Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
「The children’s eyes are shining when they look at you. You are really popular, Insomniac Brilliant General.」
After the children who wanted handshakes left, Anarai and Bajin walked up to the white-haired officer. This was an unexpectedly quick reunion, and Jean felt conflicted because the Prime Minister recently forbade Jean from interacting with the old man.
「... I was surprised when I saw the Professor amongst the crowd. Did you make the trip to listen to my speech?」
「Instead of the speech, I’m here to see you. Making this trip will be quicker than an invitation letter to visit the research lab.」
「I’m surprised too. I never thought the Professor will want to meet a human over his moulds.」
Bajin said with a shrug. Suppressing his glee, the white-haired officer tried to reply with a cool demeanour.
「It’s my honour, but I don’t think a mere soldier like me can assist with your research. My time will be better served on other endeavours.」
His choice of words that were colder than before made Anarai realize that Jean has his reasons to stay distant, but that wasn’t enough to make the sage back off.
「I’m not interested in you as a soldier. I’m interested in Jean Arkinex, the person.」
Anarai approached boldly with his natural fearlessness. Before Jean could speak, the old man seized control of the conversation.
「Let’s chat. Sleep and his Half-brother Death── Have you heard of that before?」
「... No, I haven’t.」
The youth answered honestly. Anarai nodded and explained:
「You can’t see or feel anything, nor move your body with your will. In the sense that you lose control over your body, sleep and death are really similar. There are even theories that say humans die every night and revive the next morning.」
Unable to grasp the intent behind these words, Jean stared with his eyes wide. The old man continued without hesitation:
「Because of this break── no, renewal, humans can advance towards the long future ahead. If you keep staying alive, then the life of a human will be too long. Yesterday and today, today and tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow. By dividing life this way, humans can withstand the massive amount of time before us… that’s what I think. Although this isn’t Scientific at all.」
The old man paused here. His instincts told him that letting the old man control the pace wasn’t good, so Jean rebutted on instinct.
「... Isn’t there a huge difference between sleep and death? Humans will dream when they sleep. And of course, I don’t know if the dead dreams… But to me, dreaming is a part of life.」
Anarai laughed at this assertion.
「I see, you are right. So──Jean Arkinex, do you dream?」
The white-haired officer felt a chill at that question. He felt ashamed by being led down this line of questions so easily and answered the old man with newfound respect.
「... I will occasionally daydream. Although it’s mostly about things that happened in the past.」
「Hmm? ──I-I didn’t know.」
Miara beside him was surprised, and Jean shook his head.
「Dreams aren’t worth telling others. Well── Professor Anarai, so what if I dream?」
「How interesting. That seems to strengthen my theory.」
With his eyes shining, Anarai said:
「Other than an exception like you, as far as I know, no human can survive without sleeping. I don’t think there are any animals like that in the entire world. My speculation is that you manage to process the sleep of a normal person while you are still awake.」 He said passionately as he tapped his head with his index finger.
「The key lies with how the brain works. Contrary to theology, we think that the brain controls thinking. Sleeping is like letting your brain rest. So for your insomniac nature, we can understand the reason from the way you rest.」
Jean touched his head unconsciously. The old sage continued expounding his ideas.
「This is a hypothesis built on top of an hypothesis, but what do you think about compartmenting your brain to take turns resting? Just like having a few people take shifts for guard duty. Maybe part of your brain is sleeping and another part is awake right now.」
「... It’s useless, Professor. Unless you cut my head open, you can’t verify this hypothesis.」
「Is that so? Even if I can’t verify this directly, I can do so indirectly. I already figure out the methods.」
Anarai declared with a bold smile and looked Jean right in the eyes.
「For the next two weeks── if not, one week will work too, can you let us stay with you? I just need you to take a simple test every hour. Depending on the results, we can verify the hypothesis of compartment sleeping. If a part of your brain is resting, that will affect your performance. For example, if the part controlling your speech function sleeps, your oratory ability will be diminished, same for your calculation function.」
The old man had an extraordinary way of looking at humans. Realizing that, Miara couldn’t help interjecting.
「... This is blasphemy. Are you going to divide human thinking by functions ── and even our souls?」
「In the world of Science, there are no such things as souls. Hence, we treat all human activity as a body function. Thinking, feeling, eating, procreating and sleeping are all equal.」
Anarai answered without any hesitation. With a sideway glance at his adjutant , Jean squeeze his voice out:
「... It’s regrettable, but I will have to refuse. I’m very busy and can’t assist you with the experiment, Professor. I will return the favour next time...」
「It’s too hasty to reject this immediately. What if you die because of your insomniac lifestyle?」
The old man kept up his offence. The white-haired officer twitched his brow.
「... What do you mean?」
「I mean what I said literally. There are all kinds of illness associated with sleep deprivation, it’s too optimistic to think that you alone can avoid that!」
Anarai tried persuading him from another angle. Harrah who was observing silently finally chipped in:
「You are contradicting yourself, Professor Anarai. Didn’t you just explain your hypothesis on compartment sleeping?」
「That’s just a hypothesis. It’s just a conjecture without any evidence, and even if it’s true, it won’t guarantee the health of Jean Arkinex── By the way, if even if it’s true that his brain is taking turns sleeping… Do you really think such a rough method of operation won’t exact any toll?」
Miara and Harrah fell silent at the same time and couldn’t refute. Jean’s insomniac nature was a symbol of his heroism and questioning that was a taboo. However── the old man before them easily crossed that line and stepped into the forbidden ground.
「Anyway, forget about the experiment for now, it will be wise to let me diagnose you. I’m confident that I am more suited for this task compared to other doctors. If you are busy with your work in the military, all the more reason to understand your body’s condition and find out how you should rest?」
Anarai summarized with sharp logic, making it even harder for the trio to refute. Not just that, this raises more questions for Jean. He made up his mind and asked.
「Professor Anarai, what is it about me that made you ──」
An explosion of compressed air cut him off.
「Enemy attack! They are here──!」
The shouts of his subordinates echoed out. Jean instantly switched gears and started giving orders.
「Everyone stay alert! Miara, Harrah, don’t let the civilians out of the Sports Hall! Gather them in one area and stay low!」
His two comrades immediately took action. There were screaming everywhere in the Sports Hall, and the messengers outside reported the situation.
「Major General, enemy attack! More than 100 militias with non-uniform equipment have broken through the northern school gate! Sergeant Major Kenshi is engaging with a platoon, but they can’t hold them for long...!」
「Fight defensively and fall back! Tell Sergeant Major Mita to use this Sports Hall as a defensive fort!」
The soldier returned to the frontlines with clear instructions. Jean watched the battle from over his shoulder and said to the two Scientists beside him:
「Professor Anarai, Assistant Bajin, please return to the hall… I apologize for dragging you into another incident.」
「Don’t worry, it happens all the time.」
「Yes, all the time.」 They accepted the situation so readily that it seemed out of place. It was rude to do so in this urgent situation, but Jean couldn’t help laughing.
「... The enemy forces are about 130 strong, 70% with Crossbows and 30% with Wind Guns. Most of the Crossbows didn’t have Sprites installed. They have the Sports Hall surrounded.」
Miara reported as she observed the outside from the entrance of the Sports Hall. Jean crossed his arms and surveyed the area.
「On the other hand, we only have one Wind Gun platoon of 40 men as escorts... We are outnumbered.」
The children and civilians who got dragged into this abnormal situation were gathered in the middle of the hall, clinging to each other fearfully. Harrah looked outside after seeing their reaction and grunted.
「From the aura the militia is giving off, are they from the Kingdom Revival Faction again? They are actually attacking an elementary school, have they finally gone insane?」
「Hard to say, I think they have an ulterior motive.」
The old man suddenly poked his head in from the side of his huge body. Jean rested his palm on his forehead troublingly.
「...Mum*, Professor. You are a civilian too, please stay with the children...」
「Bajin is already there. He is great with kids and should ease some of their tension.」
The answer that deviated from the question gave the white-haired officer the feeling the conversation was going around in circles ── he was certain that this old man didn’t have the humility of accepting protection all this time.
「What’s more important is the people outside. I will be blunt, their target is you, right?」
「... Considering the recent events, that is very possible.」
Jean didn’t try to hide anything and accepted that possibility before asking.
「If that’s true, then the enemy’s numbers seem suspicious. The criminals involved with the last incident have all been arrested. If they have so much manpower in reserve, why didn’t they commit them right from the start?」
「Either someone is trying to take advantage of that conflict ── or this group is their insurance. A back up plan if their last plan fails.」
The youth who deduced the same thing nodded, but Anarai continued:
「However── that aside, such incidents are happening too frequently. Instead of the Extremist groups suddenly going berserk, I think an agent from the Empire is inciting them. This is no surprise since Kioka incited many civil unrest ──」
「──Professor! Please watch your words. There are civilians here!」
Jean stopped him with a firm tone and Anarai also realized he went too far.
「Oh, sorry. That’s how I am, after all these years, not holding my tongue is still a flaw I can’t improve. I even feel speechless about myself.」
Gunshots rang out while he was speaking with self-mockery, and there was a sound of someone falling onto the ground. Anarai looked at the gunners at the entrance with an impressed face.
「Back to topic, your subordinates are good. Seeing the shots hitting the guys in front will make those behind hesitate. The speedy response has a great effect in stifling the enemy’s morale.」
On the other hand, Miara who was wary of the situation outside said:
「The army will send reinforcements shortly. We just need to hang on until then...」
「That won’t work.」「That won’t work.」
The voices of the white-haired officer and old sage overlap. Jean continued speaking to Miara who turned back with her eyes wide open.
「Since they are taking action in the middle of the capital, they must be aware of the time constraint for their operation. They probably plan to capture the Sports Hall before reinforcement arrives, then use the children and me as hostages. This impasse won’t last too long. Once they resolved themselves, they will charged in at the risk of suffering losses.」
「Yes. Once it turns into a chaotic battle indoors, we won’t be able to hold on with the numbers we have.」 Anarai looked around the Sports Hall and concluded calmly. Jean nodded readily.
「The children will get dragged in too. We must avoid that at all cost.」 The white-haired officer declared firmly and thought with his hand on his chin for a moment.
「──Mum*, let’s think about this from another perspective. Since a defensive battle is impossible, we will be forced to a dead end if we just use the Sports Hall as a defensive fort. We have to forcefully change our strategy from defence to offense.」
「Oh, specifically speaking?」
The old sage urged him to continue with shining eyes. Jean answered by giving his instructions.
「Harrah, change the troop deployment. Send two sections to the stairway on the left and right, and close the curtains. Do it slowly to avoid enemy detection.」
「Understood. Take aim from the windows, right.」
「That’s right, do that when the enemy is still outside.」
Harrah in charge of the platoon acted and Jean turned to his female adjutant.
「Miara, let the civilians hide elsewhere. If they squeeze, the stage, storerooms beside and under the stage should be enough for all of them. The youngest children will hide deeper in, while the adults will be the last ones. Get them to carry the chairs before they hide.」
「Yes Sir!」
She ran off immediately, leaving Jean who spoke to Anarai.
「With a change of perspective, this Sports Hall isn’t just a building, but a trap to take out the enemy. We don’t have to endure the enemy’s attack and will take the initiative to attack them. We will act with this idea in mind now.」
「──I see, I get the gist of your idea.」
The old man who understood the plan without further explanation looked at the Sports Hall again.
「And now, the issue will be time. We have to make the adequate arrangements before they charge in. There are so many civilians, will we make it in time?」
「We have to, Professor. Please help me too.」
「I don’t mind, but──」 Before Anarai could finish, a petite figure appeared by their feet.
「──Jean! What’s going on, is it the Revival Factionists again!?」
After rushing right up to the white-haired officer, Kasha Masukusu asked angrily. A woman who seemed to be her mother came quickly. Kasha probably wanted to listen to this talk, and Jean was aware of them during the speech too.
「Kasha... you can’t stay here. Go with the rest of the children and ──」
「No! I want to fight too!」
Kasha declared as if that were obvious and Anarai clapped.
「Great. Jean, why don’t you get her to help?」
「Professor? What are you ──」
「I mean helpers. The younger children aside, the older ones are quite strong, right?」
The old man went around to the back of the girl and pat her shoulder with a smile.
「This girl will be the one who makes the civilians take action. They will be hesitant if the soldiers ask them to help, but if this little girl lead the way, the adults will have to move.」
「But I can’t agree to this. We should prioritize the evacuation of the children.」
「Forget about evacuation, everyone will be in danger if your plan doesn't work, no one will have any priorities. Be it children, dogs or cats, anyone who can work has to.」
Anarai said as he rolled up his sleeves. Jean was still hesitant when Kasha’s voice came from below.
「I will work hard! Hey～Jean, what are we doing? What should I do?」
The girl looked at the white-haired officer with serious eyes, just like the first time they met. Her courage gave him the last nudge he needed.
「... Thank you, Kasha. Please assist me. First── can you move this chair to the place I marked out?」「Yes! Got it!」
Kasha nodded and quickly ran off. Everyone looked at her petite body lifting a chair, curious about what’s going on. Using this chance, Jean raised his voice and said.
「── To all the adults and upper elementary students! I hope you can help to move the chairs just like she is doing! We will do our best, but I will need your help to ride out this crisis! Let’s work together to overcome the enemy!」
The children were in an uproar. The white-haired officer used his innate charm to encourage the children who were confused and uneasy.
「Don’t worry! I swear on the name of Kioka and the 『Insomniac Brilliant General』 that we will prevail! Just follow my instructions and I won’t let anyone of you be harmed! Let’s work together to seize victory!」
Jean said cheerfully and led the way in the work. When the soldiers were hesitant, the commander would need to lead by example. He and Kasha put this principle into practice.
「Let’s get started then! Show the baddies the results of your efforts!」
「Hey, stop dallying! The orders to charge are already given!」
「T-That’s true...! But all the guys who ran in front got shot down!」
A militia said timidly when his comrade behind urged him to go forth. This unsightly scene made the commander shake his head.
「That’s why we must charge at the same time! The situation will only get worse if we are stalled here! If the army arrives before we can control the Sports Hall, it will be over for real!」
The militia who were reminded of the time limit turned pale. Before they grew hesitant from fear again, the commander pointed at them to fan the flames.
「Listen up, resolve yourself to charge! Do it at the same time on my command! This is my final order! I will execute anyone who doesn’t move!」
He fired at the ground after saying that. This became the final push to his subordinates. The determined militia charged out of cover simultaneously.
「「「「「W-Waaarrrghhh!」」」」」
The masses charge towards the Sports Hall. The sound of air explosion overlapped, and a few of them got hit and keeled over.
「Don’t stop!」「Charge, charge～!」
There were a number of casualties, but the leading elements of the militia still made it to the entrance of the Sports Hall. No one had the courage to charge in, so they leaned against the wall and peeked inside.
「W-We made it!」「Charge in! Go go go!」
They moved again after the rest caught up and finally charged into the building. A militia shouted as he stepped in:
「Nobody moves! We are warriors of the Garuma’s Kingdom Revival Faction── That’s weird?」
What they saw── wasn’t a group of terrified children, but pitch darkness. The Sports Hall was darker than they expected with all the curtains closed.
「There’s no one here.」
「That’s impossible! There should be more than 600 children here!」
「Well, it’s too dark to see clearly… Hey! Don’t push! Stop squeezing!」
Pushed by their comrades from behind, they had to move forth into the darkness. This would be impossible in a regular army, but the militia who was ready for a blitz battle in daytime didn’t bring the Sprites needed for a melee combat. The lack of a High Beam light made it hard for them to see and the militia in front bump their knees against the chairs.
「Damn it! It’s hard to walk with the chairs… Stop hiding you brats! You will regret it if you don’t come out! If you give us any trouble, you will suffer like the dogs in the army ──」
Before he could finish, High Beam light from around them lit them up.
「Shyaa──!」「Guaahh!」「Hyaa!」
A hail of bullets rained down without any command being given. The militia who got attacked turned pale.
「Damn it! It’s a trap! Return fire, aim for the lights!」
「What the hell! The army will avoid harming the civilians, so it should be safe once we get in!」
「This is different from what you told us! Where are the brats, damn it!」
Those who cursed and tried taking cover behind the chairs, people who attempted to flee behind their comrades… These reckless actions made the already low standard organization lose control.
「Hey, don’t push! I’m facing the muzzles there!」
「Even if you say that, our comrades are squeezing in from behind…! Don’t push, don’t push～!」
「What are the guys in front doing!? We are all cramped up here, spread out!」
「The chair is blocking the way and making it hard to move! If you want to complain, then help move ── Uwah!」
The militia who thought he was safe behind a chair fell from a shot to the back of his head. The militia started panicking more as their comrades died one after another.
「── Carry on firing. The enemy has stopped their advance, use this chance to pick them off.」
Looking down at the chaotic enemy from right under the window, Harrah gave his orders. They weren’t shooting from the front, back or sides, but diagonally from above. The High Beam light below also served as a misdirection, Luminous Sprites borrowed from the civilians.
「They are still firing at the High Beam lights. They still haven’t grasp the layout of the Sports Hall or that the shots are coming from above.」
「The situation is different from their expectations and they can’t handle it. They are just a rag tag mob of amateurs after all!」
Sergeant Major Mita grunted and squeezed her trigger. On the opposite side of this group, Miara’s men were also attacking in the same way. The militia who were expecting to attack in broad daylight got exposed from a pincer attack ambush and were dying one by one.
「──Good. Just as planned.」
On the stage to the north where the drapes were drawn, a pair of eyes were observing the scene that was pitiful to the point of being amusing. Protecting tens of civilians behind him, Jean, six soldiers and Anarai were standing by here.
「Hiding the civilians on the stage and storage room behind to draw in the enemy, then use the Wind Gunners deployed at the window stills to fire on them── Splendid. This is the best tactic that I can think of.」
「This is nothing, just a trick I built based on the assumption that the standards of the militia is low.」
The white-haired officer answered quietly and observed the battle through narrowed eyes. The soldiers infiltrating the Sports Hall from the two entrances were moving southwards away from the stage for some reasons.
「And your plan seems to be working, Professor. Most of them are moving away from us. Guiding them with the use of obstacles… I remember that is how you phrased it.」
「That’s correct. If they think that the chairs are blocking their way, they won’t hesitate in pushing them aside. But humans are creatures of habit, if they find a gap in the obstacle, they can’t help running towards it. Those guys are no different, and will move towards the place with less chairs, onto the route we set for them. And the result is them heading directly away from us.」
Anarai said with a bold smile. This is the result of a set up done with the help of the children. Jean observed the results of this misdirection before him and nodded.
「The preparation rooms are on both sides of the stage, and the storage space is directly beneath us. Thanks to the misdirection, we have greatly lessened the chance of the civilians getting harmed in the battle.」
「That’s right. But this isn’t safe enough, there will always be outliers in a group ── like that guy.」 In the direction of the old man’s gaze, a militia broke away from his group to avoid getting shot, stumbling through the chairs towards the direction of the stage. Jean aimed for his belly and squeezed the trigger of his Crossbow. The militia squatted down with a scream.
「We are here to take out the enemy they missed… However...」
Jean reloaded carefully, making sure not to make any noise. He could hear the occasional sobbing from the children behind him.
「── Hey, wait. I hear something.」
The militia who heard the same also informed the comrade before him.
「... It came from behind. The crying of a child.」
「In the opposite direction of the light? ...Hey, did they trick us!?」
Those with keen senses grasped the situation and relayed the information to their comrades.
「Turn back! The brats aren’t there, they are in the opposite direction!」
「What?」「Are you kidding me...!」「Do you know how many guys we lost!?」
The mob standing shoulder to shoulder in the cramped hall turned around. Harrah’s group who had a bird eye’s view could clearly see the change in their movement. In just about ten seconds, the shots from above rained down on the militia heading towards the stage.
「Woaaahhh! Their salvo is as tight as the rain...!」
「Damn it! They are aware that we noticed!」
「Move the chairs! Charge all the way to the other end ──!」
The militia desperately shifted the chairs away as they moved towards the stage. Jean accepted this result calmly as if he expected it.
「... As I thought it comes to this. This can’t be helped, asking the lower elementary students to stay quiet the whole time is impossible.」
The sobbing from behind him was now a wail. Jean wasn’t anxious or frustrated. He just felt useless for failing to put the people he was supposed to protect at ease. His subordinates beside him all affixed bayonets to their Crossbows.
「I will engage the enemy attacking here. Professor, please fall back this time.」
「If necessary, it will come down to melee combat, huh? Is the Insomniac Brilliant General proficient with sword duelling?」
「I have never lost to any of my classmates in the military academy. The enemy has taken huge losses from the continuous fire. However ── my proficiency with the sword aside, this is my fate.」
The white-haired officer said decisively with a smile. In contrast, Anarai frowned after hearing that.
「Fate, huh…? I can’t agree to that. That’s not Scientific.」
「Just like souls? But I don’t doubt the existence of fate though.」
Jean Arkinex stated his belief without hesitation. He could see the daydream he kept seeing in his mind. He would never forget the scene that created him as a person.
「I was the only one who got saved in that hell ── If not fate, then what can that be?」
He muttered with a determined expression. Taking one step towards the edge of the stage, he leapt into battle.
「──Attack!」
And the fight broke out. Jean shot a charging enemy with a bolt, and a subordinate nearby ended him rightly with a bayonet. After the blade was retracted, blood dripped from it.
「Phew...!」
Two soldiers charged in. Jean engaged one of them, lowering his body to stab the enemy’s chest. He didn’t back off when the blood splattered him, and the white-haired officer continued to direct his men.
「Don’t let any of them through! Protect the children, we are the last line of defence!」
He gave the order to defend to the last without any hesitation. One militia aimed for the gap in the defences and charged the stage like a boar.
「Waarrrgghh!」
「──! You shall not pass!」
Judging that none of his subordinates would make it in time, Jean dropped his Crossbow and his partner on it and tackled the enemy readily. The militia wrestled him down and rode on top of Jean, ready to stab Jean with his bayonet.
「Let go, damn you! Die! Die!」
He pushed the Crossbow down with all his might. Jean grabbed the Crossbow and pushed back, but he couldn’t exert enough force in that posture, so the blade hovered near his throat.
「...! ... You want to kill me that badly, so called warrior of the Kingdom Revival Faction?」
「That’s right, die! Who cares about racial equality!? This is our country!」
Jean smiled fearlessly at his naked true feelings.
「I’m sure of it now after hearing that── You can’t kill me, destiny is not on your side!」
After saying that, Jean pushed back with twice the strength as before. The enemy stumbled back and felt a chill on his back.
「──Huh──」
With a flash, the militia who turned back was decapitated. His head rolled on the ground with a confused face as he embraced death.
「Jean, are you alright!」
With a short sword in hand, Miara Gin who rescued her master rushed to his side. Jean stood up immediately to indicate that he was fine.
「Thanks, Miara. I feel safe with you around!」
「I will protect you with my life. Get behind me!」
She had a different face than usual, a face of a warrior with both hands on her short sword. Jean picked up his Crossbow, ready to fight to the bitter end, but noticed that the situation had changed.
「Look, Miara── the enemy is withdrawing.」
「── The guys behind are turning back. Did they got spooked by the heavy casualties their comrade took?」
Harrah could see from his elevated vantage point that the enemy was fleeing out of the two Sports Hall exits. Sergeant Major Mita who was still shooting beside him announced confidently.
「The match has been decided! As expected, our boss is invincible!」
Harrah nodded lightly. At that moment, through the gap of the heavy window curtain, he saw the familiar sight of uniforms appearing at the other end of the school gate.
「The army is here. Leave the routed enemy to our allies, we will sweep the hall for any remnants.」
The buff man gave an order to end the battle. And as he predicted, what followed couldn’t even be called a fight as they cleaned up the enemy.
「Jean, we did it! We beat them off again!」
Right after she climbed out of the storage space under the stage, the girl immediately sought out the white-haired officer and sprinted to him.
The surviving militia admitted defeat and surrendered. After they were arrested and taken away by the army, the cheers of the liberated civilians filled the Sports Hall.
「You worked hard too, Kasha. Are you hurt?」
「I’m fine! Listen, there’s a kid who is crying, and I keep holding his hand!」
Kasha reported proudly and Jean squatted down to his eye level with a smile and nod. Anarai who was watching their interaction nodded repeatedly.
「Looks like things are settled now. The civilians are unharmed, and the troops are only lightly wounded. A great result.」
At the sound of his voice, the white-haired officer turned towards the old man.
「This is thanks to your help, Professor... Before I can repay you the favour, I owe you another one.」 Anarai ranted to the youth who was bowing to thank him.
「Well then, I will collect on this debt immediately. Can you let me investigate your body? I will follow you around, it won’t be affect your work too much.」
The old sage leaned forth and repeated his earlier proposal. Remembering Ario’s request for him to not meet this person, Jean considered for a while ── and smiled with a face of resignation.
「... You helped me twice, so it will be hard for me to turn you down.」
He answered as he apologized to his godfather in his heart ── He had to admit that this weird Scientist’s action that defied common sense attracted him.
「... But Professor, will that really be fine? It will be hard for an old man to keep up with my schedule.」
「Don’t look down on me, boy. Who do you think I am? Some call me a 『Heretic』, and I evaded the inquisition of the god for fifty years with my quick feet!」
Anarai slapped on his thigh as he said that. Jean was sure that he would be associating with this old man for a long time.
Since the first time they chatted, he had a feeling that he wouldn’t be able to ignore this person’s existence. Jean sensed through the feeling of glee that his prediction turned true.
Chapter 3: Empress of Destruction
Normally, a battlefield wouldn’t appear out of nowhere. A place that wasn’t a battlefield would turn into one.
Which was why people would make the convenience for war operations their top priority, preparing the places that had a high chance of turning into a warzone ── for example, Infrastructure like cities.
Fortress City Garurujan was one such example. That was an old city in the Katjvarna Empire which was second only to Imperial Capital Banhataal in terms of sturdiness. Its defensive value had been tried and tested repeatedly since the warring era. Aside from the thick walls around the city, it also had the unique structure of a gradual elevation towards the centre, giving the defenders the advantage of the high ground. It’s reputation as an impregnable fortress was growing with each day.
「I never thought that I would experience the sturdiness of this city in such a manner...」
The pudgy youth officer moved his telescope away and muttered with a sigh.
The impregnable fortress wasn’t protecting him and his comrades but stood as a threat before him.
「── Major Tetzirich, the scouts have completed their reconnaissance.」
His subordinate behind him reported. Before listening to the contents, the weirdness of the title 「Major Tetzirich」 made him frown. He was just 21 years old, so it was strange for him to be a Major.
「The material and height of the walls are solid, and the forces deployed to guard the wall are adequate, we didn’t find any major weakness in these two areas. There are signs of deterioration on the western wall, but it is hard to tell if it can serve any meaningful tactical purpose ──」
「... I see. Sigh, I already expected that...」
He turned around with a soft grunt. With the stern eyes of his older subordinates watching him, Imperial Army Major Matthew Tetzirich walked towards the large tent where the headquarters were.
「Ohh──? Why, why did they do that?」
On the other hand, at the top floor of Fortress City Garurujan. The fifth floor had a special mansion overlooking the entire city, and an officer hugged a woman with one arm and said cheerfully:
「The country is sending such a large army to the puny challenge sent out by little old me. Look, Niam. The city is surrounded, what a grand view.」
「Given your prowess, this level of wariness is only natural, Generalissimo Naian Mitokazuruku.」
The woman in his arms leaned onto his chest and flattered him in a seductive tone. Her actions were as practiced as a prostitute, even the plain uniform on her looked seductive.
「I didn’t hear you clearly. Say that again, Niam.」
「I say again. It is only natural that the Imperial officers are stricken with fear, since they are facing the peerless military genius, Generalissimo Naian Mitokazuruku.」
The woman named Niam whispered sweet nothing into his ear. The handsome man with well-defined features ── Naian Mitokazuruku repeated himself happily when he heard that.
「How pleasing. Once more, Niam.」
「I repeat. The strongest and smartest man in history, with his intelligence bordering on the realm of the gods and the personification of martial arts, Generalissimo Naian Mitokazuruku. The Imperial officers will be stomped under your feet like weed as you march towards greatness.」
The one saying this had issues, but so did the person who believed her in the first place. Draining every drop of this amusingly over sweetened compliment, 「Generalissimo」 Mitokazuruku laughed out loud.
「......」
Another woman watched the two of them from some distance away. Her face looked nonchalant, but the hands crossed behind her back were clenched so hard that it hurt. She cast a hateful gaze at the hugging couple, especially towards the woman.
「Fuhahaha!── Yes, it’s time to play the card I have been holding.」
When his laughter was at its loudest, Mitokazuruku suddenly regained his composure and looked down. The unnaturally quick change of attitude was one of his self alarm systems to stop himself from being led by the nose.
「The Empire doesn't have the capability to deploy an army of this scale here for long. If Kioka discover this long campaign, they will invade for real this time.」
Unlike the exaggerated words earlier, their strategy for the time being would be complete defence. The Imperial army had laid siege to Mitokazuruku’s provincial forces, and there was no way he could stomp on them like weeds.
「...It is as you say, the Imperial army hopes for a short decisive campaign. Conversely, our strategy is stubborn defence of the fort for the long term. We have the advantage in both terrain and time.」
The woman standing by at the side interjected as if she couldn’t stay silent anymore. Niam’s face was obviously filled with displeasure, and Mitokazuruku turned to that woman unhappily.
「That’s right, Major Metrache. Since they have no chance of winning through force, they will be forced to the negotiations table soon. That means they will implicitly recognize my rule, and this province will become my Kingdom.」
The woman named Metrache nodded. Mitokazuruku looked at the army below him with passionate eyes and spread his arms excitedly.
「With the guardians of the Emperor, the Igsem, suffering huge losses, the power foundation of the nation had been badly shaken. This is the turning point in history ── How exciting, Niam. We, 『old』 famous houses before the warring era, will rise and make history again!」
「── That man is probably saying things like that agitatedly.」
Same time, different place. In the base camp of the Imperial army surrounding Garurujan, officers of Field-grade rank and above had gathered in a tent for a war conference.
「Colonel Naian Mitokazuruku? There’s no need to explain that he is the leader of the Hawkish faction of the old warring era houses ── I always thought that he would be the first one to revolt in such a situation, and he didn’t betray my expectations.」
A soldier with the epaulette of a Lieutenant Colonel said with a sigh. The officers beside him nodded in agreement.
「He calls himself Generalissimo now. He is good at talking big and boasting, so his troops’ morale is high.」
「That guy has always been the sort to use exaggerated actions to gain popularity. Not only did he coerce his subordinates, he also got the Garurujan citizens on his side with his empty promises.」
There were several officers who knew Mitokazuruku from the academy, and this was the impression they had of him as a whole. There was more than sufficient intel on the enemy commander’s personality, the agenda naturally shifted in a different direction.
「The entire fortress city had revolted. In any case, that is the current situation.」
「If we leave this be, the entire province will revolt. We have put down this rebellion soon.」
「I understand, but the question is, how?」 When they discussed the ways to attack the fortress, the young man at the end of the table said.
「── No, we have to determine how long we have. We need to know our time limit.」
The surprised officers looked at the person speaking. The slightly plump youth with the epaulette of a Major, Major Matthew Tetzirich, continued with an annoyed face.
「Laying siege on a fortress will be a battle of attrition. If we attack Garurujan normally, it will take several months, maybe years. And we can’t spare the effort to fight like that.」
After emphasizing that, the jade-eyed soldier sitting quietly diagonally across him nodded silently.
「... Instead of discussing without boundaries, it will be faster to figure out the strategies that are feasible based on the time limit we have. This will rule out almost all the orthodox strategies.」
The young officer who was around Matthew’s age added monotonously and didn’t say anything more. He── Lieutenant Colonel Torway Remeon, had grown much quieter over the last two years.
「In conclusion, the only methods left is to give up on resolving the issue through force, and use more diplomatic methods like negotiations.」
Matthew made up his mind to swiftly state the answer. After experiencing many war conferences, he was thick skinned enough to do that now.
When silence loomed over the table, quiet laughter came from the dim spot at the head of the table.
「So you two are volunteering to play the role of the bad guy, huh, Major Matthew, Lieutenant Colonel Torway.」
The girl’s voice had an unexplainable sense of authority which made all the officers present shiver. Everyone looked towards the darkness at the deep end of the tent.
「It was obvious that this conference will lead to this conclusion. Almost everyone knows that, but refused to say it ──一 your hearts are refusing to give up on attacking in the face of this impregnable fortress.」
Her silhouette melted into the darkness as she continued speaking. Only her lips that looked like a terrible smile were occasionally visible from the darkness.
「To save your pride as soldiers, you choose to continue discussing as a formality. What a roundabout way of doing things. It will just give you a soft landing on the same conclusion.」
Her laughter stopped here. A silence as heavy as lead rested on the shoulders of the officers.
「You are wasting my time, imbeciles.」
The admonishment by their Empress was like a blow to their spine. Cold sweat drenched their foreheads and their lips trembled out of regret and fear.
「Desperately discussing something that is impossible to fudge things over, you think you can fool me with that?」
The humiliating voice pierced everyone’s chest. No one refuted this, not just due to her status, but because she was right on mark. And out of fear.
「I don’t want to see a clown show. What’s possible is possible, what’s not possible is not, lay out everything openly to me. Do away with the ceremonious discussion. Not just with routine war conferences── I don’t want to waste any time because of your pride. Not even one second.」
Her words, no, her stern warning stabbed deep into the hearts of all the officers present. After opening with a murderous speech, she personally chaired the discussion.
「Well then, Major Matthew. You refuse to be an imbecile, so what do you want to tell me?」
The pudgy youth who was named took deep breaths to deal with the pressure, then braced himself to speak.
「... Withdraw and leave the rebellion alone for now. We can aim to make the enemy crumble from within instead of attacking from outside.」「Continue.」
「When we withdraw, we will confiscate the resources from the nearby villages that they might get resupplies from, set up a roadblock on the road to restrict merchants from passing through. We don’t have to do anything and Garurujan will slowly dry up.」
He used his oratory skills he practiced over two years and thought about the black-hair youth, trying to overlap him onto himself. Matthew desperately formed his words.
After understanding the entirety of his proposal, a response came from the dark end of the tent.
「Cut off supplies and isolate it? It’s a reliable plan for a siege, but removing the crucial encirclement will work against that. No matter how much resources we confiscate from the villages or control road traffic, there will always be people who will send in supplies through the gaps. Most importantly ── even if this all goes to plan, how long will we need to wait before the massive resources inside Garurujan are all used up?」
The pudgy youth paused and refuted this expected counterpoint at the right moment.
「For the plan I laid out just now, we will get soldiers disguised as the rebel forces ──Colonel Mitokazuruku’s subordinates, to carry it out.」
The smile of the girl in the darkness deepened.
「── Oh?」
「Make the citizens think that the confiscated resources have been sent to Garurujan. If we keep this up, complaints from the provincial citizens will reach the ears of Colonel Mitokazuruku. He instigated the city to rebel, yet he takes their food and money away. There’s no way the citizens can accept that. We can use the 『Supporting Generalissimo Mitokazuruku’s war of justice』 as the reason to confiscate their resources, but the soldiers will need to put on an act though.」
I’m summarizing it quite well, Matthew thought and continued:
「Anyway, we will make him lose the support of the provincial residents. For Mitokazuruku’s army that has been operating for a long time in this province, this is a problem as serious as starving. The effects will soon spread to the Garurujan city, the soldiers and citizens must have friends outside the city. Once they learn that their actions are causing their friends to starve, they won’t be happy about the current situation. They will snap out of their fervour and the group will quickly lose cohesion. There’s no need to wait until their supplies run out.」
Matthew explained the good things about his plan, listing out the reasoning and results succinctly. It would be better for him to address the problems before someone pointed them out ── paying attention to the order of his speech, he carefully delivered it.
「We will need to take multiple steps… but compared to a direct assault on the fortress, this plan will need less manpower and cost. So I recommend this plan.」
「... I concur with Major Matthew’s proposal.」
Torway’s support became the conclusion of the report. With no regard for the officers in deep thought, an impressed tone came from the dark end of the table.
「A proposal based on the fact that the support of the provincial citizens is the foundation of the enemy’s army? I see, that’s so like you. As expected of a man who grew up watching your father run a regiment.」
The slightly plump youth gulped. He had braced himself for the Empress’ stern side.
「But it is not without its flaws. Your plan underestimates the risk of leaving the rebellion alone for so long.」
「...... That’s...」
He couldn’t refute that. He didn’t address the condition of crushing the revolt quickly and was clearly a problem.
「It will be fine if the revolt is limited to this province. But what if this set off a chain of rebellion with their other regiments? The rebel forces will immediately break through the roadblocks and set up an even stronger supply line between two provinces. Your plan for a long campaign will then fall apart.」
Matthew wanted to speak after thinking deeply, then quickly shut his mouth. They could apply political pressure to the neighbouring provinces to avoid this problem ── He was about to say that when he realized that wasn’t the main point.
“Suppressing this revolt quickly is the best way to exert pressure to all of the Empire’s territories.” The Empress had made up her mind to do so, which was why she graced the frontlines personally.
「You stopped yourself from rebutting for the sake of rebutting, Major Matthew. So you really are no fool.」
The girl in the dark smiled as she offered a compliment, which was much rarer than her admonishments.
「Stop staying quiet with a pained expression, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to waver people’s hearts instead of capturing the fortress. Let’s continue the discussion. With that condition in mind, what methods should we use, and which group of people should we target?」
After acknowledging the parts she liked about Matthew’s proposal, the conference started again. The pudgy youth who had control of the discussion lost it to her after a few words.
「With Colonel Mitokazuruku at the centre of a circle, put the people related to the revolt inside, with those who are the most eager closer to the middle.」
The faces of the officers in deep thoughts turned serious. To redeem their reputation, they were serious about this.
「Those further from the centre are less enthusiastic about the revolt, and it will be easier to persuade them away from Mitokazuruku’s cause. However, those closer to the centre will be more affected by him too. With this contradiction in mind ── where should we target?」
She intentionally explained slowly一 and the officers present all raised their hands.
「... The first thing that comes to mind is convincing the citizens. Colonel Mitokazuruku coaxes them to join his cause, but they probably aren’t too invested in it. Since this is a dispute between the Imperial armies, they will support the side closer to them, but won’t be too caught up in victory ── That’s how the people of the Empire are. Be it good or bad, they will believe that we will protect them.」
「It will be easy to make them waver then. Just crush their naïve delusion.」
She readily accepted this opinion she deemed to be passable. Matthew curled his lips bitterly.
「It’s possible to target the citizens and make them betray the city, but we will need a plan to shake up the core. We don’t have to devise a grand scheme against a large group, just target one person ── Is there a suitable target by Colonel Mitokazuruku’s side?」
The girl in the dark opened her eyes wide, her golden pupils sweeping across the group at the table. Before disappointment appeared in her eyes, an officer found the answer after searching his memories.
「── He has a concubine.」「Concubine?」
「Y-Yes, that’s what we call her. There are two types of adjutant he will appoint to assist him. The first are strategic talents that can advise him on tactics and strategies. The other is ── how do I put this...」
「It’s obvious at this point. The concubine plays the role of a mistress, right?」
She said it out while the other party was still hesitating, and that officer confirmed it.
「... Hence, the clashes between the adjutants have never stopped before. The strategist who reached her position by her own merits, and the concubine who used her charms and beauty to earn her place, the two adjutants detest each other. They yearn for a monopoly over their commander’s attention, and the affairs of the heart played a part too.」
「I see── Mitokazuruku has some interesting hobbies.」
Her jeer and laughter shook the darkness. The officers’ eyes were filled with fear when they heard her. They knew their Empress’ laughter would always lead to a certain result.
「Good, we know who the target is. Next is the specific plan ── In any case, we will need people to work inside the city. Is there any way to send our agents into Garurujan?」
「Depending on the means, it’s doable. Pardon me, but Your majesty ──」
Matthew spoke, ready for any rebuke. However, the courage he mustered was suppressed immediately.
「You don’t have to say anything more, Major Matthew. You realized it too, correct? By using a slightly devious method, it’s possible to capture the city swiftly.」
「Your Majesty, that’s...!」
That method was taboo. The pudgy youth wanted to say it out loud, but it got caught in his throat. Because he couldn’t see a shred of hesitation in her golden eyes.
「Get on with it then. Don’t worry, your Empress has already deviated from the righteous path ── At the very beginning, when I took my first step.」
「── How shocking. Look, we are completely surrounded.」
This was the third level of the Garurujan city, which had a park, fountain and public facilities. The citizens who live in the lower levels gathered spontaneously here to look out of the city walls.
「That’s the army from Central? Will we be fine? Lord Mitokazuruku did say it will be alright...」
「Don’t worry～ there have been several civil wars so far and they always left us alone. It will be the same this time.」
A young couple was chatting. Even though the city was surrounded by a large army and they knew their opponent was the national army, the Imperial citizens merely treated this as some kind of rare event.
「Even if a battle broke out, we won’t get dragged in. Hey, take a look too. I even borrowed a telescope from my neighbour to enjoy the sights from the walls.」
「You are really...」
The girl beside him said exasperatedly. Right after that, the man looking through the telescope said again:
「...Oh? There’s a unit moving pass the encirclement and coming towards us.」
「Huh? Where?」
「Look, that way. What are they trying to do?」
The man pointed with his empty left hand as he observed through the telescope. He frowned after getting a clear picture.
「... What’s that? They are dragging some strange fellows with them.」
The Imperial soldiers bringing strange people were in clear sight now. The man tried to make out the true nature of the small figures in the distance, and he clicked his tongue as the telescope wasn’t strong enough.
「Their hands are chained and there are ropes around their waist... and a bag covering their heads? How unsettling, it’s like the parading of criminals.」
「Let me see.」
The girl grew concerned and urged him to hand over his telescope. After a brief scuffle, she snatched the telescope and witnessed the problematic scene.
「Over there, right? They are really close to the outer walls. The strange people are lined up ──?」
As she looked on, the soldiers armed with Wind Guns and Crossbows affixed with bayonets walked forth to the strange people who had their arms tied ── what happened next caused the telescope to fall from the girl’s hands.
「── Stab them.」
「Gyaah──!」「Waahh!」「Ugghhh!」
The death throes spread far and wide like a choir. Some of the soldiers turned their heads away, and some were blinking tears away.
「... It’s over, Platoon Leader...」「...Ughh.」
One of the blood-stained men reported. The corpses before him made it clear that they had crossed the line, but the Platoon Leader still carried out his duty.
「── By decree of Her Majesty the empress, I announce the following to all citizens of Garurujan! Just now, we have executed your accomplices as part of the collective punishment for your crime!」
The Platoon Leader shouted loudly at the looming city walls, and a luminous trooper sent light messages at the same time. It wasn’t clear how far the voice would carry, but if they kept repeating the same message through light, the other party would definitely receive it.
「The entire city is guilty of colluding with the rebels! The punishment will not be limited to the person involved, but the entire family! Every citizen in Garurujan and their kin are subjected to this collective punishment!」
Unhappiness welled up in the Platoon Leader’s chest as he shouted words that went against his own senses.
「This time, the eight criminals we executed are accomplices from the town of Zueri to the northeast! From now on, we will continue to arrest accomplices from all the villages within the province and execute them!」
The faces of the soldiers started to twitch. Announcing that they would persist with the executions ── meant they would be doing the same thing from tomorrow onwards, which filled them with dread.
「There is only one way to atone for your heavy crimes! Stop defending the fortress and open the gates! Accept the Empress’ merciful hand! Before you atone for your crimes, the blood of your accomplices will dye this land red!」
His mouth felt really dry. As he saw himself descend down the path of evil, the Platoon Leader didn’t have the right to remain silent and read the decree a second time as instructed.
「I say again! By decree of Her Majesty the empress, I announce the following to all citizens of Garurujan ──」
「──They arrested accomplices and executed them?」
Juice spilled from the copper cup in his right hand. The instant Mitokazuruku received that report, the excitement in his heart disappeared, and a darkness engulfed his heart.
「How is that possible! They call themselves the national army, there is no way they can allow such an atrocity!」
「But that is the truth. The soldiers situated on the outer walls and many people witnessed that scene.」
The 「Strategist」 adjutant Metrache reported with a stiff voice. Her superior chew on his thumbnail in deep thoughts.
「Who is the opposing commander? Is there really someone who would resort to such means within the Imperial Army…?」
The Strategist added to his mumblings:
「It isn’t clear if this has anything to do with this matter ── but the banner of the crown had been sighted.」
Mitokazuruku turned suddenly outside. This wasn’t something that he could ignore.
「Her Majesty has come personally? I did hear she visited the frontlines several times after her coronation...」
The man shook his head with a wry smile as he considered whether this fact has anything to do with this situation.
「...No, it’s not related. Her Majesty is just a 16 years old child, it’s impossible for her to command an army. She is just here as a figurehead.」
When her superior made that conclusion, the strategist used this chance to ask another troubling question.
「Word of the execution is spreading and causing unease to the citizens. If we are to prepare this fortress for a long siege, we can’t ignore this trend. Generalissimo, please give a speech to calm the citizens ──」
A copper cup was flung at her before she even finished, staining her breasts with orange juice. Her superior who threw the cup roared:
「You don’t have to tell me, I know!」
With that, the man turned and left the commander’s office. Behind Metrache watching him go with her head bowed, the 「concubine」 Niam said with a snort:
「Pissing him off like a fool, huh.」
Metrache wiped the stains on her breasts with a handkerchief as she coldly answered those hostile words.
「... I’m different from you who just needs to fawn over your master.」
The two of them glared at each other silently. This scene was more illuminating than any description of the relationships between the two adjutants.
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