Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Heaven
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Conquering the vast northern territories in just one month?
This time, the region we're developing is pretty expansive.
To wrap it up in such a short time...
Doesn't that mean we're in for some grueling forced marches?
Damn... It's already cold enough as it is...
Of course, just as Luna said, finishing the planned regional development within a month would save us a ton of money, so it's a good strategy—but it's not that simple.
"Oh! As expected of the Grand Duchess!"
"With you personally leading us, success is guaranteed."
"It's an honor to witness Your Grace's prowess after so long."
Everyone's busy singing Luna's praises...
But I'm the one who'll be dragged along and suffering for it.
I couldn't even force a smile.
"Hehe, it's been ages since I last set foot on the battlefield, so I'm hoping for a bit of fun. And Aiden, my secretary."
"Yes?"
She looked at me with an expressionless face.
"I have something to say to you today. Stay behind after the meeting ends."
Why? What now?
I'm already unhappy about being dragged north, and with forced marches on top, it's hard to keep a straight face—but I force myself not to show it and reply.
"Yes."
The cabinet members rose from their seats one by one.
Once they were all gone, Luna looked at me.
"Why the long face?"
"Well... Haha... I just have a feeling this expedition's going to be brutal."
Back when I was a rookie guard, she'd led our unit in training.
That time... it was hell.
We hunted monsters all day, every day.
This time'll probably be even worse, right?
As if sensing my worries, she gave a small smile.
"Hehe, you won't have it that bad. You'll be stationed at the rear fortress."
"Haha... That's a relief. Then... why...?"
She said I'd be in the rear, so why call me?
"Obviously, we need to get you some armor."
"Armor? Why?"
Luna gave me an odd look in return.
"So you don't get hit by some stray arrow, duh."
"Ah?"
"I already told the armory to prepare something fitting for you. So no backtalk—just follow me."
We arrived at the Grand Duchy's armory following her.
"Your Grace. We're deeply grateful for your personal visit."
A brown-haired man who looked to be in his forties.
I've spent plenty of time in the Grand Ducal Palace, but this guy's a new face.
He bowed deeply to Luna, leaning back at the waist.
"Enrique. Long time no see."
"Indeed, Your Grace. I hope you've been well."
"Same as always. Anyway, the armor?"
Enrique glanced at me and spoke.
"Is this the new secretary?"
"That's right."
He nodded and said,
"Then please, this way."
The man led Luna and me along.
As we walked the corridor behind him, I asked Luna,
"Was there always an armory in the Grand Ducal Palace?"
"Any noble house worth its salt has one."
"I see."
It hadn't appeared in the novel, so I was a bit puzzled at first, but it made sense.
The Valmore family had revered martial prowess for generations.
It'd be weirder if they didn't have an armory.
But... the chance of getting hit by arrows...
It felt a little scary.
Wasn't I supposed to be safe in the rear? Why arrows...?
As those thoughts crossed my mind, Enrique stopped.
He inserted a key into the lock of a massive door and turned it.
-Kuuuung... Thud.
A heavy metallic clang echoed as the lock disengaged.
Then the man shoved the huge door open with force.
-Kiiiek!
With a ponderous groan, the door swung wide, revealing hundreds of weapons and armors neatly arrayed on shelves.
"Before the secretary arrived, I selected a few pieces on Your Grace's orders. This way, please."
In the spot Enrique led us to, a ornate plate armor caught my eye.
"This is plate armor forged in Byren City, famed for its metalwork. It's lightweight yet offers superior protection. And look at that beautiful sheen—it's aesthetically superb too."
Saying that, Enrique picked up the helmet and placed it on my head.
"Wack!"
The moment the helmet settled, an immense weight pulled my head down involuntarily.
They fight with this on their heads?
It felt like at least 3kg.
"Too heavy?"
Luna sounded surprised as she removed the helmet...
"C-Can you really fight with something like this on your head?"
At my question, Luna looked to Enrique, who shrugged.
"That's the lightest plate armor we have."
Hearing that, Luna inspected the armor, touching it here and there, lost in thought.
"Hm... Fine craftsmanship, but it'll be tough for Aiden to wear. Do you have any lightweight armor?"
She turned to Enrique, who looked troubled.
"We do, but... as you know, it's extremely expensive."
"Show it to us first."
"Understood. This way."
The man led us down the left corridor to a spiral staircase descending below.
We followed Enrique down the stairs.
Torchlight flickered at intervals along the stone walls.
Our footsteps echoed off the walls as we carefully descended by their glow.
-Tap... Tap.
How massive is the Grand Ducal Palace...?
I marveled at the seemingly endless stairs leading underground when Luna's voice came.
"Was there a facility like this?"
You own the place and didn't know?
It was a bit absurd, but Enrique replied calmly.
"This houses weapons and armors seized during the northern campaigns. It's been here since the early Grand Duchy days, but past Grand Dukes showed no interest in subrace gear."
Luna pondered his words briefly.
"I see. That makes sense."
"Why?"
"Subrace weapons are powerful, but true strength doesn't rely on a blade's might."
Her words didn't quite click, so I pressed further.
"Doesn't a stronger weapon make you stronger?"
Luna shook her head at me.
"True power overwhelms everything on its own. No matter how fine the weapon."
What? She doesn't believe in gear advantages?
I didn't get it.
As we chatted, another massive door appeared.
How important are these things to store them like this...?
While I wondered, Enrique unlocked and pushed the door.
-Click! Kiiiek!
The rusty hinges groaned as it opened.
Inside were myriad weapons and armors on display.
"These?"
Unlike the previous gear, these had distinctly alien designs.
My eyes were drawn to the brutishly huge greatswords, double-bladed axes, and more.
Their hues felt somewhat dull and somber too.
"This is the only lightweight enchanted armor we have."
A full plate armor gleamed blackly inside a transparent glass case.
"Likely dwarf-forged and lightened by dark elves. Incredibly powerful stuff."
Luna's eyes darkened at the sight.
"This... belongs to that guy."
"That guy?"
"An enemy commander I faced during a past campaign. Pretty skilled swordsman."
Her words conjured a dark elf from the novel.
In the mid-story northern campaign arc, a dark elf who overwhelmed Luna with his prowess.
He ended up as a named boss slain by Luna after she awakened as a Swordmaster.
His name was... El Kanta?
"Correct. We claimed it as spoils after beheading him and stored it here."
Enrique lifted the helmet and placed it on me...
It felt like donning a metal sheet disguised as a hat—surprisingly light.
"Huh? It's light."
Only then did he smile.
"Glad it's light. Now, let's try the full suit."
Enrique disassembled the armor and helped me don it.
"How's it feel?"
"Feels completely light."
Unaccustomed to the weight—like regular clothes—I thumped my chest.
-Ting, ting...
A clear, thin ring echoed.
Definitely metal, yet this light. Unbelievable.
Luna scanned me up and down in the armor.
"We'll go with that one."
"Yes, I'll prepare it."
Leaving Enrique to ready my armor, we headed back up the stairs from the armory.
Then Luna's soft voice reached me.
"Aiden, I got you good armor... so you better not get hurt, okay?"
Her voice held a hint of anxiety.
She was irresistibly cute in these vulnerable moments.
"Of course. Plus, you said I'd be in the rear. What could go wrong?"
She walked ahead up the stairs, so I couldn't see her face, but her ponytail bobbed faintly up and down.
"You better. Oh! And no training starting today. You don't have to show up at the training grounds tonight."
"Is that okay? Great for me, but..."
"Yeah, manage your condition. Training you is my way of ensuring you survive any danger."
Ah? So it's to prevent me from keeling over exhausted in some unexpected fight?
Realizing how much she worried about me from her words...
If you're this concerned, just leave me out of the expedition.
"Thank you for thinking of me."
As that thought crossed my mind,
She paused and glanced back slyly.
Luna, illuminated by the soft torchlight.
"But tonight... you know what I mean, right?"
I knew exactly what she meant and chuckled.
"Of course. Come over tonight. I'll show you real heaven then."