Altina the Sword Princess

Book 6: Chapter 1

On Le Luc hill

Empire Year 851, 22nd May

It was a day later than expected when the First Imperial Army linked up with them on the nearby Le Luc hill.

A tent was set up on the flat, green ground to conduct a conference. Even though it was daytime, it was quite dim due to the fog.

From time to time, there would be a strong breeze, causing the grass to dance along with the wind. While the altitude was not too low, standing on the mountaintop would still get your hair messy.

The black-haired youth Regis Auric brushed aside the hair covering his eyes due to the strong wind and looked to the side.

It was the girl who accompanied him on the stroll. Even though it was dim, her beautiful hair looked as if it was shining, which made her conspicuous. Her crimson hair was lifted up by her white and smooth finger.

Her crimson hair brushed against Regis face from time to time due to wind, causing him to feel a little itchy. The girl looked over towards him and they both exchanged a look.

The girl who carried the blood of the Belgarian Royalty was Marie Quatre Argentina de Belgaria. As royalty, she was not normally allowed to walk together with a commoner like Regis regardless of whether he was her strategist or not. If they were alone however, Regis would call her by her nickname Altina, and would also not display a formal attitude towards her. This was because Altina would get angry if Regis displayed such a cold attitude towards her, because it would break Altinas heart Though, any person with a brain would not let her feel sad.

Altina opened her mouth.

Ah, my hair is brushing against you, sorry.

Ah its fine.

Is that so? Hey, you seem to be in a daze. Could it be that youre sick?

She stretched her white hand towards Regis forehead.

Regis immediately retreated two steps back.

I-Im fine.

Looking at you made me fall in a daze was something Regis could not bring himself to say. He broke out in sweat in embarrassment.

Thats good ... Troublesome matters keep coming up recently, so dont push yourself too hard, alright?

It was just like what Altina said. Regis had gone through the attack by Varden Duchy, travelled for twenty days straight and even fought a losing battle three days ago.

Luckily, the Beilschmidt Border Regiment did not suffer many losses, and both Altina and Regis were relatively unscathed. However, they were fatigued by the long campaign and battles.

Compared to us, the soldiers are even more tired

While the others were marching, Regis was sitting on a carriage which was also the temporary office; and he did not participate in any battles directly.

Altina drooped her shoulders.

Unlike you, the soldiers and I went through training, so the one that Im most worried about is you.

Is that so I cant really deny it because youre right

Altina stuck her tongue out.

Heh heh~ Since you cant deny it, does that mean I have some talent in strategizing?

That would be even better because it would lighten my workload. Ill have more time to read that way.

Im just joking.

How cruel It cant be helped, guess I should just sacrifice my sleep.

Wait a moment, Regis?

Im just fooling around too.

Then thats good If you dont rest properly , you will really get sick!

Thats because I already cut my sleep time to the bare minimum already.

Altina was surprised by Regis words.

You

Ah, the bare minimum rest is still rest, so I wont collapse that easily? Probably

Waaa, really!  Ah, thats right, lets sleep together then! In that case, I will be able to know whether youve rested properly!

Altina had an I am a genius look.

However, Regis face was getting redder.

As soon as Altina realised what she had said, she blushed.

Ah, no I didnt mean anything weird?!

Y-Yes.

I-Im considered an adult too! I wont sleep with a male before marriage!

Thats true

In Belgaria, one was considered an adult when they reached the age of fifteen.

Altina had her fifteenth birthday on the battlefield yesterday.

Together with the maid, Clarisse, they had a small party.

Jerome, who was known as the Black Knight gave her a bottle of high-class wine. It was not rare to gift wine for the coming of age.

Altina who drank for the first time, she

Regis shook his head and cut off his thoughts as the scene was too wonderful for him as he shrugged his shoulders.

Well, I believe that girls shouldnt share a room with a male that easily regardless of their age.

I-I know that

Altina, whose ears were red replied.

They reached the area near the tent which was situated on top of the hill.

Even when we are in this kind of situation, youre fighting against Prince Latreille for the throne, so you cant be too careless.

What do you mean by being careless?

Hm If I knew that, I wouldnt be phrasing my words like this Anyway, you can leave the negotiations to me.

Mhm, Ill leave it to you.

The tent was guarded by the First Imperial Armys cavalry on all sides. Last month, Altina and the others ran into some conflict with them, and inflicted severe casualties on one of the knight corps.

They wont be making trouble for us now, would they? Regis thought as he was a little nervous, while Altina entered with a dignified look.

Her attitude was as if she could take on anything that was thrown at her.

The knights saluted her uniformly without hesitation, flawless and in a textbook manner.

Altina returned a brief salute while Regis followed behind her.

The entrance to the tent was covered by a piece of cloth hanging down and a rock was used to hold it in place at the bottom. Pushing it open, Altina entered the tent as Regis followed closely.

Upon entering, there was a herbal scent. There were six knights at each corner of the tent while First Grade Admin Officer Germain was beside his lord. He had a pained look and there were traces of fatigue on his face. On the other hand, Latreille was sitting on a chair, looking at the map laid out on the table with his head bandaged. That was an injury he received several days ago. However, his face was as calm as usual and was white whilst his lips were as red as tomatoes. He showed no trace of fatigue at all.

He shifted his sight from the map to them and spoke.

Its great to see youre fine, Argentina.

Im surprised that youre still so energetic Latreille, I heard that you were injured.

Thats right, I fell for the enemys tricks. They threw rocks and logs from the cliff above and had their cavalry charged at us.

Charging down cliffs and the like, I know you can do it too.

That was when I was a child I never expected them to penetrate deep into the heart of an army of  thirty thousand. Even though we were moving in a valley.

Where did the ambush take place?

Germain, who was at the side replied to Altina.

He pointed to the map.

Here. Because its a path through the mountains, it is very narrow. The enemy came from both sides and retreated after a brief engagement.

I see

In such conditions, it would be hard to protect the headquarters regardless of how big their army was. These kinds of paths halfway down the mountains usually had many cliffs surrounding it. One would not realise it simply just by looking at the map.

If were invading the enemys territory, we can only blame ourselves for not preparing against the enemys traps and ambushes. However, this is the Empire and the invader is the enemy. Regis thought.

They needed to have detailed information to understand the terrain to lay an ambush. A lot of time is also required to prepare a large amount of traps. The enemy sure is praiseworthy.

Altina pointed at Latreilles injuries and said.

It cant be helped that you were ambushed, but what about the injury?

I was injured by the Mercenary King Gilbert using his special weapon, the trident. I thought I avoided it, but another attack came. He was more skilled than I expected.

He was still looking towards the map.

Ughhh, Altina softly grumbled.

So it was the mercenary group, Renard Pendu

Argentina, there appears to be a few problems on your side too.

Theres a little

Altina had a bitter expression.

In the battle against Varden Duchy, the enemy from Renard Pendu was a young girl called Franziska. The girl was an expert in using crossbows as she shot the bodyguard Eric and also damaged Altinas sword, the Grand Tonnerre Quatre.

Latreille picked the pieces up from the map and twiddled with it.

Hows the Seventh Imperial Army?

I believe I had that written in the report clearly. Lieutenant General Barguesonne died along with most of his soldiers.

The Seventh Imperial Army that had twenty-one thousand soldiers was reduced to ten thousand in the battle a few days ago.

Four thousand killed in action, five thousand injured and two thousand deserters.

Though there might be deserters who were considered dead, and vice versa. In any case, it was not easy to write a detailed battle report since they had lost the battle.

On a side note, among the four thousand in Beilschmidt Border Regiment, they only suffered one hundred casualties from the Black Knights.

Latreille pressed Germain to continue, and Germain spoke.

Ill be reporting the situation for the First Imperial Army. Combining the Third Imperial Army and the mercenaries, we have about thirty thousand. While we lost about a thousand in the battle a few days ago, it did not affect us greatly and we still have ample supplies.

It was natural since only their headquarters was attacked.

Immediately after that, Germain reported about the movements of High Britannia.

Currently, the High Britannian Armys southern and northern units are centralizing. Their total strength should be about seventeen thousand.

Germain placed the pieces onto the map. Red for Belgaria while blue represented the enemy.

Forty-four thousand against seventeen thousand ...

In terms of numbers, Belgaria had the advantage.

Latreille moved the pieces that were on the map.

Considering the defeat of the Second and Seventh Imperial Army, the difference in numbers might not necessary mean assured victory However, to protect the capital, an all out assault is our only choice. Thats what I think.

Germain nodded in agreement.

Regis did not deny it either.

While this strategy was direct, it was a good idea.

It was different from the Seventh Imperial Army where infantry was a large part of their forces. They had five thousand cavalry with them now. Even if they were attacked from the sides, they could still reduce the number of casualties. However, Belgaria had already lost thirty thousand soldiers. If the First Imperial Army was taken into account, half of the military force was lost. After this battle ended, it would probably be hard for Belgaria to hold onto the other battlefronts.

High Britannia was not the only enemy Belgaria had to fight against. Latreille was troubled because he understood this.

Sir Regis, do you have any different ideas?

Something seemed out of place.

Normally, in these situations, the sharp-witted prince Latreille would gaze at the targets eyes to see through their thoughts and intentions. This time however, he kept his eyes towards the map, which was very rare.

As to how weird that was, Latreille having use of, and acknowledging Altina was already a strange sight; and then he asked Regis, Altinas strategist  for help. He was playing his cards unorthodoxly..

Is the situation for the Empire so bad he couldnt be bothered by such details any longer?

Or could it be ...

Now isnt the time to be probing Prince Latreille.

Even if Regis took the bait, it was unclear if he took it out of his interests. In addition, Regis did not prepare anything, so he would face many dangers by investigating it. Furthermore, Latreille might have him silenced if Regis found out his secrets.

It would be best to sort out the information first.

From here to the capital required about half a day of travelling; meanwhile, High Britannia had already set-up their camp. According to the reports, the enemy should still be camping out in the wilderness. It would be dependent on the weather, but the earliest time for the enemy to be resuming their march would be tomorrow morning, Regis thought.

They could protect themselves against rain and wind if they set up camp, and cook warm meals with simple pots. However, soldiers on the march could only sleep on the ground and eat their food cold. Even the technologically advanced High Britannia could not change that. They most likely wont make their troops suffer unnecessary hardships.

Precisely because of that

I believe the First Imperial Army should head towards the capital.

Latreille finally turned his head this way.

Sir Regis, you mean that we shouldnt be doing a frontal assault? Then, what is your plan?

Thats right Although the capital Versaille doesnt have any walls, it still has a few strategically positioned fortresses. Cant we buy some time if we make use of them?

Hmm?

Latreille was in deep thought.

Germain had the same expression too.

Since Altina was the only one who knew that, she had a smug look.

Regis continued:

If we do a frontal assault, we will have too many casualties. This would threaten the Empires survival afterwards. Even if we can win against High Britannia, we must avoid doing so through a frontal assault.

Thats right. If we exhaust ourselves too much, it would definitely cause problems in future battles.

However If we can stall for time, we can keep the casualties to a minimum. If its sieging, the enemys musketeers would be ineffective, and neither can they use their shieldbearers to assault the castle. Even the type 41 Elswick cannons dont have enough firepower to break through the metal-reinforced walls.

Thats true, but if we were to keep defending for a long time, the Empire would fall. If we fall into a deadlock with the High Britannian army, the other nations might not just watch idly by and attack us too.

The neighbouring countries have most likely begun preparing for war. If they saw Belgaria enter a defensive stance, they would attack like bees swarming nectars..

If Belgaria had friendly relationships with neighbouring countries, they would be coming to help out in this situation. Though it was too late to consider such a thing.

Thats true. If we factor in the neighbouring countries, we have at most half a year to chase the High Britannian Army out.

A defensive battle is not feasible. Sir Regis, do you have a better idea?

Regis carefully examined his plan in his head once again

From the books he had read, he selected the cases that were most similar to the current situation.

This example should be fine.

Still, Regis was not that confident.

I believe we should cut their supplies.

Oh?

Latreille was thinking.

While Germain was surprised.

Then, if we are talking about their supplies, theres an army of ten thousand guarding Chainboule. Even though there are reports that half of them are supply units Their escorts are still musketeers that are equipped with the latest guns, so how can we win against them so simply? Considering that we have to protect the capital, we cant commit too many people.

Ahh Its true that it would be tough winning against an army of ten thousand. Furthermore, even if we win, there will be no meaning if they send more soldiers in from their home nation.

That is so. In the end, High Britannia could still send in more soldier and supplies.

Unlike Germain who still could not understand, Latreille seemed to notice something and had a serious expression.

Sir Regis, could it be that youre aiming their supply ships?

That is correct  Since High Britannias ships are their only source of replenishing their supplies, if we targeted those then we should be able to turn the tide of the war.

Latreille shook his head.

Impossible, while its regrettable The Empires tattered navy could not win against their steamships.

Thats true, we will lose if we fight them head on.

Regis acknowledged the difference in military power between the two countries.

Latreille had an intrigued look as he listened carefully to what Regis was planning.

In panic, Germain exclaimed.

Why are we discussing about attacking their supply lines if it wont succeed in the first place?!

There are many strategies to defeat an enemys navy whose firepower is stronger than our own.

What did you say?!

What I meant is theres no other way to protect the Empire except cutting off their supply lines. It would be great if there was a way to defeat the seventeen thousand unit army of High Britannia, and also not suffer great casualties and losses as a result.

Facing such a strong opponent You said you can win?

Germain narrowed his brows as he was in utter disbelief.

Latreille asked as to confirm it.

Can I leave it to you The Empires fate

Personally, I would leave it to someone else if theres someone more suitable than me

Thats impossible! Attacking High Britannias steamships, only a Wizard could do that!

Ah, I cant use magic either

If possible, the strategy would be just like magic. No, it might be more suitable to call it monstrous.

I do not have that kind of talent I only know what to do because I read it in books ...

Hmm,

Latreille closed his eyes.

Germain looked at his lord worriedly.

Altina placed both of her hands on the table and leaned forward.

Is there any reason to hesitate, Latreille! Isnt it because you dont want a frontal assault that you called for us?! Compared to the strategy that would not protect the Empire even if we win, isnt Regis suggestion much better?! It will be fine, just leave it to us!

Latreille stretched out his hand and stopped Altina.

Youre mistaken, Argentina I have my own considerations too. I am only thinking about how many men I can spare to enact Sir Regis plan.

So you agree with Regis proposal?

Tell me how many you need.

Altina turned around and looked at Regis.

How many?

Thats right I believe our Border Regiment is enough. However, it would be great if there are local units assisting us.

Its enough with just us!

Fufu, Altina puffed out her small chest.

Latreille gave a wry smile.

So you still require local units aid? However, I cant let Argentina be the messenger.

Ah, Im quick with my legs?

Kuku Looks like you learnt quite a bit. Be it in battle, economics or politics Looks like Sir Regis is a good teacher.

I was taught by him quite thoroughly.

True. Then, the Beilschmidt Border Regiment will merge with the remnants of the western units to form the new Fourth Imperial Army. The commander will be Argentina Though your rank will have to change.

Rank?

Admiral Bertram who is stationed at the Western Sea have a rank of Vice-admiral. It would be awkward if your rank is below his Together with Fort Volks, you will be promoted to Lieutenant General. Is there anything you are unsatisfied with?

Im fine with it, its not like I care about ranks in the first place.

Its just like you Germain, the letter of appointment.

Yes!

Germain who was his assistant took out a letter and placed it upon the table.

The letter was already prepared.

It was unknown whether Latreille had the same idea as Regis or that he expected Regis to have thought of such a plan.

Regardless, Regis revised his impression of Latreille Hes really someone whose depth cannot be measured.

Altina took the letter of appointment

Then, Ill be accepting it! Regis would handle the High Britannias steamships while Ill leave it to you to buy some time!

Fu Trusting your subordinates and bravely facing the uncertain future is your strength, Argentina. However, I have a group of loyal subordinates too. Coupled with my position as the representative who holds the military in my hand, youre still not fit to lecture me about it. The one to protect the empire will be the First Imperial Army!

Altina and Latreille smiled at each other.

They are burning up

Latreille called out once more as if he remembered there was still something left.

Sir Regis, your promotion to the third grade administrative officer was arranged a few days ago. Have you received the orders yet?

No?

Regis and Altina shook their heads.

You have yet to receive? Could it be that it was sent late?

Fort Volks was located at the border and right beside them was the Varden Duchy. It would take a lot of time for a letter to be sent there as it was too remote.

Latreille nodded.

Then, I shall issue a new one here.

Latreille picked up the pen while Germain spread out the letter in front of him.

Because every necessary detail were already written, Latreille only needed to sign it.

Official Letter of Promotion

Sir Regis d'Auric,

You are hereby promoted to Third Grade Admin Officer as of today.

Empire Year 851, 22nd May.

Field Marshal Allen Deux Latreille de Belgaria

From the look of it, Latreille was no longer just a soldier.

According to hearsay, the emperor had issued an order to attack just before they entered a war against High Britannia. It was likely that Latreille was given authority at that time.

Latreille pushed the conversation onward.

In terms of formality, there isnt any problem since Argentina, who is your commander, is present. Sir Regis will be granted the rights of a Third Grade Admin Officer as of today.

Understood...

Or so that was what Latreille had said, but Regis job description remained the same.

In the first place, Regis held authority and responsibility that did not match any other Fifth Grade Admin Officer.

Ahh, the increased salary will allow me to buy more books. Thats great! Regis thought delightfully.

Together with other documents, Germain passed the letter of appointment to Regis.

Congratulations on your promotion and receiving the peerage of Chevalier.

Eh?

Seeing Regis surprised look, Germain smiled a little. Perhaps that was just a little payback for Regis refuting him earlier on.

Upon closer inspection, one would find the word d beside Regis name in the letter of appointment.

de means of (in some cases), and by adding the word of next to a family name means its nobility.>

Latreille pointed at the document and said.

Sir Regis, please come to the capital after the war concludes. We need to have the nobilities department grant you the certificate for the title of Chevalier. For the time being, please use that document as your identification.

Ah Nobility is it

What Regis received was not only the letter of appointment, but also the Chevalier certificate.

There were examples of Belgaria giving the title, Chevalier, to soldiers who were Third Grade Officer and above.

While nobility had to be bestowed by the emperor, Chevalier could be granted by nobles in place of the emperor.

In the first place, there was no link between the military and nobility. In addition, there were few cases of a commoner promoted to a Second Grade Officer and above.

Germain tilted his head.

Therere quite a number of people in the military whose goal is to obtain a peerage but Sir Regis seems to have puzzled look and doesnt really look happy.

No That isnt it

While Regis was prepared to be promoted, he was utterly confused now.

Germain squinted his eyes. Regis felt that the expression Germain made looked just like a snake.

There are some civilians who are against the nobles and the aristocratic system. Is Sir Regis the type of person who holds such heretical thoughts?

Are you referring to the liberalists? Im not one of them.

Theres nothing better than that.

However only the nobles will be happy and not others For such thoughts to exist means that there are problems in the national system. After all, a country should make its citizens happy. Instead of meting out titles to satisfy their personal desires, a country should come out with a more efficient way to make its citizens happy. Thats how I feel.

Germain frowned.

Regis shook his head lightly.

Of course, be it Prince Latreille or Sir Germain, your actions are for the good of the citizens. Thus, you would not have the thoughts that only the nobles would be happy, right?

Thats right

As such, it would be wrong for me to be overjoyed upon receiving a peerage. Instead, for the inept me to receive such heavy responsibility resulted in me having stomachache.

Uh What foresight As expected of Sir Regis.

Thanks for the compliment..

In the end, Regis did not smile at all upon receiving the peerage.

Latreille broke into a smile and nodded.

Just giving Sir Regis the title Chevalier is a wasted potential. I pray for the day when you and Sir Germain would be by my sides.

Er, youre overexaggerating.

Altina grabbed Regis arm

You cant! Regis is my strategist!

That goes the same to you There will be a day where you will be my right-hand man. Though, the offer which I asked you to be my bride on the founding anniversary still stands.

I re-fu-se!

Pleeh Altina stuck her tongue out and made a face.

Perhaps due to Latreille being used to his half-sisters childish attitude, he did not react to her.

While dragging Regis arm, Altina pushed open the entrance and left in big steps.

Lets go, Regis! To the west!

Latreille closed his eyes

His head had been in a buzzing pain.

As the sound of Altina and Regis footsteps gradually softened, the surrounding light dimmed.

The entrance was closed by a cloth, hence they could not feel any wind.

Germain ordered the knights to guard outside, hence dismissing them.

As if replacing the knights, someone entered the tent.

Pardon me

The voice was filled with tension

Latreille opened his eyes

In his sight was a chubby person standing still.

Is it the doctor?

Can you see me?

Its better than yesterday.

How many fingers can you see?

While the doctors right hand pointed out some fingers, Latreille could not count the number of them.

I cant Though I know its the right hand.

I-is that so

After saying pardon me, the doctor began to stretch open Latreilles eyelid and look at his eyes.

It seems to have recovered a certain extent.

Exactly how much have I recovered?

...

Latreilles question caused the doctor to hesitate.

Let me make it clear first, Latreille spoke.

Doctor, I dislike spuriousness, especially from a doctor. Do you understand? Tell me honestly about my injury and it will be fine.

U-Understood.

Even so, the doctor found it hard to speak the truth.

After some time passed, Germain brought something that resembled a bowl of water to the doctor. Only then did the doctor speak after drinking it.

Oh Lord Prince Latreille, it would take around half a month for your right eye to recover. However, theres no hope for your left eye The poison has already seeped too deeply.

The weapon of the Mercenary King, Gilbert, was laced with venom.

While this action might be despicable to a soldier, Gilbert was a mercenary.

Is that it?

Prince Latreille P-Please pull yourself together This might be the Lords will. This could be a test given to you as to judge whether you can ascend to heaven.

Continue.

While your right eye will recover Your right eye will still gradually lose vision completely after some years as it will be doing the job of two eyes, which may be very stressful for it

Latreille sighed.

Germain looked as if he was about to collapse as he used one of his hands to support himself.

For this to

Do not panic, Germain.

B-But!!

This was the result of the flaws in my strategy and skill. Rather, Im lucky to be even alive.

Ugh

From today onwards, I will be relying on you even more I will be troubling you.

No such thing! I have already resolved myself to do anything for Your Highness!

Germain knelt.

However, Latreille could not see that posture as his vision was like he was inside a thick fog.

Most likely father would not make a blind person his heir.

Thats very likely

Latreilles father The current emperor, Liam XV, was obsessed with keeping the bloodline. It was likely that he would also look into the wellbeing of the candidates.

Liam without hesitation accepted the sickly Auguste withdrawing his inheritance rights. In addition, Augustes sister who was in long term recuperation had also been excluded regardless of her wishes.

Latreille clenched his fist..

We can only keep this a secret.

Understood.

This isnt just about the inheritance rights I would be laughed at by the neighbouring countries and nobles if I lost my vision and became the emperor.

For Prince Latreille to stably govern the Empire, we have to keep this hidden.

Yes Luckily, I only need half a month for my right eye to recover. After that, I can still maintain my vision for a few years?

The doctor nodded and added, That is if you attempt to recuperate as much as possible.

As much as possible, is it?

Easier said than done, Latreille thought.

They were currently in a war to protect their nation and Latreille himself was the field marshal.

Furthermore, he was at the forefront of the battlefield.

Strategically speaking, they had to make their move now.

Even if I cant see, there shouldnt be any problems if we defend at the stronghold. My right eye would recover by the time the battle ends Also, father is already old. He wont be able to lead the army personally at such a crucial time He has to make a decision soon

Thats right.

Once I become the emperor, I will change this country Change it to a powerful country that will not bow down to others just because they have newer weapons and technology. The Empire will exceed them in military and production technology. I will give our soldiers better equipment and double our agricultural production. Furthermore, I will improve our flood control, punish those nobles who use the taxes for their personal entertainment and wont host any foolish banquets. I will rectify those old laws and reign in the Churchs authority I will make Belgaria a utopia that will never fade even after a millennium.

Uhh Your Highness!

Germain widened his eyes.

Latreilles voice was calm, but one could sense the passion in his words.

There are many ambitious people in the world whose noble souls were trampled by unreasonable events. That is something we must not allow to stop us.

Understood!

Latreille relaxed his grip and let loose a breath.

As such Argentinas victory is necessary

Could the Fourth Imperial Army really win? After all, they are made of defeated soldiers and a border regiment. For them to be the opponent of the High Britannias ships that defeated the Empires navy ...

If it was you, are you not able to do it, Germain?

If its your command! However, it would be unlikely that I would win. Even Vice-Admiral Bertram who excels in naval battles lost the Trouin encounter and had to retreat without any results.

That strategist said we would lose if we conduct a frontal assault... How will he sink those supply ships?

Im born on the west coast, so I understand that the battles that take place in the sea and on land are different. Sir Regis strategy is not an exception, so there shouldnt be too much of an effect.

He was born inland.

Regis resume stated that he was born and raised in the capital. The capital was far from the sea and only had lakes.

Isnt it a little dangerous to expect so much from him?

Surprisingly Ever since the war started, we have been separated from Argentinas regiment. So we arent really clear about the details.

Hmm...I see...

If thats the case, the outcome in which that person visualises may be different to the outcome that we see.

Leaving aside Princess Argentina, Sir Regis doesnt seem to be brave or courageous at all.

While I dont think he is someone who would lie to protect himself If he doesnt sink those supply ships the Fourth Imperial Armys commander and staff would be held responsible after the war.

If the Fourth Imperial Army was defeated, this would make the fight for inheritance rights far simpler. Though it would threaten the survival of the empire.

Latreilles head suddenly began to ache.

He had a terrible look due to the pain.

The doctor quickly advised them to leave.

Please take a rest now. At least for today since the blurry vision will cause unnecessary burden for your head.

Okay Germain, we are setting off tomorrow morning. Hence, you need to think of a way to flank the enemy and reach the stronghold. It should be possible if we abandon our cannons.

After finishing his words, Latreille closed his eyes and leaned back against the chair.

23th May

The Belgarian Army began to move in the rain at midnight.

With the First Imperial Army as the core and the Third and the Seventh Imperial Army with mercenaries added in, they were a force of forty thousand.

They abandoned their cannons and camping equipment to speed up their march. As such, they bypassed the enemy and returned to the defense line near the capital first.

The Beilschmidt Border Regiment Also known as the Fourth Imperial Army with a force of three thousand nine hundred marched towards the west.

When the Fourth Imperial Army set off, the remnants of the Seventh Imperial Army sounded their horn for their long departure.

When they first linked up, the Seventh Imperial Army had a hostile attitude, though it was different now.

This was mostly to thank them for helping in the Battle of Lafressange.

Regis thought that if he was more capable, he could reduce the number of casualties even further. Which was why he could only feel guilt towards the Seventh Imperial Army.

Under Altinas command, the Fourth Imperial Army sounded the same tune back.

Be brave and more courageous.

Entrust your body to the Lords protection.

Entrust your hand to Victory.

What awaits at the end of the battle is glory and honour.

My friend, we shall meet again one day for drinks!

This was the lyric of the tune.

They saw the knight, Coignieres, saluting them. When they first met, he had an arrogant attitude. But now, he was sincerely saluting them.

The militia, Ducasse, was inside their army. To protect his family living in the east, he wanted to push back the High Britannia Army no matter what.

Please protect the empire That was how he implored Altina and Regis.

There were many others who thought the same as him.

A citizen of a defeated country had no human rights. Their wealth or lives might be snatched away on the whims of the victor. That was how scary it was.

Altina who was mounted on a reputable horse smiled at Regis gently.

The Seventh Imperial Army has changed a lot! Even though they were full of hostility towards us at first.

Thats because we both fight for the Empire. So this is normal.

Yup, youre right!

Haa

What is it, why did you sigh?

Thats because Im not used to people expecting things from me My stomach hurts

Its alright! You will definitely succeed!

That would be nice

Regis shrugged his shoulders and boarded the white carriage.

Altina pointed at the west and shouted.

March on, Fourth Imperial Army!

Tng! Their footsteps resounded through the earth.