Chapter 379: Blazing Flames of the Battlefield[R-18] (95)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 379: Blazing Flames of the Battlefield[R-18] (95)
Establishing a nation wasn't something that could be done overnight.
Complex interests and differing stances between factions created a mountain of problems to solve. But with the situation changing so rapidly, the meetings were long and intense.
Eventually, everyone reached a single conclusion: they would establish an independent nation.
The next issue was the most fundamental one: territory. A nation needed land to exist.
The colony we were currently staying in was a temporary arrangement, granted through negotiations with neutral nations. It was ultimately a space under their influence, where full autonomy wasn't guaranteed.
There was one glimmer of hope: the colony once owned by the Licencia Group. The asset, which had been confiscated when Adele was branded a 'traitor' by the Federation, had only recently been returned.
However, the Federation had recently begun to apply subtle pressure.
In Adele's office, they were on a video call with Elena's uncle, Walter Eisenhardt.
"I'm sorry. The council has been keeping me in check lately, making it difficult for me to act freely."
Walter's face was etched with genuine apology.
"Did something happen?" Elena asked with concern.
"The Federation Council created something called the 'Special Committee for Post-War Reconstruction.' Nominally, it's for war damage recovery, but…"
“In reality?”
“It's an organization to monitor me and my policies. They're reacting very sensitively, especially regarding relations with neutral nations.”
Walter sighed.
“They keep picking fights under the pretext of 'excessively friendly relations with independent forces.' Even the slightest bit of help is decried as an 'act detrimental to the national interest.'"
“Does that mean you're in danger, Uncle?”
“I'm fine for now. But it's become difficult to support you publicly.”
Adele asked cautiously, “Does the Federation have any intention of coming after us directly?”
“Well… it doesn't seem that way.”
Walter wore a complicated expression.
“To be honest, the Federation military is extremely wary of you… especially my nephew-in-law.”
In that instant, all eyes in the meeting room turned to me.
“Are you talking about me?”
“I don't know how they got them, but records of your performance on the battlefield have been passed to the Federation military. It seems they were quite shocked by what they saw.”
Walter chose his words carefully as he added, “According to the military analysts' reports… they've concluded that it would be difficult to face you and Sheryl Mortimer even with the full might of the Federation.”
“So?”
“So they want to avoid a direct conflict. Instead—”
“Instead?”
“They're applying pressure indirectly. For example, putting diplomatic pressure on nations that trade with you, or tightening 'safety inspections' on transport routes to the colony…“
Adele nodded.
“Economic pressure.”
“Exactly. They're avoiding an all-out war while trying to make it difficult for you to establish yourselves as an independent nation.”
I let out a smirk.
“At least one thing is certain: the Federation can't touch us directly.”
The situation wasn't bad. Arsenos was likely in a similar position. Even if we declared independence without their approval, they wouldn't dare attack us first.
“Adele. Let's prepare the declaration of independence as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, darling.”
*
A week passed.
A lot happened in that time.
First, a final decision was made at the neutral nations' conference. Three of the five nations agreed to a full union, while the other two opted for an alliance. It was the expected outcome.
Second, the declaration of independence was completed. Adele wrote it herself, and it was quite impressive. The content was pretty standard stuff, though.
Third, the national structure was established. Adele became the head of state, Sheryl Mortimer the Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the military. Elena was appointed Foreign Minister, and Lillian and others also took on important positions. I had no desire to do tedious paperwork, so I remained Adele's personal escort.
Finally, the pressure from the Federation and Arsenos intensified. But they still took no direct action. They were scared.
And today was the day. The day of the declaration of independence.
The central plaza of the Licencia Colony. Tens of thousands of people had gathered. Most were citizens who supported us, but reporters and diplomats dispatched from various countries were also mixed in the crowd.
Adele stepped onto the podium. The moment she did, the plaza fell silent.
“Dear citizens, and to everyone who has joined us here today, thank you.”
Adele's voice echoed through the speakers.
“Today, in this place, we are about to begin a new chapter in history.”
Applause erupted.
“For many long years, we have lived in the shadow of great powers.”
“But no longer. We now have the strength to walk our own path.”
Adele held up the declaration of independence.
“I hereby declare the independence of the Republic of Licencia!”
-Boom! Boom! Boom!
Ceremonial cannons fired. The plaza filled with cheers.
I watched the scene from behind the podium, arms crossed. To be honest, I was a little disappointed it was a republic.
'Just one step left until the quest is complete.'
The declaration was over, but there was still much to do to become a true independent nation: gain international recognition, stabilize the economy, organize the military….
But the most important first step had been taken.
Immediately after the declaration, reactions from other nations poured in.
The Federation issued a statement condemning it as an illegal act of secession, but offered no specific countermeasures.
Arsenos labeled it a factor of regional instability and threatened economic sanctions, but also made no mention of military action.
On the other hand, a few smaller nations cautiously expressed their welcome. These were mainly countries dissatisfied with both the Federation and Arsenos.
“That's the current stance and situation of each nation.”
Elena nodded at the report from Hina, who had become Adele's new secretary.
“It's the reaction we expected. They condemn us strongly, but they can't take direct action.”
“Of course. They know they'd be in more danger if they recklessly came after us.”
I smiled with satisfaction.
“Well then, I guess it's time to start actually running a country.”
Adele said, full of motivation.
“There's a mountain of things to do. Economic policy, foreign relations, the military system….”
“Take it slow. There's no need to rush.”
I shrugged.
“We're already independent, anyway.”
And at that moment, the quest window appeared.
[Quest Progress: 95%]
[5% remaining until Independent Nation established]
'Oh, almost there.'
I didn't know what the last 5% was, but I would find out soon enough.
The first day of the Republic of Licencia was drawing to a close.
*
Having delegated all my work, I went to find Sheryl Mortimer.
She'd been spending her days hectically busy as the Minister of Defense, but there were things I absolutely had to collect from her.
'Two wish tickets. How should I use them to make it legendary...?'
Should I make the stoic woman wear a sexy cosplay outfit? Or maybe try something more stimulating? The deliberation went on.
On the way to the Ministry of Defense building, a few officials saw me and saluted. It was a hassle, so I just gave a slight wave in response.
'This position as Adele's personal escort is pretty convenient at times like this.'
A strange position with real power but no responsibility. It suited my tastes perfectly.
When I arrived in front of Sheryl's office, her secretary stopped me.
“I'm sorry, the Minister is in a meeting.”
“When will it be over?”
“It should be ending soon.”
I nodded as if to say I understood and leaned against the wall next to the door. A moment later, the door to Sheryl's office opened, and military officers filed out. Among them were Oh Hyun, Mason, and Lisa.
Lisa saw me and immediately walked over.
“Hey, can't you see how busy we are? Where have you been slacking off and wandering around instead of working?”
“This is a well-deserved break for all the hard work I've done.”
“You think you're the only one who worked? We all busted our asses!”
I let her nagging go in one ear and out the other, casually grabbing a handful of her ass.
“Oh, it's gotten firmer than before.”
“Eek?! A-Are you crazy—?!”
Lisa shoved me away, her face flushing red. Oh Hyun and Mason, who were nearby, froze for a second before turning their heads, pretending they hadn't seen a thing.
“Ahem, we'll be on our way.”
“We're leaving, Hyung-nim.”
Oh Hyun, Mason, the other military officers, and even the secretary made themselves scarce.
“I told you not to touch my ass in front of people, you pervert!”
I chuckled and held up my hands.
“Are you acting up because I haven't fucked you lately?”
“N-No, that's not it!”
“Yes, it is. If I press right here.”
I pressed firmly on her lower abdomen, right over her uterus.
“Ngh...♡”
A small moan escaped her. Lisa instantly clamped a hand over her mouth and looked around.
“You, really… Do you know where we are…”
“I'm doing it because I know.”
I pulled Lisa by the waist and pushed her into a blind spot around the corner of the hallway.
“Wait, we really can't do it here. People walk by!”
“Shh, be quiet.”
I pushed my knee between the thighs of Lisa, who was leaning against the wall. I could feel her body heat even through her military uniform skirt.
“Heuk… Hey, seriously…”
“It's been a while. I think I'll have a taste of both your upper and lower lips.”
I gently lifted her chin with my fingers and gave her a light kiss on the lips.
—Smooch.
“Hah...♡”
“You must have been working out hard. Your body feels even firmer.”
I said, stroking her waist and side. Being a soldier, she was clearly in excellent shape.
“I-Is that what's important right now…”
“It is. My woman's figure.”
“Who said I'm your woman!”
I smirked, watching Lisa's face turn red even as she protested.
“So, should we stop seeing each other?”
“That's… that's not what I meant, but…”
“Then you are my woman.”
Unable to argue further, I pressed Lisa against the wall. I lifted her skirt with my fingertips, revealing the panties hidden underneath. With two fingers, I gently pulled them down, and the wet underwear slid down her thighs.
“You're this wet just from a little press on your womb?“
“N-No… that's not it…”
Even as she said that, her thighs were trembling slightly. I gently rubbed her wet cunt with my fingertips.
“Ah… there… don't touch…”
I used my knee to spread her legs. A blind spot in the corner of the hallway, out of sight. But it wasn't a completely safe place.
“Doing it here is really risky…”
“I'm not planning on doing it. Just checking the condition of your pussy after so long.”
As I spoke, I spread her labia and licked her.
“Hnngh…♡”
—Slurp.
As my tongue lightly lapped at her wet flesh, Lisa's body twitched so hard she almost came off the wall.
“Hey, hey… seriously, not here…”
“Delicious. Lisa's chocolate pussy is a delicacy, as always.”
After a few more licks, Lisa's legs seemed to give out, and she whimpered, leaning against the wall. Ignoring the sound of footsteps from the end of the hall, my mouth covered her pussy again.
“Aaah…♡ No… not there…!”
“The taste has gotten stronger.”
I stood up, wiping my lips, as Lisa, face flushed, struggled to catch her breath. Her uniform skirt was disheveled, and her panties were still bunched around her thighs.
“My panties are a mess because of you…”
“You're the one who got them soaked. What are you blaming me for? Hurry up and pull them up.”
“…But it feels sticky.”
“Then go commando. I'd actually prefer that.”
“Ugh… seriously, stop saying things like that.”
Lisa hastily pulled up her underwear. But she kept fidgeting, clearly uncomfortable with the damp feeling between her legs.
It was then.
”Lieutenant Jin.”
A cold voice came from behind us. I turned my head to see Sheryl Mortimer standing in the doorway of her office. I knew she'd been watching for a while. I pretended to be surprised and looked at her.
“Ahem, since when…?”
“Eek… Minister!”
Lisa frantically straightened her clothes in a panic.
Sheryl watched us for a moment before speaking in a calm voice.
“Both of you, I'd appreciate it if you'd exercise some restraint in front of my office.”
“I'm sorry…”
Lisa hung her head low.
“Haa… Lisa, you may leave. I have something to discuss with Lieutenant Jin privately.“
“Yes, ma'am.”
Lisa scurried away as if she were fleeing.
“What brings you here?”
Sheryl asked, crossing her arms. She didn't seem particularly angry.
“Colonel. Do you remember? The wish tickets you promised me when I won our bet.”
Sheryl sighed and said, “If you came to collect your wish tickets, you should have just come straight into my office… Why did you have to do that right outside…”
She sighed once more and said, “Hmph… Just come in.”
Service
