Chapter 127

I will translate the provided text into English using first-person point of view without additional commentary. Here is the translation:

—

I expressed my respect for the hardships endured by those protecting countless lives in the Empire’s harshest regions.

…

I had to rescue Asulin at all costs. That’s all there was to it.

And this letter, hastily written in a somewhat disorganized manner, should be discarded upon verification.

“…How troublesome.”

I swallowed back the hollow laugh that burst out after reading the lengthy document, particularly its final sentence, and pondered over its contents once more.

This document, handed to me by Duke Carthas when I reached Frostmoor Fortress, had been rushed in selecting troops for the barbarian tribe suppression and Asulin’s rescue, leaving me no time to read it until three days later.

Only then did I have the chance to read it, and despite its rather neat handwriting and composition, the content seemed somewhat messy.

Though the urgency of the matter was clear from the hurried writing, the core points were well documented.

Even though the crucial task was compressed in the last sentence, the preceding sentences weren’t without value.

I wished I could go myself, but circumstances forced me to send the Royal Knights and Duke Carthas instead.

The letter also stated that if the Royal Knights, driven by their vigor, refused to follow your command, you would force them to comply through action.

Given that they respect authority, especially derived from overwhelming power, I imagined the writer must have chuckled heartily while writing this.

The document also detailed the visit of Duke Carthas and his wife to this place.

Even if they were friends, it was evident that he didn’t take their place lightly, given how eloquently he wrote about it.

Though I hadn’t known them long, their imposing presence always struck me as formidable, yet now, seeing his writing, his delicate side was equally impressive.

If he had picked up a pen instead of a sword, he could have excelled.

…

Perhaps that’s why he warned me to discard the document immediately upon reading it.

Concerned that others might see this revealing document, I worried about its potential impact on anyone else.

…

Too much contemplation isn’t good. It’s probably better to discard it now.

…

The words of Failord are right.

Even though I could reproduce the document here, given its contents are already in my mind.

Leaving this unsecured document in hand, if someone other than Duke Carthas, who delivered it to me, saw it, it could lead to trouble.

Thus, I tapped my left thumb and index finger together lightly, and a faint, yet vivid flame flickered at the tip of my left index finger.

As the flame touched the document, the paper burned completely without even leaving ashes.

Though I can’t wield magic, I’ve heard that those with high hostility can perform such tricks.

I never imagined I’d be able to do such a thing with my increased hostility recently.

The flame on my finger had fulfilled its purpose and vanished.

Ordinarily, a document would be considered complete once it disappeared without a trace, but this one, due to its sender’s significance, continued to display its uniqueness even as it burned.

A golden sword clamped between the jaws of a roaring black dragon appeared briefly before vanishing.

The description of the grand scene of the late emperor slaying the demon lord Kazartirian in the Zakarat Mountains flashed momentarily.

Anyone who had read these lines and seen the fleeting pattern would know who sent this document.

Despite its shabby appearance, it was a decree.

A decree written in the hand of Her Majesty Claudia.

It was surprising that the decree came from the father-in-law, Duke Carthas, who visited this fortress with his mother-in-law and delivered this to me.

And it wasn’t just that I received the decree and verified it immediately before the operation; the decree itself revealed the emperor’s concern for her friend.

Though I dismissed it as overly elaborate, the fact that she generously dispatched the Royal Knights showed her determination.

The elite members of the Royal Knights, who would greatly assist the large-scale operation, were a testament to her foresight.

Though I felt moved by the emperor’s kindness, I decided to focus on preparing for tomorrow’s operation.

…

I lay down on the bed and sought sleep.

As the night deepened, the dawn approached.

When dawn broke, I would have to resort to any means necessary to save Asulin.

No sooner had I lain down on the bed than my eyes closed, drawing my consciousness into a deep sleep.

Though it seemed unreasonable to fall asleep during such an emergency, I knew that if I didn’t rest when I could, my body wouldn’t endure, leading inevitably to collapse and death.

That was a lesson learned from many experiences, including leading the Blackwing Knights alongside my brother in the earldom.

…

I was ready. Now, leading the assembled forces, I would raid the barbarians’ camp to rescue Asulin.

Simultaneously, I would either subdue Dominus or turn him into a ghoul if things went awry, signaling the start of everything.

What should I do on the morning of such a massive battle?

Eat a hearty breakfast? Conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment? Or take a suitable rest to calm my excited body and mind?

While all these tasks were necessary, there was something even more critical I hadn’t mentioned.

…

“Soldiers! It’s been quite some time since I stood here addressing you!”

Duke Carthas’ speech, aimed at boosting morale, was perfectly timed.

…

“Let’s go. To the victory we have promised.”

With a strong voice, he rallied the troops, then in a calm tone, he called for the battlefield.

…

The resounding cheers from every soldier in the fortress echoed through the air, signifying their boosted morale.

…

“Let’s strike at the barbarians who eat human flesh! For me! For us! And for our dear ones waiting for us!”

The soldiers and knights, especially those from the Caroldburg duchy, shouted in unison, echoing a familiar battle cry.

…

“Leave the rotation to me. Trust me, Your Grace and Young Master. Focus solely on rescuing the lady.”

“Those worn-out ones. There’s no need to worry about demons joining midway. Harvest them with joy. No pity for those who eat human flesh.”

“Huhu…harvesting. Though it sounds wrong, after witnessing their atrocities, I feel a bit aligned with this sentiment. So…”

…

Katarina, who received the command for rotation, bowed respectfully to me and Duke Carthas, then commanded the knights rushing out of the fortress.

…

“Master! I’ll see you this evening!”

Elshimer, who greeted me with a loud voice, hurriedly followed Katarina.

…

Thanks to Duke Carthas coming here, another one who was supposed to join the rescue mission was now assigned to the barbarian suppression.

…

“Even though he looks like a bear, how can he be so submissive?”

Seeing Elshimer’s retreating figure, Failord, who had taken human form, clicked her tongue, suggesting others shared this sentiment too.

…

“Then, let’s go.”

“We have to be careful. While Asulin’s rescue comes first, your safety is important too.”

“Worry about my safety first. I couldn’t sleep last night because I joined you.”

…

Duke Carthas and his wife, engaged in a relaxed conversation despite their hidden tension, and

…

“Lady is prepared as well.”

“Hmph. I’m just guiding the way. Don’t complain if I don’t exert myself.”

…

Caroldburg and Weaponless, now in human form, informed me they were ready.

…

“Let’s go.”

I must. To rescue Asulin.

My footsteps followed closely behind the forces that had already rushed towards the barbarians’ camp.