The Demon Army has moved. They are aiming for the northern territory of Knorr. This is also a big opportunity.
“When was that?”
“Right now. It’s confirmed by Iris, who is hiding near the Royal Capital.”
This might be lucky. If there are Orcs and Goblins, it will take about five days to reach the Knorr territory. Even if the battle lasts two days, it’s twelve days round trip. Ashtal can reach there with plenty of time if they go through Rothfar, taking fifteen days. Then, even if the Demon Army advances towards Denderg, it’ll be about four days… Victory!
Yes, although we are in the middle of negotiations, the Demon Army has begun its advance, so Rothfar is no longer necessary. Ashtal and Keibeck’s reinforcements alone are enough.
If only I could say that. Still, I want Rothfar’s cooperation. Ideally, I’d like them to permit the Asht Empire Army’s passage.
If we go through Keibeck, it will take nearly a month. Going through Rothfar would halve the time, but without permission, it would lead to war. How long would it take to reach Harm then? It would be even more problematic if they got bored and turned back halfway.
Before returning to the tent, I quickly took three minutes to give Iris, who does good work, a reward, and then rushed back to the tent.
To think they’d put such a nice door on a tent. As I thought that, Lady Annelyse, Christine, and others came out from inside.
“What is wrong?”
“…”
Christine is supposed to be the taciturn one, but Lady Annelyse passed by without a word. Was she going to the toilet?
“The discussion is over. Rothfar will participate. Passage for Ashtal has also been granted.”
Oh, that’s good news. But I don’t want to hear it from “others.” I wanted to hear it from Ann-chan. It’s good that Rothfar is listening to our side; the Third Prince does have some good points.
Ann is leaving me behind on her horse. She’s usually so cheerful, did something happen? I also put Christine on my horse and rode alongside Lady Annelyse.
“The Demon Army has moved. Their destination is the Knorr territory.”
She finally turned to me, but there was no smile on her face. Only surprise and terror. Even her scared face is cute. I can’t reach out to comfort her.
“I, I will immediately send the Knight Order towards the Knorr territory.”
No, impossible, troublesome. Well, the troublesome part is a lie, but the hating it and the impossibility are real. Even if I explained, would she listen, given her position as Her Majesty the Queen?
“We do not have enough supplies to move the current Harmonia army to the Knorr territory. A large-scale march is impossible. Furthermore, if the enemy’s main force is heading towards the Knorr territory, the Asht Empire Army will arrive before the Demon Army turns its attention to Shidenzach or Denderg. Please refrain from action.”
“Then, at least let my Knight Order go. That should somehow…”
“That is also not advisable. The former king’s Royal Guard does not fully pledge loyalty to Her Majesty. She needs trusted Knight Orders by her side.”
“If so, then let’s have Count Knorr go. That should be fine, right?”
“I would advise against that. Given Count Knorr’s personality, once he returns to his territory, he will likely never leave it again.”
Finally, “others” provided backup. They really observe Count Knorr well. Of course, I was thinking the same thing. Count Knorr shed tears and pledged loyalty, but once he returned to his family in his territory, he would probably just retreat. The military power Count Knorr possesses, about two thousand men, is a gap that cannot be easily filled.
“Unfortunately, we do not have the power to go and help the Knorr territory right now.”
“Mikael… Can’t you do something…”
No! The thought of clashing with the main force of the Demon Army alone makes me want to hide. There are definitely dragons and giants. If the order was to protect my life, I might listen.
“Why are they attacking the Knorr territory? Even if it’s the frontier…”
Good question. How about we ponder the answer together in bed? It is indeed more logical to attack Denderg or Shidenzach, where they first fled, rather than a frontier territory. I don’t really understand the Demon Lord’s strategy.
“Perhaps they are attacking Runbergzach…”
There it is again, a similar name. Runbergzach, Shidenzach… hearing these names makes me want to eat Zacher Torte. Nostalgic chocolate taste, sad Valentine’s Day memories.
“Is there something there?”
Lady Annelyse looks at me with a hint of surprise. I’ve been using polite language with Yuma Bashar on the surface, but from now on, I can just use casual language. I have no more reason to use polite language with this person!
“The former king attacked Shidenzach because he wanted the weapons and armor there. The Demon Lord probably wants the weapons and armor from Runbergzach as well.”
“Is that related to the Dwarves?”
“Yes, it’s an exclave of Shidenzach.”
I thought there was a connection with “zach” and bingo! It’s Orietta’s grandfather’s exclave. And I’m asking the Dwarves for weapons and armor, but abandoning them in Runbergzach won’t fly.
What should I do… Will “I didn’t hear about the Demon Army’s advance” work? It’s not my fault I didn’t know, right?
This news will surely reach Denderg. While Count Knorr can be controlled by Lady Annelyse, Shidenzach is an autonomous territory, and I can’t control it.
Will the Dwarves, knowing it’s a reckless fight, still take up arms and perish? Even knowing they’ll die… it’s not about logic, is it?
The Dwarves will have to work like employees at a black company from now on. If Shidenzach becomes empty, will I do the forging? I don’t want to get calluses. I won’t be popular with girls.
“Your Majesty, as Yuma Bashar says, the Demon Army’s objective is likely Runbergzach. However, Harmonia has no Knight Orders to assist. But, my White Lily Corps might have a chance.”
“Really!? Then…”
“This means leaping into a death trap. If Your Majesty commands it, we will advance even into a death trap.”
“A death trap… That is…”
To order someone to die, you must be an idiot or have strong resolve. Idiots are beyond saving. Those with resolve are those who can weigh their own lives. Annelyse, which one are you?
“mikael, please repel the Demon Army in the Knorr territory.”
“I cannot go if it is a request, Your Majesty. Please give me an order. An order to go and die, an order to save the Knorr territory and Runbergzach with my life!”
Her words… Lady Annelyse bit her lip. Now that she is Her Majesty the Queen, she must endure that heavy responsibility. From now on, many will have their futures taken and die by your command.
From now on, many will grasp their future and find happiness by your command. Those who rule a nation as Queen must be brutal and solitary, overcoming mercy and loneliness, for no one can be your substitute.
“Captain Shin, take the 1st Brigade and defeat the Demon Army advancing into the Knorr territory. Even if it costs your life…”
“Yes! I will sortie immediately.”
Lady Annelyse is also starting to develop the resolve of a Queen. I like those who have resolve; they can risk their own lives.
Christine and I left the ranks and returned to Denderg city, where the White Lily Corps and the Brigade were waiting. The horse carrying the two of us turned back into a white horse when we reached the city. The power of Christine’s words could send even horses to their deaths. …Wait, I have white hair too.
“Work! Let’s blow off some steam!”
Is it a regular event to grope the breasts of fools who got drunk and fell asleep after a drinking party in the afternoon and avoid Sophia’s lasers?
“You’re putting your hands inside my clothes!”
“It’s the battlefield, maintain some tension! This time, it won’t end lightly!”
“Why are you all so worked up?”
“If mine is good enough…”
“I’m sleepy…”
“Can we bring snacks~”
“Blood, flesh, soul, all are mine.”
Christine, please stop their hearts. They are about to face the enemy’s main force, but is it okay to live so passively? Have more resolve and tension!
“Gugeh!” The six groans included me. I didn’t do anything, but why did I get a heart attack too?
“…Rothfar has decided to assist Harmonia and participate in this war.”
Yes, that was what we were discussing. It was like I hit a home run to win the game. Where’s the winner’s interview? The champagne shower? The goddess’s kiss?
“…As a condition for Rothfar’s participation, after the war ends, Lady Annelyse will accept a marriage proposal from a member of Rothfar’s royal family. …It seems Harmonia will become Rothfar’s in name and reality.”
“…Why didn’t you stop it!”
“…It is a manifestation of Lady Annelyse’s resolve. …She is willing to sacrifice herself to protect Harmonia.”
I grabbed Christine by her chest and pulled her close. She said a marriage with Rothfar’s royal family. That means in the future, Harmonia will be placed under Rothfar, and soon, Harmonia’s important figures will all be from Rothfar.
I should have been by her side. Marriage with Rothfar’s royal family is the condition for their participation! I’m working without any conditions, and they’re making a move for a bride? Unacceptable. After defeating the Demon Army, I’ll erase Rothfar from the map!
“What the hell were you doing!?”
I was called by Iris and received important information about the Demon Army and three minutes of pleasure. If I had been there, I probably would have stopped it with all my might, but Lady Annelyse’s mind probably wouldn’t have changed.
“The Demon Army is invading the Knorr territory. The most likely target is Runbergzach, where the Dwarves live. We will head north from Shidenzach with the Brigade.”
After what happened with Lady Annelyse, the White Lily Corps has also gotten fired up. No one wants to marry someone they don’t love.
Rest assured. I am the one who will stand beside Lady Annelyse.
