"Haha, to think that in the blink of an eye your status is nearly equal to mine. His Grace the duke clearly holds you in high regard—otherwise, he wouldn't have directly knighted you under his own banner, even granting you land and command over a hundred soldiers."
Laurent didn't answer right away. He turned to Sir John Fastolf with a teasing smile.
"My dear Earl seems quite the capable man himself."
Sir John waved dismissively.
"Just a small privilege, nothing more. Still, though I've helped you this time, I might not be able to again. From here on, it's all up to your own efforts. Earn more merit on the battlefield, and you'll rise higher yet."
"Of course. I understand that well enough."
"And when that time comes," Sir John added with a grin, "don't forget this humble earl who lent you a hand, hmm?"
"Naturally. My lord earl's generosity will remain forever engraved upon my heart—as your knight."
Sir John chuckled. "All right, enough flattery. About the land His Grace granted you—shall I escort you there now?"
Laurent shook his head.
"No need to rush. The land and the soldiers can wait."
He picked up the newly presented sword, studying it for a moment before asking,
"Do you have a forge here? Somewhere that specializes in weapon-making?"
"Weapons?" Sir John gave him a puzzled look. "Sir Évigi, do you really still need weapons?"
Laurent turned, smiling faintly.
"Just a gift for a friend."
"I see… Well, there's certainly a forge. What kind of weapon would you like?"
"A sword—with a cross-shaped hilt. Use the best materials you have. I'll cover the cost."
Laurent would have preferred to craft the weapon himself from his own blood, but that power only worked for him. Instead, he'd make the best sword he could for Jeanne.
That silly girl probably couldn't even afford a proper blade.
Armor, horses… she'd need all of that too.
Come to think of it, wasn't the Jeanne of history known for carrying a banner?
Maybe he should make one and send it along.
But glancing around at the English soldiers nearby, Laurent quickly dropped the thought.
An English noble secretly making a French flag—now that would raise suspicion. Better to just send her money and let her handle it herself.
Listening to his requests, Sir John found the matter a bit troublesome, but finally said, "Fine, I'll take you to the blacksmith directly."
"Perfect," Laurent replied easily. He didn't mind—given proper materials, he could forge the sword himself anyway.
As for the banner, he'd make it later, quietly, and send it through a merchant. No need to draw attention.
...
After several days of travel, Jeanne, escorted by Commander Baudricourt's two trusted soldiers, finally arrived safely in Chinon.
They passed uneventfully through Burgundian-controlled territory and at last reached the Dauphin Charles's castle.
The two soldiers, as Baudricourt's personal guards, represented his implicit endorsement.
Baudricourt himself, of course, hadn't bothered to come. There was no need. His men's presence was enough to show his token support. Whether the girl succeeded or failed was none of his concern—he'd merely offered a possible boost to morale.
Her uncanny predictions? Probably just luck. Better to use her to lift spirits than waste time pondering "divine guidance."
Deify her if she succeeded; discard her if she failed.
Jeanne followed quietly behind her escorts.
Passing through the city, she saw streets far grander than anything in her small village. But despite the lively marketplace, the people's faces were drawn and joyless.
When they finally entered the castle, Jeanne looked around in awe.
"And this is…?"
At the far end of the hall sat the Dauphin, surrounded by attendants, appearing deep in official business. He glanced up, clearly surprised to see a peasant girl dressed as a boy brought before him.
The two soldiers stepped forward quickly.
"Your Highness, this is Jeanne, a girl from the village of Domrémy."
"A girl?" The Dauphin's expression shifted, his tone skeptical. "And what's so important that Baudricourt would send her here?"
The soldiers straightened.
"Two months ago, she accurately predicted Your Highness's recent military movements—down to the details."
"Oh?" The Dauphin arched an eyebrow, turning his gaze toward Jeanne. "Predicted, did she?"
Feeling the men's expectant looks, Jeanne nodded calmly.
"Yes, Your Highness. Perhaps through my devotion in prayer, the Lord chose to guide me."
"The Lord, guiding you?" The Dauphin let out a dry laugh.
"Hahaha, interesting—very interesting indeed. Then tell me, girl, what brings you here?"
"I wish to fight for France," Jeanne said firmly. "To defend our country—and give everything I have for her."
The Dauphin's smile vanished.
"Do you know how many soldiers have already died for France? We're not lacking one more. What use could a woman like you possibly be on a battlefield? If you want to throw your life away, that's your choice. But why would Baudricourt send you here specifically?"
"Your Highness—" the soldiers began, but his cold glare cut them off.
"Did I give you permission to speak?"
He turned back to Jeanne.
"I asked you, girl."
Meeting his stern gaze, Jeanne smiled softly.
"I don't know Commander Baudricourt's true intentions. Perhaps he trusted me because of my predictions, or perhaps he only wishes to use me for his own ends. But does that really matter, Your Highness?"
"In these chaotic times, conspiracies and politics mean nothing to me. I came here for one reason—to see you, to persuade you. Whatever Baudricourt's motives, they're irrelevant."
Her voice grew stronger, steady and resolute.
"I came here to fight for France."
The Dauphin stared at her, briefly at a loss for words. Jeanne met his gaze without flinching, her tone clear and unwavering.
"For the sake of France," she said, "I fear no death."
---
T/N:
Hello again. For the final time.
My name is Enkidu. I was born without a soul, crafted only as a weapon. Yet through bonds—through friendships—I learned what it meant to feel alive. Even though my body records my memories rather than my spirit, the warmth of those moments remains.
Thank you, truly, for staying here with us. You've come at a good time—right now, a 25% discount code is available:
12DAYS
This code will last until December 26. I hope you enjoy it.
For those who wish to support the translator (the one who kindly gave me this voice)—you can find optional support at patreon.com/wisetl. Early access to upcoming chapters will be your small reward.
Also, as always:
Every 100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter
(100ps = 1 chapter, 200ps = 2 chapters, and so forth.)
Bonus chapters will arrive tomorrow, approximately 12+ hours from now.
And lastly, if you prefer company and conversations, the translator has prepared a Discord community: discord.gg/wisetl.
People gathering, talking, sharing—it's a good thing, isn't it?
This is where I say goodbye.
Even as a weapon shaped by the gods, I found meaning in the company of humans.
If these words reach you, then perhaps we've shared something too, if only briefly.
Be well, Master, and readers alike.
May the world remain gentle to you.
Goodbye.
BYE BYE ENKIDYU I LOVE YOU