Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 39: Goddess of War, Part 2
Kanna did not say anything; just silently looked at the saint who began to discuss with his captains. He hoped that Arthur Lancedragon could make a wise decision. He was responsible for the lives of a hundred thousand warriors, which then impacted the hundred thousand families. Kanna hopes she can make the right decision.
Of course, he understood that they were in the middle of a war. However, that did not mean the empire wanted the total destruction of Emiliel Holy Kingdom. However, with the real threat that Veria and Emperor Shiva pose, Islan still needs the power of the Holy Kingdom. To finish them all would lead the Islans to misfortune.
However, even though Kanna's eyes were focused on the opponent before her, she was actually worried about Xavier being required to face Fie Axellibra. Kanna therefore accelerated the plan of attack. He even left Meyrin and Monica in Matepola to take care of his work there. Thus, once the earrings in his ears gave a warning signal, he could immediately go to help the commander.
“Your Majesty, are you sure of the offer?” Darminic suddenly opened his voice. “We don't have many restraint seals mana. I certainly understand His Majesty's wishes, but their numbers are too many for us to hold.”
“Darminic.” The call came not from the mouth of Kanna, but the mouth of Herena who stood at the right hand of the queen. “Do you understand what you just asked?”
“What does perta—oh mean, ah, I forgot that Your Highness user [Rune Magic].” Darminic shook his own head. “Then, what about Saint Arthur and his representative? The woman seemed to be very good at teleporting, and Saint Arthur himself was extremely powerful. Look at that thunder cloud. If we let our guard down, he might be able to slaughter all of our troops in one strike.”
“...This time I agree with Darminic, Your Majesty. We cannot do enough by merely curbing his mana. If Your Majesty decides not to kill them, both of them should be locked in a barrier until the war is over.”
“Herena, can you handle that woman?” ask Kanna.
Of course the princess did not ignore the words of the two commanders on her right and left. He heard their worries clearly; there was no need for him to comment on anything.
“...He looks strong. His teleportation ability might have focused on those swords. I can't be completely sure, but I'll do it as much as I can.”
Kanna nodded in understanding. “Good. If Saint Arthur's decision is disappointing, I alone will overcome them at once,” he said. “You two focus on reducing the number of their soldiers as much as possible.”
...———————...
“...Equivalent to Miss Fie? You really believe that, sir?”
“Don't mean to doubt your instincts, Sir, but are you really sure? It's not like General Clown's case. We've never seen her power, but she's hailed as having the power to rival Miss Fie. I highly doubt it, Sir.”
“I've been following Emperor Nueva's pride for the past two years. Although the development of her strength was indeed very impressive, but it was too exaggerating if she aligned it with Miss Fie.”
Rejections and objections were made by the captains of Order 1. And Arthur can't blame them. Only strong people could know the strength of other strong people without having to exchange fists. Merlin had not yet responded, but Arthur was sure he was in agreement with her.
…The question came knocking out of the youngest captain's mouth, making all pairs of eyes look at him in disbelief—and Arthur instantly felt a dangerous aura from where Merlin was standing.
The Saint moved quickly. Before that dangerous aura pounced on him, he had to first scold the captain who had dared to ask that deadly question. However, before Arthur's mouth could get the word out, a hand had first landed on his shoulder.
“Do you want to be kind enough to explain it, Sir Arthur?” The voice was very sweet, but the terror it brought made the faces of the captains paled— and Arthur as well. “Can you please explain, Sir Arthur?”
“Me-Merlin, you— compared to anyone— very well know that I never break a promise. I still remember the promise we made when we were eight years old.”
Faster than the light that carried packets of photons, the gripping aura that made them choked had disappeared without a trace. Merlin suddenly became silent with both cheeks blushing. His right hand had been struggling spoiled playing with his own hair, his eyes were trying hard not to meet the saint.
Arthur, with all his strength, did not understand Merlin's behavior. He remembers promising under the cerwhiteria tree, but he doesn't really remember what it was. Arthur only remembers the part where they promised not to lie to each other. Eh...does that mean I just broke my promise?
“Ya-Which is clear,” Arthur quickly continued (don't want to think more about it), “We'll all die if we continue the battle. I haven't been your leader for long, so it's only natural that you doubt me. However, in the name of LANCEDRAGON attached to my name, everything I say is true. Therefore, I want to hear your decision. Whether we all want to live or die, please specify.”
Arthur's super-serious statement left the captains speechless.
“Of course this goes against our dogma, and I have committed a major offense for saying this. However, Emiliel Holy Kingdom will not win this war. If we all perish, the future of the kingdom will vanish. But, if we give up and stay alive, we can keep the hope for the kingdom's survival. And most importantly, Miss Fie never ordered us to fight against the empire and the NWO at once. This is the fault of Old Man Genea.”
Arthur's lips curved. “I'm not a coward or afraid of death, but I just don't want to force a decision on you. Our numbers are over a hundred thousand, our deaths will affect the lives of over a hundred thousand families. Is the arrogance and ambition of Pope Genea more important than your family?”
…It was hard to color the faces of the captains, and Arthur really couldn't blame them.
“Begin with it,” timpal Merlin suddenly—dia has returned from her strange attitude. “Me and Arthur will challenge Kanna el Vermillion to a duel. If we lose or get killed, you have to give up and stay alive. Can you accept this decision?”
Arthur throws a look of thanks at Merlin. Idea brilliant. By looking at their fight, the captains would understand how dangerous Kanna el Vermillion was. Old Man Genea had really made a big mistake; he should have taken into account Kanna's existence before making a decision. The emperor's favorite daughter was in the same class as Vermyna Hellvarossa.
“...That's a fair solution,” said the oldest captain, he represented the other captains. “If Sir Arthur and Dame Merlin lose, we are willing to give up. But, if Sir Arthur and Dame Merlin win, you must require the imperial soldiers to surrender. That way, we don't have to waste energy to finish them off.”
“Then we agreed,” said Arthur accompanied by a nod of agreement. “Now you lead the troops to retreat.”