Chapter 115 - 10-3
Mozu Wolf had lost the city of Aver to the enemy.
It was an unforgivable blunder. Mozu requested the Great King to allow him to resign as general.
"No."
After crossing his arms and thinking deeply, Great King Geraha spoke to Mozu.
"No, Mozu-nii, I want you to continue commanding the siege army. Firstly, as for the city of Aver, it is now nothing more than a small local development."
The enemy seemed to be thinking of the East, Brazm, and the Royal Capital as three separate locations. The Great King's view was different. No matter how one looked at it, those three locations were merely three armies deployed on a single battlefield.
On this occasion, they had given the enemy one base. The impact was not small. The enemy would likely exchange information, personnel, and supplies via the northern inland sea. However, looking back at the city of Aver within the newly established strategy, it was not such a great matter. They would make the East surrender from the Royal Capital, and then once again question the intentions of the Royal Capital. To put it simply,
—I was wrong from the first move.
The Great King was saying.
With the intention of restarting this war, he would secure the East. He would take his time to redo the conquest of Siddim. He had underestimated this country too much.
"Secondly, there are not many who understand my thoughts and will follow me. I cannot feel at ease unless it is you, Mozu-nii."
Mozu shed tears. Perhaps it was the effect of being imprisoned in a dungeon by the enemy army, but he had become completely prone to tears. Because he was moved by the Great King's words, Mozu could not say what he needed to say.
Without being able to say it, he saw off the Great King, who departed to support Brazm.
Is it not different? Mozu thought secretly. Is it not the case that the Great King hasn't been wrong about a single thing?
If Mozu were to put those thoughts into words, it would be this:
—Should it not be the objective, rather than the strategy, that is corrected?
Great King Geraha had seen through this country. He had seen through the core of this country. It was the royal family. If they could suppress the Alish royal family, the matter would be settled. That royal family was protected by the sturdy walls of the city of Malfa. Therefore, surrounding Malfa was not wrong at all.
Furthermore, the idea of occupying the East, as the Great King said, was ultimately aimed at the surrender of the royal family, so it was not wrong either.
However, Mozu wanted to say.
—As for the royal family, are they not right here?
If he shifted his gaze, they were right there. Within the Western Army. If he could strike down or capture the enemy general Lucy Alish, a shock would run through this country. That was how sacred the royal family was in Siddim.
Of course, Mozu's inspiration might be shallow. The Great King might not have discarded the plan to negotiate with the King of Siddim and make Lucy his primary consort. Moreover, if he struck down Lucy, the people of Siddim might instead become enraged, and the war could turn into a quagmire.
On the other hand, if the removal of Lucy could be achieved, the survival of the Western Army would become precarious. Was this not a certainty?
Regardless, Mozu Wolf had lost his nerve due to his own blunder and had lost the opportunity to make a proposal to Geraha.
What remained were the enemy's great army and himself as the general.
Draw the Western Army toward them and prevent them from interfering with the Great King. That was the new mission given to Mozu. Mozu Wolf devised a plan and left the defenses of the city of Aver to be handled as they pleased. A place like Aver could be surrounded even without a great number of troops. If surrounded, the enemy would likely not move. They would probably take an attitude of waiting for winter.
The princess of the royal family must also be protected.
The princess is in the city of Aver. Mozu was certain of it. In short, the Western Army was a group of amateurs gathered by the princess's authority. If they intended to maintain that group, the princess could not leave the front lines. If the commander-in-chief did not keep watch, the amateurs would surely disperse.
Mozu took one step further.
—I'll strike them.
If he struck them once, the enemy would shrink back. For that purpose, he needed to lure the enemy out.
Mozu did not surround the city of Aver immediately, but lured the enemy.
At this time, he had not expected the city gates of Malfa to open. No, precisely because he had already expected it and taken countermeasures, he had not paid special attention to it as a finished matter.
In the city of Malfa, that very thing was being discussed.
It was just as the battle in the fields of Brazm had reached its climax. Siddim was enveloped in rain.
Gilma Rigardie, an Eber person who tilted up his sharp aquiline nose; Codin Dorsey, the general of the Royal Capital Defense Force; and Master Gurt were gathered in the royal palace chapel. It was afternoon. The sound of rain echoed in the chapel. Other than the three men, there were no worshippers.
Master Gurt unfolded a letter from Yugis Necrat, the vice-commander of the Western Army.
Yugis was pleading for them to open the city gates of Malfa.
Gilma felt inwardly relieved by that text.
Do not open the city gates. That had been Yugis's wish. It had appeared as an attitude as if to say that the Royal Capital Defense Force should not get in the way of the Western Army. Just stay tucked away, stay inside the city walls. It had been perceived by the Royal Capital Defense Force as arrogance, as if saying exactly that.
And now, Yugis himself was showing signs of reflection and seeking assistance.
General Codin of the Royal Capital Defense Force was not a man who judged things by emotion. He was a sturdy man of medium build, with red eyebrows, hair, and a beard. The reason his eyes looked narrow and drooping was that his forehead was developed and protruding, and his eyebrows pressed against his eyelids like eaves.
"As for the Royal Capital Defense Force, we cannot send troops as Yugis requests," Codin said. "The Royal Capital Defense Force is an army under the command of His Majesty the King."
"Then we must consult His Majesty," Gilma said. "Is that what is desired?"
The sound of clearing one's throat came from the direction of the altar.
When the three looked up, a boy serving as an attendant was glaring at them, holding a broom.
The three lowered their voices.
"It's not that we wouldn't open the city gates," continued the shaggy red-haired Codin. "However, provided that the condition is accepted that the Royal Capital Defense Force also be allowed to participate in the operation."
Gilma looked at the sun-tanned Master Gurt, who was dressed in monastic robes.
The Master nodded.
"I have received a message from Yugis. If Codin-sama wishes to participate in the operation, Yugis has no reason to refuse it. However, provided that he follows Yugis's operation."
"He wants us to just shut up and listen?" The general crossed his arms. "Since we are also participating, I want us to be included from the planning of the operation."
General Codin was an honest man.
Because of that honesty, he held the deep trust of His Majesty.
"Are you going to fight for leadership?" Gilma did not hold back either. "Since each of us serves a member of the royal family, it might end up being a trial comparing each other's authority, wouldn't it?"
"With all due respect, the origin of the Western Army led by Her Highness Luchentin is somewhat—"
"It has the approval of General Hilboro. The Royal Capital Defense Force is a defense force. You should adhere to the position of external collaborators."
"The defense of the Royal Capital is related to the objective of this war."
"I am aware of that. Both we and Yugis are. First, we should hear this so-called operation of Yugis's."
Gilma spoke and prompted Master Gurt.
"I haven't heard the details. However..."
Master Gurt looked toward the altar.
The attendant boy was concentrating on his sweeping.
"However, it seems Yugis is planning a night attack."
Haider Skyner was proceeding smoothly with the Second Twin Forts Recapture Operation.
Coordination had been achieved with Dint, Carossa, and Thora. The Eastern Army had spent their days training and seemed to have been forged a size stronger.
He had wanted to reach the day the operation began while maintaining this good flow.
Then, the Eastern Governor Aram Danforth returned from Brazm. He had been appointed as the Eastern Army General by General Hilboro.
Haider was troubled by this situation.
Haider Skyner, who had soft golden hair, a face suited to a gentle smile, and an elegantly long neck, hid a talent as a conspirator within that temperament. When a member of the Danforth family, vassals of the Thora family, arrived in Belgau as an administrator, and Haider realized that this administrator was quite capable, Haider decided to utilize him. He won him over using the Kraff territory as bait.
He thought they had built a friendly relationship.
But soon after, Yugis returned to Siddim.
With this, the situation changed. Aram Danforth was no longer necessary. Haider immediately advised General Hilboro that the King's army should be gathered in Brazm, and the Eastern troops should return to the East. Aram Danforth was called back to Brazm, and Haider came to be in charge of the East's absence.
He had used Danforth as much as he wanted and then kicked him out of the East. While it was a cruel story, Haider did not think he had done anything particularly bad. Aram Danforth was a conspirator of the same temperament as Haider. Aram had utilized the Skyner family to his heart's content. Haider and Aram had been playing that kind of game, and Haider had simply won.
With this victory, perhaps from Haider's entire being,
—I've got him.
Such an atmosphere had leaked out.
Aram Danforth likely smelled that atmosphere sensitively.
Having returned to the Eastern Ganlord, Aram Danforth had completely stopped trusting Haider.
"That Second Twin Forts Recapture Operation, is it not interesting?"
Aram Danforth was short, fat, and had delicately small palms. He was clearly not an outdoor person. He looked like a person who exerted power indoors.
"I shall take over."
Aram said.
"As you wish," Haider answered.
He had no choice but to answer so. Again, they could just build a relationship of utilizing each other. In any case, commanding this operation was impossible for Aram. Haider had grasped every single detail. This was the East. An Eastern Governor who came from the West could not manage it.
"Step back."
Told so, Haider stepped back.
Then, for a full day, Haider was not summoned. Haider switched his mindset without scruples. This time, it seemed Aram would not show a sweet face. Visiting Aram's office in Ganlord Castle, Haider knelt on one knee.
"Belgau is loyal to the Danforth family, the separate appointment."
"That is only natural."
"It is loyal to the general of the Eastern Army."
"That goes without saying."
"I wish to be granted a role."
Haider stood up, placed a chair from the corner of the room in front of Aram's desk, and sat down. Aram did not make a good face.
"Who told you to sit? You are insolent."
"Hmph," Haider snorted and looked aside while remaining seated. "You've got to be joking. At a time when not a single day can be wasted, are we playing a game of stubbornness?"
"You are too familiar. Do not be conceited, Skyner. I can move the East even without you."
"This operation belongs to the Eastern Governor, and to the Eastern General. No one will steal it from you. The East will humbly present the victory to your Excellency."
"Because you fooled me once, are you saying the same thing again?"
"Are you asking me to do something about it?"
"Did I say I wanted you to do something? Dangerous, dangerous. If I get greedy here, next I'll be poisoned."
"If you value your life, you should not let me return to Belgau."
"Are you threatening me? Scary, scary."
There was simply no way to get through to him. Haider had grasped the various points regarding the operation. Normally, there was no need to rush. However, Haider begrudged the time.
Haider wrote and sent letters to the Eastern lords.
Letters saying things like, 'I, Haider Skyner, recommend Aram Danforth as the lord of Kraff.' Naturally, there was loud condemnation from the lords. Haider was called a traitor, and his reputation certainly dropped.
The crucial Aram Danforth, for the time being, pretended to be satisfied. He must have seen that he could no longer torment Haider further.
"Good work regarding the Kraff matter. Well, a promise is a promise. Right?" Aram laughed.
"Exactly as you say." Haider bowed his head with a face that showed no remorse whatsoever.
Kraff was the land of the grandfather he loved. It was his own fault for carelessly using it as bargaining material. Now that it had come to this, it could not be helped. He would take back the command of the operation. Handing the operation over to Aram here would be a betrayal of his comrades.
Thanks also to the activities of Cloden Danforth, who seemed to know no fatigue, the preparations for Dint, Carossa, and Udoh Renne's special mobile force were complete.
Cloden, who had returned to Maslow, looked as if he were itching to move to the next action.
"That bastard Udoh was in good spirits. He picked up some strange Siddim kid near the plains nations and brought him back. Udoh read your letter and is fired up—you've got a gloomy look on your face, huh?"
Cloden said, peering into Haider's face.
"Yes, a little bit..."
Haider told Cloden about the trouble with Aram Danforth. He hadn't wanted to trouble his comrades with such things at this critical time, but regarding the Kraff matter, he wanted as many allies as possible.
"When Dico Thora was kicked out of Ganlord," Cloden said. "The reason the reserves of the King's army in the city of Famana didn't move was because Danforth was moving behind the scenes. You should just admit that. In other words, there was a secret pact between you and Danforth."
In response to that secret pact, Danforth betrayed the Thora family.
Danforth betrayed them and abandoned the West. He sided with the East. The Kraff territory was the price for that betrayal. If that were made clear, it might indeed become easier to persuade the Eastern lords.
However, the Eastern Army and Western Army were now the same Siddim Army. At this moment, exposing facts that could become seeds of conflict between East and West seemed dangerous.
"Then how about getting Lucy-sama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Siddim Army, to support Danforth's possession of the Kraff territory?"
"Would she support it?"
Cloden laughed out loud. "Well, since she probably doesn't know the circumstances, she'll likely support it easily."
"But regardless of the Commander-in-Chief, I might need to let Yugis know," Haider said what he was thinking. "The Commander-in-Chief just happens to want to know the details of the Maslow Great Fire. I intend to have Lucifont tell her, but to Yugis—"
Haider was stunned.
Despite having the opportunity, he had not written a letter to Yugis.
"I shall write a letter to Yugis. I'm surprised; this is the first time since this war began that I'm sending a letter to Yugis. Cloden, what about you?"
"Now that you mention it, I haven't sent one either. I wanted to contact Godly Curier, but somehow, come to think of it, I forgot."
"Well, there's a feeling that it's too late for Yugis. He knows what needs to be done anyway."
"True. That guy will come to the East even if left alone."
Fuhaha, Cloden laughed.
Prompted by this, Haider laughed too. That's right. He could predict the things Yugis would do and the things he would say.
'You might as well just give him Kraff,' Yugis would likely say shrewdly. 'However, he should be made to return the position of Belgau separate appointment to the Thora family and make his colors clear. Also, it will be necessary to keep the disposal of Ramirez, the Dint separate appointment, and Anil, the Carossa separate appointment, in view.'
Yugis would likely not say specific things, but only show principles.
In contrast, what would Haider say?
"In any case, that's a conversation for after we've won the war against Kosa,"
Haider muttered. That's right. He couldn't fight with the West at a time like this. For now, this is fine. No matter what the Eastern lords say, it can be pushed through for now. There will be various complaints. But for now, shut up. Focus on the enemy.
First, they should win this war and increase the East's right to speak. Aram Danforth was necessary in order to win.
"Cloden, thanks to you, my hesitation has cleared."
"That's the kind of effect the advice of a wise man has."
Cloden was grinning.
Thanks to him, the operation could be started at any time.
—I'm glad I could talk to him.
Haider bowed his head to Cloden in silence.
Surprisingly, Cloden bowed his head back to Haider.
Because Haider was in a serious mood, he couldn't laugh at the sudden mutual bowing. He didn't know Cloden's feelings. He thought Cloden would just laugh and make a joke of it. Cloden quietly stood up from his seat.
"I'm gonna go meet Lucifont for a bit."
Saying so, he left Haider's room.
He must be embarrassed.
In the end, Haider did not write the letter to Yugis. He had steadied his resolve.
A few days later, the situation changed abruptly once again.
Aram Danforth came to Haider with a smile plastered over his face.
Haider had been in a room in Ganlord Castle, listening to a reconnaissance report from the squad of Zeal Andros and others. Around the Twin Forts, the movement of enemy soldiers had become active.
"Excuse me," Haider said, standing up and leaving the room.
"That, how should I put it," Aram Danforth was pale. "It seems Laicanel Thora is coming to the East."
Haider didn't understand the meaning for a moment and listened to Aram's words.
A battle had taken place in Brazm. The stalled army of Brazm had moved. It seemed General Hilboro had been defeated and became an enemy prisoner. However, it was said that Laicanel had captured the enemy general of Brazm. Having lost Brazm, Laicanel was bringing his troops to the East. This report had apparently arrived from Saranti.
"In other words, since we are taking in the remnants of the Western Army and the King's army, we should prepare the posture and the supply of fodder, is that the story?"
Haider said something feignedly ignorant and stared at Aram's timid face.
"That, that is also part of it, but..."
Aram indicated the end of the corridor with his eyes and led Haider.
It was by the window. Outside, the weather was gloomy.
"I wanted to confirm the matter of when the surprise attack was launched on Dico Thora."
"General, what are you saying!" Haider straightened his back and looked down at the short Aram. "You should be able to say to the son of the Thora family, Laicanel, that you 'gave up on the Thora family'."
"Skyner, you bastard—no, let's calm down. Let's think calmly. Is it really okay to say that? That the Danforth family betrayed the Thora family because they were swayed by Haider's smooth talk?"
"I want you to assert exactly that proudly. Only by declaring that can we in the East welcome you, Aram Danforth-dono, as a comrade. Please be happy; Kraff is yours."
"I'll tell you. I too, seeing that nothing could be done within the order of the West, accepted the position of separate appointment and came to the East. I was prepared to live here."
"That was a preparation relying on the power of Sedias Thora. Do not play dumb. Will you side with Laicanel, or will you side with the East?"
"The East betrayed me. First, admit that. You all were cold to me, who betrayed the Thora family."
"Yes, we betrayed you. The rebirth of the East must first begin by reclaiming the pride of the East. It was necessary to fight the East's war in the East, and to achieve victory only with the East. There was no room for someone like you to enter. I had no intention of handing over a single shred of credit. You are the Eastern Governor appointed by the King's army. You are the Eastern General appointed by Excellency Hilboro."
"What are you trying to say? That because the King's army is in a shambles, my position is shaking?"
"If so, what will you do? Will you cozy up to the Thora family to seek a place to belong?"
"Ridiculous. At this late stage—"
"It's a good opportunity. Please return the position of separate appointment to the Thora family."
"Unless you strip me of everything, you cannot trust me?"
"Am I not saying I'll give you Kraff? Now that it's come to this, the Skyner family and the Danforth family are in it together until the end. I will make you the Marquis of Kraff no matter what."
Aram Danforth's face, the flesh of his cheeks, was trembling with anger. It was an anger that looked as if he might foam at the mouth. Nasal mucus glistened in his nostrils, and he also looked like a face about to burst into tears.
Haider's breathing was also rough with excitement. He opened his eyes so wide they seemed ready to split, and confronted Aram without backing down a single step.
Aram approached while staggering. He extended both arms and grabbed Haider's collar. As he did, he collapsed from his knees. Haider was also dragged down and crouched. It was as if they were sinking into a muddy swamp.
"The Thora family is not soft," Aram said in a voice like he was spitting blood.
"I will protect you. This time—"
"Don't betray me! Don't betray me!"
"I won't betray you this time!"
For Haider, this was at least one genuine feeling. To speak another genuine feeling, no matter how much strength he put into his words, he still couldn't be trusted. Aram as an individual might perhaps be trusted. However, depending on the change in situation, a promise in this place would become nothing more than a stale joke.
—But even so.
It will last until this war is over. Haider thought, estimating something like the expiration date of this emotional surge. Aram was surely thinking the same thing. In that kind of cunning, Haider evaluated and trusted the man called Aram.
Hume Razor is searching for a woman.
He is quiet before the princess, but Hume is a man who has lived a blood-scented half-life. The saving grace was that since his youth, he always aspired to be on the side of justice; without that, he would have been nothing but a villain.
Of course, the line dividing justice and injustice in the world is ambiguous. Since the world's standards are so, Hume too had always walked the boundary line between a righteous man and a villain. Hume was knowledgeable about villains. He had many acquaintances who lived wretched lives.
The scars of battle borne by the city of Aver were left raw. The full-scale opening battle of the Western Army had turned this city into a ruin where people still lived. Rather than a city, it was like a place where charcoal and rubble had been pushed together in one spot. Much had burned away. There were places that had become small hills of ash. For a time, corpses had piled up on top of them. Although the corpses had been cleared away, it was thought that the bustle of the port town that had been here would never revive again.
And yet, there were people.
There were citizens who gathered food from somewhere and continued their business. From where did they procure their goods? The members of the Western Army occupying this city might have been doing things they couldn't tell their superiors.
Hume established his base in a tavern that looked like a building, cleverly combining remaining stone foundations and waste materials. Amidst those sipping terrible liquor since daytime, a sigh was heard.
"Haa."
A black-haired beauty had just placed her seductive hips on the adjacent seat.
"At the wall repair worksite, I spotted a comrade I used to be with,"
the beauty said. She was a woman named Karla. She made a living by becoming the mistress of wealthy men and squeezing them dry of their money. Depending on the case, she was a vicious criminal who would not hesitate to murder the wealthy men.
"Haa."
Karla sighed and sent her gaze toward Hume's profile.
She must have had a captivating expression, the kind used for a decisive moment.
Hume looked straight ahead. He let it pass, pretending not to hear. It wasn't that he had no interest in the sex appeal Karla exuded. But not now. There was a more dangerous woman.
"It's the place where the victims gather in the west," Karla said in a low voice. "In a shack better than this shop, five or six laborers are living. One of them is Darzek. A delinquent specializing in rough work, someone I've worked with before—"
Once Karla finished telling the details, Hume took a gold coin from his breast pocket and placed it on the table.
Before the gold coin could reflect the light, it vanished into Karla's delicate hand.
For a moment, Hume felt the feverish gaze of the black-haired beauty on his cheek.
The beauty stood up with a trailing sigh and hurriedly left the shack-like tavern. Hume also left the shack after paying. He followed Karla's fragile-looking back.
In the western area where the victims gathered, there were many buildings that had escaped the fire and remained unburned. Karla stopped for a moment in front of such a building, and then slowed her pace and walked toward the south.
Hume approached the doorway of that unburned building at a trot. He had his hand on the sword at his waist. He pressed his ear to the door. There was no sound at all. However, his sense of smell detected an abnormality. A faint scent of death was drifting.
—Should I call someone?
The thought that it might be better to surround it with many people lasted only a moment.
Hume kicked the door open. The door flew into the interior in its original shape, as if there were no hinges.
The expected corpses were not there. And yet, the scent of death drifted thickly.
Hume quickly drew his sword and looked around cautiously. He regretted his own thoughtlessness in not calling for backup.
That said, it was nothing more than a building with two narrow rooms. Not a single piece of furniture. It was a house with almost nothing.
—Marvel.
The princess had said that was her name. If this had been her base, it was quite a splendid withdrawal. Karla had said five or six men were living here. And yet, there was no scent of living. The impression was that everything had been wiped clean.
—That Karla woman.
Karla had probably been seen by the comrades she used to be with. If the men had abandoned this base because of that, they were indeed not mere laborers.
There was a rectangular floorboard on the floor. It had been nailed down, but Hume pried it open with his sword. When the floorboard was removed, stairs to a basement warehouse appeared.
The scent of death had not been Hume's mistake.
Hume pressed his cloak to his nose and coughed. He descended the stairs while remaining alert for some kind of trap. In a sea of blood, there were five or six white bodies; at first, he thought they were the corpses of the laborers who had lived here.
It seemed they were not.
All of them were in undergarments stained with blood. All of them were young. From Hume's perspective, they were boys, no different from infants.
—Western Army?
Hume became enraged. It was a sloppy way of killing. The corpses were not laid out neatly. They were discarded as if entwined. The things that seemed to be moving were likely insects.
It seemed all of them had their throats slit. There were traces of blood spurting from each of their throats. Their throats were cut, they were pushed down the stairs, and they piled up in that state. They must have died in the dark room without a single glance given to them.
Just as someone must have approached from behind halfway down the stairs where Hume was, that someone must have wrapped a blade around their necks—.
Hume turned around.
A figure was peering in from the entrance of the basement warehouse. Although the face was shadowed by the backlight, he instinctively felt it was a woman. Holding his breath, Hume suddenly leaped.
At the same time, the figure vanished.
He climbed the stairs and leaped onto the first-floor floor. There was no figure.
When he stepped out of the building onto the street, there was a back running among many victims. Hume chased after them. He struggled because his eyesight was poor. Even so, he saw the suspicious back enter a side street. Hume also ran through the nearby side street.
On the street one block over, soldiers of the Western Army were walking, almost overflowing the road.
All of them wore similar coats, and over that, similar chainmail. Similar belts, similar trousers, similar military boots.
The suspicious figure was nowhere to be found anymore.
—I see.
Hume realized. Those people had killed the soldiers to steal their clothes. The reason they went through the trouble of killing them to steal, rather than just stealing, was likely to unsettle the Western Army.
Five or six thugs, undoubtedly hired with money, were disguised as soldiers.
If the main culprit was the woman called Marvel, she probably wanted to say this:
'I have entered among you.'
To make Hume understand that, it seemed she had used Karla.