Chapter 13 – The King’s Decision

In the imperial capital, Imperial soldiers had been present for five days. However, there was still no sign of movement from the enemy.

“Are they…waiting for our food supply to run out?”

“I wonder. Or perhaps they have a goal of causing us to lose morale.”

For about a month leading up to the retreat to the imperial capital, we experienced numerous skirmishes. And in the midst of those battles, Masaomi went missing.

While Kiyoka returned to the imperial capital, Masaomi did not come back even after waiting for a while.

How much military strength remains in the imperial capital? What strategies do we have against the Imperial Army from here on? Such information doesn’t seem to reach the lower ranks.

One thing is certain. If things continue like this, I will once again lose my place.

“It’s time. I’m going.”

“Yes. I’ll wait for that fool a bit longer here.”

Leaving Kiyoka behind, I start walking through the streets of the imperial capital. Upon returning to the capital, I was assigned to be the escort for Karan-san.

Surprisingly, Karan-san was still in the imperial capital. The war started, negotiations with the royal family dragged on and he ultimately couldn’t leave the capital.

“Excuse me… Oh, Master!?”

In the room, besides Karan-san was my master who was also present. I had met my master a few times since returning to the imperial capital, but this was the first time I saw him together with Karan-san.

“Oooo, just in time. Vyril, we need to talk.”

“Eh…?”

Both my master and Karan-san were looking at me with serious expressions. Without a doubt, it was about the future.

“What I’m about to tell you will be conveyed to everyone tomorrow…but I thought I’d tell you first.”

“To me…? What is it exactly?”

“Well, you must understand. The empire is going to lose.”

“……………”

Once again, I am confronted with the harsh reality, and a shock resonates within me. These words came from none other than my master and their gravity is undeniable.

“The number of troops left in the imperial capital is approximately 7,000. In contrast, the enemy has nearly 20,000.”

“So many…!?”

On the first day of the invasion, the Imperial Army divided its forces into three and launched an attack on the Imperial territory. Subsequently, each of the three armies followed separate routes, converging finally on the imperial capital.

Hearing the current strength of the imperial capital and the enemy forces, I was appalled. Even with highly trained soldiers, having almost three times the numbers is a daunting challenge. No matter how skilled our warriors are, winning seems incredibly difficult.

Frustration builds within me, and I clench my fists, trembling as I gaze downward.

“I have observed the movements of the Imperial Army to some extent. Clearly, it is different from before. There must have been some trigger, transforming them from a mere gathering of groups into a unified army.”

The Empire has historically been a country with frequent wars, even before the prolonged internal strife. In contrast, the Imperial nation, while valuing individual martial prowess, lacks experience in group warfare and has no history of aggressive wars.

Naturally, the evolution of military and equipment differs between the two.

“It’s not a matter of one being inferior or superior. Individual bravery can sometimes overwhelm a group. However, this time, the opponent has prepared meticulously.”

Both the Empire and the alliance of lords have not seen significant military conflicts in recent years. Perhaps the Empire came to gauge the current strength of the Knights by using the Imperial nation.

“The Emperor will not surrender until the end. Absolutely not.”

“Even if the lives of many Imperial citizens are at stake…?”

“Yes. Many Imperial citizens do not wish for that. Do you know what has happened in the villages invaded by the Empire? You’re not unaware, I presume?”

“……………”

Wherever they occupied, they plundered without mercy.

They would seize food and property, and once they captured women, they would violate them. Surrendering to such imperial forces and relinquishing the imperial capital. It’s not just the townspeople but also the noble princess and Mayo-sama. The outcome is already clear.

“The Emperor will remain here. And… tomorrow, he will make an announcement.”

“An announcement… you say?”

“Yes. The Amatsuki Empire will be dissolved, and from now on, the people are free to do as they please. However, if warriors form mercenary groups, the Emperor will hire them anew…”

“What… what!? What does that mean…!?”

Ignoring my confusion, Karan-san calmly speaks. He probably already heard it from master.

“In essence, in the face of the imperial army, they say you’re free to fight or withdraw. Even if you run, you won’t be held accountable for a crime. If you choose to fight, you can use the treasures in the palace as you like.”

The empire is likely to lose as it is. But it’s also unbearable to involve all the citizens in a battle whose outcome has already been determined.

Some have small children and there are those who would rather escape than fight.

“As a military force, we may have been defeated but we’ll also engage in harassment against the imperial army in the future.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“The brutality of the imperial army is already known to everyone. Even among the imperial citizens who obediently follow, there are likely many who harbour internal resistance. Just because they’ve taken this land doesn’t mean we’ll easily comply with the orders of the powerful.”

Well… having been forcibly taken by force, it’s unlikely that loyalty can be pledged to new landlords or emperors.

“There might be warriors with formidable strength mingling in the common folk. At night, there might even be roving swordsmen.”

Oh…that would indeed be troublesome for the empire. It’s certainly harder to deal with than conflicts between armies. Moreover, the common people are likely to be allies of such individuals. They can easily blend in and hide.

“So… in that case, I too…!”

I don’t want to just let this happen. I’ll stay in the imperial capital and outwardly accept the empire’s rule.

But targeting the imperial nobility, I’ll strike them down…! As long as this life continues…!

Such a dark determination was beginning to solidify, but my master shook her head in response.

“Your role has already been decided.”

“Huh?”

“Go to the grasslands with the warriors who won’t stay here and their families.”

“…………..!”

I turned at Karan-san. He nods slowly.

“Indeed, I’ll have to narrow down the numbers…but I can guide you from here to the grasslands. I’ve already received compensation from His Majesty. I intend to return to the grasslands as a guide.”

The options for warriors and civilians not hired as mercenaries are limited. Either accept the empire’s rule quietly, continue hiding until found or escape beyond the borders of the empire.

“Vyril has already been decided to be hired as a mercenary. Here, this is your reward.”

It seems there was no choice for me. I receive the sword handed over by my master.

“This is…”

I draw the blade halfway. It’s an incredibly well-crafted sword. The blade gives off a chilling sensation just by looking at it.

“A mysterious sword made only of Imperial Cherry Blossom Steel. It’s called the Sakura Moon Katana.”

“…………!!”

Among the imperial warriors, receiving this is considered the greatest honour. Only high-ranking warriors are allowed to carry it, the renowned Sakura Moon Katana…! Is this my reward…!?

“However…! To wield this, I still lack the strength…”

“Nonsense. You’ll become a warrior worthy of it. Besides, it’s my old one, so don’t worry about it.”

“Eh…”

My master, a warrior who received two Sakura Tsuki Blades in the empire, seems to have received the second one immediately upon returning to the empire.

“Well, it was sent to tie me to the empire… but that’s a story for another time. Anyway, it’s not a reward from His Majesty, but it should be sufficient, right?”

“…! Thank you…! I swear here to become a warrior worthy of this sword…!”

A top-notch blade that will not break, rust, or lose its edge. Moreover, my master used it…!

“Well then… shall we continue the discussion? Among those going to the grasslands with Karan-san, there is also a member of the imperial family.”

“Eh!?”

“Princess Mayo. In fact, His Majesty asked me to take Mayo along as well.”

Mayo-sama too…! While the grasslands are certainly distant from the imperial capital and one might be able to hide.

It will be a long journey, and there are mountains and forests to overcome. For a woman… especially one not trained, it would be challenging.

“It seems you’re worried, but Mayo is a splendid member of the imperial family. Moreover, the blood of Gnochein is very thick in her veins. She has enhanced physical abilities through the sealing mark and surprisingly, she’s not to be underestimated.”

Now that it’s mentioned, Mayo-sama is also a bearer of the sealing mark, a notable trait among the imperial people.

For some reason, many imperial people possess the sealing art that enhances physical abilities. Mayo-sama, with her strong noble blood, might harbour incredible power within her seal.

“Tomorrow, an announcement will be made, and everyone will spend a day in confusion while being forced to make decisions. Take Mayo-sama with Karan-tono and leave the imperial capital in the early morning of the day after tomorrow. Prepare during that time.”

“Understood… What if the enemy moves during that time?”

“That should be fine. An envoy has just arrived. The deadline for the response is still pending and until then, the enemy won’t make a move.”

I see…that’s why this timing. Anyway, my task has been decided.

As for Kiyoka…what will she do? Being born into a warrior family, will she stay in the imperial capital until the end?