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    In the vast agricultural plain, a massive army was assembled. This was the remaining force, excluding the advance troops of the Kilghina faction. Opposite them stood the grand army of the Papal States. Behind the enemy lines stretched a long, disorderly trail of soldiers, trailing like a tail formed by the crawling of their army.


    The Papal States seemed determined, but the same could not be said for the forces of the Kingdom of Flusha and the Euphos Federation. Although nominally under the command of the Papal army, the poorly trained troops had failed to keep up with the forced march and were falling behind.


    We had entered Angelica’s territory a day ago, and though the situation wasn’t ideal, the enemy army had indeed caught up to us.


    “Your Excellency, we await your orders.” (Dimitri)


    At the center of our army stood the Hou Household’s troops. Below, Dimitri, with a fearsome look, awaited Yuri’s command.


    “I’ve already issued the orders. Your role comes after that.” (Yuri)


    “However—” (Dimitri)


    I sat on the command platform, improvised from a wagon with its horses removed, piled high with boxes, observing the front line. Cavalry units, formerly part of the Second Army and considered the least motivated among the Royal Guard, advanced toward the Papal army. From a distance, they fired shots before retreating on their Galloping Birds. The reason for selecting a demoralized unit was simple and that was to deploy an overly enthusiastic unit risked them recklessly charging into the fray, which could spark a full-scale clash. Seven minutes after the sound of gunfire echoed across the battlefield, the enemy army began to move, interpreting our intent. From their stationary position, they slowly began to retreat.


    As expected.


    It felt like I had communicated directly with the general leading the opposing army. Like knocking on a door and asking, “Shall we begin?” only to receive a reply was “No, we’re leaving”.


    “…Just as Your Excellency predicted, they’re retreating.” (Dimitri)


    “Indeed.” (Yuri)


    Normally, this would be the time to pursue. But we had other priorities. Given our current goal of conserving as much of our forces as possible for reclaiming our homeland, this battle was of lower importance.


    “If you were one of my subordinates, I might suspect you of collusion. How can you understand the enemy’s movements so clearly?” (Yuri)


    “This situation isn’t to the enemy’s liking, no matter how you look at it.” (Yuri)


    “…What do you mean?” (Dimitri)


    “Someone who charges recklessly into a fight in this scenario isn’t the kind of person who orchestrates such a convoluted war.” (Yuri)


    I spoke as if voicing the enemy general’s thoughts.


    “The enemy commander is the type who wants to fight only when fully prepared, with plans laid out. Yet look at the current situation. Every trap they set has been undone. They’ve marched for three days under forced conditions, soaking wet from crossing the river, only to face a prepared enemy. And with Angelica’s forces lurking behind them.” (Yuri)


    The forces behind them were remnants stationed in Angelica’s territory. Angelica’s main force had sent an envoy, apparently of high noble lineage, to persuade local lords along the route. With their assistance, we quickly assembled about 30 Kuran light cavalry from nearby towns.


    These riders carried flags and acted as scouts, though they weren’t part of Angelica’s main army or a force capable of taking on large-scale battles. To the enemy, however, the sight of Kuran light cavalry, riders on horses rather than Galloping Birds, monitoring their army was unsettling.


    Naturally, they would assume a large detachment was nearby, with these riders serving as its scouts.


    When forced to analyze such uncertain situations, one’s imagination runs wild. The analysis might conclude that Angelica’s main force couldn’t possibly have reached this point, but doubts about whether Alfred had successfully contained the main army would create significant unease for the enemy.


    Even dismissing such fears, the idea that Angelica left behind 5,000 troops as a rear guard would still seem plausible. Considering this, engaging in a pitched battle while deep within Angelica’s territory, risking encirclement and annihilation, would be an unappealing option. Of course, some generals might cast aside such concerns and charge recklessly, but the Papal army’s current leadership was not of that ilk.


    “The enemy values initiative. They’ve lost control of the situation, so they’ll want to avoid direct confrontation. It’s as natural as a child disliking bitter tea. It’s completely predictable.” (Yuri)


    If I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t want to commit his troops to battle under such nonsensical circumstances. Even if they had recklessly attacked, we would still have emerged victorious. Sёar?h the N?vel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    “I see, Your Excellency foresaw this.” (Dimitri)


    “Naturally.” (Yuri)


    “Then, what of Rube’s intentions?” (Dimitri)


    “Who knows? I can’t fathom the thoughts of a fool.” (Yuri)


    “Fair enough. If you don’t sympathize with him, then there’s no issue.” (Dimitri)


    “Sympathize?” (Yuri)


    What was he worried about?


    “His fate is sealed. Who would pity someone destined to be killed?” (Yuri)


    When I said that, Dimitri bowed deeply.


    “My apologies for the impertinence.” (Dimitri)


    “If you have time to worry about such trifles, focus on preparing for the retreat. Don’t leave the enemy any opening.” (Yuri)


    “Understood!” (Dimitri)


    Dimitri saluted grandly and departed.


    —


    The town of Noelnar, where we finally arrived, was a once-thriving port town. The land extended like an arm to shield the bay from waves, and the large pier, capable of accommodating sizable ships, hinted at its prosperous past. But the town had long since fallen into decline.


    This was due to the Albio Republic’s bombing raids, which burned nearly all the ships. For us, however, the abundance of empty houses provided a convenient place for our soldiers to rest. The residents’ gazes were, of course, cold, but we didn’t plan to linger long enough to allow any rebellion to take root.


    It was said that humans first realized the Earth was round when they noticed that ships appeared on the horizon with their sails emerging first. The ship we had been waiting for indeed appeared over the horizon in just that manner. Through the telescope, we saw towering masts like spires, followed by the ship’s hull gradually coming into view. A large cargo ship with three masts and square sails.


    One after another, more ships appeared—two, three… The main pier could accommodate only one large ship at a time, and we had managed to construct only a single floating pier from a chain of empty barrels bridged with planks. Boarding would proceed in turn. Soldiers, granted free time, gathered at the port to watch the ships that would take them home—to reclaim their homeland.


    The ships tacked two or three times before slowly entering the port. When close enough, they furled their sails, turning 180 degrees to present their stern to us. Drifting gently on momentum, they approached the pier. Finally, anchors were dropped, and the ship docked perfectly. Without performing the turn before anchoring, the anchor’s position at the bow would cause the ship to spin 180 degrees when the chain tightened, a potential disaster.


    This flawless maneuvering could only be achieved by skilled sailors. Once the ship drew near enough, thick ropes were thrown ashore, tied to moorings, and pulled to bring the vessel closer. A gangway was then set between the ship and the pier. The first person to disembark wore a hooded robe pulled low over their face. Their identity became clear the moment they set foot on the pier. Removing the hood revealed an annoyingly beautiful face I’d rather not have seen.


    —


    “Good morning! How’s everyone doing?” (Enrique)


    Enrique approached with a beaming face.


    “Who’s the one behind you?” (Yuri)


    Behind Enrique, there was someone one size smaller, wearing the same robe.


    “It’s me.” (Melissa)


    It was Melissa, an intelligence officer from the Albio Republic. Enrique moved behind Melissa and, in a seemingly affectionate manner, slid her hand up her side.


    “Hyah!” (Melissa)


    Melissa swatted his hand away near her chest.


    “Please stop!” (Melissa)


    “The security seems stable, so let’s take these off.” (Enrique)


    Enrique removed his plain and tasteless robe and tucked it under her arm.


    “Can you take it off yourself?” (Enrique)


    “Of course I can!” (Melissa)


    Melissa, looking annoyed, removed her robe. For Melissa, she would appear to be a beautiful older woman, but it didn’t seem to be her taste. She seemed to dislike being doted on, even if she liked doting on others. Apparently, it had to be a young girl for her to accept it.


    “Since it was just the two women among a bunch of men on the ship, we had to avoid any trouble.” (Enrique)


    It seemed that was the reason for wearing such modest robes.


    “Fine. Come with me. We’ll discuss the details while loading cargo.” (Yuri)


    “Okay, let’s go then, Melissa-chan.” (Enrique)


    Enrique took Melissa’s hand. It felt like an older sister taking her little sister along.


    “I can walk by myself!” (Melissa)


    —


    I stepped into the empty operations room. With maps and all, it was an easier place to talk.


    “So, why are you two here? What an odd combination.” (Yuri)


    I hadn’t gotten detailed information since we had only exchanged a few letters, but it seemed certain that Satsuki had become the acting regent centered around Karakumo.


    “As for me, um, I didn’t have much to do over there… I started collecting information, and people began to resent me, so I thought I might be more helpful here.” (Melissa)


    “And they wouldn’t let me meet Her Majesty at all…” (Melissa)


    “And you?” (Yuri)


    “Me? Who knows?” (Enrique)


    She dodged the question with a grin.


    I couldn’t be bothered to deal with this fool. Forcing her to talk is also too much trouble.


    “Melissa, give your report. What’s the situation over there?” (Yuri)


    “Oh, yes. I organized it while on the ship. Here it is.” (Melissa)


    “The situation is extremely dire. The Hou Household’s territory has been divided by the rebel army.” (Melissa)


    “Suomi is occupied?” (Yuri)


    “Yes. Huh, you didn’t know about this?” (Melissa)


    “No. There’s been no report.” (Yuri)


    “Maybe the messenger had an accident. Well, it can’t be helped.” (Melissa)


    “The former lord of Suomi… rather, the nephew of the former lord who was slated to inherit it, Jano Ek, has rebelled, and Suomi is under his control.” (Melissa)


    I clicked my tongue involuntarily, scowling, and saw Enrique smiling at the edge of my vision. It was as if the resentment welling up inside me was her favorite treat, and she was savoring it.


    “…But to think he was taken down by such trash. I can’t imagine he’d have gathered any significant military strength.” (Yuri)


    “The Hou Household’s key generals were absent, so it seems organized resistance was difficult. This remains an ongoing issue.” (Melissa)


    “Suomi is home to the Hou Association’s main functions. Did the employees manage to escape?” (Yuri)


    “It seems those who could have escaped did, but quite a few have been detained. Still, no matter how foolish Jano might be, he wouldn’t kill the golden goose that lays the eggs.” (Melissa)


    “So, who’s commanding the military on that side now? It’s not Satsuki, is it?” (Yuri)


    Satsuki had excellent administrative skills and could govern territories well, but she had no military education. She shouldn’t be able to command the army.


    “It seems Satsuki-sama is holding the reins while retired old generals lead resistance efforts across various regions.” (Melissa)


    “What about Myaro? She officially has the authority to command in my absence, doesn’t she?” (Yuri)


    “Excuse me?” (Melissa)


    Melissa looked stunned and said as much.


    “Myaro-san was captured by the enemy army in the royal capital Sibyaku. You didn’t know that?” (Melissa)


    Her tone seemed to be questioning my ignorance, and my mind went blank.


    “That can’t be true. Are you sure?” (Yuri)


    “It’s true. Your Excellency Yuri, are you all right?” (Melissa)


    Melissa looked as though she was beginning to doubt my sanity.


    “Let’s get this straight. I received reports confirming that Shulika, Sham, and Lily-san escaped safely.” (Yuri)


    “Yes. Those three are safe. What made you think Myaro-san was unharmed?” (Melissa)


    “It’s because the reports arriving from Karakumo bore Myaro’s signature. Even the one that came two days ago had it. If she couldn’t escape Sibyaku, she couldn’t have signed them.” (Yuri)


    “…That’s…” (Melissa)


    Melissa furrowed her brows and briefly looked down, as if organizing her thoughts.


    “Something’s strange. It seems there’s a spy on the inside.” (Melissa)


    —


    TLN: I’ve spent 30 minutes to edit the map before posting this chapter. So, it doesn’t look really good. I apologize for the inconvenience.


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