Light Novel Volume 19/Summary

Chapter 1 : Zanoba's Resolve.
Zanoba explains the situation to his friends: Cliff, Rudeus, Elinalise, Julie and Ginger. His brother Pax was exiled to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, gained their backing, and successfully initiated a coup in Shirone. He killed the previous Shirone king and the rest of the royal family, and became the new king of Shirone Kingdom. As a result of the coup, Shirone's military force has declined, and they worry that the countries to the north will take advantage of the situation and attack Shirone. Therefore, Zanoba was summoned by King Pax to return to Shirone to defend his home nation.

Cliff and Rudeus question Zanoba on why he wants to comply with the summon and return home. They warn him that this is likely a trap for Pax to have Zanoba killed. Zanoba admits he doesn't want to work under Pax. However, Zanoba reflects on how due to his lack of control over his own strength, he has ripped the heads off of several people, including his former wife, which precipitated a civil war. But despite all this, he was not punished. Zanoba therefore feels that he owes his country in return. Zanoba feels that he was spared punishment so that he could save his country in times of crisis. He acknowledges that if he returns, he will likely die. Rudeus doesn't want his friend to die, so he announces that he will be accompanying Zanoba to Shirone.

Rudeus discusses this situation with Orsted. Orsted reveals that in his timeline, thirty years into the future, Pax started a coup and took over the throne. He then began questioning his own kingship, vacated throne and reorganized the kingdom into a republic. The Shirone republic became a major world power and was a hindrance to Hitogami. Orsted warns that Zanoba being summoned back is likely bait to draw in and kill both Rudeus and Zanoba, who makes Rudeus's equipment. Orsted wonders if someone in the Kingdom of Dragon King may be Hitogami's apostle.Orsted announces that he will go to the Kingdom of Dragon King to investigate for apostles, while Rudeus goes to Shirone to help Zanoba, despite it being a trap. Orsted asks Rudeus to avoid killing Pax, even if he's an apostle, as if he's killed Shirone cannot become a republic.

Chapter 2 : Foreboding.
Rudeus tells his family that he will go to Shirone. Lara then starts crying. Roxy sees this as a sign, and she decides to accompany Rudeus to Shirone; when Roxy announces this, Lara instantly stops crying. Rudeus reveals that going to Shirone is likely a trap set by Hitogami, but Roxy still insists on going. Rudeus and Zanoba prepare their combat equipment before going to Shirone. Rudeus brings both his bulky Magic Armor Mark 1, and the more manageable Magic Armor Mark 2b, as well as the shotgun cannon. They go to Sky Castle to borrow Perugius's magic teleportation circles. Zanoba explains to Perugius his situation and why he is heading back to Shirone. Perugius also tries to convince Zanoba not to go back to Shirone, as he doesn't want Zanoba to die. Perugius enjoys Zanoba's company and their chats about art. Zanoba asks to borrow Perugius's magic teleportation circles. He also begs Perugius to temporarily lift the rule that bans all Magic Race, and to allow Roxy to enter Sky Castle so that she may also use the magic teleportation circles. Perugius reluctantly agrees, under the condition that Roxy not speak and not touch anything. Ginger goes ahead of the group to investigate Shirone Kingdom. She discovers that King Pax has 10 knights from the Kingdom of Dragon King, and that one of them is one of the Seven Great World Powers, the Death God.

Chapter 3 : To Shirone Again.
The night before their departure, Orsted visits Rudeus's house for an emergency meeting. Orsted gives his predictions based on Ginger's report. Regarding Pax's 10 knights, nine of them are likely weak. However, the tenth knight is likely Death God Randolph Marianne, who is ranked fifth of the Seven Great World Powers. The Death God has the ability Sword of Luring, which entices an enemy to attack when he should retreat, and Sword of Hesitation, which forces an enemy to retreat when he should attack. Orsted reassures Rudeus that although he is a difficult opponent, Rudeus should be able to handle him, now that he understands his enemy's ability. Orsted advises Rudeus to attack from a distance. In terms of the Death God's backstory, Randolph Marianne is the grandson of the second North God. After beating the original Death God, he gained the title. He then was fed up with fighting and retired to become a chef in his hometown at Kingdom of Dragon King. He had no talent as a chef and became buried in debt. He was then picked up by a general of Kingdom of Dragon King, and became a knight of the kingdom.

Rudeus says goodbye to his family. Julie will be living with Rudeus's family, while Zanoba and Ginger are gone. Rudeus and Roxy then meet up with Zanoba at the city entrance. Cliff and Elinalise are there too, and they say their goodbyes. They go to Sky Castle. They say goodbye to Nanahoshi. They use the magic teleportation circle and arrive in a teleportation ruin on the edge of Shirone Kingdom, five days journey to the capital. The group arrives in Shirone. They plan to have an audience with the King tomorrow. Rudeus considers in his mind various outcomes from their meeting with the King and considers how he will eventually get Zanoba to return. Roxy sees that Rudeus is stressed and tells him to relax.

Chapter 4 : King Pax.
Rudeus and Zanoba have an audience with King Pax. Pax questions them on how they arrived in Shirone so quickly, but doesn't pursue the matter when Zanoba refuses to give a clear answer. Pax also questions why Rudeus is present. Pax wonders out loud if Rudeus is there to kill him. Zanoba denies this. Pax introduces Death God Randolph Marianne. Randolph introduces himself; he explains that his main job is killing, but that his hobby is cooking, and that he's a nice guy. Pax asks Zanoba if they should let Rudeus and Randolph fight to see who is stronger. Rudeus readies himself for a fight. Pax then defuses the situation as he says he was joking. Pax says he no longer holds a grudge against Zanoba and Rudeus. Pax recounts how he was sent to the Kingdom of Dragon King. While there, Pax worked on improving himself, developing his magic and physique. Pax then gained the attention of the King and was offered a reward. Pax asked for permission to marry the eighteenth Princess Benedict Kingdragon. The king gives permission, under the condition that Pax return to Shirone, attain a high ranking role, and then have Shirone send another prince as an exchange. Shirone Kingdom refused. This enraged the Dragon King, who sent his most able knights, Death God Randolph and the Order of Black Knights, with Pax to initiate a coup. They murdered the rest of the royal family, and installed Pax on the throne, which brings us back to present day. Zanoba asks why he was summoned if Pax has access to the Death God. Pax responds that the Death God is a loan from the Dragon King. Pax reassures Zanoba that he has no plans to exact revenge on Zanoba, and asks Zanoba to lend his strength. Zanoba accepts. Pax then gives Zanoba command over Fort Karon and tells him to stop the northern invasion.

Zanoba and Rudeus then leave the audience room. Zanoba feels that Pax has changed. Rudeus jokes that Pax may be manipulated by an evil god. Zanoba, however, asks if Rudeus is referring to the evil god he is fighting against. Zanoba refers to the dinner they had with Cliff, where Rudeus revealed that he was working with Orsted to fight Hitogami. Zanoba thought it was a joke at the time, but with Cliff working on an anti-curse device for Orsted and all of Rudeus's missions, Zanoba started to wonder if the evil god may be real. Rudeus then reveals the truth about Hitogami, how Pax may be manipulated by Hitogami, and that Rudeus is forbidden from killing Pax. Zanoba announces he will try to protect Pax from Hitogami. Rudeus worries to himself whether there is a trap, and whether Pax may change his mind and try to kill Zanoba. Rudeus thinks to himself that he will discuss this with Roxy tomorrow.

Chapter 5 : Fort Karon.
Rudeus discusses with Roxy all his worries and concerns, such as the fact that he is suspicious of the king of Kingdom of Dragon King and that he is uncertain about Hitogami's intent. Roxy reveals that new information from Ginger has arrived. Their force at Fort Karon is only staffed with 500 soldiers, while their enemy's force is nearly 5000. However, given that Rudeus and Roxy are Emperor ranked and King ranked magicians respectively, each of them could theoretically hold off over 1000 soldiers. They debate on whether Pax intended their placement to be a trap, given that they are outnumbered. Rudeus considers his current hypothesis on the identities of Hitogami's three apostles: one is the king of Kingdom of Dragon King, another is someone from the group attacking Fort Karon, but the third person is still unknown. They agree that going to Fort Karon is likely a trap, but they go anyway as they wish to save Zanoba. They know that Zanoba will go regardless.

Rudeus relays to Zanoba about the fact that Fort Karon has 500 soldiers against 5000 attacking soldiers. Zanoba remains unworried as he knows he has Rudeus and Roxy on his side, each worth at least 1000 soldiers. He also points out that since they are defending a fort, they are in an advantageous position as it typically takes forces 3 times an occupying force to storm a castle. Rudeus warns that Zanoba is likely being used as a sacrificial pawn by Pax, but Zanoba remains undeterred. He is fine with the idea of being sacrificed and continues to insist that fighting for his country is his duty.

Roxy, Rudeus and Zanoba travel to Fort Karon. Ginger remains in the capitol. During the journey, Rudeus is anxious about the idea of entering a war, but neither Zanoba or Roxy are bothered. After 9 days of travel, they reach Fort Karon. They meet Shirone Knight Garrick Babiliti, the one currently in command. Zanoba informs Garrick that he will be taking over command, but given his inexperience, he will continue to rely on Garrick. Zanoba then gathers all the troops for a speech and introduction. Zanoba introduces himself as well as Rudeus and Roxy. He highlights their incredible power and successfully raises his troops' morale. Rudeus is impressed with Zanoba's show of leadership.

Chapter 6 : Preparations for War.
Rudeus and Zanoba go outside of Fort Karon to the locations where they expect to be attacked. Rudeus spends time modifying the terrain with earth magic and setting traps to make it difficult for the advancing enemy. Rudeus assembles his magic armor, which is meant for close combat. Rudeus fortifies the fort. Roxy teaches magic to the soldiers and other staff at the fort. Rudeus notes that while Roxy and Zanoba are popular, others seem to be afraid of him and avoid him, which he suspects is due to the fact that he rearranged the battlefield so effortlessly. They have received support from Kingdom of Dragon King, not through reinforcements, but by sending supplies, which include food, such as rice. They receive news that the enemy troops will arrive in approximately five days. They continue with their preparations. Roxy works on drawing magic circles which generate fire magic, meant for multiple soldiers to use. Rudeus thinks to himself that he will have to kill in this war, and reflects on how he has killed others in the past and it left a bad aftertaste. Rudeus confides in Roxy that he is reluctant to kill people. Roxy reveals that while she has never been in a war, she has no issue with killing others, based on her experience adventuring.

Chapter 7 : War.
Information to be added later on.

Chapter 8 : Emergency Situation, Zanoba True Motive.
Information to be added later on.

Chapter 9 : To Pax's side.
Information to be added later on.

Chapter 10 : Everything was for Naught.
Information to be added later on.

Chapter 11 : Post War.
Information to be added later on.

Chapter 12 : Zanoba's Chosen Path.
Information to be added later on.

Interlude: The Death God Knight and the Gluttonous Prince
In the imperial villa of the King Dragon Kingdom, Pax is telling Benedict a story about how he single-handedly took over a slave trading ring… or rather, about how his bodyguards did the work for him. Pax feels somewhat guilty about exaggerating his past deeds, but Benedict still thinks his stories are incredible regardless of their authenticity. Given that both of their reputations are the lowest of the low in the imperial villa, nobody else is willing to talk to them, so they have turned to each other for support. However, Pax’s diligence to his body training and studies is slowly but surely improving his image among the others. On their way to Pax’s room, the two smell a bizarre, pungent odor that ever so slightly stimulates their appetites. Going to the training grounds to investigate, the sight that awaits them seems to be straight out of a painting—a skeleton (Randolph) stirring a large pot, with five guards lined up as if awaiting their last meal. Pax demands to know what is going on, and the guards tell him: they didn’t properly secure their general’s saddle, and he fell off his horse during a training exercise. The general, in all his magnanimity, let them go without a punishment, and instead had Randolph treat them to a meal. Among the soldiers, there are rumors that Randolph is an assassin directly serving the general, doing his dirty work by taking out major political enemies. They are convinced that they are about to be executed by poisoning and start begging Pax to save them. While Randolph denies that he has any intention of killing the soldiers, Benedict gives Pax a pleading look, and Pax demands that Randolph serve him a portion first. He predicts that Randolph will back down since poisoning a prince would create an international incident, but Randolph eagerly begins ladling out a serving for him. Insulted, Pax refuses to back down and silently vows to send the King Dragon Kingdom into chaos from the grave. Randolph places a bowl of purple stew in front of Pax, whose sensory cortex is screaming that the substance in front of him is NOT MEANT TO BE EATEN. Summoning his resolve, Pax swallows a chunk of meat… and finds that it is surprisingly tasty. His tongue starts to go numb, and Pax laments that while he didn’t accomplish anything meaningful in his short life, at least his final act could be something to be proud of. Turning defiant, Pax orders Randolph to give him seconds, claiming that the stew would be wasted on the soldiers’ unrefined taste buds. The soldiers frantically leave the area while giving Pax grateful looks. Benedict also asks for a bowl of stew, and Pax accepts that she probably wouldn’t be able to survive the loneliness that would ensue after he is gone. The two of them finish the entire pot (LN illustration), upon which Pax asks Randolph when the effects will kick in. Randolph responds that they would take effect very soon, and Pax feels as if he is at peace—dying under a blue sky after eating a delicious meal wouldn’t be so bad. Randolph reveals his secret ingredient: sanshoku seeds, which are purple in color, cause tongue numbness, and have a strong sedative effect—perfect for dispelling feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression. Although Randolph finds it unfortunate that he was unable to help the soldiers relax, he is elated that Pax enjoyed his food and offers to treat him to another meal. Pax agrees, and leaves the area with Benedict.

The flashback ends. Pax and Randolph are looking out over the Theirown Kingdom from the royal castle. Smoke is rising from fires lit all throughout the city, and people are gathering en masse below. Pax tells Randolph that he really thought that he was going to die back then, and Randolph responds that he would rather that Pax had taken that comment to the grave. The two reflect on how that was the beginning of their friendship and how the majority of people gathering below have not accepted Pax as their ruler. Despite becoming king, his only true allies are Benedict and Randolph. Pax entrusts Randolph with teaching his child swordsmanship and cooking in the event that he dies—to give Pax Jr. the best education possible, and to praise him, for Pax knows firsthand the pain of one’s efforts not being acknowledged. Randolph, sensing that Pax intends to kill himself, accepts Pax’s request. While he may not be a true “god of death / shinigami (死神)”, his inherited title is “Death(死) God(神)”, and the Death God before him would always honor a dying person’s last words. As Pax disappears into his bedroom, Randolph closes his eyes, whispering that he would much prefer that Pax didn’t die.