Ch.147War and the Vermilion Bird #3

After the declaration to kill him at all costs, troops continued to gather, turning the Solonte County into an unexpected hub of activity.

Around the outer fortress, camps of the neutral faction and the royalist faction had been set up, creating quite a spectacle.

The military camps were naturally built fairly far behind the fortress.

It was only logical, as one couldn’t establish a base in the middle of a battlefield.

If they had, all their supplies would have been reduced to ashes at the first clash.

“At last, the wicked Imperial forces have set foot here,” the King sighed deeply as he entered the meeting room in the barracks set up near the south gate of the county’s outer fortress.

Seeing the ant-like numbers of the Imperial army seemed to have intimidated him without his realizing it.

In battle, numbers make a significant difference, so it couldn’t be helped.

“Yes. Excluding the supply units, they have 500,000 combat troops, which is quite a sight.”

Luke answered indifferently, staring at the King’s face as he slumped into the seat of honor.

Though his expression and tone were calm, he seemed deeply shocked, appearing more rigid than usual.

Helena and I gazed at him silently before taking our seats to the King’s left.

Allon sat across from us, and Luke to the right.

The rectangular table between us made this seating arrangement inevitable.

Normally, when nobles with bad relations met in such settings, they might engage in a battle of nerves over seating positions after the seat of honor.

However, since our relationships weren’t particularly strained and the situation was urgent, no one seemed to mind who sat where.

“Still, they don’t appear to be planning an immediate attack. They’ve walked quite a distance, so that’s understandable.”

“It’s a natural choice, as tired soldiers can’t fight properly.”

As Allon muttered, Luke responded, and various discussions followed.

Most of it was reporting on internal matters—how the forces were organized, where supplies were stored, and so on.

The King seemed to regain some spirit after hearing this, raising his head as he spoke.

“By the way, I truly did see orange flags there. Quite a few of them.”

“Yes. Just as Imperial Viscount Anderson said.”

I nodded, recalling the orange flags symbolizing the First Prince’s faction.

While they naturally displayed the emblems of different houses including the Imperial family, they all shared an orange background.

There were also flags with blue backgrounds or pure white ones.

These were to easily distinguish and manage the different troops and factions.

“Hmm. Judging by that alone, it seems the Viscount’s words to the Grand Duke were true. However… I wonder if they will truly be of help. Seeing their somewhat diminished scale, they don’t seem capable of openly rebelling just yet…”

“Indeed. If they had intended to rebel from the start, they would have done so already. But since they couldn’t… they seem to be testing the waters.”

“Haha. Testing the waters, you say. That must be it.”

Just as carelessly swinging a dagger around would be meaningless, they needed the right moment to make their move.

“Well, let’s leave this topic for now. It would be wiser to focus on the battle that might begin as early as tomorrow.”

“Your Majesty, I have something I’d like to say about that.”

As Helena raised her hand slightly, the King tilted his head with interest, his eyes sparkling.

He must be pleased to see the leader of his supporting faction and a Master stepping forward.

“Duchess Krauser? Please, speak.”

“Originally, our kingdom’s forces are in a position to defend against them. Given the clear difference in numbers, we have no choice.”

“…Yes, that’s right. Is there a problem with that?”

“Not a problem per se… but with Your Majesty’s permission, I would like to lead a special detachment on a night raid.”

Night raid? At those words, the eyes of the King and the two Dukes widened.

It was surprising that she would propose a night raid when a defensive battle seemed certain.

It meant taking the risk of opening the gates to send out troops.

However, the Imperial forces hadn’t yet surrounded the fortress, and the war hadn’t even begun.

Moreover, the Imperial troops would still be fatigued, so striking while they were trying to recover could be effective.

Of course, the enemy might anticipate this and sharpen their vigilance.

They would have their own strategists, after all.

“A night raid? You personally, Duchess? Hmm… thinking about it, your camp is outside, so it would be easier to deploy troops. But… I wonder if they haven’t prepared for such a possibility.”

“They’ve surely made preparations. However, we have something they don’t.”

“Something they don’t… you mean the elves?”

The King clapped his hands as if recalling the elven forces stationed throughout the fortress and in our camps.

“Yes. They probably know we have elven forces, but they likely think we’ve just gained a few more archers. Despite the mountain range, the main battlefield is distant, and elves on the plains aren’t considered much of a threat.”

“Hmm… that’s true. Elves in the forest are like ghosts, but on open ground, they’re manageable.”

“Exactly. The Imperial forces probably think the same, so I plan to exploit that gap.”

A night raid could be conducted without elven forces.

After all, it was about striking when the enemy’s guard was down at night or taking advantage of darkness, so elves weren’t essential.

But that didn’t mean they offered no advantages.

Their agility and ability to use magic were significant assets.

Moreover, though I hadn’t mentioned it to the King, I planned to use the magic battalion I’d brought along, which gave me considerable confidence.

“Very well. Proceed as you intend, Duchess. Just be careful not to incur heavy casualties.”

“Thank you for your permission.”

Helena nodded as soon as the King gave his approval and rose from her seat.

I naturally bowed to the King and followed Helena outside the fortress.

“A surprise attack is good, but won’t they notice?”

I subtly voiced my concern that Hellix, the Swordmaster on their side, might have keen senses like Helena.

With so few Masters, it was difficult to compare them.

I didn’t know if he was more skilled than Helena or less.

Helena walked alongside me toward the stables and slowly began to speak.

“That’s possible. But the Count is on the Emperor’s side, so he’s likely staying close to the Emperor. He’s a Master, but his situation is different from mine.”

“Because of his status?”

“Yes. Over there, the Emperor, the Princes, and the Dukes below them hold significant command authority, similar to our side. In such a situation, despite being a Master, Hellix as a Count probably doesn’t have much influence. They’ll respect him regardless of status, but military command is different.”

With a heave, Helena pulled a horse from the stable and mounted it. I, realizing I’d been standing there absentmindedly while listening to her voice, quickly retrieved my own horse.

.

“You’re planning to personally lead a raid on enemy territory? Isn’t that too dangerous?!”

When I relayed what had been discussed in the fortress, Count Barkan exclaimed in shock.

Since Helena was the strongest here, other nobles who followed her naturally had to move to her area.

“I understand your concern, Count Barkan. But a Master isn’t a decorative sword to be displayed in a room. They’re revered for situations like this.”

“But… you’re not just a Master, you’re a Duchess of a nation!”

“My father is still alive and well, so it’s fine. If I die, he’ll have to work on producing a new heir, but the Duchy will be alright.”

When I made this unexpected joke, all the nobles, starting with Count Barkan, wore dumbfounded expressions.

It was hard to believe that the usually gentle Helena would make such a jest.

“D-Duchess, you can make such jokes too?”

“My goodness. I’m almost twenty-eight. I’m not a child anymore. Besides, this is a battlefield, so such jokes are perfectly acceptable, aren’t they?”

“A-ahem…! Well, that’s true, but…”

Count Barkan, unsure of what to say, mumbled and moved on. The other nobles also cleared their throats repeatedly, trying to suppress their rising smiles.

This inadvertently filled the meeting room with fake coughs, but it brightened the atmosphere considerably.

“Hmm… Grand Duke, do you share the same opinion?”

“Of course. I plan to join her, so I have no reason to object.”

When I first said I would accompany her, Helena and the other women naturally opposed it, but they reluctantly gave in after I persistently expressed my intention to stay by her side.

Of course, I could just watch without getting involved, but I couldn’t bear to let my future wife go alone.

“Sigh! The previous Duke was known for his initiative, but you two surpass even him.”

“Thank you for the compliment. Anyway, Count Barkan, please take command while I’m away. I’m counting on you.”

The Marquises of each faction were too old to come to the battlefield, so they remained in their territories, watching for any special detachments that might enter.

Therefore, among the nobles present, Count Barkan held the highest position after Helena.

Knowing this, the Count sighed deeply and spoke as if he had no choice.

“Since it’s your order, I’ll accept. But please return safely. I don’t have the ability to lead this large army, and I might die from a burst head if I tried.”

“It would be very inconvenient for me if your head burst, Count. I’ll definitely return, so please wait without worrying too much.”

After concluding the meeting with light jokes, each noble returned to their respective posts.

Helena watched them leave before exiting the tent with me.

She then called over a passing soldier and gave an order.

“Could you please call Ellen and Orkus here right away?”

“Yes, understood!”

The soldier responded energetically to Helena’s order and ran vigorously toward where the magic battalion was staying.

While Ive was normally the battalion commander, she had temporarily stepped back to prepare something big.

That was also why Orkus had been called.

Ive’s sudden and first mention of something “big” required meticulous preparation, and our side also needed extensive preparations.

Therefore, we couldn’t take her with us on the surprise attack using the magic battalion.

Inwardly, I was relieved about this.

Although I had already experienced killing a few times during the selection process, I hoped to avoid taking lives as much as possible.

Of course, I also wished that Helena and Ellen wouldn’t have blood on their hands.

I wished for it, but reality didn’t allow it, which was frustrating.

Yet, removing these two women would create a huge void, so it couldn’t be done.

“Haa, haa…! You’re back? What did the King say?”

Shortly after, Ellen, who had rushed over with Orkus, asked while catching her somewhat rough breath.

She must have been in quite a hurry, judging by how she had run.

I felt sorry for the man who had been dragged along.

“Nothing special. He gave his permission.”

“I thought so. I’ve had everything prepared as instructed, but when do we start?”

Orkus narrowed his eyes sharply and rotated his neck.

His long history of rough living showed in his highly combative demeanor.

“We’ll start late at night. Around the time when dawn is ripening.”

“When the sentries are tired and everyone’s fast asleep. Not bad. But our side will be tired too.”

“Yes. So please get some sleep after you finish your preparations. We’ll be setting out at dawn, and you’ll be even more tired if you continue as usual.”

“There aren’t many soft men who would tire that easily… but alright. I’ll do that.”

Orkus nodded once, then glanced at Ellen before leaving.

Judging by how he looked at Ellen and me alternately, it seemed like a signal for her to stay here.

Ellen must have thought the same, as she remained instead of following Orkus.

“Um, Grand Duke. Do I really have to hold back my power? If you just give me permission, I could end this war right now…”

Ellen brought up the already settled matter again, seemingly displeased about engaging in an unnecessary war.

From her perspective, she could easily resolve everything with a tsunami or a hurricane, so her frustration was understandable.

However, as I had said before, using the full power of the Legacy might bring greater chaos afterward.

“If we’re truly backed into a corner… I might have to use it, even if I’m cursed for it later. But until then, please keep it at a moderate level. I’m asking you.”

“…Yes.”

When I firmly held her ashen hand while speaking, just like that night, she reluctantly nodded.

Though she still seemed to have lingering regrets, we had reached the same conclusion twice.

So she probably wouldn’t bring it up again.

“Good. Ellen, you should get some rest now too. But be careful not to fall too deeply asleep.”