Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
Two hours after requesting for reinforcements, Sarihasrag’s unit continued fending off the assault on their trench. The design of the trench made it possible to defend against enemy attacks from the rear, but the battle was still tough when the attack happened.
「Shyaa──!」「Hyaa!」
Both sides fought within shooting range. Soldiers would fall with every exchange of gunfire. Even so, they still fought off the 5th wave of attack. Sarihasrag shouted with a Wind Gun affixed with a bayonet:
「Don’t falter! Raise your weapons! Beat off the enemy!」
He rallied his troops, but they were gradually losing steam from the consecutive battles. The elder brother could sense that they were close to defeat. His younger brother, Sushuraf, who had finished tallying the casualty approached him.
「... Twelve more died after the last wave of attack. We are almost at our limits, big brother.」
「Phew～... I know! Ah～ damn it, am I to fight a muddy melee battle despite being a field-grade officer!?」
To avoid losing himself to fear and anxiety, Sariha intentionally grumbled pointlessly. After the mock battle with Ikuta and the intense battle during the civil war, he finally learned self restraint. On the other hand, the unfazed Suya calmly analyzed the situation:
「We requested for reinforcement three hours ago. Even if the closest cavalry unit rush here at top speed, it will still take 30 more minutes.」
Contrary to the contents of her words, she wasn’t anxious or fearful. Concerned about her attitude, Sariha asked:
「... Hey, First Lieutenant Mittokarifu.」
「Yes?」
「Aren’t you scared?」
He asked frankly. Suya turned stiff for an instant, then answered as if it didn’t concern her:
「Well── surprisingly, I’m not really scared. Because I had done my very best, and can accept it even if it ended like this.」
She said as she reloaded her crossbow on reflex with a dry smile.
「Actually── I’m a little expectant.」
「... Expectant?」
「I wonder what kind of face that person will make when he learns of my demise? ──Because… That’s probably the only way I can make his soul waver.」
That answer made Sariha silent for a few seconds before sighing heavily.
「... I have noticed for some time now that your mentality is really twisted.」
「None of your business. Why don’t you lose your cool in a more exaggerated manner, Major? Like that time during the mock battle.」
Suya’s retort hit the mark. The eldest son of house Remeon was twitching the corners of his lips slightly.
「... I have decided. Even if I die here, I will not die before you do.」
「Is that so? ──Oh, I just thought of an amazing plan. Major, you can charge out of the enemy trench alone, tank around a thousand bullets, and we will use this chance to escape. How’s that for a plan?」
She retaliated. Sariha wanted to respond with sarcasm, but laughed when he thought of something.
「... I see, disciple huh?」
「Hmm?」
「Don’t you realize that your choice of words is exactly the same as Solork?」
Suya blushed beet red. Her eyes continued watching for enemy movements, but she refuted with an intense tone:
「We are not similar in the slightest! Please retract that before you die, Major!」
「Who will retract that, retard～! Wondering what kind of face he will make when you die!? Such a gloomy passion! Oh, really now, I have never felt so revolting! If you are that bothered, then spend a night with him, coward!」
「Sigh── As expected of a pretty boy, the things you say are different too! What a shame that the youngest son took away all the other good points!」
「What! Arrghh...! Damn it, that completely crossed the line! I will punch you if you do that again!」
「Come at me, bro～! Don’t hold back, you can use your windgun too! I won’t lose to a delinquent in a fight!」
They bickered noisily as they suppressed the enemy with their gunfire, which made the subordinates around them slack jawed. Watching the wacky scene in the face of destruction── Sushuraf showed a rare smile.
「... Hah...」
His men nodded at his gaze. Sushuraf was holding a large scatter shot Wind Gun, and stood with his hands on the trench with his platoon.
「...Huh? Hey, Sushuraf?」「Wait── What are you doing, Captain Sushuraf!?」
The two of them asked confusedly. Sushuraf answered with a smile:
「I’m accepting your proposal, First Lieutenant Mittokarifu. We will charge the enemy to divert the enemy’s attention, while you and my brother will escape in the opposite direction. It will be difficult to tank a thousand bullets── but we can buy some time.」
When he heard what his little brother said, Sariha smiled troubledly.
「W-What are you saying, Sushuraf...? Squat down, it’s dangerous to raise your head, given how buff you are...」
Lifting a hand to stop his elder brother, the second son of house Remeon continued:
「Keep that girl by your side, big brother. I might be nagging a little, but she will push your life in the right direction… and do so far better than me.」
「── No, like I said, what are you──」
Even so, Sariha still couldn’t accept what his younger brother said and reached for his shoulder. Sushuraf gently brushed that hand away and thought about the past.
── You’re really bad with words. With your big body and poker face, no one will dare approach you. Can’t you relax the muscles on your face a little?
They were a pair of dissimilar brothers── the elder was talkative and frivolous, while the younger was crude and silent. He had a big stature, but always followed behind his older brother.
── Ah～ never mind, it’s my fault for forcing you… Sigh, you don’t have to force a smile when it isn’t funny. I will mediate things for you, since we are always together.
When he realized it, they were always together. They grew up in the same family, studied in the same school, and after joining the army, he was more worried about his elder brother than his younger brother. He knew that his younger brother would find his own path given time, while the elder brother was still troubled about his future.
── Don’t worry. When a younger brother is troubled, you will see the back of your elder brother standing in front of you──
He wasn’t worried any more. After experiencing many failures, his brother was walking forward despite his unstable steps. His brother had gained the strength to stand up again even if he fell. The back of his brother was broad and reliable, just like what he saw during their childhood.
「── Bye, bro.」
──Sushuraf called him a term he hadn’t used for years. He pushed away the hand trying to grab his shoulders, climbing swiftly out of the trench, exposing himself to the enemy── For the first time, he was glad for his buff body. The bigger the target, the easier he could draw attention.
「──Sushuraf～～～～!」
His elder brother called out his name. Sushuraf Remeon didn’t turn back, following his men in their charge towards the enemy.
「Ohhhhh!」「Ammo, bring me ammo!」
「Sector two got hit by the giant cannon, there are many casualties!」「He’s not breathing! Medic～!」
Sazarf’s trenches finally made it through the on and off attack from the bridges with stubborn defences. However, this battle was nearing its end.
「... We have suffered more than 30% casualties, Brigadier General.」
「......」
Lieutenant Colonel Melza’s words made him grit his teeth. At this moment, his partner in his pouch notified him of a call, and Sazarf answered immediately:
「...Senpa Sazarf here.」
「This is Ikuta Solork… I’m sorry, but the enemy broke through two spots upstream. You will be surrounded soon, please withdraw immediately.」
The order to withdraw was given officially. Sazarf thought it was time the order came.
「... No, I refuse.」
He said with a low voice. The dark-haired youth answered a few seconds later:
「── I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Say again.」
「I won’t retreat. No, I will arrange for most of the troops to withdraw, but me and my reserve unit will stay behind. I should be able to fight a few more hours──」
Sazarf declared with a firm tone. Ikuta’s stiff voice came through the Sprite:
「...Brigadier General Sazarf, keep your jokes in check.」
「Did it sound like a joke?」
His firm voice showed how determined he was. The youth’s voice started to tremble:
「... Really now… Spare me from that. We can’t waste any time, even if we commit all our reserves to support the retreat, it’s uncertain if we can shake off their pursuit.」
「That’s exactly why we need someone to delay the enemy. I will hold out here, and let as many soldiers return safely as I can. Since I’m commanding the frontlines, this is my job──」
「I don’t want you to die!」
The youth’s roar echoed out, and his subordinates turned to see what happened. Ikuta wasn’t hiding his anxiety any longer and his words came out quicker as time passes:
「Hurry, please retreat right now! You get it right, I didn’t order you to defend to the last! Abandon the base and withdraw once you reach your limits! The biggest priority is to let the troops reach the next defence line alive! I have told you time and again, that is the Ikuta doctrine!」
Ikuta insisted on his position as a Field Marshal, which made Sazarf smile faintly.
「...Yes. I’m doing this on my own discretion.」
「......!」
「There are no doctrines about ignoring orders and starting a battle. You are free to summon a court martial after this── I’m hanging up.」
「Wait! Please wait...!」
The youth was pleading now. Ikuta started ranting, his unsteady tone wasn’t like his usual self.
「I-It can’t be helped then── I will let you in on the truth. Actually, I have a secret plan, and everything has been within my expectations. I already prepared a trap to wipe out the enemy that will pursue you. In fact, you will be troubling me by staying behind── Ah～ really now, what a pain～ You are bad at reading the mood some times, Brigadier General──」
Sazarf smiled awkwardly. Thinking back on how much of a cunning linguist Ikuta was, that sounded as if he forgot to oil his tongue.
「Yes, I know… that is the worst lie you ever told in your life.」
「── Ughh──!」
「I know you are not completely helpless, but there isn’t a convenient plan to wipe out the enemy… I know that much at the very least. I had been trained as a high ranking officer after all.」
The man said with a gentle tone. This was the longest silence in their conversation.
「── Adult──」
「...?」
「── There aren’t any adults.」
Ikuta stammered. The youth said one word at a time, as if he was opening his heart.
「My father died, and my mother also passed away. After joining the army and becoming a member of the Knights Corp with everyone, I don’t have any 『adults』 by my side. There isn’t a reliable figure aside from my comrades… A senior who guide us as their juniors.」
「......」
「I had never held expectations. The battlefield isn’t a place where you can take care of others… Especially the Northern Unrest, that was a terrible war. In that environment, it took everything we had just to take care of ourselves.
But you are different. You listened carefully to us rookie Warrant Officers that others looked down on, and fought alongside us. You even bow your head to request a superior to grant our request. In that hell── to me, you are the only reliable 『adult』.」
Even if it was just one person, having a reliable elder by their side was a big salvation to them back then.
「I── don’t want you to die.」
He didn’t have any strategy, and has abandoned his judgement as a commander. Sazarf could see the youth on the other side of the Sprite showing a face that befitted his age.
「... Thank you.」
He thought back on his meeting with Ikuta Solork and the 「Knights Corp」, and what he gained from that experience, and thanked him.
「Because I met with you all── I have become a more decent adult.」
It all ends here… When his career reached a deadend in the Northern Territorries, he had half given up on life. And now, Senpa Sazarf realized that he didn’t hate himself anymore.
「Please wait! Wait──」
Sazarf one sidedly cut off the call. He was afraid that he would change his mind if he heard anymore.
「... Sir...」
Melza who heard the conversation walked over quietly. Sazarf turned and told her immediately:
「Organize the unit and retreat, Lieutenant Colonel Melza. Like what you heard, I will take care of this place.」
Seeing his eyes filled with determination, Melza shook her head with a smile:
「... Leave that to First Lieutenant Lance. I will stay here.」
「I won’t allow it, Lieutenant Colonel, this is an order.」
Sazarf tried very hard to make mix in his personal feelings and ordered his adjutant again. However── Melza shrugged as if she was looking at a wilful child.
「Ignoring orders and booking a court martial in advance── How much authority do you think your orders hold, Brigadier General Senpa Sazarf?」
「Ughh──」
He couldn’t refute that. When Sazarf thought about how to convince her, but Melza leaned towards him and said:
「I’m your adjutant. I taught you how to act like a high ranking officer. In my eyes, your decision is correct.
And that is why I will be happy to accompany you till the end… Isn’t that the ideal stance of an adult, and the responsibility of those who lead others?」
Melza said without any gloom in her eyes. They looked at each other for a moment, and Sazarf lowered his head in surrender.
「... You are always like this. Always going through with your reasons cooly, with no regards for my feelings.」
And he liked her because she was such a person. And that was why he wanted her to live. However, Sazarf understood in his heart. Someone like her would never leave him behind.
「I have always respected you── so, I will confirm one last time.
Are you fine dying by my side?」
Sazarf asked with all the sincerity he could muster. Melza replied with a salute:
「I’m fine with that. Whether I die in a few hours, or fifty year later── that will be the place for me.」
Her fastball reply embodied her style. His heart was filled with ease and happiness, which made Sazarf feel dizzy.
「... Like I say, that’s foul play.」
「Sorry, but I like your bashful face.」
Melza said with a smile. Her reliable smile made Sazarf smile too. He felt that staying beside a strong woman until the end was the best way to finish his life.
「Alright then, let’s get started.」
「... Yes!」
They nodded to each other and headed side by side into the base. They chose to fight a good battle on this battlefield.
Chapter 3: The Result of the Deadly Battle
Around twelve hours after losing contact with Sazarf, Ikuta received news that the Kioka forces were crossing the river.
「F-Field Marshal Sir──」
Major Megu couldn’t find the words to console the silent youth hanging his head in front of the Sprite. After a long silence, Ikuta moved his lips a little.
「... It will be fine...... It will be fine.」
The youth said as if to convince himself, then took a deep breath before exhaling. He repeated that action, forcefully changing his mood to that of a Field Marshal.
「We will be moving the stage to the final line of defence. Contact General Remeon.」
「Y-Yes Sir!」
Major Megu started making the call at her own desk. Ikuta was ready to make a call when Kusu notified him of an incoming communication from the vermillion haired general.
「This is Solvenares Igsem. We have just rescued the surrounded allies upstream.」
The youth opened his eyes wide. The allies surrounded upstream── that was Major Sarihasrag’s unit.
「Did you succeed?」
「We managed to break them out of the encirclement, but they suffered heavy casualties. Including KIA, MIA and captives, they lost around 40% of their troops. We are still tabulating the detailed numbers.」
「... What about the casualties to the officers?」
Ikuta thought about the worst scenario and asked. Solvenares answered immediately:
「The unit commander, Major Sarihasrag Remeon, is safe. First Lieutenant Suya Mittokarifu from the same sector is unscathed. However...」
He was relieved that they were safe, but unease swirled in his heart as a name that should come between them was missing.
「... Captain Sushuraf Remeon is heavily wounded. He launched a feint attack to cover his comrades retreat, right before we arrived. He got hit three times in the chest and leg. We sent him urgently to a field hospital, but it will be up to him if he can make it through.」
「... I see… How’s Major Sarihasrag?」
「......」
Solvenares kept the channel with Ikuta open as he looked behind him. Facing his younger brother laying beside the group of injured, their commander crumpled onto the floor.
「... Major, are you alright?」
Suya approaching from behind said cautiously. Sariha muttered to her:
「...Toruru, and now Sushuraf… why are my brothers so eager to rush into danger? Why are they rushing to their death like fools? Just stay behind your older brother...!」
The man’s shoulders trembled from regret and self loath. He then said something to the woman behind him:
「...Hey, why are you so quiet?」
「Huh?」
「Talk smack. Say something── that it’s shameful to be protected by your little brother, and it’s a disgrace that you can’t even take revenge.」
The unexpected request made Suya cross her arms in deep thought. After hesitating for a minute, she said without much confidence:
「Your… taste in casual clothes sucks.」
「Why are you bringing that up now!?」
Sariha stood up suddenly in front of her. Suya held her hands up and backed off.
「No, because…! Cheering and consolation aside, I don’t know how to talk smack to someone who got depressed because his brother is gravely injured!」
「Who asked you to console me!? I don’t care what it is, do something to wake me up!」
Suya finally understood his request after hearing that, and slowly raised her right hand.
「... Can I use 『this』?」
Seeing Suya take a stance, Sariha snorted and turned his cheek towards her. Taking that action as his consent, she slapped with all her might── after taking that blow, Sariha’s body bent at a 45 degree angle and collapsed onto the ground.
「M-Major──?」「Hey, he fell over at an awful angle!」
「Oh no! I accidentally used open palm strike...!」
The unexpectedly heavy blow made Suya turn pale. However, her worries were in vain. Sariha laid sprawled on the ground with a smile on his face.
「Ha, haha… I-It’s not effective at all!」
He yelled before jumping up on his feet. This blow might be a strong dose of medicine that managed to cheer him up, or he was putting on a facade── no matter what, Sariha had reverted to his face of an officer, and said to his subordinate before him:
「First Lieutenant Mittokarifu! Due to the urgency of war, you will be an acting Captain, and serve as my deputy in Sushuraf’s stead! Any problems!?」
「Huh? Y-Yes Sir.」
Suya saluted on reflex. Sariha walked passed her with a huff, then said as if he just remembered something:
「And I want to correct one thing!── My taste in clothes is fine!」
As if he was observing the condition of the subject in question, Solvenares paused for a moment before answering Ikuta’s question:
「... He doesn’t seem to be disheartened. From the looks of things, he should be able to continue working as an officer.」
「... I see… Big bro Sariha is really strong.」
Ikuta said quietly. He ended his call with the vermillion haired general, and turned to the map.
「... They finally reached here. huh?」
「── We are finally here. Finally time for the final phase, Miara.」
Jean said with a face of excitement. He looked down at the map before him, where a few chess pieces had crossed the river and was pressing towards the capital.
「Since their strongest defence base has been broken through, the Imperials can’t retreat any more.」
「Yes...!」
Miara nodded firmly. The closer they got to the capital, the more desperate the enemy’s resistance. They could only end this war by completely suppressing them.
「After breaking into the center of the Empire, our advance routes will be more diversified and more complicated… We have been trying to flank to the enemy’s rear, but from now on, the enemy will attempt the same thing… It’s obvious that they can’t keep an orthodox battle up for long. That guy must have more tricks up his sleeves.」
「... We can’t let our guard down.」
「For me, the most important thing is to guard the supply line… Penetrating deep into enemy territory gives us great opportunities as well as risk. If our supply line from home gets cut off, the situation will be turned on its head. We can’t afford to be careless.」
Jean intentionally warned himself to not overestimate his advantage. He had decided to only relax after Kioka’s flag flew over the captured Imperial capital.
「Conversely speaking, our victory is assured if they can’t cut off our supply lines… And I won’t let myself make any mistakes.」
Jean declared heavily, and turned to the Sprites on the table.
「I will continue to direct all the battles── assist me, Miara.」
「── Fire the salvo!」
Bullets flew towards the approaching enemy taking cover in the wheat fields. Behind him is the capital’s final defence line── General Terushinha Remeon who was in charge of the defences here felt frustrated.
「So this place has finally turned into a battlefield, huh? ... It’s infuriating to see enemy troops in the centre of the Empire.」
In their long war with Kioka, the Empire had never allowed Kioka to penetrate so deep before. This would be the first and final time, the General thought. That was what the final battle meant.
「But I won’t let them act as they please. The title of 『Remeon of the Gun』 will be shamed if I only let my sons of the gun take the field」
The general muttered with firm determination. His reputation had already fallen greatly, but he wouldn’t allow the family name that his sons would inherit to fall even further. He thought about their three faces in his mind.
「... Don’t die before me, Sushuraf...!」
「... Isn’t the allotment of duties wrong?」
His heavy words echoed in the battlefield. After receiving news that Brigadier General Sazarf stayed behind and communications with him had been lost, General Shiba experienced a bitter taste he didn’t want to feel again.
「Yes── I know nice guys won’t last long on the battlefield. Be it Hasa or General Sankrei, they are all the same. War is as malicious as ever.」
They accomplished their duty before passing on. The man had thought for the upteenth time how nice it would be if they died by age order. However, this place wouldn’t give them such considerations. General Shiba clenched his fists until his bones creaked.
「... Even then, you are too young for this, Brigadier General Sazarf...!」
He wanted Sazarf to live on. Since this is the final battle, he wanted others to send him off instead. The vexed feelings burning in his chest made him grit his teeth, and he glared at the enemy units spread out before him.
「Kioka soldiers who got sent down this route, you picked the short straw. I’m mad── I have never been so mad since my good friend passed away!」
「... There are a lot more refugees now...」
In the eastern gate of the walls surrounding the Imperial Capital Banhataal. The citizens could see the exhausted crowd queuing to enter the city, and a vague sense of unease was spreading.
「I asked a peddler I’m acquainted with, and heard that the enemy has invaded deep into our territories. I heard they have crossed the big river to the east.」
The enemy was rumoured to be closing in. Unable to sense the reality of this situation, they showed a complicated smile.
「... It will be fine, right? Will they attack the capital…?」
「T-That’s right. Those rich merchants aren’t fleeing… If they load their riches onto wagons and flee to the west, then things might really be dangerous...」
They stated the reasons to not worry and laughed dryly. To the citizens of the capital, this was a small standard they had set.
「... G-Good, it’s all on the wagons.」
In the courtyard of a mansion near the western outskirts of the capital. A man said anxiously as he looked at the fully laden wagons before him. He was a famous wealthy merchant, and one of the standards the citizens were using to gauge the situation.
「We can go at any time. Did you forget anything!?」
The man turned to his wife behind him to check. His two children stood beside his wife, and she was holding a baby with a troubled face.
「No… But do we really have to run? The Empress is still in the capital, right?」
「I already told you plenty of times… I heard from a business partner about the situation at the front lines! This time, we are in a very dire situation! Who knows what will happen in the future, but to be safe──」
The sound of a door opening cut him off. The man turned to look, and saw a blonde girl leading her escort entering. The appearance of the Empress made his heart race.
「── Pardon my intrusion.」
The girl walked over with her eyes staring right at that man, as if she was the owner of this mansion. The man wouldn’t let anyone take that attitude in his own house, but he couldn’t complain against this person. Because everything in the Empire, including all the wealth he had accumulated, belonged to her.
「Y-Your Majesty...」
「Forgive my sudden visit. I’m paying a visit to all the wealthy merchants in the capital.」
Empress said before looking around her. The man’s face started to cramp. It was clear to anyone that they were getting ready to flee under the cover of night.
「Oh, what’s going on here? You loaded the furniture and other things onto the wagons, as if you are going off on a journey.」
「Ahh── No, that’s──」
He started stammering for an excuse. Chamille already saw through him, and declared coldly:
「... Are you worried about getting caught in the war, and are planning to flee?」
「N-Not at all! We will never think about fleeing the capital where Your Majesty is...!」
The man shook his head desperately to deny her accusation. He could only do that while his head was still connected to his body. The Empress snorted and nodded.
「Good. But your actions might invite misunderstanding. The citizens will watch how you merchants move, so if you don’t run, they will think the situation is still fine. At times like this, you should show them an easy attitude.」
「Yes...!」
The man knelt together with his wife and children. The Empress crossed her arms in satisfaction.
「It’s great that you understand── Oh the number of refugees in the city has increased. Why don’t you show them your generosity as the wealthy, and distribute food to them?」
「Y-You are right, I will make arrangements right away...!」
「Good. Instead of running away with your possessions, you will gain more by staying behind and contributing to the masses… What kind of reputation will you get with your actions? Be it good or bad, you need to keep that in mind at all times?」
After a stern warning, the Empress left the man’s mansion. She got on a horse herself and asked her escort.
「... How many houses left, Lucanti?」
「Eleven. There’s around three hours before sunset, we should pick up the pace.」
Lucanti answered swiftly. The Empress looked up at the sun in the sky and nodded lightly.
「Fortunately, we can finish our inspection today. Going around personally is less bothersome than I imagined. There are many wealthy merchants like the 『Godfather of the Market』 Bhada who took measures to avoid any chaos in the capital on their own accord.」
Chamille said as she pulled on the reins. She confirmed her duty again in her mind.
「Feed the refugees, don’t let the flow of goods stall, and stop the citizens in the capital from rioting because of unease? The troops are fighting on the frontlines, so I won’t ever say that this is a difficult task...──」
「── The two reinforcing battalions will arrive in around an hour! You can use all the munitions you have on hand!」
Ikuta’s voice echoed in the Imperial headquarters. The order to fight the war that had entered its final phase to the end was conveyed to the entire battlefield through the Sprites.
「Notify me if you are lacking resources or manpower! We have made the preparations and will do our best to answer your requests! Don’t forget, you never walk alone!」
Ikuta commanded with a firm attitude, and thought in a corner of his mind. History depicts the famous generals or strategists as if they were all knowing── but in the end, the duty of the commander-in-chief was to work behind the scenes. Preparing equipment for the troops, feed them, set up beds, and let them perform in their best condition. Formulating strategies and directing tactics were just an extension of that. The ones fighting were on the frontlines.
「As long as you don’t deviate from your mission, the command of the defences will be up to your judgement! No need to seek permission for any counter attack, just report the results after you have executed it!── Listen, don’t be afraid of failure! Your battlefield is not the only one! We will make up for minor mistakes!」
Ikuta wasn’t anxious or fearful. Because he would never walk alone.
「── Avoid making decisions by yourself! Launch the attack as one on my signal! If you follow my command, we will never lose!」
Jean kept commanding, fueled by his absolute confidence. It came so naturally that he didn’t give it a second thought. The army that executed the finely detailed plans without much delays── That was how wars were won. The Sprite communication reduced any mistakes during the relay of orders. And now, Jean Arkinex could exercise his will on every corner of the battlefield.
「Start bombardment in twenty minutes, and send in the infantry 50 minutes later! Their defences are estimated to fall in 270 minutes! Don’t waste time, the enemy is moving in the meantime too!」
Right now, his commands would not fail in being relayed, or get delayed. Jean’s decision was reflected on the battlefield, and the results would be feedback to him. His brain was churning at a speed unlike anything he experienced before, which even frightens himself. Was that how it felt to be the brain of an entire army?
「Major General! A report from the Navy!」
He received more information. This was the biggest and last factor to endure Kioka’s victory.
「──Field Marshal Sir!」
When Major Megu shouted with urgency, Ikuta realized the content.
「The observation post along the southern shores can see the retreating Imperial Navy being pursued by the Kioka Navy! They will be landing soon...!」
「── You had a good run. But this is it, Pirate Navy.」
The Fleet Commander of the Kioka fleet stood at the front deck of the flagship said with glee. The Imperial Fleet they were pursuing had been on the run after losing a naval battle. And now, they had closed the distance with them near the coast.
「If you go with the wind, you’ll run into the rocks. If you want to avoid that, you’ll have to steer into the wind. But you’ll be doomed if you do that. I will let you have a taste of your ships being blasted into smithereens.」
Determined to conclude this long game of tag with maximum firepower, the Fleet Commander smiled viciously.
「We can finally send reinforcements to the land unit. We arrived later than scheduled, but marking our victory over the Empire with our landing isn’t bad either──」
「── It’s over for real this time. The battle had already been decided, but they dragged this on futilely for so long.」
Greg said annoyedly on the 「White Wings」 which was a short distance in front of the flagship. In contrast with him, Elulufay was looking at the sky with a tense face.
「... Something’s wrong.」
「Huh?」
「Misai looks perturbed. I have never seen it react like this.」
The Great Mother said as she looked at her pet bird circling above them. She turned and borrowed her subordinate’s Sprite, then said after her call got through:
「── This is Captain of the 『White Wings』, Elulufay Tenerexilla. Please tell the Fleet Admiral that the wind is strange, and to be careful.」
A dubious silence came from the other end of the Sprite, before the signalman spoke with the Fleet Admiral. A while later, she received an answer:
「This is the reply from the Fleet Admiral. I don’t have time to listen to bird caw── end message.」
The call got cut off with a sarcastic tone. Elulufay stood before the Sprite with a sigh, and then looked up to the sky with a serious face.
「......」
At the same time. At the head of the Imperial fleet they were chasing, Naval Lieutenant Polminue was standing at the bow of her ship. She wasn’t looking at the enemy, and was waiting for something with her eyes closed.
「Hey, the rocky shore is right before us...!」
「Isn’t it time yet, Pommy ...!?」
Naval Lieutenant Paume and Naval Lieutenant Yorin who were directing the crew looked urgently at her. The shore was before them, and the enemy fleet behind. Everyone knew they were caught between a rock and a hard place.
「......」
And of course, Pommy wasn’t just closing her eyes. She was focusing on her senses aside from her eyes, and listening to the wind with a focus others couldn’t mimic. Time passed in this suffocating silence── then suddenly, she opened her eyes wide.
「──Now!」
On her command, the helmsman turned the steering wheel. The crew turned the angles of the sail, and the ships behind followed their lead.
「The enemy leading ship has turned against the wind!」
The Kioka sailor shouted after seeing the enemy’s movement. The Fleet Admiral bared his teeth in anticipation.
「They are finally showing signs of weakness! Good── we will steer into the wind too! Then fire when the flanks of our ships are facing them!」
After receiving his orders, the crew started adjusting the sails. That will turn them parallel to the Imperial fleet sailing out to the sea, exposing them to cannon fire. After playing hide and seek for so long, sinking the entire enemy fleet wasn’t a bad result── the Fleet Admiral was deluding before he suddenly stopped. He already gave the order, but the ship wasn’t turning.
「...? Hey, what happened!? I gave the order to steer into the wind!」
「N-No── we already turned the wheel and set the sails...」
The troubled adjutant looked around him with a troubled face. The crew were moving without any mistakes, and for a while, he couldn’t find the reason why the ship didn’t change course.
「── Ahh──」
But he soon realized the reason. It wasn’t just his flagship, the rest of the fleet also didn’t change course. They were inside stagnant air.
「I-It’s the wind! The wind stopped! Fleet Admiral, we can’t move like this...!」
「What did you say?」
The Fleet Admiral stared with his eyes wide open. Instead of turning, the ship was just slowing down. He looked towards the enemy frantically.
「The enemy already changed course… Impossible! Did they already know about this windless situation...?」
By steering early, the Imperial fleet changed course right before the wind stopped. Both sides were coasting with their momentum, but without the wind, they would come to a stop soon too. The Fleet Admiral checked the situation and yelled at his confused subordinate:
「C-Calm down! This is unexpected, but not a big deal! The enemy can’t move either! We just need to continue our pursuit when the wind starts──」
Before he could even finish, his plan was overturned. A tremor hit suddenly── on the wobbling deck, the Fleet Admiral couldn’t brace himself for the impact and fell on his butt. Water pillars shot up in the sea around them, drenching him with salty seawater.
「W-What is it this time～!」
「── First shot is on target. Adjust, top 2, right 3.」
On the coast some distance away from the chaotic Kioka fleet. A pudgy youth was standing in the middle of neat rows of cannons as he said out loud:
「Inform the flagship 『Red Dragon』── This is Army Major Matthew Tetzirich. The Imperial First Artillery Regiment, we will aid your fleet with support fire── continue the bombardment!」
On his order, the artillery men started firing their Blast Cannons── the accuracy had already been calibrated. With a boom, the shells that had locked on to their targets flew towards the enemy fleet.
「Huh── bombardment from the shore?」
The commander grabbed on to a railing to endure the shells that hit the side of his ship and yelled. They were too engrossed in the pursuit and didn’t notice. Being close to land meant they were in range of attacks from the coast.
「E-Evasive maneuvers! Move the ships! Do something～!」
「That’s impossible, Fleet Admiral! Our sailship can’t move without wind...!」
Understanding the iron rule that applies to all sailship without exceptions, the Fleet Admiral’s face scowled. How did this happen? Victory was in their grasp, and suddenly, they were caught in a crucible?
「Damn it, damn it! Did they predict that we will be trapped here, and deployed their Blast Cannons here? The Imperial army don’t have that many Blast Cannons, it’s impossible for them to make such a gamble...!」
The man screamed in rejection of reality. However, their troubles were just beginning. When he noticed the abnormal situation, his subordinate beside him said with a trembling voice:
「F-Fleet Admiral… The enemy fleet...」
「What the hell is it this time?」
The Fleet Admiral stared with bloodshot eyes at the direction his subordinate was pointing at. And then, he saw it── a scene unimaginable in modern naval warfare.
「The enemy fleet is moving. They are using oars...!」
「── The hand on a clock going forward all the time is so boring. We should turn back the clock from time to time.」
On the deck of the Imperial flagship 「Red Dragon」. Erynphin Jurgus could feel the ship being propelled by the oars extending from the sides of the ship, and smiled boldly.
「You must have forgotten. Before sailship became commonplace, this was how ships were moved. With men painstakingly rowing their oars… We still remember, because we have been pirates since that era.」
A galley was a vessel propelled by rowing. Since human effort was the main propulsion, they needed a large number of rowers, making it an inefficient outdated watercraft for the modern navy. Compared to the latest Blast Cannon ships in the Kioka fleet, this was a foolhardy move that went against the times.
<TL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galley >
「Just comparing the effort to move the ships, galley is far inferior to sail ships… However, this ship has one clear advantage. It can move without needing any wind.」
The advantages that had been proven with the times had been reversed because there wasn’t any wind. Admiral Jurgus drew his scimitar and raised it up high, just like what his ancestors did in the past.
「Alright then── Let’s fight an old fashion war!」
「... Splendid, Matthew, Pommy. Absolutely splendid...!」
Ikuta who received the news said to himself with a trembling voice. This was the biggest plan to overturn the disadvantages of this war.
After the fleet lost in a naval battle and got pursued by the enemy, Matthew’s artillery unit would stand by along the coast, waiting for the time to provide support. He would maintain frequent contact with Pommy on the leading vessel of the fleet. They confirmed each other’s position, and decided the place to lure the enemy fleet into── the goal was to launch a bombardment when they were troubled by the wind dying down, and achieved the best result. The plan worked beautifully, and they succeeded in the counter attack against the Kioka fleet.
「Ikuta Solork sending a message to all units── The Imperial Navy has repelled the Kioka Navy. I repeat, the Imperial Army has repelled the Kioka Navy.」
Ikuta informed the entire army without any hesitation. The naval fleet was still in the middle of an engagement, but there were no problems with announcing the results early. No matter how the second naval battle turned out, the Kioka fleet has suffered irreversible losses. Kioka’s goal of using the sea route to transport large units of troops was impossible now. Which meant──
「The enemy won’t receive reinforcements from the sea── it’s our turn to counterattack.」
「──Jean!」
Miara’s tense voice rang out. The Kioka headquarters were stunned by this devastating news, and the white-haired officer stood silently before the map.
「... I’m not that surprised… Because I already expected this in my heart? When the 『Great Mother of White Wings』 wasn’t selected as the Fleet Admiral, I have doubts about victory in the sea...」
He said in a cold tone. For a moment, his back looked like a withered tree, and Miara felt the urge to touch his shoulder. However── Jean had an air of rejection about him, and he continued with a low voice:
「... I’m fine, Miara. We can’t expect support from the sea, that’s all. That’s all...」
The war had reverted back to fifty fifty. However── without reinforcements from the ocean, Jean’s burden would increase drastically. He had to use the forces he had on hand to complete the mission that should have been done by the reinforcements.
He completely disassembled the finely crafted strategy he formulated, then reorganized the scattered elements in his mind. The reworking that would normally take a few hours of war conference was compiled in his head in a far shorter time. Drip── blood flowed out of his nose. However, the incredibly focused Jean didn’t notice.
「... I just need to work on it. There won’t be any problems if I make up for their absence...!」
「──Fire the salvo!」
A few hours after the Imperial navy turned the tides in the sea. In the central north of the Empire, along the hilly mountains where the Kioka forces were advancing, Sariha successfully took the enemy by surprise.
「Hey, we really flanked behind the enemy! It worked, even though we are just beating a dead horse!」
「It’s not beating a dead horse! I already said we found a gap after probing the enemy’s surveillance net!」
Suya fired her crossbow beside her as she retorted. Her eyes for tactics were nurtured by Ikuta, and she precisely saw through a fatal lapse in the enemy’s movements.
「Unlike the enemy we have faced so far, this unit showed us an opening! A chance for us to gain the upper hand!」
「You don’t need to tell me that! We got them by the neck, so I won’t let go so easily...!」
Sariha reloaded his Wind Gun as he shouted. Turning the tables from just defending made the troops forget about their fatigue and raised their morale.
On the other hand, some units got caught in a bind. The guerilla cavalry unit led by Honorary Field Marshal Igsem that had performed admirably since the war began was now in trouble.
「Haha… it doesn’t look good, Captain...」
「This is a very dangerous situation.」
In contrast with what he said, the vermillion haired general spoke with his usual calm tone. It was obvious that their situation was dire. First── They should be moving in a battalion, but they numbered 20, less than a platoon. Worst of all, they didn’t have their horses, and only had their melee weapons while trapped in the middle of the battlefield.
「We can hide because of the fog, but once it’s gone, we won’t have any cover… We need to act before the wind starts again.」
As the Honorary Field Marshal Igsem said, there was a thick fog hanging around them. The enemy couldn’t see them because of the fog, but that fog was one of the reasons for the predicament of the cavalry. They got separated from their comrades after encountering the enemy and fighting a chaotic battle.
「I’m not confident… But from what I saw on my mount, we outnumber the enemy in that direction. If we have to make a bet, let’s try to breakthrough that way.」
First Lieutenant Niam Nei shared the intel she saw with her sharp eyes. The vermillion haired general made his decision immediately.
「Not a bad suggestion. However, we need to minimize the gambling factor.」
Honorary Field Marshal Igsem said as he stood up. First Lieutenant Nei looked at him walking away and stopped him in a panic:
「W-Wait? Where are you going, Captain?」
「I’m going to create a diversion alone. First Lieutenant Nei, lead the unit out of the encirclement in the meantime.」
「── No, I don’t get what you are saying. What do you mean by creating a diversion by yourself, that’s not how you fight a war?」
When his subordinate waved a hand to dismiss that, the vermillion haired general stopped explaining and prepared to leave. But Niam grabbed his uniform from behind.
「No… No no no, wait, Captain. I know your swordsmanship is strong, but this is too much. We should follow my proposal and attack one point with all our forces, right?」
「No. As the Captain, I have to take responsibility for the unit’s dire situation.」
「This kind of responsibility isn’t shouldered by asking the Captain to kill a large horde of enemies. What will you do if the fog disperse while you are going on a rampage? You’ll be shot full of holes.」
「Do not worry. Even if I die, I will complete my diversion mission.」
The vermillion haired general said calmly. His even tone infuriated Niam.
「... Ah～ we talked about all that, but Captain, you think it’s fine even if you died, right?」
「......」
「It feels super horrible… I heard your daughter passed away. Did you catch a disease of wanting to die without even knowing it?」
Niam grumbled, forgetting the difference between their ranks. She then took out a rope and tied her waist to the vermillion haired general’s waist, linking them together for some reason. Igsem couldn’t help asking in bafflement:
「... What is the meaning of this, First Lieutenant Nei?」
「Like I said, let’s follow the original plan. We will break through that point. Since you are strong in swordsmanship, then you can stay by our side and protect us.」
「... The Igsem dual swords are suitable to fight alone against a group, but not adequate for protecting multiple allies. I decided on the diversion because of that. I’m cutting the ropes.」
The vermillion haired general was about to sever the rope with his short sword, but was blocked by Niam’s hand. As if to challenge him to cut if he dared.
「.. First Lieutenant Nei.」
「Shut up～retard── I get pissed off when I see people who throw their lives away lightly, and will feel angrier when I’m protected by such a person.」
Niam spat out all that without a hint of courtesy, then snorted.
「Let me tell you something boring── I lost a child too.」
「──」
「... I didn’t give birth smoothly, and we were both in danger of dying. Somehow, I was the only one that lived… Sigh, I didn’t want to have a child, but it can’t be helped since I got pregnant, so I just have to love him as much as possible── That was what I was thinking before the botched childbirth.
This isn’t a tragedy unique to your family. There are many children who died before their parents── and what happens after that? Feel guilty that their child died because of them, and they aren’t qualified to be parents, so they should follow after their child? No── are you kidding me, that’s not it!」
Niam grabbed the vermillion haired general’s collar with the corner of her eyes raised. Their comrades were slacked jawed. In the long history of the Empire, very few people ever did that to an Igsem.
Niam pulled his collar down and leaned into his ear, saying quietly so others wouldn’t overhear. But her sharp voice drilled right into his eardrums:
「Live on seriously! Struggled desperately and cry for others to spare your life, and then die! That’s how humans are! Even if you want to live a clean life, you can’t, even if you want to die, you will live on! We are creatures that survive stubbornly even if our bodies are submerged in a swamp! That’s how I live my life! And how I will continue to live!」
「──」
「If you want to live with a thick face, you have to start by grabbing on to your life tightly! Just use me as your model, Captain!
If you mimic me well, I will show you something nice, and take good care of your rod──!」
Niam said her piece and let him go. She focused her feelings on getting out of this predicament. But the worst thing happened the next moment.
「── Tch, oh no! The wind──!」
She realized too late. The wind dispersed the fog obscuring their view. We have to run while the fog is still here── Niam decided and looked to her comrades──
「── Get down.」
「Huh?」
The vermillion haired general grabbed her head and pushed her down onto the ground. At this moment, gunshots echoed around them. The Kioka soldiers outside the fog were all hit, and collapsed one after another.
「── Lost your touch after being away from the frontlines for so long? You got careless, Sol.」
The Imperial soldiers kept firing as they advanced. After they surrounded Niam and the others, a familiar jade-eyed General appeared before them with a Wind Gun on his shoulder. The Vermillion haired general stood up immediately and saluted.
「I can’t refute that. Thank you for the save, General Remeon.」
「It’s nothing. If it’s just that many enemies, you can break through the encirclement alone.」
General Remeon said as he watched his men sweep up the remnants of the enemy. He then looked at Niam who was sitting by the vermillion haired general’s feet.
「... So, why is there a rope between you and that officer?」
「She tied me up and lectured me. She told me to cherish my life and live on seriously.」
Honorary Field Marshal Igsem answered with a straight face. General Remeon stifled a laugh and raised the corners of his lips.
「... When did you develop a sense of humour, Sol? That’s not a bad thing, but don’t make me laugh under such a situation, you’ll distract me.
But you have lost a lot of horses. It isn’t safe here, hurry on to the base in the rear. Rest well before you get your replacement mounts, your guerilla unit deserve a break.」
The jade-eyed General praised their efforts, and ordered his men to retreat. As they walked towards their base, the vermillion haired general quietly asked his subordinate who was trying to undo the tight knot on her waist:
「First Lieutenant Nei, one more thing.」
「Y-Yes?」
「When you were lecturing me earlier, you mentioned that you will take care of my rod. I understand that, what do you mean by rod?」
He asked seriously without any hint of jesting. Standing diagonally in front of the dumbstruck Niam, General Remeon couldn’t help bursting out in laughter:
「... I told you not to make me laugh, Sol...!」
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