Stranger's Handbook - WN Chapter 01-76

by Chapter 01-76 (epub)

  “Yes, that would have been a little inconvenient…..at this moment, at least.”

  “Your Excellency…….Master…..”

  Hearing that, they both turned to look at me and their expressions changed from a villainous smile to a very serious look and again to an even more villainous smile.

  “I want to ask you not to touch that idiotic noble for now. It would be better for an unfortunate accident to have many witnesses.”

  It seems I like the young lady more than I previously thought and my desire to monopolize her is rather strong.

  That blockhead……..I’ll just kill him.

  * * *

  Translation: Nana

  Proofreading: Carmina

  DA BEST (among the worst): Mockii

  Chapter 21: As Her Fiancé (First Part)

  IMPORTANT NOTICE: I am currently struggling with some really nasty illness, that’s torturing me for days now, and I haven’t been able to work on anything, be it translations, be it school stuff. That’s the reason I haven’t uploaded the next chapter yet, and I am very sorry, but I might have to make you wait a little bit more. If this fever goes down and if my body isn’t in pain anymore by tomorrow morning, you’ll have the long awaited chapter by then. Many thx for your understanding and see you soon (hopefully)!

  Love yah! ♥

  * * *

  Here you go guys, Chapter 21!

  Even though I’m horribly busy at this time, I’m not as mean as to make you wait any longer xD

  So, enjoy! (and see you in a couple of days with the continuation)

  * * *

  Chapter 21: As Her Fiancé (First Part)

  After I’ve decided I was going to cause an unfortunate accident, I followed after the young lady.

  Since she’s a noble young lady, I’m sure she had never experienced something like ‘having her arm seized and her face hit’.

  In fact, both my master and his Excellency, the Frontier Count, were enraged and fuming.

  “Grandson-in-law-dono, death can easily come from an accident. So, don’t worry about it.”

  “That’s true. Zest, since going easy on him would count as discourtesy towards your enemy, you have to fight with all your might.”

  These much appreciated words came out from them both.

  The servants’ rage was also at a MAX level.

  “Zest-sama, his neck. Aim for his neck!” “It’s the first time I’ve seen the young lady cry…..That damn pig….” “We’ll all be there to cheer for you!”

  Etcetera, etcetera……

  They called him pig……And don’t tell me to aim for his neck, it’s supposed to look like an accident, right? If I’ll aim for the shoulder and I hit his neck in the process, nothing can be done about it, right? That’s the course of action I’ll take.

  The young lady was pretty much enraged as well, and the grimoire……no, the exchange diary’s pages were filled with ‘I won’t forgive him I won’t FORGIVE him I WON’T FORGIVE HIM’…..When I’ve first seen that, I wet myself a little……

  Again, the rumors have made their way to the soldiers as well. They all expressed their anger to me “He made a pass at another man’s lover?!” “Those guys from the imperial capital, they’re all the same.” “He’s after the young lady of all people!?”, but in the end they all came to the same conclusion:

  “ “ “Since he managed to anger Zest-sama, he’s definitely gonna die!” “ “

  …….All of you, what kind of monster do you think I am?

  And then, about that damn pig in question…..no, the priest noble’s idiotic son, he was invited to some noble’s residencies, but he kept on making a fuss over the young lady: “She’s such a rude woman, but she looks good.” or “She’ll become obedient once you’ll train her body”.

  As for why nobles invited him, that’s because this guy’s father is in charge of the internal administration in the capital, so you could say he’s part of the upper echelons and he has quite a strong influence.

  However, after all the trouble they went through to invite him, he tells such foolish stories, it’s no wonder everyone was starting to feel antipathy towards him.

  Just as one would think, there was no one who would invite this stupid guy anymore, on the contrary, they started to make bets on ‘In how many seconds I’ll kill the idiot?’.

  Don’t gamble on this……Nobles sure have a lot of free time……

  These five extremely noisy days have passed in the blink of an eye and the day of the idiot’s public execution is finally here.

  I was waiting for my turn at the gatekeepers’ station.

  Today, as the son and successor of the Knights Division Commander, I was wearing the full equipment of the Viscount Gaiyus’ Household.

  According to my father Galef, this was handed down in the Viscount’s Household for generations and it’s a proof the one who’s wearing it it’s the head of the family, and during times of struggle and conflict, one would wear this armor on the battlefield…..

  It seems it’s a tradition in the Gaiyus Household.

  “Even though you’re an adopted son, you’re without any doubt the Gaiyus Household’s successor. Wear this and go get the bastard! Gahahaha!”

  He’s really such a kind father.

  While thinking about that, I was drinking some black tea and pausing for breath, when I realized the gatekeepers inside the room were having a bad complexion……

  It appears that I was fairly enraged as well.

  When I am reminded of that idiot, both my rage and my magical power are running out of control.

  “Ze, Zest-sama. Do you want some more tea?”

  “It’s all right. It’s almost time for me to show up anyway.”

  “Y, yes sir!”

  Outside, the cheers are becoming louder.

  It’s starting…..I went out slowly.

  The weather was fine so a lot of people were gathered in the square in front of the castle’s gates.

  The Frontier Count, my master and the one who’s playing today the leading role, the young lady, were standing above the castle’s gates.

  The space right in front of the gates was occupied by the nobles affiliated with the Frontier Count, the soldiers protecting them, and further behind them, there were a lot of commoners gathered. They even installed some food carts and the whole event was starting to feel like a very noisy festival.

  “Everyone, thank you for coming here in such large numbers.”

  At his Excellency’s words, transmitted to every single person gathered there through magic, the large group of people grew quiet.

  “Well then, the reason why I asked you to gather here today, as you may already know, is because someone who wishes to ask my granddaughter Beatrice’s hand in marriage has showed up.”

  “Wooow” Shouts of surprise could be heard.

  “Our Frontier Count Household is the shield of the empire that protects its borders. And this Household seeks elites who have the necessary strength in order to act as a shield and the power to lead you all. That’s why I propose to do as follows.”

  The people were starting to get confused. What on earth is he saying? What the heck is going to start? They swallowed their saliva, and with it their anxiety, and stared at the Frontier Count.

  “If one wishes to marry my granddaughter, one must demonstrate they’re strong enough to protect her. And if everyone gathered here give your consent, I will allow this marriage to take place!”

  His Excellency the Frontier Count climbed a bit further above the gates and spread his hands.

  “Lord Alf, the next head of a Viscount Household is requesting this marriage. Show us your power! Convince us you’re worthy!”

  Wooooa!

  From inside this deafening wave of cheers, one man showed up.

  He’s a fat man in his 20’s with a peculiar brown hair that springs up here and there, his face full of sweat.

  The dazzling clothes he’s wearing don’t suit him a
t all.

  While breathing heavily, he somehow arrived to the open space inside the square and raised his voice.

  “I am Alf! Come, Miss Beatrice, I will give you the honor of becoming my wife!”

  Alf finished his ‘speech’ with a tone of self-importance and whipped the sweat off his face while grinning broadly.

  How the hell should I answer this?

  How should I demonstrate my strength?

  His Excellency’s risen hand stopped the whispering voices.

  “You’ve made your point, lord Alf. Is there someone who objects to this marriage? However, answer with caution! If someone has objections, I will ask him to put his life on the line for me! So, is there someone who objects to lord Alf’s marriage and wishes to risk his life while at it!?”

  The square was as silent as a grave.

  That’s to be expected. Although there might be people who are not very pleased with this marriage, his Excellency asked them to risk their lives for it.

  The nobles have no choice but to stay silent.

  It’s like he said ‘disobeying me indirectly accounts for immediate death’.

  The nobles can’t go against the Frontier Count, same goes for the soldiers……as for the commoners, well, their only option is keeping their mouths shut.

  In the awkwardly silent square, the sound of a metal armor resounded…….Gachan…….Gachan……

  Before long, ‘that thing’ appeared in front of the people.

  A black armor that seemed to devour all the light.

  However, every single person in the empire could recognize the beautiful golden designs and the symbol of the Frontier Count’s Household imprinted on it. It was the armor of the Count’s strongest forces, and I was wearing it.

  “I’m Zest, the next head of the Gaiyus Viscount’s Household! I object to this marriage! I won’t hand Beatrice-sama over! I challenge you to a duel!”

  “ “ “ “ “ “WOOOOOOOAAAA” “ “ “ “ “

  I drew my sword, and this deafening, huge wave of cheers was accompanying my actions.

  A black armor, huh…..? It’s like I’m the bad guy in this whole situation…..by wearing this……

  While thinking of that, I readied my sword in a stance.

  * * *

  Translation: Nana

  Proofreading: Carmina

  DA BEST (among the worst): Mockii

  Chapter 22: As Her Fiancé (Latter Part)

  Finally, I feel less like a corpse and more like a human being again….Yey!

  And because of that, you get to enjoy the next chapter ♥

  Also, I won’t be able to upload Ch 23 until Thursday or Friday, since due to this illness I couldn’t do anything for uni. It’s quite a ‘dangerous’ situation, so I might need to pull a few all-nighters xD

  Hope you won’t mind it and see you in a few days!

  Ja ne…

  * * *

  Chapter 22: As Her Fiancé (Latter Part)

  In the middle of these loud cheers I readied my sword in a stance.

  With this pitch black metallic armor that I’m wearing, I look like a dark knight….no, more like a devil king? Anyway, it’s very embarrassing.

  The pig wearing some decent clothes wiped the sweat off his face and started talking with a broad grin on his face.

  “Ha ha. Very well, I’ll be your opponent! To have the guts to challenge the no. 3 Imperial Mage, you sure are a stupid fellow!”

  And he started cladding his body in magical power.

  A…Are you serious!? This magical power! So you’re the 3rd Imperial Mage counting from the top…..!?

  I was too shocked to speak.

  How can this be!? There’s a limit to how much one can miscalculate, right? Who would’ve thought ……

  The square fell silent, a complete change compared to a few moments ago.

  “What’s that magical power?” “Can….Can Zest-sama win this?” “An Imperial Mage……”

  These were the voices of nobles and soldiers.

  You’re right……Those were not only mere words, this pig is actually displaying a considerably large amount of magical power.

  “Oh!……I didn’t expect this…….”

  “Yes, I haven’t seen this coming either, Your Excellency……”

  His Excellency the Frontier Count and my master were showing some rather bitter faces……But that’s understandable.

  A stupid noble made a pass at the young lady.

  And because of that, this battle now is taking place, but he turned out to be an Imperial Mage of the 3rd rank.

  And this magical power……It’s perfectly understandable if people get surprised.

  “Ha ha, you’re so shocked to see my magical power that you fell silent! You should curse at yourself for making light of the hair of a priest noble!”

  The pig said that and started gesturing. He created a gigantic magical formation.

  While reciting an incantation, he furthermore refined his magical power.

  Is this fire magic? The temperature in my surroundings has already started to rise, and the soldiers started to assemble a magical barrier in front of the nobles.

  “Esteemed nobles, please step back behind the barrier! Hey you! What are you doing, put some more strength in it!”

  The angry voice of the commanding officer.

  So this idiot is preparing such a dangerous flame magic spell.

  And he’s approaching its completion.

  It was a huge white flames sphere controlled by a great number of magical formations…….This sphere had a 2 meters diameter and it floated above the pig’s head.

  “Well, if you start begging for your life, I might spare you! Since it’s a duel, no one would complain if you die, but I’m a very merciful person. Ha ha ha”

  The merciful pig showed a very repulsive smile and started sweating again.

  Hmm, you won’t let me off anyway……

  “……………”

  “Buhahahaha, you’re too frightened to speak, aren’t you? But feel at ease, you’ll vanish before even starting to feel the pain!…….Time’s out. Be reduced to ashes!!”

  With his words, the fire ball started to fly straight towards me.

  When it hit me, a fire pillar higher that the castle’s gates rose towards the sky.

  “The barrier casting group, stay strong! These are truly some outrageously powerful flames!”

  Hearing the commander’s yelling, the magic division soldiers desperately put all their magical power into the barrier.

  The stone paving under my feet was boiling up; these were indeed some rather powerful flames.

  The people standing there who have seen a great spell cast by an Imperial Mage for the first time, because of the shock, all the colors drained from their faces.

  That damn pig was breathing rather heavily.

  Was it that he put almost all his magical power into that fire ball? The magical formations were already starting to fade, as well as the magical power he clad his body in.

  The pig was dripping with sweat, and despite he had such an unsightly appearance, he looked more arrogant than ever.

  “Buhahahaha, there’s no way a knight could win against me! You were such a fool!”

  The damn pig was so proud of himself and laughed loudly…..Those three were staring at that disgusting idiot.

  “I didn’t expect this…..”

  “Yes, it was completely unforeseen.”

  “It really surprised me.”

  Those three were muttering the (almost) same words.

  “ “ “Who would’ve thought he was this weak……” “ “

  Hearing those words, the damn pig showed a full-face smile.

  Even now the fire was rising up towards the sky, and the only ones who clearly heard those words were the nobles and the soldiers on the side.

  “Ha ha ha, I am amazed too! I never thought he would turn out to be such a weak opponent!”

  The soldiers frowned a
t that bastard’s remark, but as one would expect, the nobles weren’t showing anything on their faces.

  The nobles could ruin themselves only by saying a few wrong words. Of course they won’t react.

  In this square, where the damn pig’s loud laughter was resounding, the fire pillar used up all its magical power and vanished.

  And who came in sight? Me, standing on the boiling stone paving, being completely unharmed.

  “It was quite an amusing performance. Are you done now, Imperial Mage-dono?”

  With one swing of my blade I returned the stone pavement to its normal state and temperature.

  I slowly approached the damn pig.

  “I was looking forward to some trick behind that fire pillar, you know? Was that really all you could muster?”

  The damn pig’s mouth was constantly opening and closing without saying a word. What are you doing, imitating a goldfish?

  “You were preparing your incantation for such a long time and I’m asking: WAS THAT ALL?”

  I was already in front of the bastard.

  “If that’s the case, all right then. Farewell!”

  I decapitated the damn pig with my sword.

  His decapitated head tumbled to the ground similarly to a ball, while the rest of his body crumbled down on the spot.

  I killed a man….But I was surprised to discover I wasn’t having any unpleasant feelings.

  It was like killing a random insect invading my space, so I felt strangely calm.

  “I am the winner of this duel! Is there someone else!? Does someone else dare to propose to Beatrice-sama? Is there someone here who wants to fight against me!?”

  I readied my sword again and glanced all around me.