CHAPTER 14: NEWBORN

By the fourth volley, we had burned enough gunpowder to generate a thick cloud of smoke and obscure our view at the front. At that moment, I ordered the Black Feathers to stop firing, so we could let the smoke dissipate. However, I know also that the lull could be used by our enemies to turn the tide against us, so, lifting my sword…

“Brave Black Feathers! Chaaaaaaarge!”

“Aaaaarrrrrggghhhh!!!”

The chicken warriors, buoyed by my command to attack, switched to their melee and bulldozed the human barricades on the other end of the hallway. Body flew as the first line of Chicken warriors wrestled their enemies and floored them. Blood splashed, limbs cut off, heads bashed and decapitated; it was a pure bloodbath, as the Duchess’ guards refused to give ground. The chaos of the narrow battlefield was made even more difficult by the smoke and the debris that hindered our movement. But the Black Feathers remedied this by switching to their daggers and shorter bayonets; others fought using their bare hands. The humans had no answer for the close quarters combat skills of our men.

The long matchlock guns, and great swords that they have simply isn’t suited for the tight space of the castle corridors.

“They’re going to kill us all!” someone from the humans shouted.

“Those are no beastmen! Those are ogres from the old!”

As for me, even though my right hand was cut off, I still swung my sword—attached to the stump of my arm, and immediately fell two enemies. One was beheaded, and the other struck down with a thrust to his neck.

On my third victim, however, it was different. The moment I disarmed him, he kneeled on the ground to beg mercy.

“Please don’t kill me!” he said, “My child is still young, and I was just forced into this!”

“Alright,” I tapped his shoulder, “Just raise your hands and move away from here. These beastmen would spare you.”

The man did as he was told, until he suddenly grabbed a fallen weapon on the floor and pointed it to me, “Humans like you are traitors that should be kil—”

“!!!”

He could not finish his words as his head exploded from the projectile of Sir Loin’s railgun. Still shocked at the sudden turn of events, I looked at the parka guy, who was also bathing in blood like me.

“I guess you should be the one using this, Kuro mah boy!” He handed me his weapon, to which I had difficulty of lifting. I was amazed that this man had immense strength to swing it like a stick.

“…” Well, I tried my best to move it…

“Ugh, it seems like you alone won’t be able to carry this,” the parka guy then called a pair of Black Feathers and ordered them to carry it for me. “Here’s the trigger, and you have to put these spikes at the muzzle. Now shoo! Move your ass at the rear, or your death could jeopardize us all.”

“But those friends of mine that are here…”

“Don’t worry; I told the chickies to spare the knights you’re aiming to save. They won’t touch them, unless they got attacked.”

“Alright, thanks! I’ll be following right behind,” And then, I raised another urgent matter, “Wait, what about your weapon?”

“I can manage,” the parka guy winked at me, “I’m more powerful than I look.”

Even though he said that, I still don’t want Sir Loin to rejoin the fight with nothing in his hand. Looking around for something deadly, I saw an iron-mithril frying pan on the floor…the other weapons nearby were all broken.

Well, I guess it’s better than nothing.

“Here. Try this for now!” I gave him the frying pan.

The parka guy threw a strange look at his new weapon; but, he accepted it with a grin on his lips, “Alright! We’ll conquer this castle with a frying pan in my hand!”

Err…good luck I guess?

----------

At the end of 30 minutes from the start of our assault, the Black Tower had completely fallen into our hands that the 2nd Wing came in only to help in the clean-up of the bodies and debris, as well as searching for the injured. Surprisingly, for the bloody fight earlier, there were only 78 deaths from the 400 of the Duchess of Malvette’s guards, mostly in that hallway barricade and the battle at the parapets.

The rest of the guards surrendered without a fight when we confronted them, and some even helped in locating Lady Malvette, who was hiding with her chamberlain, Jarvis, under her bed. A statement to the dangerously low morale of her men…

“W-What are you doing? J-Jarvis! Protect me!” she demanded from her chamberlain as the human soldiers dragged her out of her hiding spot, and handing her over to the Beastmen infantry.

“…”

However, just like our earlier encounter, the butler lost his consciousness. I think the sight of the bloodied, wild-looking Chicken tribe warriors in their battered uniforms took his senses away from him. The Duchess of Malvette kept on wailing and hurling expletives on her ‘useless Jarvis’. And uh…

Did she piss herself once again?

The chicken warriors surely smelled that and poked fun at her. I guess, being the leader of the hated humans, they longed to take revenge on Lady Malvette. It’s pretty much understandable, considering how they suffered under the humans. However, in line of our goals in treating the humans as equals, I had to put a stop to their twisted entertainment, and gave Lady Malvette a blanket to cover her shame.

Besides, I don’t like disrespecting my enemy when they are already powerless.

“L:-Lord Kuro…p-please, spare m-me…” her voice was barely audible, as she desperately clung to me to avoid the Beastmen.

“It’s alright, milady! Please calm down,” I gently took hold of the poor lady and gave her a towel to wipe herself.

“Th-They’ll hurt me!” she pointed towards the Chicken warriors who mistreated her.

“My apologies to what happened to you, milady!” I reassured her, “Your men deserted you, and our warriors disrespected your dignity as a person. But this is not how we wanted to treat you and your people under Queen Ursura’s rule. Please rest assured this won’t happen again.”

“T-Thanks…” was her poignant reply as she completely broke down and cried her heart out.

And that’s how we captured her.

Our side did have casualties as well. Three lightly-wounded, and one severe Black Feather, which I immediately healed. And the Black Tower also suffered damages in it walls, mainly because of Sir Loin’s railgun bombardment earlier.

“…”

Ironically, for a protracted conflict like this, Operation Solid Sneak did not even last an hour, and it put an end to the Human-Beastmen war that endured through generations of men and beastfolk.

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***One of the guest room inside the Black Tower***

As they were ‘guests’ of the Duchess of Malvette, Chancellor Sir Dane Bellingstein and Duchess Sylvia Henristone—along with their respective knights—were detained in one of the guest rooms of the Black Tower. Except from their freedom to move, they were still accorded proper accommodation fit for the nobles that they were.

“…”

However, as they listened to the chaos outside, they realized their need for weapons, should the moment to use it arose. The sounds of the demon weapons exploding, swords and men clashing, and death were slowly creeping to their location, and the knights had to break the furnishings of the guest room to erect makeshift barriers, and create temporary weapons, for defense.

“!!!”

And then, just as the battle sounds were getting louder, it suddenly turned silent. The men of the Gryphon Knights and women of the Paladin Corps exchanged confused stares, as Lady Henristone gestured for them to remain in their places and make no noise.

“…”

The tense waiting game then began. There was nothing to be heard behind the locked doors of the guest room until there was a set of footsteps that stopped right at the middle of the door. Everyone in the room braced for the worse: though they meant no harm towards the Beastmen, that they were humans was enough to earn the former’s enmity. And with them having no real weapon to fight back, the knights resorted to die with their dignity and honor intact.

The knobs then began to turn, as the locks were opened. Lady Henristone took one last look at the Chancellor Sir Bellingstein, and they both agreed. Though it’s hopeless, they would take the fight to their enemies.

“!!!”

Once the doors were flung open, the two captains of Chersea’s foremost orders charged, followed by their subordinates. They aimed for the kill, towards the first enemy to enter that room, and that was…

“Gah! Please don’t kill me! I’m just a lowly frying pan bearer!” a parka-wearing man with a bloodied frying pan on his hand appeared at the door, as their makeshift weapons nearly skewered his neck.

Lady Henristone and Chancellor Sir Bellingstein were even more confused. “Who are you?” they asked him in chorus.

“Ah! I’m Sir Loin of Steak,” the man put his frying pan away as he further opened the doors to reveal the army of Beastmen behind him, “I was sent here by your friend, Kuro, to ensure your safety. Don’t worry, these chickies won’t bite you…they’re trained to give you an ass whoopin’ though.”

----------

**Kuro**

The Fall of the Black Tower was a spectacular victory for the nascent army of the Beastman Kingdom, led by its Queen, Ursura of the Beastmen. In an era where technology was at a primitive level, it was unthinkable for any force to take an imposing fortress manned by hundreds of guards armed with the latest weaponry within a day.

And to think that we did it under an hour…with minimal casualties too.

Once we established control over the entire castle complex, I asked the Duchess of Malvette to issue a proclamation ordering the surrender of her remaining forces in the field. If I remember, there was a sizable human army heading towards the beaches, in anticipation of an invasion from that direction. Good thing the noblewoman complied the moment her senses returned; she sent criers throughout the city of Malvette to announce the capitulation of the Enclave, as well as the emancipation of the Beastmen slaves in the entire land.

“…”

And, to further cement our gains, I had someone take the banner of the Beastman Queen and unfurl it at the highest point of the Black Tower, where every citizen of the city would see it.

At first, the humans reacted with alarm and disbelief. They never thought of the possibility of a Beastman invasion that would penetrate their defenses in and around Malvette, and so they armed themselves to defend their homes.

Well, I guess it will take them some convincing…

“Good citizens of Malvette!” I called out to them from the square, as I was escorted by Beastmen and human soldiers, “Please be at ease; the Beastman Queen never wished to destroy you or your lands. Rather, she came to you as a liberator, so that you can live in peace and in harmony with your Beastmen neighbors! Do not fear for your lives!”

The houses and shops surrounding the city square remained closed, but I could see people peeking from their windows and doors. Seizing the opportunity to further convince them of our intentions, I asked the soldiers to bring in the food crates we brought from the Avinus lands.

This is the fourth, extra part of our strategy: the propaganda. Basing our actions from the spy reports about the economic collapse of the Enclave prior to our invasion, we came prepared to sway the hearts of the humans to our cause.

“Please don’t be shy to get whatever food you need!”

While the initial reception to our gesture was cold, soon there were small numbers of people coming in to get food from our crates. We also made sure that there were human and Beastman guards that were visible, and instructed them to encourage the townsfolk to approach the supplies. When the people of Malvette realized that the Beastmen never meant any harm this time, they soon came in droves and befriended our Beastmen sentries.

----------

Returning to the Black Tower, I was greeted by an old friend…

“As impressive as always, Lord Kuro!” the Chancellor Sir Bellingstein was all-smiles as he approached me the moment they were set free by Sir Loin and his men, “You did the impossible once again!”

“Sir Dane!” I exclaimed, “It’s nice to see you! How did you cross into Cherwind?”

“It’s Her Holiness Saint Madelaine! She opened a portal to this place in her room.”

“Whoa! Maddie—I mean, Her Holiness is really talented!”

“You’re absolutely right on that one,” the old Chancellor then turned to his companion, “Well, I’m not the only one who’s here!”

“Kuroooooooo!!!” a fully-armored lady dashed towards me and hugged me tight. It felt like a few of my bones broke because of her cumbersome plate armor, and brute strength.

“Gah—Lady H-Henristone?” I was even more surprised to see my other friends from the Paladin Corps. They immediately saluted me the moment I came into their view. “The entire paladins are here with you?”

“Nah, we only selected a few volunteers,” Lady Henristone answered, “If you’re looking for an entire regiment, it’s Chancellor Bellingstein who brought all his men. In fact, he fought against the King of Calabria to be allowed to go into Cherwind.”

“Heh, we Gryphon Knights won’t abandon our most famous friend and hero,” he declared.

“Thanks for that, Sir Dane!”

“Ah, I knew you would always deliver!” the Paladin Corps Captain tapped my shoulders, “How did you end up in the Beastman Queen’s service? And what happened to your hand?”

Sir Dane’s eyes almost popped from their sockets when he saw the condition of my right arm as well, “Did you get yourself in an accident?”

“Well…things happened,” I actually wanted to tell my entire story to them. However, I believed that this was not the time for it just yet. I mean, we still got a lot of issues to deal with, and we’re just waiting for Ursura and the main Beastmen-Avinus army.

“You’re right,” Lady Henristone nodded, “This is not the time for stories. In any case, Sir Kuro, I know you’re aware of the reason we’re here, right?”

“Of course…” I told her, “However, I have to decline for now.”

“Huh? What do you mean, Sir Kuro?” the Paladin Corps Captain had a confused look on her face, “Her Holiness the Saint is eagerly waiting for you!”

“Yes, I also wanted to come back as soon as possible and see her,” I gently shook my head, “Nevertheless, I’m asking you to let me finish what I started here first, before coming back to Chersea. You’re a knight, Lady Henristone. I’m sure you’d understand my desire to fulfill my oath to my friends before returning.”

----------

Five days after Operation Solid Sneak, Queen Ursura of the Beastmen and her entourage successfully entered the city of Malvette, much to the acclaim of the humans and freed Beastmen slaves. Coming with her was the armies of the various Beastmen tribes fighting under her banner (the tribes living in the Avinus lands), dressed in their dashing military uniforms.

The last human army surrendered to her at the beach without a fight, and so she allowed them to march with her as escorts to the city.

“Ursura! Ursura! Ursura!” the crowd’s cheers grew louder as she made her way towards the hill where the Black Tower stood. The Eagles and Falcons flying above showered confetti to the procession, and as I watched from the battlements, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Roman triumphs from my old world’s ancient past.

Upon reaching the portcullis gate of the fortress, the Queen was met by the representatives of the Duchess of Malvette, led by her chamberlain, Jarvis.

“Lady Margaret Jeanne of Malvette has sent me to offer you the keys to our city,” the butler kneeled, at which, the others followed suit, “We are now under your mercy, Your Majesty.”

“T-There’s no need for mer-merc…” Ursura was stammering, “Tch. Damn it, let’s drop the stupid formalities, human. I’m your queen now, and I guarantee your safety and equal treatment in the lands under my rule. And the same goes to your master as well, no matter how much I wanted to kick her ass before. Now if anyone disrespects you or any of your people, tell me, so I can kick their asses as well!”

The chamberlain was dumbfounded at how blunt Queen Ursura spoke. I could only shake my head in amusement.

This queen is one of a kind…

----------

And with that, the name ‘Queen Ursura of the Beastmen’ became famous within a short time, for the bear-woman established a reputation of being a blunt yet caring monarch; not only to her Beastmen subjects, but to the humans as well. Because of that, many of the scattered Beastmen tribes from all over the Enclave and beyond united under her banner. For them, Queen Ursura was the ‘leader’ that was promised to them in the prophecies of their people. The Kingdom of the Beastmen grew in its size of population in the end.

Meanwhile, restarting the human-Beastmen relationship was off to a shaky start. As former slaves of the humans, the emancipated Beastmen wanted to take revenge for their sufferings, and it caused tension between them, their former masters, and the Beastmen who remained free. The humans didn’t want to pay any reparations, for they themselves were ruined by the economic collapse brought forth by Lady Malvette’s conscription policy. On the other side, the free Beastmen never entertained the idea of creating another conflict, even if it’s their kin who was seeking revenge. For them, the rift with the humans was now over, and they would move on…whether or not their emancipated relatives want to, or not.

I think that the relationship between the Beastmen and humans will take time to heal, but at least with Ursura’s actions, the process had already begun.

“…”

However, we were not yet done with Cherwind.

Across the vast plains northeast of the Enclave was the Wessen Mountains. Here, the forces loyal to Lady Konka had fortified themselves, ready to venture out anytime and attack us if we lowered our guards. To the south of the Enclave was the Cauldron, where Ruro’s cave palace was located. And finally, out on the fringes of the land were the hordes of monsters that could go on a rampage anytime soon.

And for those threats, we are constantly preparing.

The Black Feather regiments were increased in number, after their performance in the capture of the Black Tower made them famous—or infamous, whichever side they were being viewed. Sir Loin’s ‘hellish’ training system was considered to be brutal, even for the Beastmen standards. Nevertheless, they couldn’t help but acknowledge the effectiveness of his methods. The Black Feathers would become the Beastmen Kingdom’s foremost military unit, but it was a story for another time.

Our artillery wings, on the other hand, fell under my supervision. Though not as well-drilled as the Black Feathers, the artillery were on par when it came to their battlefield efficiency and effectiveness; able to shred a groundworm with their volley fire in a matter of minutes.

Meanwhile, the Eagles and Falcons trained with the Gryphon Knights of Chancellor Sir Dane Bellingstein. As in my plan, they were to serve as the backbone of the Beastmen Kingdom’s air forces. I specifically asked the Chancellor to help me shape the Avinus up into a more professional force like their own corps. Soon, the Avinus air forces gained their own name: the Red Feathers.

Heh, I can only pity on the monster hordes—or enemy armies—that will enter our territories…

In other matters, with the fall of Malvette, the Beastmen Council—now elevated to an advisory body to the queen—thought that it’s proper to make the city the capital of the new kingdom. The Black Tower would serve as the Beastman Queen’s main castle, as well as her court. And to further increase its prestige and legitimacy, they planned to hold a proper coronation ceremony for their monarch, in the same fashion with how the humans back in Chersea, do it.

----------

When the day of the coronation came, there was much commotion in Malvette. Just like the ‘Adulting’ ceremony of Chief Minahaba, festive decorations, music, and food were available and put up in and around the city. I guess this was also the right time to hold a joyous occasion, so that we could lift the sagging spirits of the humans, battered by endless wars, failed economy, wrong governance and defeat.

“Chief!” it was Colheen, who dropped by my temporary quarters in the Black Tower, “Why are you taking so long? The ceremony is about to start.”

“Yes…I’m just…err…I can’t put my dress for this occasion,” I admitted. Indeed, since my right hand was missing, it’s difficult to put on the coat that was tailored for me. Unlike my turtleneck sweater—which was the clothing I have in me when I came here, this one’s got a lot of buttons and the fabric was pretty stiff.

“Ah, let me help you with that Chief!” the tiger-boy then held the coat up for me to put on.

“Thanks!”

“Well, let’s hurry! The chiefs were eager to start the coronation,” Colheen added, “I think the dark clouds in the horizon would bring rain later, so they want it done before the downpour starts.”

“Hm? Don’t they know I can control the weather?” I asked, “Why they didn’t tell me?”

“Uh…Big sis Chief Minahaba said that you can only bring rain or storms, so she didn’t recommend asking you to change the weather.”

“No, I can also bring a good, balmy weather. Here, let me show you,” I activated the saint-powers and was about to drive the heavy clouds when the tiger-boy stopped me.

“Chief, don’t do it yet,” he giggled as he whispered, “It’ll be your surprise for Big Sis Ursura on her coronation.”

“Oh, right. Good thing you stopped me!”

----------

The courtyard of the Black Tower was filled with human and Beastmen well-wishers, as well as prominent personalities from in and around Malvette. Guards from both races kept the fortress’ paths clear of people, while the distinguished guests of the Beastman Queen passed by.

It is a strange, yet happy moment. I mean, we never thought we’d come this far…

Meanwhile, Colheen and I went the side routes. I don’t want to show myself to the crowd, simply for the reason I’m in no mood to join them. See, after all the events that happened to us, it’s as if the exhaustion levels within me had reached its limit. Honestly, I would like to be left alone in peace inside my room; had it not for Ursura’s coronation, I’d be sleeping the entire time!

“Hey Colheen!” Gero suddenly appeared, “Oh, and hello Chief!”

“Did the coronation start already?” the tiger-boy was worried.

“Not yet, but they are looking for you and the Chief,” the rabbit-boy answered and grabbed Colheen’s hand. “Come with me; we’ll be standing guard beside Big Sis Ursura this time.”

Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention, Ursura made the members of the Orphan tribe as her personal guards. Luka and Rumia were the captains of this unit, and Rishnu was their medical officer. What’s kind of complicated was that, I remained the Chief of the Orphans, which quite confused me what my function was.

They already got the dog siblings as their leaders now. Perhaps she did that to prepare for my departure for Chersea. I mean, considering the situation, it’s only a matter of time before we conquered all of Cherwind under Ursura’s rule, and force a solution between Ruro and Konka’s conflict.

Well, I guess this is good in its own way.

“…”

But still…I think I’m going to miss my life in this place. Not that I couldn’t return someday; however, there’s that persistent feeling of sadness when you know you were about to reach the end of a certain chapter in your life.

“…”

“Chief!”

“!!!”

Apparently, Gero was calling out to me while I wallowed in my thoughts. “You alright? It seems like you‘re thinking about something, Chief.”

“Nah, I’m good,” I patted his and Colheen’s head, “Go on with your duties as the new Royal Bodyguards of your big sister.”

“Eh? What about you?”

“I’m coming, don’t worry,” I flashed a smile at them, though I don’t think they’d notice that it was a melancholic one.

The two Orphans waved their hands and left for the throne room. I followed them, but decided to just walk leisurely; I’ll arrive in my destination, anyway.

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When I reached the throne room of the Black Tower, the coronation ceremony was already in progress. The Grand High Priestess, Lady Sebastenerva of the Serpentinus, stood at the podium where the Beastman throne was. The Avinus land chiefs, especially Chief Gislaine and Chief Malu with her daughter Salis, were at the right side below the dais, kneeling. To their opposite were the human leaders, led by the representative of the Human Saint, Duchess Sylvia Henristone and the Chancellor of Calabria, Sir Dane Bellingstein, also in the same position. The Orphans flanked the platform on both sides, and much to my surprise, it was Sir Loin who took the place of little Teviki, who was getting comfortable in nibbling his hair.

Filling the hall were the guests from both humans and Beastmen, intermingled with each other. They were solemnly silent as the snake priestess delivered her speech.

“…”

Not wishing to attract anyone’s attention, I carefully slipped through the crowd and blended in. I know these guys would look for me after the ceremony, so I’ll just stay here for the meantime.

At the middle of the podium was Her Majesty, Ursura of the Beastmen, dressed in a gown that combined the elegance of human aesthetics and the raw beauty of Beastmen designs. Looking at her was enough to make my heart to skip a beat; she was too lovely to behold.

“Beastmen and humans of Cherwind…” Lady Sebastenerva declared, “I now present to you, the Queen of Cherwind, Ursura of the Beastmen!”

The Queen took a step forward and kneeled on a cushion set before her. Then the snake priestess took a crown from a servant of hers and put it on Ursura’s head. After that, she stood to the applause of every one present in the throne room.

“May you protect your people and give wisdom to your land,” the snake priestess gave her final benediction, then retreated to make way for the new monarch. I secretly cast a spell that caused the dark rain clouds above to open up, letting the sunlight into the throne room. It added to the magical atmosphere of the occasion, reinforcing the belief among the locals that this was an event mandated by heaven.

Thus, the Kingdom of Cherwind was officially born.

Author's Note:  About the title...

'Newborn' here refers to the monument in Kosovo that was erected shortly before that country's independence.