317. Choice (1)
317. Choice (1)
- 1 -
Just before Libertas declared victory over her enemies.
Verno, the heart of the Verno Marquisate in the far north of the Kingdom of Hysen.
"News from the scouts dispatched northward. Your Highness!"
At the lord's castle of Marquis Eskaff, the Verno Marquisate, Yurena—the current Queen of Hysen and Libertas's niece—was receiving a report from a messenger.
"Speak."
"Y-Yes!"
The messenger broke into a cold sweat under the gazes of the two women looking down at him.
The king of a nation and the saintess of a holy kingdom.
Standing before two women who possessed the most exalted status on the continent made him feel infinitely small.
By nature, those who dealt in news and information were required to cultivate a loyalty far greater than that of ordinary soldiers or knights.
If he had known that there was yet another lord above them, he might have fainted from shock before even feeling such reverence... but fortunately, the world at present did not know that.
"Elieniesi is concentrating more troops along the border, but no direct signs of invasion have been observed as of yet. However..."
Esther's white eyes traced the northern borderline of the map upon the table.
"It seems Kakia has begun its attack."
"That is correct. This comes after Count Besfera first crossed the border as a preemptive measure. However, he is awaiting orders, requesting that we reinforce his actions."
"Splendid."
Count Besfera referred to Daniel.
As Yurena put on a satisfied expression, the messenger bowed his head as if deeply honored.
The young queen turned her head toward the saintess.
"It would be difficult for Count Gener of Kiza to face them alone, wouldn't it?"
"Evangeline is a superb warrior and general, but she would not refuse assistance. Especially since there are matters of even greater importance at stake right now."
At Esther's words, Yurena recalled the situation Libertas was currently facing and answered with a stiff face.
"In that case, Saintess, please take a portion of our army and go to aid Count Daniel and Count Gener."
"I cannot. I am here to protect Your Highness..."
"It's alright."
Yurena, having cut Esther off, offered a clear smile.
"There are many measures you have already put in place for me, Saintess, and I also possess the strength to protect myself. We must end this situation as quickly as possible, must we not?"
The meaning behind Yurena's words was clear.
Now that Libertas and her dungeon had been invaded by enemies, Esther and Evangeline needed to return as swiftly as possible.
"But still..."
Even so, Esther hesitated.
Yurena was one of only two blood-relatives whom her master Libertas had accepted as family.
Protecting her was a task as important as winning the war.
To her, Yurena spoke again with a smile.
"I will protect this place. So go quickly, and put an end to this. Come back and tell me the news of victory and the stories from over there."
In the end, Esther nodded.
"I shall ensure they never dare to covet the border again."
"More than victory, please come back unharmed."
Watching Yurena say words that resembled her aunt, Esther gently lifted the corners of her lips.
"Of course. For Your Highness, and for all of us."
The eyes of both women held affection for the same person.
- 2 -
The setting sun was dyeing the northern border of Kiza, illuminating the land below.
Evangeline's silver armor was also stained red.
The sight of her golden hair fluttering in the wind atop the command post ensured the morale of the soldiers who believed in her never wavered.
"General! The 3rd Division of Kakia is approaching from the north! It's the Black Suridan!"
At the messenger's report, Evangeline narrowed her eyes and stared into the distance.
Those charging forward, trailing a cloud of dust, were part of the ironclad cavalry that Kakia prided itself on.
Behind the five hundred ironclad cavalry riders sprinting at the very front, a mounted force numbering in the thousands followed.
Their majesty was certainly worthy of being a nation's pride.
However...
'They think they won't die.'
For a tactical maneuver, it was exceedingly bold and unguarded.
But the reason Evangeline was watching them with a stiff face was not because their arrogance grated on her nor because she was worried about clashing with them.
It was because she was curious about the outcome of the secret war her master was waging.
That impatience and irritation were something she would direct straight at the enemy.
"What could they be thinking? Such a sudden attack."
Haley, who had accompanied her as her adjutant, whispered a question.
Haley, a former noble of Hysen who had recently become a noble of Kiza, and her family had been working to expand Libertas's influence within Kiza's political circles.
"They simply have no other choice, Haley. They likely do not even realize they are being led by the nose by Dantalion's subordinates."
"Fate..."
Leaving the assenting Haley behind, Evangeline looked toward the army.
The Dryads who had stepped forward before the soldiers of Kiza were doing something, green mana held in their hands.
The mana extending from their hands had connected with the earth's fate.
"Chieftain Mel-Uria."
At Evangeline's call, the Dryad chieftain approached.
Not a single speck of battlefield dust clung to her skin, but that was not because she had held back from the front lines—it was simply because her being was always immaculate.
"We are ready, Hero."
Nodding to the chieftain who showed her respect, Evangeline pointed to the front lines.
"You must have already been briefed on the operation. If you carry out just what has been prepared, we will surely be victorious."
"Do not worry. We shall do our utmost for the nation that is to be our sanctuary."
"I trust you."
Mel-Uria bowed deeply and withdrew.
Evangeline turned her gaze northward once more.
The tremor of the earth began to be felt.
The cavalry of Kakia. The plumes attached to their helmets grew distinct within Evangeline's sight.
"All troops, prepare for battle —— !!!"
Evangeline's voice was conveyed to the entire army without any adjutants repeating it.
An exquisite manipulation of mana.
Mages or knights would have been dumbfounded to witness this.
Powerful strength. To use the privilege possessed by superhumans merely to issue commands to soldiers on the battlefield.
But Evangeline considered this very use to be the best way to employ the strength she held.
"The reinforcements from Hysen have not yet arrived. Will it be alright?"
When the Kiza adjutant standing beside her voiced his worry, Evangeline firmly shook her head.
Kiza's army had been weakened by civil war, but it was gaining new strength through Hysen's support and cooperation with the demon beasts.
"Do not worry. Our own strength is sufficient."
The blue sword in her hand shone as it pointed toward the sky.
The mana of the 'Libra,' which decided inclination and balance at will according to her intent, took on a dark golden hue—the light of the earth.
"Hold... Now!"
Along with Evangeline's signal, the Dryads pointed their hands toward the ground and chanted their spells.
"Huh?"
"Damn it! Everyone run! Split into front and rear! If the rear is closer, go back! If the front is closer, go forward!!"
The Kakia cavalry, who had been crossing a wooden bridge suddenly created over the river, fell into chaos.
The bridge they had been treading upon had suddenly begun to split apart, forward and backward.
As if two living beings were unlacing fingers that had been interlocked.
And then, it closed in on them from above. Like those hands clenching into fists.
"Wha, what is...!!"
"Kyaaak!!"
Humans and horses crushed within the wooden grip screamed.
In truth, the number of dead was not that high, and most were merely incapacitated, but it was a sight sufficient to devastate the army's morale.
"Now!"
"Archers, fire!!"
At Haley's signal, the adjutants leading the archer units repeated the command.
Soon, nearly a thousand arrows, along with all manner of magic and thrown stones, rose into the sky in a first and second wave.
A wave of projectiles that blanketed the heavens, falling upon the army of Kakia.
Below it, a scene like something out of a myth was unfolding.
"Advance — !!"
Tactics and strategy were necessary to gain the upper hand on the battlefield and reduce casualties.
When one possessed what amounted to a one-person tactical weapon, the available options multiplied indefinitely.
That was why Evangeline was now flying out ahead of everyone else.
Kurrung...!
A tremor that started from the sword Evangeline—launched into the sky by her ghost horse—had thrown and impaled into the ground.
When it reached its peak, Evangeline reached out to retrieve her sword and rode on again, charging straight ahead.
Not alone, but with the cavalry of Kiza following behind her.
Kwakwang — !!!
Right in front of them, the earth exploded.
The ground upon which the elite of Kakia, isolated on this side of the river, had been standing shot up into the sky as Evangeline's mana burst forth.
"Kkyaaak - !!"
"Uwaaak!!"
The sky was blanketed with a rain of arrows, and the earth was dyed with red blood.
And Evangeline, along with Kiza's cavalry, plunged into the heart of the chaos without hesitation.
Her blue sword cleaved the heavens.
"Soldiers of Kiza! Men!"
Her voice, her mana, overwhelmed the battlefield.
"Victory is yours!!"
"We've won - !!"
"Waaaa!!"
The roar of victory tore through the sky.
Evangeline had once again delivered victory to Kiza.
"There is no need to chase them recklessly."
"Do not pursue them!!"
On the other side of the river, the rear guard of Kakia was retreating, while on this side, their most elite unit had been caught.
The gazes directed at Evangeline overflowed with admiration and reverence.
Bbuwooo ——
Just then, the sound of a horn echoed from afar.
Evangeline looked east.
The banner of Hysen was appearing from that direction. Along with the banner representing Esther's office as a saintess.
"The reinforcements have even arrived!!"
Cheers erupted among the soldiers of Kiza.
The enemy had retreated once, but there was no telling where they might come from again.
They were already winning, but no one would dislike those who could lower their own chances of dying.
Unless it interfered with their own merits, that was.
"...Hoo."
Evangeline let out a sigh and relaxed the tension in her body.
Even for the experienced her, leading soldiers who knew nothing in a way that kept them alive was a burdensome task.
No, rather, it was right that it should be a task that carried a burden.
With a much lighter heart, she watched the approaching saintess.
"Esther."
"Evangeline. I watched from afar. You were magnificent."
"It has been a while. ...Have you perhaps not yet heard any news?"
At Evangeline's question, Esther gave a bitter smile.
Even without any specific reply, it was a statement whose meaning could be understood.
At that moment, one person... or rather, a being, approached them.
"Chancellor. And Saintess."
"Talhan?"
"What brings you here..."
At the familiar aura of mana emanating from the hooded man, the two women wore puzzled expressions.
The man shook his head and spoke in a low voice.
"It is not me. I sent a subordinate. But more than that... there is urgent news."
Beneath the hood, a thin arc was drawn.
"Our Master has been victorious. The message is that you should attend to your duties with peace of mind, and return as swiftly as possible."
"Ah...!"
Esther let out a cry of delight, and only then did Evangeline smile a true, heartfelt smile.
Their master had done it, in the end.
Just as she always did.
- 3 -
The Kingdom of Kakia. The capital of the Griverf Duchy, a duchy occupying the northwestern border.
"How on earth did this happen?!"
The rage of Griverf Duke filled the assembly hall.
His saw-like teeth, revealed between his lips, glinted beneath the candlelight. They were decidedly not human.
"Your Grace the Duke. Please calm yourself."
One noble tried to restrain him, but to no avail.
"Calm myself? Look at this!"
He threw the personal letter from the royal family down onto the table.
The faces of the surrounding nobles soured.
Strictly speaking, this was an act that could be construed as rebellion.
But the content of the letter was something they, as nobles, could not help but understand.
『Your information that Hysen would have weakened has been proven false. For the crime of weakening the nation's power, Griverf Duke is to confine himself to his estate for some time.』
A single day of a duke held value incomparable to a day of an ordinary person.
Every day he was barred from politics would surely inflict upon him quite a severe loss.
Thus, the Duke was enraged, and the nobles could understand it.
But at the same time...
They also could not say anything at all.
Because they had already been carrying out matters that made this 'minor' rebellion pale in comparison.
"Is there no further instruction from His Highness Dantalion?"
Colluding with the Demon Realm itself, and using the glory of that lord to augment their own power.
"That is the problem! That is precisely the problem!"
At another noble's words, the Duke slammed the desk once more.
"I sent a message to His Highness three times. Three times..."
A groaning voice leaked from his mouth as he fingered his patchily thinning bangs.
"And yet, the only thing that came back were the words, 'Stay low for a while'..."
The room met a deathly silence.
The nobles exchanged uneasy glances with one another.
They all knew it. That something had gone wrong.
"Could it be that to His Highness..."
Someone's tension-filled voice broke the stillness.
"...something has happened to the Archduke? Or perhaps to the Marquis's side..."
The Duke, who had been gripping the table in silence for a while, looked around at them with an uneasy expression.
"If His Highness is occupied with other matters, what are we to do?"
"There is no choice but to retreat for now and observe the situation."
The elderly count who had been silent in the corner of the meeting room spoke up.
He was an old man emitting a bluish, inhuman glow from beneath his skin.
"Before we suffer greater losses."
"Retreat? Then what of Kakia? We will lose the Hinnes territory. The censure of both camps will fall upon us!"
"Is it not unavoidable?"
The old man shook his head and continued.
"We can only hope that His Highness has not forgotten us."
"Hmm..."
The Duke let out a groan, and an uneasy silence filled the room.
The nobles began to watch each other's reactions.
Something was going strangely awry.
At the very least, it was clear that a red warning light had lit up against their glory and honor.
If things continued this way, they might have to relinquish the power they enjoyed within Kakia.
The Duke's face grew pale.
"...Then, upon whom must we rely right now?"
No one could answer those words.
But at the same time, they were unconsciously guessing.
That a quiet ruin was approaching them.
- 4 -
I opened my eyes, which I had kept closed while lying in the bathtub.
Looking down, I could see the mana-infused water sparkling like stars upon my skin.
Since the Ritual of the Ultimate, I had been administering the mana of sacrifices to resolve the imbalance that had settled in my body.
Such baths were expected to be necessary for the next few days.
'Everything had gone smoothly.'
Just a moment ago, I had also grasped the northern situation through Talhan's fate contact.
The victory of Evangeline and Esther. Just as I had expected.
Challang...
Creating ripples with my fingers upon the water's surface, I continued thinking.
'Dantalion.'
His actions were already within the palm of my hand.
Believing that his true body could not move between the two Archdukes checking him, he must have sent a different Marquis.
As a result, he had now lost two Marquises.
'He won't be able to move for the time being.'
But that would not last long either.
Dantalion was the oldest Archduke, an old monster pursuing the fate of otherworldly power.
He would devise new schemes and try to strike at my weaknesses at any time.
Therefore...
'The time has come to face him again.'
As I emerged from the bath, my maids approached and attended to me.
"Ha... I want to wear your skin for just a day, Lady."
"Hyaa... It feels like it would melt if I touched it."
"Stop elevating me so. I might just float away."
"Oh, we can't have that."
Watching their hands wipe my skin and hearing their praises.
Such things had become quite natural to me now.
As I walked forward, the darkness naturally arose and became my attire.
Feeling the hem of my dress flutter, I stepped out of the bathroom, and Ran approached, bowing her waist.
"My husband. There is news of Evangeline. It is said she has entered Kakia's southern territory."
I tightened my relaxing expression.
"That is good news. But relay to her not to advance too deeply. This time, the objective is a warning, not occupation."
"I shall do so."
Ran bowed her head once, then carefully asked.
"Have you... by chance decided upon a plan regarding Dantalion?"
"I have."
I answered, casually taking her hand.
"Now, Dantalion can choose between two options."
One, a more aggressive attack against me.
The other, to lie low and refine himself while watching out for the other Archdukes.
If he chose the former among them, I would highly evaluate him and prepare for a battle that could be my last.
But.
"He will certainly choose the latter."
Letting go of power one has already seized is painful for anyone.
So it was for all the countless desire-driven beings I had observed, and he would be no exception.
"My thoughts are the same as my husband's."
Ran looked at me and smiled.
The Dantalion of the future she had seen must not have been so different either.
Tok-tok.
We walked through the corridors of the inner castle of Clarent, heading toward the garden.
"I look forward to it. The expression he will show at the summit."
Outside the window, the city was covered in a riot of various blooming flowers.
At the center of that splendor, as ever, were the black flowers.
As if I were dying this whole world in my colors.
Dantalion.
He would think he was choosing the best option, but in the end, that action would bring about the second worst.
Just as it was for all those who fell, unable to create choices, only ever choosing before countless choices already presented.