’s well known in both countries. Also, it’s not like we’re going to cross over to the other side.

「Seeing that there’s no commotion, it seems that we somehow made it in time.」

「Yes. But, it doesn’t mean that we have a lot of time to spare. Let’s join the guards quickly.」

We entrusted the procedure to leave the carriage to Canon and Muno, and we head toward the fort quickly. Perhaps they noticed the carriage, a soldier from Adelheit came to us on the way.

「Nell-sama, we’ve been waiting for you! Let’s go, the commander is waiting inside.」

「Yes, lead me the way.」

Being led by our guide, we walk through the fort. On the way, when the soldiers look at us, or rather at Nell, they give a salute without exception. The looks on their faces are filled with half respect and half fear. It seems that her reputation in this fort is no different from the reputation in the royal castle. Before long, we are taken to a room.

「I’ve brought Nell Lemure-sama, the leader of the Magic Knight Order of Adelheit!」

「Ooh, thank you for coming!」

In the room, which seems to be a conference room, there are several well-dressed men who seem to be higher in rank than the other soldiers. They are probably the tops of this fort. Hm? There’s someone with a different kind of armor. If I’m not wrong, that’s from Tazarnia.

「I’m the commanding officer of this fort, Janet. This person is Rize-dono, who has come from Tazarnia for the support. He is the person in charge of the fort on the Tazarnie side across the border.」

What, they’ve already come for the support? They are quick to adapt, huh? But, still…

「I’m Rize. Our side also noticed the abnormal behavior of the monsters, so we have decided to participate in the war and fight together. I’m deeply moved to meet the famous Nell-dono and can fight together. By all means, let us――」

「――Ahh, we don’t need any support. We can settle our problem by ourselves.」

Nell would say no for sure. Regardless of the position of the other party, even if he is the king of the other country, she would give the same reply.

「Wha!? B-But, Nell-dono’s companions seem to be very few! Those people seem to be skilled, but with that number of people, taking on two demon kings and the monster army is… ah! Could it be that the other knights are waiting outside?」

「Yes, they are outside.」

「I-I see. I’m sorry that I lost my composure. Even Nell-dono won’t――」

「――They are two newcomers who joined last year.」

「………」

Unlike Adelheit’s soldiers who are used to Nell, Rize-san stays silent. Commander Janet seems to know this would happen, he shakes his head while saying ‘good grief’.

「Rize-dono, I said it, didn’t I? It may be a problem for ordinary soldiers or knights, but you don’t need to worry if Nell-danchō comes. Even if the opponent are those who call themselves Demon Kings.」

「B-but… uh huh.」

He might be ordered to help by the king from that side, so he’s not giving up easily. Perhaps Commander Janet decided that the topic should be changed quickly, he changed it right away.

「By the way, I know Daganov-dono since he is the oldest and skilled knight, but who are those people? From their appearances, they don’t seem to be knights.」

「The girl with a sword over here is my disciple. That ambitionless man over there is Deris, and the small and cute one is Deris’s disciple. Is that enough?」

What do you mean by ambitionless? I’m living my life with my all, you know…

「…… Your discipleee!? T-This is the first time I’m hearing it, but is it true!?」

This is the biggest surprise of the day for Commander Janet. He’s shaking his head, looking at Nell and Chinatsu alternately. Well, no one would have thought that Nell would take a disciple, or thought that someone would try to be her disciple.

「What’s the point in lying to fellow countrymen? If you are worried about it, you can contact the headquarters.」

「N-no, there’s no such thing… I-I believe it, yes!」

「Please wait. Did you say that man is Deris-dono? Could he be that 『Black Iron』 who has retired?」

「Well, yes. You sure know it well.」

This person sure knows about my nickname when I was an adventurer in the old days. Even in Adelheit, not many who know about that. Moreover, my speciality was working behind the scene, so it’s even less well-known.

「I-Is that true!? Actually, I was an adventurer! Er, can I shake your hand!?」

「Ah, sure.」

When I put out my hand, he grabs it with both hands and shakes it up and down. Please don’t grab it so hard with those rugged hands.

「I see…! If 『Massacre Princess』, 『Black Iron』, and their disciples are together, it certainly makes sense. I’m sorry for my foolish talk. It seems that Tazarnia really unneeded.」

「That’s good. Now, can you get me the map of the surrounding area?」

With Rize’s doubts resolved, it looks like we’re finally going to have a full-blown strategy meeting. Even though it’s called a strategy, I think it’s going to be a very simple one since it’s Nell. As the soldiers are preparing the map, Haru tugged on the tip of my sleeve. When I look at her, I can see that Chinatsu is also standing next to Haru.

「Um, Shishō. Could it be that you guys are famous people? He’s calling you guys with something like Massacre Princess and Black Iron.」

「Rather than famous people, it’s just that our names were quite well-known when we were adventurers. Having a nickname is common for adventurers. Rather, I’m surprised that someone remembers about it since it’s been over ten years ago.」

「When you were adventurers, huh? A nickname… that’s cool! I can’t wait to have it too!」

Haru is somehow staring at me with her eyes sparkling. These eyes are similar to Muno-kun’s. It’s pretty embarrassing being called by nickname at this age, though… I wonder if she’s longing for it since she’s in puberty?

「Since I use a katana, something like Sword Princess… or perhaps, Sword Saint if I use light magic…?」

Ah, Chinatsu seems to be quite like it too. Well, since I’m in her debt, let’s pretend that I didn’t hear it. I will erase it from my memory. Oh, the map is here.

「The two forces, orcs and goblins, are approaching this area from both north and south while gradually increasing the number along the way. According to the information we’ve received, the monsters under the Goblin King and Orc King’s command are calling them 『Demon King』.」

「Ara, do the other monsters talk too?」

「Though their words are imperfect, both groups seem to be like that. However, their intelligence level is still low, so the information about their purpose was leaked. We’ve received words that they’ve built nests somewhere and are looking for their next breeding ground. The guards immediately noticed the existence of the monsters’ anomalies and were able to evacuate the surroundings villagers in time since the march speed was slow.」

「Hmm. Then, it’s okay to fight a bit rashly.」

Nell nodded with satisfaction after hearing that. Oh our great leader, you should first be pleased with the safety and security of the people.

「Ah, no… if possible, I hope you can ensure the safety of the villagers’ houses…」

「Well, I will deal with it appropriately.」

「T-Thank you very much. Well then, as to where we expect the clash to take place, this is where we suspect it will be.」

Commander Janet points to a certain place on the map. The place is a plain area slightly southeast of here. It is located at a distance that is barely visible from the roof of this fort.

「Okay, then, let’s set up a camp there! Ah, do you have a simple tent for the sunshade and an iron plate? They say you can’t fight on an empty stomach, so we’ll be barbecuing until they come!」

「「…………」」

Our noble Nell-sama was surprisingly an outdoor enthusiast.

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