novelraw Chapter 80: Directory Government - Return
Chapter 80: Directory Government - Return
In the morning, after the raiding party led by Kroxx and Pierre had swept through and departed.
The encampment of the Porto and Orc tribal coalition was in ruins.
While the damage from the night raid was not insignificant, the number of troops that could be killed by less than 100 men was limited.
Instead, the explosions of the rockets and gunpowder stores that flew and detonated everywhere caused far greater damage.
The fire that burned the encampment overnight had gone out, but the wounded were groaning everywhere, and the scene was more like a ruin than an encampment.
Paimon, who arrived late at the encampment, clicked his tongue, looking at the scene with a very dumbfounded expression.
The weapons the Abyss Corporation had generously provided to deal with Kroxx and his brothers had instead destroyed their minions.
"Paimon, we are informed that the enemy forces are preparing for an offensive."
At his subordinate's report, Paimon ran his hand through his long, red hair.
Unable to properly deal with the ruined camp and the wounded, their side faced an offensive from troops that had rested well overnight."This battle is over."
Even for the Abyss Corporation, the large quantity of rockets provided for this battle was not a negligible price.
They had supported them in the hope of a sure victory, but was this what they called pearls before swine?
Those uncivilized idiots not only failed to properly handle the trump card they had been given, but also failed to protect it and self-destructed.
It was unfortunate that they were devastated by those rockets, but Paimon had never seen a battle decided by a single, small-scale raid before a proper engagement, even in his long demon life.
"Ahahahaha, Paimon's expression is so funny!"
A jarring laugh came from above. Paimon lifted his eyes and furrowed his brow.
Gremory, who had burst into laughter at Paimon, flapped her wings and somersaulted in the air, then landed on the ground and spread her arms with her eyes closed.
Her radiant golden hair fluttered, and golden light emanated from her body, scattering like powder over the encampment.
The wounds of the humans, Orcs, and Goblins where the powder landed began to heal, and those who had been groaning in pain shouted in joy.
"Oh, oh, my wounds are healed...!"
"Th, thank you! Thank you!"
If it weren't for the unkempt nun's habit and the wings on her back, Gremory smiled as she listened to the humans and Orcs praising her after performing what looked like a miracle of a saint.
Paimon frowned at that completely un-demon-like behavior.
"Wasting unnecessary magic on the insignificant."
"Unnecessary? Gremory thinks Paimon is too harsh~ Lust Corp's motto is Love and Peace! Gremory thinks it's good for everyone to live peacefully for a long time and love a lot."
"Didn't you whine that their essence tasted bad?"
"I'm just feeling generous because I'm in a good mood, making everyone happy – win-win!"
Paimon tilted his head slightly.
"You're in a good mood?"
Gremory nodded with a grin.
"People with delicious essence are also good at fighting."
Paimon narrowed his eyes.
It was obvious who Gremory was referring to. She had talked about Marquis Lafayette so much that even Paimon, who was also interested, was annoyed.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
That succubus, a freak among freaks with no combat power who used holy power, could have at least informed Paimon.
"If you knew that Marquis Lafayette was coming to raid, Paimon would have been excited like a pervert and rushed out to fight."
Paimon looked dumbfounded, but Gremory cupped her cheeks with both hands and muttered.
"What if Marquis Lafayette got hurt? People with such exquisite essence should be cherished. A knight of Francia chastely keeping his lust for one person, ah, I want to taste it again."
"Tsk, crazy bitch."
"To be called crazy by the pervert Paimon, This Gremory is a little shocked..."
Paimon disdainfully watched those who, injuries barely healed, frantically prepared to retreat upon hearing news of the enemy's offensive preparations, then turned his back.
Although the process of defeat was somewhat absurdly unlucky, the Abyss Corporation's plan was once again thwarted.
Sloth Corp would also be hit, but Pride Corp, who planned the Iberian project, would ultimately suffer the most from this futile defeat despite the massive support.
Though Paimon was dissatisfied at missing the pleasure of fighting Marquis Lafayette, he decided to be satisfied for now.
"It's a shame, but I'll postpone meeting you in reality, Marquis Lafayette."
Even if he didn't try to enjoy it in a hurry, he would constantly shake up the stagnant Abyss Corporation.
'What will Bael say this time?'
Imagining the demon of Pride Corp, whose chilling aura tingled his skin despite his expressionless face, Paimon hugged his own body and smiled ecstatically.
*
After the night raid's great success, which far exceeded expectations, the enemy's main force retreated without a proper fight when we launched a morning offensive.
It seems most of the weapons prepared for the decisive battle were destroyed, or the damage from them was too great, or perhaps both.
We were almost caught up in that fireworks show ourselves.
Kroxx proudly accepted the surrender of the hostile tribe, declared the victory of the brothers, and returned to the capital, Dilrus.
Porto and some enemies are still alive, but the safety of capital Dilrus is secured, and the enemies will be hesitant for a while, so my initial purpose in helping them is sufficiently achieved.
"You've done well, brother. Are you going back to Francia now?"
"I suppose so."
Christine's report clearly stated signs of an invasion by the Germania Empire.
Now I must also return home to assess the effectiveness of the Grande École project training and prepare for the Empire.
Kroxx smiled at me and spoke.
"Brother, my lieutenants call you the messenger that God has prepared for us, do you know?"
"......No?"
I don't believe in their god in the first place.
Still, I should understand they value me in their own way.
"We are strong and valiant. I do not think we would have lost without you, but I cannot deny that you have been a significant help to us."
"No, I learned a lot from you too."
While I learned much from Valliant before my regression, Francia was fundamentally backward and rigid.
I also gained much from their seemingly rough and disorderly, but flexible society and agile army.
There are many things I want to use as soon as I return home.
"Yes, because you say that, I also agree with my lieutenants."
Kroxx, who had been looking at me for a moment, bared his fangs and grinned.
"The words of the King of Brothers, I, Kroxx, are not light. I have called you brother, and the help you have given us is significant enough to be called brother. Therefore, I promise to give you corresponding help."
I smiled too, knowing this hearty Orc is not one to speak with a forked tongue.
"I'll gladly accept that favor. I'll have to choose the right moment, won't I?"
"Hahaha, you're more than capable of that!"
Kroxx clapped me on the shoulder with his large hand and laughed, then spoke as if he had just remembered.
"Ah, I have decided to send Shandra to you as an ambassador and liaison officer."
I expected it to some extent because there were few people who could speak the Central Continent common language, but that seems to be very much based on his personal feelings.
"Since you're sending us the King's seventh lieutenant, we promise to treat her accordingly."
Well, Gaston will take care of it.
"As I did last time, I trust you and send my lieutenant. Pierre de Lafayette, my brother. May the gods bless your path!"
The much larger Orc, Kroxx, laughed heartily and extended his huge hand.
The Abyss Corporation and its minions are still alive, and Kroxx and his people still have a long way to go.
But as I learned from them, they also learned from me, so if we continue to cooperate, we can surely win.
"I also wish that your gods bless you. ...I believe that when we meet next time, we will be able to meet proudly under the name of the brothers of Iberia."
When I smiled back and took his hand, Kroxx also smiled contentedly and shook my hand firmly.
"Hahaha, good! Farewell, brother!"
Finally, I return to my homeland.
*
The Germania Empire, capital Germanburg.
The Emperor of the Empire, Kaiser Otto II, frowned with a displeased expression.
"The King of Kraft, he's absent again?"
"I apologize, Kaiser..."
The Emperor trembled with anger, and Kaiserin Cecilia remembered the letter that the rude man had sent.
But Kaiserin Cecilia erased the letter, which she had not shown to the Emperor, from her mind and immediately stroked her husband's arm to comfort him.
"Compose yourself, Your Majesty. Doesn't the absence of that disloyal one mean that only the vassals loyal to the Empire are gathered here? Even if a petty man throws a wrench, the authority of the Empire and Your Majesty will not be shaken."
"Yes, you are right, Cecilia."
Otto relaxed his face and nodded to the attendant.
"Kaiser Otto II, the Kaiser of all Germans, and Kaiserin Cecilia are entering!"
Cecilia, holding Otto's arm, walked to the center of the room, where the many vassals of the Empire were waiting.
Otto II, seated on the throne, spoke.
"Loyal and honorable vassals of the Empire, I believe you are all aware of the tragedy that has occurred in Francia. How dare the lowly gather and claim the nation of thieves and traitors to be a republic..."
Otto II was about to continue speaking, but he coughed.
Cecilia, while worrying about her husband, inwardly cursed him for coughing at such a time.
"Cough, ahem. I will leave the rest to the Kaiserin. I ask you to listen to her words as if they were my own."
Cecilia was a little taken aback, but she turned her head sharply and looked at the faces of the vassals.
Doubt and concern seeped into their faces.
-Cecilia. As a symbol of peace between the two countries, you shall marry the Crown Prince of the Germania Empire.
The cold and firm voice of her father, who had easily decided Cecilia's fate, flashed through her mind, and she jumped up from her seat.
"Loyal vassals of the Empire."
All the vassals are watching Cecilia.
Those who once showed her, a Francian, only contempt and hostility, now at least politely pay their respects to her and her husband.
Seeing the result obtained through her numerous efforts and deals, Cecilia's heart was filled with confidence.
"You have undoubtedly heard the venomous words spewed by those rebels, who dare to challenge the divine right of monarchs and demand equality with the nobility.
If the authority of kings is questioned, how can you, my vassals, maintain control over your own lands? Imagine the chaos if those who disobey their lords are emboldened!
We have already witnessed the grim consequences. The tragic fate of the King and nobles of Francia is the 'justice' they crave. If we ignore these agitators, what will happen if the foolish citizens of the Empire are swayed by their poisonous rhetoric?
The Empire previously engaged the so-called 'Republic' and withdrew. But was this retreat due to weakness?
Absolutely not! We withdrew to spare the lives of your valiant soldiers, my vassals, from being wasted on the foolish nobles and King of Francia!
Yet, they proclaim it a revolutionary victory and dare to scorn us. Commoners, lacking even the chivalry of old, have the audacity! They boast of triumphing over the Empire!"
Cecilia's gaze swept across the assembled vassals, her voice ringing with conviction.
"Now, the Empire shall endure this injustice and insult no longer. We will make them pay dearly for their insolence.
Vassals, with the bloodline of our ancient foe, the Knight King, extinguished, I, Cecilia, servant of the Kaiser of the Germania Empire, am the legitimate heir to the Kingdom of Francia."
A potent mixture of ambition and vengeance flickered in Cecilia's eyes.
"The war to reclaim the Empire's honor, lost decades ago, and to reassert the rightful order of monarchs is upon us.
Grant me, as Queen of Francia, the chance to serve this glorious Empire and the Kaiser.
If I can restore order to that fallen kingdom and place the crown of our old enemy at the Empire's feet, the Empire will achieve glory that endures for a thousand years, and your loyalty will be richly rewarded with both honor and land!
For the Empire and the Kaiser, prepare for war!"
At Cecilia's cry, the vassals drew their swords and began to shout.
"War!"
Some were intoxicated by historical animosity and hatred of the revolution.
"War!"
Some followed the loyalty passed down to the imperial family for generations.
"War!"
Some expected the promised reward.
Amidst the vassals' enthusiasm, Cecilia smiled deeply.
*Ah, finally.
It was time to return home.*