Chapter 101 – 【Rough Setting & Character Introduction Summary】

【Northern Empire】

An empire newly founded by Vilgard (ヴィルガルド), who conquered all the Lords’ Alliance. Its territory is wider than the western region controlled by Seazack (シーザック), but smaller than the full Imperial domain.

Its main force consists of horse-riding nomads (people of the grasslands), but among the territory’s soldiers, there are also many highly skilled warriors.

For example, the Linzent Territory, which borders other countries to the north, has repeatedly clashed with foreign forces. Because of that, the soldiers of Linzent are trained to a decent level.

Other territories that border the Empire—such as Clostova and Katzbarie—have also long defended key strategic points, and their soldiers are reasonably well-trained. The soldiers of Diltrack hail from a mountainous tribe, making them particularly suited to mountain terrain and giving them unique traits.

Vilgard himself has established his base in Clostova. This is because Clostova’s location is most advantageous when the time comes to advance the army toward the Imperial Capital.

Since this land was unified through Vilgard’s martial prowess, its internal unity is strong.

On the other hand, the legitimacy of calling themselves the “Northern Empire” rests solely on Vilgard himself, so for better or worse, it is a nation unified by him alone.

The major territories are Linzent, Clostova, Katzbarie, and Diltrack. In addition, there are small-to-medium territories like Alcarol and Dockward.

■ Vilgard (ヴィルガルド)

The protagonist who rose up with the aim of unifying the Empire. A man who was twice robbed of everything by the Empire. He spent about a year in a cave, during which both his sword and spirit underwent a profound transformation.

■ Wolk (ウォルーク)

The current head of the Linzent Territory and Vilgard’s grandfather. Many of the Linzent lords’ bloodline have real combat experience in the north, and Wolk is no exception.

Among the four major territories, the Linzent lordly family is particularly skilled in martial arts. Though fairly old, he still intends to remain active on the battlefield.

■ Ondyle (オンダイル)

Wolk’s son and the next lord of Linzent. He has ample real battle experience and is a commander capable of leading large armies.

In the Northern Empire, commanders capable of leading regular armies (excluding the nomadic cavalry forces) are actually quite rare. He is currently away from Linzent, serving under Vilgard as a general.

■ Riguraize (リグライゼ)

Vilgard’s mother and Ondyle’s elder sister. Due to the Linzent Territory’s significant influence in defending the northern front, she was once wed into the imperial family.

■ Flicks (フリックス)

Ondyle’s son. Trained by Wolk and has gained real battle experience at the northern fortress.

■ Almana (アルマーナ)

A secretary sent to Vilgard by Wolk.

■ Shread (シュレアード)

A man who was once the lord of Katzbarie. He attempted to negotiate with Vilgard in a noble-like manner but was mercilessly attacked without any room for argument. After leaving the territory’s capital, he was killed by his own allies and robbed of his valuables.

■ Altark (アルターク)

A young knight from Katzbarie. He has a deep sense of analysis and is the type who can notice even minor inconsistencies.

■ Godrick (ゴードリック)

A man who was once the lord of Clostova. He provoked Vilgard right from the start.

■ Theodolf (セオドルフ)

Godrick’s son. Realizing that his father had done something incredibly reckless, he gathered like-minded young nobles and surrendered to Vilgard. He is currently working hard as an internal affairs officer.

■ Lantis (ランティス)

The lord of Diltrack, one of the major territories. Diltrack consists almost entirely of mountainous terrain, and Lantis himself carries strong blood ties to the mountain tribes.

Beyond the mountains to the west lies the territory under Seazack’s control, and to the south over the mountains lies the Imperial domain—making it a key strategic point.

■ Elfilia (エルフィリア)

161 cm tall with E-cup breasts. She is the daughter of Lantis’s younger sister, who married into the Mardkrald Territory—located west of Diltrack. Mardkrald has since fallen under Seazack’s control and Elfilia was rescued in her childhood by Lantis.

She harbors a deep hatred toward bandits and dreams of one day restoring the Mardkrald Territory. Through her ties with Vilgard, who wished to strengthen his alliance with the Lords’ Union, she became his wife.

A beauty with pale green hair trimmed just above the shoulders, golden eyes, and porcelain-like white skin that gives her a fairy-like charm.

■ Rerick (レーリック)

A young noble who, alongside Theodolf, surrendered to Vilgard. He is currently commanding the defensive forces at the Yarda Fortress, located south of Katzbarie.

【People of the Grasslands】

A nomadic people composed of eight clans. Their ancestors once followed the Phantom Emperor Gnochein (幻皇グノケイン) in ancient times.

Branded with the sin of having defeated Gnochein, they relocated to the ends of the earth, bound by an unfulfilled contract—one that they used to forge and temper themselves over generations.

Upon meeting Vilgard, who learned of the ancient contract and resolved to unify the Empire, their strength—tempered through time—finally returned to the stage of history.

All of the clans are generally skilled in horseback riding and archery.

【Muga Tribe (ムガ族)】

A clan proficient in negotiations, known for sending spies disguised as merchants across various lands. They excel not only in information gathering but also in the ability to spread information rapidly.

■ Rhoban (ローバン)

Leader of the Muga Tribe.

■ Karan (カーラーン)

Son of Rhoban, and an old acquaintance of Vyril.

■ Rina (リーナ)

157 cm tall with D-cup breasts. Karan’s younger sister. She became Vilgard’s wife to help solidify the bond between the people of the grasslands and Vilgard.

She has sun-kissed skin and blonde hair. Though she has a slightly fiery temperament, she can act gracefully and with refinement in public, true to the Muga Tribe’s character.

【Para Tribe (パラ族)】

A clan skilled mainly in crafting tools such as horse gear and weapons. When they faced off against the Silver Spear Knights in the Kamurakku Territory, they even constructed special pitfalls. On the battlefield, they also serve as combat engineers.

■ Darba (ダルバ)

Handles tool-making and mechanical work that can always meet Vilgard’s demands.

【Dorga Tribe (ドーガ族)】

A clan that, in a way, serves as the most critical node among the nomadic peoples. They possess the best capabilities as messengers, using horses, birds, and special arrows to relay battlefield information almost in real-time, even to distant units.

During marches, Dorga messengers are constantly on the move, enabling highly efficient and seamless split-encirclement tactics.

Since they carry out the most crucial role on the battlefield, Vilgard’s army has a strict policy that prioritizes their support and resupply above all else.

【Muria Tribe (ムリア族)】

Though all grassland clans are skilled in horseback riding and archery, this tribe stands out particularly in their mastery of the bow. While most tribes carry short bows, they also wield powerful large bows with strong draw weight.

By combining strong bows with the special arrows made by the Para Tribe, they can pierce through even armor. However, even within the Muria Tribe, only a select few can wield such powerful bows.

■ Kud (クード), Raris (ラリス), Lizua (リズア), Lapas (ラーパス)

Young warriors from the Muria Tribe.

【Ruto Tribe (ルト族)】

Among the grassland peoples, this clan boasts the most robust physiques. While nomads are typically light-armored mounted archers, the Ruto Tribe is the only one that can function as heavy cavalry (or infantry).

They are also the ones most elated to finally unleash their power on the battlefield now that the contract has been fulfilled.

■ Garshin (ガルシーン), Lombard (ロンバル), Magua (マグア), Girei (ギレイ)

Young warriors from the Ruto Tribe. Magua is Lombard’s younger brother.

【Gagaru Tribe (ガガル族)】

A tribe highly skilled in raising and training high-quality warhorses. Horses are the lifeline of the grassland peoples, and the high quality of their mounts is thanks to this tribe’s tireless refinement.

Currently, they breed horses not only in the Lava Plains but also in pastures within Clostova Territory.

■ Haldo (ハルド)

Especially skilled in warhorse training among the Gagaru Tribe.

【Utt Tribe (ウット族)】

A tribe that has undergone a special training regimen passed down since ancient times, excelling particularly in reconnaissance. Unlike the Muga Tribe, they specialize in battlefield intelligence gathering.

■ Shamia (シャミア)

An extremely nimble girl who excels at solo reconnaissance. She has even infiltrated the western lands on her own and returned with valuable intel.

【Kyamura Tribe (キャムラ族)】

A tribe that takes on the role of logistical support on the battlefield. They are known for rapidly constructing supply lines using horses and efficiently transporting materials.

Like the Dorga Tribe, they greatly contribute to Vilgard’s split-encirclement warfare strategy.

■ Rabua (ラブア)

Chieftain of the Kyamura Tribe.

***

【Zeltreich Empire (ゼルトリーク帝国)】

Once boasted vast territory across the continent due to its expansionist policies, but it has since split into three factions, with internal strife continuing for over ten years.

This turmoil has had widespread effects. Public safety throughout the Empire has deteriorated, and bandits from foreign lands now infiltrate more easily.

Even when including the Northern Empire and the Western Region, the current Empire has lost about 20% of the territory it held during its peak.

■ Creyval (クレイヴァール)

The current Emperor. In a way, he is the one who decisively deepened the rift between the provinces and the central government. Because of that, his capabilities as a ruler are often called into question. However, he’s skilled in political maneuvering—such as purging royal relatives—and for that reason, he still sits on the imperial throne.

He believes that the reason his beloved younger sister was married off to the Kingdom of Ferlog was due to their father’s political failures and it was that belief that fueled his decision to become Emperor himself… Though this part of the backstory will be revealed gradually as the story unfolds.

■ Arloston (アーロストン)

A former royal family member who used to be close friends with Vilgard during their time in the palace. Upon coming of age, he joined the Londonic family and renounced his claim to the imperial throne.

He initially served as an internal affairs officer, where he demonstrated great talent and earned high praise. However, he also made many enemies. Creyval, displeased with having such a capable half-brother, reassigned him to a completely unrelated role—the position of Knight Commander.

Even so, Arloston continued to apply himself diligently and ultimately reformed the stagnant and outdated Imperial Knights. However, despite holding the title of Knight Commander, he has no real combat experience outside the capital, which makes it difficult for him to earn the full support of all knights.

Arloston himself is aware of this and knows that at some point, he must gain actual combat experience…

■ Syndis (シンディス), Aralicia (アラリシア)

Arloston’s wife and daughter.

■ Reminiel (レミニエール)

Vilgard’s half-sister, who casually had a line in Episode 1 and whose name appeared in Episode 41.

■ Raibarden (ライバーデン)

A young knight who mainly serves as Arloston’s bodyguard. Ranked 5th in the “Handsome Knight Ranking” made by the maids.

■ Barkdine (バークダイン)

A symbol of the outdated Imperial Knights. Former head of the prestigious Bihickturk family, which has produced multiple Knight Commanders.

Following the defeat at the Schleitocker Road, he handed over the position of family head to his son and has since retired.

However, the Bihickturk family still holds significant influence among knight lineages. Even in retirement, Barkdine retains a degree of authority. He plays a role in calming the discontented knights and helping to strengthen the unity of the Imperial Knights.

■ Kaldandes (カルダンデス)

Barkdine’s son and the current head of the Bihickturk family. He is of the same generation as Ondyle, and since both come from warrior houses, the two are often compared.

Both are known as martial types, and it’s said, “If Ondyle is in the North, then Kaldandes is in the South.”

Though they clashed several times during the early stages of the civil war, neither of them seems to be particularly fixated on the rivalry… or are they?

■ Luanfiene (ルアンフィーネ)

One of Barkdine’s several grandchildren, a girl with light aqua hair and deep green eyes. Despite being only 14 years old, she has the rare ability to connect scattered pieces of information, visualize them as a whole picture, and predict future developments accurately—almost as if watching how pieces move across a game board.

Her brilliance is considered highly unusual even among her family and Barkdine is genuinely fond of her in a good way. She will later be known as the “Witch with Deep Green Eyes.” She stands 150 cm tall with a B-cup bust.

■ Adrldon Nogrest (アドルドン・ノーグレスト)

Commander of the Ironclad Knight Order, established by Arloston. The order consists primarily of heavily armored infantry, and like Adrldon himself, most of its members are large, muscular and possess strong power through engraved seals.

Although they succeeded in conquering the Imperial State, both Adrldon and Arloston misjudged the method of occupation, and as a result, a proper governance system has yet to be established.

■ Bandred Cruarde (バンドレッド・クルアード)

Former commander of the Silver Spear Knight Order, founded by Arloston. He resigned after taking responsibility for the defeat in Kamurakku Territory.

In truth, it was thanks to him that the young Vilgard was able to escape from the royal palace without being pursued. The Cruarde family was also the first to form a support base for Arloston when he became Knight Commander.

■ Roglain Armales (ログライン・アーマルス)

Former commander of the Thunderstrike Knight Order, also established by Arloston. Like Bandred, he stepped down after taking responsibility for the defeat at Schleitocker Road. He now serves as one of Arloston’s personal bodyguards.

■ Alfred (アルフレッド)

A general who once led new recruits and mercenaries into the grasslands. Though captured and later released by Vilgard, he was reassigned to a front-line fortress on the Northern Empire border.

That might sound like an unfortunate fate—but in time, he is destined to witness the birth of a witch…

■ Barkat (バルカット)

Lord of Alcarol Territory. When Vilgard defeated Barkdine and others at Schleitocker Road and advanced into the region, Barkat promptly surrendered his territory. A skilled political survivor.

■ Kaltzman (カルツマン)

Son of the lord of the westernmost imperial territory, Kalmunda. He is also the designated heir to the territory.

Currently, he leads the territorial troops and is striving to prevent bandits from infiltrating from the western region controlled by Seazack.

■ Gresden (グレスデン)

A civil official in charge of financial matters. He is also a close aide to Creyval. His appearance likely comes much later in the story.

■ Lubelmarus (ルーベルマルス)

The Imperial Chancellor. A person who frequently gives Creyval advice regarding domestic affairs.

■ Logique (ロジーク)

Lubelmarus’s half-brother. Their mother was a commoner.

***

【Western Region (西部地域)】

A land ruled by the Mercenary Demon King, Seazack. The Western Region borders the Kingdom of Brenark. When the civil war began, Seazack invaded the region as a mercenary alongside the Brenark Knights.

After wiping out the Imperial forces there, he launched a surprise attack on the Brenark Knights and seized control of the region for himself, creating a bandit kingdom.

The Western Region is crossed by the Merx River and its many tributaries to the west. Any large military force moving from Brenark or the Empire must pass through this area. Multiple forts have been built along the Merx River and its tributaries, allowing for coordinated defense between them.

The Kingdom of Brenark has dispatched troops several times but with only small probing forces, they were unable to cross the Merx River. The mountains that run along the east and south also work to Seazack’s advantage, allowing him to maintain his bandit kingdom.

■ Seazack (シーザック)

A man known by the title “Mercenary Demon King.” Though over 40 years old, his individual martial prowess is considered the strongest of this era. He currently uses the Rujielan Territory, which borders the western edge of Mardkrald, as his base.

He hails from a desert kingdom in the southern part of the continent, though that backstory will be revealed in time…

■ Bliss (ブリス)

A mercenary hired by Maibar who invaded the Imperial State alongside Adrldon early in the story. In truth, he is one of Seazack’s subordinates. Seazack sends spies like him throughout the Empire to gather intelligence.

■ Goya, Kuriya, and others (ゴヤ、クリヤ等)Violet Lightning Eight Blades

Members of the “Shiden Yatsuha” (紫電八刃), an elite group of eight assassins under Seazack. Specialists in infiltration and covert operations.

Initially, all eight were going to be introduced, but the pacing would have suffered—so that idea was shelved.

***

【Amatsuki Imperial State (アマツキ皇国)】

The nation to which Vilgard fled. It has a unique and deeply rooted culture, with a noble code of conduct that is entirely different from that of other countries.

The Amatsuki people’s Kokuinjutsu (刻印術, engraved arts) are renowned for granting greater enhancements to physical abilities compared to other nations. It is also the only country capable of forging the mystical Sakura Moon Katana (桜月刀)—a blade said to never break, never rust and never chip.

Though it was occupied during the Empire’s invasion, the Emperor committed suicide at the time. Because of this, the people of Amatsuki harbor deep resentment toward the Empire, and to this day, its governance remains unstable.

This was largely due to Arloston and others completely misreading the temperament and will of the Amatsuki people.

■ Tsukimikado Mayo (月御門 万葉)

The last surviving member of the imperial family. She received a vow from Vilgard and eventually married him. They share a common goal: the liberation of Amatsuki.

She is 145 cm tall with an A-cup bust… though this was slightly altered in the published version of the story.

■ Kirimune (キリムネ)

A legendary warrior of the Amatsuki nation, known by the title “Four Sword Breaker.” He is also Vyril’s sword master.

Over the past year, he has strongly felt his physical decline and is now semi-retired. Currently, he protects Mayo, Rina, and Elfilia while watching over Vil’s path to conquest.

■ Kagawa Masaomi (賀川 正臣)

Vyril’s friend. He went missing during the Empire’s invasion.

■ Amatsu Kiyoka (天津 清香)

Vyril’s friend. They parted ways when the Empire invaded the imperial capital. In the published version, she becomes Vyril’s lover.

■ Karataki Hiroto (唐滝 裕斗)

A royal guard tasked with the protection of the imperial family. Becoming a royal guard is considered the highest honor among warriors, as only those with exceptional martial ability and character are chosen.

■ Kuramune Shizuku (倉峰 雫)

A female royal guard who left the imperial capital alongside Mayo and crossed into the grasslands. She remains by Mayo’s side as her exclusive protector to this day.

***

【Kingdom of Ferlog (フェルローグ王国)】

A country built on an island called Rogue Island (ローグ島), boasting the most powerful naval forces.

It was once at war with the Zeltreich Empire, but after many twists and turns, Creyval’s younger sister was married off to Ferlog. Kirimune-sensei briefly mentions this situation in Episode 4.

【Kingdom of Brenark (ブレナーク王国)】

A kingdom that borders the Zeltreich Empire to the west. The two nations have had constant conflict, and relations remain strained to this day. In fact, Brenark even took advantage of the civil war to invade the Western Region.

While both the Empire and Brenark share the experience of being dealt harsh blows by Seazack, that doesn’t necessarily make them allies…?

■ Rudix (ルディクス)

The current king. He has only recently ascended the throne.

■ Calsis (キャルシス)

Rudix’s younger sister. She is now married into another house and visited the Empire as a messenger from Brenark.

■ Jeigan (ジェイガン)

Commander of the Brenark Knight Order. He will be making an appearance soon.

■ Gabusrein (ガブスレイン)

Jeigan’s son. His turn to appear is also coming up soon.