When Hercule is plotting to take back the Patriarchate of Lemuria: ......
　King Ludwig I of the Kingdom of Fullerling is on an expedition to Albion.

　Albion is an island across the straits from the Kingdom of Fullerling, and was once under the control of the Lemurian Empire.
　It is also famous for the expedition of the first Lemurian emperor, the father of Hercule.

　There were three reasons for King Ludwig I's expedition to Albion.

　First, to expand his territory.
　Second, to relieve the gloom behind him.
　Third, to make his name known in the world and in history by performing a feat equal to or greater than that of the first Lemurian emperor.

　This was already his third expedition, and he was one step closer to conquering the world.
　But ......

　The enemy general is not to be underestimated. The enemy general.

　King Ludwig I muttered.
　The army of the Kingdom of Frarling was 50,000, while the army of Albion was 30,000.

　Of the 50,000 troops, 30,000 were cavalry, while most of the Albion troops were infantry.

　However, despite their superiority in numbers and quality, the Fullerling army had yet to break the formation of the Albion army.
　Three days had already passed since the engagement.

　For King Ludwig I, who had many enemies at his back, time was his worst enemy.

　Perhaps you should have brought a few more men with you, Laurent.
　Yes ...... but Hercule I has already finished the conquest of the Bulgars. You can't help it if you don't know which way his eyes are going, west or east.

　The Kingdom of Frarling has a strong military power in relation to its size.
　In the event that you've got a lot more than one hundred,000 knights who have feudal contracts with King Ludwig I, the total number of troops will probably be even larger if you include the infantry squires that the knights bring with them.

　However, there is no way that all of them can be brought along on an expedition.
　The kingdom of Albion was already on the verge of collapse,......, so King Ludwig I went on an expedition with 50,000 men.

　The enemy's morale was so high that it was difficult to break formation. Both spearmen and archers are troublesome.

　The main force of the Fullerling Kingdom is heavy cavalry, and their basic tactic is to charge with heavy cavalry.
　The warbeasts are physically strong and can wear heavy armor with ease.
　And ......, many warbeasts are skilled in strengthening magic, which strengthens the animals they ride.

　This is why the heavy cavalry of the Fulling Kingdom are far more heavily armed than the heavy cavalry of the Lemurian Empire (cribanarius), and their blows are truly hammer blows.

　However, horses are basically creatures that are afraid of sharp objects, and no matter how much you try to strengthen their abilities, you can't train their instincts.
　And again, no matter how thick the armor is, ......
　There are holes in the armor to ensure visibility, and the joints are thinner to ensure mobility.

　So if an arrow hits that part, the knight will be wounded.
　The bow is not a point weapon, but a surface control weapon, and a few hits will do the trick.

　In other words, if you form a circle with long spears and shoot arrows from the inside, ......
　No matter how powerful the cavalry charge of the Fullerling knights is, it is possible, if not easy, to prevent it.

　In this case, the key to victory or defeat would be the level of morale.
　In other words, how much the heavy cavalry can charge with courage without fearing spears and bows. ......
　And how long the opposing long spear troops can hold their stance with courage without fearing the heavy cavalry's charge: ......

　The side that holds on to their courage more strongly and firmly will win.

　And so far, the courage and morale of the Albion army was superior.

　"As I recall, the general of the enemy was a prince of Albion. I believe his name is .......
　"Astolfo, Your Majesty.

　Roran replied.
　Astolfo, Prince of Albion.
　That was the name of the enemy general.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing and how you're doing it.

　...... Let's give it a try and see if we can get a shot at him. If you win, you can get rid of Astolfo. If he refuses, the enemy's morale will drop.

　But it's Albion who's cornered.
　Ludwig I thought that Astolfo would surely accept if he offered to fight him in single combat.
　The question was whether he could win or not.

　"Laurent, can you go?
　"Of course, Your Majesty.

　Laurent smiled.







　The next day, Laurent rode alone and slowly approached Albion's army.
　He called out in a loud voice.

　My name is Laurent, a knight under the great King Ludwig I. My title is Count. My name is Laurent, a knight under the great King Ludwig I. My title is Count.　I wish to challenge the enemy general, the second prince of Albion's army, Astolpho, to single combat!

　When Laurent shouted this, ......
　Slowly, the formation of the Albion army moved, and the soldiers gave way as if the waves were receding.

　What emerged was a very beautiful boy.
　He had silvery hair, eyes as beautiful as violet crystal, and armor as polished as a mirror.

　From his silvery hair appeared the beast ears of the warbeast race and the long, slender ears of the elf race.
　A total of four ears ...... made it clear that he was a half-breed of the warbeasts and elves.

　It is very strange to have four ears, but this kind of appearance is rare among the mixed race of warbeasts and other races.
　Albion used to be a territory of the Lemurian Empire, and there were many Lemurian nobles and elves who were native to Albion.
　After the Lemurian Empire withdrew from Albion, the warbeasts invaded and conquered the land.

　Because of this history, half-breeds are not that uncommon.
　However, it is very rare to see the characteristics of both races as he does.

　"My name is Astolfo!　I am Astolfo, the second prince of the Albion army!　I will answer your request for single combat!

　Roran's eyes widened involuntarily when he saw the beautiful boy who called himself Astolfo.
　Roran's eyes widened when he saw the beautiful boy who called himself Astolfo, because Astolfo was a very beautiful boy.

　Laurent was convinced that perhaps the Lord had given him the wrong gender for her.



　And after admiring the beauty of it, Laurent finally realized.
　He realized that Astolfo was riding a very strange animal.

　An eagle on the front half of his body and a hippogriff ...... on the bottom half of his body.

　"What's wrong!　Laurent!　Are you scared?
　No, I was just admiring your ...... hippogriff. I'm sorry.
　"Hmm, you must be jealous!

　Astolfo puffed out his chest proudly.
　Laurent looked closely at the ...... breasts, but could not observe any bulge in them.

　As Laurent pondered the philosophical and theological question of what the difference was between an extremely beautiful boy and a beautiful girl with no breasts, Astolfo had one of his men bring him a spear.
　Looking at the spear, Laurent asks, "Don't you use demons?

　"Don't you use a demon?

　Roran had heard that Astolfo had made a pact with some kind of demon.
　He had heard that Astolfo had made a pact with some kind of demon, a demon that could turn into a very powerful spear.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　"Oh, you mean the ...... 'Amy'. Hmmm, I feel it's a bit cowardly to use that in a one-on-one fight. Even if I won, I wouldn't be proud of that victory. That's why I don't use it. ...... Well, it's just for my own satisfaction.

　Hearing Astolfo's words, Roran was impressed.
　So Laurent took off his beloved sword from his waist and handed it to his squire.

　I see, I see. Then I won't use this sword either.
　"Hmm, are you sure?　I've heard that it's a very good magic sword.
　It's for my own satisfaction. ...... Don't worry about it.

　They laughed at each other.
　And then, with a serious (but cute) look on his face, Astolfo said: "If I win, I'm going to go to the continent.

　If I win, you're going to have to pull back on the continent. Okay?
　"Then, if I win, you will disband your army and surrender.

　Then the two men took up their spears and charged.
　Using the strength of the warbeast, a thrust like a bolt of lightning struck Astrfo. 　
　Astrupho did his best to deal with the spear, but his opponent was bad.

　Roran is the strongest hero in the kingdom of Fulling, perhaps the strongest of all knights in the world.

　Fortunately, Astolfo's horse is a hippogriff, while Roland's horse is just a horse, albeit a great one.
　The battle between the two was kept alive by the quality of their horses.

　But one day, the balance is broken.
　Suddenly, Roland's horse stumbled heavily.

　Astolfo took the chance and tried to thrust his spear into Roran. ......
　He stopped the spear just in time.
　His face turned red and he turned himself around.

　I will not accept this victory!　We'll meet again tomorrow, Laurent!

　After shouting in a high voice, Astolfo returned to his camp.






　"You saved my life, Laurent.
　"Yes, ......, Your Majesty. I'm sorry, I've brought you shame.

　Laurent hung his head in front of King Ludwig I.
　In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the best way to get the most out of your time.
　It lowered the morale of the Fullerling Kingdom army a lot.

　I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that. But why did Astolfo turn back? ......
　"About that, Your Majesty. Perhaps because of this.

　Laurent showed King Ludwig I a thin needle-like object.
　It was an arrow from a blowgun.

　"It was stuck in my horse. It was probably fired by an impatient Albion soldier. Astolpho noticed it and announced a fresh start.
　"I see, I'm relieved to hear that. So you are not defeated, are you?
　No, you can't make excuses like that at .......
　Oh, I get it, I get it. Yes, a loss is a loss. But that doesn't mean you were inferior, that's for sure. You must win tomorrow.

　King Ludwig I said, but ...... Laurent's face did not look happy.
　Laurent then looked at Ludwig I with a determined expression on his face and said.

　"Your Majesty. Before we meet, I would like to thank him. ...... Please allow me to do so.
　"A bow?　You're a very polite man, you know that? Well, I don't hate that about you. ......

　Ludwig I pondered for a moment, then came up with a good idea. 　
　Then he smiled.

　"Very well. Tomorrow, I'll send Namo as a messenger. You're to accompany him. I'll have to thank him for saving one of my most valuable subjects.


　Thank you, Your Majesty!　Your Majesty!

　Laurent's face lit up, then he bowed and left.
　Ludwig I, who was left alone, grinned.






　Prince Astolfo, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Namo, one of His Majesty's great knights, and my title is 'Duke'. My second name is Wisdom, and I am Namo the Wise. Please make my acquaintance.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk. 　
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not.

　"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Namo. And you, sir Laurent. I'm Astolfo. ...... Now, what can I do for you?　I don't think you're here for a one-on-one fight, by the looks of it.

　Astolfo asked with a good-natured smile.
　Laurent replied.

　'I came to thank you for yesterday, Prince. You spotted the poisoned blowgun and saved my life by calling off the duel. You saved my life by noticing the poisoned blowgun and calling off the duel, giving me another chance at a fair fight.

　Stop it. ...... I didn't do it because I wanted you to thank me. I just didn't agree with you, that's all. It's all about my self-gratification.

　"That's the same for me. I can't be so shameless as to go back into single combat without ever thanking you.

　When Laurent said this, Astolfo laughed in annoyance.
　Seeing that the exchange between the two was over, Namo opened his mouth.

　Our King, King Ludwig I, admires the chivalrous spirit of His Highness, Astolfo. We are also very grateful to you for saving the life of our best knight, Laurent. Therefore, he wishes to present a gift to His Highness.

　Namo said and clapped his hands lightly.
　Then the knights of the Fulling Kingdom appear, bearing gifts for Astolfo.

　Lemurian gold coins, the reserve currency of the West, of course, and beautiful jeweled ornaments.
　Luxurious garments of silk, cloaks of blackened fur.
　And precious spices, rarely found in Albion.

　Astolfo's eyes widened at the unexpected souvenir.

　I can't accept this ......!　I'm just being selfish!

　I'm just being selfish!" "No, no, for my country, for His Majesty the King, Laurent's life and honor are far more precious than such treasures. I am very sorry that I can only give this kind of gift to His Highness Astolfo, who saved it.

　"But, .......

　Astrupho denied it with his mouth, but ......
　The boy's eyes were glued to the treasure.

　In fact, this boy is quite fancy and loves gorgeous and beautiful things.
　Ornaments adorned with gold, silver, and jewels are, of course, ......
　Beautiful silk fabrics from the Land of Silk, far to the east of Albion, are coveted.
　The image of myself in a beautiful cloak of cloten or sable fur, which I can't get in Albion, makes me smile just thinking about it.

　Please accept it.
　I can't help it. ...... I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this topic.

　Astrupho muttered to himself as an excuse and received these treasures.
　With a grin, Namo smiled.






　Now, some time later, a rumor circulated in Albion.

　According to ......
　Astolfo, the prince of Albion, is in league with the kingdom of Fulling.

　He did not use the Spear of Victory and did not stop the fallen Roland.
　And above all, the fact that he received numerous bribes from the Fulling Kingdom was considered proof of this.

　Many of the people and soldiers snickered at the rumors.
　There's no way Master Astolfo would do such a thing.
　They thought that the chivalrous and, above all, weak-minded Lord Astrupho would never think of betrayal.

　But the king, who was jealous of his son's popularity, and the first prince, who feared that he might lose his position as crown prince, believed the rumor.
　They summoned Astolfo to the palace and held him in prison.

　With the loss of Astolfo, the Albion army collapsed, and the Fullerling army under King Ludwig I quickly marched on Albion.
　Finally, the capital, Londinium, fell.

　Afterwards, Astrupha was rescued from her prison by King Ludwig I. Astrupha was the first to be rescued by King Ludwig I.

　Astrupho was knighted again by King Ludwig I and became a Fullerling knight. ......
　This is the first time I have ever seen such a thing.

　After that, the kingdom of Fullerling marched on the island of Albion at breakneck speed.
　He was given the title of "Count" and the name "Love".