1

A week since the bandits attacked.

I spent my days staring up at Armunale from the window of my room.

The thing is, it’s all because of the strict punishment my father handed down.

Two weeks of being grounded.

Never thought I’d be banned from even leaving the house, let alone going hunting in the woods. I’m supposed to be a valuable worker in this village. To keep me locked inside like this—now that’s a bold move.

Well, if no one else in the village had objected, maybe it was a reasonable call. After all, I’d wanted to go into the woods to get to the Armunale in the first place—and now that Armunale’s just sitting there in the village square, all heavy and loud.

I’d been planning to polish the armor every day, fix whatever needed fixing, once the work was done.

No, thinking about it again... I don’t feel a single bit of regret. Me.

By the way, the thieves who couldn’t escape during the attack are being kept isolated in the village’s little huts. They’ve only been given the bare minimum of water and food—shouldn’t even be able to stand anymore. Well, deserved, really.

“Honestly, bored out of my mind.”

Spent the whole day cooped up inside, with nothing to do but prep meals and clean. Even washing clothes is forbidden unless I take them out to the yard—and that’s not allowed either.

Would’ve liked to at least step outside for some fresh air, but Mom’s smile… it’s starting to scare me.

To be honest, I’ve never been afraid of Mom before…

Then the door to my room creaks open.

“Huh? Yeah?”

“Eld-kun, long time no see.”

“Hey, yeah. Long time.”

It’s Ange. She’d been banned from leaving the house for a week, and today was the first day she could finally go out again.

“Finished with your work?”

“Yeah, just harvest stuff today—done by midmorning.”

“Huh. Yeah… I’m itching to get out too.”

"One more week, that’s all. From today, I’ll be here too—might take your mind off things, yeah?"

"Sure. That week was pure hell."

The day the bandits attacked. I got sermonized right there until the sun went down completely. Then I just collapsed from exhaustion.

Slept straight through the whole next day. Woke up to my mom bawling again, and then Dad gave me another pointless lecture—‘If it’s hard, just say it’s hard.’

Nobody could say ‘It’s hard’ to him in that mood.

The next day, Mom’s mothering exploded. Not allowed to step out of bed. All I could do was stare at the tree outside the window, pretending to be sick, thinking, ‘Ah, when those leaves fall, that’ll be the end of me.’ Funny thing? It’s spring. Leaves are still green as ever.

Spending time on such pointless things, and on the third day, finally thinking I’d get out—then this punishment.

Just as I was about to touch Armunale, banned from going out. My despair was unbearable.

I crumpled to my knees, quietly weeping.

My father, who doesn’t care at all about my tears—definitely a cold-blooded bastard.

“Ah, I just want to touch Armunale already. Or… maybe I won’t get another chance anytime soon.”

“What do you mean? It’s your thing, right? Once the travel ban lifts, you can use it freely.”

“That’s not how it works. Probably, within a week or so, that machine’ll be taken back by the kingdom.”

“Eh!?”

A week since the thief raid. By now, word of that black Armunale appearing in this village should’ve reached the capital. And a unit with spare units—or ones that’ve finished maintenance—shouldn’t take more than a week to get here. After all, they’re chasing thieves with an Armunale. The kingdom’s bound to send a proper force.

But when you come here, there’s only one broken Armunale. And it’s an old Fortran Kingdom model, bearing the crest from before the North-South War. It’ll be taken back for sure. If I get a chance to say something when it’s collected, great. But if not… they might just grab the machine and be done with it.

They’re expected to arrive sometime next week—within the next two weeks.

“That’s not fair! That was Eld’s hard work!”

"Yeah, but the original owner’s been clear all along—kinda hard to miss, right?"

I didn’t do much more than fix what was broken. The mark on my chest says it loud and clear—ownership’s not up for debate.

"So… I might not even get another chance to touch it."

Still, the fuel’s nearly gone from the unit after that fight with Feltze. Even if I climbed in now, I couldn’t move it. Not without a miracle.

Every joint’s red as blood, too. Fixing that’ll take years. Maybe more.

"Then you’re giving up?"

"Give up? Not a chance."

I look up at Armunale through the window, shake my head.

I found this robot. After all that—just like that? Never gonna happen.

"Sorry to my dad and the others, but I’m aiming to ride Armunale. So I’m leaving the village."

"Eld-kun, you’re really leaving the village?"

That’s right. So you’d best think a bit about your future, Ange.

“What do you mean?”

Ange tilts her head, uneasy. Her eyes—like a pup about to be left behind.

I ran my fingers gently through Ange’s hair, trying to soothe her.

If I vanish, there won’t be anyone left in the village old enough to marry Ange. So Ange’ll either have to leave the village to find a husband… or go on a matchmaker’s visit, I reckon.

Ange is the descendant of the village chief. Can't let that bloodline die out. So, naturally, we’ll have to bring in a son-in-law from somewhere.

Don’t know if he’s some merchant’s son or just a village boy, but Ange’s got to think about marrying the man.

S-stop it! I mean, I— I can’t—!

Ange was about to say something, tears welling in her eyes, and then she bolted from the room.

I kinda knew what Ange was trying to say. After fifteen years of being childhood friends, you don’t miss that kind of feeling—plain, honest, and warm.

But the Armunale I’m aiming to ride? That thing’s dangerous as hell.

Armunale’s always thrown into the front lines. It’s the most dangerous job on the battlefield. No way a guy like me—about to take that kind of risk—should be thinking about getting married.

I never thought I’d actually feel this way, standing here in modern Japan, realizing that the kind of person who drops a big flag like “There’s something important when I get back” before going to war… yeah, that’s what it feels like.

It’s a rare experience, all right. Just not one I’d want to live through again.

I looked up at the Armunale once more, trying to figure out how to convince the military folks.

Five days later, it came sooner than expected.

“Earthquake?”

I was having lunch at the table when the water in the cup started shaking. It moved in a steady rhythm—soon enough, I knew it wasn’t an earthquake.

“Here it comes.”

“Eld-chan, what’s here?”

Mom hadn’t noticed the tremor, probably busy with chores in the kitchen. But the sudden clamor outside made her glance toward the window, her expression tightening.

“Armunale forces from the country. I was expecting them soon.”

“Armunale…”

She must’ve remembered the black ones. Her usual gentle face went stiff.

Same with the thieves—first they came pretending to be soldiers. Makes sense to be on guard.

“It’s alright. This time, it’s real.”

I answered, watching the machine glide in from the window, nearing the village entrance.

The machine was painted silver, its chest marked with the kingdom’s emblem—two lions with heads facing opposite ways, drawn sharp and bold.

“Is that so?”

“You came rushing over when you heard about the black one, didn’t you? Even if you knew you’d miss the timing, you couldn’t just stand still when Armunale showed up.”

“I’ll go check it out a bit. Eld—stay inside the house.”

“I know, I know.”

I gave a half-smile, watching my mother step out the door. No rush, really. If it’s someone we might talk to, they’ll come find us.

I took my time with lunch, eyes on the Armunale through the window.

Still as lovely as ever. Both arms are there, whole and steady. No dents, no grime.

Must’ve been tuned up just yesterday.

Looks just like my own machine, no different at all. Maybe Armunale tech hasn’t changed much in decades?

Well, can’t say what’s inside, though.

Just standing there, staring at the Armunale, when Mom came back.

“Welcome home. It was real, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, the village chief said so too. We’re talking at his place right now.”

“Ah, really? Did he say anything about my machine?”

“About that—some soldier wants to speak with Eld.”

Got it.

I did a little victory fist-pump in my head.

“Now?”

“Yeah. Normally I’d be in the middle of punishment, but the soldier called me. Special exception.”

“Got it. I’ll go then.”

“Wait—let me come too.”

I tried to go alone, but Mom tagged along. Dad’s out hunting, so she’s the only one left. Must feel a bit lonely, just her and the quiet.

Breathing fresh air outside—tastes good, after all. Sure, the window’s open, so we’ve been swapping it out like normal, but still…

Still, there’s something about being out under an open sky. Just that alone makes the heart light.

I stretch out with a grunt, and Mom’s all, “Hurry up!” Like a soldier’s not supposed to wait, huh?

We hustle over to the mayor’s place, quick as we can.

Ange—how’s she doing? Haven’t seen her since I said I was leaving. Not that I’ve been out of the house, so she’s not coming over either. Makes sense, really. But it still feels like we split on bad terms. Not that I like it.

Other villagers are gathered around the house, peering through the cracks with curious eyes. The door’s shut tight, though—can’t see a thing. Probably someone just came out and told the rest what’s going on.

I knock once, then step into the reception room.

Mom’s not the one they’re calling for, so she’s waiting outside.

Calling it a reception room’s a stretch—out here in the backwoods, there’s no fancy furniture or proper sofas to be found. Just whatever bits and bobs they managed to scrounge up, a row of books, a few cheap paintings brought in by a traveling merchant, and that’s it—just a big table in the middle.

All eyes snapped to us the moment we walked in.

Right side: the village chief. Left side: the two soldiers who just arrived. Plain white uniforms, like school uniforms, nothing like the stolen armor the bandits wore before.

“Chief, you called?”

“Oh, good, you’re here. Sit over here.”

“Yes.”

I do as told, taking the seat beside the chief.

“This boy’s Eld—the one who piloted that Armunale.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Eld.”

I bow deeply in return, just like the village chief did. First impressions matter—especially if you’re aiming to join the Armunale unit, the face of the nation. You’ve got to get the manners right.

If they get the wrong idea, the whole plan’s ruined.

“You’re Eld, then? Well, well, a sharp young fellow. I’m Logvel Bodwan, captain of the Thirty-First Armunale Company.”

Orell, second-in-command and head mechanic, at your service.

Both looked about thirty. You could tell they had the sturdy build of soldiers, even through their uniforms.

Captain Bodwan’s got a family name, so he’s likely noble. Square face, blond hair shaved close—pure soldier, right from the front lines.

The man who introduced himself as Orell, though—messy hair, stubble like he’d forgotten to shave for a week, looked less like a soldier and more like a mechanic from some factory floor. Claims to be second-in-command and maintenance tech, but the latter sticks harder. In another time, he’d’ve been called a dwarf, no doubt.

“Thought you had something to say to me, is all.”

“Ah, I’ve heard most of it from the village chief—about the thief, I mean. But I’m curious about that machine too. Heard the chief said you’d know best. That surprised me, honestly.”

“Huh. A war machine, you say? Where’d you even find one? And even if you did, it wouldn’t move. Did you fix it yourself?”

“Uh… where should I even start?”

“Orell, calm down. I get the excitement, being a mechanic and all. But if you don’t take it one thing at a time, I won’t understand a thing.”

“Y-yeah… sorry about that.”

The second-in-command scratched his head hard, apologizing to the captain. Ah, his already messy hair was now even worse...

"No, I should be the one saying sorry. Let’s just start from when we first got our hands on that machine, and go in chronological order, okay?"

"Right, please do."

Nodding, the captain gave me the go-ahead, and I began telling the story from eight years ago—the first time I’d found the Armunale.

By the time I’d finished talking about those eight years, the sun was already tilting low. Maybe I’d gone a bit too far explaining how to fix the machine, huh?

The village chief wore his usual gentle smile, but his eyes were twitching, all the same.

Still, I reckon the captain and the others got the point—how much I’d poured into that Armunale.

Ah, I get the gist now. Never thought they’d spend seven years just getting that thing running again. And a kid—eight years old at the time—figuring it out?

And expecting to chase off a Du Librepal unit with something like that? Now that’s something.

So… what’s gonna happen to that machine?

We’ve talked enough. Time to get to the real point.

“Hmm, if we could, I’d like to bring that machine back here.”

“Yeah. That generator’s not just fancy—it’s beyond fancy. Building one from scratch would cost as much as a whole castle. We’ve got to get our hands on it.”

I knew it was rare, but… a whole castle? No wonder it can’t be mass-produced. There’s a reason for that.

But if the captain introduced himself as the thirty-first Armunale unit, that means there’re at least thirty-one of them deployed in this country. And now there’s a thirty-second here. Of course I’d want it.

“Though I can’t help wondering how much passion you’ve poured into that machine.”

“Just… taking it in like this feels a little awkward.”

Good. My job interview-style self-pitch seems to be working.

“Then I have a request.”

"Hmm. If it’s within our power, we’ll listen."

"I’d like you to recommend me to the Pilot Training Academy."

"Oh? The Academy, you say. True, getting in through a recommendation does come with certain advantages."

That machine’s a bit too generous a reward, don’t you think? I figured we’d at least be asked to join the Knights’ Order, that’s all.

I’d honestly planned to demand that at first. But after hearing how that mobility engine—senseboard—works, and about the magic system… I changed my mind.

Textbooks on basic theory won’t teach you half of what you need. If I’m to be a proper knight and assigned to the Armunale unit, there’s still a mountain of things I’ve gotta learn. And I don’t know a thing about swordplay or proper manners. So, yeah—I’ve decided to ask for a recommendation to the Academy. Also—

“I’m still not ready. That machine’s still got its look, but it won’t move at all right now.”

“Is that so?”

The combat damage’s bad enough, and the Hyimagia Liquid’s nearly gone. Might get it to start up, but no way it’ll actually move.

Plus, every joint’s falling apart. Honestly, unless we swap out everything but the generator, it won’t even walk right.

“Ah, so if we’re bringing it back, we’ll need to check that part too. Looks like we’re staying here a while. Sorry, Village Chief.”

“Not at all—though it’s a small place, please make yourself at home. I’ll set up rooms for the rest of your team.”

“Sorry about that. Anyway, you’re Eld, right?”

“Yes.”

“We’re delighted about the recommendation. The country’s been looking for someone like you. But have you got your parents’ permission yet?”

“No, not yet.”

Then get that permission first. True, fifteen might be the age when one walks their own path, but it’s still the time to ask your parents for guidance. While we’re here, make sure you’ve got their blessing. Once you do, I’ll recommend you to the Academy.

Understood. Thank you.

I bowed deeply. Smiling all the while, right into their eyes.