Book 12: Prologue
The War Conference that was late
Although Eddie was assigned to stay at the fort, he had his own ideas about it and led the infantry that set off later and caught up with Altina.
Yo! He raised a hand in greeting.
Argentina, how long do you plan to face off against them?
Thats what we are discussing. Eric said I cant go question Latreille alone.
Isnt that obvious? How can we send out the top commander out of the blue. At tis like this, a ssenger would normally be despatched.
Altina opened her eyes wide.
That surprised Eddie, you actually gave a proper opinion!?
I had so experience on the battlefield after all Sigh, your words seem to imply you are looking down at ?
Abidal Evra lowered his head.
My terrible apologies. It is an 8 days journey from Fort Volks to the capital I should have expected such a situation and proposed a way forward.
We had 8 days of ti, so why couldnt we decide on a plan? Altina reproached herself too.
Hmmm If Latreille mobilize his army, we will retaliate, how about that?
Eric sighed.
How can we attack them all of a sudden?
During civil war, it is common for both sides to remain at an impasse.
Eddie nodded in agreent.
Altina pouted:
T-Then there is nothing we can do!? I never fought a civil war before.
I dont have experience either
In the eyes of the cautious Eric, Altinas action lacked careful thought and was full of risk.
That might be so, as an escort, he should avoid raising opinions that run contrary to the commander. And he couldnt think of any good ideas like Regis
Eric shut his mouth.
Normally, Regis would control the flow of conversation at such a mont But their discussion right now was running amok like an unreined wild horse.
At this mont, Eddie caught the tail of that horse.
Anyway, I think we should send a ssenger first?
Is that enough? Then we will send one who should we send?
Altina asked for the others opinion.
Eddie took a step backwards.
Not . It will be a different story if this is a part of Regis plan, but Latreille seem to have a personal vendetta against .
Thats true. You are the one who escaped hand in hand from the palace with Auguste.
Ehh Thats true.
Why are two grown n acting like this? Eric thought in his heart.
Although the First Prince Auguste was actually the Fifth Princess Felicia in disguise, so this wasnt an act between two n.
Not even the staff officers knew about the disguise. Eric only knew because he had seen through Felicias crossdressing disguise.
Leaving that aside, Eric pointed out other issues.
If we send Duke Eddie Fabio de Balzac who is fad as the best swordsman in the Empire, the other party might not be able to know if he is a ssenger or to seek a one on one duel
No no, I dont kill people.
Eddie hated blood flowing.
He didnt want to kill.
Even so, he didnt want to be killed either.
Hence, he trained and obtained powerful skills to suppressed others without dying or killing the other party. This was also thanks to his talent and the prowess of Defendre Sept.
Altina crossed her arms.
I wont let Eddie challenge them to duels!
No, I an Field Marshall Latreilles side might misunderstand
If its a duel, then I should go!
I already said you cant!
Telling a commander no was overstepping his boundaries, an action taboo for escorts Despite that, Eric had to say it.
Altina waved her hand.
I-I get it. I have grown a lot too, and know that I cant start a civil war without a proper rationale to support it.
Please consider it seriously. The sun is going to set.
Who do think should go, Eric?
... If you give the word, I will be happy to oblige.
That wont do, Eddie shook his head.
Eric is the escort officer, how can you leave the commanders side.
Thats
And Argentina likes you a lot. If you are despatched as a ssenger and get killed by the other side, the commander will lose her cool. We cant allow that.
L-Like!?
Dont you spend a lot of ti with her and Clarisse, and even act just like a maid?
I-Im a man!?
Hahaha Thats true, but I cant help feeling this way.
P-Please dont say that, Lord Eddie.
He wished that Eddie wouldnt touch the core question so nonchalantly.
Eric wiped away his cold sweat.
Altina tilted her head.
Hmm If we are sending a ssenger, what should we tell Latreille? Question him Did you kill Regis?... What do we do if he says I didnt?
Eddie shrugged.
If he said he didnt, doesnt an he didnt?
That wont do at all!
Then what will you do, Argentina? Are you are certain he is lying?
Well
Altina fell into deep thought.
She led her army here on the spur of the mont, but didnt even think about how she would question Latreille.
Eric held his head.
Ahh, if only Sir Regis is here
Thats right, if only Regis is here! But, he claims Regis is dead with just a lousy piece of paper Thats unbelievable right!?
Thats true
He is a one of a kind strategist. The hero that saved the Empire How did it turn out this way, Prince Latreille?
Eddie sighed.
The battle of Grebauvar fortress city was a siege which they won. Even though their headquarters wasnt assaulted, Regis who was a strategist died in battle It was natural to feel this was an assassination.
Suddenly, Abidal Evra pointed to the north
Hmm? An infantry unit is approaching our flank? Could it be a sneak attack!?
What!?
Altina looked over hurriedly.
A unit was indeed heading towards them while kicking up a dust storm. They numbered about 700.
It wasnt too nurous, but they couldnt be ignored either.
If their flank was attacked and the soldiers fell into confusion, they would be routed if the First Army used this chance to charge them.
However, their frontlines would be thinned if they send too many troops to the wings.
Altinas mind was a ss.
Ugh~ Send 700 infantry to intercept!
We are matching their numbers!? Your Highness, our formation will crumble if they break through our flanks!
When she heard Abidal Evras advice, she reconsidered.
Twice the number then.
1,400 it is, understood. We will draw 400 n from the unit at the front!
Yes!
Wait! Eddie shouted.
It doesnt look like a surprise attack.
Eh?
On second glance, that unit was hoisting a white flag.
Surrender. Or maybe, a ssenger.
Eric felt troubled and said:
What is going on? It is hard to imagine sending 700 n to be ssengers.
And they seem to be rcenaries?
Eddie muttered. He had great eyesight.
After they ca closer, Altina could tell from their equipnt too. Their weapons and armour were a chaotic mixture, not like an imperial unit.
They do look like rcenaries?
In that case, we cant let our guard down even if they have a white flag.
Abidal Evra remarked.
There were many rcenaries that acted just like bandits.
On the battlefield, it was prohibited to launch a surprise attack after raising a white flag or pretending to be casualties.
However, bandits wouldnt care about such rules. They didnt belong to the military, and was a criminal organization.
... No.
Altina said softly.
Though she didnt understand why, her mind was filled with a strange sense of nostalgia.
... Could it be, Regis?
Ehh!? The people around her yelped in surprise.
Shortly after, they realized that Altinas instinct proved to be correct.
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