Chapter 115

Approximately 2~3 chapters worth of content are scheduled to be revised. For now, I’ll upload what’s written and mark the changes later.

Due to lack of deep consideration, the content turned out insufficient. My apologies…

On January 9th at 15:00, a portion equivalent to three chapters was revised.

Revisions began from “Arcadia (1).”

The Unyielding Flag.

A symbol of the emperor of the empire, and one of the three wonders possessed by humanity.

It was crafted in the early days of Arcadia when the land was still a confederation of tribes.

This pole, which can be used like a spear, with its flag blending silver and black, is said to bear the image of the saber-toothed tiger, the symbol of Makairodous, the founding king who laid the groundwork for the empire.

Originally a prince of the nation of Arcad, he experienced the devastation of his homeland due to the curse of the Goddess of Life and confided his sorrow to the Dragon Priestess, the goddess’s representative.

Though he wished for the goddess to lift her curse, once bestowed, it could not be easily withdrawn. Instead, legend tells that the Unyielding Flag was created.

…

Under the silvery glow of this banner, the army receives commands and transforms into an unyielding force, never faltering no matter the situation.

It’s said the entire army moves as smoothly as extensions of their commander’s limbs.

While the Immortal Crown symbolizes the ruler, this flag represents the commander leading the troops under the Unyielding Flag. Defeat has only been recorded once, long ago, against an alliance of Elves and Dwarves—though some say it was because that particular army was poorly organized.

Of course, there are those who mockingly call it the “Once-Defeated Flag,” but such opinions remain a minority. After countless wars spanning dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of battles, only one defeat has ever been recorded—a testament to its power.

…

Throughout the long history of humanity, like the Immortal Crown, the Unyielding Flag disappeared briefly during the era when the Demon King led the demons to invade the world. There are suspicions that the Demon King, fearing its power, stole it.

Capable of subjugating all living beings on earth, the strength of this flag cannot be underestimated.

Under this banner, humans and their armies will never fall.

– Encyclopedia of Legendary Weapons.

King Makai held the flag lightly in his hands and swung it experimentally.

The spear-like length felt lighter than expected, surprising him.

“This is…”

“The pole itself can function as a spear, and the flag is quite durable, capable of blocking most arrows.”

Wrapping oneself with the flag might stop arrows, though it might sting a bit.

“This strange energy… It feels similar to the crown’s energy…?”

“Crown?”

Hmm… Is he talking about the crown I gave to humans long ago?

“It’s a peculiar sensation, hard to describe, but it feels familiar. Similar to the old crown I once held.”

Indeed, he must be referring to that. Being a prince of Arcad, the land where that crown originated, and having used it as collateral to acquire land…

It makes sense he’d recognize it.

“You can sense the energy?”

“Well, it’s hard to explain… Just a faint feeling. Truly difficult to articulate…”

Hmph. Not a mage or an elf/dragon born with magical abilities, yet he senses this energy? Strange indeed.

“Are you sensing magic?”

“Magic? The power wielded by mages?”

“Hmm. If the crown you speak of is the same one I know, then it was crafted by a Dragon Priestess like myself, so it may carry a similar essence.”

A flicker of confusion crossed King Makai’s golden iris.

“Um, excuse me, but how old might you be…?”

“WHY ARE YOU ASKING MY AGE ALL OF A SUDDEN!!”

“No, but… This crown has been passed down through my ancestors. If it was made by a Dragon Priestess, it seems hard to believe.”

Impossible! Though I did make it… back in the distant past! When humanity had barely evolved beyond primitives!

“There couldn’t have been just one Dragon Priestess. We’re emissaries sent by the Goddess of Life to watch over the world. Countless have existed throughout history.”

King Makai nodded slightly at my words.

“Certainly. You wouldn’t appear if you were selecting heroes, would you?”

The hero let out an awkward laugh.

This guy… He knows my true identity and is reacting ambiguously…

“Ahem. Along with the flag, I shall also bestow this upon you.”

I cleared my throat and conjured several books.

The Art of War, detailing thirty-six strategies across six situations, explained through stories—an excellent guide for warfare tactics.

Of course, I adjusted the contents appropriately. Proverbs were rewritten for clarity.

“A book detailing military tactics. It should prove useful in commanding your forces.”

“Ohhh…”

King Makai scrutinized the books I handed over. In an era without the concept of military strategy, these volumes would become invaluable treasures.

And finally…

“Take this as well.”

“What is this…?”

I handed over a large leather pouch to King Makai.

Inside, roughly the height of a child, lay…

“Potatoes. They grow well even in poor soil.”

The ultimate emergency food crop filled the bag.

Of course, they have drawbacks too! These are modified potatoes grown faster and more resistant to pests thanks to my tweaks!

“They thrive even in barren lands. Utilize them well, and feeding your people will pose no issue.”

“An unusual fruit, isn’t it?”

“Not a fruit, but the root of a plant. New sprouts grow from the ‘eyes’ of the potato. Plant these parts, but remember to remove any toxic sprouts that form.”

Though they require significant water and effort to harvest from underground, surely they’re better than having nothing in harsh conditions?

Nomadic tribes could plant them wherever they travel and dig them up periodically!

“Anyway, take the flag, the books, and the potatoes. May they help alleviate Arcad’s sorrows.”

Should I track down that second prince who keeps fleeing and force him to apologize with apples…?

Lately, nature seems to be punishing him thoroughly… Hmm…

I’ll visit with the hero when the opportunity arises.

“Thank you. The Goddess of Life is not merely cruel after all.”

“Tsk, wasn’t it that foolish one’s mistake first?”

Who knew he’d wander for decades…

“Hm? What are those?”

“Ah, you’re back. Did you catch much meat?”

The returning servant displayed a large piece of meat to King Makai.

“I paid dearly for it. Filio picked the finest cuts, after all.”

“Hmm? Then what about my money?!”

“How should I know? Your frivolous allowance is none of my concern. Anyway, what’s that flag?”

With a childish grin, King Makai replied:

“Impressive, right? It was gifted by the Dragon Priestess.”

“Truly… You’re acting like a child. Don’t let the Dragon Priestess indulge your whims too much. She’ll keep giving in if you keep asking.”

“Ahaha.”

I chuckled softly.

Is he hiding his true nature even from his close aide? Or does he naturally act childishly around older subordinates?

In either case, it’s intriguing.

“Good. Deliver the meat to my wife. Also, inform her we’re preparing to entertain esteemed guests.”

“Wouldn’t it be fine to tell her yourself?”

At this, King Makai’s face stiffened slightly.

“But… she’s kind of scary, you know. Maybe because she’s half-horse? Especially at night…”

“I don’t want to know about Your Majesty’s personal life. And stop calling her ‘my wife.’ Such odd titles confuse the children, making them use ‘wife’ instead of ‘queen.'”

“Hmm, isn’t it fun?”

“Not fun at all.”

Ah, so the queen is a beastman?

Even with the crown as collateral for this land, relations with the native tribes wouldn’t have improved easily. A marriage alliance would have been simplest…

“Our wife is pretty, kind, and great at housework, but she gets scary at night. Ugh…”

“What nonsense are you spouting in front of guests?!”

The servant shouted as the hero covered my ears. Though I understand his intentions… I already know everything, don’t I?

Does he think being in a young female body means I’m innocent, despite knowing my true identity?

“Then I’ll escort our visitors to the guest tent and relay the message to Her Majesty. Please don’t get too caught up in work.”

“Alright, thank you.”

“Come along, then. This way, please.”

Thus guided by the servant, we headed toward another tent.

“Could it be? I meet the legendary hero spoken of in rumors. How astonishing!”

Queen Makai, as expected, was a horse beastman, nearly human in form except for equine ears and tail.

Hmm. There are centaur-like horse beastmen and horse-daughter types… Too broad a spectrum.

“And the hero turns out to be so adorable! Rumors claimed you could slay colossal monsters with a single blow. My goodness, my goodness.”

Why does she mistake me for the hero?

“Sorry, but the hero is over there. I’m the Dragon Priestess.”

“Eh? This person is the hero? Hmm… But they seem far weaker, don’t they?”

Hm?

“Doesn’t the Dragon Priestess appear much stronger? Am I mistaken?”

Uh… Not a mistake. I am stronger than the hero…

But to see through that so clearly… Is it the instincts of a beast god?

“And… such a cute companion too. Oh dear. My hand isn’t edible, so licking won’t help.”

A beast deity worshiped as the horse god, reduced to having their hand licked by a horse beastman.

Where has divine dignity gone? Even if they are beasts…