Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 32: Not So Invincible, Part 2
...—Prohibited Valley Ed—
...
The presence of Arthur and the rest of the Order 1 Knights Templar was warmly welcomed by Merlin and the dozens of soldiers who accompanied him. The soldiers are ushered in to join the soldiers who have already arrived, while Arthur guided Merlin to a semi-permanent building that has been prepared for him. Preparations to make this place as the center of the kingdom are far from over, but what can be done because the situation does not allow them to focus there.
“How?” arthur asked as soon as he arrived at the room reserved for him. “What Imperial Army has made a move here?”
The Forbidden Valley of Ed is close to Hongariand Province, Emeralna Province, and Matepola Province. The 10th Division, 8th Division, and 9th Division of the Imperial Army could be moved at any time to take control of the valley. Arthur's question is well-founded.
“They have sent a scout squad, but that's it.” Merlin said as he leaned against the wall under the open window. “With our numbers, and I'm sure they already know us Order 1, the Imperial Army will be more careful. Commander Zenith was a strong fighter; he could put up a fight on the first six saints. But, the ruler of the Emeralna Province is the Governor of Artemys, I don't think Division 8 will be moved.”
“Then we start the expedition from Matepola Province,” said Arthur while resting himself in the chair in front of his desk. “Do you think we can get the cooperation of Governor Karen mell Matepola? We can promise him freedom from imperial influence.”
“From the information I've gathered, Governor Karen doesn't look like she's trying to rebel. Vermillion Empire gave them full autonomous rights. In addition to the obligation to deposit twenty-five percent of the province's net income into the center and the strict restrictions on military activity, they did not receive the slightest loss. I think it's gonna be hard.”
“Try it will be a waste of time?”
“Hm..not really. I don't think there's any harm in trying. There are rumors that Governor Karen doesn't care much about the subject. We can use that. We should focus on invasion. We can offer that proposition to him after Matepola Province succeeds us in submitting. It will also make it easier for us to continue the attack to the heart of the empire.”
Arthur nodded in understanding. “Then, tomorrow we start leaving. Choose the ten thousand best soldiers to settle here, the rest of us will be dispatched to invade the empire.”
...—Cestapola, Matepola— Province
...
Karen Mell Matepola is a woman who loves violence (except violence that is treated to her). He likes to see destruction. He likes to see the misery of others. The pain that came out from other than his own mouth was a melody that shook the recesses of the soul. He is a sadist who enjoys the pain of others. She was a queen who loved war and slavery.
However, even though the war had broken out and chaos was on the edge, Karen could not enjoy it.
Indeed, he has managed to avoid marriage to Prime Minister Achilles. He initially thought he could control the man, but Achilles was very careful. So, Karen changed her mind. Although difficult, he was finally able to escape from the bondage of the marriage. However, the price he had to pay for it was more expensive. Whoever said Kanna was the ideal daughter then she had clearly been mistaken; kanna was no different from Karen. The woman was only too good at hiding cruelty with a smile like a goddess.
Kanna has forced Karen to think well of her goddamn rune magic. As he thought of bad things, the fluctuations of negative energy in his body would increase greatly. It would make the runes mounted on his body to be active. As a result, Karen's body was reviled by unbearable pain. It was like being skinned alive and sprinkled with salt and watered with lime juice. How cruel that pretentious-looking lady is!
“Your Majesty, Kanna el Vermillion has arrived in front of the gate. She was ushered in by Commander Herena and two other women: one maid, another I've never seen.”
Karen spontaneously landed attention on Glimetra. The woman was supposed to be his loyal follower, but Karen had a bad feeling. Although this was a bit paranoid for a female of her class, she felt Glimetra enjoying hearing her sick screams as the runes Kanna put on her body were active. She was not delusional; Karen knew the look in those eyes.
“Their guide came in,” his instructions—buried his suspicions to the bottom of mind. “I'll wait in the middle room. At most he came to take Division 9 away.”
Snorting, Karen stood up in annoyance.
Nope. Not because he did not know what Glimetra wanted, but because he had to look back at the disgusting face of Kanna el Vermillion. Someday, somehow, Karen wants me—
“—Tsk!” Karen forcibly dissolved her mind by hurting her own tongue. He did not want to feel the pain anymore; he had to stop his head from thinking such negative thoughts. “Sialan.”
...* * *
...
About two and a half hours after Xavier and his army crossed an imaginary straight line connecting Ephron and Sheba, soldiers from the rear line reported that they were being chased. The enemy came from behind, now nearly four kilometers away from them. However, it is very clear that the troops were from Sheba— or perhaps Ephron.
“They are already looking forward to our arrival,” Heisuke commented. “Do we have to face them, Commander?”
Xavier did not answer. “How many are they?” ask him to the reporting soldier—they still have not stopped the pace of the foot, talking while continuing to shorten the distance with the capital.
“About 70 thousand, Commander.”
“It will be difficult to defeat such a large number of troops…. It will be difficult to avoid the death of the soldier.”
Xavier is confident in his abilities, but even with all that confidence he cannot refute the representative's statement. Heisuke's right. With such a large amount, avoiding the death of a soldier would be difficult. They had not even reached Axellibra; Xavier could not let his army fall here.
“Good. Heisuke, you lead them to Axellibra.” Xavier. “If Division 1 hasn't arrived yet, don't attack immediately. You can only attack after Division 1 arrives, or I arrive.”
“You will face them alone, Commander?”
“That's what I should do. You want to replace me?”
“Alright, I'll take them to Axellibra.” Heisuke ignores the commander's witty question. “But, if you do not arrive at Axellibra when the nephilim or other powerful saint intervenes, I will give priority to the retreat. Doesn't it matter so, Commander?”
“Leave that decision to you.” Xavier immediately airs his body. “Soldiers, let's race. If I arrive first in the rear row, you will accompany me to face 70 thousand soldiers and their leaders. Bagaima—”
The soldier had dashed to the rear before Xavier could complete his call. “I don't hear you, Sir! I didn't hear!” he was full of panic.
“Ah, she is quite excited.” Xavier darted quickly towards the back row. Within seconds he was on par with the soldier. “You must go even faster,” he added, and without waiting for an answer from the panic-stricken soldier he immediately drove to the back row.