Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 31: Journey to Axellibra, part 3
Reaching Axellibra from the east coast of Islan had to travel longer distances than through the middle side. In addition to the position of the arrangement of the city slightly to the middle, the continental arches that are not straight make the distance reached become further. Even for the 12th Division of the Imperial Army that was moving fast enough for the size of an army, it was impossible for them to arrive in 2 or 3 days. Unless they maintained maximum speed, it would take them at least 6 days to enter the territory of the Emiliel Holy Kingdom.
After a good trip, the Imperial Army's 12th Division stopped for a night about two hours after sunset. Building a tent by the beach will be very refreshing night, but it's too easy to look. Therefore, tents were erected about one kilometer from the beach.
The attendant responsible for serving dinner worked straight away, some of them taking care of the horses pulling the wagon.
Xavier is in the tent with Heisuke and the two captains. It wasn't him who called, those who came brought one thing that should be given attention: the dispatch of the scout team.
In large troop movements, the function of the reconnaissance team is very sacred. If somehow the information about their departure was leaked, the scouting team could confirm whether they stepped into the trap or not. This is the most basic thing to do. They suggested he give the order to send in a reconnaissance team.
They are not wrong; their advice is perfectly normal to give. Maybe they think he forgot something so simple. However, what they are saying is simply not wrong if it is under normal circumstances. However, here Xavier himself led his army. There was no need for him to burden dozens of soldiers for unnecessary things. If any troops are sent to hold them, he alone will overcome it.
“No need to send scouting team,” Xavier spring. “True, the lookout team is indispensable. But, if there really is a trap set up, sending a scout team is tantamount to sending them on death.”
“...It is indeed a risk that the surveillance team must face,” agrees Heisuke.
“Then from that, we won't send a surveillance team. Don't worry about traps and so on. We'll get to Axellibra without losing a single soldier. My decision has remained. You guys come back and rest.”
“Alright if it's your decision, Commander.”
Heisuke and his two captains immediately stood up, leaving after giving the commander a salute.
As soon as they left, Xavier split himself in two. Without saying a word to the hemisphere, Xavier created a dimensional portal and returned to Cornnas, the capital of the Emeralna Province. This simple but elegant way of moving places is what is so special about [Space Magic]. Xavier arrives at the palace's backyard.
Xavier was indeed a Twelfth Commander of the Imperial Army. He must prioritize to be with his troops, increase solidarity among them. However, before he was a commander, he was a young husband—husband younger than his wife. At least, if possible, he should always have dinner with his wife. Even when his father was alive, he always tried to have dinner at home— and Xavier felt he was better than the father.
However, even though he would eat dinner and spend the night on the side of Artemys, it does not mean he neglected his duties as commander. There's a part of him there that carries that responsibility. If he could do two things at the same time, why should he choose between one?
With a smile of justification on his face, Xavier stepped towards Artemys charming smile.
...—Carolina, Ekralina Kingdom—
...
Today the soldiers of the Imperial Army are not overworked. The movements of the Knights Templar exist, but they did not carry out any large-scale attacks. They only huddled in the area of the sight of the soldiers, occasionally sending small forces to conduct attacks from a distance. Then they ran backwards as the Imperial Army soldiers intended to serve. That is the way the fight is today.
“They're stalling for time, aren't they?” elizabeth asked as she took a sip of hot chocolate to warm her body, her eyes looking at Dermyus sitting before her. They were at a table on the balcony of the palace, sitting together between a small table.
“True. It is likely to wait for the other Order to arrive. They need a leader. With the slaying of a saint at the hands of Hekiel, and plus the presence of me and Reinhart, they need to send a saint who can overcome us.”
“True.” Dermyus nodded, swallowing a sip of hot chocolate. “We intend to attack. What did Reinhart do that she's not here now?”
“We attack tomorrow?”
“It's too long.”
“...We attack tonight?”
Dermyus smiles. “We are moving tonight with only ten captains,” he explained. “We will attack the city in the east. Reinhart, his deputy, and his ten captains will attack the city to the west. Hekiel will stay here. Most likely midnight later they will still send a number of troops to keep us on alert.”
“With only ten captains, it's too…. Hm, how many Knights Templar troops are in each city?”
“According to Reinhart's estimate, no more than 10 thousand.”
“Killing 10 thousand soldiers and a saint with only the twelfth of us is too much, in my opinion.”
“Who said we're going to finish them all?” Dermyus did not wait for an answer. “I will kill their saint, you lead ten captains and finish off as many as you can. When I'm done, we'll back off. If I'm done but Reinhart hasn't arrived at our place, I'll help her until she arrives. Then we come back here.”
Elizabeth nodded in understanding. “But why just tell me now?”
“It's a covert operation. Better Mortana doesn't know about this. Actually I will tell you later before leaving, but what can I do because you have asked.”
“Means the others don't know?”
Dermyus. “I'm sure Reinhart hasn't told her subordinates yet. It's likely that only you besides the three of us know of this plan.”
Elizabeth once again understood. “That's the right decision,” he added. “Although somewhat unreasonable, but perhaps the change that happened to Mortana was the work of Emiliel Holy Kingdom itself.” Elizabeth stood up. “Then I will return to the room now. I want to prepare my armor and sword.”
“Yes. I'll catch up with you later.”
Elizabeth nodded and smiled sweetly, gently dipped Dermyus' cheek then stepped away.
Whether Elizabeth deliberately stepped in seductive gestures or just a coincidence, Dermyus did not know. Clearly, the commander's eyes followed the woman's body (bottom) without blinking.
Elizabeth looked back with a meaningful smile, and Dermyus quickly threw away his face.
“I'm a normal boy,” murmured the commander to himself. It was a shame to be caught off guard like that, but Dermyus did not regret it. From Elizabeth's smile, she knew the woman was enjoying it too.