Translated by Mara Sov
Revolutionary Period The Bargain of Lives
Duchy of Orleans Southwest of Lumiere.
After the royal army suffered a crushing defeat in the battle of Lumiere, the King fled Orleans, a territory bordering the Capital, and sought refuge in Dukes Lorenne domain.
Imdiately after, a massive army numbering 15,000 n sward the Duchy of Orleans, laying siege to the Dukes fortress.
But the general of such an imposing army was throwing a fit.
Oh for Gods sake! What a brilliant ss this is!
His aide, Alexandre Berthier, looked at Valliant from the corner of his eyes and released a tired sigh.
Are they seriously telling us to gather supplies from the land? Can you believe this shit? Gather. Supplies. From. The. Land?! Arent they basically encouraging the revolutionary army to plunder?
While his superior continued to throw a fit, Berthier sighed deeply once more and said.
From what Ive heard, were out of money. In the Capital, the propaganda is always boasting about how we operate twice the military force of the Kingdoms days with half of the budget. Its a way for them to boast about how superior the Republic is compared to the old days.
Bloody hell! Of course, they are doing it with half of the bloody budget! They arent even giving us a blasted budget! And those officers dispatched by the oh-so-great revolutionary governnt dont even know what they are doing! Those cunts have no clue how to manage an army! Even then, after we carefully divided the, might I add, nonexistent supplies, they have the balls to complain weve wasted the resources!
WellThey are selecting people based on their drive and commitnt to their cause without regard to their background
Raphael Valliant chewed on his nail as he heard Berthiers words.
Fuck. Right, so I bet that those Germanian cunts or the Northern Alliance are already in talks with the King, negotiating how many reinforcents they might send to him. And we are here, unable to even secure a swift victory because of this ss! If this keeps up were going to be screwed! Royally screwed!
Sigh-.
While Valliant and Berthier were having this unfortunate conversation, the fortress wall collapsed under the continuous artillery fire.
Dust and debris filled the air, and when they settled, soldiers from the revolutionary army squeezed through the breach in the fortress wall.
Hah! At least those fuckers are getting what they deserve now! Hahahaha! nAttack!
As he watched this scene through his telescope, Valliant observed his soldiers advancing through the breach when-
Ah, damn.
-The breach was plugged by a couple of Knights who proceeded to slaughter every soldier that entered.
During the last battle, the Knights were unable to even do damage, as the continuous ambushes and hit-and-run tactics prevented them from ever reaching lee distance.
The Knights of Duke Lorenne were among the lower ranks of the Knight Kingdom, and since they were clad in heavy armor, they were slowed to a crawl, making them the perfect targets for the musketeers.
But that was only because they were caught off guard by a new way of engagent that they had never seen before. But for the Knights who are protecting their front with mana in such a tight space like this breach, they were near invincible against the common troops.
Order all regints on all fronts to attack! The Knights will have no chance but to respond to it! Tell our n to climb the wall using ropes or ladders, whatever they can find! The enemy is already short on troops, we mus-
However, before Valliant could even finish giving his orders, the sound of a horn ca from the regint attacking the breach, and soon, the soldiers began to flee.
No! Damn it!
Beyond frustrated Valliant threw his telescope onto the ground and imdiately mounted on his horse rushing towards the retreating regint.
With a resigned sigh, Berthier followed behind him.
Who is the commanding officer of this regint!
I-Its m- General, sir.
Are you insane? After all that hard work to finally create an opening, you retreated instead of mounting an all-out assault?
B-But sir! The soldiersT-They were getting killed by those monsters-
Valliant was simply at a loss for words as he heard the officers rambling.
After a mont of silence, he asked in a resigned tone.
Tell , what were you doing before being recruited?
I I was a painter in the capital, Sir.
Valliant and Berthier looked at each other and soon both n let out a hollow laugh.
Since they sent Jero Morelle and Nicolas Nera in command of a force to keep the King in check, they filled the vacancies with those sent by the revolutionary governnt, but not even Raphael imagined that the quality of the troops would be like this
A mont after, Valliant said through gritted teeth.
Listen here Chief of Staff. Tell the higher-ups in the governnt that I dont need these competent and enthusiastic fellows sent by them. Just get so officers I can actually use!
Sighh-. Very well, General.
As Berthier turned his horse and galloped away, Valliant looked at the fortress and muttered to himself.
I think Ill need more power.
We arrived in Poitiers a day earlier, so we unpacked and waited for the leader of the moderates, the Liberal Writer Nicolas Brisseau.
However, on the following day, we werent greeted by him, but a ssenger ca to us and inford us that he would arrive two days later, and sought our understanding.
We all knew the importance of this eting.
The place chosen for this eting, Poitiers, supported the revolutionaries but was also friendly towards the Aquitaine rchants, which made this city a perfect place.
Even then, since this city supported the revolutionaries, we couldnt consider ourselves safe here, and then, hes going to make us wait two more days here?
Although we could proceed with so business Christine had in the North, this was hardly a desired outco.
In a dark room, only illuminated by the faint ray of light coming from the half-closed window in the corner.
While I was thinking about our situation, I questioned my partner.
What do you think, Christine?
Honestly, its a bit early to draw so conclusions.
After saying this, Christine seed to think about sothing before she continued.
But considering their situation and plight, Its unlikely that they will brush us out now.
The revolutionary governnts moderate faction is much weaker than the radicals.
Since the Revolution began as a way to punish the King and the Nobles for oppressing the people and even selling them out to demons, the weaker influence of the moderates is understandable.
They must be desperate to exert any influence they can when confronted by the violent nature of this Revolution.
Should this deal go through, they would cent their influence over the radicals.
For the revolutionary governnt that only controls the Northwest of Francia, pulling us from the South would double their influence.
Moreover, currently, Christine is the wealthiest woman in this kingdom, and my fa gained from the Civil Wars final battles was also considerable, making us desirable allies.
Perhaps sothing urgent has occurred, preventing Brisseau from leaving his post.
Sothing urgent
Perhaps the Germania Empire has declared war on Francia?
While I considered such matters, my gaze wandered towards Louis who stood beside us with a intimidated expression.
A young boy with blond hair and blue eyes, dressed like a servant.
Despite the ten-year gap, he didnt resemble Christine in the slightest. Perhaps both had inherited their looks from their respective mothers.
When Louis t my gaze, he flinched and lowered his head.
Well, his reaction is not unexpected, since the last ti I saw him, my soldiers followed Christines orders and executed his mothers family.
So instead of tornting the poor kid, I looked at Christine.
She was veiled, dressed in a simpler outfit more adequate of a re rchant and not her usual elegant black dress.
Even I was dressed like a simple rcenary.
We rented a simple house on the outskirts of Poitiers, with acting as Christines guard and Louis as her servant.
After a mont, soone knocked on the door.
M-My Lady? Ive arrived.
Good. Co in.
The door opened, and a plain-looking commoner woman stepped inside.
She must have co of age recently. She was younger than Christine or her maid, Lina. After she stepped inside, the woman glanced nervously around the dark room.
Sitting in her chair, Christine began to speak slowly, as Louis stood behind her like a servant would.
Ellen Davy?
Christines tone was more indifferent than usual.
Yes.Thats , My Lady.
After a deliberate pause, perhaps done to affect the mood of this conversation, Christine said.
I heard you bear a grudge against Jean Malo.
Just by hearing this na, Ellens face hardened.
MyMy parents worked in one of the nobles mansions in the Capital and were killed by the Revolutionaries.
Christine remained silent, as Ellens words beca heated and an angry expression took hold of her face when she retold her tale.
T-That man, Jean Malo.HeHe led that mad crowd. He laughed when my parents begged for their lives! He said that since they worked for the nobles just to feed their family, they should die with the nobles as well
Making a brief pause to regain her breath, Ellen continued.
He incited and killed countless innocent people like that, but now, he lives in luxury, getting all the praise by the common folk as if he was a national hero.
Christines expression remained indifferent even as she heard Ellens words.
She simply let Ellen work out so of her anger as she listened to her story.
After she had cald sowhat, Ellen asked her.
Youre the one who has been supporting my familys living expenses till now, arent you My Lady?
Yes. And I am also the person who can give you the chance to avenge your parents.
Christines voice, posture, and even her veil, made her look like a mysterious woman way older than she was.
Letting her words sink in for a mont, Christine said.
Ill be honest with you. I can help you get your revenge, and after that is done Ill take care of your family. But even if you succeed you will not be able to live for longKnowing this, would you still do it?
Ellen swallowed a lump in her throat.
W-What if I give up on my revenge?
I will cut all support for your family, and that will be it. But if you agree, Ill give your family enough money for them to live the next five years without worry, and Ill reallocate them far away from Lumiere. Should you succeed in your revenge Ill increase my monetary reward by five tis.
Ellen seed to be in deep thought, however, with a defiant expression, while sweating she asked.
What if I take your money in advance and just run away with my family?
At her question, A beaming smile could be seen from within Christines veil.
You can try.
Ellen lowered her head, her entire body trembling. But when the young woman lifted her head, her eyes contained a burning desire for vengeance.
Ill do it, My Lady. But I have one final request.
What is it?
If Im to die. I wish to hear the na of my benefactor. I swear Ill never disclose it.
Christines smile turned into a smirk.
Ellen Davy, you overestimate yourself. Do you believe yourself to be impervious to torture? The will of a human is far weaker than you might think. Besides, are you confident that you wont resent your younger siblings since youre the one fated to die? If your determination only amounts to this, then it might be better for you to give up now, while you have the chance. Besides, I have many other pawns I can use.
A flicker of defiance crossed Ellens eyes, but it was quickly extinguished.
I apologize, My Lady. Please forget I even said anything.
Christine simply continued as if this didnt matter to her.
Ill send soone to you soon, so pack up your things and return to the Capital. After receiving the advance paynt, Ill make the arrangents for you to work as an employee at a club Jean Malo frequents. You will work there for a month, and when the ti cos you will have your revenge.
Understood, My Lady.
As soon as Ellen left the residence, Louis released the breath he had been holding.
You are a frightening woman, sister.
Christine smiled at him.
Why would you think so, my dear Louis?
By giving her that money in advance you created a false sense of hope, leaving her with no choice but to follow your plan, and if the job succeeds, you dont even need to pay her more, right?
Hmmm, now why do you think like that?
Because theres no need to honor an agreent with a dead woman..
As Louis answered her question with a slightly trembling voice, Christine shook her head.
Youre wrong. Your subordinates will rember this deed, and because of your actions, they will always have so doubt as they carry your orders.
That woman may be just another one of my many pawns, but can you guarantee that others I may use wont know her? If you dont honor your deals, you risk your integrity for a asly amount of money. You just lost the trust of your vassals, possibly alienated so other pawns, do you see it, Louis? Its not worth it in the end.
I apologize, sister. I was short-sighted.
Sensing that Louis had beco exhausted, Christine called for a servant to escort him back to his quarters.
And once again, I was left alone with her.
Well have to keep changing our eting places to avoid suspicion since Ive prepared another five people with cases similar to hers. The assassination thod will be poison, using the products of Abyss Corporation. Its perfect since Jean Malo was the one who instigated the raid of the Abyss Corporation branch in Bretagne. I also made sure to use different contacts and routes to minimize the chances of this being traced back to us.
After saying this, Christine let out a bitter laugh.
SoWhat do you think? Like I told you, this wouldnt be chivalrous at allAre you disappointed in ?
Christine looked tired.
Yet, for all her pretenses, I think her actions were largely different from those of rotten nobles or dishonorable Knights.
Though she yapped about using people as her pawns or maintaining her subordinates trust in her, in the end, she gave them all a choice without using false pretenses to manipulate them.
Not that I would say this to her, for right now, she didnt need my consolation.
Ive already told you. I trust you. I will support you in anything you deem sothing necessary.
I wont say one thing to you, just to do another.
Upon hearing , Christine let out a small but honest smile as she said.
Even If I handle Jean Malo, who is the most radical of the bunch, we cant do anything against Prosecutor Maximillien Le Jidor. He is known to be The Unbribable, a radical for sure, but a seemingly fair one.
Prosecutor Maximillien Le Jidor.
Before my regression, I believed he was just like the other radicals since he was the one who ordered my execution.
However, according to Cristines investigation, If Levier is considered the ta one among the radicals, and Jean Malo is the extremist, then Jidor positions himself sowhere in the middle of the scale.
Even after squeezing Halphas for information, we have nothing to use against Jidor.
He might as well beco our worst enemy within the revolutionary governnt.
Well, it cant be helped then. The radicals wont vanish into thin air even if we manage to end all three of them. So our only hope is to strengthen the moderates as much as possible to make our negotiations sowhat feasible.
On the day of the eting.
We finally had the opportunity to et with the leader of the moderates, the Liberal Writer Nicolas Brisseau.
Its a pleasure to et one of the heads of the Republic, Senator Brisseau.
The pleasure is mine to et you in this location, Marquis Lafayette.
Brisseaus expression was a little strange, which put on alert, but after greeting , he naturally exchanged so pleasantries with Christine.
However, in the next mont, I realized why his behavior was so odd.
My gaze beca fixed on the man disembarking the carriage, a man dressed like an attendant.
Normally, one wouldnt be able to recognize him, due to his disguise
But I-
-For the cris ntioned, I, Prosecutor Maximillien Le Jidor, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic, hereby request that the defendant, Marquis Lafayette, be sentenced to death.
How could I ever forget his face?
-Do you get it now Marquis? That is why noble scum like you are called blue blood.
The leader of the radicals, Prosecutor Maximillien Le Jidor, disguised as a simple attendant, ca to our eting as well.
TL Note: Bruh Raphael is such a mood.
And The guy who offed the MC on ch1 will take the wheels now lads!
Bruh Zack Hemsey is such a gud composer. This chapter was done with only him as em sound track.
/genesisforsaken
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