Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 64 - 65

Training Mission (5) – The Ice Knight, Nidhogg

T/N: The chapter numbering is a mistake from the author, but he/s didn’t change it even after the novel was completed rn so…I decided to keep it so I don’t get confused with numbering down the line. The length of this chapter is like a normal one chapter, so I’ll treat it as one chapter.

The Ice Knight. That was the nickname of the 2nd Division Commander.

He was always expressionless and rarely spoke. Coupled with his handsome appearance, he has earned the admiration of the ladies in the entire kingdom.

As far as popularity with women was concerned, he was on par with Rays-sama and Lucifal.

Furthermore, on the battlefield, he was feared by enemy generals because of his boldness, which could turn the tide of battle in just an instant, as if he was swinging down a blade of ice toward the enemies.

That was why his nickname was The Ice Knight, Nidhogg.

We were welcomed into Yufe Fortress, where Niddhogg-sama resided.

As soon as we entered the fortress, Wickharlt stopped us.

“Nidhogg is a bit of an eccentric, so if possible, I’d like to limit the number of people that will meet him…” 

Then, Captain Rezol made a follow-up of Wickharlt’s words.

“Of course, we have no intention of forcing you, but, if it is possible, I truly hope you can limit the people that will meet our Commander. The Commander is a bit of a…difficult person. ”

It’s hard for me to say no since Captain Rezol also asked.

“Then, we’re going to meet with the 2nd Division’s captains instead. What about you, Diku?” Luzel and Frain easily backed down and asked Diku

“My job is to stay at Roa’s side,” answered Diku.

“I see. Well then, Captain Rezol, can you make the arrangement?”

“Understood. Then, first, let me guide Luzel-dono and Frein-dono to the barracks. Roa-dono, my apologies but please wait here for a while.”

Captain Rezol said as he took Luzel and Frein with him. After they left, I quietly asked Wickharlt beside me.

“What kind of person Nidhogg-sama actually is? Is he really that difficult to handle?”

However, what I received in response to my question was a vague answer.

“Well, rather than being difficult to handle he’s more of…it’s hard to explain it with words. You will understand after you meet him.”

Wickharlt didn’t seem to have any intention of explaining further, so I had no choice but to wait for Captain Rezol to return.

It didn’t take long for Captain Rezol to return.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting. Now, let’s go.”

Led by Captain Rezol, we went to the fortress’s top floor.

“Pardon my intrusion. I have brought Roa-dono and Wickharlt-dono from the 10th Division.”

“Come in.”

A voice came from inside the room.

The heavy-looking door opened and the figure of a general with a handsome face and a physique that rivaled that of Zackhart-sama of the 3rd Division caught my eyes. The 2nd Division Commander, Nidhogg. I’ve only seen him from afar, but I was sure it was him. 

Before I could even open my mouth to greet him, the next moment I realized why both Wickharlt and Captain Rezol insisted on as few of us as possible to meet him. The second he spoke, his first impression of a ‘handsome doll-like man’ immediately shattered.

“Oh my~! Wickharlt-chan, darling, you’re here~! My~ my~ I missed you dearly~~”

That was what the so-called Ice Knight spoke as he walked toward us.

(T/N: So Nidhogg is speaking like an okama. The closest American equivalent will be a drag queen. It’s funny cause it’s unexpected lol.)

***

“Ah, cutie pie, so your name is Roa-chan~ It’s a pleasure to meet you~ I’m Nidhogg. Don’t be formal, and just call me Hogg-san~.”

“Ah, yes. It’s a pleasure…to meet you too…”

I looked at Wickhalt awkwardly. What the hell is happening right now? No, I know I was talking with the Ice Knight…but…I mean…Argh, my brain can’t keep up with all of this.

“As you can see, Nidhogg has this kind of personality. He has a reputation to protect as the Commander of the 2nd Division, so The King told him not to speak in public events.” 

That’s why he was known as cold!?

“Don’t you think the King is being a bit rude~? Really, what’s wrong with the way I am speaking~! Well, in exchange for being silent in public events, The King allowed me to do as I pleased with the 2nd Division so I can’t exactly complain. Oh, would you all like some tea~? I also have many delicious sweets, so let’s eat them together~! You too, Rezol.”

“Understood. I’ll get the tea and sweets ready.”

Captain Rezol seemed to be used to this situation, he just started to serve both the tea and sweets for us.

“So~ what brought you to this place?”

Once the sweets and tea were both prepared, Nidhogg-sama started the conversation.

Well, I came here to confirm if you’re going to betray Rudek…there was no way I could say that, though.

“I just came to greet you.”

“Just for a greeting~? It’s hard to believe that you came all the way here for that.”

“Well, I just think it’s just… a polite thing to do.”

“Polite?”

“Yes. This area is under the jurisdiction of the 2nd Division, and we’re doing our mission here, so I just think it’s an appropriate thing to do to say a few words to you. Of course, I’m sure the 10th Division has told you in advance that we will be doing our mission in the area, but I still think it’s better for me also to greet you directly.”

At my words, Nidhogg-sama tilted his head to the side, kept his head in that position, put his hand on his chin, and looked at me seriously.

“Dear me, you’re so young, yet you sure said such an old-fashioned thing.”

Well, I’ve lived for another 40 years before so I guess I couldn’t help but act old-fashioned. I was probably the oldest among the people here. This ‘politeness’ was just a thing I earned after living for 40 years.

“Really?” 

When I played dumb, Nidhogg-sama grinned.

“Well, I don’t dislike your thinking~ you’ve come all the way here, so enjoy your stay~.”

He seemed to like my excuse. Now then, after this was my real battle. How much would I be able to get out of this Nidhogg-sa…Hogg-san?