Vol. 3 CH. 6 - A savior of tainted black

 

PART #1

 

Kuro had been invited in the meeting room. That was, after receiving a call from Niya, that Queen Isabella was asking for help and that she wanted to ask if it was possible for Kuro and his men to help them in their current predicament.

 

The current meeting room had Kuro present. Alongside the previous members, Mikoto had arrived as well.

 

"Err.... High Commander Kuro-san, I've already contacted Arianne-sama just in case but I already received a favorable reply. I just want to know what you think about it now"

 

Mikoto went back to Mordred. That was to get in contact with Arianne and told her about their current situation. The matter of the attack the other night was also relayed so in request for additional support, Arianne was willing to send more troops.

 

Mikoto then came back to tell Kuro about this but she overhead Niya asking in Mordred to link her [Comms link] to Kuro. After that, she immediately flew back on a tamed wyvern she got from Ambrosia during the battle against the 9th Demon Lord.

 

"......."

 

With his eyes closed, Kuro silently breathes out. Then as he opened his eyes, he glanced at the nobles who were currently inside the meeting room.

 

Kuro was already briefed with the previous discussion so all he needs to do was to decided whether to accept it or not.

 

"May I ask why you are not going to used your own troops for this? There is also the Adventurer's guild that can help you thin out the monster hoards"

 

"Unfortunately, we lack enough troops to deploy at the moment. Even relying on the Adventurer's guild in the city, is impossible since as I've said before, most of the high rank adventurers are in the neighboring Dukedom"

 

Queen Isabella answered back honestly. It was unsure yet whether they might get a favorable response from the Dukedom's Adventurers guild but she didn't like to hope in a response that would either be positive or negative right now.

 

Gaius hasn't left since, he would like to ask Kuro to drop him off near the rehabilitation facility they made where the commoners abused by Taiga and his party as well as the nobles, were currently staying along with their families. It was still too far from the capital so he would need an airship to arrive there as soon as possible.

 

Queen Isabella and her consorts were waiting for a positive reply.

 

"Then, wouldn't asking for the other heroes for help be more easier? After all, they were summoned in this country"

 

That was indeed more reliable than asking for Kuro and his men for help. After all, this was the country where Kyoushiro was treated like a criminal then thrown away to the wasteland just to let him die there.

 

There was no need for Kuro to accept such request for help. Even if it was Queen Arianne that ordered him to, Kuro would still refuse as he has such huge respect for Kyoushiro. My enemy is my master's enemy. That's just how loyal Kuro was to Kyoushiro.

 

"The heroes and the countries that have welcomed them doesn't want to help at all. They did not want their own heroes to risk their lives for this one since monsters are running rampant everywhere"

 

"Hmph, so those guys are finally showing their true colors. It was right for his Majesty to hate those guys"

 

Kuro scoffed. He couldn't help it. Those heroes that were summoned in Travestin, were once treated more amicably and warmly than Kyoushiro himself. In exchange for that warm hospitality, Travestin received their ingratitude for refusing their request for help.

 

Because the only hero in Travestin, was currently in the domain of the 1st Demon Lord.

 

"Kuro-sama, the ones that treated Kyoushiro-sama horribly will be paying their crimes now in the dungeon. If this ease your anger towards Travestin the—"

 

"Lucinda-sama"

 

Kuro heard that the ones responsible for creating this situation was thrown in the dungeon. Because their ineptitude and greed, the whole kingdom was suffering from all kinds of crisis.

 

But this and that were different.

 

"I swore my life to serve Kagami-sama. In exchange for giving me a name, I pledge my whole being to only serve him as a knight"

 

"......"

 

"Those who stole my master's items, I wish to have them give back what they stole and receive punishment"

 

"......."

 

"That includes, this country's hero, Taiga Kurosawa"

 

Every hero except for Inomiri-sensei got an item from Kyoushiro. Either they were higher grade weapons and armors or even the lowest grade of potion.

 

Kuro wanted them back. In exchange for the title, the weapons, the armors and even the current life he has right now, Kuro wished to bring back what the others stole from Kyoushiro.

 

That means the two swords.... Dawn and Dusk.

 

Hearing this Queen Isabella lost hope. Although not that much, it was already impossible to give back everything that was stolen. King Verdik sighs to the side. He knows what Kuro means but right now, it was impossible to give everything back.

 

The other nobles, couldn't stand such insolent requests anymore and angrily shout at Kuro.

 

"That is enough!! Can you not see we cannot comply with such request?!"

 

"We are asking for help to you spawns of the Demon God, even so much as lowering our heads!! Don't ask for the impossible!!"

 

"The Royal Adviser is now arrested for his crimes against that hero of yours!! What more can you ask of us!?"

 

"Do you hear yourself talking?! If you want everything back then do that later when Taiga Kurosawa comes back!!"

 

It was only normal. Kuro was asking for something they can't provide right now. Even more so, they were lowering their heads to the people they have always been treated as Demon Spawns, people that weren't accepted as human nor any other member of their own race.

 

The impudence Kuro was showing was making the other nobles shake in anger.

 

"That's enough...."

 

Queen Isabella intervened before the comments got more heated.

 

"We will consider your conditions. However, as Taiga Kurosawa is still a hero that is meant to protect this kingdom, I can't be too lenient in accepting too request for punishment"

 

"Very well. So long as you promised this, Ambrosia will cooperate"

 

Kuro stood up. The loud sound his chair made as he pushed it back echoed loudly in everyone's room. Kuro then turned towards Lucinda before lowering his head.

 

"I will do as the first lady of the Black King's wishes. Please leave everything to my men, your Highness"

 

"......."

 

Out of everyone in this room, Lucinda and Mikoto has the highest position. That was because they were recognized as the wives of the Black King, Kyoushiro Kagami.

 

Everyone else was speechless because of that. Since right in front of Kuro were the King and Queen of Travestin. Anyone would lower their heads before those two.

 

But Kuro was serving the only person in this world that was hated. Just like him in the past....

 

Kuro then raised his head and pulled out his own [Comms Link] and contacted the Captain inside Mordred.

 

"Captain, please everyone know we will be hunting monsters all over the country and will provide transport and communication aid to the Kingdom of Travestin"

 

"[Roger that. Mordred will be landing shortly]"

 

*Ratatatatata.....* The windows within the room rattled violently. A sharp piercing sound of exhaust rang outside. A huge shadow overcast the castle and the battleship Mordred, who was hovering just behind the castle could be seen moving just outside the walls of the city.

 

The was Mordred. A huge battlefield that had more or less has the same appearance as a normal battleship would on earth. However, unlike it's counterparts on earth, this own was has smaller in comparison. The only reason why it looked huge was the stacks above and the large cannons both in front and back.

 

Kuro put back his [Comms link] in his front chest pocket and spoke once more.

 

"We have more or less understood the current situation. Please gather your troops and meet us outside the city"

 

As if that was the last words for everyone, Kuro quietly left the meeting room.

 

King Verdik sighed as he walked towards the window and took a look outside. He was greatly shaken. Because such thing was created by the same person he banished out of his kingdom. There was a perplexed expression on his face but nevertheless, he was thankful for this help.

 

King Verdik then turned back and faced everyone who was left in the meeting room.

 

"Begin the preparation immediately. We now an ally on our side"

 

As soon as this was said, Gaius and the other nobles left their seats in a hurry and rushed out of the room. It was obvious that they were flustered after they saw that large shadow. Queen Isabella wore a bitter smile as she held her daughter's hand.

 

"Your husband has some loyal servants"

 

"Yes....."

 

Lucinda answered weakly. She knew how great Kyoushiro was however the people following him were different. Because she only chased after Kyoushiro during the invasion of the 9th Demon Lord, she didn't have much closeness to the people of Ambrosia. Her relationship with Arianne was that of Queens from respective kingdoms so she knew that her only connection to Kyoushiro was her being his first wife.

 

It was frustrating. Lucinda was only a 'wife' to Kyoushiro in front of those who serve him.

 

She has no official standing unlike Arianne in the Black Army.

 

—I hope..... Kyoushiro-sama's feelings for me are.....—

 

Lucinda pursed her lips. She couldn't say what she was ted to say. Because she knows for herself, Kyoushiro was only using her......

 

 

 

———

 

 

Things were starting to progress well after Kyoushiro left. There were no more further incidents like the one in the monster house.

 

It was strange, considering that it only happened quite recently. The heroes got trapped in a dungeon trap and was rescued by the only hero who didn't have any class.

 

The rage when the news circulated was fierce. Everyone denounced the name of Kyoushiro Kagami. His very name was treated like it was taboo in the city and everyone who says his name would spit on the ground in sour mood.

 

"Because Kyoushiro Kagami was a criminal. He was the enemy of the heroes and the enemy of the people.

 

"It seems that, no one would ever see Kyoushiro-sama as a hero anymore...."

 

"Unfortunately, that is the case, Lucinda-sama"

 

Lucinda was gazing outside the window. She was caressing her navel as she looked at the sky where Kyoushiro had departed. Two weeks had passed since then. Two weeks since they made love under the moonlight and in the sunrise morn.

 

Lucinda had just found out her condition. Since, ever since Kyoushiro left, her body was behaving rather poorly. Just in case, she consulted the royal family's physician and confirmed her condition.

 

She was two weeks pregnant.

 

That night of hot passion and sweet exchange of kisses, ended up in Lucinda being pregnant.

 

She didn't hate it. Lucinda was happy to hear that she was pregnant. Because this was the proof that she received the love of the person she fell for honestly and without lies.

 

"Lucinda-sama, a letter came for you"

 

"Please put over my table. I will read it later"

 

"As you wish"

 

The maid who came and deliver the letter immediately left the moment she finished he job. The only maid that was in Lucinda's room was one of the staffs that rotating to take care of Lucinda.

 

Everyday, there was a different maid so it didn't feel much difference to Lucinda.

 

"......"

 

The room was quiet. The maid was silently standing next to the wall, waiting for Lucinda's order. Lucinda sat next of her table and took the envelope containing the letter and opened it.

 

This was Gaius's report about the behavior of the heroes. The task that Kyoushiro left her to do.

 

—I need to report this to Kyoushiro-sama—

 

Lucinda immediately called Kyoushiro. The magic earrings and ring were a gift from Kyoushiro so that she could contact him anytime she wants. Aside from the lover's ring in her left ring finger, these two magic artifacts have great use.

 

"Fuu....."

 

Lucinda was done reporting.

 

"Umm.... can you bring me some tea please?"

 

"As you wish. Please wait for a moment"

 

The maid immediately left the room as soon as Lucinda gave an order. When she finally confirmed that the maid left, Lucinda burned the letter until nothing was left.

 

That was just the usual reports on Taiga. There were no other reports coming in about the other heroes.

 

Lucinda sighed once more. The sent of burnt paper, Lucinda quickly opened the windows and used wind magic to get rid of the burned smell.

 

Then when the maid came with tray of hot tea, Lucinda put on her smile and enjoyed an afternoon tea.

 

It tasted.....nothing.

 

 

Then came three months. The heroes ended their training and were then sent to different countries to lend their aid. Although it was unnoticeable, Lucinda's belly had a slight bump.

 

Like everyday, it was lonely. She would work in the affairs of the kingdom at from morning till the afternoon, the helped her father sort out the issues the citizens has.

 

Because of Taiga's recent activities in the city, there were store owners, parents and merchants coming to the castle to complain about the hero's behavior.

 

—How.... dull—

 

Lucinda listened to this everyday. She sometimes call Kyoushiro to relieve her heart from stress. There were was one time she couldn't help herself but pleasure herself.

 

—I miss him.....—

 

But it was still wasn't enough.....

 

—I miss Kyoushiro-sama—

 

Lucinda's chest felt heavier and heavier as this sentence ran across her mind. The whole time she couldn't see the man she loves, Lucinda felt nothing else anymore.

 

Everyday was dull. Now that Mikoto and Minami were gone from the castle. She would spend sometimes with those two to play around and talk about Kyoushiro when they were still in the castle but.....

 

The longer the days went, the more the color in Lucinda's world decayed....

 

Then came the day where there was an announcement where a new kingdom had been formed in the wasteland. A Queen from that place would come to the 8 Royals Council to formally announced the birth of their new Kingdom.

 

Ambrosia. It was the place where an old nation had perished because of a Demon Lord. Unexpectedly. it was also the place where Kyoushiro was sent.

 

—Ah.... so that's the one father meant that he wouldn't let anyone hurt him anymore—

 

A woman with purple hair and a mature body. She wore a dressed for the occasion. A simple red velvety, frilly tube dress.

 

That was the person which was tasked to look after Kyoushiro no matter what happened. She was none other that King Verdik's direct subordinate.

 

The soon to queen, Arianne Aurolius....

 

"It has been a while King Verdik"

 

"Indeed it has"

 

The two exchange greetings, like former employer and employee sort of way. Lucinda showed a courteous bow towards Arianne.

 

Thus after that, Ambrosia was acknowledged was another nation willing to be allied to Traverstin and other remaining countries in the world.

 

Then after many days later, news about Kyoushiro suddenly went missing reached Lucinda's ears. Soon later, she met with Kyoushiro and spent warm and loving days with him.....

 

 

 

 

PART #2

 

Mordred sent 15 small ships for the sake of dividing the areas the whole unit that Kuro brought, to take back from the monsters.

 

The small ships were identical. In appearance, they were like small fishing boats on earth. The only difference was that it didn't have any sails and didn't have and rudders.

 

The ship had thrusters on the side with one small magic cannon in front. The passenger area was enough or five people, including the driver, to enter.

 

However, being only small, the magic furnace inside that burns that magic stones to power the ship were small. Because of that, it has low power output compared to Mordred.

 

Though that said, the person who designed and made the ships wasn't such pushover.

 

The small ships had additional features. Like air-conditioning function, food preserving function and navigation function that doubles as a radar and a sonar. Using that, the aboard the small ship could easily detect incoming enemies and projectile from all sides of the small boat.

 

Kyoushiro went allout in making such things. Some of the assistants that helped him saw him as a bit of a lunatic with a hint of genius.

 

In any case, it was as usable as it should be.

 

"I will lend you one ship, Zeios-dono. One of my troops will be driving for you so rest assured"

 

"T-Thank you"

 

Gaius didn't know what to say. In front of him was a smaller vessel of Mordred but it didn't lost it's glamour against Mordred. It was painted black with a flower crested on its black flag.

 

What's more, the small cannon itself was shiny and was reflecting the light from the sun.

 

Gaius already thanked Kuro for lending him a ship but seeing all 15 of them lined out just outside the city was truly jaw dropping.

 

If this were mass produced, wouldn't Ambrosia be the most powerful country currently?

 

Gaius was worried that such power only belongs to a single nation. It was kind of amazing to think that the person that saved his life was capable of creating such amazing ship.

 

Moreover, the added weaponry as well. Gaius couldn't hide his awe.

 

"You can leave everything to us. Just ask my subordinate if you wish to relay something to your Queen. We'll pass on the message"

 

"I'm grateful"

 

"Hmph" Kuro scoffed while wearing a confident grin on his face. Gaius just smiled wryly before boarding the small ship with his three other companions.

 

As soon as the small ship floats into the sky, it's thrusters immediately bursts and pushed the ship to it's destination.

 

Kuro nods and turned his head to the rest of his army.

 

"Listen well! Out mission is to search and destroy monsters that have invaded human settlements! Wherever they are, our mission to find and kill and each and everyone of them! Don't mind the materials! We'll have the worker golems collect them when we're done!!"

 

"Oooouuu!!!!" The small army shouted with wide smiles on their faces. The energy of their shouts echoed even inside the city.

 

"Alright! Do your job and make our kingdom proud!!"

 

With that as the signal, everyone split into groups of five. The 15 small ships rose into the skies and flew into different directions. Kuro watched the whole thing with brave expectant eyes.

 

This will make the kingdom of Ambrosia known to everyone in Travestin. Not only that, it will show this miserable country how wrong they were to push away Kyoushiro Kagami.

 

His might and knowledge, only Ambrosia were making use of it.

 

"You look like you're having fun there commander"

 

Nero arrives while holding his spear on his shoulder.

 

"Why wouldn't I be? This will let this foolish country see how wrong they were to chase away a real hero"

 

"Heh, it was their idiotic choice to begin with. Well, our own little settlement grew because of it. Now, that ruined city is a flourishing paradise that's also the most safest place in the world right now"

 

Nero agreed with Kuro. As two kids growing up in a harsh world that rejects their color, being in a place where those types of humans were asking for their help was uplifting.

 

It gave them confidence that they could change the world thanks to the help of their King.

 

All of this was possible, thanks to him.

 

"So our Job's still the same?"

 

"Guard Princess Lucinda and make sure nothing happens to her. If you find anything suspicious activities going on, destroy it"

 

"You're more thorough than before"

 

"Well, we can't let the first wife be endangered under our watch now can we?"

 

"I suppose you're right"

 

Nero shrugged his shoulders then made a stifled yawn as he turned back to the city.

 

Kuro ignores Nero's lazy gestures before boarding Mordred. They still need to do something. Since they already got the permission to do so, Kuro would like to begin the preparations.

 

A small base for Mordred to land and resupply. If things go south, Kuro's whole army would need a place to rest regardless of what might happen in the future.

 

This time, they'll be getting back the honor of their king. In exchange for the amazing gifts Kyoushiro had given them, Kuro wanted to help him get back his honor.

 

So that he won't need to stay in the wasteland because he was a criminal, Kuro will show Travestin how truly stupid their decision was.

 

Yes. This wasn't just for protecting Lucinda, but for gifting the person who helped the people of the wasteland for everything he had given them.

 

There won't be any failures.

 

For the Black King and hero.

 

For their saviour, Kyoushiro Kagami.

 

"Captain, let's visit the land given to us by the Queen of Travestin"

 

After contacting the bridge, Mordred pulled back it's descending platform back and flew up. With the power of the magic furnaces inside, Mordred slowly advanced to the small land he acquired for the sake of having a base in Travestin.

 

The ever so blue sky, there was a tainted black saviour plowing through the white clouds.....

 

 

 

 

———

 

 

No one in the city expected this to happen. The castle gates were open and there, rations were being handed out for free.

 

Although after all the struggles the citizens went through the turbulent times, this was the first time that the Castle gates were open to them.

 

Men and women, young or old, everyone were given as much food and supplies as possible.

 

The soldiers that kept them from ever entering the castle gates were personally handing out soup in feeding stations. What's more, the supplies the castle were giving were at least two boxes per person.

 

It was so much that the citizens thought that kingdom itself was being sold to another country.

 

Drought had hit most farms and monsters destroyed every farmland there was. Taxes rose in times of their need and the hero that should have protect them wasn't there to help them.

 

But there was indeed a saviour that came. The Queen herself asked for that person's help in order to help the kingdom.

 

The king of Travestin received help and aid from none other than the same Demon spawn they shunned.

 

A hero once named as Kyoushiro Kagami.

 

Under this name, Lucinda Aluferd Travestin, his first wife, declared an unofficial peace treaty with Ambrosia. A country lead by none other than Ariannne Aurolius, a former surviving member of the Royal family that once ruled over the wasteland as a prosperous nation.

 

Now, under the protection of Kyoushiro Kagami, it grew strong and flew self-sufficient.

 

The hero Mikoto Aizawa then also said this:

 

"This aid came from Ambrosia! From the people you call as Demon Spawns. They grew and farmed the rations you will be receiving. If you have any ounce of gratitude, I say do yourself a favor and forget the prejudice between the people born with black hair and eyes!"

 

This was said on a podium where everyone of the citizens, noble or not, to listen.

 

Then just like that, the city slowly got it's colors back. The empty streets were filled with people once more. The starving citizens were smiling once more and children were happily playing outside.

 

This was energy that was once filled the streets of the castle city. Where more than 4 million people lives.

 

Every single one of them, whether they were rich or poor, they were given equally with the supplies from Ambrosia.

 

And watching all that, Queen Isabelle and Princess Lucinda stood behind the window overlooking the grand line of people.

 

"I did not imagine that Ship was storing so many supplies. This much to feed an entire city of 4 million people? My, your husband is quite the person"

 

"Mother.... this was a direct aid from Queen Arianne. Mikoto-sama was the one that asked for her help"

 

"I know that but, I still can't believe that a single hero could make such things"

 

A large battleship that can send out smaller ships to move across the country. Large amount of supplies, containing all the necessities need for a family to survive for two weeks. Even the worker golems who finished repairing the walls were currently busy working inside the castle as temporary staffs.

 

There was even those large bulky Magic Iron Knights, that appears once in a while to patrol around the castle.

 

Queen Isabelle was surprised that one hero was capable to such things. Out of everyone else, she accepted that only Kyoushiro Kagami was a real hero.

 

Lucinda smiles proudly while watching the people outside. This only happened because of Kyoushiro, if it not for him reviving a dead country, this scene before her eyes wouldn't have happen.

 

"Kyoushiro-sama always do things in excess. I was told by that by Mikoto-sama once"

 

"I see.... so he prepared many contingency plans just in case it was needed huh? What a smart young lad. And this hero came from the same world as the others?"

 

"Yes.... though I was told the life Kyoushiro-sama lead in their world was different compared to the others"

 

A sad smile loomed over Lucinda's face. It was because from Kyoushiro's own words, his life there was 'hell on earth'. He had to provide for himself because of his relatives and he was working with shady people because of those relatives' debts.

 

The contrast between Kyoushiro's life in his world and this one was vastly different. Here, he had a woman like Lucinda waiting for him with their child. Mikoto supporting Lucinda from next the two and probably, Queen Arianne would be there as well.

 

In this world, everybody shuns a Demon Spawn but there were three lovely ladies waiting for Kyoushiro Kagami.

 

"But I think he is very happy right now"

 

Caressing the life inside her belly, Lucinda made a lovely expression of a wife that was loved by her husband. Her cheeks became rosy pink and her eyes were as motherly and womanly as they went.

 

She wouldn't ever deny it. Lucinda truly loves Kyoushiro.....

 

"I see...."

 

Watching her daughter make such face while thinking of the man she dearly loves, Queen Isabelle's lips loosened and a simple smile of a contented mother came out.