Hachinan tte, Sore wa Nai Deshou!

The carriage which left Earl Mizuho Country, safely entered Philip Dukedom.

Its cold in the Philip Dukedom, which is the northernmost territory of the continent and its currently midwinter. Snow piled up on the large fields as well, but I guess its a blessing that its not to the degree of obstructing the carriages advance.

The carriage proceeded through the outskirts of the central city Fierin, where the feudal lords mansion is located, without trouble.

Those fields are vast.

Even for being in the north, Philip Dukedom is a big agriculture area. (Therese)

Their focus lies on the cultivation of produce such as wheat, barley, rye and potatoes. But it seems they are also refining sugar from sugar beets.

They probably harvest two crops a year.

In spite of it being midwinter, crops have been planted on the fields.

But then again the efficiency goes down in comparison to the southern sugar cane. Therefore we are cultivating sugar beets on large-scaled fields. (Therese)

As it doesnt seem that selective breeding as its done on earth has made any progress, it appears to be hopeless unless they cultivate a large amount of them as the sugar beets have a low sugar content.

Even so, since its easier than importing due to the distance of transportation, sugar manufacture from sugar beets has apparently become a key industry of the Philip Dukedom.

Also, fishing and stock farming are popular as well. (Therese)

You are doing stock farming? (Wendelin)

Theres a large amount of soil, but its cold. (Therese)

Thanks to the diligent endeavours by the Lan clan members of old, there arent many monster domains in Philip Dukedom.

Thats why you can call it a possible feat.

The meat of cattle, pigs and birds obtained through stock farming was an expensive good in other territories.

Since theres a lot of land, agriculture is prospering. But as the area at the northern end of the continent will become extremely cold once the season turns to winter, they have large pigs called Hairy Pigs grazing there.

Though they are wild boars, they are livestock slightly similar to pigs. We raise them by having them eat the squeezed leftovers of the sugar beets. (Therese)

They are large and strong against cold. Their fertility is also full of vim and vigour. They are enthusiastically pasturing since they eat anything.

Even the commoners are frequently eating the meat of Hairy Pigs in Philip Dukedom, Therese explained.

By enhancing the processing to bacon and sausages and improving the ways of preservation, this has also turned into an exported merchandise.

We are also actively breeding warhorses and horses for pulling wagons. (Therese)

The military affairs and the economy are powerful then? (Wendelin)

Tentatively I have been told that Im the most powerful among the prince-elector lords. (Therese)

In addition there are also many mines and the manufacturing industry is growing, too.

Certainly, the city of Fierin that gradually became visible was a metropolis that wont lose to Breitburg.

If its about economic strength and military forces, we are superior to Nrnberg Dukedom. That doesnt mean that theres overly much difference though. (Therese)

Though the mixed parentage of the ruling class, which serves as subjects of the empire, is improving, the independent spirit of the Lan people, who were the rulers of the north, is strong.

Based on the fact that having a dark brown skin is required for the family head of the Duke Philip household who should be the rulers, one can see that the empires north is quite the unique region.

Theres Earl Mizuho Country as well.

The carriage enters the city of Fierin and heads towards the feudal lords mansion as Therese is explaining while smiling.

Once we arrive at the mansion which is similar to a fortress, two young men with one around the latter half of his twenties and the other in the middle of his twenties appear from inside the mansion.

You were safe, Milady?

What a relief.

Its my bane of having bad luck. Rather than that, there are visitors from afar here. (Therese)

By the management of the two young men, we settle down after being allocated rooms, but they receive secret instructions by Therese who was with them.

They are mine own elder brothers children. (Therese)

That sounds complicated.

Yep. Just what are they thinking about in their hearts? (Therese)

Even though it doesnt look like they have insufficient ability going by the impression I got, they wont be able to succeed the rank of duke due to the reason of having a white skin colour.

They probably have various emotions they are bottling up in their chests.

What I was pondering about was the possibility of you, Therese-sama, being killed or taken prisoner due to a revolt by your elder brothers right after we arrived here. (Armstrong)

While drinking the aquavit diluted with hot water he received in small gulps in order to warm up his body, Doushi mentions some dangerous things.

Even if they considered doing such thing, they would likely be stopped by Doushi right away though.

Even if they plan that, it will end with everyone getting killed by Doushi and Earl-sama, right? (Burkhart)

Burkhart-sans thoughts were similar to mine.

Doing something like opposing Doushi with a small number of people while not being magicians is nothing more but the height of recklessness.

No, Burkhart. They are not capable of doing that in the first place. (Therese)

Because their skin is white? (Burkhart)

Thats how it is. (Therese)

For the Lan people who ended up being ruled by the empire, a family head with a dark brown skin is an absolute condition they wont yield on.

Therefore, even if Thereses elder brothers staged a coup dtat, no one would follow them.

My elder brothers children have dark brown skins. But, even if they set up my nephews as family heads, it would be obvious to everyone whos the ones pulling the strings. (Therese)

Moreover, a child as supreme commander will also lose a winnable war.

There shouldnt exist anyone needlessly following such a child, Therese explained.

However, theres the possibility of Duke Nrnberg having set up a scheme, isnt there?

I cant prevent that, but in that regard both of us are the same, right? (Therese)

Before coming to this room, Therese had ordered her elder brothers to announce to the lords of the north and of other regions to gather their soldiers for the sake of recovering the imperial capital that has been overthrown by Duke Nrnberg.

Do you participate in the rebellion by supporting Duke Nrnberg or do you follow us, the Duke Philip household, in our attempt to defeat him? she asked.

She apparently dispatched them while adding quite the radical declaration.

Together with the information Earl Mizuho Country will side with us. (Therese)

During the unification of the empire, many ethnic groups converted into retainers and adhered to its rule.

The only one among them, Earl Mizuho Country, which preserved a shape of being half-independent, was regarded with awe by the nobles and their fiefs population of other ethnic groups.

Moreover, its the first time for them to dispatch an army for something other than defence. Coupled with their legendary strength, we will likely be able to obtain many allies, is what Therese seems to be thinking.

The nobles, who have other ethnic groups under them, are probably trembling in fear due to Duke Nrnbergs movements. Most of them should look positively at joining us. (Therese)

Are there that many ethnic groups? (Wendelin)

There were Arab-styled and Chinese-styled building in Bardiche no matter how you look at it, but what one understands immediately by looking is that their skin was dark brown just like that of the Lan people.

The Mizuho people are obvious because of their black hair and pupils and as they wear Mizuho clothes. But, as a matter of fact there are many people where you wont know their origination unless you look properly since their outward appearance looks like that of mixed Westerns and Japanese halfs.

The intermingling of different races has progressed for around 1000 years. That means that the majority of the ethnic groups arent that different in their outward appearance. Even the language has advanced into being uniform since the era of the Ancient Magic Civilization. (Therese)

More or less the ethnic group which has been living in the centre of the empire since the time when the empire still named itself as kingdom, has been called Urquhart people and they have apparently transformed into being the dominant ethnic group.

Duke Nrnberg caused a coup dtat and is trying to advance the centralization of the empire with that ethnic group as core.

Nevertheless, the definition of Urquhart people is ambiguous as well. (Therese)

However, with the feeling of them being people living in the centre, their treatment around here might be similar to the treatment of Chinese people in the Chugoku region of western Honshu.

Biologically an Urquhart race doesnt exist.

In short, you are saying that he hastens a centralized authoritarian rule, but first attempts to make the Lan people and the Mizuho people, that are quite obviously a hindrance to him, submit to him?

If he crushes them and puts them under slavery, the groups in the east and west will likely listen to what he says out of fear. (Therese)

Since the Lan people and the Mizuho people are an easily identifiable enemy, he will crush them.

Since they are strong, the other ethnic groups will easily yield once he makes them submit. That seems to be Duke Nrnbergs train of thought.

So, what will be our schedule from now on? (Wendelin)

I plan to dispatch an advance force tomorrow. (Therese)

We will carry out interceptive battles since we should be inferior in the number of military forces, but I want to prevent the enemy entering our territory and ruining it, Therese says.

Also, in order to prevent a separation of the northern lords, its strictly forbidden to fight in their territories. Accordingly (Therese)

Therese spreads a map on top of the table.

On the detailed map of the empire, a red circle was drawn in the middle between the northern territories and the area under the direct control of the central government.

The Great Sorbid Wasteland?

It wont be seen by just following the northern highway continuing into Philip Dukedom, but just as its name Great Sorbid Wasteland suggest, its a vast wasteland.

Its under the direct control of the empire, but it has a border with northern territories. You cant secure water unless you dig up a water well. Its dotted with mines and mineral deposits which have been abandoned. Its a place where development has been put off.

We will build a base here. And we will stop Duke Nrnbergs advance to the north here. (Therese)

It wont be a short, decisive battle?

Aye.

Therese agrees towards Doushis question.

Since this is a civil war, a short, decisive battle is desirable if possible, but (Therese)

Therese thinks that we are at more of a disadvantage than Duke Nrnberg, who is currently suppressing the centre after having completely seized the south. Since its not like she has gathered all northern lords as of yet, she cant advance her soldiers towards the imperial capital that easily.

The method of delivering a blow to Duke Nrnberg by defending against his attack in the Great Sorbid Wasteland will cause cracks in his foundation. (Therese)

Their loyalty is strong. They will be able to deliver a blow to the southern feudal army and the imperial forces which participated in the coup dtat. Once that happens, they will be unavoidably able to cause unrest among the lords who are obeying Duke Nrnberg.

Him having gained control of the imperial capital is a strong point, but on the other hand its also a weakness. (Therese)

Especially that device, which jams the activation of spells and magic tools of the communication and movement category, wasnt good.

Since it causes damage to the circulation of good and the traffic, Duke Nrnbergs side suffers damage from holding the imperial capital instead.

Hes a Duke-sama that doesnt do anything decent, I guess. (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san says so, but thanks to that device, the kingdom cant take part in the civil war.

Since the devices effect should be reaching the kingdoms north as well, its impossible for it to take advantage of the civil war and dispatch soldiers.

Even if they sent soldiers across the ropeway that serves as temporary bridge over the Gigant Crevice, the imperial army on site and the nobles would likely resist against the invaders.

Even if they were able to occupy the area, it would become necessary to govern that area next.

For a while they would continue to exploit the area, but they wouldnt be able to use magic airships to transport the goods.

War isnt as easy-going that you can win while having a serious shortage of supplies.

If the kingdom meddles unskillfully in the civil war, it will get exhausted in exchange.

The ones who would be happy about it are probably only some of the merchants who consider it as beneficial if they can sell goods to armies and soldiers who want to raise war accomplishments.

An extension of the civil war will ruin the empire, but at the current situation a short, decisive battle is impossible. I dont have any intention to cause our downfall trying to do the impossible. But then again I will likely give up and defect once we lose since Ive got a bad character. (Therese)

Thereses thinking isnt particularly wrong.

Something like being gallantly destroyed might be deeply impressive in records of historic tales, but in reality thats nothing more than foolishness.

Even defecting to another country is to wait for the next opportunity.

This might be something said by a normal, influential person.

Since I will be likely worn out if something like that happens, I will become your concubine, Wendelin, and leave the rest to our children. (Therese)

In case the kingdom advances north, the Philip household might be restored by using her child, grandchild or later descendants.

In the end thats no more than one possibility, but nobles form connections with other families for such possibilities.

Its the same as usual with Therese-sama

Luise is fed up, but theres another important matter besides that story.

So, whats our job?

Of course the securing of the Great Sorbid Wasteland and the construction of a permanent field camp in preparation for a protracted war. Its a suitable task for you, Wendelin, who is called Construction Works Adventurer. (Therese)

That nickname has spread even as far as the empire? (Wendelin)

Since the schedule was decided, it will be bad if we dont depart quickly tomorrow.

As we cant use Flight and Teleportation, everything takes time.

Thats a big horse, isnt it?

Its a northern special breed called Dosanko* Horse. It isnt overly fast, but its power and stamina are splendid. It also endures with frugal food.(T/N: A horse breed native to Hokkaido)

On the morning of the next day after we arrived in Philip Dukedom, we immediately headed south on the northern highway towards the Great Sorbid Wasteland.

Our military forces are the Duke Philip households feudal army and the feudal armies of several nobles who prepared their troops ahead of time after sensing the unusual events in the imperial capital. Its a total of 5000 soldiers.

The military goods necessary to keep an army moving are completely carried in magic bags by me and the magicians who have been employed by the Duke Philip household and the other noble households.

Since more than half of the army consists of foot soldiers after all, the scheme we have come up with to hasten the travelling speed after mobilizing a large quantity of horses and wagons, is to only allow them to wear clothes against the cold and to hold their weapons.

All of the heavy armour is on the wagons and inside the magic bags.

If the road in front is blocked by enemy forces, we will get rid of them with magic.

Even if we hurry as much as possible, it will take two no, three days?

We have been given horses, but those horses were more than twice as big as normal horses.

If they are this big, they might also be regarded as different animals, but these horses are traditional northern horses.

Even if we move by horse, its not possible to have them gallop at full power. Since thats the case, these slow-paced horses pose no problem either.

They seem to be horses used for agriculture or to pull heavy load, but even then they walk faster than people.

They were prepared ahead of time by Thereses elder brothers for the sake of pulling the wagons which transport the goods.

Arent they doing their job properly? I thought that they would look for alternatives such as betrayal though. (Wendelin)

Dear, as expected, that might be going to far (Elise)

Although Therese said that it was impossible, I suspected her two elder brothers.

It was possible that they would be instigated to turn traitor by telling them White skin is preferable for the new Duke Philip. If you work well, you will be assigned a responsible post in the new empire according to Duke Nrnbergs plans.

My cousins arent that stupid. They know that the ones who will be purged next by Duke Nrnberg will be them, even if they succeeded in the betrayal.

I mounted a horse together with Elise and a young, dark-brown-skinned man was sitting on a normal horse that was running next to ours.

As Thereses cousin, hes the family head of a branch family. He is the leader of this advance unit and his name is Alfons. He seems to be still 20 years old.

The skins colour is important.

Yes. It might be something stupid if seen from the viewpoint of other people though.

Although they yielded to the empire, the blood of the Lan people has to run thickly within the family head of the Duke Philip household.

Thats an absolute requirement. There were cases where someone with a white skin forcefully became the family head, but it never turned out well in the end.

Besides, the children of both of my cousins have dark brown skin. (Alfons)

If she defeats Duke Nrnberg, Therese should become the next empress, if going by the circumstances.

Since its impossible for her to hold the seat of Duchess Philip and empress at the same time, she will naturally pass the duke title to her children.

I see. In that case Im relieved. (Wendelin)

Right? (Alfons)

Rather than belief, that never declines, and fanatic loyalty, thats something I can depend on.

At any rate, what surprises me is that you cant ride a horse, Earl Baumeister. (Alfons)

As eighth son of a poor Knight, I didnt have time to practise horse riding. (Wendelin)

In the former Baumeister household there were only a few warhorses.

Even so, that doesnt mean that we had bought and kept a private warhorse like other nobles.

A good one was chosen from among the farming horses and I was only shown how to put a harness on it.

The fiefs population, that didnt know the world outside, regarded it as a beautiful warhorse with only that much.

Actually, compared to the warhorses possessed by the Margrave Breithilde household, it can only be seen as a saddening packhorse.

However, even that one packhorse was apparently useful for the past Demon Forest expedition.

As it was a farming horse, it put up with frugal fodder. And even though it was slow, its stamina was good.

Also, it seems like there were also survivors among the expeditionary force who stilled their hunger by killing this horse.

In my childhood there was no time for the eighth son to practise horse riding during a shortage of horses.

Besides, as a magician, horses are unnecessary if theres Flight and Teleportation.

In my previous life I at least experienced horse riding in establishments belonging to amusements parks and farms when I went there on school trips.

As often is the case, that was me riding one round while being led by the person in charge after successfully mounting the horse.

With such a level of experience, you cant expect me to get on such a large horse all of a sudden.

Therefore Im currently just clinging to Elises back while shes steering the horse.

Wife-dono, you are skilled at handling a horse. (Alfons)

Thats because this horses docile. Even if I was taught about it just a bit, its alright. (Elise)

Shes saying that modestly, but Elise is good at horse riding.

It seems she learned it since it was necessary as there were also cases where she had to leave into the vicinity of the capital during her voluntary activities at the church.

As she was able to pick it up with just that, Elise is a perfect superwoman after all.

Since its right now a good opportunity, I will have Elise teach me in the breaks. (Wendelin)

Good idea. Horse riding is indispensable for upper nobility.

As movement magic and magic airships arent things that can be used that easily, horses are the most convenient for travelling normally.

However, the maintenance and training of horses costs money.

Especially for horses that become warhorses the costs rise exponentially. Getting on a horse skilfully was also proof of high ranking nobility.

Even that Margrave Breithilde who was generally acknowledged to have very bad reflexes, can ride a horse after getting proper training.

For a man its wonderful to mount a horse and stick to you, Elise. (Wendelin)

I wont go as far as telling her, but its mostly the sensation of her butt.

I know that feeling, but I believe it will be even more fantastic if you learn horse riding and have your wife ride in the back, Earl Baumeister. (Alfons)

Indeed, its certainly as Alfons says.

Even while being from a different country and ethnic group, he was a splendid guy who understands a mans romance.

Alfons, you are a great guy. (Wendelin)

Earl Baumeister, no, Wendelin. So you were a man of culture as well? (Alfons)

Alfons and I exchange a passionate handshake from atop the horses.

End of Part 1 -

It truly had the feeling of having obtained a friend for life.

Dear, do you enjoy such things as well? Though we are a married couple (Elise)

Elise asks me while looking embarrassed.

Even though we are a married couple who has already seen each other nude bodies, shes probably wondering whats so delightful about feeling her butt and breasts through her clothes.

Elise, that thing has nothing to do with the other. (Wendelin)

Haa (Elise)

That might be an eternal wall between men and women.

Elise tilted her head to the side as she obviously didnt comprehend, but even that appearance of her was quite adorable.

Actually, my wives cant understand it either. (Alfons)

Since Alfons is the family head of a branch family as Thereses cousin, he appears to have already three wives.

You can also say that its only natural for him to be a high-ranking person since he has been appointed as supreme commander of the advance unit.

On my previous holiday I realized my dream. (Alfons)

Dream, you say? (Wendelin)

Thats right. I call it Dream of three nude aprons plan (Alfons)

Even though they are the wives of a high-ranking branch family, he apparently watched them from behind as they were preparing the food in nude apron outfits while grinning broadly.

He was a vulgar person to a frightening extent, but simultaneously I notice that I forgot something important.

Damn! I havent done that yet! (Wendelin)

Thats a waste as it will be an even more superb view if you do it with five wives. (Alfons)

Thats definitely true! Next time I will have a go with that! (Wendelin)

I recommend to do so by all means. (Alfons)

Since I was supported by Alfons, I decide to definitely do it in my mind.

As expected of my soulmate!

Dear, is there anything good about putting on an apron while nude? (Elise)

Elise asks me with an expression that tells me immediately that she doesnt understand well.

She knows about the basic matters of men and women due to her education, but compared to Ina with her abundance of superficial knowledge about sex after borrowing strange books from Margrave Breithilde, she didnt have any knowledge of that kind.

It will get easier to bear a child. (Wendelin)

I wasnt aware. That its easier to make a child with such method. (Elise)

Its not like I have lied in particular.

The serious Elise apparently decided in her heart that she must cooperate if thats the case.

Wend, you are (Ina)

That Ina with a lot superficial knowledge about sex tried to add something, but I dont have such leeway now since Im earnestly trying to learn horse riding.

At any rate, since there are few high-ranking noble members in our party, the members who can ride horses are few as well.

Elise, Wilma who learned horse riding with the help of Minister Edgar, and unexpectedly even Katharina can mount a horse.

In her case; she secretly practised it thinking that its natural for a noble to ride a horse.

Even her horse riding training was that of a loner.

She might actually surpass me in being a loner expert.

Wendelin-san, arent you thinking about something rude? (Katharina)

Isnt that always not the case? I was only fascinated by your magnificent horse riding figure, Katharina. (Wendelin)

Have at least a bit of prudence Arent you ashamed, Wendelin-san? (Katharina)

It seems I deceived her skilfully.

Katharinas face is dyed red to due my flattery.

I guess its no problem though as her horse riding figure really suits her well.

Wilma, hows Ina doing?

I think she will learn it easily since her motor nerves are great. (Wilma)

I have no doubt that me learning horse riding should take the longest.

My reflexes were ordinary no matter in what favourable light you assess them.

Ooh! Katharinas breast are hitting my back! Wend, once we switch it will be paradise for you. (Luise)

Luise-san! Arent you ashamed!? (Katharina)

Katharina, who is teaching Luise horse riding, complained about Luises old man comment with a bright red face.

Even among Wendelins wives, theres someone who can understand a mans romance? (Alfons)

Alfons-san, please dont mention anything uncalled-for. (Katharina)

Katharina also complains to Alfons who recognises Luise as kindred soul.

Good grief A leader who makes one worried

Katharina says so, but I dont harbour any doubts at all about Alfonss qualities as leader.

Hes always spouting stupid things, but the advance unit is well in order.

About Alfons, he is usually only talking about stupid stuff, but for some reason he can keep everyone together well. (Therese)

With him having a mysterious charisma, his subordinates work happily.

In reality, that has happened to the advance unit as well.

Thats probably the reason why Therese appointed him as the supreme commander of the advance unit, too.

However, that is unsightly (Alfons)

Alfonss look faced Doushi and Burkhart-san who are riding together on one Dosanko horse.

Certainly no talent

Burkhart-san is grasping the reins in front and Doushi is sitting behind him, but seeing that, nothing stirs in my heart.

What caused this combination is that Burkhart-san can more or less ride a horse with his old mans wisdom, but a normal warhorse would be harsh for him, and Doushi would crush any normal horse because his body is oversized.

I wonder whether carrying Doushi is difficult even for a dosanko horse?

Because it had to actually carry the weight of three people, the horse with the two on top had a slightly slower speed.

You guys, saying whatever you want (Burkhart)

Theres only Armstrong-doushis hard chest pressing against your back, Burkhart-dono. For me that would be impossible. Absolutely impossible. I would request a relief right away. (Alfons)

The rumours appear to be true, Alfons-dono.

However, Alfonss words are reasonable as well.

Something like the sensation of Doushis 100% muscled chest, no one will be happy about that unless they have a unique fetish.

Even Im enduring it. (Armstrong)

Dont say that, Doushi. (Burkhart)

Moreover, Doushi says something cruel without realizing it.

Even though he has Burkhart-san transport him since he cant ride a horse by himself.

However, it was unexpected for you to be unable to ride a horse, Doushi.

Since the Armstrong household is a military lineage, I thought that they would usually carry out horse riding practise.

Thats because the bodies of those belonging to the Armstrong household are big for generations now. Though there are largely-built horses through special breeding and training (Armstrong)

He was able to practise in his childhood at home, but when he left the household, it became difficult to obtain and maintain a large horse.

Besides, Doushi is a magician.

Theres no necessity to unreasonably mount a horse either. It might be correct to not try doing the impossible since its been a rather long time since he could ride a horse last.

To compare it with my previous life, it might be the same as a paper driver.(T/N: Someone who has a driving license but little experience in the actual driving itself)

If its this horse, it looks good enough for me to buy it afterwards. (Armstrong)

Doushi was happy that he found a horse which he can mount normally.

Dosanko horses are on the list of prohibited items for export though. (Alfons)

Given that there are no horses as good as this to pull loads and wagons, it has been apparently forbidden to take them outside the Philip Dukedom.

As sole exception, castrated male horses have been employed inside the empire.

As a matter of fact, even the dosanko horses we are currently riding are castrated male horses. (Alfons)

Just as Alfons says, all of the dosanko horses had certainly scars of having been castrated.

It has been apparently decided to change all the specimen, which are drafted as warhorses, into castrated horses due to taking into account that they might be captured on the battlefield.

But before that, dosanko horses cant survive in hot places. (Alfons)

Since the heats easily stored inside their large bodies, their survival might be limited to the kingdoms north at best, Alfons predicted.

How regrettable. However (Armstrong)

Doushi seems to have something that bothers him.

He suddenly turns his look to the side. The figures of Erw and Haruka riding on the same dosanko horse was visible at the end of his gaze.

Its because we were poor nobles as well (Erwin)

Please dont pull the reins too strongly. (Haruka)

With a feeling of leaving it to the horse? (Erwin)

Yeah, thats right. (Haruka)

Since Erw is the fifth son of a poor noble just like me, he almost didnt have any experience in riding a horse.

Haruka has similar circumstances, but since her skills allowed her to be selected into the Battou Unit, she has received training there.

Thus, Erw received horse riding training after riding the horse together with her.

You are skilful. (Haruka)

No, Im still slightly uneasy, you know (Erwin)

You will get used to it. (Haruka)

The serious Haruka politely taught horse riding to Erw, and he diligently received her coaching.

However, I have noticed it.

Its the same for Armstrong, Burkhart-san and Alfons. Due to Haruka pushing her body against Erws back from behind with too much enthusiasm towards the coaching, Erw is delighted in his mind.

(Its mainly the breasts)

(Obviously.)

(Is there anything besides that?)

(Its a pressing setting. Haruka-kun has high points)

Without much difference in the things men think about, we simultaneously whisper similar things.

And, two days after that, we safely arrived at the Great Sorbid Wasteland while continuing our horse riding training.

Good grief. The other side is eager as well

Three days after Duke Philip households feudal armys advance unit arrived at the Great Sorbid Wasteland, I discovered a patrol of Duke Nrnberg households army in the distance while carrying out construction works at the southern side.

Earl Baumeister, since our group will kill them, you can continue your construction work with a peace of mind.

Im not worried about them though. (Wendelin)

In preparation of the rebel army of Duke Nrnberg households feudal army and the rest advancing north, Ive been repeatedly laying out moats against horses on the southern side of the Great Sorbid Wasteland and even cooperated in the construction of the field camp.

Though it was an act that blocks the northern highway which enables the traffic and circulation of goods in the empire, its no problem since the rebels army prohibited the travelling of merchants and people towards the northern area in advance.

Our side is of equal status in that regard since we have been prohibiting the travelling of the merchants and residents living in the northern area, too.

It was a situation where the circulation of goods inside the empire was split into north and south due to the civil war, but since its not really my fault, it cant be helped.

And the enemy patrols are regularly coming to see the state of our Construction Works, however they have been eliminated right away.

The reason for that is

Its because our, Earl Mizuho Countrys, prided Battou Unit is here.

Several of the elite Battou Unit of Earl Mizuho Country that were hiding behind rocks etc. which dotted the Great Sorbid Wasteland, assault the patrols knights and soldiers with swords.

They try to defend against that with swords and shields, but they end up getting their bodies cut into pieces by the equipped magic katanas.

What was left behind afterwards were only several cut corpses.

Each member of the Battou Unit who slew them, collects their corpses and the horses and comes back.

How many times was it until now?

Its the fifth time, Milord.

They are persistent. Dont forget to get rid of them each time they come here.

As you order.

Once the members of the Battou Unit report to High Earl Mizuho, they put away the corpses and horses, and once again wait for the enemy after hiding.

Being suddenly stabbed with magic katanas by enemies who erased their presence, they end up getting sliced into pieces even if they defend with steel swords and shields.

These magic katanas seem to have drawbacks in their mana consumption and maintainability, but even if you look at it through past history, their amazingness is obvious.

Each of them is an elite who has overcome harsh selections and trainings. I could actually experience why the soldiers of Earl Mizuho Country are feared by the people of the empire.

However, the war progress is disadvantageous for our side, I guess?

We are succeeding in constructing a defensive field camp in the Great Sorbid Wasteland to prevent the rebel army to advance north.

Given that I have also been participating with Construction Works magic in this, its general parts were completed in these three days, though it loses to Sunomata Castle.

Even our defensive forces are exceeding 10.000 soldiers after the additional reinforcements from Duke Philip household have arrived. High Earl Mizuho has joined us while personally leading 10.000 troops.

There were also nobles who have declared siding with us and have sent their armies, if we exclude a part of the northern lords.

Even the eastern and western lords, the majority of those nobles, who have territories in the north, are our allies.

However as we gradually are learning about the situation, it confirms that our sides at disadvantage.

Most of the south and centre has fallen into the hands of the rebel army. There seem to be only Lan and Mizuho people, who went into hiding, and a part of the nobles, who are pretending to obey while secretly betraying, left now.

At any rate, Duke Nrnberg has confiscated the assets of the Lan and Mizuho people. And he is also sending them to detention camps.

Economically thats not something admirable, but its probably to prevent intelligence leaks and to hinder the destruction of the aforementioned magic tool that jams communication and travel.

Never did I expect for all of the remaining prince-elector lords to turn traitor.

They have turned traitors or rather they have to do so because their family heads are kept as hostages.

Most of the nobles were captured and placed under house arrest aside from those who resisted and were killed.

If you ask why we know this

They likely wont abandon their family heads and side with us.

Thats for sure.

A man with his body wrapped in black clothes is reporting to High Earl Mizuho.

I cant see his face, but I think his age is around 30.

He seems to be the head of the intelligence unit of Earl Mizuho Country. They have inherited the name of Hanzou for generations.

His appearance is that of a ninja often appearing in historical plays.

Its troublesome that the speed of intelligence transmission has remarkably fallen due to communications and travel being blocked.

Its the same for the other side as well though Its become troublesome.

Making use of that, Duke Nrnberg suppressed the other prince-elector households and the central territories which are in disorder due to the absence of contact from their family heads.

Its not like all of them surrendered physically, but there were also prince-elector households which couldnt move what substantially benefited the rebel army.

Hearing the report from Hanzou, Alfons sighs.

Hanzou-san, how did you obtain that information about the imperial capital? (Alfons)

Of course by using my feet and horses. We Ninja prepare every day assuming such situation might happen. (Hanzou)

They seem to be gathering intelligence in enemy territory by running around and using horses.

Though we have equal conditions, its troubling that it takes time to do anything now that it has come to this.

Earl Baumeister has his Teleportation and Flight blocked?

Even if we scurried home, it would be bothersome since we would have to cut through the continent.

I feel like wanting to avoid such worst-case scenario, if possible.

Instead, he is overwhelming with other magic. He has finished the foundation works of the defensive field camp in merely three days.

Hanzou-san seemed to be surprised, but I was desperate since it will be troubling for our side if we get attacked by the rebel army while the camps completion is delayed.

First, since the objective is to lower their numbers by killing the lot which has been dyed with doctrines and opinions as well as stopping the rebel armys momentum through defence, I have set up fences and moats against horses, and am continuing to build barracks, watchtowers and walls made out of stone and not tents in preparation for a long-lasting confrontation.

The materials for that were easy to procure since the Great Sorbid Wasteland is an area with many abandoned mountain mines to begin with.

After collecting the minerals which look usable, I cut up the stone which was left behind and turned it into solid building stone.

Though the mineral contents were insignificant since they have become abandoned mines in the first place, gathering these and using other magic to the utmost limit every day raises my mana amount as well.

There should be a number of even more amazing magicians in the empire which is a counterpart of the kingdom.

Its also for the sake of not being killed by them that training everyday is important, I guess.

Ughh! Its seems you got strong as well, Luise-jou. (Armstrong)

Though the one whos amazing is you, Doushi, who is teaching us while in a 3 vs. 1 fight (Luise)

My grown confidence due to having increased my mana has vanished (Ina)

Doushi. Too strong (Wilma)

Even while possessing a vast amount of mana as a magician, Doushi, who cant use magic thats useful for living like me, continued to practise in a real combat format fighting simultaneously against Luise, Ina and Wilma whose mana had increased.

Luises fists, Inas spear and Wilmas large axe seemed to be hitting him, but all of them were repelled by Doushis Magic Barrier.

It looks like my Magic Barrier will break if it gets attacked too much. (Armstrong)

Though my hands are tingling (Luise)

Albeit being for training use, my spear ended up getting chipped. (Ina)

Its the same for my large axe (Wilma)

Even though all my wives became strong by increasing their mana due to special circumstances, Doushi still boasted a strength that was far beyond them.

As you are Storm, cut the stones properly and cleanly. (Burkhart)

My strength lies in cutting things up and blowing them away with wind though (Katharina)

Earl-sama does it neatly. (Burkhart)

The plans to win against Wendelin-san in magic accuracy is still far ahead down the road. (Katharina)

Dont you have any intention to win? Or rather, if you dont learn such types of magic, you will end up being similar to Doushi. (Burkhart)

For me its impossible to go to such extremes. (Katharina)

Katharina also helped out with the quarrying of building stones under the guidance of Burkhart-san.

For her its a necessary training since she still has slight problems with finely-tuned magic accuracy.

Katharina, without realizing it, about Doushi

Doushi should be the worlds strongest in solitary fighting strength without a doubt.

However, different from me and Burkhart-san, he cant use life magic such as Construction Works.

Even the fact of Doushi having been able to learn Holy healing magic actually surprised Burkhart-san.

Given that even Katharina should consider it as impossible to become a combat specialist at Doushis level, shes probably placing priority on learning magic that can also be used for the development of her territory.

Thanks to Earl Baumeisters group the construction of the field camp is going well. In that case, intercepting them is all thats left.