Chapter 14 – Careful Adrldon and the moving Maibar

And then the next day. As my master had mentioned, an announcement was made by the Emperor to the people remaining in the imperial capital.

While I, who had heard the story in advance was somewhat prepared, other warriors and the citizens who still didn’t evacuate and stayed in the imperial capital were anxious about the future of the empire.

Nevertheless, most warriors chose to become mercenaries and were hired by the Emperor. Some had resolved to stay with the Emperor until the end, while others intended to wage guerrilla warfare against the new rulers of the empire.

Some left the imperial capital with their treasures, perhaps unwilling to simply hand them over to the imperial army. And then there was Kiyoka.

“I’ll stay in the imperial capital.”

“I see…”

I knew that I would be leaving the imperial capital with Karan-san but Kiyoka plans to stay and prepare to resist the empire’s rule.

“Besides… I have to wait for that idiot, right?”

“…Kiyoka.”

“What’s with that face? It’s not a farewell for a lifetime, is it? Come on, Vyril has his own things to do. If the imperial bloodline remains, the restoration of the Amatsuki Empire might happen someday. It’s a heavy responsibility, you know?”

“Yeah… that’s true…”

And so, I bid farewell to Kiyoka. Damn!

“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it…!”

Unconsciously, I found myself in an alley, pounding the wall. It’s frustrating, unbearable. It’s pathetic, beyond words.

Once again, I… am I going to lose my important place and run away like this? Why? Why am I always being robbed…!?

“Position… strength…?”

When I was in the empire, I was targeted because I belonged to the imperial family. And because of my lack of strength, I couldn’t protect my mother.

Now that I’ve become stronger, being a warrior doesn’t change the fact that I’m powerless against the current times. The strength I acquired…what was it for…?

There’s no answer. No, I can’t find one. It might lead to questioning my entire life…doubting the strength I acquired. That would be self-denial.

With these indescribable emotions in my chest, I headed towards the mansion where Karan-san and my master were waiting.

■

‘There’s stronger animosity from the imperial people towards the empire than I expected…’

Adrldon pondered inside his tent. Indeed, the people of the empire and the imperial people had significantly different thoughts and characters.

On one side was a large nation that had expanded its territory across the continent and on the other side was a small country with no territorial ambitions that had developed its own unique culture.

While it was natural for them to be different, even in situations where surrender would be expected, many imperial people would fight to the end, even if it meant death.

“Adrldon-sama, how are you feeling?”

“… I was thinking about what to do after capturing the imperial capital.”

“If we continue like this, it may lead to the creation of a resistance.”

“Having conquered the empire, there must not be a rebellion originating from this land… We must avoid such a situation.”

Adrldon, even though he gathered information about the empire, hadn’t been conscious of the character of the imperial people. Perhaps he should have refrained from any looting and displayed a courteous attitude towards the enemy.

They, especially the warriors, were brave and valued martial prowess. Their thoughts in the face of conflict might not be characterised by noble ideals but there was a discernible difference in what they held dear compared to the ravaging empire people.

The empire’s methods would likely further harden their hearts.

“…Capture all the imperial family members alive. Handle them with utmost care, without any rough treatment.”

“Yes. I learned that before coming to the capital. The imperial people truly admire the imperial family.”

“If any of the empire’s people harm the imperial family… the entire imperial populace might turn into a desperate force and attack.”

Even if it comes to that, the imperial army will emerge victorious. However, needless casualties are inevitable.

Without the unification of the empire being complete yet, it’s not acceptable to lose highly trained and valuable forces in such a situation. It took a considerable amount of time, resources and funds to train them to this level.

“If this were a battle against local lords of the empire, they might have surrendered immediately after the first defeat…”

“Yes. Even knowing the overwhelming disadvantage, they stand firm without breaking…especially the warriors can be considered formidable soldiers on the continent.”

“As you heard, many of them possess powerful sealing marks that enhance physical abilities. I underestimated them as a small border country.”

The abilities manifested by those with seals are mostly related to enhancing physical capabilities. And the imperial people, on average, excel in strengthening compared to the imperial people with seals.

The Ironclad Heavy Armor Unit is a squad that gathers individuals particularly skilled in enhancing physical capabilities but even among them, there were casualties. Incredibly, they were cut through, including their black iron armour.

“Perhaps that weapon… the katana, has some secrets. Despite being in constant battles, I hardly see them break.”

“Indeed… A slender curved sword like that should easily break if blocked with a shield.”

“And its sharpness is tremendous”

So far, there have been few interactions with the countries dealing with the empire, and the imperial people themselves don’t venture outside their borders much, so their culture is not well known.

“But…if that’s the case, placing Maibar-dono in the north was the right decision.”

“Yes. With him, there’s a risk of looting as soon as he enters the imperial capital. That might provoke even stronger resentment from the imperial people. And I believe he can handle the imperial family with due respect… No, forget I said anything.”

“You practically said it all.”

A soft air flowed within the tent. Adrldon himself didn’t want to be further stirred by Maibar’s actions, so he positioned him to the north of the imperial capital.

Even if the battle starts, he only needs to close the distance to the north of the capital without entering. However, now that he knows the strength of the warriors, he does feel that having them for the new Imperial Army would be beneficial for the empire. If he can incorporate them effectively, it might accelerate the unification of the empire. And for that, it’s absolutely crucial not to kill the imperial family.

It could be the spark of rebellion but at the same time, they could serve as hostages to control the warriors.

“The envoy sent to propose surrender will return by tomorrow evening. Whatever action we take, it will be after that. Until then, do not take any unauthorised actions.”

“Yes!”

“But I do understand….what if the envoy doesn’t return?”

“In that case… two days later. We will begin the march towards the imperial capital.”

No matter how much Adrldon appreciates the empire, this situation is different.

Besides, the Ironclad Knights’ primary goal is to occupy the Amatsuki Empire. This is the top priority and other objectives take a back seat.

Adrldon considers every possible scenario with the two of them and plans responses accordingly. Having firmly set the course of action for the future, the two trusted commanders returned to their respective units.

‘Now… the best scenario would be if they surrender as they are. The likelihood of that is around 10%.’

■

And the next day, depending on the envoy’s response scheduled to return today, the actions of the Imperial Army would be decided. Unusually, Maibar was up early, pondering such matters.

In the corner of the tent, ten restrained Imperial women lay naked. With nothing to do while waiting for the envoy’s response, Maibar had spent the entire previous day frolicking with his subordinates in the tent.

The sense of time had become strange and due to sleeping at odd hours, he woke up much earlier than usual.

“Hmm.”

Looking at the sky, it wasn’t yet clear if the sun was rising. It was not pitch dark outside, but it would take some time before it became fully bright.

Since he was already awake, Maibar thought about choosing one of the women rolling around in the tent to calm his morning desires.

But just as he was reaching out to one of the women, someone entered the tent.

“Maibar-sama!”

“Hm?”

There stood his private soldier, Bliss. Bliss always worked well on the battlefield and often brought beautiful women to Maibar, making himself quite favoured.

“What, did you also wake up at this hour because you indulged too much?”

“Well, yes… But more importantly! When I went to wash my face in the river just now…! I saw a small group armed leaving the northern part of the imperial capital!”

“What…?”

Despite the fact that the sun had not yet risen, a group was leaving the imperial capital. Moreover, armed, meaning it wasn’t just commoners. To go out of the capital at this hour.

“You’ve done well…! No doubt, the imperial family intends to escape…!”

“Yes, I think so too. They seemed very cautious around them and took a route that significantly detoured around our army.”

“Wake up the soldiers immediately! We’ll claim credit before the knight order does!”

“…Is it okay? Until the envoy returns, we were told not to move the army…”

“He won’t come back anyway! Today is the day for the response, let’s assume he won’t return. Besides…! There’s no need to give time to backwater imperial people like them…!”