My Beloved Princess ~The Boy Called Incompetent Rises with Only a Sword and the Princess's Devotion~ - Chapter 115: Algant Invasion

Chapter 115: Algant Invasion

Sixteen years ago.

Algant was invaded by the dragonkin king.

That war, later known as the “Algant Invasion,” ended in a single day, though only after an enormous sacrifice. The dragonkin withdrew.

Why had Algant been invaded?

It all began with a trifling incident.

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The western region.

That land, with Algant as its neighbouring country, was the territory of Dragon King Anraku.

Dragon King Tengen’s territory also lay nearby, making it an unstable place where skirmishes never ceased. Even so, the title of Dragon King alone carried enough prestige to give one a strong advantage in diplomacy.

Even if they were hostile with Dragon King Tengen, as long as they strengthened ties with the other nobles, he could not easily move against them. Dragon King Anraku’s lands rested on a delicate balance.

Why had he claimed territory in such a precarious location?

To explain that, one had to turn back the clock another two hundred years or so.

At the time, war had broken out in the southern region against the Kingdom of Castelia. The one who united the Thirteen Nobles and served as supreme commander was Dragon King Anraku.

The war went well from start to finish. Without ever truly being driven into a hard fight, the alliance of nobles led by Anraku advanced all the way to the royal capital of the Kingdom of Castelia.

Perhaps he had grown arrogant. Anraku, who committed the regular troops he had held in reserve until then and rushed to finish the war in one stroke, was made to see hell. The enemy blew up the royal capital itself, and the regulars who charged in were almost completely wiped out.

The only ones to escape disaster were the few soldiers who had not yet entered.

Anraku, positioned in the rear as supreme commander, survived, but the three consorts he had brought with him were all swallowed by the flames of the [core] and killed in battle. At the same time, he lost the main strength of his pack.

The result was so catastrophic that they retreated at once without even sparing the time to strike camp properly, but that was only the beginning of hell.

Held responsible for that crushing defeat, he was mercilessly denounced by the surviving Thirteen Nobles and driven into diplomatic isolation.

On top of that, losing the heart of his forces, including his consorts, drastically weakened the pack’s military strength. Internal administration also stopped functioning, and he could no longer maintain his vast territory.

Dragonkin society was survival of the fittest in its purest form. Once one lost power, even a Dragon King was fated to be devoured without mercy. One after another came to take his head at what they judged the perfect opportunity, and the pack’s losses only mounted. Repeated conflicts thinned their ranks to a terrifying degree, and a population that had once exceeded ten thousand plummeted to a mere tenth of that. They were cornered.

Then, as if to finish off the already weakened, the mightiest mercenary, Black Kirin, loudly proclaimed the liberation of slaves and declared war on the Thirteen Nobles.

In the blink of an eye, Black Kirin seized their lands and expanded its power by bringing the liberated slaves under its banner. With the Castelia war having already exhausted them, the Thirteen Nobles, Anraku included, had no strength left to resist. To escape Black Kirin’s unstoppable rise, Anraku abandoned his territory and chose to migrate to the western region. He swore he would start again from zero.

Later, Anraku would say that this seemingly cowardly decision had been the right one.

After all, Black Kirin continued expanding its power at an unprecedented speed, and in the end even slew the Dragon Emperor of that era. Had Anraku stubbornly chosen to stand and fight, annihilation would have been inevitable. In fact, every one of the Thirteen Nobles who resisted was slain in battle.

After relocating to the western region, Anraku took three new consorts.

Three outstanding women were chosen from among the warrior princesses through a rigorous selection process to replace the three consorts who had died in the Castelia war.

One of them was Seiran in her youth.

Seiran was a graduate of the Southern Dragon King Academy run by Anraku, and at the time of the Castelia war she had still been a student. She was the greatest prodigy in the academy’s history, so gifted that she threatened the standing of the teachers themselves, and when she graduated, Anraku personally recruited her with the favourable treatment of the title of Warrior Princess.

The reason she accepted a recruitment offer from the declining Anraku was that one of the seats among the Six Consorts stood vacant, and she had the confidence, backed by ability, to calculate that she could claim it.

And just as she had planned, Seiran swiftly rose to one of the Six Consorts and displayed her brilliance to the fullest.

They fled to the western region with only the clothes on their backs and began anew in a land where no foundation had been prepared for them. If one chose land with no powerful figures nearby, then by necessity it would be barren, unpopular ground. Their finances were desperate, and feeding a group of more than a thousand people was an extraordinarily difficult task.

Faced with that challenge, Seiran first sold off slaves to reduce the number of mouths to feed. Then, using part of the profit, she purchased large amounts of livestock. At the same time, she opened up the land and built a settlement, set the remaining people to work in the fields, and established a system of self-sufficiency.

Because it was a remote frontier, monsters appeared there in great numbers, but to Seiran and the others, that was not a threat but a blessing from heaven. The materials harvested from monsters were sold, and their meat became food.

Once the food problem had been solved, the next thing Seiran did was launch new enterprises.

Rather than focus on trade with neutral cities, she set her sights on creating specialty goods for trade with other races. She chose white porcelain and silk textiles as her flagship products. She personally went to the towns of other races to sell them, and by word of mouth they became a huge hit. She also put great effort into exporting dragon robes, the dragonkin’s ethnic dress.

At first, she was appointed Benevolent Consort and handled domestic administration as an assistant to the Wise Consort, but once her talent was recognised, she herself was selected as Wise Consort, the one who governed the pack’s internal affairs. Entrusted with full authority over domestic administration, Seiran expanded their business into many fields and succeeded in every one of them.

Thanks to Seiran’s exceptional leadership, Anraku’s economy, which had been on the verge of collapse, recovered its strength, and his fallen authority gradually began to show signs of revival. Their population, which had once fallen so sharply, also climbed steadily upward, and in only twenty years they had built a firm foundation in their new land.

Then, around two hundred years after relocating there…

Dragon King Anraku had fully recovered and regained power worthy of the name Dragon King. His territory had expanded beyond even its former golden age. He had reached the height of prosperity.

The only point of concern was conflict with Dragon King Tengen, who was likewise expanding his territory, but that matter fell under the jurisdiction of the General Consort and the Loyal Consort, who oversaw military affairs. It was not something Seiran had any hand in.

Seiran’s achievements in fulfilling her role and leading the pack to prosperity were highly praised, and now, as the Wise Consort and one of its highest-ranking leaders, she wielded imposing influence.

This was Seiran’s present, sixteen years ago, with the Algant Invasion just over the horizon.

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“Without you, I do wonder whether we could have recovered this far. I am truly grateful.”

At the party commemorating four hundred years since the birth of Dragon King Anraku,

the Head Consort, dressed in dazzling attire, offered her words of thanks.

The venue had been arranged as a standing party, and the guest of honour, Anraku, was there along with all six consorts. The influential nobles who had been invited went around greeting each of them in turn, striking up lively conversations. As Seiran exchanged toasts with them while they showered her with flattery and walked alongside the Head Consort, she gently placed a hand over her stomach.

“Your words are too generous, Head Consort-sama.”

Even as she replied politely, Seiran realised she had unconsciously been stroking her abdomen. Following her gaze, the Head Consort narrowed her eyes and smiled softly.

“How admirable of you to carry Anraku’s child. I offer you my thanks once again, Wise Consort.”

Now four hundred years old, Anraku was thought too old to leave behind children. Considering that the proper childbearing age lay between one hundred and three hundred, his age could hardly be called favourable. In fact, not one of the Six Consorts had conceived in the past thirty years.

He had thought he could no longer have children. Since this pregnancy had come when he had half given up hope, her husband Anraku had been overjoyed, and words of blessing had arrived one after another from the other consorts as well, beginning with the Head Consort.

The reason Seiran, a later wife, had been allowed to monopolise Anraku’s favour without reproach from the other consorts was likely because they held her immense contributions to the pack in such high regard.

“Damn right. Today’s star isn’t me, it’s the Wise Consort. And even if I say that, the Head Consort won’t complain. That’s how grateful we all are to Seiran.”

By appearance, he looked to be in his mid-forties. His face remained sharp and vigorous, with no sign of waning vitality, and his body was magnificently honed. Her husband Anraku stood beside the Head Consort.

Anraku and the Head Consort, who had shared both joy and hardship since their student days, were the same age: four hundred. The refined woman in her prime, standing beside Anraku like this, made it clear to anyone at a glance, by aura alone, who his true wife was. Put simply, they suited each other.

Seiran had lived for two hundred years, but from the Head Consort’s perspective she was still no more than an inexperienced young girl. Winning a husband’s interest with youth was third-rate. Receiving a husband’s favour through achievement was second-rate. A first-rate wife was one whom the people around her naturally recognised as such even if she did nothing at all. Even without a physical relationship, the bond with her husband would never be lost.

Standing before those two made Seiran acutely aware of how small she was. In the end, she was no more than one consort who had risen through her own efforts.

And yet she felt no discomfort. That was likely because, more than anyone, Seiran herself respected the Head Consort’s tolerance in all things.

Thus Seiran folded her hands in salute before her two masters with heartfelt respect.

“I am deeply honoured, Anraku-sama, Head Consort-sama.”

The two of them exchanged glances and smiled, and it was maddening how perfectly suited they looked together.

Taking a glass from a maid, Seiran raised it high.

“Happy birthday. I intend to continue devoting myself so that both of you may spend your days in good health. Please accept my loyalty.”

She tipped the glass back, drained the red wine in one gulp, and bowed deeply from the waist.

One cup offered up as a vow of loyalty. The Head Consort stepped forward and looked at Seiran with concern.

“You must not push yourself too hard. That body is no longer yours alone.”

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From the balcony of the castle perched atop the cliff, one could enjoy the night view spread out below.

The castle town, decorated with red lanterns, was filled with a dim, fantastical glow.

Night was deepening. The traffic in the streets never ceased, and from somewhere the elegant sound of a biwa drifted to the ear on the wind.

Narrowing her eyes at the pleasant night breeze, Seiran softly placed a hand over her stomach.

The party had ended, and the guests had withdrawn to their rooms.

Now, a second gathering was being held out on the balcony.

There were seven participants in all: their master Anraku and the six consorts. It was a private gathering.

Seated around a long table, the consorts enjoyed the dishes brought out to them. Behind each of them stood their personal maids. The one assisting Seiran was Tachibana, a maid who also served as her secretary.

Capable as she was, Seiran always took her along for important business negotiations.

That had been true of the recent negotiations in Algant as well. Thanks to Tachibana’s quick thinking, the talks had been settled in a way favourable to Anraku’s side.

Just then, the topic at the table seemed to shift to trade.

Dabbing her mouth with a napkin, the Head Consort spoke with a gentle smile.

“I am glad to hear a major negotiation was concluded. I hear your counterpart was none other than Gilbert-dono, the leading figure of Wesport.”

The man she had negotiated with this time was Gilbert, the guildmaster of the great merchant guild Cat and Coban, which was based in the merchant city of Wesport. A hub of distribution, Wesport gathered goods from all over the world by both sea and land. It was said to be bustling and multinational, with not only merchandise but people of many races gathering there as well. Gilbert himself was a beastman, a large man with jet-black fur.

“Yes, Head Consort-sama. We concluded a contract to accept the wagons of Cat and Coban, so from now on, I expect they will be the ones bringing gold, silver, and treasure to us.”

Because dragonkin were by nature extremely strict about their territory, even accepting them had required considerable effort. First, she had needed to persuade her master Anraku and the Head Consort. On top of that, there was the problem of establishing a safe transport route for the merchants. That had been the difficult part.

“The national highway is neutral territory, so that part should be safe. But beyond that lies lawless country. Will it truly be all right?”

“We have taken control of the stretch from the national highway to our domain. It is already under our management, so there should be no fear of the wagons being attacked.”

Seiran answered the Head Consort’s concern without hesitation. At once, the Head Consort’s face brightened.

“As expected of the Wise Consort. …No, I do not mean to say I doubted your ability. Please do not misunderstand.”

“Not at all. I am still immature. I would be honoured if you would continue to guide me in the future.”

As Seiran bowed her head, the Head Consort hurried to smooth things over.

The meal continued in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Then the Head Consort turned a gentle gaze toward Tachibana, who stood behind Seiran.

“Please continue taking good care of the Wise Consort, Tachibana.”

Every maid present here bore the title of Warrior Princess. Tachibana, called by name directly, folded her hands in salute without the slightest intimidation and paid proper respect.

“Leave it to me, Head Consort-sama.”

The Head Consort, who had been watching Tachibana’s deep bow with magnanimity, slowly narrowed her eyes.

“Now then, Tachibana. I have heard there was some trouble during your recent visit to Algant.”

“Yes, Head Consort-sama. Some insolent wretches pelted Wise Consort-sama with stones.”

At her subordinate’s unexpected report, Seiran’s eyes flew wide.

“Now, now. Tachibana, what are you saying? I beg your pardon, Head Consort-sama. Tachibana’s report is not accurate. I deeply apologise for causing you concern.”

“Not accurate? Then explain in detail, Wise Consort.”

“Yes. It was on our way back after concluding negotiations with Gilbert-dono. On Algant’s main street, some small children were quarrelling. When we happened to pass by, one of the pebbles they threw happened to hit my leg… that is all. It was a trivial matter.”

“Trivial? There is no world in which one of the Six Consorts is harmed and it can be dismissed as trivial.”

The Head Consort, whose appearance best matched the description of a gentle noble lady, visibly transformed into that of a warrior race. A cold light entered the eyes that had been so softly narrowed, and Seiran could feel their warmth rapidly vanish. Her pupils constricted like those of a beast sighting prey, and the faint lines in her face deepened into valleys, shaping a visage like that of a demon.

“When I say harmed, I only mean my dragon robes got a little dirty. There is no need to get so worked up over…”

As if to cut off Seiran’s attempt to calm her, CRASH! A loud, violent sound of shattering tableware rang out across the balcony. It was her husband Anraku who had brought down his log-thick arm and split the long table in two. Rising to his feet, his huge body over two metres tall looming over them, he snorted and swept his gaze over everyone there.

“Those inferior creatures only ever resort to cowardly tricks. To injure one of my consorts by using children is a mortal sin worthy of death ten thousand times over. We will show them what happens when they dare make light of us.”

“They are a base species that would not hesitate to take revenge even at the cost of their own comrades. Something as petty as harassing us through children would be nothing to them.”

All Seiran could do before the increasingly heated Anraku and Head Consort was stare in stunned disbelief. Then the veteran consorts, the Benevolent Consort and the Alliance Consort, raised their voices in agreement.

“Anraku-sama, Head Consort-sama. Surely the time has come to remind them of our terror.”

“Yes, exactly. Let us burn Algant to the ground and make it another Castelia. This time, with our own hands, we shall make them taste that despair.”

In dragonkin society, the trigger for war was often pulled in unexpected ways.

One of the consorts had been harmed. For the dragonkin, that could certainly be sufficient reason for war. But to apply that rule to a childish scuffle was far too forceful by any measure. Why, even Seiran herself, the one involved, did not feel she had been harmed at all.

Looking around, she saw that the General Consort and Loyal Consort, the other two later wives, were also knitting their brows in confusion.

“Now is the time to wash away our shame, Anraku.”

“Naturally. Not a single one of them will be left alive. We will slaughter them all.”

Where did that hatred come from? Seiran, who had not lived through the tragedy of Castelia, could not truly understand it. There was a hopeless gulf in temperature between them.

The dragonkin valued their comrades above all else. To them, sacrificing one’s own people in order to strike down the enemy was an unforgivable outrage. It was a value system that could never be reconciled with theirs.

What was more, through the flames of the [core], Anraku had lost many of his comrades. Not only the soldiers under his command, but also three of the Six Consorts of that time, his beloved wives.

There was no way he could forgive it. His deep hatred toward humans was still there, unchanged even now after several hundred years. Eyes filled with fury, eyes that had resolved to one day exact revenge, now shone with militant light as if they had at last found the perfect opportunity.

To use one’s own people as bait and, on the basis of their sacrifice, destroy the enemy. It was the final measure of those whose strength was inferior.

That was the [core].

Their precious comrades had been taken from them by means dragonkin could never possibly understand. The hatred they bore for that vile tactic, the sheer density of it, could only be understood by those who had lived through the Castelia war.

Exterminate the vile inferior species.

Heat pregnant with madness began to swirl across the balcony.

Seiran, who had still been a student during the Castelia war, could not understand that anger. She could do nothing but watch events unfold in a daze, and she had no means of stopping the enraged Dragon King and the others.

And so, in the blink of an eye, the Algant Invasion was decided.

A pebble thrown by a child had struck her leg. That alone, that utterly trivial little incident, became the trigger for the Algant Invasion.

And behind it all, rooted thick and deep, lay the distrust, revulsion, and fierce hatred toward the species called humanity that had sprung from the tragedy of Castelia.

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Preparations for the Algant Invasion were completed in an instant.

From the start, Anraku’s territory had bordered Algant.

Anraku’s faction, aiming for a swift battle by means of a surprise attack, gathered its soldiers with nothing but what they wore, making no preparations for provisions.

Five thousand elite warriors assembled before the castle.

The General Consort was made supreme commander, while the Loyal Consort was assigned as deputy commander.

After the General Consort finished her speech, Seiran went over to her, one hand resting softly on her stomach.

“Is there truly no way to avoid this battle?”

“Yeah. No chance. Anraku-sama and the Head Consort-sama are set on it.”

The General Consort, dressed in deep green dragon robes, was Seiran’s contemporary. She too was one of the later wives.

Unlike Anraku and the others, who held a strong hatred for humans, she was emotionally closer to Seiran. Even so, she could not oppose her master’s will. Seeing her troubled expression, Seiran voiced her unease.

“Will it be all right? Human cities may have a [core] deployed.”

“There is no problem. We keep magical tools for detecting [core]s on hand at all times. Besides, this mission is not to storm an enemy city in wartime, but to invade by surprise attack. Their guard will not be that severe, and even if they do have a [core] deployed, we will not give them time to use it.”

The General Consort declared that with complete confidence, but Seiran’s anxiety did not fade.

“I have a bad feeling. As if something… irreversible is about to happen.”

“I hear carrying a child makes one more conservative.”

The General Consort narrowed her long eyes and shook her head.

“I do understand your unease, but restrain yourself in front of the troops. If we are blown by a coward’s wind, it could have a bad effect on the whole pack.”

Thus chiding the fainthearted Seiran, the General Consort turned on her heel. Without looking back, she walked away across the hard stone floor with firm steps, the longsword at her waist swaying as she went.

Her dignified retreating figure was every bit as imposing as befitted the fierce general she was famed to be.

And that became their final parting in this life.

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A few days later,

word arrived that the two consorts had been killed in battle.

The force of five thousand had been annihilated. Not a single one returned.

The Algant Invasion had failed.

Since there were no survivors, the details of what had happened remained unknown.

At this result, Anraku flew into a rage and tried to send additional troops, but Dragon King Tengen, having heard rumours of the defeat, apparently judged it an opportunity and began invading Anraku’s territory. They were forced to turn their attention to dealing with that instead.

Anraku’s faction, which had been at the height of its prosperity, began walking the road to ruin from the defeat in the Algant Invasion onward.

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Supplementary note

Chronologically, the old story told in “Side Story The Witch of Algant” is inserted in the middle here.