Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Dragon versus Tiger! - (5)

As she looked at Historia whose gaze suddenly turned sharp, it was Lara's smiling turn.

Stampede House was originally known as a place of learning and education. But, with the appearance of Historia holding a sword like an extension of her limbs, many people thought their home had a warrior history. In terms of sword skills alone, Lara was no match for him.

「But Angelica and the others really like their nickname.」

「Hah? Don't compare me to a woman who has flowers on her brain all year long!」

「Then do your job properly.」

「Cih .. I understand.」

Historia stepped on the stirrup with her left leg and mounted the white horse, and raised her sword high into the air. His lethargy was completely gone, and his noble figure attracted the attention of the Sacred Guards.

「Listen! Dear Holy Guards! Thank you for everyone's efforts, we have won! But, it's not over! The foolish Stoniah army dared to show us their fangs, the Mecian Saints, so we must slam the holy hammer on them! Prove your loyalty to Holy Angel !!」

「「Ya!!」」

「——Holy Legate Lara, please order.」

At the insistence of Historia, Lara waved her left hand gracefully.

「Start his attack.」

On Lara's orders, the four dark horses neighed as they pulled the carriage. Thirteen thousand Sacred Guards roared in unison and began to chase.

The battle between the Sacred Winged Legion and the Stonians ended in just half a day—

******

The retreating Stonian army was attacked by the Holy Winged Legion in pursuit.

Under the command of Auguste and Cecilia, they managed to maintain order…

「It's almost time to give them the last blow?」

Amelia threw Magic 『Berserk』 at some of Stonia's prisoners and released them. They went crazy after returning to their headquarters and attacking their allies while howling like wild beasts.

Beside that -

「Holy Legate Lara is making her move. Battle is decided, but stay alert.」

With Angelica happily swinging the bloody Claymore in front, Johann's unit massacred the Stonians. Johann would release a few spells occasionally, creating many charred corpses every time he did.

「——Head of Cecilia Staff! We cannot escape the pursuit of the enemy! 」

As blood spilled on the battlefield, a Stonia officer shouted loudly.

「Before giving up, do what you can to let more of our troops escape!」

Cecilia rebuked him, but her heart was also overwhelmed with anxiety.

(This will not work. S-Someone must act as a back row.).

For a moment, the figure of his family flashed in Cecilia's mind. In order to cast the shadow out of his mind, he made a strong request to Auguste to allow him to become a rearguard.

「How old are you?」

「Hah?」

Seeing Cecilia confused, Auguste repeated his words.

「I asked how old are you?」

「Twenty-four..」

Auguste touched his helmet with his bloodstained hand.

「Twenty-four ... You are still far from death.」

Cecilia immediately understood what he was saying.

「It won't work. I don't know how you judge yourself, Chief of Staff Cecilia, but you shouldn't die in such a stupid war. This is for the future of the Duchy of Stonia.」

「Isn't it the same for you, My Lord!?」

They can't lose Field Marshal Auguste here. Or, chaos would be inconceivable even if they managed to retreat. Adding to the problems with the worshipers of the Goddess Citresia, the Duchy of Stonia would have a difficult road ahead.

Cecilia glared at the troubled Auguste.

「Do not make a scary face, it will ruin your beautiful face.」

「Do not change the topic with such jokes!」

The wrinkle at the corner of Auguste's eyes deepened in the face of the enraged Cecilia. He quickly made his face stiff again.

「Listen, I am Field Marshal leading the Stonia army. Someone has to take responsibility for this defeat, we can't push (responsibility) him to Archduke Silvester, can we?」

「M-Maybe so ..」

「As Sir Felixus said, it was the Duchy of Stone that made the final decision. Enemy has Witch — it can't be a reason to lose the battle. You should know that too, Chief of Staff Cecilia. In that case, I should end things like warriors in the battle of—」

Auguste smiled cynically. Cecilia lost her words as the man in front of her showed his fighting spirit for the first time.

「Indeed the true Chief of Staff Cecilia is young, it is difficult to accept her death before us. Therefore, allow us a limited time to accompany you, Tuanku.」

Looking back, Cecilia saw the old officers and soldiers standing proudly in neat rows. Cecelia felt the scene had some sort of aesthetic.

Auguste looked at the old veterans and sighed deeply.

「Don't be a busy person, you stupid parents should scram and look after your grandchildren.」

In response to Auguste's sarcastic words, they instead took a step forward. There were fearless smiles on their weathered faces.

「Group retards. I say again, this is a path to hell, with zero chances of returning home. 」

(Retards: retreat from battle)

「What an unsightly thing! My lord, when did you start talking in such a pitiful manner !? Did you forget that we have survived many battlefields together!? We haven't lost!」

The old Lieutenant Colonel Bacchus thrust his giant spear three times as high into the ground. With that, the others began to say difficult words.

「As Lieutenant Colonel Bacchus said, The Sacred Winged Legion is nothing! Show the people of the Holy Nation of Mekia the spirit of our Stonia army!」

「Zorbes War God is with us!」

「You..」.

Auguste looked at the old soldier one by one, and smiled cynically.

「Because you have decided yourself, I will not stop you. But don't slow me down. 」

Officers and soldiers raised their weapons along with rumbling sounds. Auguste watched this scene in awe, then turned to Cecilia.

「That's how, I will lead the veteran warriors to fight against the Sacred Winged Legion. Cecilia— Chief of Staff I leave the rest to you.」

「... Be understood, and be wild.」

Cecilia saluted. It would ruin the mood if he denied it any further. Before becoming a soldier, she was a woman, and knew that she had to escort the man who had made their determination with a smile.

Satisfied, Auguste looked at Felixus who was standing beside them.

「As you can see. Sir Felixus, any objections?」

Felixus did not answer his sarcastic words, and reached out his right hand without a sound. Auguste's eyes twitched, then slowly stretched out his hand to shake Felixus' hand.

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

...To Be Continue's...