Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Black Flower Dancing on the Death Line - (2)

Sofitia put her cheek in her right hand and sighed.

“It will be difficult. If the Sacred Winged Legion intervenes further, the Empire will arrest us ..."

The Imperial Army was not a fool, and they also had the Heat Haze intel bureau. It was only a matter of time before they learned that the Astra Fort was being attacked by the Holy Nation, but it was still too early to publicize this truth. The Saints still needed time to prepare, before they were ready to fight the Imperial Army head-on.

But if the Second Army fell, the Empire might march right into the Royal Capital. The Kingdom of Farnesse was then just a step away from becoming 'skakmat', and the Arsbelt Kingdom's dominance over the continent would be assured.

The dilemma lies before Sofitia.

"Holy Winged Legion ready to attack. What is your order?”

Lara asked Sofitia to make a decision, and the Knight guards standing by the wall all knelt down. The creaks of armor echoed in the Hall of Flight.

“—We'll keep an eye out from the edge this time. No matter how foolish King Alphonse was, he had to send the First Army to fight the enemy. This may sound strange, but let's pray to Goddess Citresia for the victory of the Royal Army."

"The will of the Holy Angel will be finished."

Lara put her shining left hand with a jade green flame from the "Skypera Magic Circle" to her chest, and bowed respectfully.

Royal Capital Castle Fizz Leticia, Audience Hall

"Your Majesty, I've explained the urgency of the matter, aren't you going to give us permission?"

The First Army Commander, Marshal Cornelius stepped forward with a sorrowful expression.

It was noon.

The Hall of Audiences illuminated by the sun was filled with tension.

“Stop nagging, grandpa. I've repeated it many times. I will never send the First Army. Moreover, the guards in the Middle Region had been gathered and sent to reinforce the Second Army."

From the beginning, Alphonse objected to the mobilization of the guards as well. Sending him away would result in a deterioration of public order, and have a devastating impact on the city's economy.

Even so, Alphonse would rather send in bodyguards than the First Army, so he reluctantly agreed to that. If he were to send the First Troop now, it would mean putting the carriage in front of his horse.

"But they're only 6,000."

“6,000 is one division, isn't that enough?”

“Your Majesty, Sun Knight totaled 40,000. If we add another unit that participates in their parade, they will have 80,000 people. In contrast, the Second Army only had 2,000 soldiers. Even with 6,000 reinforcements, the gap is too large."

“Isn't it the soldiers' job to turn the situation around with strategy and tactics? You can't expect the numbers on both sides to be the same for every battle, can you?"

"I'm sorry for being frank, but that has its limits. Your Majesty will be right if the difference in numbers is within a certain threshold. But as I said, this is far beyond that limit. Furthermore, our opponent is the Sun Knight, commanded by the leader of the Imperial Army. Please reconsider my people."

Cornelius stared at Alphonse with red eyes, with strength that no one expected of a 70-year-old man. Even before Alphonse realized it, his back was drenched in sweat.

“... But the Seventh Army defeated the Crimson Knights. How do you explain it?"

The Seventh Army reversed an incredible loss in numbers, and won against the Crimson Knight. The situation back then was somewhat similar to the present. However, Cornelius concluded that the Second Army could not achieve the same. Alphonse did not feel that the Crimson Knight and the Sun Knight were so different, and was unsure.

“Please think of the win as an exception. No one can repeat that feat, not even myself."

Alphonse asked angrily:

“Grandfather, is that something that Field Marshal of the Royal Army has to say !? Why don't you hand over your post to Paul, and demote ourselves to General only?”

Alphonse's bodyguards gasped when they heard that, and focused their gaze on Cornelius.

After a moment of silence, Cornelius said slowly:

"If this is what it takes for your permission to mobilize the First Army, then I have no complaints."

Cornelius knelt on one knee and bowed his head respectfully. Alphonse did not expect Cornelius to agree, and changed his tone:

“Forget that, I was just kidding.”

“—Your Majesty, I will use this opportunity to clarify this. After the Second Army fell, soon Royal Capital Fizz was caught in the flames of war. When that happens, the destruction of the Kingdom of Farnesse will be inevitable. The kingdom that lasted for nearly 600 years would end with King Alphonse."

Cornelius lifted his head and gave his rude advice. He implies that Alphonse's fault was the destruction of the Kingdom.

Alphonse was furious when he heard it:

"Damnu ... Even if it was you, Grandpa, those words deserved to die!"

Alphonse turned around and grabbed the waist of his guard.

“Y-Your Majesty !! Are you...!?"

“K-You can't !!”

"Shut up!"

Alphonse took the sword from the retreating bodyguards in a panic, and looked towards Cornelius who was kneeling with fury in his eyes.

"Prepare yourself."

Alphonse slowly descended from the elevated platform to Cornelius, and placed the sword in his throat. All the guards desperately pleaded for his mercy.

Death awaits if he does not take action, but Cornelius is unaffected. This made Alphonse even more furious.

“... You think I'm playing!?”

Cornelius shook his head gently.

"I'm ready for this. I'd rather not see the fall of the Kingdom, and His Highness— My young master Alphonse walks towards the place of execution. So end me here."

With that, Cornelius placed his sword on the floor and closed his eyes. He showed no fear in the face of imminent death.

Alphonse looked at him silently, then pulled out his sword weakly.

“-All right then, this is my defeat. I won't say anything more, so do what you want, grandfather. If the Kingdom falls, I won't hold a grudge against you."

Alphonse then patted Cornelius on the shoulder whose eyes were closed. Alphonse would probably never forget the sight before him.

There was no way he would forget the tears of the Always Winning General, the hero whose fame reached the end of the continent.

(It's finally over.).

The guard moved, and the door of the Audience Hall opened slowly. Upon seeing Cornelius, Neinhart rushed towards him and asked:

"Field Marshal Sir ... what happened?"

Neinhart noticed that Cornelius' eyes were red.

“—Hmm? Neinhart, huh. Don't mind me, it's nothing."

Cornelius stroked his white beard, and waved his right hand to show that there was no problem.

"So ... so what's the decision?"

After asking the matter that would determine the future of the Kingdom, Neinhart gulped. Cornelius paused for a moment, then gently patted Neinhart on the shoulder.

“Preparate First Army to move. Tell me the news."

"You mean...?"

"Your Majesty gave us permission."

Cornelius who looked a little tired smiled faintly.

"That's great news!"

"And His Majesty is bestowing me with military command in the near future."

"What!?"

It was a rare occurrence to see Neinhart raise her voice.

Military command. That meant Cornelius would be free to deploy troops without the need to consult with Alphonse. He had no idea what they were discussing, but this was unexpected good news.

“I will take command of this battle personally. We're going to take down 40,000 soldiers. General Lambert will stay and defend the capital with 7,000 soldiers."

"I understand, Sir."

“- Raise the First Army flag in the capital.”

"Yes sir!!"

Neinhart saluted sharply.

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

...To Be Continue's...