The Doll Princess Rose

第23話 First War (1)

"Please take me."

Everyone was surprised by Moi's words. After all, they are about to go to the battlefield, so there is no safe place.

"I can't help it. That's fine. However, you will follow my orders, Moi."

After hearing Moi's words, Miraiya answered in a quiet tone. Rose and the others were surprised to learn that people's tone changes when they go into battle mode. Unlike usual, Miraiya looks very dignified.

"Yes, Miss Miraiya!"

A few moments later, Rose and the five of them are on a ship heading to the port of Escodria. Moi is wearing a maid uniform, which is her battle uniform. A bag hangs over her shoulder, containing medicine and some tools. Rose left most of her belongings at Miraiya's mansion.

Rinka wears tight black clothes and black leather shoes. Her long black hair is tied neatly behind her and her lips are painted with red lipstick. She wears light black armor, and the emblem of Alhatross is neatly engraved on the back of her armor. On the front of the armor is the symbol of Aotake Village. In her arms were sword-like weapons. Their color is also black. Her long black tail sometimes moves between her legs. She has a well-proportioned slender body and is also tall. Rinka's height is a little shorter than Miraiya. However, she is a charming woman. She is so beautiful that even Rose, a woman, cannot take her eyes off of her. She somehow understands why Rinka prefers to live as a cat these days. Maybe she didn't like being stared at by other people.

On the other hand, Miraiya wears bright clothes. She is wearing a very bright kimono, and her hair is neatly tied up. She wears shoulder pads and chest plate armor. Several gems are embedded in the armor. They are magic stones for amplifying magic. In her hand, she holds something like a long staff, and the staff is decorated with multiple beautiful magic rocks. It can amplify the effects of attacks. Miraiya and Rinka's looks are very symmetrical, but these two have been a pair for a long time.

Darga looks as good as ever. Rose also wears her usual workout clothes, armor set, and a dagger from Yanagi on her waist. A brooch from Yanagi is attached below her plate. It would be nice if she could turn it into some sort of talisman, Rose thought.

"Brother Yanagi! Ya~hooo~!"

The ship arrived at Escodria. Yanagi is already waiting at the port. Rose called out to Yanagi and jumped off the boat. When Yanagi saw her, he hurriedly ran and caught Rose.

"Rose, it's dangerous!"

Yanagi patted Rose on the head as he hugged his playful sister.

"Sorry, just..."

When Rose apologized, Yanagi laughed.

"You look fine."

"Yeah, Brother Yanagi seems to be doing well, too."

"Well, somehow."

When Rose laughed, Yanagi laughed, too.

"Hahaha."

Suddenly, Rose heard laughter. When she took a quick look, she saw two people who looked like snake people. The man is tall and wears dark clothing. He has green markings on his body and looks very dignified and strong. There is a sword on his waist. The female has white skin and beautiful white scales. The only thing that looked like a weapon was a dagger. However, there is something like a mirror hanging around her waist.

"Are you two Brother Yanagi's friends?"

Rose asks the two, and Yanagi looks at them and looks confused.

"Sorry, I'm late. I'm Suzu, and I'm level 6. This is my partner, Kagemaru, and he is level 7."

A woman who called herself Suzu introduced herself. Rose nodded.

"I'm Rose and I don't know my level."

As Rose said this, she introduced herself.

"These two are the Black Ops."

"Oh, then you are Rocco's friend."

When Rose said this, the woman was surprised for a moment. Then she nodded.

"Yes, we are."

Suzu answered with a smile.

"Rose is small and cute, just as rumored."

"Thank you."

Rose thought she might become friends with Suzu. She has a very dignified appearance, is cool, and has a beautiful voice.

After a while, Miraiya and others came. Yanagi put Rose down and stood just like Suzu and the others. Rose just looked at them, wondering if the warriors were waiting like that.

Miraiya looks at them and starts giving instructions.

"Now, everyone has gathered. From now on, we will operate to retake the capital. We must coordinate with the volunteer and regular army, and move quickly."

"Understood."

Yanagi, Suzu, and Kagemaru all responded together.

"Yanagi, Suzu, Kagemaru, and Rose. These four will be the Darga team. Please follow the instructions."

"Understood."

"Since Rose is not a warrior, it will be difficult, but I hope we can work together well."

Miraiya looked at Rose and called out to her.

"I will do my best."

Rose nodded.

"Excuse me, will you let that little child participate in this operation?"

Suzu looks worried.

"Yes, that's right. Rose will work as your protector."

"Huh?"

"Don't underestimate her, Suzu. Even though she's small, she's my disciple. She's also Darga's disciple, and she's an excellent magician. Her level hasn't been determined though."

Miraiya said clearly. She had become a difficult role, she thought.

"I understand. I apologize."

Suzu reluctantly nodded.

"Good. Now, let's continue. Rinka and I will reduce the number of enemies. Darga, please protect Suzu and Rose. And Rose will cover Yanagi and Kagemaru and provide long-distance support. Following Suzu's instructions, eliminate all the enemies that come towards you. Yanagi and Kagemaru enter the palace, open the gates, and reduce the number of enemies inside as much as possible. It would be desirable to take the head of the enemy general but don't overdo it."

Miraiya said this while looking at Yanagi and Kagemaru.

"I'll leave it to just the two of you, but it's a tough job. The early resolution of the battle will depend on your efforts. Our role is to annihilate the enemy."

Miraiya gave rough instructions.

"Understood!"

Everyone answered at once.

"Um, can you tell me how to provide long-distance support and assistance to Brother Yanagi and Kagemaru?"

Rose asked, raising her hand.

"Just think about them and deliver this healing to Yanagi! Or deliver the barrier to Kagemaru! That's all you need to do. Just think about it simply."

"I've never done it before, is it okay?"

"Your wishes will be heard. Because you have the ability of 'Gold'."

"I understand. I'll do my best."

Rose nodded, taking her instructions.

"Eh! Really, Miss Miraiya?! She has 'Gold' ability?!"

Suzu couldn't help but let out a voice of surprise.

"Yes, it's true. Rose can use the 'Gold' ability just like you. Please get along well and work together."

"Understood!"

Miraiya answered with a smile.

"Now then, Darga, please go ahead."

Miraiya motioned for Darga to come forward.

"Um, this is Captain Darga. From now on, we will move according to my instructions."

Darga looked at Rose, who looked like she didn't know what to do. Darga lowered his body to meet Rose's eyes.

"Miss Rose, since we are going on a military mission from now on, please call me Captain. Also, I will continue to call you by your name. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I do."

"I know it will be hard for you, who have never had any military training, but I ask you to follow my instructions and fulfill your role."

"Yes, Sir."

"Okay. Just think of it as usual. Okay?"

Darga speaks in a gentle voice and understands Rose's anxiety. Darga smiled and patted her on the head.

"Yes, Sir."

When Rose answered, Darga stood up and nodded to Miraiya.

“Miss Miraiya, please.”

Darga stepped back. Miraiya stepped in front of them again and held her hand up, emitting a red light. Rose stares at her, wondering what she's doing.

"I called for some allies. They'll be here soon."

Miraiya noticed Rose's gaze, and she said with a laugh. A few minutes later, four large birds appeared from the sky. Is it a thunderbird? , Rose thought, but she was wrong. It was a large hawk-like bird with a brighter color than a thunderbird. The bird at the front is large and brightly colored brown, green, and red. It was a strange bird. When the bird landed at the port, people around it panicked and fled. It was a huge bird, thought Rose.

"It's been a while, Miraiya."

The bird spoke. Rose looked at the bird and blinked.

"Yeah, same as always, Jatayu."

"Hahaha, how are you doing? That cute black cat over there is staring at me as prey."

A bird called Jatayu saw Miraiya and Rinka and spoke to them.

"Hahaha, I'll listen to your advances again later. I don't have time right now. Please take me to the capital area right away."

"Okay, let's ride, Miraiya."

"Thank you."

Miraiya and Rinka rode on the back of a bird called Jatayu. Rinka sat in front of Miraiya.

"Darga, leave Moi where the medical team is waiting and join us. Moi, find out what you can do and do it. Please be very careful. The rest of you, go with me."

"Understood!"

Darga carried Moi on the back of one of Jatayu's men, and he sat behind Moi. They took off first and Moi closed her eyes in fear.

Rose was held in Yanagi's arms and made to sit like Moi. Suzu and Kagemaru are doing the same. And the birds took flight. The capital is located northeast of Ecoria, so traveling by air will take a while.

"Are you okay, Rose?"

Yanagi called out to her.

"Which one did you mean? Ride a bird or go to war?"

"Both."

"To tell you the truth, all of them are scary."

When Rose answered honestly, Yanagi smiled.

"I see. Hold on tight so you don't fall."

"Yeah."

"I'm scared of war, too. No matter how much training I've had, killing each other still doesn't feel very good."

Yanagi said kindly.

"Um, I see."

"Besides, I'm actually against Rose going to the battlefield. But I don't have the authority to object."

"Oh..."

"But if we don't do what we need to do now, many more people will die. If that happens, the world we will live in will be shrouded in darkness. I don't like that. Well... I'm a warrior, so this is my duty, but Rose isn't a warrior or anything."

"Yeah."

Rose nodded.

"I never imagined that I would go to the front lines with Rose. I'm still confused as to why it happened."

Yanagi was still not satisfied with Rose going to the battlefield.

"I still don't know how to protect you. I've never provided support or assistance."

"I believe in you, Rose."

That's not an answer, Rose thought.

"Hmm. Brother, please don't die."

"Rose, too. Please don't die."

"Mr. Darga will protect me, so it's probably okay..."

"Rose will protect me, so it's okay."

"..."

"It hasn't even been a year since you woke up from a long sleep, and now you are going to the battlefield..."

"I don't know why I was born into this world. Sometimes I think that's unfair."

"I don't know either...However, I think it's a good thing that Rose was born here."

Rose tilts her head at Yanagi's words.

"Why?"

"Because you filled the hole in my heart. You came to this world for me."

"Hmm, I think you say some pretty crazy things."

Rose smiled bitterly and said to Yanagi.

"Hahaha, I see. I'm a mess. When it comes to you, I might be a lunatic. Well, I am. Or not?"

"No. I know you are like that. That's why I'm worried."

"Are you worried about me?"

"Isn't it obvious? Please think about my feelings as a younger sister who has a lunatic older brother. Besides, there were always scary things written in each letter you sent me."

“Those are my lines. I learned from Miraiya that you blew up her mansion, fought with thugs, and were almost eaten by wolves the other day. Whenever I read her letter, I feel like I can’t get food down my throat. You know? I'm so worried, freakly worried about you..."

"Ugh, I'm sorry for worrying you. But how do I send you the letter? You are always moving, right?"

"Well, when I say a letter, it's a letter, but slightly in a different form. You know, that person can use magic to send me letters. As a reward for sending information, she told me all about you. She's a nice person."

Yanagi said with a laugh.

"Hmm, I was troubled by the content of the Teacher's letter. But that magic is useful. I have to learn it next time..."

"That's right. I want to read Rose's cute letters, too."

"Um, I'm not good at handwriting."

"Hahaha. You need more practice. By the way, Rose, after this war is over, let's go somewhere. Maybe we can hunt some S-class beasts together."

"Yeah."

Rose nodded. She thought it would be fun to hunt an S-class beast.

"Now that you mention it, you've grown taller."

"Yeah, just a little bit."

"I wonder if you’ll be the same as Moi eventually."

"Hmm, I don't know."

"But if you get to the same height as Moi, I won’t be able to put you on my arm."

"That's right. Hmm, if I grow as big as Moi, I may not be able to hear your heartbeat."

"I'll let you hear my heartbeat anytime, for hours. If that's what you want, Rose."

"Yeah. Well, I have to protect you after all. I'll do my best."

"Thank you, Rose."

Yanagi smiled. After all, he thought, Rose was adorable.

"By the way, Brother, what is the ability of 'Gold'?"

"I don’t know either, sorry, I’m not an expert."

"Oh."

"But if you think about me the same way I feel about you, I think it will work."

"Like that time?"

"Yeah."

"I've kind of figured it out."

"I think you can tell by looking at Suzu, I've heard that her abilities are amazing."

"Okay."

"You should be able to see the capital soon."

"Yeah. Brother, don't be reckless."

"Yeah."

"..."

"Let's do our best to live."

"Yeah."

With Miraiya's signal, Rose and the others' conversation was interrupted and ended. This is because it becomes a place where lives are exchanged.

Rose and the others landed on a hill overlooking the capital. The city can be seen from there, where they can see the palace and the Dragon God's temple. Black smoke is rising everywhere. Countless Morg soldiers, weapons, and bodies of regular army soldiers can be seen here and there. Rose knew in an instant that it was a scary situation. Two generals and a large number of soldiers were killed in the last battle. The remaining generals and their soldiers have retreated and, together with the volunteer army, are preparing for an operation to retake the capital. By the way, the forces from Aotake Village are already waiting at their posts. They are moving fast.

But how do they get in touch? There are no phones, no cell phones, no internet in this world, Rose thought as she tilted her head to the side.

Rose looked down at the city and noticed it was protected by a mysterious barrier in the Dragon God's temple. The Morg soldiers can be seen surrounding the temple. Once again, Rose was grateful for her amazing eyesight. She can see clearly from far away.

However, she had doubts. Where did the Morgs come from? If you don't know where it's coming from, there's no chance that it will reappear from somewhere even if you clean it. Moreover, even though the area is supposed to have the tightest security of any area, the enemies came. It's abnormal to be able to enter the capital without being noticed.

The area where the capital is located is almost in the middle of the country. Surrounded by seven regions, no place is in direct contact with the Kingdom of Morg. It means, that from the Kingdom of Morg to the capital, they must pass through somewhere. However, the fact that there are no witnesses is the first problem that needs to be resolved.

Since there have been no reports of intrusions from other territories, it can be concluded that the attack on the capital was a success. Either there was betrayal, or it was summoning magic. However, looking at the number of enemies, Rose can't imagine how many magic stones are needed for summoning.

In that case, it might have come some other way.

And there was another question. Despite the scale of the attack, not many people could escape. Rose only saw a few people who appeared to be refugees. In her previous life, she often watched the news on TV, and when a town was bombed, many people tried to flee. Naturally, people want to ensure their safety, even if their life is on the line. But this time it's different. Something is wrong.

"What are you thinking, Rose?"

Yanagi looked at Rose, who was suddenly silent and deep in thought, and called out to her.

"Hmm. First of all, one of the questions is where did the enemy come from? Where did they appear in the capital? It's hard to think that they came by summoning."

Rose said as she watched the enemy's movements.

"According to information, the enemy has descended from above."

Kagemaru came next to Yanagi. Suzu is behind him.

"Up there? Then, there's a good chance they'll ride on a vehicle and attack."

"What kind of vehicle is it? Is it like a big flying bird? There have been no reports of it being observed."

At Kagemaru's words, Rose tilted her head to the side.

"Is there a possibility of betrayal?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Hmm."

Rose stares at the sky again. There were many clouds in the sky and a large cloud over the city.

"Are those clouds rain clouds?"

"I wonder..."

Yanagi is looking up at the sky and tilting his head.

"If we clear away that cloud, maybe we can figure something out."

"Are you saying there's something hidden in those clouds?"

Suzu asked after hearing the conversation.

"That's a possibility. Because I read in a textbook somewhere that the Morgs aren't that good at magic. If that's the case, they have no choice but to attack here with something other than magic."

"I see. It's possible."

Kagemaru nodded as well.

"And too few people are running away. This brings me to the second question. Either they were all killed, or..."

"I thought they were turned into magic stones."

Miraiya also joined Rose's conversation.

"Yes, there's a big possibility. Maybe there's some sort of invisible wall, or barrier, or the ground itself has become a big magic circle to keep them from escaping, I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but... I have a feeling that if we rush in without thinking once the operation begins, our strength will probably decrease all at once."

"Why do you think so?"

"Because even though those Morg soldiers are surrounded like this, they still seem relaxed. Normally, I think they would be nervous and prepared to shoot."

While saying this, Rose looked at the city occupied by the Morgs. Indeed, Miraiya thought.

"Ah, this is my theory, so don't take it too seriously. I've never been to a war, so I know nothing about tactics. I'm sorry for sounding pretentious."

"No, your valuable opinion was helpful. Thank you, Rose."

Darga joined them before they knew it. He left Moi safe, Rose thought.

"So, up, huh? Do you want to go up for a while, Rinka?"

"Okay."

When Miraiya said this to Rinka, she also nodded. The two quickly climbed onto Jatayu's back and set off.

“Suzu, let everyone stand by and don’t move yet!”

"Understood!"

Suzu nodded at Darga's command. Jatayu circled that big cloud and checked it out. On the ground, Suzu took the mirror from her waist and sat down on the ground. Then, by magic, the mirror floated and various objects appeared in front of Rose, like a monitor.

"I announce this to all the imperial army, volunteer troops, and people of Aotake Village. Suzu, by the imperial order of Lord Dargodas and the oracle of the Dragon God, I am here to take command of this operation to retake the capital. Do my instructions and act accordingly."

A dignified voice was speaking directly to her head from somewhere. Rose stares at Suzu without blinking, wondering if this is the ability of 'Gold'.

"If your name is called, please respond and I will link you."

Suzu calls out the names of the captains of each unit one after another.

"...Rose..."

"Oh, yes!"

When Rose was called and answered, she felt a strange sensation. Is this called a 'link'? When Rose saw her face reflected in the mirror on Suzu's hand, she was surprised. Suzu linked to the captains, special forces, Miraiya, Rinka, Kagemaru, and Yanagi one after another.

After reading everything out loud, Suzu ordered everyone to stand by. Miraiya raised a wind from above and blew away a large cloud. What appeared there were five large airships.

(What is that?)

She could hear Miraiya's muttered voice in her head.

"It's airships."

When Rose replies, the conversation is connected by Suzu's mirror.

"Rose, what is an airship?"

Suzu asked.

"It's a vehicle that flies in the sky. It could be powered by machinery or magic, but this type is large enough as a troops carrier."

"I see, that's how they secretly brought in soldiers and attacked."

"Yes. It's probably equipped with an interceptor weapon, so please be careful."

"Understood. So, how do we defeat this?"

"Since it's a vehicle, its magic defense is probably high. So, physical attacks are the only way to survive. Generally speaking, the weak points of airships are the spinning propellers, the tail, or... um well, can you see the wings shaped like a tail?"

"Propeller? Tail?"

Suzu asked again.

"That thing that spins around. It's called a propeller."

"Oh, I see."

"The tail wing is the pointed wing at the very back. It looks like a tail, right?"

"Yeah, I understand. Thank you, Rose."

Suzu thinks for a while after hearing Rose's answer.

(Try shooting it down, Miraiya)

Rose heard Rinka's voice.

(Aye. Then prepare for a counterattack, Jatayu, Rinka. Let's go!)

Miraiya chanted a spell and shot attack magic towards the airship. Then, the airship absorbed the magic attack and suddenly counterattacked like a tremendous laser beam.

(Oops!)

Looks like Jatayu did a good job of avoiding it.

"Fly above the airship!"

Rose shouted and Jatayu understood. He also flew his airship higher.

(Magic is no good)

(I can hit it with physical attacks, but I may just cut off that tail, right? Rose)

Rose answered "Yes" to Rinka's question. Then, Rinka jumps off and she lands on top of the airship, running at great speed towards the tail of the airship. Then, in a quick movement, she hit its tail and slashed!

There was an explosion sound from the airship, and red flames and black smoke came out from the cut area. The airship loses its balance and falls toward the ground. Rinka also lost her footing and fell. However, Miraiya quickly took Rinka's hand and placed her on her back. What a brilliant collaboration.

(Good! Let's drop everything at this rate!)

The moment Miraiya said that a counterattack came out from the airship.

It's an interception system.

(Barrier!)

Miraiya chants a spell and withstands one attack after another.

Rose and others on the ground witnessed the moment the airship fell. Surprised by the airship that crashed into the middle of the city with a loud explosion, the Morg soldiers ran to evacuate. The engulfed houses and the airship are engulfed in flames and are burning.

"Yanagi, your little sister is amazing."

Kagemaru said to Yanagi.

"Hahaha. See? She's my proud little sister."

"Once this operation to recapture the capital is over, I recommend you brothers to the Black Ops. I will put your sister in, even if she has not been identified."

"I refuse. After this is over, we are planning to hunt S-class beasts."

"Well, you can take your time and think about it."

"..."

"Well, I guess it's time to move."

"Roger that."

Yanagi and Kagemaru are preparing to enter the town. There are still magic circles that generate magic stones set up all over the place. Rose suddenly grabbed Yanagi's leg, thinking that it was still dangerous.

"No, don't go now."

"Is that because of those magic circles?"

"Um, yes."

Yanagi knelt and looked Rose in the eye.

"It's okay, we can avoid it."

Still, Rose felt uneasy and burst into tears. Darga tried to move, but he was stopped by Suzu. Kagemaru was near Yanagi, looking at Rose and gently stroking her hair.

"Rose, it's okay. Your brother and I are both strong. We have the skill of destroying magic circles. So it's okay."

Kagemaru said and Yanagi nodded.

"Ah, it's true. Besides, Rose will support us from now on, so we'll be fine."

"Really? Can you avoid those magic circles?"

"Yeah. Believe in us. We believe in Rose too!"

Rose felt that her great anxiety had somehow diminished. Yanagi wiped Rose's tears with his hand. "Don't cry anymore," Yanagi said with a smile.

"Kagemaru, please take care of my brother."

"Leave it to me! Well then, Rose, please protect my pair, too!"

"Um, yes."

Kagemaru and Yanagi put their fists in front of Rose. Rose also put out her fist. The two of them touched Rose's small fist.

"We're a team. So, let's go!"

"Yes!"

Rose nodded.

"I'll go, Rose."

Yanagi caressed Rose's face and kissed her head.

"Please be safe, brother."

Rose waved to Yanagi, wiping her tears with her sleeve. Yanagi stood up and nodded.

"Now then, Yanagi. Let's clean up the palace quickly."

"Yeah."

It was a conversation between the two filled with bloodlust. Kagemaru and Yanagi turned around and headed towards the capital without hesitation. Their war has already begun.