The Expelled Boy Does All Sorts of Things with the Onee-sans He Saved. - Chapter 56 & 57 & 58 & 59
Chapter 056: Preparations for Battle
“Then, let us reconvene the countermeasures meeting regarding the Holy Kingdom.”
At Prime Minister Grant’s words, the meeting to discuss the Holy Kingdom’s de facto declaration of war began.
“Why aren’t the three of us — the Grand Duke, the Prime Minister, and myself — deciding this? This is a matter of war.”
“The question of whether we will hand over Lady Elena must be settled first.”
The first to react to the Grand Duke’s statement was that catfish-faced bastard again.
“We should hand her over without question!! That will prevent war!!”
“Can you really say that with certainty? Why are you so confident?”
The Minister of Military Affairs immediately countered.
“Has the Holy Kingdom ever broken a promise before? Since the non-aggression treaty signed 50 years ago, they have never invaded our country.”
“What are you saying!? The situation is completely different now! The Empire and the Holy Kingdom have joined forces. This alone is unprecedented. It is entirely possible that the Holy Kingdom will attack us.”
“Exactly. Just look at the current situation.”
The Minister of Military Affairs and the Foreign Minister spoke one after another. However, the Agriculture Minister refused to yield.
“May I state my opinion?”
All eyes turned to the Grand Duke.
“Personally, I would first like to hear from Lady Elena. What do you wish to do?”
“I…”
“As the one who granted you state guest status, I do not wish to lose you.”
“…………”
This guy was staying completely silent.
“Sorry. I’m taking her out for a bit.”
I grabbed Elena’s arm and forcibly dragged her out of the conference room.
“Rosaria, that hurts!!”
Ignoring her protest, I pulled her into a nearby room.
“…………”
“What are you—”
“Not yet.”
“Eh?”
“You still haven’t shaken it off, have you?”
Her silence irritated me.
“You understand the situation, right?”
“I do.”
“You know that even if you’re handed back to the Holy Kingdom, they won’t stop their invasion, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then—”
“But!!”
This was the loudest I had ever heard her shout. Tears were welling up in her eyes.
“Knowing that Artemisia is there… just the thought of fighting her…”
“From the moment you decided to stay here, you knew you might have to fight the Holy Kingdom.”
“I was prepared for that. But Maria and Artemisia are special to me. I don’t want to kill Artemisia…”
“So what?”
“Eh?”
“If you can still say something like that, I’m surprised you ever became the First Knight Commander.”
“What would you understand!!”
Elena grabbed me by the collar.
“We spent so many years together, pushing each other forward, like sisters. I can’t kill her.”
“Listen to me!!”
Slap!!
I slapped Elena hard across the cheek. She collapsed to the floor from the impact.
“!? What are you—!?”
“You’re not a citizen of the Holy Kingdom anymore!!”
“…………”
“And what the hell are you losing sight of!?”
“Losing sight…”
“Whose sake are you holding that sword for right now!?”
“!!”
Her eyes widened.
“If the Holy Kingdom wins, this country is finished. I fought them before — I know exactly what will happen. If this country falls, what do you think will happen to Al? Do you understand!!”
“…………”
“Think of him first. Don’t forget that. You are the only one who can fight Artemisia on equal terms.”
“Rosaria…”
“Decide what to do about Artemisia after you win. The Grand Duke here is a tolerant man. Also, during the meeting earlier, your expression… there’s something more, isn’t there?”
“Yes.”
“Then do that first. If you can’t handle it alone, rely on me or Urka.”
“Is that really okay?”
“You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.”
Elena slowly stood up. Her face was no longer the same as before. There was still some hesitation, but it was faint.
“Elena?”
Suddenly, Al entered the room.
“Master. What brings you here?”
“The people from Zelgon are leaving urgently. When I went to the conference room, you two weren’t there, so I was told you had stepped out.”
“Sorry. I had something to talk about with her.”
“Will there be… a war?”
“…………Yes.”
“Are all three of you going?”
“It might come to that.”
Don’t look at us with those eyes. I pulled Al into a hug and kissed him.
“It’s okay. We won’t lose. We’ll definitely win and come back.”
Elena also hugged Al.
“I will protect your place in this world no matter what.”
“I’ll do my best!!”
Urka also clung to him. Well, somehow we managed to pull ourselves together.
“Let’s go!! We need to tell them.”
“Yeah.”
“Tell them what?”
“Urka, we’ll explain in the conference room.”
And so, we returned to the meeting room once more.
～～～～～～～～～～
“I apologize.”
As soon as we returned, Elena bowed her head.
“I have wasted everyone’s time.”
“Indeed. What exactly were you doing?”
“Now now, calm down. So, what is your answer?”
To the Grand Duke’s question, Elena replied clearly:
“I wish to remain by Master’s side.”
“……I see.”
“In other words—”
“I am prepared to fight the Holy Kingdom.”
A wave of “Ohh!!” rose from the room.
“Of course, the same goes for me and Urka.”
Urka nodded in agreement. The conference room grew lively.
“With this, we can see a path forward!!”
“However, there is the non-aggression treaty with the Holy Kingdom. There is no way they would so easily discard it—”
“Forgive me, Agriculture Minister, but your words cannot be trusted.”
“What did you say!?”
“I was the First Knight Commander of the Holy Kingdom until recently. I know the internal situation well.”
“Indeed, your insight is valuable. Everyone, let us hear what she has to say. Is that acceptable, Agriculture Minister?”
“Guh… Yes.”
The catfish-faced bastard reluctantly nodded.
Elena then explained: The current Holy Kingdom was vastly different from before, ruled by authoritarian politics. A man named Wolf was operating behind the scenes and effectively controlled the country.
“Preposterous!!”
“No, I can vouch for that. When I fought the Holy Kingdom, villages inside the Empire were ravaged by their forces.”
My statement caused a stir of shock throughout the room.
“Hmm. So even if we handed over Lady Elena, our country would still face the threat of destruction.”
“Yes. According to her, the only one who can fight Artemisia is Elena.”
“Is that true, Lady Elena?”
At Prime Minister Grant’s question, Elena nodded.
“Most likely. I understand her abilities and habits better than anyone.”
“Please wait!!”
A voice came from beyond the door.
“Excuse us!!”
The ones who entered were a large, bearded man and a tall young man.
“General Antonio!! General Simone!!”
The Minister of Military Affairs stood up. Indeed, the two generals of the Grand Duchy had suddenly appeared.
“They are?”
“They are two of the five generals serving this country — General Antonio = Del = Baura and General Simone = Picto = Sylvester.”
“Thank you for the introduction, Your Grace.”
General Antonio bowed. He was a huge man. Black hair and black eyes, taller than me. His neatly trimmed beard was striking, and even under his armor, it was clear he was well-trained.
“So, what brings you here?”
“We have heard about the situation with the Holy Kingdom. While the three of them are on defense, we will take the field. However, leaving the battle against the enemy’s commander or overall command of the army to foreigners feels inappropriate.”
“Please leave it to us.”
Of course. Their opinion was perfectly reasonable. However—
“Can you two defeat Artemisia?”
“For a mere woman to suggest I would fall behind is ridiculous.”
This Simone guy seemed extremely arrogant. A blond man with blue eyes. He was clearly well-trained, but quite short.
While I was observing Simone, I noticed a gaze on me. It was General Antonio. He was appraising me.
“Indeed, you are one of the top sword users in this country.”
“Then, wouldn’t it be fine to leave it to them?”
“But it’s the Holy Kingdom!? Our country has never once defeated them!!”
Well, they probably don’t know the Holy Kingdom’s way of fighting in detail. These two who just arrived are clearly combat-oriented. Did this country not have any strategists? Have they only barely survived thanks to the non-aggression treaty? And probably thanks to the Belladonna family too. They lend money to nobles and merchants all over the world, after all.
“We won’t know unless we try!! Please appoint me as Supreme Commander!!”
No, if that’s the case, Antonio would be better. This guy is hiding it, but he’s quite the warrior.
“General Simone, how many times have you been on the battlefield?”
Elena asked the obvious question.
“Three times. Why do you ask?”
Ah… Elena was at a loss for words. Did this guy become a general purely on natural talent?
“How old are you?”
“23.”
Older than I thought.
“With all due respect, I, Elena, and Urka have fought on far more battlefields and shed far more blood than you.”
“Then how many times have you—?”
“Since I was 14, I think it’s already over 50.”
The conference room stirred. For a country with so few wars, that number must sound insane. In the Empire, there’s fighting somewhere every day. Especially frequent against the Holy Kingdom.
“What about Urka?”
“Since I was 12, so about the same as Rosaria.”
As expected of the former Warrior Leader of the Philos Union.
As the conversation began to stall, the previously silent General Antonio spoke:
“Simone. Why don’t you have a mock battle with Lady Elena?”
“General Antonio!! This is hardly the time for—”
“If we continue like this, he won’t be convinced and the discussion won’t progress. This would be the quickest way.”
“How about it, Lady Elena?” Antonio asked.
“I have no objection.”
“There you have it. What will you do?”
“I’ll show a mere woman what I can do!!”
With that, Simone left the room.
“Antonio. You provoked him on purpose, didn’t you?”
“I apologize for acting on my own.”
“Haa… Knowing you, you must have a reason. Are you fine with this?”
“Even if I fought, I wouldn’t stand a chance against that ‘Silver Wolf’ over there.”
“Even though you haven’t fought?”
When I said that teasingly, he replied:
“Truly strong people can be recognized at first glance. You three are young, yet stand on a much higher level than me. It must be the environment you grew up in.”
To think someone like this existed in this country. What a waste, I thought.
“Then, shall we use the military training grounds? Let’s prepare immediately.”
At the Prime Minister’s words, everyone nodded and preparations began right away.
～～～～～～～～～～
At the training grounds, not only the Grand Duke and the meeting participants, but even many soldiers had gathered as spectators.
“We shall now begin the mock battle between General Simone and Lady Elena.”
Both sides readied wooden swords. Looking at her again, Elena’s stance was flawless.
The pressure she emitted was on a completely different level. Her opponent was already sweating.
“Begin!!”
At those words, Simone charged forward.
“Uoooooooh!!”
He swung down from an overhead stance. His speed and power were certainly impressive.
However—
“Hmph.”
Elena parried it and immediately countered with a slash.
Simone somehow managed to dodge.
“To dodge that, as expected of a general.”
“Don’t mock me. I am among the top swordsmen in this country.”
“If you only think within the boundaries of this country, you will never grow!!”
This time Elena took the initiative. Fluid swordplay came from the right diagonal, then flowing to the left.
Her opponent was forced entirely onto the defensive.
“Your training is insufficient. Haaah!!”
She exploited a gap and kicked his sword upward. The wooden sword flew into the air and fell to the ground.
“Kuh.”
“How was that?”
Elena stopped her wooden sword right in front of his throat.
“That is enough!!”
At the Grand Duke’s voice, the mock battle ended. At the same time, gasps and murmurs rose from the soldiers.
“General Simone lost…”
“So this is the strength of the Holy Kingdom’s First Knight Commander…”
Well, in a country with so few wars, it can’t be helped. He’s probably strong by this country’s standards.
But the Holy Kingdom has mandatory military service, so their army is reasonably well-trained.
The real question is how we proceed from here.
“Now then, let us begin preparations for war against the Holy Kingdom. Minister of Military Affairs, Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister — come to my office later.”
“““Yes, Your Grace!!”””
“Who will be the Supreme Commander?”
“I believe General Antonio would be suitable.”
I voiced my opinion.
“What is an Imperial saying!?”
“Yeah, exactly!!”
Jeers flew from the surroundings. However—
“As Minister of Military Affairs, I also recommend General Antonio as Supreme Commander.”
“As Prime Minister, I agree as well.”
Their statements caused another stir in the training grounds.
“Hoh, me? I think you would be better suited.”
“If I take command, it will only create resentment within the country. You’re the better choice.”
“I see. However, when it comes to commanding the army, there is no one more suitable than you. I am better suited for fighting on the front lines. I leave it to you.”
“Understood.”
“Then we will entrust the military operations to you. We will handle the response to the Holy Kingdom. We will try to buy as much time as possible, so please focus on drafting the strategy.”
At the Grand Duke’s words, everyone bowed in unison like during the earlier ceremony.
Now then, the war has begun.
Chapter 057: Preparations
I also watched that mock battle.
I thought it was the natural result for Elena. However—
(A war is really going to start…)
It still didn’t feel real. What would happen to the people heading out to fight?
Of course, people would die. A lot of them.
But the words of the Minister of Military Affairs kept flashing through my mind. Would I have to go too?
“Alphonse. You will stay within the country.”
“!?”
I was surprised by the Grand Duke’s words.
“You are still only 10 years old. I cannot agree with sending a child into battle against their will.”
Many people in the meeting agreed with him.
As a result, it was decided that I would not go to the battlefield.
When we left the castle, I spoke with Uncle Klaus.
“Al. You’re still a child. The burden we would place on you is far too heavy.”
“But Roze and the others—”
“They have something like a destiny. They’ve lived their lives on the battlefield.”
He gently stroked my head as I looked like I was about to cry.
“Do you think they will die?”
I shook my head vigorously.
“Then believe in them and wait, Al.”
“Okay.”
“Also…”
Uncle Klaus lowered his voice.
“There’s something else I want your help with, Al.”
“What is it?”
“There may be someone inside the country inciting terrorism.”
“Is it okay to tell me that?”
“You’re involved. I want you to help us with magic on this side.”
“Understood.”
“Then take it easy today.”
With that, Uncle Klaus left.
“Master.”
Sophia, who had stayed by my side the whole time, hugged me.
“It will be alright.”
“Yeah… I have to do what I can too.”
After making up my mind, I returned to the villa.
～～～～～～～～～～
That day, since Roze and the others were in strategy meetings at the castle, they didn’t return to the villa.
They only came back the next morning.
“Welcome home!!”
I ran up to the three of them and hugged Elena, who was in the middle.
“We’re back.”
“The bath is ready, so please go ahead.”
At Sophia’s urging, the three of them headed to the bathhouse.
“Aira.”
“Yes, Master.”
“I’d like you to take the three’s weapons to the blacksmith for maintenance.”
“Understood.”
Aira and the others had become quite capable in a short time.
Right now, Tina was helping the three in the bath, and Mana was helping in the kitchen.
While everyone was working, I went to see Mother.
“Good morning, Mother.”
“Good morning. What’s the matter?”
“I have a request.”
“What is it?”
I asked Mother to prepare armor for the three of them.
“Leave that to me. I’ll make sure your request is fulfilled as well.”
“Thank you!!”
“Hey Al. Why don’t you call me Mama sometimes?”
“Okay… Mama.”
“Hau!!”
Mother let out a strange voice. Something similar happened on the phone before too.
“Leave it to me. Mama will do her best.”
That afternoon, the owner of a shop dealing in armor and equipment — registered with the Belladonna Company — arrived at the villa entrance.
“Although it will be announced tomorrow, war with the Holy Kingdom has begun.”
The shopkeepers stirred uneasily.
“I would like you to make armor for these three here.”
Mother introduced Roze and the others.
“Spare no expense. We want the very best equipment.”
Mother said, but the craftsmen didn’t seem enthusiastic.
“Lady Louisa, we are grateful for the offer, but making equipment for two people from the Empire and Holy Kingdom is a bit…”
As expected, many still held grudges against the Empire and Holy Kingdom.
“I understand. However, without their strength, the Grand Duchy may very well be destroyed. We cannot predict what effect that would have on the Belladonna family either.”
Since it was Mother, she had probably already considered that possibility. But right now, I wanted to focus on winning. However—
“I’m sorry, Lady Louisa. I cannot accept this.”
One by one, they left. Among them were people who had lost family members in past wars with the Empire or Holy Kingdom. No matter the national crisis, some things they simply could not overlook.
In the end, only three remained.
One was the dwarf blacksmith Garzo.
“Garzo. You…”
“I’ll do it. To repay the kindness you’ve shown me, Lady Louisa.”
“!!”
Garzo was someone whose homeland was ravaged by the Imperial army. He fled to the Grand Duchy with his family.
“Are you sure? I thought you would refuse the most.”
“It’s true that my homeland was destroyed by the Imperial army.”
He glanced at Roze.
“If it’s a dwarf, then it must be the village of Ttua in the southwest.”
“……Yes.”
It seemed Roze already knew.
“Four years ago. I was serving as a strategy advisor during the war with the Van Commercial Union, so I heard about it.”
“……I don’t want an apology from you.”
“In that case, if war breaks out between the Empire and the Grand Duchy again, I will use that war to make amends.”
“Hmph. Just make sure you survive this war. I’ll take care of your Holy Kingdom armor too.”
“Yeah, I’m counting on you.”
“Please.”
It seemed Garzo would handle Roze and Elena.
“Lagos. You were originally from the Philos Union, correct?”
“Yes. I had heard much about Lady Urka even when I still lived there. Please leave her weapons and armor to me.”
“I’m counting on you.”
“And Giovanni. You came at Al’s request. It will be difficult, but please do your best.”
“Understood. Leave it to me.”
“Please!!”
Measurements began immediately. We listened to the three’s requests and commissioned custom-made armor for each.
I also needed to prepare.
“So, young master. What would you like made?”
“Well… how exactly do you enchant items?”
I will do everything I can to protect these three and this country!!
Chapter 058: Onee-chan Has Come
The next day, by the time I woke up, everyone had already gone out.
Roze and Urka were in meetings, and Elena had other business, so she went out separately.
I have to do my part too.
I immediately took out the magic book Lord Shuriman gave me and started looking for useful spells.
“Hmm… What about this one?”
While I was thinking alone, the doorbell rang, announcing a visitor.
“Master. Lady Kei is here.”
“Onee-chan?”
When I went to the entrance, Kei Onee-chan had arrived with several subordinates.
“Hey, Al.”
“What brings you here at a time like this?”
“Yeah. I have something to talk about.”
“Standing at the entrance won’t do. Please come to the guest room.”
Following Sophia’s guidance, we moved to the guest room and sat facing each other.
Her subordinates stood behind her. Both of them were women, by the way.
“Here you go.”
Aira-san placed black tea on the table.
“You’re… Aira-san, right?”
“Yes.”
“My foolish little brother caused you a lot of trouble. I apologize.”
Onee-chan bowed her head to Aira-san.
“Please raise your head!!”
“No, that won’t do. He went too far.”
“…………”
“I will make amends for what he did. So please wait a little longer.”
“Understood.”
“Thank you, Aira. You may leave now.”
At Sophia’s words, Aira-san bowed and left the room.
“Now then, from here on, this is a secret between the five of us here.”
“Please rest assured. I have already deployed a barrier. Nothing will leak outside.”
One of the subordinates behind her spoke. As expected of the Imperial Guard Magic Division — first-rate skill.
“So, what’s the situation?”
“Did you hear from Lord Klaus?”
“Yeah, something about catching the terrorists.”
“Our Magic Division will be split into those heading to the front lines and those searching for the culprits here in Riema. Since I also have to guard the Grand Duke, I’ll be commanding from here.”
“I see.”
“And here’s the thing. According to some information, my foolish little brother is in Riema.”
“Dan!!”
Onee-chan nodded. So that guy is here.
“Furthermore, it seems the organization called ‘Rinashita’ is moving behind the scenes.”
“That’s some impressive information.”
“They’re trying to act covertly, but they’ve left traces. Catching them was easy.”
“So what kind of organization is it?”
“Their goal is the restoration of noble authority. You know about the system the previous Grand Duke started due to a shortage of talent, right?”
“Yeah.”
“It ignores social status if the person has ability. Prime Minister Grant is a good example.”
“So they’re rebelling against that.”
“Sophia-san is very sharp. In short, it’s jealousy. It’s a gathering of failed nobles, people who do nothing but flaunt their status, and noble children who lost in succession struggles.”
Just listening to it made me think they were a pathetic bunch.
“They were the ones behind the recent terrorist attack — we got that from the Empire’s assassination unit.”
“They talk quite easily.”
“To the Empire, whatever happens inside the Grand Duchy is none of their business. Besides, ‘Rinashita’ seemed to be nothing more than disposable pawns.”
“I see.”
“Yeah. And in their panic after failing, we learned they’re planning to assassinate the Grand Duke and the First Princess, the next in line.”
“No way!!”
I couldn’t hide my shock. Killing their own country’s Grand Duke — what kind of nobles are they?
“Perhaps he’s involved in that too?”
“Yes. It seems Dan has become something like the leader of that organization.”
“I see.”
“Does the Duke know?”
“When he heard, he was furious. He even said he would disown Dan.”
It’s unfortunate, but at this point, there’s no saving him.
“So what’s the plan?”
“We could raid their hideout, but there’s a risk they’ll escape.”
“Yeah.”
“So, at the First Princess’s suggestion, we’re going to lure them to the royal castle and catch them all at once.”
“Eh.”
Mafalda-sama… That’s quite a dangerous idea.
“She said that if it means their own deaths, it’s better than the royal castle being destroyed.”
“She’s amazing.”
“I think she’s quite the person. The Grand Duchy should be safe for a while.”
Hmm… I’ve become friends with Charlotte-sama from that family, and it seems the Grand Duke’s side wants to push us together. Is that going to be okay?
“So, after the army leaves, I want you to stay at the royal castle, Al.”
“Eh?”
“It’ll be safer that way. Besides, that guy’s target is you, Al.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. After using Aira and the others as bait, it seems he was demoted all the way to E-rank.”
“Isn’t that obvious?”
“Yeah. This is just my intuition, but I think he holds a grudge against you.”
“Ehhhh—”
How selfish can he be?
“The Belladonna family will probably be targeted too. If everyone gathers at the castle, the chances of catching them all in one sweep will skyrocket.”
“So we’re bait.”
“Bait and protection, I suppose? Sophia-san behind you is quite skilled too.”
“Hmm…”
I thought about it. Onee-chan’s plan made sense, but…
“What will you tell people on the outside?”
“We’ll say the head of the Belladonna family and the Grand Duke are having a meeting regarding the war.”
I see. That sounds plausible.
“They’re simple-minded. The recent terrorist attack showed that clearly.”
“……Understood.”
“I’ve already told Mother, so it’s fine.”
“Yeah… Eh?”
What’s with that nuance? We’re not engaged or anything. Wait, Sophia? Your hands are shaking while holding the tray. Calm down!!
“Well then, Al, we’ll take our leave here.”
“Already?”
“Don’t make such a cute face. It makes me want to hug you.”
She was already hugging me. And so were her guards. They were expressionless earlier — why are they suddenly squealing “Kyaa~”? Please stop.
“Lady Kei, don’t you still have time?”
Sophia’s voice had grown stronger. Calm down!!
“Fufu, until next time, Al.”
With that, Onee-chan left the room.
Then—
“Master.”
Sophia hugged me tightly.
“Hawawa!!” “Uwaa—”
Aira-san, Tina-san, and Mana-san were watching.
“Would you three like to join?”
A little later, Sophia asked.
“Eh!?” “Is that okay!?”
“I’m fine with it.”
And so, I had a group hug with the three of them for the first time in a while.
～～～～～～～～～～
Elena Side
Meanwhile, at that time—
“Hoh, so this is it. Understood.”
“I don’t have definite proof, but please investigate.”
“If this is true, it falls under our jurisdiction.”
Beatrix-san nodded while looking at the documents I handed her.
Chapter 059: Each Person’s Intentions
Rosaria Side
“How many troops does the enemy have?”
“Approximately 50,000 according to reports.”
“Is that confirmed?”
“Yes, we have verified it multiple times.”
“How many troops do we have?”
“15,000.”
“Three times the number…”
An uneasy atmosphere filled the conference room. The officers heading to the front lines, the Minister of Military Affairs, the Prime Minister, and the Grand Duke were all gathered.
In war, numbers are the first advantage. Inexperienced soldiers are easily shaken by sheer numbers. Moreover, the opponent was the Holy Kingdom. For the soldiers of this country, who had little combat experience, it would heavily impact morale.
“Now then, this is quite troublesome.”
Supreme Commander General Antonio smiled bitterly.
“Numbers aren’t the problem. What matters is how we fight.”
At my words, the anxious officers let out “Ohh!!” in admiration. How simple.
“But how exactly?”
“Looking at the map, there are valleys and highlands scattered between the Holy Kingdom and the Grand Duchy, so the routes they can take are limited.”
“So we should blockade the main roads?”
“No. We should let them enter on purpose.”
“What!?” “You’re saying we should allow them to invade!?”
“That’s not what I mean. We will choose the battlefield. We must not let the enemy decide it.”
“Yeah, I think that’s good.”
“Hmm, there is logic to that.”
The ones who agreed were Urka and Imperial Guard Knight Isaac.
“The Imperial Guard are elites. We should only deploy them at critical moments.”
“We understand. However, we would like to take the lead if possible.”
“That will depend on the strategy. Don’t let your emotions dictate things.”
“Understood.”
While we were talking, Simone — the one Elena had defeated the other day — entered the room.
“Oh, has your head cooled down?”
“General Antonio. Please stop. I won’t say anything more.”
“Hmm. You’re still young. Keep gaining experience.”
“Yes.”
Simone then turned toward us.
“I apologize for my rudeness the other day.”
“Say that to Elena.”
“I will.”
“Sorry for being late!!”
Elena had also returned from her errands.
“Lady Elena, I apologize for the other day.”
Simone bowed to her. She looked surprised but accepted his apology.
“Now then, let’s go over what we’ve discussed so far.”
I explained the plan to the two who had arrived late.
“I also agree with this. We have no intention of invading the Holy Kingdom. Let us focus on a defensive battle with that in mind.”
“I believe I understand the Holy Kingdom’s way of fighting… but has their basic tactics changed?”
“Considering the possibility of the 7th and 8th Knight Orders’ magic divisions being present, their standard tactic is a cavalry charge followed by infantry, supported by magic.”
“In short, the mobility of their cavalry is the Holy Kingdom’s greatest weapon.”
Everyone listened to our conversation with serious expressions. This was important.
“In that case, where would be a good place?”
“We also have cavalry. But we are overwhelmingly outnumbered. We should make use of that.”
“When do we start?”
“Right after this meeting.”
“Isn’t that too soon?”
“The side that arrives at the battlefield first and prepares wins. If we choose and prepare the battlefield ourselves, our chances of victory will be high.”
While the conference room stirred, the Grand Duke spoke.
“General Antonio. What do you think?”
“I have entrusted this strategy to her.”
“Understood. Lady Rosaria, can you begin immediately?”
“Certainly.”
I then began issuing instructions for the strategy I had devised.
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Artemisia Side
“What is the response from the Grand Duchy?”
“They say Elena needs more time to think and is stalling.”
Upon receiving the report, I let out a sigh.
I must judge that traitor.
Around me were the commanders of the 2nd through 7th Knight Orders. We had gathered 50,000 troops — the Holy Kingdom’s maximum fighting force — under orders from Cardinal Wolf.
Since Elena’s fall from grace, many knight commanders from the 1st Order onward had been replaced.
To be honest, many of them were unsavory characters, but if Cardinal Wolf says they are fine, then so be it.
“Everyone, please do your best for the Holy Kingdom and for my wife, Maria.”
Cardinal Wolf himself was also present.
He had come along because prayers would be needed when those who betrayed the country met their end.
As Maria’s husband, he now handled most political affairs in her stead. Maria herself rarely appeared before the people anymore.
He smiled and encouraged us. It was a great honor.
“However, Elena is not making a quick decision. For a believer of the Anis faith, she is not very upright.”
“It can’t be helped. We will wait a little longer. I didn’t expect her to agree immediately.”
I said that and left the tent.
The next day.
“Any response from the Grand Duchy?”
“Elena has shut herself in her room and refuses to negotiate, so they are asking us to wait.”
The day after that—
“And today?”
“She has put up a magic barrier in her room and is resisting. Our mages are currently trying to force it open.”
“What is that supposed to mean!!”
Cardinal Wolf shouted in a tone unlike his usual self.
“N-No, would Elena really say something like that? We should press them harder.”
“Yes.”
Elena… what exactly are you doing?
Before we knew it, two days had passed.
Some within the army began strongly advocating to cross the border and invade. That opinion grew louder by the day.
Cardinal Wolf finally declared:
“Enough. Begin the invasion!!”
“But there is a non-aggression treaty with the Grand Duchy—”
“Artemisia. This is a critical and urgent time. We are simply going to retrieve one of our own citizens. Even if we encounter their army along the way, there is no issue.”
“However, this army was only recently formed. Their tactics and coordination are still lacking.”
“We have 50,000 troops. There is no way the numerically superior side can lose.”
“Cardinal…”
“Is that clear? Now, advance!!”
““““Ooooooooooh!!””””
A great war cry rose. I was worried, but—
“Is that clear, Artemisia?”
“Yes.”
I obeyed his words. Somewhere inside me, there was a part that agreed.
And so, the Holy Kingdom broke the treaty and invaded the Grand Duchy.
Comments for chapter "Chapter 56 & 57 & 58 & 59"
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