Chapter 118: Rescue Operation
The previous rescue operation, timed to coincide with the previous speech by the Fist Slave Emperor Dyson, ended in failure.
The desperate resistance forces were quick to propose a new plan, but the one they heard from Herman was a terrible one.
「You plan to cause a commotion in front of the imperial castle and then rescue them from behind the scenes? What will happen to those who caused the commotion then?」
「He… Gunner-sama, everyone is already prepared to die.」
Herman’s suggestion was hardly the best, but it was a last resort.
A diversionary tactic would work, and I had considered it myself, but a plan where decoys would undoubtedly die was unacceptable. As long as I am around, such reckless strategies would not be tolerated.
「Very well, Kaara. Do you have any alternative ideas?」
「Yes, nation’s father. Leave it to me!」
After a long time, I decided to use Kaara as a strategist.
She seemed thrilled, whistling out of tune as she began sketching the map of the imperial capital. Her lack of gravitas as a military advisor was concerning, but I let it slide. 「Zither-san, where are the emperor’s granddaughter and the emperor being held captive?」
「Well, I heard singing coming from the backside of this tower.」
The formation of this rescue team was prompted by court musician Zither’s direct appeal to the imperial army, revealing the location where the Emperor and his granddaughter were imprisoned.
Zither, once a court musician, had been expelled from the imperial capital during the coup, yet she still wandered near the castle moat out of lingering attachment.
And now, from the hidden side of the imperial capital’s tower, a familiar song echoed.
Zither had overheard the emperor and his granddaughter singing the same tune when she had a chance encounter with them.
It was unusual for captives to sing joyfully, but perhaps it was their desperate effort to call for help.
Even if the elderly Emperor was powerless, he gave it his all. And by chance, Zither had heard their plea.
Herman, who is well-versed in the castle’s architecture, confirmed that the tower indeed held a strong presence of captives.
The pointed tower had served as a prison, in short, they are not in house arrest. 「Even imprisoning members of the royal family is an intolerable outrage.」 he fumed.
Given this, we must also consider the elderly emperor’s frail health. I understand Herman and the others’ urgency to rescue them as soon as possible.
「Herman-san, where is the escape route?」
「Well… You can take the underground passage through this hidden door, pass beneath the moat, and exit outside the imperial capital.」
「Could you provide more detailed information about the structure?」
「Even if you ask for specifics…」
Naturally, the castle’s top-secret nature made Herman hesitant to share too much. However, according to Kaara, the size of the underground passage was a critical issue.
Though I didn’t fully grasp it, I had entrusted Kaara with the strategy. As such, I needed to provide her with the necessary information. I prompted Herman to recall as many details as possible.
However, I wondered how knowing the tunnel’s diameter, length, precise location relative to the castle, and its construction date would be useful.
Well, this time, I left the plan to Kaara. It wasn’t my job to think about it.
When Kaara explained the plan, she began with the obvious, 「Oracle-sama and I can fly.」.
The resistance forces, unaware of Kaara and Oracle’s abilities, had devised a desperate plan.
Kaara’s strategy was as follows: under the cover of darkness, everyone would ascend the tower using a large basket and wait there. Later, Kaara would unleash powerful magic in front of the imperial capital.
During the ensuing chaos, we would infiltrate the tower, rescue the Emperor and his granddaughter, and escape. Once Kaara had caused enough commotion, she would slip away under the cover of night and rendezvous with us.
「That’s my plan. What do you think, nation’s father?」
「Yeah, it should work.」
The merciless strategy befits the nature of demons.
Kaara’s eagerness to unleash chaos is palpable, and I find it endearing.
「Ehto, well, if we were to add something, perhaps setting fires all around the imperial capital before executing the operation would further disperse the defenders.」
「Going that far would align us with the coup forces. Stick to the original plan.」
From the start, Kaara refrained from suggesting the kind of ruthless tactics I’d typically won’t favor. It’s clear she’s maturing.
Considering innocent civilians and allies reside in the capital, reckless attacks should be avoided.
「Herman, does this plan seem acceptable?」
「Indeed, I appreciate it.」
「Idiot, straighten up, Herman. We’re comrades. Rescuing them is only natural.」
「Your assistance is much appreciated.」
Herman, the impervious Iron Wall Knight, agreeing should convince the resistance members. However, the wandering black marksman, Drift Gunner, who stands humbly before the Iron Wall Knight, raises questions. Let’s avoid excessive politeness.
But well, it’s pointless to argue with the inflexible Herman. Demanding wit from a former Impregnable Guard who lacks worldly experience would be a mistake.
As someone who commands two powerful demon allies, I’m undoubtedly under scrutiny by the rescue team. Perhaps being slightly suspicious is better than having my identity probed too much.
「Wait a moment!」
A young knight steps forward, addressing me.
Wasn’t he a squad leader?
「Is there any flaw in the plan? Ehto…」
「Gunner-dono, my apologies for the late introduction. I am Captain Rahart van Letmorieux. While I understand the plan, we don’t need all thirty members infiltrating the imperial capital for the rescue. A smaller group would be more convenient. Please assign twenty soldiers to me.」
Ehto, since he has ‘van’ in his name, he might be a minor noble.
Despite the current state of the empire, nobility holds on to their pride.
「Captain Rahart, a plan that risks lives is simply unacceptable.」
「No one will die. I was prepared for that possibility until recently, but after hearing Gunner-dono’s plan, I’ve changed my mind. I’ll gather horses now and launch a diversionary attack with a cavalry unit in front of the imperial capital.」
「Ah, I see. If we cause a commotion in front of the capital, the Fist Slave Emperor might come to investigate.」
「Of course, we want to survive too. If that monster shows up, we won’t engage directly. The gate defenses here don’t seem too stringent, with twenty riders, we should have a fair chance.」
Indeed, a dual diversionary tactic involving the cavalry and Kaara’s attacks seems reasonable.
「After everything, do we have an escape route?」
「This land originally belongs to the empire. We still have allies in a nearby village. If we ride hard and fast, we won’t die.」
Kaara agrees, and Captain Rahart’s proposal makes the plan more reliable.
I shook his hand. Perhaps I’ve become more familiar with the resistance rescue team.
「I was originally a general. I made a blunder during the battle with the Silesie’s Hero and got demoted to a rear position. Life is unpredictable. That’s how I survived without participating in the Battle of Silesie. The same goes for General Mainz, our Imperial Resistance Army commander.」
「What? Mainz the ‘Badger’ is your commander?」
Captain Rahart gave me a puzzled look.
Oops, I’m currently the wandering black marksman, Drift Gunner. It would be odd if I knew Mainz personally.
「Gunner-dono, are you acquainted with Lord Mainz?」
「No, I’ve only heard the name. He’s famous as a great general.」
「Well, Lord Mainz isn’t that well-known since he is an average commander…」
「Well, it’s more of a ‘those in the know’ situation.」
The conversation seems a bit disjointed.
I wish I hadn’t brought it up, I shouldn’t have said anything unnecessary.
「Anyway, as a general, I survived a direct battle with the Silesie’s Hero. While I’d like to reclaim my honor after losing in battle, I don’t want to die here against the bandit army. It might not be very knightly, but…」
「Well, that’s fine. Being alive allows for honor restoration.」
Captain Rahart, this young knight, claims to have fought me directly, but I can’t recall where I might have seen him. Perhaps it was during the initial skirmishes. Except for Mainz and Princess Knight Eleonora, I’ve killed all knights with ‘general’ in their titles.
「Are you talking about the Silesie’s Hero?」
As I ponder this, court musician Zither interjects. Although we weren’t discussing the Silesie’s Hero, she seems to think otherwise.
Please, let’s not revisit that topic. Maybe Captain Rahart would remember my face if he looked at me more.
To avoid revealing my identity, I pull my black hood lower over my face.
「Oh, right! Speaking of which, I’m one of the fortunate generals who survived a direct confrontation with the Silesie’s Hero.」
「I’m currently composing a song praising the Silesie’s Hero.」
Zither’s contribution doesn’t quite fit the conversation.
Why would a Germanian compose a song praising the Silesie’s Hero? When I asked, she mentioned being a personal fan.
「I wasn’t making money as a bard since I was sacked as a court musician.」
「There’s that too. When the rescue mission for his majesty is over, perhaps I’ll travel to Silesie and become a bard. Writing epic poems about heroes would surely be well-received.」
Zither’s musical talent is undeniable, and it’s a sensible path for her. However, let’s move away from this topic.
Just as I’m thinking that, Zither suddenly exclaims.
「Ah, I apologize. Was it inappropriate to praise the Silesie’s Hero in front of Captain Rahart?」
「No, it doesn’t matter. Even though he was an enemy general, he is a hero revered by the people. Sawatari Takeru… having fought and lost against a legendary hero like him, I have no regrets as a knight.」
For some reason, Rahart looked into the distance and smiled refreshingly.
It’s like he’s reminiscing about our past battles, but I still can’t remember his face.
「That’s right, it’s not inappropriate. Silesie is no longer our enemy. The Silesie’s Hero has been secretly cooperating with our Imperial Army.」
Really? Herman, what are you saying…
This guy is hopeless, we need to do something about it.
「Is that so, Lord Herman? Ah, I understand!」
Hearing Herman’s words, Zither clapped her hands and happily responded.
Uh-oh, I hope my true identity hasn’t been revealed. Well, it’s too late now.
「Gunner-sama, is he the reinforcement sent by the Silesie’s Hero?」
「Eh? Ahh…」
I had a feeling it would come to this.
Well, it makes sense. After all, I’m a royal myself. They would never have thought the hero would come in person.
「Areh, was I mistaken? Gunner-sama is incredibly strong, so I’ve always suspected it.」
「No, how should I put it… You can think of it that way, but it’s a delicate diplomatic matter, so let’s keep it quiet.」
「Ah, I apologize. It’s classified information.」
With a slightly childish smile on her cheeks, Zither pressed her index finger against her plump lips.
It really is classified. Revealing my true identity to Herman was a mistake. I should have kept it a secret and disguised myself.
「Alright then, now that the plan is settled, let’s each get moving.」
Everyone stood up and began their preparations. The plan was to rescue the imprisoned elderly emperor and the imperial granddaughter tonight, once their presence was confirmed.
After everything was settled, Kaara had a sly smile on her face.
「What’s wrong, Kaara? Is there something else?」
「Yes, I have a secret strategy, just in case we need it.」
She whispered to me and Oracle. I was impressed that she had prepared even the hidden moves I hadn’t noticed. Despite usually being overshadowed by the brain cheat Lyle-sensei, she was quite the strategist.
「Well done.」 I said, running my fingers through Kaara’s pale golden hair.
We might not need the secret strategy, but we can’t underestimate Emperor Dyson. He’s tougher than I expected. Better safe than sorry. Kaara did the right thing in being careful.
※※※
「Zither, is this the spire?」
「Yes, this is it. Let me sing.」
Farewell, Farewell, My Homeland
Home away from home, I’m traveling
Zither played a melancholic melody on her stringed instrument and began to sing with her clear voice. It was surprising to hear her perform such a bright tune.
The song was a popular folk ballad sung by craftsmen traveling from the provinces to the capital. It evoked nostalgia for their distant hometowns.
Now, my friends, remember me
A brief moment of
The simple lyrics and melody about a craftsman’s nostalgia for departing his hometown took on a deeper meaning when performed by a professional.
Soon, her beautiful voice was joined by a raspy old man’s voice and a spirited girl’s voice from the tower window.
Farewell, Farewell, My Homeland
Home, now I’m going away
Originally, it was a cheerful song about doing well in the imperial capital but his voice sounded sad as if asking for help.
The girl’s voice, singing ‘Farewell, my homeland’ sounded desperate, as if she’s saying “Help me out of her as soon as possible’.
「Gunner-sama, it seems the emperor is indeed here.」
「Good work, Zither. Now it’s our turn.」
We left quickly, avoiding suspicion from enemy soldiers.
Our preparations were complete. Tonight, under the cover of darkness, we would carry out the rescue mission.