Bolt From The Blue

Hey, Orleya! How's it going?

Eeep?! I-I'm...um....erm...

Haha! Classic Orleya!

Haa... I guess I'm still...

Hm? Did something happen, Orleya?

He's right. You look positively gloomy.

Aldo, Miyu... That's because I am. I've got a huge problem.

That doesn't sound good. Are the ogres preparing to launch another attack?!

Oh no! Tell us everything! We'll help in whatever way we can!

Thank you, you two.

The Chaos Ogre may have been defeated, but war with the ogres still wages on.

Indeed, and a grim one at that.

For us to claim victory, this fortress will have to hold strong until the very end. And since I inherited the Battle God's Ax from Grandpapa, I now have command over all these soldiers.

It's quite the responsibility.

In order for them to recognize me as their commander...

I must do what's called the Sacred Rite of Succession.

The "Sacred Rite of Succession"? As in, a ceremony to prove your inheritance of the Battle God's Ax?

So that's what's troubling you. Such events simply can't be avoided, can they? Even the Miglance Imperial Knights have a ceremony to anoint them as knights.

Really? You've taken part in one?

Yes, many times. Before, I had always assumed it would be a tedious affair.

But the image of those knights holding up their swords and pledging oaths... I was so inspired, it's forever imprinted in my mind, even now. It's also quite good for morale. Knights risking their lives need something to believe in.

An inspiring image, huh?

Mm? Anyway, you said there was a problem with the ceremony?

Yes, it's... I have to give a speech about my beliefs in front of everyone.

Really? That sounds great! I can't wait to hear it!

Me too! You'll let us come too, right?

...... Haa... I knew you two wouldn't understand how I feel...

Wait... Are you saying that this big problem of yours is the speech?!

You'll do great, Orleya! Surely you can handle a speech now, after all you've been through?

No, I can't! I'll die of nerves before I even open my mouth! And what do I talk about? The weather? What I've been up to?

Those aren't exactly talking points for a speech...

Anyway, you've given a speech before, remember? You were impersonating Goliadus.

Don't be absurd! I can't do that again!

You don't need to overthink it. Just share your true feelings.

My true feelings?

That's easy: I hate speeches.

This is a serious issue she's got...

It's like she's gone back to how she was when I first met her.

I-I mean... Whenever I walk around the fortress, everyone always calls out to me. They're all so friendly.

Isn't that a good thing? Surely it's proof that they look up to you?

It's just, they were always so polite and respectful to my Grandpapa, but with me, it's more like...

"Hey Orleya!" Do you know what I mean?

To them, I'm just the granddaughter of a hero, nothing more.

There's no need to compare yourself to Goliadus. You're you.

I know that, but...

......

Orleya, I know that you're stressed about having to speak in front of other people. But that's not the only thing getting you down, is it?

Huh?!

Hehe. I may only have known you for a short while, but I can tell that much, at least.

Is that true, Orleya?

Yeah. Miyu can read me like a book.

You see, I don't want anyone in this fortress to die. And that's incredibly difficult. In fact, unless the whole fortress is willing to come together, it will be practically impossible. I'm fully aware of just how good an opportunity this speech is, and yet...

Ah, I see. That's what's making you so nervous.

Mhm. What if no one accepts my ideas?

They'll start heckling me, and then I'll cry in front of everyone, and I'll never be able to recover from that.

Whoa there, that's quite the pessimism there!

What I'm hearing is, you want this speech to go well?

E-Exactly...

But I'm afraid I don't have any experience with speeches.

How about you, Miyu? Can you think of anyone who'd be good at this sort of thing?

I can...

Really? Who?!

It's someone you know quite well, Aldo.

It is?

Oh! You're not talking about Miglance of all people, are you?

Miglance? Some friend of yours, Aldo?

Not exactly...

I'm not so sure about this. It might make you even more nervous than the speech itself...

I-I'll be fine!

If it helps my speech be a success, I'll do what I must and talk to this Miglance person!

All right, to Unigan!

Wow! So this is Miyu's hometown?

Aldo, your village was lovely, but this place is amazing! I can really picture royalty living here!

I mean, you're not wrong...

So why didn't Miyu come with us?

Oh, well, Miyu...

I'm sorry, but I can't go to Unigan. You'll have to go just the two of you.

I had a feeling you'd say that. But couldn't you come with us as Orleya's friend? I'm sure the king would be happy to see you.

I-I can't! I'm a just a traveling swordswoman now, nothing more!

So look after Orleya for me, okay?

No worries there.

What? Why?

W-Well um... I'm just a traveling swordswoman now, and...

Go on?

Anyway, just look after Orleya for me, will you?

Of course.

Miyu had urgent business to attend to.

Urgent business? Oh, that makes sense. I can only imagine how busy being a princesses must be.

Still, it's a shame. I was really looking forward to Miyu showing me around her hometown.

"Miyu"?

O-Orleya? Um, about that...

Anyway, where do we find this Miglance guy?

I'm right here.

Eeep?!

Pardon the intrusion. I heard a familiar name and thought I'd investigate.

No, I'm glad you're here. We were just coming to look for you, Your Majesty.

Y-Your M-M-Majesty?!

Th-Then this is M-M-Miyu's...

Yes, this is King Miglance, the ruler of this kingdom.

......

A friend of Aldo's, I presume? You appear to be acquainted with my troublesome daughter as well.

......

Huh?!

Please don't think she's being rude, Your Majesty! She's not ignoring you, she's just...

Yes, she appears to have fainted standing up.

I'm very sorry about this...

No, no, it's my fault. I'm sure most kings don't wander about town unattended. It must have been quite the shock for her. Anyway, you wanted to see me about something?

Yes. Actually...

Hmm. That is most impressive. To be giving a speech to soldiers at such a young age.

Oh, no! I-It's really no big deal, Your Majesty!

Don't be so modest. But if that's your problem, I don't think I can be of much help.

I see...

Though I do know some fundamentals of speech-giving... I'm afraid that it will take more than a few cheap tricks to make a speech that truly moves people.

Ah...

Your wish for no one to die is far more complex than simply wanting to win the war. Your men will take it in different ways. Those who are prepared to die may think you are glossing over the harsh realities of war.

Really?

Different troops act in different ways. There is no right or wrong. So giving them a common purpose, a unified will, is absolutely essential. Your speech is the best way to do that.

Th-Then, what do I put in my speech?

Well...

You know, it is quite fortuitous that we crossed paths today.

What do you mean?

Come to think of it, weren't you on your way back from visiting somewhere when we ran into you, Your Majesty?

Indeed. The Imperial Knights Chevalier Ceremony is nearly upon us. I went to inspect the various units.

What sort of ceremony is it?

It's a formal affair we hold periodically. Our knights have sworn to live a life of honor, risking their lives to help and protect the weak.

Those who have achieved great feats of merit, chevaliers, are given public recognition, via medals or promotions.

Of course, the reverse also applies. After all, one err in judgment could mean the difference between life or death for the civilians they protect.

We must therefore ensure they have a suitable disposition before climbing the ranks.

I see... But what does this ceremony have to do with us being here?

Ah, there you are.

Your Majesty, regarding the failed kidnappings... Oh? Is that you, Aldo?

Lakhesis. What's this about failed kidnappings?

There have been several beast attacks on children along Serena Coast lately.

They're going after children? How deplorable!

B-But you said they failed, right? So no children have actually been taken?

Not yet, no. So far, patrolling knights have seen the incidents and successfully prevented the kidnappings.

As soon as the beasts are spotted, they run off without fighting. We haven't been able to catch a single one.

So they could still come after the children?

The knights must prioritize the safety of the children over pursuance of the perpetrators... So are hands our tied. But those beasts are up to something, I'm sure of it. We must strike them before they strike us. It is the only way to stop them.

Lakhesis, what news is there of that particular squadron?

I have just received word that they are in position.

Hmm...

Aldo, I must ask another favor of you. Would you be willing to accompany this squadron and help subdue the beasts?

Of course. We can't leave such dangerous kidnappers on the loose!

Agreed! We need to get them before any harm comes to the children! Aldo, let's hurry!

Right!

That ax...the ideals she spoke of...

Your Majesty? Is something wrong?

No, no... I was simply reminded of tales gone by.

......

Hm? Is that them?

Are you the squadron we were told to meet up with?

Is it just me, or are we not welcome here?

It sure seems that way...

So those were the beasts going after the children?

What is it?

"D-Die"?!

What do you mean?

What are you talking about? Aren't we here to protect children from the beasts?

What did you just say?

Aldo, I thought you said this era was peaceful?

It is, more or less. But you're right to wonder. There's something strange going on here... Anyway, let's follow them. We can't leave things as they are.

Waaah! Mommy!

Stop! Let me gooo!

Please... Spare her!

Please, I'm begging you!

Are those the kidnappers?!

I have a bad feeling about this! We need to hurry!

What do you think you're doing?! They have a child hostage! How could you even THINK of attacking them!

How could you say that?!

What are you talking about?

You don't know that! What if you drove them to desperation?

Orleya's right. And that charge was far too reckless. I'm glad that they withdrew, but what if they hadn't? They could have slain your entire squadron.

You would sacrifice yourselves?

Why would you go that far? A commander's first concern should be to prevent any loss of life! If your men died under your orders...

What?

No!

Wiped out? Then the villagers...

How awful...

"Future head"? So you intend to rise through the ranks and spread this way of thinking throughout the order?

How awful...

Stop it! You don't know the first thing about Orleya!

Y-Yes, I think so... Thank you.

Thank you mister knight!

He has some nerve! Orleya, are you all right?

Orleya...

It's all right. I don't think he's right about me. But...I couldn't say anything back. His troops have high morale, and he gets results.

I couldn't tell what was just anymore.

Let's leave the thinking for later. Right now, we need to follow them.

Right...

(Why am I such a coward?) (Because of the strict way Grandpapa raised me? Could that really be all?) (And that leader... His expression, it was almost as if...)

Aaah!

Was that a scream?

Orleya, behind you!

Go, sweetheart! Run!

B-But mommy, I don't wanna leave you!

Never mind me, just go! Please! You have to live!

Huh?!

That...voice...

Is everyone all right?!

Y-Yes, somehow...

Waaah! Is it over, mommy?

I'm so sorry. If we'd escorted you back to town, then...

I...

Hm? What's wrong, Orleya?

I have to go. Can I leave these two to you?

Huh? Sure, but...

What was that about?

Curses... I can't just leave her on her own, but I need to see these two to safety first...

I'll take care of them. Go after her.

Hm? Who are you?

Argh!

Ahahahahaha!

This! Everything has gone exactly according to plan!

Bwahaha! So the mighty knights are nothing more than sniveling cowards in the face of death, eh? Before you die, consider this a final parting gift, to take with you to the underworld. We only went after the children to get to you. After hearing about your despicable squadron, and how you so blindly charge into death, we decided to lay a trap.

Any normal knight would prioritize a child's safety, and wouldn't dare chase after us. But not you. It was almost too easy! Gwahaha!

You reap what you sow, payback, for all of our kind you so mercilessly slaughtered. Your killing spree ends here!

Don't flinch. It will be over in a heartbeat.

You may not be, but I am... Even now, my hands are shaking, I can barely hold my ax, and my legs have turned to jelly. Even my voice is shaking. But... I can still fight. Even if I'm scared, even if my whole body is shaking. No one dies on my watch. That is why I fight!

You... You were with them before, weren't you? "No one dies", huh? Foolish girl. All you've done is add to the body count!

Orleya!

Sorry I'm late! I'll back you up! Let's end this!

Urgh! Wretched...humans!

You clearly have your own reasons for fighting. To you and your brethren... Please forgive me.

Are you all right?

Nope, not even a little. My heart's still pounding.

Well, you see... My parents were also murdered. Not by beasts, but...

Unlike you, I don't really remember it. But earlier, on the bridge, I heard their voices.

They were desperately trying to get me to run away. I always thought I'd run away of my own accord, but...I was wrong.

They sacrificed their lives so that I might live.

That must be how it started. Why I run from anything even remotely scary.

The man who raised me in their stead was incredibly strict. He was scary, and strong, and loud. But even he could be cowardly at times.

Even someone as strong as him had fears. And that's when I realized, there's not a single person in this world who's not afraid of death.

You've been afraid of something this whole time. And I've finally worked it out.

You're scared of being left alive without having fought for it.

No, I don't think it's as black and white as all that. Bravery and cowardice go hand in hand.

Hehe. You and me both.

Of that, I have no doubt!

Looks like you came to an understanding in the end.

Yup! And that should put an end to the kidnappings, too.

That reminds me, Aldo. How did you get here so quickly? What happened to the mother and daughter?

Oh, that? I ran into a traveling swordsman who escorted them back to the city.

You know... You really are incredible, Orleya.

H-Huh? Why makes you say that?

You made a name for yourself during the battle at the fortress, but you seemed to lack confidence afterwards. Yet now... You confronting your own weaknesses without batting an eye.

Y-You think so? I hadn't noticed...

At the very least, seeing you fight gives me courage. And I'm sure the men of the fortress feel the same.

Thank you, Aldo. I think I'm ready now, to give my all with this speech.

That's the spirit! Miyu and I will be right there, cheering you on!

All right. Let's report to King Miglance, then return to the fortress.

It's finally time! I'm so nervous for her!

Do you think she'll be all right?

She'll be fine. But you've seen that for yourself, haven't you?

Wh-What makes you say that?

......

She almost looks regal!

She does! Look at that fearless expression! So determined!

...... ......

Uh-oh. You don't think she's...

It appears so. Well, here goes.

Huh? Miyu?

Pull yourself together!

You know how important this Sacred Rite of Succession is! It's where your men acknowledge you as their new commander! So shout what you believe in at the top of your lungs, Orleya! Light a fire in their hearts!

Y-Yes, sir! Wait, what?

Well, that's new. I never thought I'd find myself doing an impression of General Goliadus, too...

You were great! And it looks like it did the trick.

Haaa... I've finally calmed down. And that voice... Thank you Miyu! Aldo!

Ahem...

I am Orleya! I inherited the Battle God's Ax from Goliadus, its previous owner... ......

She stopped? What's going on?

Orleya, you can do this!

Sorry. I guess I need to say it in my own words.

I want to tell you how I intend to fight alongside you, every one of you, in this fortress. Because you see, I'm a coward who fears death.

I'm sorry for disappointing you, but... No matter how hard I try, I will never be my grandfather. I'm ready to shoulder the responsibility of everyone's lives. But I am weak...because I am not ready to accept your deaths. I do not want anyone else here to die. So until this war is over, I swear to you, as your new commander... None shall perish.

I may not be the most dependable, but I will do everything in my power.

All I ask is that you put your faith in me!

Ngh!

Huh?

You guys...

Everyone...thank you.

Sniff... sniff... Orleya, I'm so happy for you.

......

The beasts have been taken care of, so everything should be settled now.

My people will be glad to hear it. You have my gratitude.

Y-You don't need to thank us, Your Majesty! It was nothing, really!

Your Majesty, you said before that we came at a good time. When you asked us to work together with the squadron, was that...

Yes. Reports of their antics had not gone unnoticed. But their results were undeniably impressive. We would have been forced to promote them in the upcoming ceremony. However, I heard that their captain turned it down.

No!

They had done well so far, but it was only a matter of time before they got themselves killed. I was quite worried. But it seems that your partnership gave them something to think about.

Then you knew, from the beginning...

Indeed. But you gained something from the experience as well, I trust?

Y-Yes, I learned a lot. I truly did. W-Well then, if you would exchuse me...

Aldo.

Yes?

Is she the famous general, Orleya?

How did you know?!

I would recognize that flag-bearing ax anywhere. I used to read my daughter bedtime stories when she was younger. About a general who rose to prominence in a fortress on the verge of surrender... Who led her men in its successful defense, and lost not a single soldier for the entire duration of the war... A true hero, who defied all odds, named Orleya.

"She rode into battle, wielding the Battle God's Ax, it's flag flapping in the wind. "'None shall perish!' cried the warrior. "Her bravery and resolve lit up her men's hearts like lightning, piercing the azure sky."

Haha. I guess there was never any need to worry about her.

Of course there wasn't! Orleya is the most cowardly hero in the entire world, whose name shall echo throughout the eons...

She is also the bravest hero in the world, who I have looked up to ever since I was little!

(Mom, Dad...thank you for always protecting me.)

(Mom, Dad. And Grandpapa... thank you for always protecting me.)

(I won't waste a single moment of this precious life you gave me.)

I, Orleya of Heavensbolt Fort, successor of the mighty hero Goliadus, command you! Do not die in battle! Do not throw away your lives! I will not allow it! Make sure this is forever etched in your hearts! This is a battle for life, and we must all survive until the end!

Of course she has. I'm the one who trained her, after all.

If I had told you my intentions, you would only have tried to stop me. Though...

She truly has grown up, hasn't she?

And I swear to you!

On this here Battle God's Ax! That none, absolutely NONE, shall perish!!!