A Royal Inheritance

Hmm... Which one should I pick?

Huh? If it isn't Miyu! What're you doing in a place like this?

Oh, Aldo! Perfect timing! I was trying to pick a new set of traveling clothes.

Between these clothes and those, which do you think stand out the least?

B-Between these two? They're both so frilly, I think either would stand out quite a bit. They look like clothes you'd wear to a ball.

Really?! I thought I had narrowed it down to the two least flashy choices...

Well, I think this outfit has less decorations and seems a little more plain.

Wouldn't the castle guards spot me right away with a unique outfit like that?

Castle guards?

Ah... Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Haha, I see. You were unconsciously trying to pick clothes that would make it easy to hide within the castle, huh?

Even though it's been so long since I left on this adventure... I still get so embarrassed.

Old habits really do die hard, don't they. Nothing wrong with a lot of frills. If you think it looks nice, go for it.

Huh?!

What's wrong?

The price tag! I-I've never seen seen so many zeros before...

Surely... Just about any travelling swordswoman could make this much, yes?

Hmm... Sure... If you defeated about a thousand of that monster we ran into before we came here.

So you actually check prices before deciding what to buy? I didn't know shopping could be so interesting!

That price doesn't...trouble you?

Trouble me? Of course not! I'm rather excited. Inside the castle, I never had to worry about how much something cost!

You're always so positive, Miyu.

Also... I have a special outfit put away for when the time comes. But I can't help myself from buying new clothing, which simply makes my baggage grow larger.

I never knew you had a special outfit. Why don't you wear it?

Well... It's an outfit I've dreamt of wearing for a long time. I feel as though I am not quite worthy of putting in on just yet...

An outfit you've dreamt about... If you're hesitant about wearing it, does that mean it has even more frills than what you're wearing now?

Teehee... That's a secret!

Huh?

I-I have a report!

That sounds bad...

We should go as well, Aldo! I'm sure we can be of help.

You're right. Let's head to Nuaru Uplands!

I can see the soldiers over there! They look like they're standing by.

Don't worry about us! We've come to help!

We're stronger than we look. Won't you let us help?

Y-You mean me?! I... I can fight!

Wh-What's wrong?

What?

Y-Yes, of course! I'll do my best!

D-Did you hear that, Aldo?

Yeah. I'm glad everything worked out, Miyu.

The day has come when I'm recognized for my sword and my history with it rather than my appearance or social position! I've got to do my best so as not to embarrass this sword!

Hm?

I had heard you were travelers, but this is quite the unexpected development.

Huh? And you are?

It's lovely to meet you. My name is Soira. I may not look it, but I belong to the army here. I had heard that this unit was lacking troops, so I came as reinforcements.

I see. Nice to meet you. What was that about an unexpected development?

Oh, right. If I'm not mistaken...

I have a feeling that Princess Mufilleux is present on this battlefield...

Huh? Oh, it's you Soira! You're with this group of knights?

Indeed! I had heard that this unit was lacking troops, so I came as reinforcements.

We also came to help out with the monsters.

How lovely, that certainly makes me feel at ease.

Hm?

What is it, Soira?

How strange. I have a feeling that Princess Mufilleux is present on this battlefield...

Err... Y-You've got the wrong person! I'm just a traveling swordswoman called Miyu. It must be an, uh... uncanny resemblance, or something like that!

Is that so? If that's the case, then I will say no more on the matter.

Th-Thank you. I didn't think I would run into an acquaintance in a place like this...

What is the nature of these monsters troubling you?

About that... They're giant bees.

B-Bees?!

Yes, but they are not your everyday bees. They're called troop bees... They're a peculiar kind of monster that becomes more dangerous as they grow in numbers.

Troop...bees?!

Yes. They attack us by forming ranks that would put human soldiers to shame. Indeed... They move unfettered by human emotions, and cut down our knights one by one. They're even more dangerous than a human battalion.

This may be more complicated than we originally thought. Do you have some kind of plan?

Normally we would deal with them before they're able to form a large swarm, but... This is the first I've seen such a large group. No matter how many we swat, they just keep coming back. Our troops are completely tired out.

So that's why they've retreated for now.

A troop of bees...

What is it, Miyu?

It's just... If they're a troop, there must be something or someone giving orders, right?

The so-called queen bee. It's true, the troop bees are under the control of a single queen bee.

If that's the case...

But she has many layers of defense around her. Getting close is no easy task. Evading her soldier bees and finding the queen would be quite difficult.

It's never that easy, is it... The soldiers are already worn out, too. If we attack again, there's a chance they'll take even more losses than before, right?

Yes... That is correct...

Someone has to take out that queen bee!

B-But that would certainly be dangerous! Whoever got close enough to the queen would have to deal with quite a few of her guards at once...

It's nothing to worry about! Despite appearances, I have learned a lot in my travels with Aldo! These troops are counting on us, and what better time than now to show the fruits of my daily training!

Ah... If you put it that way... Just don't do anything rash. If you sense danger, please get out of there immediately.

Of course! Thank you! Aldo, let's get going!

Are you sure about this? I'm a little concerned about her enthusiasm...

I think she's a little more excited than usual because they're relying on her as a swordswoman.

As expected from an enemy who even soldiers are having trouble with, they're even more frightening than they look. Aldo, please protect her.

You can count on me. We'll be careful. All right... The enemy should be through here. I guess I should rendezvous with Miyu first.

There are more sentry bees than before...

It seems the closer we get to their stronghold, the heavier their defenses grow...

So the queen bee may be nearby. According to the knights' reports, she's at least twice as big as the other bees.

Hm? Could that be the queen bee?

It's just like we heard! That has to be her!

Luckily, she hasn't seemed to notice us yet.

If I dash towards the queen bee from here, I should be able to close the gap and reach her with my sword...

Aldo, leave this to me!

Are you sure, Miyu?

If I utilize the sword techniques I've learnt thus far, my blade should strike true. If things turn south, I'm counting on you to cover me, Aldo.

Got it. Leave it to me.

Calm down... Sure your aim... Put everything into a single flash of your blade...

There!

Huh?! A soldier bee sacrificed itself to protect her?!

I'm not finished yet!

Huh?!

This is bad! Get out of there, Miyu!

All these bees... Where were they hiding?!

Watch out!

We've gotta run, Miyu!

Roger!

Damn it... Our path of retreat!

It's you!

Ah! I'm so sorry!

Miyu! Save your apologies for later! We've got to get out of here NOW!

......

Thank you. We would've been done for if they'd surrounded us.

But... If those bees have the knowledge to perform a pincer attack...

You mean anyone who chases after her is surrounded by her soldiers, and isolated?

Wh-What's wrong?!

You can't mean... You did this just to protect me?

His?

Ah!

...... The way I fought, using this sword... I couldn't bear to face my father in my shame...

Miyu...

Without even knowing my enemy's abilities, I allowed myself to be drawn into their camp... And I let one who trusted me...who relied on me...get seriously injured...

No... I'm also at fault for not discerning the troop bees' attack patterns.

Aldo...

But... That's why this is no time to let ourselves get down. We can't let all the fighting this far go to waste, right?!

......

You're right. Rather than regret our decisions, what we can do now is... Reflect on our actions and reorganize.

I won't let this battle end in defeat!

Yeah. There has to be some hint on how to end this battle in our favor.

Yes, but what should we do? Their battle formation is impenetrable. It doesn't matter how we use our swords, there's no way to destroy their defenses.

Yeah... No matter how many we take out, more and more soldier bees will give themselves up to protect their queen. And that just leaves us open to getting surrounded... It's a lost cause for even the most skilled swordsman.

Quite the troublesome adversary indeed...

Soira?! Wh-When did you get here?

I came because I was worried about the both of you. I heard you were surrounded by the enemy. I never thought you would get involved to that extent... Are you uninjured?

Y-Yes. I am unharmed... But in my place, the commander...

Yes, I heard as much. It seems the troops will need some time to regroup...

......

Even with so many strong warriors gathered here, the numbers we face are grave indeed. It doesn't matter how good one is if a swarm of bees surround and isolate them. I wonder if there's anything we can do...

Swarm... Surround...

What's wrong?

I...may have made a grave mistake!

M-Miyu?

Aldo, there's something I need to look into quickly. Let's hurry and return to the others.

Huh? W-Wait!

Hm? Did I perhaps say something?

No idea. But I've gotta go after her.

I see. You too, then...

If I can make a plan come to fruition... I'll be sure and let you know!

I was looking for you, Miyu! So this is where you were. What were you doing?

I had a talk with each of the knights involved in the battle a moment ago.

A talk?

Yes. I asked how they challenged and fought the monsters...

You mean before we joined up with them? Did that give you any hints?

Yes... All who were bested fought in the same manner as I did. Each of us rely too much on our strength as individuals.

Strength as individuals?

The battle strategy thus far was for each soldier to take out as many enemies as possible to disrupt their battle formation. In summary, the knights' formation relies too much on the strength of its individuals.

And...that's bad?

Yes. We could easily deal with small-scale swarms, but not against foes who exceedingly surpass us in numbers.

I see. They did say they usually take care of the swarms before they have a chance to grow so large.

This battle can't be won as individuals... We have to use our strength as a group. Until now, I was resolute to trust in my sword and my own strength. But that wasn't enough.

Our strength as a group... What are you thinking?

There are a few methods worth considering. One is acting as the troop bees do... Protecting a queen bee while others are used as sacrificial pawns. There is strength in that, to be sure.

......

But I have no intention of fighting them using their own tactics. I want to fight like the commander who protected me, and as my father once did... I've decided to do everything I can to win this battle without losing a single person in the struggle.

Miyu...

I do have one strategy in mind. But to accomplish it, we would need the strength and cooperation of the troops...

All right. If there's anything I can do to help, just say the word.

Thank you, Aldo! Please, gather the knights and bring them over there. I...have some preparations to do in the meantime.

I've gathered the knights here... But what were the preparations she was talking about?

Apologies for the wait.

Miyu! That outfit?

This is a garb related to a certain hero of the Thunder King's era. I had it made to imitate the outfit of a female knight who is said to have led her people into battle.

A hero's outfit? Why're you wearing something like that?

I admired the hero of the tale very much, and had it specially made long ago. Yet, as I came to learn more about the world, I realized it was a far off dream and did not think myself worthy of wearing it.

Could this be the outfit you said you've dreamt of wearing?

Yes! I know it's still far too soon for me to wear it, but... Even if it's a stretch for me to wear it now, I have need of its strength.

I suppose it has special meaning for you.

Yes. For me, this outfit is a symbol of the will to bring people together. Even if it takes borrowing the guise of a hero who once held solidarity of the people above all else, I will lead us to victory.

Let's go, Aldo. I need to tell the knights of my strategy.

My fellow soldiers! Will you lend me your ears for a moment?

Ah!

P-Please... I beg you, listen! I only ask you to listen to me so that we lose no more soldiers in this battle, so that every one of us can come out alive, and victorious!

I understand that! That's why... If we continue fighting the way we have, we can't prevent others from getting hurt!

That's right! I want to go forward by fighting as little as possible!

Allow me to explain the details of the strategy. First...

No! It's precisely because I believe in you that I'm asking for your help! The strength of their swarm is their ability to cut us down individually, one by one... But we have a different strength! A strength only humans possess!

The strength to trust and protect one another! To bind our will and resolution together to become even stronger! I believe this strength is what has kept our Kingdom of Miglance from ruin. That's why... Just this once, I ask for your help in attempting this strategy.

Miyu...

Hm? You're an awfully shy bunch of knights.

Very well. I will be the first to volunteer. I place my life, and my lance in your hands.

Soira!

As you know, I've been with you from the start. Are there any others that will come with us?

It's decided, then.

W-Well...

You...might not believe me, but...

Even before meeting you here today... I have always held the Knights of Miglance in high esteem. Each of you are irreplaceable to the kingdom, which is why I want to help you in this battle.

Seems like they've agreed to your strategy.

Yes. But the battle is yet to come.

We've got to make sure your plan succeeds.

But are you sure about this? You have the most dangerous role in this battle. I could take your place, if you want...

No, there's no point if I don't do this myself. They've all trusted their fates to me, and believe in our victory... I'm know I'm the only one who can hone their faith into a blade of victory.

You're right... This strategy's only possible because they believe in you.

But...

Can I trust in you to protect me, Aldo?

Miyu...

In this battle, I can only look forward and press ahead. I'll be able to do so because I trust in you, Aldo, and know you'll watch my back. I can ask this of you because of all we've been through in our journey together. Please... Lend me your strength again.

......

You can count on me, Miyu. Leave defense to me.

I know we'll succeed.

Of course!

All right! It's time to head into the Moonlight Forest.

Seems like they're on edge from our last attack!

Prepare for the enemy's attacks! Stick with the strategy and stay in formation!

I want you to advance, but fight as little as possible!

Yes. The way we spread out and fought before caused us to get overwhelmed and exhausted by their numbers. The queen bee is the central pillar of the enemy forces. Advance with this formation until we're able to get close to her location.

That's right! This will allow us to pierce into the heart of the enemy just like an arrow.

That shouldn't be a problem. The purpose of this formation is to break through their ranks. Only the soldiers on the outside of our formation will come into contact with the troop bees. Our goal isn't to defeat them, but to trample through them and focus on pressing forward.

Soldiers on the inside, swap with those on the outside and give them a chance to rest!

Miyu, are you okay?

I'm fine!

That will be...my role.

Yes, I understand. But I am resolved to take this roll. I was able to ascertain the enemy's positions during the last skirmish. It should be enough to lead this battle.

I swear, no matter what happens I will press forward without fail. I must stand as a beacon to the soldiers. A rallying point for our grand charge!

Soldiers! That's enough idle banter! You've got the rear to protect, don't you? We are the key to this formation's defense. I can't slack off if you all don't do your part!

There she is! The queen bee!

It's time to bare our fangs! Knights, spread out!

Miyu... Now's our chance!

Right, let's go! You'll pay for bringing harm to our nation's people!

All right... We took out the queen bee!

They're kind of disappointing now that the queen bee's out of the picture...

I'm certain we were able to win because each of us is in control of our own free will.

......

What is it, Miyu?

I-It's nothing... I'm just finding it a little difficult to stand now that the reality of our victory is sinking in...

Haha... But you were fighting so gallantly up to this point!

That's because everyone entrusted their lives to me... I couldn't bear to fail!

N-No, I...

Everyone...

Nice work, everyone. I'm grateful for the support. I'm sure the people of this region will sleep peacefully tonight.

...... It is without a doubt thanks to all your efforts that we emerged victorious. I should be the one thanking you. You have my deepest gratitude!

Well then, it's time for me to take my leave. The battle's not won until you get home, after all.

We should probably return to Unigan, too.

Yes...

Huh?

It seems things have been taken care of even before reinforcements could arrive...

Ah!

Anabel! What are you doing here?

I had heard that a large-scale battle had broken out here. The troops were quite late in returning home, so I came to see if they were safe. But it seems the battle's already won. Apologies for my delay.

And you are...

Anabel, of the Royal Order of Knights. I had heard that a large-scale battle had broken out here. The troops were quite late in returning home, so I came to see if they were safe. But it seems the battle's already won. Apologies for my delay.

Not at all, Lady Anabel! I know you're always so busy. I didn't wish to bother you.

I was told a traveler assisted in the battle. You're the one who made this operation a success, then? The knights alone should have been able to take care of this problem. Thank you for your assistance.

It wasn't just me...

Huh?

Not again...

......

How strange, I feel as though I've seen that silhouette before.

N-No, I believe you're mistaken!

That voice... Could it be?! Your Highness, Mufilleux?!

O-Of course not! I'm...

I knew it! Your Highness, Princess Mufilleux!

Ah!

What are you doing on a battlefield such as this?! And what is that outfit you're wearing?

Y-Y-You've got the wrong person! I'm Miyu, just a travelling swordswoman...

No, I would never mistake Your Highness for another. May I ask you to slowly explain the situation to me?

Oh, look at the time! I've got another adventure waiting!

I-I'll be off, then! 'Til we meet again!

Huh?! Please wait, Princess Mufilleux!

Haha... Looks like Anabel has her hands full.

Teehee... The princess really is such a tomboy. Yet, seeing her on the battlefield was akin to witnessing a smaller King Miglance in the flesh... I'm quite looking forward to the day when she comes to lead Miglance!