Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Girls Who Are Known as Heroes and Monsters

[Lunar Calendar 999.]

The capital says goodbye to Spring, and ushers in the warmth of the early days of Summer. Normally, this would be a period where commercial activity is at its peak, but—

"The Royal Army in the north has been destroyed."

“Ehh? Isn't the city in danger? "

“The First Squad led by Ever Victorious General, Lord Cornelius is here, so it will be safe. But…"

“Nobody knows how it will happen. If the worst happens, they might leave us and run away."

News of the deaths of the Third and Fourth Armies weighed heavily on the hearts of the citizens of the capital. Both armies had recently won in the Battle of Berkerley, and were even ready to attack the Empire as well, so this sudden turn of events was even more disappointing. And of course, this meant that the northern part of the Kingdom had fallen into the hands of the Empire.

Sharp traders concluded that the fate of the Kingdom had been determined, and rushed to move their families to the Sutherland Confederation in the south of the continent. This will highlight urgent issues about food supplies. The loss of traders will lead to a stagnation in supply, which is common sense.

Fizz was the capital of the Kingdom, and had a lot of food stored in the warehouse. And with the First Army stationed here, there were no riots, unlike the other cities.

But it is clear that the situation will only get worse as time goes on.

[The capital of the Kingdom of Fizz, Leticia Palace, Audience Hall]

When news of the Seventh Army recovering Kasper Castle arrived, the King of Farnesse, Alphonse Sem Garmund, was eating. Even so, he still waved his hand happily. Not only was the happiness of winning the battle after such a long time, he also saw the hope of recapturing Fort Kiel.

But, the situation turned around in just two months.

When he received news of the destruction of the Third and Fourth Armies, Alphonse was desperate. The recapture of Fort Kiel was built on the condition that the Third and Fourth Armies were still intact, and he knew that attacking Fort Kiel with the First Army would be foolish.

Bad news keeps coming.

《Lloyds Merchants》 who had a close relationship with the Farnesse Royal family for generations has vanished. When he heard this report, Alphonse could almost hear his position cracking literally. This means the future of the Kingdom of Farnesse has completely wiped out—

As if hinting at the future of the Kingdom, Audience Hall was colored red by the setting sun. The guard who had always stood guard near the door could not be found.

（This war has been going on for four years ... Compared to the past, it becomes much calmer.）

Cornelius who was here to visit the audience with Alphonse stared at the vast empty space above, and smiled awkwardly.

There was no sign of frequent visitors visiting the audience, and the lion-carved doors did not open and close as repeatedly as they once did. The place was still being cleaned, but even the decorations adorning the Audience Hall looked deserted.

Cornelius felt sentimental when he heard faint footsteps. It came from within the hall, and there was a sign of haste while pacing. The familiar voice of Cornelius.

（Alright, he's finally here ..）

Cornelius bowed and knelt to greet his majesty. Shortly after, the door opened and Alphonse entered with a few bodyguards. After glancing at Cornelius, Alphonse ascended the throne as if he had fallen into it.

“Grandfather. What... What should I do? I don't know what to do now. No, I don't know what to do from the beginning.. ”.

Alphonse sighed deeply, and said sadly. His words were less dignified, and his face was as pale as ashes. According to the servants, Alphonse had lost his appetite, and was now much thinner.

Such a weak attitude was no match for King Farnesse, and he only appeared like a King due to his luxurious clothes and silver crown.

Cornelius was saddened by this sight, and advised:

"Your Majesty, please do not blame yourself. We have repulsed the Imperial Army in the south, and it is only a matter of time before we recover the north. Forgive my sassiness, but the First Army will gladly take up this task."

“S-Absolutely not! The First Army only needed to guard the capital and the central region!"

Alphonse's agitated response made Cornelius shrug and sigh.

Its central region was the capital of Fizz and its surrounding towns prospered from trade. The movement of people is a world separate from the northern and southern regions, and is a financial center. The Kingdom has endured difficult times in recent years, but it is still the backbone that supports the entire Kingdom.

Alphonse's military savvy is mediocre, but he pays attention to economic issues. He had objected to the plan to retake Kasper Castle in the past, but the complications of this matter were on a completely different level. Therefore Cornelius, did not insist on deploying the First Army.

“Then, will we follow the current fixed order, and let the Second Army at the Central War Theater fight alone? After the Imperial Army in the north marched south, the Second Army would be surrounded and destroyed. "

"Fuckin' thick...! I know it's hard, but there's no other way… "

Alphonse said as he held his head in resignation. Cornelius was speechless when he saw that. He saw Alphonse growing up, and had never seen Alphonse behave so sadly before. At the same time, he felt relieved that Alphonse understood how squashed the Second Army was.

“Your Majesty, the Second Army has asked the Seventh Army to fight the Imperial forces in the north. May I get your permission to continue this request? ”

Surprised by Cornelius' words, Alphonse raised his head, and rubbed his neat eyebrows: the:

“Seventh Army ...? Shouldn't they be raising Kasper Castle and Gaulish Fortress? ”

“You don't have to worry about that. We have built a sturdy defensive line around Kasper Castle, so that the Seventh Army is free to move. "

“... You didn't lie to me, did you?”

Alphonse looked at Cornelius with suspicious eyes. To allay his suspicions, Cornelius stared back at him:

"I wouldn't dare lie to you, Your Majesty."

Alphonse asked what they would do if Fort Kiel sent a large army to attack. He was afraid of the fortress recovering after so much effort fell into the hands of the enemy again. It might sound pessimistic to a ruler, but as one in charge of the military, he had the responsibility to consider that possibility.

“Kasper Castle will be occupied by the best defense General in the Seventh Army. We have an advantage on the terrain, and will be secured even if the Empire attacks with a large number. ”

Seeing Cornelius' reply firmly, Alphonse closed his eyes and began to think. Five minutes passed, ten minutes, maybe even longer.

Cornelius waited quietly all this time. Finally, Alphonse opened his eyes, and sighed heavily:

“—Alright, I'll trust you. Send the Seventh Army north as reinforcements. But instead, the First Army should focus on defending the central area around the Royal Capital from now on. How about that? ”

“Yes, master! Thank you for accepting my proposal! ”

"I'm afraid you're threatening to resign again."

After saying that jokingly, Alphonse left Audience Hall. As his footsteps grew further and further away, Audience Hall fell silent again.

Cornelius who was left behind stood up slowly and let out a long sigh.

（That's all I can do for now. The rest will go to the Seventh Army and Paul.).

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

...To Be Continue's...