Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Curtains That Describe Battle - (2)

After Felixus said that, Graden nodded with a serious face:

"That's right. Now that I think about it, the Swaran Kingdom attack on Fort Peshita failed due to the intervention of the Death God. You're right, Felixus, it would be foolish to ignore the facts. By the way, what does Chancellor Dalmes think of this?"

"He wants to maintain the status quo in the north for now. He'll leave our future plans, Field Marshal Graden ... That's the point."

"Interesting, in short, will the Chancellor observe without interfering? It would be great if he maintained this stance. "

Said Graden cynically with a slanted smile. Dalmes was the second strongest person in the Empire, but he was still a bureaucrat. He had never led a single soldier before, let alone a single troop. To the leader of the Three Generals and the military leader, Graden did not appreciate the Chancellor meddling in the affairs of war — or at least, that was what Felixus thought.

“However, Azure Knight was ordered to stay put. After all, the Azure Knight cannot be moved without the Emperor's permission."

Felixus concluded, and Graden said with a wry smile:

"That's obvious, because Azure Knight is defending the capital.”

"My apology."

"It's not your fault, Felixus ... But that means the responsibility will be directly on my shoulders."

Graden stroked his chin, and grabbed his already cold tea. Felixus also took his cup and took a sip. The silence continued for a while before it was solved by Graden:

"Felixus, take care of the Crimson Knights before Rosenmary recovers. I don't think that the Seventh Army will attack the Empire, but we must prepare."

"I'm fine with that.. But are you sure about it? Even if we can't move the Azure Knight, shouldn't we send a different unit?"

“No, no need. It's time for us to get serious, too. The Royal Army still has the advantage, but we cannot allow the Royal Army to become arrogant now. The Crimson Knight's defeat may have spread to all countries by now."

"And our vassal state might be planning something— That's what you mean, Mr Field Marshal?"

Felixus expressed his speculation, and Graden's face slightly wrinkled as he said:

"You're right. In addition to the Swaran Kingdom, the armies of the Kingdom of Stonia were still intact. The Sun Knights should show strength."

Graden then gulped down the entire cup.

Windsam Castle Royal Army

The Seventh Army paid a heavy price, but they defeated the Crimson Knights. Leaving a sweep of the remains to 8,000 people including the Autonomous Cavalry Regiment, Paul returned triumphantly to Windsam Castle amid booming cheers.

—More than three days have passed after that.

A man dressed in plush clothes knelt in front of Paul.

“So, what do you want to say to yourself?”

Paul's cold voice echoed in the silent Audience Hall. The man's shoulder jerked when he heard that, and he raised his head. He was the landlord of the Salz region, and the original ruler of Windsam— Castle Prince Konrad Windsam.

"Please temper your anger, Mr. Paul, I'm just carrying out my duty as a landlord, and must submit to the Empire to protect the citizens."

"So what are you saying, Count, you don't mean to turn yourself in?"

"As you said, Mr. Duke. We hand over our fortress to the Empire to keep the citizens safe. If I had a choice, I wouldn't be willing to hand over my ancestral castleTristan-to the enemy. "

Konrad used his dialogue talent to express pain and struggle to protect the citizens from the tyranny of the — Empire without realizing that the eyes of the soldiers guarding the walls were already filled with insults and disgust.

After the Count finished his sobbing tale, Paul beckoned to Otto with a look. Otto nodded, and gave the documents on the table to Konrad.

Konrad was confused by the papers shown to him.

“This was given to me by a citizen representative. Please read this, Count."

Konrad reacted dramatically— He fanned the document violently, then began to read with gusto. As time went on, the color of his face faded.

"Duke Paul—"

Paul flicked his sleeve to stop Konrad from making excuses.

"You're done? Count, the people you claim to protect seem to have a deep grudge against you. If my eyes don't ignore me, the report states that many innocent lives are lost at your command. Isn't your statement a little different from citizen testimony?”

"That's not true! The masses know nothing of the truth! I have no choice but to act on the orders of the Empire on death threats— "

“So you said that you were forced to continue slaughtering the citizens you were supposed to protect?”

Paul asked coldly. At this moment, a creak of armor came from the soldier on the wall. Konrad groaned in fear, and stuttered with a trembling voice:

"I-This, not my intention.. S-I have no choice..”.

In contrast to his previous subtle talk, Konrad's voice began to disappear. This is a perfect example of guilt. Paul sighed and raised his hand slowly, which prompted the soldiers to rush in and conquer Konrad with their spears.

"Duke Paul !? What does this mean!?"

"Enough with his actions, I can't spare time or mercy on you. Pick, hang or behead?"

"Please reconsider! Isn't your judgment too hasty !? As I said, I am not subject to the Empire because of my will! Duke Paul, are you saying that I should oppose the Empire to the bitter end and die in vain !?"

The agitated Konrad protested in despair.

"That's right, you should be the shield of the citizens and die for them, this is the basis of a landlord. Wagging your tail on the Empire to save your own skin, and harm innocent citizens. Words would be useless on a piece of trash like you— Throw him to the gallows."

"Are you kidding me!? A noble like me dying just for a village? I am a direct descendant of the hero Tristan Windsam!"

"That's right, Tristan Windsam's hero must be rolling around in his grave the extent to which his descendants have fallen."

"Keep what!? I'm not the only one! The other landlords were all subject to the Empire's strength! Why am I the only one to blame!?”

Konrad cried out in despair, complaining why he was the only one who fell. Otto replied in place of Paul, speaking calmly in a flat tone:

“Do not worry, Count. We have sent arrest warrants to all landlords who change coats, they will immediately accompany you to hell.”

Konrad tried to resist, but in vain. After being violently beaten by the soldiers, he was dragged like a washcloth. Paul saw him go and muttered to himself:

"How pathetic, nobility should be a role model for people .. but there are so many fools who think nobility can be tyrant.”

“Noble can't live without citizens. Konrad might not understand something as simple as this. "

"There is no greater sin than to shame the name of the hero Tristan Windsam."

Paul said sadly, and sighed deeply.

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

...To Be Continue's...