LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 197
197. Sometimes Running Away Isn’t Shameful, Isn’t It?
The supreme commander of the Imperial Army is Duke Dolgandes Dora Baltark, but the soldiers of the Empire know who the true supreme commander is.
It is the witch clad in a luxurious black dress, unbefitting of the battlefield. None other than Vera Baltark herself.
Of course, it is Vera who relaxes under a grand canopy, even more splendid than the one used by the supreme commander.
The furnishings are all first-class.
The scene of numerous maids attending to Vera’s needs is far from what one would expect on a battlefield.
A porcelain bathtub has been brought in, and Vera is soaking in a bath filled with floating roses. A maid busily applies fragrant oil to her wet, glass-like hair.
Suddenly, a figure enters without greeting.
“Eek!?”
The maid stifles a scream in her throat, but Vera merely casts a cold glance at the figure.
“You, aren’t you being rude barging in while a lady is bathing?”
“I ain’t interested in human females. More importantly, something’s off.”
“…War is the business of men, so why tell me?”
“Nah, nah. Not about the war situation. The enemy’s counterattacks have visibly decreased.”
Vera frowns in displeasure.
“That’s why it’s your job, isn’t it?”
“What if I told you the enemy has completely stopped counterattacking?”
“Are they planning to surrender now? Not that I intend to forgive them.”
“Doesn’t feel like that.”
“…Sigh. Call my father.”
“Sure thing.”
The Bee Man leaves the tent and soon returns with Dolgandes, whose eyes are vacant and drool drips from his mouth.
“Hmm. The drugs are working too well. Did you give him too much?”
“As long as he obeys, it’s fine. Now, Father, launch a special attack on Mizuho immediately and observe the situation.”
“Ah… uh… observe… situation…”
Dolgandes mutters to himself as he stumbles off toward the soldiers’ barracks.
The Bee Man shrugs and follows him out.
“Honestly. No one is of any use.”
After a while, the Bee Man returns, visibly angry.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing!”
“Huh?”
“There’s no one there! Not a single soul!”
“I don’t understand. If everyone’s dead, that should be what you wanted, no?”
“Wrong! There’s not a single corpse! Everyone vanished like smoke!”
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
“I wanted to see them suffer, crushed in despair, dying with expressions of hopelessness! What the hell is this!?”
The Bee Man, in his excitement, smashes a nearby mahogany table to pieces with a single chop. Terrifying power.
The maids turn pale with fear, trembling in the corner of the room.
Vera lets out a small sigh.
“Calm down. Did you check for any escape routes?”
“If they escaped, it would be through an escape route or a transfer gate, but both are narrow. There’s no way the entire population could flee in just a few days!”
“Anyway, have the soldiers investigate the cause. Also, you’ve been infiltrating this country for a while, haven’t you? Go look for any leads again.”
“Hmph. Acting all high and mighty, for a human!”
“You’ll soon be one of us, won’t you?”
“…Tch. It’s probably the transfer gate. I’ll check it again.”
“That would be wise.”
Taking out his frustration on nearby objects, the Bee Man finally leaves.
“The citizens don’t matter. As long as we capture that detestable Kyle.”
However, not only Kyle, but not a single resident of Mizuho could be found.
◆
[Did you hear that?]
“Yes, Chiyome-san. It’s too dangerous to stay there any longer. Please withdraw and keep an eye on the Imperial Army’s movements.”
[Understood.]
This is the strategy room of Elixir Castle.
The key figures of Kyle’s faction, including me, are gathered here. Of course, King Van and old man Battista are also present. And for some reason, Jitaro is here too. Probably because he has a psychic communication ring.
Also secretly my underling, the living god Muten Ingram, General Shingen, and the heads of the three great families. And Nobuna.
The reason Nobuna is here is because Chiyome has a psychic communication ring—a magical communication device—and since Nobuna is her master, she has one too.
Plum from the production guild, who has a magical device, hasn’t been called, and no information has been shared with her.
…I still don’t understand Jitaro’s position, but maybe it’s because Van likes him!
“We’ve entrusted Chiyome-san with a dangerous mission, but thanks to her, we’ve obtained valuable information.”
Kyle expresses relief at Chiyome’s safety and relaxes.
Next, King Van crosses his arms arrogantly.
“When Mizuho Divine Kingdom requested an emergency evacuation of all its citizens, I was in a panic, but it’s good that we made it in time.”
“Your Majesty. Your language is improper.”
“Shut up! Zaid, you’re so annoying! Even Lord Muten and General Shingen said it’s fine!”
“But…”
Zaid tries to admonish further, but Muten interrupts with a faint smile.
“Haha. It’s fine. I find it tiring to maintain a formal tone all the time. Shingen feels the same.”
Though blind, Muten sips his tea with his eyes closed, exuding elegance.
Shingen nods in agreement.
“Indeed. We wish for King Vaindeck, who has accepted us, to treat us as friends.”
“…Understood.”
Only then does Zaid relent. Still, Zaid is unwavering!
Also, Shingen and Van. I know they get along well as fellow muscleheads!
“We’ve forced a dangerous mission on Nobuna’s subordinate.”
“Your Majesty. This was originally Mizuho’s problem. I am grateful that you entrusted such an honorable mission to my subordinate.”
“I’m glad to hear that. The destruction of the transfer gate and intelligence gathering. We’ll prepare a medal for her when she returns.”
“Such an honor. However, Chiyome still has the mission of monitoring the Imperial Army’s movements. If she succeeds, I would be grateful if she could receive recognition.”
“Of course. Still, Mizuho’s spies… ninjas, or kunoichi, they call them? They’re terrifyingly skilled.”
This time, Shingen responds to Van.
“Indeed. Chiyome is Mizuho’s top ninja.”
“We should learn from them. …So, how do you think the Empire will move next?”
Immediately, Chiyome’s father, Hanbee, presents his theory.
“From what Chiyome overheard, the enemy’s supreme commander holds a deep grudge against Kyle-sama, so it’s highly likely they will attack Golden Dawn.”
Motoharu, the head of the O’Brien family, chimes in.
“Kukuku. That’s probably right.”
“Hmm. Assuming that, how long do you think it will take for the enemy army to reach here?”
“Kukuku. They’re an army. Assuming they’re not attacked by monsters, the earliest would be three months. Normally, even without food shortages, it would take four months.”
This Motoharu guy is amazing. He answers instantly.
“Good. Then aim to strengthen Golden Dawn’s defenses within two months. By then, we should also be able to dispatch the kingdom’s army. Kyle, focus on increasing equipment and troops.”
“Yes!”
“Of course, we warriors of Mizuho will also join the fight!”
“I’m counting on you. For now, I’ll leave it to Kyle and Zaid. I have the kingdom’s affairs to attend to.”
“Then, perhaps it’s time to conduct official duties in the kingdom?”
“Uh… it’s fine. Information comes faster here.”
“Sigh. Honestly.”
Zaid really doesn’t waver!
Here, the people from the royal capital begin moving to the office. As Van is about to leave, he stops and turns to Jabil-sensei.
“Jabil. I know you hate war, but this time we clearly have justice on our side. Please cooperate with Kyle.”
Come to think of it, Jabil-sensei is from the Empire. Even if ordered, he might not nod so readily.
“Uh… sure.”
“Just push the troublesome tasks onto your disciple.”
For some reason, Van winks at me. Stop it! It’s creepy!
“If it’s acceptable, I’ll cooperate in my own way.”
“That’s fine. I leave it to you.”
Why are you looking at me too, Sensei!?
I can only foresee hardship!?
Well, it’s for Kyle’s sake, so I’ll do my best!
And so, we begin our efforts to strengthen our defenses.
“I’ll do my best too!”
…Well, food is important, right? Hunter-san.