Book 11: Recap, Prologue, Intermission
Recap
During the war with High Britannia, I had been relying on Regis all the ti right? Even when I heard about Latreille becoming Emperor, all I could do was cry.
I think that couldnt be helped. After all, Latreille had the advantage in age, achievent, backing and order of succession. He is also a man. Frankly speaking, his background was completely different from you.
Yes. But Regis said he will not give up. So, I wont give up either.
And then?
Thats the problematic part What should we do?
You are still a dummy.
Boo
Altina puffed out her cheeks.
Eddie said seriously:
Latreille had always been smarter right?
Hmmp, all just pretty words! In the end, all he is saying is defeat the enemy right?
No no He had put a lot of thought into reforming the army. Not just his adjutant, he also gathered experts in politics, economics and religion for a discussion.
Right, I agree that relying on smart people is the right move. After all, even if I study now, I wont be smarter than the smart people now right? I an within this year or two.
Haha, thats not true. Its not possible even if you spend more than three years.
Hey you Its still possible okay? I am studying properly right now!? Well, I think its better to tap on the wisdom of others for now.
So that ans leaving it all to Regis?
Hmm Well, if he gets overwheld with work, Regis will fall sick again, so we need to hire other people. Lets gather so of them But we will only know if they could be of use after Regis returns.
Indeed. For issues relating to Admin Officers, it would be better to decide after he cos back.
Yup And so, I need to do the things only I can do! Its decided then!
Altina puffed out her chest.
Eddie shrugged.
Which is, swordsmanship?
We are fighting for the sake of peace. If we can settle the issue through negotiation, I will leave it to Regis. And when I am needed that would be for tis when things could only be resolved through battle right?
Oh, thats true! Even Argentina would have tis when she thinks things through
Fufufu And so, I will train my skills with the sword. For the tis when he needs might. This might sound strange but its also for tis when Regis need protection.
The two of them smiled wryly.
Hey, isnt it weird for the master to train her sword to protect her subordinate?
But it is impossible for Regis to swing his sword for the sake of protecting .
... Thats Compared to Argentina getting smarter, that guy getting stronger is a much more impossible task.
So we should go about this in the best way. I am stronger, so I will protect Regis. Regis is smarter, so I will borrow his intellect. I think that should be fine.
I see, thats why you dont feel lost anymore.
Yes!
Altina nodded firmly.
Eddie looked up into the sky.
Several clouds covered the clear blue sky.
Regis is unfathomable. Just reading more books will make a person that amazing? I dont really understand military strategies either, but Im sure that guy is a genius strategist.
I asked him before, why do you know everything?
Oh?
Well, he said the usual This is normal, I just happened to know... He also said sothing else too.
What is that?
Eddie leaned in close curiously.
Erm After reading a book you will gain knowledge right? If you hold on to these knowledge and read other books, you will notice even more things. Thats what he said.
Uh-huh?
There are many ways to read books When you read sothing you already knew, you may think I already know this, this is nothing special and treat the content like water off a ducks back. Another way would be because I already know this, I can discover new things, these two types of reading. Thats what he said.
Oh?
Eddie nodded, he didnt look as if he understood, but still seed impressed.
Altina explained again.
That ans, the people who read a lot of books can glean more things from books compared to those who dont read much.
Is that so?
This is the sa as swordsmanship! There is no point in practising triple strike before you can even swing a sword properly, right?
Ahh, I get it. After you can defend the opponents attack, you would have a wider choice of counterattack options.
Yup, its the sa for consecutive leg sweep attacks. Although leg sweeps are short ranged and slow, so it didnt an much anyway.
I understand now. Reading is not just about the quantity, you can reach newer heights by accumulating more experience too!
Regis said you have to imrse yourself in the book, then you will see a deeper and wider world.
Speaking of which the stronger I get, the more I can understand how strong grandpa is Is that the sa thing?
Probably.
Recently, Altina had started reading too. She allowed Clarisse to teach her.
However, using swordsmanship to describe her progress in her studies She had not reached the stage to learn skills yet, its still too early for her to swing her sword. Right now, she was preparing herself through physical exercise and training.
I already received permission, please read Regis book collection. Then organize your thoughts and write it down. Thats Clarisses instruction.
Read books and write book report. That was all. For those who had attended school before, this might not even count as studying.
Even so, Altina was still progressing one step at a ti.
Eddie stood up with his Defendre Sept in hand.
Alright Thats enough rest, lets have another match.
Okay!
I wont lose this ti
I havent said Im tired yet!
Altina braced up her giant Grand Tonnerre Quatre
A soldier ran up the stairs.
Your Highness!
Hmm?
A ssenger is heading towards the fort! He probably ca from the capital!
... Whats the matter? I will be right there.
She was wearing light armour for training use, but there didnt seem to be ti to change her clothes. Altina lifted her huge sword.
Eddie sheathed his blade too.
I will go with you.
Audience Hall
Altina sat on the chair on top of the platform.
This was the room renovated by Evard when she was away on a campaign. It was plain, but still decorated with red drapes on the wall, and the skylight was furnished too. It was large enough to accommodate 30 soldiers.
Red carpets were laid out in the center.
The staff officers of the Fourth Army stood on either side of the carpet.
Escort Officer Eric, Fort Commander Evard and the Knight Commander of the newly ford Flying Sparrow Knights, Abidal Evra were all present. There was also Battalion Commander Eddie, and Baltasar who was here as a guest.
Eight Regintal Commanders were also here.
The Black Knight Jero, the forr commander of the Second Army Benjamin and his brother Jestin had left to reinforce the eastern front line.
The ssenger rushed to the hall and genuflected.
ssage from the Field Marshall!
He presented an envelope.
Eric walked forth briskly to receive it, and hand it over to Altina.
There was no doubt the wax seal bored Latreilles imperial seal. There were no signs of it being tampered with.
Altina cut the seal open, and unfolded the parchnt inside.
Our army defeated the enemys main forces and retook the Fortress City Grebauvar. But 3rd Grade Admin Officer Regis dAuric was killed in action on the field of battle. I am incredibly saddened by his loss.
Her mind seed to be rejecting this fact as she looked at these words. His body and personal effects had already been sent to his sister in Rouen City.
Altina stood stiffly with the parchnt in her hands.
Edvard approached her when he saw this.
Your Highness, whats the matter?
Your Highness!?
... Ah Eh?
What does the urgent ssage says?
T-This
She proffered the letter.
Pardon , allow to read it out loud.
Edvard was speechless, but for soldiers who experienced countless battlefields, they already had the resolve for such a day to co.
He read the contents of the letter with a pained expression.
Rowdy voices spread in an instant.
Eric fell on his knees.
How can that be!? How can that be possible! I dont believe it!
Isnt that murder!?
Abidal Evra said sternly.
It was true that it was a dangerous siege against a fortified enemy. But they won the battle while the strategist died, which was a hard pill to swallow.
Several staff officer approached the ssenger quickly and pressed:
This is unacceptable! How did Sir Strategist die!?
I am not sure about this
Abidal Evra drew his sword.
Sir Auric is the hero that saved the nation! You think you can go back so easily after bringing such a vague report!?
Evard grabbed Abidal Evras shoulder.
Hold it! This man is just a ssenger who rushed all the way here!
We no, the Empire was saved by Sir Auric! Such Such an ending is unacceptable!
Its the sa for . I know how you feel. But killing this man wont change anything.
Soone shouted:
Your Highness! Your Highness, what do you think about this!?
Everyones gaze fell onto Altina.
Instead of sitting in a daze on her seat, she stood up.
I will ask Latreille to give a proper explanation.
Wahh! The staff officers were heated up.
Evrard said in a loud voice:
Please wait!
You want to stop !?
Assuming that Sir Regis was really murdered, seeing that opponent would be entering a lions den! This is different from the situation last ti!
During the Founding Day Festival, even though Altina didnt have much prestige, Latreille still needed to be wary about his reputation. But now, there was a high chance he would dispose of his political foe by any ans with no regards for notoriety.
... I know that. I am not the fool I used to be But I absolutely cant accept what is written on this flimsy piece of paper Furthermore, this is too incredulous right? I cant believe that Regis is dead!
We feel the sa too.
Evrard, Eddie, I will leave the fort to you two. Abidal Evra, how many n can we mobilize right now?
Three thousand No, it should be four thousand.
Then mobilize them.
Yes my Lady. The preparations will be done tomorrow morning
I said right now. Let the infantry and supply unit catch up later. The cavalry will leave first.
R-Right now!?
Argentina raised her voice:
The only way to show my resolve is speed! I will show him that such half hearted apologies would not earn my forgiveness! Even if Latreille acts for the sake of the nation I will still teach this stupid brother of mine that not everything he does will be forgiven!
I-I understand! I will act at once!
Abidal Evra looked at the staff officers around him.
They didnt even deliberate at all before deciding to march for the capital This would be a difficult expedition. And it was very likely that they would clash with the First Army.
Ugh The staff officers were silent.
But they took a step forward.
We swore allegiance to the Princess, and we are also in Sir Strategists debts! We have already made the resolve to forfeit my life at a monts notice!
Good!
Abidal Evra passed down the detailed instructions.
Eric kneeled before Altina.
Your Highness, I dont know if I can be of use, but please bring along!
... You might die there you know?
I would be happy to!
... Even so, please dont die on , can you promise that?
Eh? Y-Yes, I swear.
Good, then co along.
My utmost gratitude!
The Fourth Army moved swiftly and less than an hour after the urgent order was given, 500 cavalry had already left the fort.
Before the break of dawn, four thousand infantry and the supply unit also set off.
Not one soldier hesitated in taking part.
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