episode_0051
by fnovelpia
51. Creaking.
The upheaval of the realm begins.
Baltazar Blackdon, leading formidable generals, seizes the imperial palace.
Thereafter, they crush the armies that attacked them, plundering and expanding their military might even further.
Continuous victories alongside exceptional generals.
And with soldiers multiplying after each battle, the army’s morale soared sky-high.
One might liken Blackdon to a demon lord in a fantasy game, commanding a terrifyingly formidable army.
“So, we formed an alliance, and I decided to join as well.”
Erica gathered us together and made her declaration.
Erica sat at the head of the conference table.
Familiar faces surrounded the circular table arrayed around her.
Vivian, Luna, and Adele, of course, as well as Elioard Penrose, who had surrendered to us and was now reportedly valued by Erica.
Three other figures—Aris, Lucarion, and Gansom.
“Of course! I’ll smash those good-for-nothings to pieces!”
Vivian raised her fist and shouted with fiery enthusiasm.
“Think seriously, Vivian. This battle isn’t just about securing victory.”
When Erica scolded her, Vivian sulked.
“Cutting down Blackdon’s formidable generals and reclaiming the imperial palace… But that’s not all.
Though the imperial forces were powerful, their defeat shattered the emperor’s divine prestige.
His Majesty’s reputation has plummeted, along with the loyalty of the nobility.”
Erica paused briefly and scanned the room.
Nobles from various regions and distinguished talents—all assembled here except for me.
She observed each face as if appraising their worth, then spoke with renewed conviction.
“An era of warlords.”
Imperial authority has crumbled, and powerful warlords now vie for dominance.
With Blackdon dismantling the imperial court, warlords like us will scramble for territory.
The three cousins who doubled as generals clenched their fists in solemn resolve upon hearing Erica’s words.
“The Grace family must conquer the realm! Who else could do it?”
“I’m all for it. War is profitable.”
“I’ll follow whatever my sister commands.”
“I’ll spearhead the charge at any time.”
The bold warrior Vivian.
The merchant-general Adele.
The born-soldier Luna.
The three women displayed unwavering loyalty to their elder sister.
Eliot Penrose, the defeated general, was no exception.
“Haha! If this old man’s strength suffices, call on me anytime. I’ll gladly lend my aid.”
Unexpectedly, the battle-hardened elder Lucarion and his companion Gansom chimed in.
Yet, one figure stood out as an unexpected dissonance in this unified atmosphere.
Aris Verachia.
“However, my liege… I must voice my criticism of this alliance against Blackdon.”
Was it because she opposed the prevailing opinion?
Or because she shattered the harmonious momentum?
Erica furrowed her brow and questioned her.
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve heard it was barely two months ago that we fought Penrose in battle.”
The sole saving grace was Erica’s openness to dissent.
Aris began explaining her reservations about the Blackdon suppression alliance.
Her tone was measured yet assertive, her arguments logical—proof this was no petty complaint.
“Our current food supplies consist of what we seized during the war with Penrose.
If we requisition more now, I fear shaking public trust—that’s reason one.
If the people lose faith, the citizens finally gathering in the capital may disperse—that’s reason two.”
“A fair point.”
Erica nodded, conceding readily.
“Additionally, Prezia, the capital of Redmain, is formidable and well-protected.
Given time, we could unify Redmain without the risk of defeat against Blackdon.
That there are alternatives is reason three.”
After listening closely, Erica posed another question—sharply, as if she’d already discerned Aris’s deeper intent.
“And the most critical reason?”
“……I fear for the suffering of the people.”
Now Erica countered.
“Then let me ask you this.
Are the people suffering under Blackdon, who occupies the imperial capital and tramples the throne, not people?
Would you turn away from their pain?”
“…No. I merely offered counsel.”
“I see. You raised points I hadn’t considered… Thank you.”
Aris had her reasons.
Blackdon’s occupation of Lumiar had inflicted no casualties—
He only plundered forces that attacked him, and by all accounts, treated civilians well.
Yet the looming war stemmed from politics and ambition.
Aris had only advised.
To temper ambition and take the safer path.
But Erica rebutted with irrefutable logic.
“Our food stores are ample. Our fox, how much poultry can we slaughter from the coops?”
“Huh? Oh, um… Just a moment… First, we’ve hatched many chicks—one of five coops can be fully culled without issue.
Excluding chicks, each coop holds 40 chickens, averaging 1.5kg per bird…”
“Skip to the conclusion.”
“We can prepare 444 rations at 90g each immediately. Eggs are also overflowing.”
Erica stared at Aris.
“With canned chicken soup, some grain, and seasoning, one batch feeds five adequately.
Supplemented with beans and eggs, nutrition is covered.
Well? Hunger is off the table.
Now, what if we abstain from the Blackdon suppression alliance?”
Summarizing Erica’s extensive argument:
1. If Blackdon defeats the alliance, his forces will grow unstoppable—Redmain alone couldn’t oppose him.
2. If the alliance crushes Blackdon without us, Redmain’s prestige falls, inviting diplomatic repercussions.
3. Non-participation will embolden defiant regional nobles to test Erica’s strength.
The realm is vast—rooting them out is impossible, prolonging war and civilian suffering.
Aris hung her head and replied.
“My apologies. I fixated on immediate concerns and lost sight of the bigger picture.”
“No need. Flattery without dissent would be disastrous.
I still value you, Aris—speak your mind freely.”
She patted Aris’s shoulder reassuringly.
Confirming no further objections, Erica addressed us.
“We depart once ready. These will accompany me:
Generals—Vivian, Luna, Penrose.
Strategist—Lucarion.
A modest force of 2,000 soldiers.
That’s all.”
For a moment, I doubted my ears.
Was this tyrant boss really sparing me her torment?
“Wh-what about me?”
“Oh? Does our fox wish to come?”
I shook my head vehemently in refusal.
Amused, Erica—petite herself—patted my head affectionately.
“This campaign involves other nobles and generals. Deploying our full strength is unnecessary.”
I see.
But another reason lingered as she glanced at Aris.
“And Aris is right. Staking everything risks disaster if we lose.
Aris and Cain, remain in Prezia to manage administration.
Adele, ever the capable merchant, stays as well—consult among yourselves.”
“Th-thank you, my liege!”
Moved, Aris bowed deeply.
“I always heed capable subordinates—speak freely without fear.”
Viewed this way, she seemed an ideal superior.
Unlike stubborn executives who shut out dissent, Erica struck a balance—neither spineless nor tyrannical.
Granted, I’d rather not work at all…
Still, with Erica away, I resolved to laze about and play.
As if reading my mind, she glanced over and asked—
“Ah, fox. Didn’t I promise you a baronetcy?”
“Yes…”
“Upon my return, we’ll hold the ceremony. So, complete all the parchment thesis I assigned within two months.”
There she is—my tyrant boss.
As the meeting adjourned, someone grabbed my wrist.
Vivian Grace.
The general who occasionally treats me like a sex toy, sucking me dry.
Flushing slightly, she asked—
“Hey, fluffball… Two months without seeing me?”
“Guess so.”
“Not even a little sad?”
“Uh… Stay safe out there?”
Frowning at my obliviousness, Vivian tugged my ear and whispered—
“Come to my room tonight.”
Then she bit my earlobe—not painfully, but enough to send tingles as she gnawed gently.
“Gotta stock up before my two-month fast.”
Patting her lower abdomen, she fixed me with a predator’s gaze.
Women truly are beasts.
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