Chapter 184: The End of the Germania Conflict
In the flying cage carried by Kaara and Oracle-chan, the old Emperor Conrad lay asleep, while Princess Elizabeth sat daintily beside him.
Also present were Archbishop Nicholas, who would soon descend upon the imperial capital of Northmark, and myself—the King General. And, as an added bonus, the court musician, Zither.
Once upon a time in Germania, there might have been attacks from advance mages capable of flight or dragon-riding knight orders. But now, those threats were long gone, and our journey through the safe skies continued.
Although this was an escort mission for dignitaries, it was mostly ceremonial. Twenty dragon-salamander units, led by Louise riding the mighty fire dragon High Salamander, provided nominal protection. Yet truth be told, it was unnecessary.
Not only did the Germanian Imperial Army lack such threats, but on the entire continent of Eura, only the Kingdom of Silesie possessed a force that could be called an aerial fleet.
Despite being an unnecessary precaution, their presence was reassuring. Louise had already mastered handling the fire dragon more skillfully than even the reptilian shaman of the Reptilians.
Louise, her face resolute, gazed ahead into the strong headwind, her red hair fluttering as she expertly guided the dragon. The valiant dragon-slayer knight Louise—sometimes, I couldn’t help but think of her as my future wife.
「Seems like we have some free time. Shall we play a tune to pass the journey?」
「Zither, behave yourself.」
Dondokodon, dondokodon. 「Nicholas, stop drumming!」
「Our Silesien Hero-sama is quite a nag. Since we’re idle anyway, why not enjoy some music?」
How can these guys have so much leeway? Even in this cage, the breeze from below made me shiver a little. Flying was nerve-wracking for any seasoned knight, yet they remained unfazed.
Speaking of Nicholas, he had already soared through the skies using Asama’s magic, so perhaps fear was a foreign concept to him. Both Nicholas and Zither shared a thick skin and unyielding courage.
「Ufufufu…」
Eliza stifled a laugh as she observed the peculiar duo—perhaps even seeing me scolding them. Emperor Conrad, reclining in his chair, also squinted and smiled.
In terms of resilience, these two were unyielding too. It was no surprise, given their lineage—the blood of generations of emperors flowed within them.
Nicholas and Zither, on the other hand, were far from ordinary retainers.
Yet perhaps having eccentric vassals like them prevented Eliza and the others from growing bored.
※
We reached the skies above Northmark.
Looking down from above, I couldn’t help but sigh at the majestic arrogance of the city. In its heart stood the colossal imperial palace with its numerous spires, alongside public structures like the Colosseum.
Despite being under the control of rebels, the grandeur of this once-world capital remained unchanged. The New Germanian Imperial Army continued to defend the city, even though defeat followed defeat, depleting their ranks.
Their refusal to surrender stemmed from Northmark’s formidable defenses—a massive fortress with walls over three meters thick, fortified and unyielding.
The remnants of the self-proclaimed New Germanian Empire, having lost Fist Slave Emperor Dyson, concentrated their forces on defending Northmark. They hoped for reinforcements from the friendly Eastern Three Kingdoms: Rastore, Trania, and Gartland.
However, even these allied kingdoms had retreated to their own lands after suffering defeats in the Battle of Lanct. Their chances seemed slim now…
「I guess they can’t just give up.」
Once you’ve held dominion over such a vast city and glimpsed the dream, even a seasoned commander would find surrender difficult. Gillan Ran, once Dyson’s right-hand man, now claimed the title of the New Emperor, carrying on Dyson’s will.
It appears that this self-proclaimed Emperor Gillan, like Dyson, hails from the Rastore clan—an erstwhile slave and a subject of the Germania Empire.
When the empire defeated the Rastore warriors in battle, many of them were conscripted into the Fist Slave Emperor’s ranks. Consequently, it seems that a significant portion of the rebel forces share this background.
On the other hand, Gemon Balzac, the former bandit general who switched sides to join the legitimate Germanian army, originally served as a mercenary cavalry captain. His adept military tactics, showcased under the distinctive blue mohawk helmet, also trace back to his origins in the eastern wildlands.
Surprisingly, despite being just mere bandits, the self-proclaimed New Germanian Imperial Army manages to maintain a semblance of order. Perhaps this is due to the prevailing Germanian tradition—loyalty to the strongest emperor—among both bureaucrats and commoners. Additionally, their ability to incorporate former warrior-class members from the tribal nation of Rastore into the ruling elite contributes to this stability.
As we approach the gates of Northmark, the grand capital, we descend to the encampment of the legitimate Germanian Imperial Army led by General Mainz. There, before our cage, stands an elderly commander in heavy plate mail, his white mantle billowing as he approaches with a slight hobble.
「Mainz, well done!」
I call out, and he immediately kneels in deference.
「Your Imperial Majesty Conrad, Princess Elizabeth, and King General Sawatari Takeru……your distant journey to join us is deeply appreciated.」
「Enough with the pleasantries. Let’s swiftly end this war.」
「Hohoho, indeed, formidable reinforcements have arrived. Victory seems within reach.」
As I address him, Mainz lifts his face, his white beard swaying as he reveals a grandfatherly smile. Even with his own capable forces, he refrains from boasting about his martial prowess—a testament to this wise general’s approach.
「Knowing Mainz, you’re probably already planning post-war governance.」
「Well, perhaps I’m being overly cautious. But you see, besieging a city like Northmark is no small feat.」
「Haha, true enough. Creating a dramatic return for the venerable old emperor might indeed facilitate smoother governance.」
「And there’s more to it. We’ve been awaiting shipments from the Lanct Duchy’s factories. They’re on their way.」
Mainz turned toward the artillery unit, where freshly minted cannons gleamed in rows, all aimed at Northmark’s outer walls.
「Ah, cannons. Sherry’s haste in their production seems justified if they prove useful.」
「Both those who make them and those who wield them are inexperienced. But their effectiveness will depend on how we employ them.」
「Very well, Mainz, I leave it all in your capable hands.」
「Yes, minimizing casualties is our priority.」
「I agree. Now that I’m here, I’ll give you a little help.」
「What are you going to do?」
「Louise! Nicholas! Off you go!」
「Understood!」
First, Louise led her dragon squadron to attack the city’s rear gate—a show of force that could turn the tide of a siege all on its own. The twenty-plus fire dragons were enough to grab the rebels’ attention.
「Now, for the next act—Saint Archbishop Nicholas!」
And there he was, Nicholas, taking flight on the long-unseen silver wings, the Asama’s Wings. He streaked straight toward the grand hall of the capital.
Somewhere along the way, his archbishop’s robes tore, leaving him with just a strategically placed leaf covering his nether regions. Let’s pretend we didn’t notice that little mishap.
「Behold, great Goddess Asama, devout followers of the New Homotestant faith, and all who lend an ear! Listen well to this gospel! Iyahooooooo!」
What kind of gospel was this?
But from the heavily guarded grand hall—where the audience was sparse due to our precautions—suddenly, a swarm of sweaty, burly, naked men burst forth.
「Nicholas-sama! Soiya, soiya! Nicholas-sama! Soiya, soiya!」
What were those chants? Is the Asama Church okay?
The audience, including regular citizens, gathered in the square, caught up in the fervor. Meanwhile, the rebel soldiers patrolling the city, vigilant until now, tried to quell the sudden uprising. But outnumbered and overwhelmed by the ecstatic crowd, they were swept aside.
Old and young alike discarded their clothes, thrusting their hands toward the heavens, joining in the chorus of ‘Soiya, soiya!’ for Nicholas.
「Iyaaahooooo! Devout followers of the Neo Homotestant faith! The time has come to shatter the oppressors’ ambitions. Emperor Conrad and Princess Elizabeth’s forces have arrived to uphold Asama’s justice. Soiya, soiya!」
「Soiya! Soiya!」
「Nicely done, soiya! Liberation is upon us. Let us welcome the righteous Germanian Imperial Army, led by the venerable Emperor and the illustrious Princess, into this magnificent capital!」
「Iyaahoooo!」
It’s quite a departure from the speech I gave when appealing for cooperation with Dyson, but the Neo Homotestant crowd, swept up in their fervor and the enigmatic ‘soiya’ chant, doesn’t seem to mind. Alongside this incomprehensible gospel, chaotic flames erupt from various parts of the city.
Religion is quite scary.
For now, I intend to make allies of the Neo Homotestants. But can Eliza and I effectively manage this overwhelming enthusiasm?
Regardless, our diversionary tactic at the city’s rear gate has succeeded, plunging the streets into chaos. Even seasoned General Mainz, his eyes wide with astonishment, seems taken aback.
「Now, General Mainz, it’s time for the siege, don’t you think?」
「Ah… Well, as expected of the King General, your strategic brilliance leaves me in awe. I’ve predicted aerial attacks by fire dragons, but this unprecedented and eccentric tactic—plunging the capital into disarray—is something I’ve witnessed for the first time, even at my age.」
Please, don’t blame this on me, Mainz. While they’re allies now, I’d be wary if they turned against us. I trust that the seasoned Mainz will devise a policy to avoid antagonizing the Neo Homotestants after witnessing this spectacle.
「Well then, General Mainz, let’s finish this!」
「Hoho, understood.」
When General Mainz raised his baton, the brand-new cannons roared, their muzzles aimed squarely at the outer walls.
Certainly, these walls were once hailed as the capital’s fortifications in Northmark, but their design belonged to a bygone medieval era. Before the concentrated artillery fire, they crumbled without resistance.
「Nicely done.」
「Yes, it’s much appreciated. Now, shall we turn our attention to General Eleonora’s efforts?」
The practical cannons, funded by Sherry and manufactured in the artillery factory of the Lanct Duchy, were now ready for combat. While General Mainz’s swift deployment impressed, the very nature of war in this grim fantasy realm was undoubtedly shifting.
「Charge!」
With Mainz’s command, a young female knight—her golden hair and azure eyes vividly contrasting against her crimson-flamed armor—rushed toward the gaping breach in the outer wall.
She is the ‘War Maiden of Lanct’, Eleonora Lanct Am-main, famous throughout all of Germania.
From the crumbled wall emerged a fully armored contingent of knights, their Lanct banners fluttering. The city’s defenders were mere foot soldiers, no match for the disciplined charge of these fully armed knights.
「Next, General Gemon, if you please.」
「Got it!」
Answered Gemon Balzac, donning a blue mohawked helmet. His role, leading the legitimate Imperial Germania Army, was to persuade the demoralized enemy to surrender—complementing Eleonora’s knights, who disrupted their morale with daring assaults.
Indeed, Mainz had planned meticulously.
「Now, what about us?」
「No need for His Majesty the King General to take the field at this point.」
Well, it seemed my appearance was unnecessary after all.
I had merely stirred up Louise and Nicholas, and that was the extent of it.
「Ho ho, a real good general wins or loses just by being in position. Now, I’ll attend to the aftermath.」
Despite warning me not to move, General Mainz led the main forces to clean up. Even though the Mainz forces were still lacking in musketeers, the ragtag rebels stood no chance against the legitimate Imperial army pouring into the already chaotic capital.
And so, the battle was swiftly decided.
※
While waiting at the encampment alongside the Emperor and the Imperial Princess, I was suddenly accosted by Princess Knight Eleonora, who rode in fiercely.
「Whoa!」
「Takeru, I’ve brought you some heads!」
She tossed about three stern-looking severed heads my way. What was she thinking?
「Um, could these be the heads of that rebel leader, Gillan Ran?」
「I’m not entirely sure, but probably.」
「Well, ‘not entirely sure’ isn’t exactly—」
「Look, there were about three tough opponents, so I just went ahead and took their heads. It ended up like, ‘Oh no, Gillan-sama has fallen!’ or something.」
「I see…」
It’s a bit pitiful, isn’t it? Even though he was a self-proclaimed new Emperor, no one knows which head belonged to him in the end.
I thought that if I held out during the siege of the imperial capital, there might be a chance for me to shine. But perhaps Emperor Gillan, who had stepped forward to quell the chaos, wasn’t such a bad guy after all.
Well, either way, this time we had to carry out the executions, so maybe it saved us some trouble.
As for my own exploits, I admit I was curious to witness the dazzling scene of the ‘War Maiden of Lanct’ dancing through battle, defeating enemy commanders. It’s just a tad disappointing that as one rises in rank, they become less likely to fight on the front lines.
「Hey, Takeru, focus!」
「What now?」
She pounced on me out of nowhere, and for a moment, I thought I was about to get punched. Instead, Eleonora hugged me tightly.
Thanks to her ‘Flame Armor’, I was suffering more damage from being hugged than from any potential blows. And wait, my clothes were starting to catch fire!
「Uwaaaah!」
「There, there… Why the tears? What’s wrong?」
The emotionally unstable knight suddenly burst into tears, leaving me at a loss for words.
Well, it’s fine—even if my clothes are singed. After all, a man who marries a knight like Eleonora must endure a few hardships.
「But you know, the war has finally ended. We just got married, and yet I haven’t done anything befitting of Takeru’s wife.」
「True, I forgot about that. We’ll make up for it, don’t worry.」
Given the chaos of war, Eleonora had been quite busy. Perhaps we should consider a honeymoon together.
「And I heard that!」
「What did you hear?」
Could it be about my marriage to Louise and the others? Has the news already reached her?
Her hug tightened, and my spine made an unpleasant cracking sound.
「Takeru, all your wives are pregnant. Congratulations.」
「Oh, you mean that. Thanks.」
「Not just ‘thanks’!」
「Huh?」
「Why is everyone celebrating pregnancies? I haven’t become pregnant yet. I’m your wife too, you know. Have you forgotten?」
「No, of course not.」
「Good. I won’t let you off the hook. Until I’m pregnant… Well, there’s also the pressure from my parent wanting an heir. But even without that, I’ve been patient!」
「I’m not going to run away from this. Just calm down for now.」
There’s something spine-chilling about her eyes—like those of a raptor targeting its prey.
「And to catch up, let’s aim for five times.」
「Five times? What’s that?」
「Five times means five times. Now come on!」
She pulled me along, and I found myself awkwardly straddling a horse in front of the determined knight.
Wait, why do I feel like a public spectacle? It’s reminiscent of medieval illustrations depicting this kind of punishment.
「W-wait a minute Eleonora… Eleonora-san?」
「Ready!」
With a rhythmic clatter of hooves, the princess knight charged into the heart of the capital. Even the bewildered crowds parted before her unstoppable force. The wild horse carried both me and Princess Knight Eleonora straight toward the imperial palace.
Onlookers stared in surprise. And there I was, caught by the knight like some rebel leader put on display!
「Hey, Eleonora, maybe calm down a bit?」
「Don’t worry; the palace has rooms specifically for this. Trust me!」
「Well, trusting you aside, I’ve gained a new wife. What do you think about that?」
「That’s irrelevant right now. Just surrender to me—I promise to be gentle!」
She’s a bit too intense.
Is this what tenderness looks like for the princess knight?
「Uwaaah! We’ve charged past the pier and right into the heart of the palace. But wait, can we really enter while still on horseback? And even before that, is everything settled after the war? Is it truly over?」
「Grandpa Mainz is handling all that, isn’t he?」
「Well, that might be true, but we both bear responsibility as generals.」
「I don’t care about any of that! Listen, Takeru, I’ve secretly longed for this.」
「What?」
「Inside the palace, there are rooms for this purpose. But people always said things like, ‘That doesn’t concern Eleonora’, or ‘You’ll never have anything to do with it.’ It drove me crazy! Look at me! Look!」
Wait, I shouldn’t be seeing this!
Driven by the adrenaline of battlefield victory, Eleonora finally vented years of pent-up frustration. She charged into the palace’s private chambers, mounted on horseback, and—well, let’s just say we had quite the eventful night.
Thanks to her, I got an up-close view of the ‘War Maiden of Lanct’ in action—not on the battlefield, mind you, but in the privacy of our own quarters.
And please, let’s not discuss the specifics of ‘five times’…