Volume 3 Chapter 195 The Battle Of Azincourt 1️⃣
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After seeing off Malbodous and the others, Kian made his way alone to the encampment where Maribel and her group awaited. The area had originally housed some three hundred regular soldiers of Izerland, but now, the temporary shelters that dotted the grounds stood mostly empty.
He had suggested they relocate to the safety of the lodging facilities within the castle walls of Ramsey. But since the “Lords’ Eyes” had taken over not only the castle but also every guesthouse in town, it had been Maribel herself who insisted on remaining at the Azancourt campsite.
To be precise, the one currently acting as Maribel was the old Witch Marilyn, sent out like a sacrificial pawn. In that state, there was no acceptable justification to smuggle her inside the castle past the watchful “Lords’ Eyes.” Her decision to stay at the camp had its reasons, and Kian had no real argument left. He simply accepted it.
After walking a while through rows of abandoned tents and shelters, Kian arrived at a corner where torches burned softly, casting flickering light. This was where the surviving Izerland regulars and Maribel had taken up residence.
He approached one of the more secluded shelters. At the entrance stood a familiar trio: the Beastman knight, Lord Bertrand, and two of Maribel’s Head Magicians—if Kian recalled correctly, their names were Botti and Aerial. All three were standing guard.
”Oh, Lord Kian,” Bertrand greeted, straightening his halberd.
”Lord Bertrand. I appreciate your vigilance,” Kian replied with a nod.
Bertrand might not match the prowess of Natra and the elite, but he was a skilled warrior in his own right. His sharp instincts made him more than capable of protecting Maribel in case of another surprise attack.
(And those two witches…)
Kian kept his usual smile as his eyes subtly drifted to the magicians at Bertrand’s side.
”Ah… uh…”
”…”
One of them—Botti—was a tiny girl who resembled some skittish forest creature. The other, Aerial, held herself with poise and elegance.
He’d heard Botti had once been revered as a priestess in a village, but the aura around her was undeniably abnormal—twisted, like something out of a horror tale. She radiated an eerie pressure, something close to the malevolence of an evil spirit.
In contrast, Aerial didn’t give off the same sinister vibe. However, her magical aura was sharp—controlled. While clearly inexperienced in melee combat like Christy, she showed none of Christy’s awkwardness. Her bearing was firm, almost agile. If she used a tactic like hit-and-run spellcasting, she’d be a nightmare for common soldiers to deal with. In a world where ranged magic was a rare and potent threat, that alone made her a force to be reckoned with.
(Maribel’s talent for finding hidden gems is terrifying.)
”…What is it?” Aerial asked, her voice curt and laced with suspicion.
Kian met her stare without flinching and gently shook his head. “No, nothing. Just surprised you’re all still up at this hour.”
”…Marilyn ordered it. I’m that girl’s Witch, after all.”
”I see. Thanks for your work.”
”I don’t care about that,” Aerial said sharply. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”
”That tone is rude toward Lord Kian,” Bertrand interjected sternly.
”…I apologize,” Aerial mumbled, turning her face away in shame.
Kian held up a hand to calm Bertrand. “It’s fine, Lord Bertrand. The younger generation should be a little bold.”
”…Still…”
”So,” Botti cut in for the first time, “are you here to see Marilyn?”
”If so, you can’t,” she added quickly. “She’s… not in a good state.”
”I expected as much. I came to confirm the decisive battle is in two days… and to give her a bit of encouragement.”
”Do you know why she’s so down?” Aerial asked suddenly, her voice urgent. “When I asked Lord Bertrand, he just said she’s still in shock from the raid.”
”It’s complicated,” Kian said.
Bertrand nodded quietly. “It’s a personal matter for Lady Marilyn. She’s realized something—something about the person who supported her… and that their bond has been quietly breaking apart. She doesn’t know what to do.”
”What the heck? That makes no sense,” Aerial said, brows furrowed.
Bertrand gave a slight shrug, sealing his lips.
From nearby, Talia muttered under her breath.
’The princess and Lady Eleonora… they can’t go back to how they were. Even if Eleonora returns as Defense Minister, she won’t smile at Maribel like before. Nobles are watching. Maribel can’t afford to be seen with someone like Eleonora who’s made such missteps.’
”Lord Bertrand,” Kian said at last, “please let Marilyn know I’m here. If she doesn’t wish to see me, I’ll leave quietly.”
”Understood.”
Bertrand disappeared into the tent and returned shortly, nodding for Kian to enter.
”Excuse me,” Kian said, stepping through the entrance.
As he passed inside, he caught Aerial muttering under her breath: “If only I could sing…”
The tent was more like a proper house, courtesy of Linca’s craftsmanship. With its wide space and solid frame, it was far more comfortable than any of the town homes back in Ramsey.
He parted a heavy red curtain separating the bedroom and stepped into the protective barrier created by Rufna. There, on a plain white bed, sat Maribel.
The Marilyn disguise was gone. Now she wore a nightgown adorned with a pale pink ribbon. A thick grimoire lay open on the table beside her—a task assigned by Christy for the day, no doubt.
”Forgive me for visiting so late, Your Excellency.”
”No, not at all, Master Kian. Please, have a seat.”
He obeyed, lowering himself onto the stone chair by the vanity. Maribel rose and brought him a cup of water before settling back onto the bed.
”I’m sorry, Kian,” she said softly, shaking her head. “I showed you something pathetic again… and right before the battle, too.”
”You don’t need to apologize.”
”No, that’s my line. This is a crucial time. Don’t concern yourself with me. This is something I must overcome alone.”
”I’ve already finished the preparations,” Kian said, sipping the water. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have sent a declaration of war.”
”Preparations are… done?” she echoed.
He nodded. “Now all that remains is the clash.”
At that, Maribel let out a small, self-deprecating laugh.
”While I was sulking, you’ve done everything already… I really am useless, aren’t I?”
”If you plan to use me, then just sit back like a queen and watch. That’s your role.”
”‘Sit back,’ huh…? That would make me a pretty shameless woman.”
He nearly chuckled. You already are, he thought. But Maribel—good or bad—had always carried herself like royalty.
”What about Lady Eleonora?” Kian asked. “You removed her as Defense Minister and made her a negotiator. Now that talks have failed, can’t you reinstate her?”
Maribel looked away.
”The lords won’t approve… and I don’t want Eleonora to suffer more. I asked her to take that position because I thought she could handle it. I didn’t realize how heavy the burden would be.”
”There’s a difference between peacetime and wartime capability. The salon raid—whatever it was—was a misfortune.”
”Do you think she could’ve captured Umar Vahid if she’d stayed Defense Minister?”
Kian considered for a moment. “…Hard to say.”
He couldn’t picture Eleonora managing to subdue someone like Umar. Even now, weakened and disgraced, Umar was once one of the Twelve Divine Generals—a strategic mastermind. He’d outplayed Eleonora in the ancient temple. It would be unfair to pretend otherwise.
”I don’t want to humiliate her again,” Maribel whispered.
”If I had a more structured force around me, I could protect the Defense Minister role myself. But as it is… I’d have to lean on whoever holds the title. I can’t do that to her. That’s why… I won’t bring her back.”
”Then what about a successor?”
”If you won’t take it, I’ll do both. If peace at the borders is the goal, that’s what I’ll have to do.”
”I still owe Umar something. Once this war is settled, I’ll deal with that.”
”Really!?”
”Yes. But after that… I’m going back to the adventurer life. I need more points to qualify for the intermediate exam.”
Maribel stared at him. Her expression was hard to read—half hurt, half yearning.
”Kian is not sane,” she muttered.
”If I reach advanced rank, I can finally start developing Dacia and become a territorial noble.”
”So you’ll steal Christy away and live a quiet country life?”
”I don’t know yet.”
”Then lend me Linca and Natra for three years! Just three!”
”They’re not mine to lend.”
”But Natra only listens to you!”
”True. But Linca doesn’t even listen to me. If you had to borrow someone… I’d take Sarah. She’s capable, responsible, good at politics. She could survive even in enemy territory.”
”Then… please let me borrow her!”
”Ask her directly.”
”Aaaahhh!! Nooo~desuno! Kian, just be the Defense Minister already! Save meee! If you don’t help me, I’ll break! I will, I will, I will!”
Maribel flopped onto her back, her nightgown riding up to her knees. Her legs, pale and small, were exposed. A faint shadow showed between them, and Kian felt an involuntary pulse below his waist.
(Tch. What a wicked woman.)
”You seemed depressed, but I guess you’re feeling better now.”
”I’m not okay! I was almost killed. I can’t sleep at night!”
”Then move to the castle.”
”I won’t. Not until the war’s over.”
”I see.”
He stood to leave.
”Rufna and the Sacred Troops are at the magic fortress. It should be safe. Will you reveal your identity during the final battle?”
”No… Not after all that. There’s no emotion in it anymore. I don’t even know how Eleonora would react.”
”She won’t leave the fort. As long as the soldiers stay quiet, it’ll be fine.”
Maribel shook her head. “Let this be your achievement, Kian. It’s not mine to take anymore.”
”If that’s your wish.”
He bowed and turned to leave. But just before he exited the barrier, her voice called out softly.
”Kian…”
”Yes?”
”Can we win?”
”We will win,” he said without hesitation.
His voice was strong. Certain.
Maribel stared into his eyes, then clasped her hands in silent prayer.
”I believe in you. As long as you live, I’m free from fear~desuno,” Maribel said softly.
”Such a grand thing…” Kian murmured.
”You are my hero. Only you are my hero~desuno, Kian,” she continued with a faint smile.
Maribel glanced at him, her eyes thoughtful. “The Owl Knights and the Holy Squad… They’re all filled with anxiety before the final battle. Are you aware of that?”
Kian shook his head. “No, I just noticed everyone’s tense.”
Maribel chuckled lightly. “A strong hero cannot understand the weak’s hearts. Kian, you should prepare a speech to inspire them before the decisive battle~desuwa. If you make a detailed entrance scene, your image as a hero will be further deified. And a deified hero image will support the warriors’ spirits, just like Godfrey Danofen and Renaud de Châtillon did in the past.”
”If a speech can calm their hearts, then I’ll do it. Thanks for the suggestion,” Kian answered.
Maribel’s eyes sparkled. “In two days, I will witness a new legend again, won’t I? I can’t help but look forward to it. I think I’m so far gone in my fanaticism for you that fear of war doesn’t even touch me anymore.”
Kian frowned slightly. “Please don’t say such reckless things. If people find out you blindly trust some Azraelian of unknown origin, you’ll lose Lady Eleonora’s trust, and the Head Magicians won’t believe you either.”
”Oh, how unpleasant~desuwa, Kian,” Maribel said with a teasing laugh.
”You’re an exiled prince from a foreign land. Your bloodline must be of the highest rank. If possible, I want you to marry me~desuno,” she added with a wink.
Kian blinked in surprise. “You’re joking. For the peace of the borderlands, choose your marriage partner carefully.”
Maribel tilted her head and grinned. “That’s the answer after careful thought, huh? I can’t expect you to take me seriously now, but if I say it again in five years, will you think about it then?”
Kian didn’t respond, only shook his head and said, “You should get some rest soon,” before leaving.
* * *
The day of the decisive battle dawned with a clear sky, not a single cloud in sight.
Before the sun rose, the Owl Knights inside Ramsey’s fortress began moving toward the hill of Azancourt. The Holy Squad, who had spent the night in the magic fortress on the hill, quickly finished their breakfast and donned their armor, preparing themselves.
Kian watched the Owl Knights’ movement on the gentle slope ahead of the magic fortress. Among them, he spotted Marilyn, Bertrand, Botti, and Aerial heading toward the fortress. He gave them a slight nod.
Marilyn’s expression was tense; Bertrand’s was blank. Botti and Aerial surprisingly looked calm.
Following them were the ‘eyes of the lords.’ They were each mounted on their own military horses, ready to withdraw at any time.
”Lord Kian,” Priscilla greeted from behind the watchers, sitting sideways behind Guy on the same horse.
Behind them came Louis and Lishena.
”Ms. Priscilla, Sir Guy,” Kian said carefully, “Just to let you know, the battlefield is dangerous. It would be safer to observe from the high ground fortress where Lady Eleonora is waiting.”
”That’s a boring joke, Kian,” Guy said with a twisted mouth.
”I will see your brave figure from the best seat,” he continued. “If you hide in a fortress, you won’t be part of it.”
”If it seems bad, rely on me, Lord Kian,” Priscilla said with a slightly worried expression.
”I know you’ve prepared a lot for this day, but even so, if you objectively compare the forces, it’s 3,000 to 150. A 20-fold difference in military strength is, by common sense, a desperate gap.”
”No matter how much you outnumber them with magician strength,” Guy quietly added to Priscilla’s words.
”I understand,” Kian replied.
”We, Châtillon, will not lend you a hand. If the flag turns unfavorable, Guy and I will bind Priscilla and retreat,” Louis, Priscilla’s brother, said coldly.
”If you say you’re a worthy hero for my sister, then show your strength here. If you do, I might acknowledge you about half,” he added sternly.
”I’m not planning to marry Ms. Priscilla,” Kian said plainly.
”What? What do you find unsatisfactory about Priscilla, you bastard!” Louis snapped.
(What the hell, this person. So annoying,) Kian thought silently.
”Sir Kian!” Linca, who had been waiting at the magic fortress, teleported a short distance over.
Today, she wore a black Eastern dress without her usual white cloak, holding a staff confiscated from the Wolfmen.
Christy’s staff was decided to be given to Sarah as originally planned.
”Is something wrong?” Kian asked.
”A message has arrived from the other side,” Linca said, holding out a clay tablet.
On the brown block was written in the common language of the West,
`”Just before the outbreak of war, waiting in the center of the marsh. The chieftain alliance has something to discuss with Lord Kian. If you are not afraid of this Arminus, you should show your face at the final negotiation.”`
”It looks like a visible trap,” Guy muttered as he peered at the tablet, bringing his horse closer.
Kian shook his head. “It seems they have something they want to negotiate, so I will go listen.”
”Are you sane? There’s no benefit in responding to their summons,” Priscilla said anxiously.
”If it can be settled by discussion rather than fighting, then that is better,” Kian answered calmly.
”Sir Kian, no matter how you think about it, the other side has no intention of discussing,” Priscilla added.
”I agree. This is a surrender proposal disguised as negotiation,” Guy said firmly.
Priscilla frowned as she looked over the tablet again. Louis, behind them, gave an exasperated sigh.
”The elders of the alliance are the ones we will negotiate with after winning the war. If we show our faces just once before fighting, it will make future discussions smoother,” Kian explained.
”That’s something to think about after winning the war,” Louis muttered.
Kian shook his head. “If Arminus and the others attack, I’ll settle it right there. Anyway, I was planning to defeat that old man in a one-on-one battle.”
”Wasn’t the plan to attack the enemy’s family and crush Arminus?” Guy asked with suspicion.
”Actually, no. I have a plan to defeat him in a one-on-one duel. Even if it turns into a sword fight during negotiations, it’s just a matter of whether it’s sooner or later,” Kian replied with confidence.
”The confidence of a strong man, huh. You’re truly an unfathomable man,” Guy said, shaking his head.
”Not as much as Lord Guy,” Kian teased.
”If you have a chance of winning, as an outsider, I can’t say anything. Don’t do anything reckless, Kian. It’s the life that matters,” Guy warned.
Those words were meaningless to Kian, a battle maniac at heart, but he nodded and said, “Thank you.”
”Sir Kian, are you really going to meet him?” Linca asked with a worried frown.
Kian returned a nod. “Yeah. Take me to the center of the marsh with Nue. Can you do that?”
”That’s fine, but… sigh. Seems useless to say anything. Understood. Let’s go,” Linca said and began summoning Nue.
As the strange figure emerged from the otherworld, Kian jumped onto it and, together with Linca, flew over the magic fortress and headed toward the final negotiation spot.
* * *
In the center of the marsh, the morning sun from the eastern sky shone sideways.
Kian landed exactly where the human shadows awaited, just as the clay tablet described.
The three figures were Arminus, Marcomanni, and an elderly man from the Black Panther tribe Kian had never seen before.
Arminus looked quite old, but the man from the Black Panther tribe looked even older. His back was bent, and he relied on a cane. Without Arminus supporting him, his legs seemed too weak to stand on the marsh mud.
Hearing Linca land behind him, Kian glanced at the three Beastmen one by one.
”I thought for sure you would ignore negotiations and start attacking,” Kian said coolly.
”I would love to do that, but the chieftain alliance thinks differently,” Arminus said, shooting a murderous glare at Kian, more intense than before.
He must have realized Kian was the one who escaped from the marsh, likely killed his son Fraus, and stole Balmung.
Kian deflected the chilling gaze with a cool smile and turned toward the frail Black Panther chief.
”Nice to meet you for the first time. I am Kian of Izerland,” he introduced himself.
”Chieftain of the Black Panther tribe, Leonidas,” the old man answered hoarsely.
”So, what is the content of the negotiations?” Kian asked.
”Don’t get the wrong idea, spice-loving bastard,” Marcomanni growled as he pushed Leonidas aside and stepped forward.
The large steel tiger man glared down at Kian, ready to sink his teeth into him.
”This isn’t negotiation. It’s an ultimatum. I’m giving you fools, with that trash of an army, a chance to survive. If you understand, drop your weapons and surrender. Offer up women, wheat, and tea, and I’ll let this year slide,” Marcomanni snarled irritably.
Most likely, the discord within the Beastmen Alliance—after Brother Malbodous accused Arminus of betrayal—had caused problems inside and outside the Steel Tiger tribe. To avoid disintegration, they aimed to seize Ramsey’s wealth and redistribute it to ease the unrest.
Marcomanni’s brutal eyes silently said, “Screw negotiations. I want to kill and loot now.”
”Setting aside the Steel Tiger, I’ve heard the Black Panther tribe recognizes young men as full warriors thanks to Ramsey’s plundering, but are you seriously recommending surrender to us?” Kian asked.
”What else is there? You have no business worrying about the fate of our tribe, Lord Kian,” Leonidas replied coldly.
”After the war, the youth will restore the lost population. I’m not fighting to wipe out the Black Panther tribe. If possible, I hope for a future where we live together in peace,” Kian said calmly.
”Hah? Are you living in a fantasy?” Marcomanni scoffed.
”You won’t surrender?” Leonidas asked, voice trembling.
”Yes. We will fight until the end,” Kian declared.
”…Many warriors have died,” Leonidas murmured, scratching the muddy earth with his staff.
”This year, there’s already been enough bloodshed. I want to honor the souls of the warriors. Why don’t we settle this here?” he suggested.
”If you promise not to attack us again next year,” Kian replied.
Leonidas fell silent.
Arminus bared his sharp canine teeth at the corner of his mouth. “We’ll be back next year. To strip away the benefits we’ve given you this year.”
”The people of Ramsey are growing wheat diligently every day and living in peace. We wouldn’t unlawfully infringe upon your domain. So why come to steal our wealth?” Kian asked.
”Ramsey steals, always has, since ancient times,” Arminus said sharply.
”Don’t you realize there’s no justice in your actions?” Kian retorted.
”We do have justice, Lord Kian,” Arminus sharply cut in. “Justice changes depending on one’s position. To us, our kin is justice, and all foreign people who protect Ramsey are enemies. Why don’t you give us the wheat, when you have more than enough? Are you trying to hoard it all for yourselves? Trying to buy wood and seafood at cheap prices? You’re the evil ones.”
”Who cares about justice or evil?” Marcomanni spat on the ground.
”Negotiation is done, right? Then it’s a done deal. You old fools, are you satisfied? Let’s go home,” he said, clearly irritated.
”Kian of Izerland, your foolish choice will turn Ramsey into a sea of blood,” Leonidas warned, looking at Kian with murky yellow eyes.
He slowly withdrew, supported by Arminus.
”Regret your own choices, in Valhalla,” Leonidas muttered.
”Lord Kian, was it you who killed my son?” Arminus suddenly asked, turning his head back while placing a hand on Leonidas’s back.
”Has General Fraus been unwell?” Kian replied coolly.
”Seems he’s dead, that sneaky bastard,” Marcomanni snarled.
”Marcomanni! Are you mocking my son?!” Arminus snapped.
”You better not treat Malbodous as a traitor, you piece of shit. He’s annoying, but not like that scum spreading lies,” Marcomanni retorted.
”…Marcomanni, take that back,” Leonidas ordered sternly.
”Stop!” Leonidas shouted loudly, poking the two in the stomach with his staff.
Arminus and Marcomanni glared at each other, ready to kill, but out of respect for Leonidas, they backed down silently.
Watching this heartwarming scene, Kian shrugged.
”Well then, I’ll take my leave now,” he said.
”Yeah, wait for it, Lord Kian. By noon, I’ll have your head flying off,” Arminus warned.
”Don’t think you can escape if you drop your guard,” Marcomanni added.
”I don’t know about revenge, but I’m looking forward to fighting you, Lord Arminus.”
”Hmph…, you’ve got guts.”
The 3 returned towards the horse for Leonidas.
Kian also turned back to Linca, who was already back on Nue, and jumped onto Nue’s back, grabbing her arm.
”It was a waste to come here.”
”Not really.”
Kian continued while holding onto Linca’s waist.
”I’m glad I could properly see the face of my prey before killing them in the chaos.”
Notes:
• Malbodous – Male. Member of the Steel Tiger Clan. A formidable warrior with significant combat experience. Relationship: Part of the Beastmen Alliance’s delegation.
• Azancourt – A location mentioned by Kian when discussing his terrain survey of Ramsey’s wetlands. Likely near Ramsey.
• Marilyn – Female. An elderly witch who uses a hoarse voice. She is versatile, skilled in basic magic, teleportation gates, and large-scale group chants. Despite her age, she is sturdy and capable of frontline combat. She acts as a mentor figure to Botti and Aerial.
• Bertrand – The recent knight recruited by Maribel from bandit. He is from boar tribe and have goblin-like face.
• Aerial – Female. A modern-looking young woman with short brown hair, revealing clothes, and gaudy accessories. She specializes in healing and basic magic but is cold and unsociable. She has a sad backstory related to losing her ability to sing magic.
• Botti – Female. A petite, nervous witch with long bangs that hide her expression. She specializes in curses and weather control. Botti is socially awkward but follows direct orders well. Her appearance is small and animal-like, often hugging a staff larger than herself.
• Mag – The wolfwoman under Yelmar—the one who was caught by Kian’s group earlier.
• Linca – Jibril’s favorite girl. High-ranking warrior monk woman from Shin, with strong abilities like ignoring attacks and poisons.
• Lishena – Trusted subordinates from the Châtillon family, part of Guy’s elite force.
• Louis – Trusted subordinates from the Châtillon family, part of Guy’s elite force.
• Arminus – Male. Leader of the Black Panther Tribe. Possesses extraordinary physical abilities, enhanced by the tribe’s unique technique that repels energy and magic attacks. His speed and strength surpass those of High Warlord Isthbaran. Wields the magic sword Balmung, capable of cleaving through an ice dragon with a single strike. His black fur provides camouflage in low visibility, making him nearly undetectable. Relationship: Leader of the Beastmen Alliance’s delegation.
• Nue – A Shikigami summoned by Linca. It has the appearance of a monster with a tiger’s limbs and a monkey’s head. Nue is a powerful but dangerous creature that requires a skilled magician to control.
• Marcomanni – Male. Member of the Steel Tiger Clan. Known for his strength and tactical skills. Relationship: Part of the Beastmen Alliance’s delegation.
• Fraus – Male. Son of Arminus. Member of the Black Panther Tribe. Shares his father’s enhanced physical abilities and combat prowess. Relationship: Subordinate and family to Arminus.
• Leonidas – The aged chieftain of the Black Panther tribe, frail yet wise, seeks peace, caught between conflicting loyalties.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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