***Arc 6 One Who Pierced Through, Chapter 118 Black Flag Special Force and the Naked Princess (the Princess’s New Clothes)**
A/N: 黒旗特務(Black Flag Special Duty): Official reading ‘Kokki Tokumu’, normal reading ‘Kuroha Tokumu’. Either is fine because it is not originally a kanji.
Outside the walls of Albenaria rampart. A large-scale training ground was built there.
The barracks can be seen in the distance, and the surrounding area was a grassy plain.
There, soldiers repeatedly marched in line then stop, or swung their blades at the training scarecrows.
Soldiers overflowing with enthusiasm. The sky is clear.
However, the cold wind was still chilly, signaling the arrival of winter.
Standing there is a girl with the heavenly sword, Alberinea.
There she, Krische Christand showed her majestic gallant figure――not.
She wears a brimless hand-sewn hat up to her ears, a long white scarf wrapped around her nose, and hand-sewn gloves.
She was there, with her fluffy, lumpy look, the second-ranked general from the top in the Kingdom.
"Bald Eagle, are you sure your stomach is okay?"
Krische, accompanied by Elvena, asked with a sharp, doubtful look in her eyes.
Ninety percent of the pressure has been lost from what was supposed to be a glare to Krische, her figure made those around her loosen their tension instead.
Dagra laughed and slapped his stomach.
“Haha, as you can see, I'm completely healed."
“…Lie is no good you know?”
"Of course, I've been resting for more than a month, so I'm rather full of energy."
Krische stared at him then, nodded, and looked around her.
There were quite a few members of Black Century there, but there were also some who were strange for them to be here.
Some were missing one arm, one leg, or limping――it didn’t change that they were members of Black Century, but they were wounded soldiers who could no longer fight on the battlefield.
“Mia, is this all of them?”
“Yes, the rest are still recovering or have already left the army and returned to their hometowns.”
“Please make sure to send a letter to those who have returned home too. There’s a jobs.”
“Yes.”
Fortunately――46 soldiers escaped with minor injuries or at least no permanent damage.
If we count only those who survived, the number would be around 70.
The number of wounded soldiers here was about 15, but it could be said that the number was enough for Krische’s request.
The reason they were brought together was to give them their next assignment.
Although they could no longer fight on the front lines, they were soldiers who could be trusted to a certain extent, and above all, they were valuable human resources who could handle magic power.
Krische didn’t want just let them go like that.
Although there was some affection and good intentions for them in Krische, to not waste the cost of the training was a big aspect of it, and the reason she called them here was purely for her own benefit.
Nevertheless, everyone was happy that she was willing to take care of them, who would find it difficult to do normal labor, and they looked at her happily.
They had been treated as special soldiers in the past, but they felt that it was largely due to their strength in battle.
However even for those who could no longer fight, she was willing to do her best for them.
Even if they got injured and could no longer go out on the battlefield, she's willing to take care of then――naturally, such reassurances led to loyalty to her, and their liking and respect for Krische deepened more and more.
"Among the injured, the only ones who is literate are...Nagar and Zatz. Anyone else?"
"Yes ma’am, me too."
"And, Argen. The one that was born in blacksmiths and craftsmen family are, Kiris and Pell, but...can you do simple crafts? like measuring armor, that sort of thing, that kind of thing."
"If that's the case, I can do it even with one arm..."
“I can do it too.”
Krische nodded, and told them as though she had just come up with an idea.
“Necki, you are also reasonably good with your hands, right? You will also be a member of the crafts unit, just like the others."
“Yes ma’am!”
One hundred subordinates――Krische knew their brief profiles and special skills as if it’s a matter of course.
While sitting on the ground with one leg, Necki saluted happily as he was called.
“The crafts team will be helping Krische to make something. Krische’ll tell you ahead of time, be very careful with the information. Don't tell anyone about what you are doing, including to the Black Century, friends and family, unless you have permission to do so. Understood?"
Each of them raises their voices and saluted.
Krische turned to the Black Century as well.
“You guys too are not to ask what the craft team is doing. In principle, this will be treated as a serious leak of information, and anyone who leaks it will be punished accordingly.”
The words she said contained a very serious meaning.
The term serious information refers to information that could have a significant impact on military operations, tactics, etc.
If it was leaked, regardless of whether it was intentional or not, the punishment would be the death penalty.
Although Krische was usually very lovely, she also had a cool-headedness that made her not think of life as a life.
Because they know that, she didn't think there will be any need to be concerned about it.
“Later, the wounded soldiers will sort out the blacks. Last time it was urgent and Krische had no choice but to do it, but it is not practical for Krische to be present all the time at the recruitment so the wounded will replace Krische.”
When Krische told them, those who had not been called looked at each other.
‘What is it?’ Krische asked, and one of them opened his mouth.
"I know it's an honorable mission, but…for us, to determine who possesses magical power is..."
"It's okay, Elvena."
"……yes"
Even though Kalua, Mia, and Krische were present here, still she was in front of soldiers.
With a slightly nervous look, Elvena hands them the baskets one by one.
They looked at the magic crystals and then at Krische, puzzled.
"Daz, flow magic power through it and apply it to Elvena's hand."
"……? Yes ma’am"
The one-armed soldier did as he was told and pressed the magic crystal into Elvena's hand, ‘Excuse me’ , ――then he frowned for a moment in surprise.
“The tingle (piri), it come right?”
"Yes ma’am, I feel a little shock..."
“Though we call it magic power possessors, everyone possesses a weak magic power. The difference between humans that can actually exercise it as imaginary muscles and those who can’t are the amount of magical power, but Krische doesn’t think you guys can judge that."
Putting aside if it was actually used as an imaginary muscle, it is difficult to sense the magical power that is hidden.
Naturally, it wouldn't be impossible for a person skilled in handling magic, but only Krische would be able to sort out hundreds of people like that. Even to Krische it’s work that need a lot of focus, of course she didn’t think they could do it.
That's why she created this.
“It is a device that notifies the bearer of a certain amount of magical power by sending a tingling (piri piri) reaction to the bearer. You will carry it with you during the recruiting process, and you will select the new members one by one.”
Krische crossed her arms and looked around at the Black Century.
“Naturally, Krische wants to replenish the reduced number of personnel, but Krische also wants to increase the troop to 200 men by the end of winter, yoday at noon, there will be a meeting with the officer in charge of recruitment under the pretext to sort out the new recruits, and I will be there from around the day after tomorrow. Daz will be the leader, and Krische'll give you the right to appoint the assistants. After that take care of the rest to Mia appropriately (randomly)… Please ask Elvena about how to use it after this.”
As usual Krische threw it wholesale to others then pointed to the magic crystal.
"That piririn has been reconfigured for the first person to use it and is made so that others won’t be able to use it. However, not losing the supplies is the basic of basic as a soldier, so please don't lose the things that Krische took the trouble to made."
"Piririn..."
"Fufu, it's a good name right. It's piririn because it's tingling (piripiri)."
In response to Mia's stunned murmur, Krische confidently said that, putting her hand on her waist and sticking out her chest.
Kalua looked at Elvena, but Elvena shook her head as if troubled.
‘Then since that one is a duplication crystal, so that this one will also be easy to understand inspection crystal――’
'No, Krische just got a revelation. Krische came up with a good name’
‘A good name...is it?’
‘yes. …Piririn. You see, your hands will feel tingly and Ktische think it's very easy to understand. See, what do you think? Krische think it's really good, but――'
Elvena, too, had her own thoughts about the name given in front of her, but that did not stop Krische.
At the very least, it is certain that the various things Krische makes are not ‘public product’.
The inspection crystal――the one Krische name piririn was also a special magic crystal that is not generally distributed, and was a special tool used to select the Black Century under her command.
Then, of course, its existence should be kept secret, and in that sense, it didn't seem bad to give it a silly name that you can't imagine its use from.
Although it's far from what Krische called ‘very easy to understand’, it makes more sense to name it piririn as a kind of cryptic word rather than an easy-to-understand name such as inspection crystal.
‘Th-that's right, it's good... I feel like it's a good name. I-it sounds cute too’
‘Right, the name just comes to Krische.’
Elvena herself could not decide whether she did not want to dampen Krische’s who was ‘fufun’ confident of herself or whether such rational reasons were more important, but whatever the reason.
The inspection crystal was named piririn, at least in Krische’s mind, it had taken root.
“Since this cannot be completely concealed, the handling of information is different from that of the craft team, but please refrain from spreading it yourself. If other countries develop something like piririn, our advantage will fade. Piririn team should keep this in mind."
"... Krische-sama, that Piririn team?"
The one-armed soldier Daz turns a half- grasping at the straw eye at the indescribable name.
"...? It's about you guys. Officially, it's the 1st Piririn Squad of the Black Flag Special Forces Company under the direct control of Alberinea, the Kingdom's Central Army. From now on, you will be the 1st Piririn Squad Leader, Daz."
The powerful word of the 1st Piririn Squad Leader, made Daz stiffen.
The people who were watching looked at him with pity, and some of them burst out laughing and shook their shoulders.
The former 8th Squad Leader――man of valor who had faced Nakirus Felizar even as he lost one of his arm, precisely because of that that the gap was so big.
“Ah, Krische forgot to mention, but there are plans to augment the Century, so from today onwards, we will nominally upgrade it from a Century to a Company. …Krische wanted to name it Blacky (kurofuyo – black spot – blacky / spoty) Company since it was a good opportunity, but Selene strongly requested it to be called Black Flag Special Force. That's what we'll call ourselves from then on."
However, even those who had been laughing were chilled by the words that she said in a dissatisfied tone.
If we were leave the naming rights to her, then tomorrow it would be my turn――too horrifying.
If it had been originally under the direct control of Alberinea of the Royal Central Army, there is a possibility that the military would have created the First Piririn Squad of the Blacky Company.
Everyone deepened their appreciation for Krische’s older sister, the Kingdom Marshal Selene Christand.
Dagra rubbed his eyes at the many words he heard after returning for the first time in a while.
"E-everyone is delighted with the honor of being personally named by Her Excellency the Marshal."
"Is that so? Hmm, Blacky Company is..."
"However... that's right, to be given names directly by Her Excellency Marshal and Krische-sama is much too august, and I dare say it is an excessive reward for these people. People would think that it’s favoritism. After this, if you can leave trivial things like naming the new squad to us... the reward of being given the right to name them is more than enough for these people, and that alone will boost their morale."
‘Hm, hm’, Krische nodded and examined the proposal.
Dagra is basically a man who never says the wrong thing.
In that sense, Krische could trust him.
"Hmm... Bald Eagle certainly have a point. Is it a problem if Krische treat you too special?"
“Of course, all the members of the squad are deeply grateful for Krische-sama thoughtfulness. However, jealousy is everywhere. That, I think it would be better to use the name Piririn Squad only within the company, and to use some random…another name, for the public.”
“…Is it no good?”
Krische looked up at Dagra with puppy eyes.
There was something about the sad girl's gaze that made it hard to say no.
"I-it’s not that it’s no good... I, yes. I feel that it's a very wonderful name, but as expected, I'm worried about the envious gazes of those around us, that's just for the sake of convenience...publicly calling it selection squad for example.”
Dagra glared at Daz.
"Daz, isn’t that so? Don't you think that such a name is too much of an honor?"
His eyes told him to go along with his story, and Daz saluted as quickly as he could.
"Yes sir!! That's right, Krische-sama! S-something like, no, Piririn Squad, is much too wonderful, calling it that outside, might cause the other soldiers to envy us and bear a grudge against us.”
"As Krische-sama can see. Of course, that’s only for publicly, we all consider it a great honor, so we do not deny Krische-sama calling us that. …How about it?”
Krische scarf-wrapped lips pouted in discontent, but she it’s not like she couldn’t understand what they were saying.
‘No! Absolutely not! Idiot! No one wants to call it Blacky Company in public! You're going to embarrass the whole kingdom! Hah...let’s see, let's make it the Black Flag Special Force, it’s final. Okay? Blacky Company is no good, okay? understand?’
Unlike Selene, who ignored Krische consent or refusal, Dagra and the others repeatedly praised Krische’s naming as too wonderful and too honorable.
‘I see. They must be heartbroken too.’
Understanding their feelings――Krische, who thought she was doing that, nodded with a serious face even though she was dissatisfied.
"Understood....it can't be helped."
‘Krische think that Selene's sense is a little strange after all, but to acknowledge and accept your partner's bad points is also affection.’
Krische swallowed her dissatisfaction, partly because Selene was above her in terms of the military command system.
"Well, anyway. Daz, the role of the Piririn team is the most important and important for the Black Flag Special Force that was worn out in the civil war the other day. There are nine of you, so please make a proper schedule and make a serious selection.”
“Yes ma’am”
"As for Bald Eagle, while considering a new composition in anticipation of an increase in personnel, and train appropriately. As always, when new recruits come in, teach them how to use magic and make them soldiers who can withstand actual battles. The personnel authority within the unit is entrusted to Bald Eagle, no permission is required."
Dagra and Mia saluted, and Krische continued.
“Perhaps we should give some name to the training of mana usage… Hmmm, fuyofuyo――”
"――Krische-sama, please leave that to me. I don't want to cut Krische-sama’s busy time with such trivial matters."
"...And just when Krische thought Krische could come up with something. Well, that's fine."
Phew, Krische let out a sigh.
Everyone except Krische was the one who wanted to sigh, but of course she didn't notice.
“Also, as Krische thought from the operation so far, we’re a squad that tends to act alone and fight without support. Bald Eagle, Krische’ll arrange for the doctor to come over for a few days from tomorrow. Please make sure that the instructor trained all of you well in first aid, including the treatment for the seriously wounded.”
"Yes ma’am. Now that everyone has experienced actual combat, everyone will be more serious. I am grateful for your consideration."
"Well, if they were treated quickly, there would be people who wouldn't have died or lost their limbs. This company is expensive, so please be aware of that and cherish your life. Birza, please let your team take the lead in this training."
Birza, the 17th squad leader who was born as a pharmacist, was mainly in charge of first aid in the company.
However, in terms of knowledge, he was no match for someone who has studied medicine in the city. He should have been given a proper lecture at least once.
"The purpose is to raise the overall technical level, but it's a good opportunity. Learn what you can learn."
"yes. This time I realized my lack of strength..."
“17th Squad will continue to operate as an official emergency medical team. If necessary, please prioritize your studies over combat training. Krische will lend you an easy-to-understand medical book later.”
Birza saluted――Krische nodded and looked around at the soldiers.
"Krische have also read a lot, but after all injury is the most important thing in the beginning. No matter how good your skills are, you can't do anything if it's too late. It is important that everyone has some level of knowledge. Face your training with that in mind.”
’
‘Understood’, Krische asked, and everyone saluted.
It was a nice answer.
