Ch.41041. Resistance

As Gilbert had predicted, Seraphina made a grand public declaration to eradicate the Resistance as soon as the Academy stabilized. The Resistance’s recent actions were considered not just an attack on the Academy but a direct rebellion against the Empire.

This was no ordinary target—it was Demeia Academy, where the children of the Empire’s influential families and exceptional prodigies who would shape the Empire’s future were studying. The Academy considered the attack on one of the Empire’s core facilities an unforgivable offense, and above all, quietly covering up the incident didn’t align with Seraphina’s character.

Thus, under the command of the prominent imperial successor, a subjugation force was swiftly assembled.

Given the nature of the mission, the force was organized at the company level. Seraphina, appointed as captain with full authority by imperial decree, became the company commander and appointed Professor Brianna as lieutenant and deputy commander. Gilbert, a 6th-grade knight whom Seraphina had personally invited to join the subjugation force, was appointed as second lieutenant.

The remaining troops were recruited from Academy students. Initially, Seraphina had planned to use Imperial knights to suppress the Resistance, but she changed her mind. While the Resistance had indeed rebelled against the Empire, she couldn’t shake the thought that they had acted so boldly because they underestimated Demeia Academy.

As a noble member who carried out the Proof of Blue Blood, this was something she couldn’t overlook. Fortunately, the Academy cadets agreed with her opinion, and selected students from the Academy were chosen to join the subjugation force.

Meanwhile, the Empire provided full support. More than half of the Imperial Intelligence Department personnel were deployed to track down the Resistance, and the 3rd Knight Order—the only imperial knight order permitted to operate outside—stepped forward to assist Seraphina. In terms of scale, enough personnel had gathered with the sole purpose of eradicating the Resistance that they could wage war against a small nation.

“Lady Seraphina. All preparations are complete.”

Seraphina, who had been meditating before the departure ceremony, opened her eyes at Yanik’s call. Her consciousness, which had been deep within, gradually rose to the surface.

“Very well.”

As she ascended the platform prepared for the departure ceremony, the eyes of the subjugation force waiting for her converged. The gazes of dozens or even hundreds of people—an ordinary person would be overwhelmed by their presence, but Seraphina was different.

She was born to be an emperor from the beginning. Before anyone could teach her, she had naturally learned how to stand above others as easily as breathing. From the moment her sense of self formed, she had naturally stood above others. It was like an innate instinct.

Standing before a magical device enchanted with amplification magic, Seraphina’s eyes surveyed the crowd. Everyone seemed captivated by some strange aspiration.

“I am Captain Seraphina Rector Infractus, commander of this Resistance subjugation force.”

She began with a clean and concise tone. Her precise pronunciation and pleasant voice had a magical charm that instantly captured the audience’s eyes and ears.

“Today, we will move to eliminate the Resistance that is eating away at the Empire. According to our intelligence, their scale is considerable, so there’s a high possibility of a full-scale battle. But I believe that you, the proud cadets of Demeia, will follow me well.”

It was a speech that concentrated only on what was necessary, without any flowery rhetoric. Given that Tactical Combat’s historical setting was modeled after the medieval era, speeches typically included all sorts of rhetoric and could last for an hour or two. It was common to use a verbose style with repeated modifiers and extended explanations, but Seraphina did not.

She chose to organize only the necessary words and deliver them cleanly. It was a speech that well reflected her practical nature.

“I won’t speak at length. Do what you must as proud cadets of Demeia Academy. Remember that. Understood?”

“Yes, understood!”

“Finally, I shall issue one command, and you shall carry it out without fail.”

“We will obey your command!”

“Do not die, even in death. Ensure that you can fully enjoy the honor you deserve. This is an order from your company commander and a command issued in the name of Princess Seraphina Rector Infractus.”

Seraphina’s eyes took in the subjugation force, whose fighting spirit was beginning to burn. There might certainly be casualties, but this was not something that could be postponed. The Resistance would surely threaten Demeia Academy again, and next time, they would approach with an even more meticulous plan.

Fortunately, there were no significant casualties this time, but who knew what might happen next? Therefore, even at the cost of sacrifice, they had to root out the enemy now. Seraphina steeled her resolve and her eyes flashed sharply.

“That is all. All forces, deploy.”

At Seraphina’s command, the subjugation force began to move in perfect unison.

***

According to Imperial Intelligence, the Resistance was based in a region called Banneret, about a week’s journey from Obitus. It was a mountain village in a remote area with rugged terrain, rarely visited even by adventurers.

The intelligence agents claimed they found this place purely by chance, as it was perfectly concealed both magically and magitech-wise. This seemed like a weak statement coming from Imperial intelligence agents, but there was a reason for it.

Banneret, which the Resistance had made their base, was an ancient ruin site that Vandyke, the Resistance’s leader, had discovered by chance and subsequently used as their headquarters.

It was where the Resistance’s giant war machines were hidden, and the reason they had been able to operate while evading the Empire’s eyes until now was because of this ruin site. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Vandyke formed the Resistance because he found this place.

However, they were unfortunately caught by Imperial Intelligence while holding a memorial service honoring seven comrades who had failed in their revolution. Although they had carefully hidden in the mountains until now, they couldn’t deceive the Empire’s eyes and ears forever.

This was what Gilbert had been told, and it matched the game’s story he was familiar with.

Of course, that wasn’t the whole story. It was strange that the Resistance’s well-hidden base would suddenly be exposed. But dealing with the immediate task at hand was the priority.

Gilbert currently held the position of second lieutenant in the Resistance subjugation force, and it was time for him to fulfill the duties of that position.

“Sergeant Angelina.”

“Yes, Second Lieutenant Gilbert.”

Angelina, who had joined on Gilbert’s recommendation, received the rank of sergeant from Seraphina, while Hans was given the rank of corporal. It might have seemed like nepotism, but Seraphina, who had noticed their performance during the comprehensive evaluation, appointed them as non-commissioned officers among the many Academy students who had joined the subjugation force.

“I need you to take charge of the Resistance’s escape route.”

“With Corporal Hans, sir?”

“Yes, it’s an order from Company Commander Seraphina. She instructed to deploy troops to block this area where the valley descends.”

“…Good insight. I agree this is a critical point to block. While the surrounding terrain is rugged, this area is particularly densely forested.”

Currently, they had dispersed their forces around the not-so-large Banneret, forming a wide encirclement. It would have been best to tighten the noose and capture them all at once, but the late hour was a hindrance.

With no choice, the subjugation force set the attack time for the next morning and had to maintain the encirclement while setting up camp for the night.

“I’ll relay this to Corporal Hans. But will just us be enough?”

“I’ve already asked Sergeant Ian to take this point. Please relay the message to Sergeant Belphoner instead.”

Ian, who had shown impressive performance during the comprehensive evaluation despite some regrettable moments, was also included in this subjugation force. Gilbert had sighed in relief many times at Ian’s enthusiastic participation.

He had been anxiously watching to see if the protagonist Ian’s personality was strange, so he couldn’t help but feel relieved at his brave stance. It was a thousand blessings that he wasn’t a coward who would run away with his tail between his legs when trouble arose.

“Understood. Should we move when the subjugation operation begins?”

“Correct.”

“I’ll relay the message.”

Angelina left to deliver the instructions. Having completed all the tasks assigned by Seraphina, Gilbert headed to her tent to report.

He could see the Imperial 3rd Knight Order, dispatched from the imperial palace, guarding the entrance to Seraphina’s tent.

“I have a report for the Company Commander.”

“Wait. I’ll announce you.”

“Granted. Let him enter.”

Seraphina’s voice was heard from inside the tent. The expressionless knights immediately stepped aside to let Gilbert pass at her command. Gilbert was slightly impressed by their machine-like movements, briefly reminded of the British royal guards he had once seen on Earth.

As he lifted the tent flap and entered, he saw Seraphina grooming her hair before bed.

Seraphina was sitting on a fairly large bed covered with red bedding, wearing a slip-like dress. The slip dress was an exquisite blend of black and red, with elegant patterns around the chest and pelvis. The lower part of the dress revealed her firm thighs.

She appeared to be untangling her hair, sweeping up her long golden locks.

Gilbert was a bit flustered by her unexpectedly casual attire but tried hard not to show it.

“My disciple has come.”

“I seem to be interrupting your rest.”

“It’s fine. My disciple must have a reason for coming.”

Though she smiled coolly, her attire made it seem somewhat bewitching. Come to think of it, in Tactical Combat’s popularity polls, Seraphina always ranked high despite being an unromanceable character. She had many fans, and seeing her like this, Gilbert understood why.

“I see you’ve carried out all the orders I gave.”

“Yes. I’ve come to report that I’ve ordered three sergeants, including Sergeant Ian, to occupy the escape routes the Resistance might take.”

“Very well. Occupying the escape routes will be the cornerstone of eradicating those Resistance scum, so there must be no mistakes. Before the operation begins, make sure you emphasize its importance once more.”

“Understood. Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“I have one more command for my disciple.”

“Please issue your command.”

Seraphina blinked her jewel-like eyes as she looked at her disciple who had slightly bowed his head.

“If possible, capture the Resistance leader Vandyke alive.”

“Capture… alive, you say?”

“Yes.”

Gilbert quickly analyzed why Seraphina had given such an order. What was the reason for wanting to capture the leader of what could be called a rebel army alive? After a moment’s thought, the answer came easily.

“A political example?”

“My disciple is quite capable in this area as well. Correct. It could be called a political show. But politics is about accumulating and using such seemingly trivial things. What seems insignificant can accumulate to bring down even a sturdy fortress. Remember, nothing in politics is ever taken for granted.”

It was a statement that made him nod involuntarily. Seraphina intended to show what happens to those who dream the vain dream of a republic. Making an example was exactly what was needed now.

It was necessary to set a firm precedent to prevent the emergence of a second or third Resistance.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Then, Company—”

“Ahem.”

“Master. I have one request.”

Seeing her block the title “Company Commander” with a cough, he had no choice but to change the form of address. Gilbert wanted to refrain from using the title “Master” as much as possible, concerned about who might hear, but the princess before him seemed to have no such intention.

“I can grant a request from my one and only disciple. Go ahead and speak.”

“I think it might be difficult to capture the Resistance leader with a standard giant war machine.”

“Don’t worry. You are no longer an ordinary cadet. You will be supplied with an appropriate war machine.”

“Then I have one more request.”

“I already know without you saying. You want to use the artificial spirit you received recently, correct?”

Seraphina recalled Gilbert receiving an artificial spirit from Professor Brianna’s laboratory not long ago.

“Very well. You may do so.”

“Thank you. Company—”

“Ahem.”

“Master…”

“Really. My one and only disciple has not a trace of cuteness.”

Gilbert found it a bit difficult to understand why Seraphina insisted on hearing the title “Master” from him. The game had emphasized the “Master” title, but not to this extent… It seemed this was one of the differences between reality and the game.

“May I withdraw now? You should rest as well, Master.”

“The same goes for you. You may withdraw.”

After saluting Seraphina, who waved her hand dismissively, Gilbert returned to his quarters and immediately went to bed.

And so the day dawned.