Chapter 146: Checkmate, you bastard! (1)
Imperial Calendar Year 376, July 6th.
The 1024th Long-Range Mobile Strike Patrol Unit returned successfully after completing their mission.
Five injured, no casualties.
The 1024th Unit gave the Western Army a fit, combining difficult terrain with their specialty in long-range mobile strikes. As a unit boasting the longest firing range and fastest escape speed among the numerous units of the Imperial Army, this was a natural outcome.
I spoke with a pleased expression to First Sword Martin, who entered the strategy meeting room and reported confidently.
“Good work. Excellent results.”
“Thank you, Sudo-nim.”
“Now take your seats. Alright, with this, the full-scale defense operation has begun. Gentlemen, it may have been quite boring so far, but from now on, you’ll miss the previous leisure, so focus.”
The five First Swords, Adjutant Sispa, Aila and Lucy, who attended as representatives of my direct patrol unit, fixed their gazes on the widely spread military map. The map was the latest edition, drawn with the Naratz River, which was gradually decreasing in volume, at its center.
“Currently, the Western Army’s strength is 1 Legion, 4 Divisions, and 4 Patrol Units, totaling 32,000 troops, more than six times our main force. But as you all know, we occupied this place first and were able to gain geographical and environmental advantages. I trust there are no soldiers still getting bitten by snakes.”
The five First Swords grinned at my words.
There are swamps upstream of the two river branches. They were swamps notorious for being infested with venomous snakes, but the flooding caused by this unusual weather swept them away on a large scale.
The countless venomous snakes that lived there were forcibly relocated and are now widely distributed in the bushes around Atzuma City, starting their new lives.
While the snakes’ venom wouldn’t kill, it would cause breathing difficulties or unconsciousness. They were so numerous they were practically tripping hazards, but the damage to the soldiers was minimal. This is all thanks to Kun.
Kun used the secret techniques used in the Gray Forest to make the snakes avoid humans. Simply by wearing a silk pouch on their waist containing a mixture of alum and common wildflowers, the venomous snakes fled.
Of course, this doesn’t mean there were no casualties at all.
No matter how much a snake tries to flee, it will bite if you rush to catch it.
“Unless they know this secret technique, the Western Army will likely suffer casualties if they come in, but that’s assuming they can even get here. First Sword Martin.”
“Yes. From June 24th to July 5th, for eleven days, my unit completely subdued the area across the river up to 4 kilometers. As we were in charge of the construction in the operation area, there were no difficulties in understanding the terrain. Two division-sized units of the Western Army approached as the vanguard, but due to the devastated roads and our obstruction operations, they have only advanced 2 kilometers as of yesterday.”
This is an encouraging situation. Even though the main force of the Western Army hasn’t arrived, the ability of the 1024th Unit to sufficiently hinder two divisions is quite impressive.
“The main force of the Western Army likely won’t arrive until the road is repaired. In the meantime, we could launch operations to wear down the Western Army’s nerves, but let’s not. Let’s leave them to clean up the road and focus on our own preparations.”
Since we’ve made our move, they also have the opportunity to retaliate. After all, war provides equality to both sides in that they both have the chance to kill each other.
The soldiers currently cleaning the road are probably wondering why they’re even there. Now that the 1024th Unit has retreated, they have nothing to do but shovel.
“But it seems the downstream is in better shape than expected. You got back quickly? First Sword Martin.”
“After going down for about a day, we found a branch in the river. It took about six hours for a thousand personnel to move. It was better than going by raft.”
“32,000 men can’t come by raft. We’ve cut down and moved almost all the trees in the vicinity. That means they’ll use the land route. First Sword Exofi, how is the work progressing?”
First Sword Exofi, who was carrying out the order to capture snakes in the vicinity, made a troubled expression.
Even though snakes are overflowing, I wish they would refrain from eating them.
I understand the physiology of a soldier who gets hungry as soon as they finish a meal, but please, I wish they wouldn’t try to solve their hunger and boost their stamina all at once.
I wouldn’t deny that they have a unique taste and, when skewered and seasoned with salt and pepper, make an excellent beer snack. They were delicious. Hmm.
“You’ll have to manage that yourself. They have their own judgment. I won’t stop them, though.”
“You’ve tried them, haven’t you?”
“I can’t resist delicious food.”
First Sword Exofi, with a slightly disgusted expression, looked around, about to comment on how I could eat such a thing.
And when she realized that no one was making eye contact with her, or more precisely, even First Sword Aranas, the other female First Sword, was avoiding her gaze, she became frustrated.
I briefly pondered the remarkable difference between men and women in their concern for health.
First Sword Martin spoke with an expression that suggested he had about thirty snakes in his belly.
“Hey, First Sword Exofi, haven’t you tried them? They’re the popular snack around here these days.”
“I, I don’t put such things in my mouth. I’ll pass.”
“No, don’t shy away. Skewer them and season them well, and they’re perfect with beer. Ah, that taste. It’s hard to forget.”
“No, thank you. And drinking during wartime is a violation of the military code.”
The female First Sword, who looked quite fierce with the scar on her face, shook her head with a pale face. First Sword Martin seemed to want to say something to her with an even more intrigued expression, but I stopped him for now.
“First Sword Martin, that’s enough with the food recommendations. And First Sword Exofi, release the snakes you gather at the location First Sword Martin mentioned.”
“Ah, yes, Sudo-nim.”
“Understood.”
The bet was off, but First Sword Martin became quite obedient.
I think it’s because I acknowledged his abilities and showed tolerance. It wouldn’t make sense to buy loyalty with a bet in the first place.
We continued to discuss our defense strategy for quite a while.
Now that we have the geographical advantage, it shouldn’t be difficult to hold off an army six times our size.
The area around Atzuma City was currently turning into a quagmire due to the overflowing river, making it difficult for cavalry to charge or heavy infantry to advance.
Although it rained intermittently after the heavy rain stopped, it was like a tickle with a hair compared to the downpour that came right after the drought.
And then, following the heavy rain, came the scorching heat. The earth was once again evaporating a massive amount of moisture back into the sky, but decay seemed determined not to be outdone by evaporation.
Therefore, waterborne diseases were an urgent issue. Namia began inspecting the area, and according to the rumors – though unbelievable – she was going around with a frantic energy, eliminating or consolidating puddles and purifying them.
The systems we had already established were working smoothly. Almost everything was now being handled before it even reached me.
That’s why I was leisurely lying under the shade of a tree, enjoying the breeze with my head on Levidian’s lap.
A busy life requires moments of leisure.
“A battle will soon take place. The opponent being that Pilledvan, I have mixed feelings.”
“Indeed.”
I closed my eyes, feeling her fingers run through my hair. She stroked my forehead and said,
“I’m curious about the overall war situation.”
“They’ll probably be fighting over the cities and the Emperor’s army. Overall, we have the advantage.”
“We have the advantage?”
“Yes. The Eastern Army is well-trained.”
On the surface, it would seem like a peaceful afternoon for lovers, but the conversation ruthlessly sliced through the tranquility of the atmosphere. Well, this is how she and I always are.
“What will happen to Orknesia?”
“Well, first we need to establish a proper political system. Now that it has been expelled from the Empire, it needs to be reborn as a Duchy or a Kingdom.”
“What about the Empire?”
“Unless the Emperor is defeated, my father will not claim the name of the Empire. Ah, who knows? Maybe my father will keep his position as Duke, and my brother will ascend to the throne as Emperor.”
“Then what about you?”
“My brother will decide, but he’ll probably give me a Duchy, right? Haha.”
It felt so good to have her stroking my head, but I opened my eyes. And I thought I was right to do so.
Black, smooth hair was slightly draped, and within it, eyes like stars were sparkling. Her youthful appearance, which never seems to age, makes me forget that she’s thirty.
She met my gaze and smiled softly. Her red lips formed a lovely shape.
“Then what about me?”
“Ibi…… could become a Duchess.”
She blushed, but didn’t avoid my gaze. Maybe she becomes a little more open when there are no people around? She spoke with a beautiful smile,
“I’ll go with you when the battle starts.”
“I wouldn’t dream of stopping you.”
“Oh my, that’s a little disappointing. I was hoping you’d try to stop me a little.”
“It gives me peace of mind to have Ibi by my side. How many people in the world can entrust their backs to the Sword King?”
“Hmm? So you’re saying I’m a shield?”
“You’re a treasure. I should always keep you by my side.”
She looked at me with a mischievous gaze and reached out to touch my face. A pleasant sensation caressed my cheek. Even the fingers of the Spring Wind Maiden wouldn’t feel better than this. And the Spring Wind Maiden can’t pinch my cheeks either.
“I hate you.”
“Why?”
“You’re the one who made me unable to leave your side. When we first met, no one would have thought it would turn out like this.”
“Me neither.”
Ah, yes. Me neither. I only thought about becoming stronger under her tutelage, but as time passed, I fell in love with her.
She playfully pulled my cheeks from side to side, speaking with delight.
“You know what? I never thought I would meet a man and fall in love.”
“Why is that?”
“Because of my father and mother.”
“Ah……”
I smiled bitterly. It’s natural for a child not to understand their parents’ situation from their perspective. Moreover, she was practically a victim, so it’s no wonder she thinks that way.
“It was a lifelong decision, but thanks to you, I gave up. I hate you.”
“Ugh……”
She pulled my cheeks hard. And she added another hand, playing with my face with both hands. Ow, ouch, eek!
“Seuman hayasehyo. (Stop it.)”
I tried to make a sullen expression and complain, but my pronunciation was unclear since she was holding my lips.
She laughed and then cupped my cheeks with both hands.
“You really are a hateful person……”
Ah, I can see the best sky.
A sky filled only with Levidian.
I can guarantee that no other sky would be more beautiful than this.
She spoke in a whisper, with a smile on her face.
“You’re a good person.”
Why is she saying the one thing men never want to hear from the woman they love? Of course, she doesn’t seem to be aware of that.
Let’s just smile.
“You’ll be getting busier from now on, right?”
“Yes. Probably.”
“And you’ll be doing more and more work.”
“That’s how it will be.”
“But you’ll still have plenty of time to spend with me, right? Tell me honestly.”
“Hmm……”
I couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
Ah, this is the worst. It’s a rare occasion for Levidian to show me such intimacy…… and all I can do is give this vague smile.
Nevertheless, she smiled brightly, as if she understood everything.
“You’re an honest person. You can’t lie, right?”
“Yes.”
“But that expression you just made was cute. It’s okay. All the time after that will be mine. But you’ll be in trouble if you don’t finish quickly. I’m over thirty, you know. How long do you plan to keep me waiting? I’ve become an old maid because of Risel.”
That’s not my fault. You were twenty-six when we first met.
I wanted to say that with a mischievous expression, but I held back. Instead, I said,
“It’s alright. I’ll take responsibility, no matter your age.”
“Oh my, how presumptuous. Do you think the second son of a mere Duke can take responsibility for the Sword King?”
“No. Arisein will take responsibility for Levidian. Ah, damn it. You’re a witch. Take it all.”
“What should I do? There’s nothing left to take. Hehe.”
She smiled pleasantly.
Ah, I really wish we could have more moments like this. I’m going crazy because I love these moments so much, where we can laugh and be happy even with trivial conversations.
As long as I have Levidian, I can rest my body and mind even after a difficult battle.
She’s strong. That’s why she’s lovely.
That smile alone is enough to justify my resets.
It was when we were completely oblivious to our surroundings, gazing only at each other.
Rustle. Rustle.
“Oh dear.”
“Oh my? It’s Aila.”
Levidian quickly lifted her head, and the ordinary sky, hidden by branches and leaves, came back into view. What a shame. The best sky has disappeared.
Aila scratched her head with an awkward expression.
“Um…… should I come back in an hour or two?”
“Don’t be silly, it’s unlike you.”
“Unlike me? I felt the same embarrassment as when I saw my mother and father in bed while passing by at night. Hmph.”
Although I’ve never seen it myself, it’s understandable embarrassment. What a realistic description.
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