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Chapter 13
Standing inside the Marco Business Association’s meeting room were Kyle and Beadola, looking at a detailed map of the Empire.
“Is the gathering of troops making good progress?” Kyle asked, receiving a wry smile from Beadola.
“Not very favorable. We knew that Prince Maizer wasn’t exactly popular, but we didn’t think it would be this disastrous.”
Of course, Maizer did have some allies. Beadola used her connections to bring as many people together as possible, but the number was not something to boast about. That said, not all of the Empire was split in half. Many nobles and influential politicians were watching how the situation would unfold. They intend to follow those who will come out victorious, most likely.
“Then what about the regular army…The four generals?”
General Dargof and his twenty thousand men sided with Konrad, but the other four generals still have 80,000 under their command. These could bring about a great change in the landscape of this war.
“Dargof’s army had been tasked with defense from the very beginning, with the other generals looking at protecting from the outside. If they were to move, our foes would see this as a chance. Nor do I believe they would act without His Grace’s direct order, and nobody would blame them for this.”
The bigger problem really was Dargof, who acted without any order from the Emperor.
“Guess we can only be thankful we don’t have more enemies to worry about. That also means we have to make due with our current forces…” Kyle groaned while looking at the map, Beadola doing the same.
“Hmm…I dare say, I am quite surprised we’d be forced to rely on you even during this phase.”
The reason Kyle offered to join the strategic side of things was simple. Maizer needed reliable and usable allies. While he’s busy running around gathering nobles for his cause, he does not have the time to formulate a plan.
“We didn’t expect that Prince Maizer would be lacking power to such an extent. To think his lack of support in the masses would show even here.”
The plan was for the boisterous prince Maizer to take an easy way out as the third prince, but all of that was ruined because of Eldorand’s death. Following that, Maizer was forced to act himself, but he still ended up with only a fourth of the troops that follow Konrad. That said, he himself carried a fair advantage in certain areas, so the situation wasn’t as grim as it might seem.
“I will leave the delivery of goods and armor to you.”
“Understood, Beadola-sama. Leave it to me.”
The one who lowered his head was another person present in the meeting room—The business association owner Klaus.
War wasn’t decided solely based on numbers. Preparations and equipment such as weapons and armor could make a huge difference, as well as a supply of horses, medicine, and other rations. In this sense, they were more than well-equipped. The help of a business association like this was crucial. And because they had the world’s number one assisting them, they could bring out a great advantage over the opponent, even if their numbers were lacking.
“Yes, it might be a sudden job, but the value at which I can buy them is a great benefit…Meanwhile, Prince Konrad seems to be struggling with that.”
It seemed to be business-related information, but Klaus knew the rough situation of Konrad’s army.
“Leaving aside Konrad-sama, other individuals seem to be struggling getting the money together, taking in taxes and donations from citizens.”
“Thanks to that, the line of battle has moved to the Gohoro Plains.” Beadola looked at the map, pointing at a plain field around two days away from the Imperial Capital.
With current calculations, Maizer’s group should make it there in six days, with Konrad’s army in seven.
“Apologies for the crude insertion, but the difference in prowess is staggering. Why are you intent on fighting on a plain field like that?” Klaus, as a non-strategist, had to voice his doubt.
“This being a civil war, it has its own set of rules, so to speak.”
Kyle delivered an explanation. In any regular war, if they had such a difference in manpower on their hands, they would use the town’s defensive systems to create an absolute defensive line. However, this fight was fought to decide the next Emperor. Hiding behind city walls would involve the citizens, bringing danger to their lives. Even if they manage to win in that scenario, it will be difficult to uphold their dignity as the next ruler. Plus, Konrad was moving for the capital to free it, or so was his pretense. In that case, they had to finish this quickly and effectively.
“Is that so…But in that case, do we even have any chance at victory?” Klaus asked carefully.
“Oh please, this’ll work out just fine. It won’t be the first example of a victory spurring from despair, and it won’t be the last, either,” said the final participant of this meeting—Shildonia.
As the king of the former Magic Kingdom, she had amassed knowledge way beyond what would be humanly possible, now participating as an advisor of sorts.
“I haven’t had a chance to show my skill since we’ve come here, so I ought to do at least this much….Hm, with this layout, it should prove useful to finish up a formation and prepare for it. If we do it right and set up the battles to our advantage, we can definitely make up for the difference in numbers and reach equal footing.”
Contrary to what she may seem like, eating snacks and sweets all day, she actually had the confidence and knowledge to back it all up.
“It pains me, but I leave the rest to you.” Beadola had a mountain of things to do, so after she confirmed the current situation, she already had to move on.
That said…”Equal,” huh? That’s not good.
This whole situation was close to the future Kyle had experienced before. During that time, Maizer was also at a disadvantage, using the geographical location and dirty tactics to his advantage to equal out the forces. Finally, after the civil war had dragged out for a year, Maizer managed to come out on top. However, because this war was prolonged for so long, it weakened the Empire as a whole, and this current situation was unfolding in the exact same way, which was not in Kyle’s best interest.
At this rate, the same future will arrive. If we get a definitive advantage this early, we can end the war much quicker.
The one standing at the center of the enemy forces was Dargof, and if they managed to strike down him or Konrad, it would bring an end to this war. Kyle tried to think of anything else that could provide an advantage, but it was hard to make up for such a difference in manpower. The only difference compared to the previous world was the fact that Benedix is still alive and that it happened three months earlier.
“…Wait a second. It happened earlier?”
Suddenly, a revelation struck Kyle. He took out his lifeline, the notebook he wrote all his knowledge from the previous world, and checked a certain page.
“No doubt…I can use this!” He calculated everything in his mind and made his decision.
“Heh…Hehe…Set up a formation quickly and create a defensive line to strike through their…”
“No, that won’t do!” Kyle screamed and interrupted Shildonia’s humming.
“Of course, preparations aren’t complete yet. But with everything in mind…”
“No, the opposite! Let Konrad proceed faster! We’ll have them set up in five days at the latest!”
“…Huh? What are you saying? If we let them set up before us, we won’t have any chance at victory ourselves.” Shildonia looked at Kyle in utter disbelief, but he went to confirm something with Klaus instead.
“The reason it’s taking longer for Konrad’s army is that supplying them is slowing them down, right?”
“Y-Yes, that’s right.”
“Then buy up all the equipment you can and deliver it to them. You can even give them some of our equipment and supplies! Add a reason like ‘To not make the Empire’s future suffer further, we wish to end this war as quickly as possible.’ Any reason is fine. We have to make them get there two days earlier.”
“It won’t be impossible…but that will take millions of gadol to achieve. Are you certain?”
As expected of Klaus, he already finished the calculations. But his expression made it seem like it would be rather hard to achieve.
“I can pay that much no problem.”
Hearing that from Kyle, Klaus was perturbed rather than outright shocked. That said, he knew of Kyle’s seemingly bottomless fortune, so he judged it to be no problem. The bigger question was…What exactly Kyle was plotting with all this?
“Do you…plan on betraying them after all?”
Having heard the circumstances and listening to their conversation, this would obviously look like Kyle was plotting a betrayal. If that was the case, then Klaus had his own thoughts about this.
“No, this is part of my plan. Listen to this…” Kyle began his explanation, as the other two’s expressions changed immediately.
At first, they were bewildered, then surprised, and then Shildonia grinned devilishly.
“Now that…is interesting. What a curious idea. But it will be a bet. A great burden on all of you. And if you fail even once, it will be your loss.”
“I’m prepared for that.” Kyle was very serious.
“You say with a straight face, but the one who’ll be troubled the most is Maizer,” Shildonia grinned, but Klaus questioned Kyle’s sanity.
“Um…are you certain about this?”
“Of course. We don’t have soldiers or time, so this is our only chance for a clean and quick victory.”
Seeing how serious Kyle was, Klaus genuinely doubted if Kyle was still sane, but he was still dealing with the man of legend who became a Dragon Slayer along with defeating one of the strongest demons the world had ever seen. Klaus couldn’t help but feel confident in Kyle’s idea. There was a realistic approach to be found. Helping Konrad would make Klaus’s position better in the event of victory, but it would make his position better during the defeat. And this being the greatest possible bet, he could not let that slip past his grasp.
“…I understand. But instead, I ask you to come up with an excuse for Maizer-sama,” Klaus affirmed he would act right away and left the room.
“Good, good…”
Kyle saw the light at the end of the tunnel. But then, a new problem appeared.
“Big trouble, Kyle!” Lieze and Urza stormed inside the room, their faces as pale as a rainy cloud.
“Zilgus seems to be preparing for war! They’re marching for the Empire!”
In an instant, all the hope Kyle had felt this brief moment was extinguished like a candle.
*
The news of the brewing civil war obviously reached Milena, too, but she seemed oddly relieved. After all, this meant the Empire won’t have any time to attack Zilgus. This made her think that she would be able to return home before long. However, right as she was indulging in a pleasant conversation with Lieze and Urza, when Ninos came rushing into the room, showing that things were troublesome.
“B-Big trouble! Milena-sama! Not good!” She was about to say something, but then saw Lieze and Urza and stopped herself.
“Give it to me straight, Ninos.”
“However…”
“I don’t mind.”
Ninos hesitated a moment, but couldn’t go against this order.
“S-Something happened over at Zilgus! They have prepared to gather soldiers!”
“What…did you say?”
Listening to this, Milena’s face grew grim.
“What are you saying?!”
For the first time since they met, Lieze and Urza saw Milena genuinely flustered.
“M-My sincerest apologies, we don’t have much information regarding the matter…” Even Ninos seemed panicked at this.
Even Kirlen and the other royal guards couldn’t hide their bewilderment.
“I ordered them not to act no matter what…”
“A-And this…It’s the secret writing the Country of Taihon has sent you.” A letter appeared in Ninos’ hands, which she handed to Milena.
“Taihon…?”
The country of Taihon was located to the south of the continent, known as a militaristic nation, and known as one of the forces suppressing the march of the Empire, still possessing its independence. Since Milena rose to become the queen, they had begun to invite her to work together against the threat of the Empire, but since she wished to maintain the current situation, she declined each time. And now, a new letter arrived from this very country, so Milena hurriedly ripped it open to read its contents. Upon reading it, however, her expression grew even more grim than before.
“This is…A letter confirming Zilgus’ declaration of an alliance?!”
In the letter, it said “Let us proceed as previously discussed.” Of course, declaring war while the Empire was in such disarray was a clever move, but Taihon should be aware that they still stand no chance by themselves. That’s why they must be trying to get Zilgus involved in this, handing a letter to the Empire itself…Probably to deliver proof that Zilgus and Taihon were in cahoots about this. In itself, it was a clever decision, but not when their own princess, soon-to-be queen, was locked up in enemy territory.
So the soldiers gathering at Zilgus belong to Taihon? No, I don’t think they are latching on to our country to such a degree. If so…Taihon is being dragged into all this? But what is there to gain from Galgan and Zilgus going to war…
Granted, she currently wasn’t present in her own country, but there wouldn’t be too many who dared such an approach. She thought about it, yet failed to reach any solid conclusion. And more than anything, she didn’t have time to think about it, either.
“They set us up…No, I was too naive.” Milena crushed the letter with her hand.
Not even Kirlen or Ninos had seen her like that as of late.
“This is my failure. I had thought our country would be fine during the small time I was away…That said, regret won’t fix anything. I have to return to Zilgus immediately. Everyone, prepare.” Milena ordered with a fierce tone, to which Kirlen and the others followed suit.
“Milena-sama, what about those other two…” Ninos looked at Lieze and Urza, not sure what to say.
The Empire was not allowed to find out about the princess leaving, so they had to consider how to handle those two outsiders. Understanding the meaning of this, Urza and Lieze readied themselves for the possibility they’d try to silence them with force.
“Ninos…Not only am I breaking my promise, you now expect me to create victims on the way?”
Milena’s cold voice instantly silenced Ninos, as she lowered her head. Milena had promised Kyle that Zilgus would not move, and yet she broke that promise. Her pride wouldn’t allow for any more than that.
“Not to mention that it all depends on our speed. Right now, only we know about Zilgus’ movement, but in two…No, most likely tomorrow, the Empire will find out, too.”
And once that happens, they will start being treated as hostages, less than visitors.
“Milena-sama, our preparations are complete. We await your orders.”
Kirlen must have felt that something like this could happen, because she quickly reported with such words, sounding awfully defeated.
“…How do you plan on returning home?” Urza asked, worrying about Milena’s safety.
Because Dargof has taken his troops with him to follow Konrad, the lockdown of the capital finally ended, leaving a few guards here and there. Thanks to that, adventurers or traveling merchants could finally leave again for their business, but the entrance and exit were still guarded heavily so that you would stand out either way.
“Our possible actions are limited…I believe the best way is to break through it all head-first.”
They had expected this answer, but Lieze and Urza still swallowed their breaths upon hearing that. Milena’s current force rounded up to about 300 royal guards, as well as 500 regular soldiers. Sending off everyone would definitely bring about a considerable force, but it wouldn’t be as easy to break through the Empire’s defenses. That said, if they accepted to suffer casualties, things would be different.
“No matter what may happen to us, we will not let them lay a single finger on you!” Kirlen’s words of determination made the other guards nod in unison.
With the Empire’s defensive lines weakened, they definitely had a chance to break through, even if it meant sacrificing half their forces. Milena was hoping that some would be taken prisoner and had their lives spared at least, but something called her back to reality—
“P-Please wait! This will only worsen your relationship with the Empire!”
The one who screamed those words was Lieze, after remaining silent for the longest time.
“It pains me to say this, but that’s what will happen, yes. I didn’t want to rely on this, but I have no more cards left to play.”
If there will be victims from Zilgus, then even Galgan won’t get out of this scot-free. It would create a profound rift between the two countries. Lieze and the others were painfully aware that this would erase all of Kyle’s previous hard work.
“Even so, I cannot let them keep me hostage while my country marches toward war.”
She didn’t want to imagine what would happen if the Queen of a country would remain a hostage in a foreign land, after all.
“Then…Can’t you take a secret exit with as few people as possible?” Lieze suggested, but Milena shook her head.
“I was considering this, too. However, if they realize I’m gone, they will send people after me. Even if we rush out of the territory, it will still take five days.”
In that time, they would be caught soon enough.
“But with no casualties…If you manage to escape without causing any harm, it will allow further discussions in the future, right?!”
“Y-Yes. But at this current state…” Milena responded in the heat of the moment, questioned by Lieze. “We are out of time. And we desperately need it,” Milena was certain that their only way was a forceful approach.
“No, well…We have another method! We entered this city during the inspections, so there is a method to escape. And it’s a safe way, too. I’ll ask Kyle for advice and come back to you!”
“O-Okay…?”
Met with Lieze’s desperate plea, even Milena was pushed back. She had nothing to lose if this plan actually worked, so she decided to go along with it.
“I understand. However, we don’t have much time. We can’t wait until tomorrow…No, not even half a day. We need your intel by later tonight…If not, we will go with our original plan as soon as the sun dawns.”
The sun was about to set any moment. There was barely any time.
“Yes! Leave it to me!” Lieze puffed out her chest.
*
“So I rushed back here…But what now?”
The confidence she previously had now all but vanished. Understandably so, as she just came up with something on the spot.
“Okay…You did great, really.”
Hearing that report, Kyle was ready to throw in the towel, but now he had to thank Lieze. Having bought even this small amount of time was a major help, but it just brought up the question of how they would use this given time.
“But why now?”
“There’s no better timing than this. If I was an enemy of Galgan, I would not let this chance go past me.”
Urza’s question was met with a rational retort from Shildonia. At this rate, things won’t just end with a civil war, but even the surrounding countries might get wrapped up in continental warfare. In the original timeline Kyle knew, all surrounding countries simply watched the events of the civil war. However, the moment Taihon showed involvement, everything changed.
The only difference…is that the king of Zilgus, Remonas, is no longer alive.
Remonas always valued security and safety, so he never would participate in what one considered a wager like this. Meanwhile, Taihon and the other countries who were enemies to the Empire would not dare to act without Zilgus’ support. And surely, Maizer and the others must be thinking the same thing.
As long as Princess Milena doesn’t act, I was sure that they would not join in the war…No, I was foolishly assuming that.
To be perfectly honest, Kyle could only think about the civil war right now. And worst of all, he could not rely on Maizer or Beadola in this. He couldn’t remain on their side while allowing the princess to escape. Especially with Korodes around, who would definitely use Milena as a bargaining chip.
“What to do, what to do…”
Kyle tried his best to think of something, but everything turned out empty. Because he was running low on time, he felt panicked even more, as both his head, body, and heart started to burn up—When Urza slapped him on the head.
“Huh?”
“Calm down.”
He looked around in shock, and was immediately met with Urza’s face. An odd emotion resided in her expression, like a mother scolding her child.
“At times like this, it’s time to change your approach. Don’t try to solve everything on your own. We’ll come up with something if we put our heads together.”
“Y-Yeah…”
Kyle felt like he got cold water poured on his head, allowing him to find a moment of reprise.
“Then let’s start. What we should prioritize more than anything is the breakout of a full-scale war. For that, we have to stop Zilgus’ soldiers from advancing.”
“Exactly. The Empire won’t have much time to defend itself against these soldiers. And the only person who could stop Zilgus’ advance…is Princess Milena herself. So the key is to get her back in time. But we have to avoid anything too excessive.”
Urza and Shildonia started thinking.
“Then…we should take the initiative and rush her back…Maybe using [Wind Walker] with me?” Urza suggested.
[Wind Walker] is a type of spirit magic that elves excel at, using the spirit of the wind Sylphid, which grants them a blessing of accelerated movement speed.
“I see…But then, no…” Kyle calculated the possibility of that. “That way, we should reach Zilgus’s borders within two days. However, I’m unsure if we can make it out of the Empire’s territory in time…”
With the use of magic, they would definitely be able to gain extreme speed, which they needed. However, they were more than ten people using [Wind Walker], so if they were to get spotted, it would be the end.
“Then why don’t we go one step further and buy some time here. If we can delay them finding out that Princess Milena is gone for a day…or even half a day, they will not be able to catch us.” Urza said confidently.
“Using a body double…But will that work out? The body double has no guaranteed safety, you know?” Shildonia suggested as she crossed her arms, but she didn’t seem all too confident.
However, Lieze clapped her hands together with a smile as she spoke up.
“Then we just have to choose someone whose life won’t be in danger even if they get found out, right?” She said, making it sound like this wasn’t an issue in the slightest.
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