Kuro no Maou

“Uwaa, that’s a relief... it properly moved... I am glad......”

The ancient golem corps — an army corps made out of enormous ancient weapons which even makes the seasoned Crusader soldier taken aback .

However, the one controlling them was just a single woman .

A woman who would never be praised as a war Goddess of ancient times, a woman who is not only mediocre in appearance, but also has no more mana than your average person . She had unkempt hair and a pale face with freckles and was wearing an expression of relief — feeling of relief that she was able to complete her job . An expression far from what a soldier looking to conquer a huge castle would wear .

And in fact, she wasn’t a soldier . She was neither a hired adventurer or a mercenary .

Her name was Dorothy . She was the ancient weapon research division head of the White Sacrament’s fourth research lab . In other words, she was just a normal researcher .

“Oi, you, why are you only moving 10 of them? I am sure I ordered to unleash all of them . ”

Her moment of relief was short-lived . A sharp rebuking statement came flying towards her from behind soon enough .

“I-I am terribly sorry, Count Bergunt......”

As she timidly turned around, she was faced with the exemplary commissioned officer of the Sinclair army, the Count himself, equipped with pompous full armor . Although his high-strung slender face was not actually filled with anger, he was giving her a sharp gaze with his deep-green eyes which closely resembles the wind attribute’s mana .

Commanding the Crusaders third army was the Count Vient Dominic Helvetia Bergunt . Although his name was quite lengthy, Dorothy, who had graduated from the Elishion magic academy, remembered the meaning it held, while it may be a bit vaguely .

The Sinclair Republic’s nobles’ names are structured like: First name – holy name – territory name – family name . If we were to decipher the Count’s name, it would be that he’s Mr . Vient from the Bergunt family who are governing the Helvetia land and have the holy name Dominic as Christians .

However, that is about all she knows — only the fundamental knowledge about them . She neither knows the speech she should be using with the nobles nor the troublesome manners and etiquettes . She hadn’t learnt those at school and even if she did, she doesn’t remember any .

Even so, since she was spoken to, she had no choice but to answer — the tough said of working .

“Th-this is... you see, umm, uhh, because I reformed the craft hangar to the mobile type, the Magius drive’s conductivity just isn’t reaching high enough to clear the start line so–”

“Eeeii, I don’t need disorderly incomprehensible excuses . Can you deploy them, can you not, or are you being hesitant — which is it?”

Such a reaction, even though she perfectly summed up the current situation . Humans are always like this . Blind to their own shortcomings and yet criticizing others’ way of talking .

However, Dorothy wasn’t fed up or sad . She has already come to the conclusion that other people are just like that . Rather, this Count is gentleman-like and better than most as he’s just a bit irritated and is not yelling or hitting her .

“Umm, that is...... the main frame and the pilot’s adaptation is–”

“... . You... restrain yourself . ”

And now, veins were appearing on his forehead .

“Even though you have been appointed as the commander of the golem corps by bishop Judas, you’re now under my army’s command . It will be troubling if you were to do as you please . ”

Even though she was the one who was actually troubled at this moment .

On top of listening to the almighty nobles, Dorothy had to keep controlling the advancing ancient golems which she had activated .

The golems had started walking along the snow field but if Dorothy stopped executing the walking code, they would collapse on the ground immediately .

And of course, this procedure wasn’t something simple one can do in their spare time like signing documents . It needs utmost attention as the data changes every moment and she needs to keep adjusting it or start from the top .

She really didn’t have the leeway to be dealing with an ignorant amateur’s claims .

“Listen closely now, you have the duty of giving me appropriate reports and explanations as I am the supreme command–”

“In short, she is telling you that she can’t move them ‘cause we don’t have enough mana! Now, get a move on, old man! You’re being a hindrance to Dorothy-chan . ”

A girl came cutting into the conversation and drove away the Count as if she was shoo-ing away a dog .

She had a cute face with big round eyes and blonde twintails . However, the clothes she was wearing on her small slender body was a thick cheap coat . It had fluffy red-brownish fur and a big hoodie, around which there was pure white fur . It all looked quite warm . However, when you look at her as a whole, it oddly looks worn out . ‘Secondhand goods’ is the first word that comes to mind .

That was the only heavy outfit she was wearing to fend off the cold . She had a mini-skirt on with black leggings . Even in this cold winter, she looked like a courageous stylish high-school girl .

That said, judging from the worn-out bow she wore on her back and the hand-made looking quiver behind her waist, it felt like she was not in fact a student of Elishion, rather an adventurer . Naturally, from her appearance which depicted that it has not been long since she has become an adult and from her low-grade equipment, she gave off no veteran feel whatsoever .

Such an all-around novice-looking girl had just been terribly rude to the supreme commander of this huge army .

“Kuhh, you......”

However, Count Bergunt was only making a sour face as if he had just bitten on a bitter bug, let alone shout out on her disrespect .

“Amateurs should just stay quiet without meddling . It would be your fault if the golems were to collapse from this, you know, old man!”

The adventurer girl said out flatly with a pointing pose . In response to that, the Count was just mortified and replied with in a gloomy voice .

“... . Alright, I will leave all the golem controlling to you . However, I have an agreement with bishop Judas that you will have to move according to my strategy . Don’t forget that . Also, I am not an old man . Call me supreme commander . ”

“Yea, yea, I get it so just go already . See ya, bye-bye, don’t come again, old man . ”

After giving one last annoyed glare with his green eyes, General Bergunt returned, taking back his subordinates who were watching over the situation, breaking cold sweat .

“U-umm, Ai-san... I am sorry...”

“It’s all good! My quest is to be your escort, after all!”

In response to Dorothy’s gratitude, the adventurer named Ai replied with a refreshing smile .

“More importantly, shouldn’t you be focusing on the control? That’s quite tough, right?”

“Ah, yes...... well...”

Although her reply was vague, she was happy for the offer . She couldn’t help but hate herself a bit for not being able to say ‘thank you’ without hesitation in these situations .