Volume 4, Chapter 2: Who Are You Fighting For Part 2
Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
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Holy Nation of Mekia Holy Capital Elsphere, La Shaim Castle
「The Holy Angel has arrived!」
The guard’s loud voice echoed out as he solemnly opened the door engraved with the Goddess Citresia. Sofitia hel Mekia was wearing a light purple attire that matched her hair colour and had a silver sceptre in her hand. She gracefully walked past the guards in neat formation.
It was Spring and nature was booming.
Having formally acknowledged Stonia Duchy’s declaration of war against the Holy Nation of Mekia, a war conference would be held in the La Shaim Castle on Sofitia’s orders.
Gathered in the 《Hall of the Holy Spirit》 for the conference were——
Holy Legate Lara Mira Crystal.
Senior Chiliarch Johann Strider.
Chiliarch Amelia Stolast.
Senior Centurion Zephyr Barschmide.
And also twelve other Senior Centurions proficient in both administrative duties and combat— commonly referred as 『Twelve Winged Guards』, a total of 16 people.
They got up as one and received Sofitia with their salutations. Sofitia sat down in a chair pulled out by a servant, and ordered everyone to sit down.
「As you all know, our Holy Nation of Mekia has been notified of the Stonia Duchy’s declaration of war. And of course, I plan to engage them in open combat.」
Everyone nodded in agreement to Sofitia’s words. One of the Senior Centurion raised his hand. Sofitia nodded slightly to give him permission to speak.
「Holy Angel, it is well known that the Stonia Duchy is the dog of the Arsbelt Empire, so the Empire must be behind this.」
「It is as you say, the Empire must have known that our Holy Nation of Mekia is responsible for the assault on Fort Astra. Otherwise, the unrelated Stonia Duchy will not declare war so suddenly.」
They might be after Mekia’s bountiful ore reserves, but Sofitia refuted that thought. As expected of the Empire, they acted fast after they figured things out.
「However, I don’t understand why the Empire isn’t taking action directly?」
「Indeed, the Empire has never shown mercy to anyone who defies them. Coercing the Stonia Duchy to attack seemed uncharacteristically passive for them.」
「The Imperial Army suffered consecutive losses against the Royal Army, so that might be a reason.」
「That might be true, but unlike the Royal Army, the Imperial Army can still spare the effort. That line of reasoning won’t work.」
Naturally, the Senior Centurions raised their doubts. The difference in battle prowess between the Empire and the Holy Nation of Mekia was clear for all to see. However, the Empire didn’t declare war directly, so these were the few reasons they could think of. With the defeat of their symbolic Crimson and Sun Knights, the Empire would want to see the reactions of the other nations.
「Maybe they are wary of the Saint Illuminous Church?」
The Saint Illuminous Church was based in the Artemia Cathedral, located within the Holy Nation of Mekia. Furthermore, it was a religion with many believers in the Empire. Since the devotees viewed the Holy Nation of Mekia as holy ground, declaring war would rile those devotees up.
In fact, Sofitia received a letter from Pope Krishna Halbert of the Artemia Cathedral, that the Knights of the Holy Church would gladly lend their aid.
With potential riots from zealots and the Knights of the Holy Church mobilizing, even the Empire would not escape unscathed. The Empire understood that very well, which was why they were pretending they weren’t involved— Sofitia explained to the group.
「They call themselves an Empire, but they sure loves petty tricks.」
Lara crossed her arms with an annoyed face.
「Their strategy is clear, the pitiful one is the Stonia Duchy who got sent out as cannon fodder.」
According to the intel reports by the Owl, Stonia Duchy had around 60,000 soldiers. Compared to that, the Holy Winged Legion numbered 50,000. Numerically speaking, Mekia was at a great disadvantage. However, no one showed any fear and were in high spirits.
Seeing no one had said anything to dampen the mood, Sofitia was pleased.
「Holy Angel, how big of an army shall we mobilize?」
Amelia said without any inflexion, and Sofitia answered with a smile.
「Sending out all our forces might be good, but 30,000 would be enough this time.」
After a brief silence, the Senior Centurions started getting rowdy.
「Half the enemy’s numbers… We sure are taking it easy.」
Amelia nodded and said coldly.
「Amelia is right.」
Even Lara who was always admonishing Amelia concurred.
「The Empire will be gauging our military prowess with this battle, so winning with smaller numbers is one of the conditions.」
Winning with inferior numbers. It was easy to say that, but executing it was anything but easy. Aside from the use of special tactics, there were few examples of countries winning battles with a smaller army. The victory of the Seventh Army over the Crimson Knights was an example of such a miracle. However, the Holy Nation of Mekia had outstanding Sorcerers like Lara, Johann, and Amelia who was as good as a thousand men.
In contrast, Stonia had the advantage of numbers, but they were forced into this war by the Empire, and lacked the important factor that would win them battles— which was troop morale.
They could win. Sofitia wasn’t worried about that.
「We understand your thoughts, Holy Angel— Speaking of which, who will you appoint to command the frontlines?」
Lara cast an uneasy gaze her way, and Sofitia laughed at her cute behaviour.
「Don’t worry, this is the first major battle since I took the mantle of the Holy Angel. I don’t intend for anyone else but the leader of the Holy Winged Legion, Lara, to take command.」
Lara’s face turned better immediately. Sofitia could see her smile occasionally, but that wasn’t so for her subordinates who all looked surprised. Even the poker-faced Amelia was staring at Lara with her mouth wide open.
Showered by the curious gazes, Lara coughed a few times to conceal her embarrassment and stiffened her expression.
「Understood. Lara Mira Crystal would decimate the Stonia army with the 30,000 soldiers of the Holy Winged Legion. Holy Angel, please wait in La Shaim Castle for the news of our triumph.」
Sofitia smiled brightly.
「Very well, I will be counting on you, Lara.」
「Yes!」
「—— Holy Angel, permission to speak?」
Turning to the voice, she found a serious Johann waiting for her. Sofitia knew his frivolous nature very well, so she sat up straight and answered solemnly.
「Feel free to speak.」
「I don’t have any question with regards to the Stonia Duchy… What are your plans for the Death God Olivia? Pray tell us your thoughts.」
Death God Olivia. The moment Johann mentioned that name, the excitement in the room faded away and everyone turned serious.
Everyone present had read Johann’s report on Death God Olivia.
「Magic… Does that really exist? And getting mana from outside— that’s too preposterous.」
Before Sofitia could speak, Amelia cast a suspicious gaze towards Johann. Lara had the same eyes, so it was clear they were both thinking about the same thing.
Zephyr wanted to speak, but Johann stopped him with a gaze.
「Well, I understand how you feel, Ms Amelia. I witnessed Magic with my own eyes, and it felt like a dream to me too. So, I just want to make one thing clear— if we make an enemy out of her, we will suffer greatly.」
Johann said firmly and Zephyr nodded. Johann was a man who could analyze the situation calmly, the same applied to the leader of the 『Owl』, Zephyr. Sofitia had no reason to ignore their warnings about Death God Olivia.
After receiving Johann’s report, Sofitia ordered the civil officers to investigate Magic thoroughly. However, there were no records of Magic in ancient tomes or anywhere else.
「I fully appreciate the danger of Miss Death God. But from Johann’s description of her, she seemed to be very friendly.」
If not, Johann wouldn’t be sitting here with all his limbs in place. This clearly showed Olivia’s overwhelming combat prowess.
Johann stroked his chin and searched his memories.
「I can’t be completely sure… but I don’t think she bears any hostility towards us.」
「In that case, there is no sense in rushing. Let’s wait and observe the situation for now.」
Sofitia felt her decision to send Johann to investigate was a wise decision. If she had sent Amelia, the Holy Nation might have lost a valuable Sorcerer. Johann was only alive because of his sociable nature.
「Instead of that, I’m more concerned about 『Z』 who taught Magic to Miss Death God. Is there any records on that in the books?」
「Even if you ask me that…」
「Any trivial thing will do, even just the gender will be fine.」
「… My deep apologies. I was in no position to ask back then.」
「… Me too, this is a shameful display for the leader of the 『Owl』.」
Johann scratched his head bashfully and Zephyr hung his head in shame.
「Don’t misunderstand, I’m not blaming either of you. You have achieved the main objective and brought back valuable intel.」
Of course Sofitia wanted more information. An existence like 『Z』 was more dangerous than Olivia, so she couldn’t ignore it. The threat was as great as an entire nation. On the other hand, from Johann’s report, Sofitia knew that was asking for too much. Magic— probably a higher tier of Sorcery… Going by the report, similar to Sorcerers, mana exhaustion would also lead to death for the usage of Magic. Maybe Magic and Sorcery had the same origin— Sofitia thought.
If their origins were the same, maybe Lara and the other Sorcerers could use Magic too. To realize this goal, they need to get into contact with 『Z』. And the first step would be getting on the good side of Death God Olivia.
「So, we are letting Death God Olivia do as she please?」
Lara concluded, and Sofitia nodded.
「That’s right, focus on the battle with Stonia Duchy for now. I haven’t told anyone yet, but I have already made arrangements with regards to Miss Death God.」
「You already… As expected of the Holy Angel.」
Sofitia answered Lara’s respectful eyes with a smile. Even that Ever-Victorious General would be caught off guard when he suddenly received that letter.
「… Pardon me, but might I ask what arrangements have you made?」
Johann asked Sofitia warily. Not just Johann, everyone was looking at Sofitia curiously.
「Fufu, in due time. Look forward to it in the meanwhile.」
Sofitia knocked the silver sceptre against the floor to declare the end of the war conference.
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