Translator: DC Editors: Monk Preston Proodreader: DC TLC: Flowingcloud
Vol. 0 – Prologue
The wind blew. My body quivered.
… It was slightly chilly.
With the advent of Old Man Winter right around the corner in late autumn, the morning wind was growing more and more frigid. Still, I wonder if hot air was being generated by the large horde which had gathered in the moorland? I’m unable to bear it.
Besides, when the time comes, no one will care about the cold.
Save for the restless messengers running around—both sides altogether being made up of one hundred seventy thousand men—most of the people, however, were tired of waiting patiently at the moment.
The allied soldiers’ tension could be seen, their faces stiff. And yet, no one fled. As for why, it was because of their confidence in being victorious. Okay, it was because I had intentionally and easily cajoled them.
The soldiers intending to obtain merits crowded the vanguard and were particularly enthusiastic amidst the allied forces. They dreamed of fame for themselves, and wore looks which concealed their excitement. However, they’ll probably soon come to realize something: people’s dreams are written and empty dreams are read. These dreams of theirs were naught but a mere fantasy.
The fates of the soldiers serving in the vanguard had already been decided.
They do not notice it. Nor do they care. To think that I, who was supposed to be their ally, a friend of the chief of staff of their entire army, to have personally planned something.
Aah, who could have imagined such a thing?
There is no bridge of glory onto which they step forwards. It is just a gorge which leads to their ruin and hell. I invited them to a cliff ledge. And now, I shall kick them off.
I wonder what they’ll feel when they find themselves standing in their final resting places?
—A longing to live? Repentance? Or maybe Rage?
Hehehe, you’ll surely die, spitting your resentments towards me.
Well, so what? Those are all just my candorous thoughts.
Okay, so deceiving people is bad. … There’s no need to mention it. However, to be tricked like this by a teenage girl, they are obviously lacking in capability, and should feel just a little regret.
I don’t pity the soldiers that I set up. There is no mercy for them. Instead, I shall ridicule them. I haven’t the slightest feelings of guilt. I threw away such sensibilities a long time ago. The more you don’t [feel], the more exciting it is. It’s not too far off now.
Hmm, I wonder what the old me would think of the current me? Okay, so, around when I was still in Japan. I had unconsciously considered doing such things. Ahead of me, beyond the battlefield, I looked across and fixated my gaze on that person.
“Lady Witch?”
Nearby, a conscripted escort, who was a female soldier, spoke up quizzically.
Oh my, that’s not good. Was my face showing it?
There must be something wrong with me for allowing myself to slip up and get absorbed in my thoughts. In the first place, is it wrong to think about unrelated matters before a decisive victory?
Although, when I think about the conclusion of this decisive battle, I can’t help but feel sentimental. Looking back on the path which I’ve tread up until now, I think it’s a bit reasonable.
… I wonder if it’s pointless. Yep, it’s pointless. If I don’t brace myself…
I played with my long, black hair, pretending as if there was wind. The escort soldiers looked as the wind blew my black hair adrift, but they concealed the look of fear within their eyes. Coupled with the same colored black eyes and hair, it was an exceedingly rare hue around these parts. Furthermore, combined with the characteristics of my (yellow) race and the complexion of my skin, my appearance couldn’t be called anything but rare. Among Caucasians, the Japanese already looked as if they should be called heretics from how they looked.
I brought both this peculiar look and knowledge from my original world. As a result of the combination of the two, I received two exaggerated nicknames, one known as the “Foreign Witch”. Just now, I was addressed as the second nickname, “Lady Witch”.
Hitherto, the escorts had been staring at my face with looks of suspicion and fear.
I smiled at the girl.
“It’s nothing, Erma.”
“…… Yes. Is that so?”
I wonder why she didn’t look truly convinced, though, Escort Erma nodded and then returned her gaze forward.
Good grief, was I somehow able to dodge the question? Though I can’t say it went well.
Nevertheless… Are things still not moving yet?
I think I’ll fly over to the general and take command of the entire army.
In a spot a little ways away, a young general could be seen, and at that moment, he was unsheathing a blade from the scabbard affixed to his hip.
Oh, it’s finally time. The tense moment everyone had been anxiously awaiting had arrived.
Slowly, the general raised the arm which clasped the blade. Suddenly, he pointed his blade towards the sky.
The air shook. A large number of people swallowed their saliva. Such sounds could be heard.
“To the entirety of the army! CHARGE!”
With that voice, he swung his blade downwards. One beat later, the charge horn blew and resounded. And then―
The air vibrated. Rough voices reverberated all around. The roar of horses and soldiers advancing across the land. The music of the battlefield could already be heard. Soon after, the sound of arrows hurtling through the air, the metallic clangs of sword fights, the cries of agonizing deaths, all joining in an ensemble.
Aaah, it’s commenced.
… Hey, is this really alright?
Astonishingly, some part of my conscience seemed to remain and questioned me.
―Yes, this is fine.
Naturally, the corners of my mouth rose. I made a warped smile. The smile of a witch.
I can’t turn back now. I also don’t feel like going back.
To that routine. Living peacefully, yet depressedly, in Japan.