Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Black Flower Dancing on the Death Line

[Central War Theater, Second Army, Basecamp]

“Your Majesty, the second line of defense has fallen. Commander Major Ignatz was killed in action. The Sun Knight will immediately begin their attack on the third defensive line."

Captain Liz could not hide his nervousness. Two weeks had passed since the Sun Knight wearing silver armor appeared at the Central War Theater. The Second Army fought back with all its might, but it still continued to lose ground.

“Sun Knight, huh.. Unexpectedly the first and second defensive lines could be broken easily.

“They are different from their average unit.”

"really. No wonder they dropped Fort Kiel."

Brad replied while looking at the spread map on the long table. There was a stone wall around the third defensive line, and the road was narrow. The defenders have a huge advantage with this terrain, making it a great place for smaller forces to defend against the bigger ones.

“Are we ready?”

"Yes. We have installed steel nets along their attack routes, which will slow down the enemy. Our bow arrows will continue to shoot in six stages of volleyball in front of and over them."

“It was pretty good. We should be able to buy time with that— More importantly, any news about our reinforcements?”

Liz's face twitched at the mention of reinforcements, and Brad didn't miss it.

“... There is an important message coming in, First Army still need time to get out.”

“Cih! So the king wants us dead? "

“Your Highness! —You talk too much. You could be executed for lese majeste. I understand your dissatisfaction, but don't lose your calm."

Beware of the gazes of the soldiers, Liz said in a self-deprecating tone. Brad did not care and hit the table angrily. Liz quickly changed the topic:

"In exchange, Major Olivia of the Seventh Army will come to help with reinforcements."

“Mayor Olivia? —Girl called the God of Death by the Imperial Army... Didn't the Seventh Army stop in the north?"

Brad realizes the Seventh Army's victory over the Crimson Knight. That was good news, but the Seventh Army also suffered serious losses. Right now, the Seventh Army was at full strength with only the northern defences, not even Paul could spare the troops to support the Central War Theater.

“Mayor Olivia happens to be in the capital. According to the report, the guards in the Central region are being gathered on the orders of Brigadier General Neinhart."

“It just so happens to be there, yes..”.

Brad lit a cigarette.

Brad had no idea how good the Death God girl really was, but he could not risk the life of the entire Second Army on a girl he had never met before. In this case, he had to make a decision.

Brad smiled cynically to motivate himself.

"Your Majesty?"

“Captain Liz, for security's sake, make preparations to withdraw. And of course, I'll take on the role of rearguard."

"Your Majesty!"

Liz looked at Brad with a sharp look. Brad understood what he wanted to say, but he refused to break through this. It's a matter of Brad's self-esteem.

“Don't be too angry. I'm not honorable enough to sacrifice everyone to protect our kingdom. It's okay, don't worry. I'll be responsible for this."

“I'm not worried about that! I'm-!"

“Captain, I give you an order. Repeat back to me."

Seeing Liz refusing to back down, Brad looked at her firmly.

“... Yes Sir, I will make preparations to retreat.”

"good. Finish it."

Liz saluted weakly, and left the place with heavy footsteps.

“—People should not live to protect their country, it is their country that exists to protect the people. That's what you always say, Gramps Paul."

(Gramps: grandpa: grandpa.)

Brad watched as the sun sank below the horizon and billowed white smoke.

Outside the Mekia-style window frames, everything was covered in snow. The snow reflected the brilliant sunlight, making the Hall of Flight look even more elegant.

“Amelia. Good work on your journey to "send our greetings". "

Sofitia praised Amelia who was kneeling before her.

“Thank you for your kind words. Too bad the results weren't as good as I expected."

Lara trembled at what Amelia said.

“The result is not good? Thats odd. I heard you completed the mission?"

According to reports from Owl, Amelia dealt a crushing blow to the Crimson Knight with a surprise attack.

They also suffered some losses, but it was trivial when compared to the enemy. Amelia's performance was excellent.

“The report I received also stated that the mission was a success. Chiliarch Amelia, restrain yourself from spreading nonsense before the Holy Angel."

Lara glared at Amelia.

"It's not bullshit. I met one of the Tri-General of the Empire, Felixus von Sieger, but failed to take his head."

Amelia raised her head with an annoyed expression.

“Oh, you mean it. Don't mind that, your opponent is Lord Sieger who rules over the Azure Knight, killing him is no easy task. Or rather, you did well to be able to return safely after meeting her. So, Amelia, you've gathered information about her, right?"

Of all the Tri-General of the Empire, Felixus von Sieger was the only one shrouded in mystery. He rarely appeared on the battlefield, and even Owl had trouble gathering information about him. As a Chiliarch, Amelia would not let such a huge opportunity be missed.

As expected, Amelia replied with a nod:

"Of course."

Sofitia smiled hearing that.

“Then there is no problem. Amelia, you're great, I'll give you merit later. Have a good rest for now."

"I'm so honored by your grace, Holy Angel."

Amelia stood up, bowed, and left the Hall of Flight.

“—Fufu. So Lara, like I said. Amelia accomplished her mission very well."

"Yes, Miss. I'm impressed by your foresight, Holy Angel. "

Lara bowed deeply. His lustrous silver hair hung from his shoulders to his chest.

“No need to flatter me. By the way, did the Sun Knights hiding in Fort Kiel finally make a move? "

"As you said, our report says that they have engaged the Second Army."

“So... Who do you think will win?”

The Flight Hall was silent for a moment, but Lara quickly replied:

“-Commander of the Second Army is said to be extremely outstanding, but Sun Knight will most likely win. After all, the difference in numbers was too great."

Sofitia agrees with Lara. The Second Army may be exhausted, but it still managed to defend its own Central War Theater so far.

As Lara said, they must have a great commander. If possible, Sofita wants to recruit him for his cause. You will never have too many good 'pawns.

"The empire is finally running out of patience."

“The Imperial Army suffered consecutive losses. They still had an overwhelming advantage, but they were unable to allow this situation to continue. This is the perfect time for the Empire to launch an attack."

Sofitia put her cheek in her right hand and sighed.

...****************...

...To Be Continue's...