Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

After the conclusion of the Narrow Sea Battle, both the Silesien and Britannian navies, having utterly defeated Castilia’s Invincible Armada, sailed triumphantly into Grace Bay.

However, Grace’ harbor remained contested, still occupied by Castilian ground forces.

Isolated in enemy territory, they were worn down.

Their only hope rested on Castilia’s Invincible Armada restoring their maritime supply lines and sending reinforcements.

「Oi, Revenant! It’s time for you to work!」

「Ah….what do you want me to do?」

I unfastened the ropes that bound Revenant, who had been swaying from the mast of a Black Cedar warship. I hesitated to hang him—after all, we didn’t want to be accused of mistreating prisoners of war.

But he had desecrated the body of the warrior Dyson, which had infuriated Are, and his treatment of Sarah-chan had earned him this punishment.

Yet even tightly bound and suspended, Revenant didn’t falter. Instead, he blushed with a strange delight, exclaiming, ‘Tight, painful, and agonizing!’ His resilience was unnerving. Lately, my dilemma has been how to break his spirit.

「Revenant, your task is to deliver a surrender proposal. The Invincible Armada has been defeated; it’s time to capitulate.」 「What? You want me to do that?」

Finally, I managed to furrow Revenant’s brow. He was a cunning strategist who reveled in any form of torment, so this assignment clearly displeased him.

Well, it couldn’t be helped.

「Of course. Why do you think I spared your life? Now go and deliver the message.」

「Understood… I suppose I’ll do it.」

As Revenant descended using flying magic into the city, a white flag promptly rose from the harbor within ten minutes.

Honestly, that was a bit too swift, even for my taste.

Despite their tenacious resistance, the enemy’s surrender came far too swiftly. We hesitated to enter the harbor, fearing it might be a trap.

Together with the surrendering generals, heads bowed under the raised white flag, I confronted Revenant. His expression was one of disgruntlement.

「How did you manage to get them surrender, Revenant?」

「Well, it was you who ordered the surrender proposal, wasn’t it? I merely explained the folly of further resistance and the needless loss of life in a futile battle. When victory is impossible, persisting only increases sacrifices.」

「Hmm.」

He sounded convincing, but if that alone persuaded them to surrender, it was hardly a challenge.

「Also, there’s a little matter owed to our esteemed commander here.」

As Revenant spoke, the young general beside him slumped, his shoulders trembling. Ah, so he held a weakness of the enemy commander. Revenant was a nuisance even to allies.

It was like fighting fire with fire, but Revenant wasn’t just an accomplished advance mage—he was also a cunning strategist. We needed him to liberate this occupied harbor and negotiate a peace treaty with Castilia.

For that purpose, Revenant had proven unexpectedly valuable. His title as Mage General wasn’t mere decoration on the continent of Eura.

「Well done. Keep cooperating in facilitating surrenders, and your life won’t be forfeit.」

For a moment, I almost blurted out an invitation to defect. But Revenant, ever perceptive, beat me to it.

「Silesie’s Hero-sama, swift post-war handling benefits us as well. However, I assure you, I’ll never betray His Majesty the Study King. If I were to do so, I’d choose death over treachery.」

「Understood.」

Revenant may seem like a sinister schemer, but his loyalty is quite impressive.

Frankly, if he were to betray and move to my team, I wouldn’t have the confidence to handle him.

Scheming to the point of threatening allies is a bit too extreme for my taste.

Now, what about the other advance mages?

Amidst the enemy captives gathered at the port, I spot a particularly striking and alluring female mage and decide to approach her.

「Celestina Siren, was it?」

Celestina, with her long, curly purple hair and voluptuous figure accentuated by her tight-fitting dress, looks more like a dancer than a mage. Her dress is low-cut, adding to the impression.

Since I decided not to kill her, I invited her to join us, but she declined as expected.

「Silesie’s Hero-sama, I’m flattered by the invitation, but advance mages like me are bound to our country to prevent betrayal.」

「And by that you mean?」

「In my case, my family is held hostage.」

「Figures. An advance mage is equivalent to an army, so they take hostages. What if I helped you rescue your family?」

Celestina hesitated briefly before shaking her head.

There are circumstances, it seems.

「I don’t want to be killed, so if you help me, consider it a favor owed.」

「A favor, huh…」

「If you want, I can repay you with my body right now.」

Celestina’s suggestive glance is hard to miss. No, please don’t tempt me.

Given my already precarious position regarding infidelity, and with soldiers watching…

Or rather, the soldiers are sneaking glances at Celestina’s pale thighs visible through the high slit of her skirt.

Her provocative attire and behavior may be necessary for her magic, but they are a dangerous distraction for me.

「…I’ll refrain from using your body, but I suppose it’s acceptable. After all, it’s a favor from an advanced mage.」

「Yes, there’s something I’d like to ask you.」

「What is it? Feel free to inquire.」

「Are you not a Dandorrian?」

When Celestina asked me that, she looked nervous.

Her black eyes are staring at me seriously.

「Dandor what?」

I seem to recall something that Lyle-sensei told me when we were talking about Castilia Kingdom.

「Dandorrians—the mountain folk who inhabited the peaks of the Andra Range, separating the kingdoms of Silesie and Castilia. They were known for their black hair and dark eyes. 」

「Oh, I’ve heard of that minority group. While I do indeed have black hair and eyes, and my skin tone isn’t like them, right? In this world, I’m probably considered Eastern. Born by the distant seas in the far east.」

「In this world? An interesting choice of words. But alas, it seems you’re not one of the Dandorrians.」

「How does this mountain folk relate to you, Celestina?」

「Because I, too, am Dandorrian. This hair is dyed purple with flower pigments, but its true color is black.」

「Ah, I see. To think our skin tones are somewhat alike.」

Celestina’s tense expression softened into a smile. It was as if the weight of a serious conversation had lifted, returning her to her usual enigmatic demeanor.

For her, perhaps this was a significant moment—a chance encounter with a potential kin. Yet fate had other plans.

「If you were truly a fellow Dandorrian, meeting here would have felt like destiny. But alas, it seems not.」

「True. Yet our similarities cannot be denied. Perhaps our ancestors share a closer bond.」

Even in this harsh fantasy world, there should be Oriental people here—those born by the distant seas. Travelers’ accounts spoke of such lands, and precious goods like silks from East Asia found their way across the world.

For the people of the Eura Continent, my presence was as surprising as hearing that people lived on the far side of the moon. It was only thanks to Lyle, the natural history cheat with a knack for understanding the odd, that she immediately recognized me as an Oriental based on my appearance.

In the Kingdom of Silesie, I was regarded as just a slightly unusual person, not too strange. This was likely because the Dandorrians lived in the far south of Silesie, for which I might owe them some gratitude.

Whether Orientals and the Dandorrians share common ancestors, I cannot say. Geographically, it seems almost impossible, so it’s more likely that similar traits developed independently in different regions.

Despite the differences in facial features, the black hair, black eyes, and pale orange skin of Celestina’s beautiful face evoke a sense of familiarity.

「Fufufu,perhaps it’s fate that our ancestors were close. If you want me to thank me with my body, just let me know tonight.」

「Haha, maybe someday…」

From somewhere, Kaara’s voice chimed in, ‘Isn’t infidelity off the table?’

That’s not what I meant. I meant I’ll call in the favor eventually, so don’t misunderstand!

After this lighthearted conversation with Celestina, I noticed Revenant grumbling as he trudged along behind me.

Curious, I listened closely and heard him muttering, ‘Even though we’re both advance mages, there’s a difference in how we’re treated, isn’t there?’

The disparity is natural, given the vast difference in behavior.

Seeing his dissatisfaction, I knew it was the perfect time to press him.

「Revenant, I’m a discriminatory person. Since you, as a man, owe me a lot, I’ll continue to be strict with you!」

「That’s so cruel…」

And so, Revenant.

There it was, approaching with an unsettlingly joyful expression. Your reaction is somewhat disconcerting, I must admit. Should I reconsider ending his existence?

「Well, as for the treatment of Revenant… 」

That’s settled. But now we face a more pressing issue: how to handle Castilian enemy commanders and soldiers. They’re being gathered in droves at the port of Grace, awaiting full post-war processing.

The Castilian soldiers, having surrendered, won’t face execution.

However, the Britannian forces led by Arthur desire a ‘medieval approach’ for the Castilian captives.

In other words, beyond reparations to the state, individual negotiations for ransom are underway. Pay up, and you’re spared. Fail to pay, and you become a slave.

Barbaric, I think, but such customs prevail in this world. After all, it was the Britannians who suffered the invasion of their homeland.

The high-ranking officers can likely afford the ransom, but what about the common soldiers?

While I’d prefer to spare those who surrendered without resistance from slavery, the prevailing sentiment makes it difficult.

And then, from the flagship of the Invincible Armada—a galley known as the Galleass—prisoners are disembarked and brought our way.

Clearly a person of importance, the man in admiral’s attire staggers toward us, bound by ropes, his expression one of despair.

He collapses before me, despite the restraints.

Quite reckless for someone tied up.

The soldiers attempting to secure him shout, ‘Stop resisting!’ But he pays them no mind, instead throwing himself toward me, collapsing and pleading.

「Silesie’s Hero-dono, greetings! I am Fleet Admiral Fiderico Kruna Cruz of the Invincible Armada. I implore you, at the cost of my own life, aid our soldiers! 」

「Well, that’s easier said than done…」

The Invincible Armada’s admiral may hold sway, but sacrificing oneself doesn’t necessarily benefit us. Revenge-fueled Britannians won’t be swayed by one enemy admiral’s demise.

And there, Revenant who had already secured its release by offering assistance interjected.

It seemed intent on aiding the fleet admiral. Well, let’s see how this unfolds.

「Fleet Admiral Fiderico, cease your futile pleas of life and death to Silesie’s Hero-sama. This matter should be resolved with gold. Surely the House of Viscount Kruna has amassed enough wealth.」

「Gold, you say? Given enough time, I could manage three thousand Castilian gold coins.」

「What say you, Silesie’s Hero-sama?」

「Revenant, is three thousand coins the absolute limit you can muster?」

「Hmm, indeed. Viscount Kruna is likely being honest about the sum, but freeing multiple captives at that price feels inadequate. How about we rally other commanders and ship captains to pool their resources, aiming for a total of six thousand gold coins?」

From the ranks of Castilian officers-turned-prisoners, shouts erupted.

Some of the commanders, now panicking, accused him of betrayal. It’s true that life matters, but humans are also reluctant to part with their wealth.

In response, Revenant thundered, ‘What good is hoarding gold if it costs us our soldiers?’

The sudden transformation was astonishing.

「Ships can be rebuilt, gold can be earned anew, but those who uphold our nation cannot be replaced. Are you Castilian warriors still clinging to glory, or have you learned shame? 」

Revenant’s impassioned argument silenced the previously defiant army and navy officers.

Truly, Revenant had a silver tongue. He led the discussion, and eventually, an agreement was reached: in exchange for six thousand gold coins, all captives would be released at Castilia’s port.

「Arthur, is this acceptable?」

While I was inclined to follow Revenant’s lead, I still needed to hear the opinion of the ‘King’.

The youthful Britannian naval ruler, stroking his elegant black beard, nodded.

「Well, while ships and gold are desirable, having an abundance of slaves doesn’t serve us well. Resolving matters with gold isn’t a bad proposition. If we split it evenly between Silesie and Britannia, I have no objections.」

「Apologies for the imposition.」

The demand was straightforward: those unable to pay the ransom would become galley slaves, a fittingly vengeful practice for the Britannians, who clung to their pirate-like customs. It fell to me that as the ‘King’, it is up to him to persuade and temper these inclinations while governing his Britannian subjects.

「Indeed, it was the Silesien navy that boldly defeated the Invincible Armada head-on. Without the Silesie’s Hero-sama, Sawatari Takeru, I might have been the one bound by ropes. It’s a truth no one can deny…..I’m make sure to tell this to my people.」

「No, without Arthur’s reinforcements, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.」

Arthur’s goodwill ensured that the treatment of surrendered soldiers was entrusted to us. Even my proposal to continue urging the captives to surrender met with approval from Revenant.

「By the way, when negotiating peace with Castilia, we’ll also be making reparations claims for the United Kingdom of Britannia. How much do you think we should demand?」

「Hahaha. Already discussing peace terms? You’re as swift as ever. Well, considering our substantial losses, twenty thousand platinum coins would be fitting. But wait, what’s amusing you?」

Caught off guard, Arthur raised an eyebrow at my sudden burst of laughter.

「No, sorry for laughing.」

「Indeed, twenty thousand platinum coins might be excessive. If we account for the damages suffered during this war, half that amount would suffice…」

「No, I’ll make the negotiation work with that sum.」

「If you can achieve that, we’ll be more than satisfied.」

My laughter had been involuntary, triggered by the fact that Arthur’s proposed amount matched precisely what Sherry had calculated as Britannia’s reparations.

Sherry’s foresight was consistently impressive.

Once the fleet repairs are complete, Arthur and I shall liberate the ports of Britannia’s main island, which have fallen under Castilian occupation.

※※※

Revenant, who had boldly stepped forward as our emissary for surrender negotiations, proved remarkably capable. Employing various tactics—threats, persuasion, and even the occasional display of the ‘Royal Writ of the Study King’—Revenant secured the peaceful surrender of the ports on Britannia’s main island, which Castilia had occupied.

The terms were clear: the captured ships and Castilian soldiers would be released gradually as their ransoms arrived. Some high-ranking officers would board our ships and be freed earlier, accompanying us to Castilia.

「Silesie’s Hero-sama. I remind you that our agreement stipulates fair ransoms for the prisoners. We won’t enslave them even if they lack the means.」

「Ah, you needn’t repeat it—I understand. The conditions for releasing the captives align with your stance.」

Speed mattered more now than meticulous negotiations. Swiftly concluding peace with Castilia would allow us to address the Southern nobles’ rebellion and the internal strife in Germania.

「I’m concerned about the treatment of the reptilian mercenaries compared to the Castilian soldiers. After all, I personally negotiated and hired them.」

「Revenant, about that… Could we somehow transfer the reptilian mercenaries’ contract to the Silesien forces?」

It wasn’t just the reptilian mercenaries; even the fire dragons could prove formidable assets if used wisely. When I proposed this, the usually stoic Revenant looked reluctant.

「The exclusive contract with the reptilian mercenaries is the wellspring of my power! Are you truly so heartless, intending to strip me of everything, down to my last scale?」

「Consider it one of the concessions we make in recognizing your surrender terms. How to negotiate with Afri continent’s demons, make sure you teach Kaara that.」

Unbeknownst to me, Kaara had silently positioned herself behind Revenant, gripping his shoulder firmly. Revenant’s expression shifted to one of blissful surprise.

「Please, it’s not necessary for both of you to corner me like this. It’s rather disheartening to think that I would yield so easily to such tactics…」

「Well, well, let’s take our time and discuss matters related to the Afri continent.」

Dealing with the ever-eager Revenant can be exhausting when pushed into a corner, but it’s a necessary step for bolstering our forces. Even Castilia, with its waning ability to wage large-scale wars, can’t afford to ignore employing reptilian mercenaries.

In the end, our relentless questioning—both from me and Kaara—bears fruit. Revenant finally reveals the key to negotiating with the demons of the Afri continent. Essentially, it boils down to providing them with what they desire, but their unique language and customs are insights Revenant personally gleaned through investigation.

What the Afri demons crave are the goods and provisions from the Eurasian continent, something we can readily prepare even in Silesie. The transition should pose no significant challenge.

However, Revenant’s most valuable treasure lies within the confines of his intellect.

Considering that very few have actually traveled the perilous deserts of the Afri continent, Revenant’s firsthand accounts make for intriguing conversations. We’ve taken so much from it; there’s undeniable value in keeping Revenant alive.

※※※

「Quite a sweltering place.」

Baros, Castilia’s largest port city, emanated an oppressive heat. Stepping ashore from the black cedar warship after traveling for a while, I wiped the sweat trickling down my neck with a cloth.

Baros, the hub of maritime trade, was rich and bustling—a true international free city. Neatly arranged red-brick warehouses lined the beautiful cobblestone streets.

While Castilia had its share of barren wastelands, it was blessed with an abundance of clay and peat. Consequently, red-brick factories dotted the landscape. Thus, every view of the distant harbor appeared tinged with reddish-brown hues.

Castilia finds itself in early summer, according to Revenant. Apparently, it’s only going to get hotter, and one might need an afternoon nap to endure the scorching midday sun.

Until now, I hadn’t paid much attention, but Silesie’s climate—with its dry warmth—makes it a comfortable place year-round.

On the other hand, the peninsula of Castilia, visible from the sea, is mostly a desolate land. Without towns or villages, it’s a vast expanse of sun-baked, arid earth.

Traveling by land within Castilia is no small feat.

The soil everywhere is reddish-brown and impoverished. It seems the heat and dryness hinder crop growth. It’s no wonder that in such a harsh climate, the sea became a lifeline.

Baros Harbor, situated southwest of the Castilian peninsula, serves as a crucial hub connecting the inland capital of Castilia with various regions. For hosting peace negotiations, this location couldn’t be better.

I inquired of Revenant, our knowledgeable guide:

「Is this oppressive heat due to the proximity of the Afri continent?」

「Indeed, if you head just south from Baros Harbor, you’ll find yourself in Afri. Some claim that once you cross the Andra Mountains, you’re already there, but in my opinion, Castilian heat is merely a warm-up. The scorching heatwaves that sweep across the Afri desert are beyond mere ‘hot.’」

Despite Revenant’s pale face framed by silver hair, it’s far hardier than appearances suggest. Even for a mage, his endurance is remarkable.

According to Revenant, Rango Island, home to those dragon maidens, remains relatively pleasant—it’s still an island, after all. However, the vast desert of northern Afri, inhabited by reptilian beings known as the Reptilians, poses a perilous journey for humans.

Revenant’s tales of scattered oases where those fleeing from the country cling to survival in this deathly desert are truly intriguing.

Whether at the northern permafrost or the southern sands, humans strive to endure wherever they’re driven.

「Revenant, are you prepared for the peace negotiations?」

「Peace negotiations… Isn’t that just a polite way of saying ‘surrender’?」

「Don’t mock me. As the King General of my country, I must maintain decorum.」

「Is it really just decorum? These negotiations are outrageous!」

Even the masochistic Revenant couldn’t find humor in this situation. On our way here, we proposed an exorbitant sum of one hundred thousand platinum coins as reparations—no territorial demands in return. But even Revenant’s patience snapped.

‘Impossible! Such a demand would bankrupt our nation.’ he exclaimed. And when I suggested, as instructed by Sherry, that any shortfall could be covered with military ships, merchant vessels, and exotic goods, Revenant promptly foamed at the mouth and fainted.

His collapse was understandable. One hundred thousand platinum coins—an astronomical figure—couldn’t be paid even if our entire kingdom pooled its resources. Besides, in this world, such a quantity of platinum or gold coins doesn’t exist in actual currency.

Of course, Castilia had its own conditions for peace negotiations. For instance, they proposed ceding some territory and granting me the title of Castilian Viceroy, a vice king, through Revenant.

Ordinary nobles might find such a title appealing, but to me—burdened with the complexities of ruling foreign lands—it held no value. Whether I’m called a merchant-hero behind closed doors or not, what I truly desire is cold, hard cash. Platinum, gold, silver, and copper coins, along with equivalent goods.

Sherry insists that Castilia’s accumulated treasury can cover my demands, so I won’t compromise. Revenant’s stress won’t profit us; thus, I’ve instructed him to convey my terms directly to the Castilian king.

And so, sailing along the Castilian peninsula, I’ve arrived at Baros Harbor for the crucial negotiations with Study King Ferdinand.

In this land of Baros, whether peace can be achieved will be determined through a meeting with the Study King.

If the peace negotiations fail, we will swiftly return from our current ceasefire to a state of combat, with our fleet progressively occupying Castilia’s ports.

Having displayed the formidable Silesie fleet that remains intact, we intend to convey our naval strength—the ability to strike at any moment. Judging from the absence of resistance, it seems the enemy comprehends this.

However, should war persist, Castilia’s mainland will suffer an irreparable blow, and we, too, would deplete our forces while leaving the enemy behind, squandering precious time.

The outcome is already certain. Both sides should avoid further futile sacrifices.

Yet, well, humans aren’t always rational, so the success of negotiations remains uncertain.

It all depends on the wisdom of the Castilian king. Speaking of whom, it appears he has not yet arrived at Baros Harbor.

「Revenant, when will Castilia’s King arrive?」

「In Castilia, overland travel takes longer than by sea. His Majesty Ferdinand rarely ventures outside his study—such tales have circulated for the past decade. If it takes a little longer, it can’t be helped.」

「Very well, then.」

While this isn’t an enemy reconnaissance, if time permits, I shall observe the bustle of Baros Harbor for future reference.

Though peace reigns now, the cannons aboard the anchored Silesie ships always face toward the city of Baros.

Depending on the outcome of peace negotiations, those cannons might erupt in flames.

Ideally, I’d rather not mimic the crumbling ruins of this prosperous harbor town with weathered, red-brick fragments.