Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 6: Preparation, Part 3
Talking a dozen minutes in a Menez illusion is as long as two blinks in the real world. That was what Xavier felt when the illusion disappeared. No one looked at them astonished—as was commonplace when someone suddenly fell silent on the street for a long time.
“Facing someone with Menez on his side will be very troublesome, the illusion is in a different level.” Xavier smiled faintly, before then proceeding. “Come, Monica, we'll talk about Heckart next time.”
With a nod of Monica, their feet rushed towards the main headquarters of the 12th Division of the Imperial Army. Xavier could have just teleported the two of them there, but walking there also served to make Monica familiar with the atmosphere of the city that was different from other cities.
Before long, they arrived at their destination. Several administrative staff and soldiers were seen filling the area of the first floor. Some spoke with papers in hand, some focused on giving instructions, some focused on looking at the map of Islan spread wide on the wall.
Xavier quickly stepped up to the nearest administrative staff.
“Good morning, Commander, Sir!”
“Morning,” Reply Xavier. “Is there a problem with the service from Division 3?”
“Nothing, Sir. According to reports this morning, everything is still normal. We can still use their services as they should.”
Edelweiss just became commander last night, it will take time for him to evaluate the members of the division stationed here. The 3rd Division was in all the cities and military headquarters (either main or not) that existed in the empire. Information, logistics, and so on will be risky if they are problematic. Edelweiss had to overcome the problems in Division 3, and at the same time he had to make sure his division was still working as usual. That would be exhausting.
“Then, I want Heisuke and all the captains gathered in my room in half an hour.”
“Good, Commander, executed immediately.”
Xavier nodded, thanked her, then took Monica into her room and Emily. If Monica is indeed going to be her adjutant for today and beyond, she has to give him all of Emily's work records. That way, the girl beside him will be able to carry out his role more easily.
...—Evrillia, Elf Kingdom—...
When Menez arrived back at the top of the Royal Tree, Luciel was already there sitting with one leg bent and the other dangling. He looked far down, enjoying the activity of the two-legged creature down there. He felt Menez's presence, but his attitude seemed to indicate no.
“How?” the angel asked, eyes still looking down. “What did he say?”
“No things matter.” Menez paused for a while, before continuing, “He wants us to make sure the Elf Kingdom wins with the minimum possible casualties. He wants us to destroy the army the empire sent. Of them, Princess Kanna was definitely the most dangerous. Brother Xavier claims you were unable to defeat Kanna now.”
Menez's last words successfully made Luciel's face turn. To an Archangel like him, it was clearly a form of humiliation. However, he currently only carried half their strength. The lack of an offended expression on her face clearly showed that Luciel understood that. He and Xavier share power: half-and-half.
“Kanna el Vermillion. It's just my assumptions, but it's likely that she was endowed directly by Edenia—it explains why she could use the power of seraphim.”
“Lantas?”
“Who do you think we should call from a member of Deus Chaperon?”
“...Atland is good for supporters—dia is also perfect for reducing the number of enemy soldiers. Tsusaza will be of great help, but he and Whalef are needed in the Haikal Islands. Diametra, Krakart, and Hirek—” Menez shook their heads slowly. “—We can only move Atland to help. If you get cornered, I'm gonna have to help. I want to hide myself from vampires, but what can I do.”
Menez nodded, but he did not leave immediately. “How about General Clown?” tanyakanya. “She was touted strong enough to challenge Fie Axellibra.”
“General Clown...strong enough to challenge Fie Axellibra? That's the worst joke I've ever heard. However, if he is indeed strong, I will consider seeing him after the scene with the empire is finished.”
“Adegan?”
“That's how I see it.”
Menez blinked twice. “Oh, alright,” he said with a sniffing shoulder. “Termujah. I'll be back later in the afternoon.”
...—Imperial Palace, Nevada, Vermillion Empire—...
Emily's appointment as commander was done informally was only attended by a few people. And as soon as it was done, a Division 3 soldier (teleportation user) directly teleported Emily to the encampment of the 11th Division soldiers. The people who attended also left as soon as Emily went on duty, making the filler of the throne room only three left: Kanna, Edward, and the Emperor.
“What's up, Kanna?” tanya Nueva at the end, felt a little sultry seeing Kanna who had not gone looking at her intensely.
“I want to test myself with you, Dad. Do you mind, a one-on-one duel with me? This time without restraint. I will use my full strength at this time, and you will too.”
There is no doubt in Nueva that Achilles is trying to unravel the mystery of his plan. Nor did he doubt that Achilles had spoken to Kanna about it. All she doubts is one: Kanna does something behind her to prevent her plan.
Like Retsu, Kanna is a submissive child. He does not lie if he says he does not have love for his other children more than his love for Kanna and Retsu. It was a truth that he had not kept a secret. Nueva could not imagine the day Kanna/Retsu stood brandishing a weapon at her.
“Good.” Nueva rose from the throne. “Follow me. We can fight without restraint in my special arena. Edward, tell my wife that I won't be back in a time I don't specify a minimum of a week.—
“Er, which wife, Your Highness?”
Nueva who had stepped to the back of the throne suddenly stopped while listening to the question, her eyes twitching a few times.
He had twelve wives (thirteen if he counted his lifeless mother Kanna). He had a schedule to spend free time with them two days each, especially his mother Artemys get a four-day period. He has a bond to be with them not to exceed the days that have been rationed.
“Everything,” Nueva said with her frowning—head could clearly imagine the nagging of each of his wives as he met them later. “Tell them that I..want to find the right gift for them, but emphasize on each not to tell the other about the gift.”
“Hamba won't ask if the gift was really sought or just thought when His Majesty met them.” Edward disappeared immediately after saying that.
A sharp look at Nueva felt from behind her. There was no doubt that Kanna was unhappy with what she had just said.
“This is also a lesson for you, Kanna,” Nueva said in a thoughtful tone. “Whoever you will marry, know that his words will often be cheated on. Come on, you don't have much time.”