Vol 4 Prologue (1/2)

Prologue 1 The Thunder Closing In

Belgaria, Empire year 851

On an earlyof the end of April

It was still chilly in the northern region

It had been snowing since last night which only to melt when dawn came

Because of that, the fortress walls were completely wet

In one corner of the fortress was the roois Auric

A sht woke the owner of the room up

He fell asleep reading on the bed last night

He had unconsciously put his book aside

“Hnnn… … Eh… … Is italready?”

He got out the bed after parting with his thin blanket, hugging his shoulders as it was too cold

Regis went across the pile of documents and head towards his desk

On top of the documents was an oil lamp

A few days ago, during his birthday on April 23, Regis received an scarlet box, which was kept in a drawer

He then took out a flint and spill

Following that, he opened the tinderbox and pressed down the dented metal plate

Sparks were created as the fire striker hit the flint

Spread before the dent, shted up

Regis used the spill to transfer the swaying flauished, he moved it towards the lamp carefully

Regis quickly put the oil lalass cover back after the room was illuminated

As the Volk Fortress ht could enter, which was insufficient for paperwork

Even if it was during the day, lamp was still used

Moreover, for days that were colder, there was a need to use the heater…

Even fireas valuable commodity

It was cold enough to even see his own breath, but not enough to freeze his hand Regis extinguished the burning spill by pressing it on a metal tray

The lighted charcoal was put out as the tinderbox was closed The flint was also kept back into the drawer

Regis took off his nightwear and reached for hison the wall

Regis was already used to the Beilschiment uniform

Although it was troublesoainst cold

The bars on his shoulders were the same as before

When Regis was in the capital, he was informed by the comrade admin officer

As he has yet to receive the order, he was still a 5th grade admin officer——

Was the promotion cancelled?

A follow-up of this topic, when faced with the pursuit by the First Ary on them and reduced their number more than half

If I’rant the promotion

Although it was a pity that he could not get prois felt that it was a miracle that he was not fired

It was because he have low-estee that his swordsmanshi+p was inferior to even a child, unable to use a bow and could not even ride a horse

As a soldier, he was e

After changing, Regis see on the table

“Huh?”

On the table was a new document——

It was a report about the internal strife in the regiment

The unit that Regis currently served in was officially called the Beilschiment

The coentina de Belgaria

Was non as Marie Quatre Army

Although Altina’s swordsirl

Even if she would be 15 in May, she was still a child now

Jerome Jean de Beilschmidt was fully responsible for the combat unit

He was hailed as a hero and a knight, the type that would charge in front in the battlefield

However, the two of them did not care about the details

Soreat ht just be crude and careless

A large part of the i, but that does not matter

However, the Marie Quatre Army had recruited many new people

Ranging froe, to mercenaries from afar

There was also leaders joining with their own men

Because of that, the regular and the new soldiers would often argue

No matter when, difference in culture would lead to clashes

Soldiers were not horses, when the population increase, disputes would also increase

To resolve their dissatisfaction,there was a need to solve each cases with care

However, Regis did not have that time to do so due to the severe lack of admin officer

All by hianisation of the units and the division of supplies, as well as the preliies

Hence, Regis found an assistant

The name of the person rote the report was found on one of the documents

“So it’s Lilim”

“Yes, I’m here”

The voice came from the pile of documents

Regis retreated a few steps back as he was caught off-guard by the voice

“Aa!?”

“Pardon me”

Suddenly, a black-haired, brown-skinned maid appeared

Although young, Liliuste

Originally, she had nothing to do on the Beilschiis entrusted her to solve the disputes inside the forces

Lili the dust off her clothes

“My apology, thisthe docu”

“A,ah… … In that case, isn’t it fine if you just put it on the table?”

“Yes, that hat I intended to do, but…”

“But?”

“I got drowsy after seeing you sleeping”

It seems like a reason, at the same time, doesn’t seems like a reason

However, there’s no doubt that she have been helping out recently

Be it reviewing docu the problems and even mediation was done properly

“ … Is that so? Thanks”

“Finishi+ng work is the best joy one can attain!”

Lilim said it with a smile

Suddenly, the door opened

“Sir Regis, have you woke up?”

“Aahh”

The one who entered the rooht, Eric Michael de Blanchard

Although he was just 16 year old, but in Belgaria, 15 was considered an adult, hence he was already an outstanding knight

Beautiful golden hair and refreshi+ng eirl

When his father died, in order to protect his family, he had to inherited his fas

Cos

“Good ——”

Eric who just entered was stunned, just like a statue

To this point, Regis’ face began to redden

“Ah, that… … It’s not what you think”

“Just what is going on! Sir Regis, why are you taking off your pants in front of a child!”

“It’s a , Eric, please calm down”

“Her Highness and Ms Clarisse aside, how could you do this to a child!”

“Eh?”

Lilim tilted her head

“Ahahahahaah!”

Morning, Volk Fortress, officer’s dining room——

Altina was hugging her sto loudly

Regis’ shoulders drooped

“ …It’s not funny at all… … … I almost died there, socially that is”

“I,I’m very sorry!”

Eric had a guilty face

In the canteen were Regis, Altina, Eric and Clarisse sitting together

Liliuste—— Felicia’s room to serve breakfast to Felicia

Incidentally, on Felicia’s request, her bodyguard, Eddie Fabio de Balzac, was living in the same room as her

Although the parties involved denied it, it was clear that they were in a relationshi+p, which was not a problem anyway

To the soldiers, both the prince and the duke were males, hence there should not be any problem

Altina could not stop laughing after hearing the unwarranted

“Ahahaa… My stoood that you don’t have those kind of interests”

“That’s obvious”

In that case, tell irls”

“ … R,rather than this kind of question, we should be considering the issues that have piled up Even if it’s breakfast noe cannot waste time”

“Tch:”

Altina clicked her tongue, Regis disregarded it and continued talking

“In that case… you should had heard it… Last night, the news about the death of High Britannia queen have reached us”

Yes”

Altina straighten her posture

“ The urgent e came on 25th, the death occurred on 15th”

In other words, on the first day of the founding anniversary, the neighbouring queen had died

This was an age whereimportant happened

When they discovered enenals or sound to convey the e

Other than that, neere usually written down and delivered on horses

If the situation pere horses at relay stations in order to speed up the delivery, but it would be tough for the frontline

The distance between the town Tuonvell and Volk fortress was about 23Li(100ko past the forest in which the barbarians reside

Altina and the barbarian king, Diethart had a secret agreearia’s soldiers… … Just that the alliance with the barbarian has yet to be publicised

Even so, delivery of report have it own pros For example, there was little need to worry about spies

Even if there were spies, people that leave their regiment or base would be very conspicuous

In the army, there would definitely be one or two spies—— With this intraining It was the same for spies that escaped or those who continued to mix in the army In addition, there were other more difficult reasons

If in the future, there was an invention that do not requires manpower, the situation would be different

Regis continued on the topic

“High Britannia is a country that is ruled by a queen, the parlia to their tradition, once a week past after the death of their queen,will end and the next queen will be crowned”

“Parliament?”

Altina asked

“It’s siaria’s nobles, just that they hold more power For example, no matter what the queen ordered, if 24 out of 30 members objected, that order will not be carry out”

“ Yes, it’s so like a safety device to prevent tyrants Under normal situation, the final decision lies on the queen on which policies to use”

“Ahhh, I see I still feel that it’s an interesting system”

“The new queen is usually elected by the previous queen, recognised by the parliament… … Just that the death of the queen isn’t sudden, but died on her sickbed… …The new queen has probably been chosen”

“In that case, what is the important part of that?”

“If there the successor is chosen, I believe their current stance will not change On the other hand, if it was an assassination…”

“Ah, I see”

Altina nodded, even if she was not well-verse in politics, she was not a fool

“Latreille who is in the capital should also be thinking about this In particular, High Britannia did not increase their military Well, looks like the second army was already sent… … At least, we did not receive any commands”

“I see… Regis, what is your view on this?”

“It seey recently”

“ … Ahh, the steay Railways and steaoods by a lot When it is faster, huoods and neill also take lesser tiy that enables long distance come dramatically”

“Long distance communication?”

“Can’t even iht?”

“With a super loud voice?”

“ … That, I think it’s a little different from that?”

“However, if they have so us, no?”

“Well… Are there any countries that wish to ith Belgaria?”

“That doesn't matter, people from the army want to try their power if they have it, and people with authority uses their influence as they want”

“I see”

Regis did not have a strong feeling on this, as it was not rare for a country that was e a war

Suddenly, Regis re that bothered him once

“ Altina… The you right now have th than before If it increase even ht Latreille?”

Altina thought for awhile, her expression was serious unlike the usual

“ … If the people support this war”

“That’s just like you”

She have grown, Regis thought Her past failures resulted in her to consider more

If Regis wanted to s difficult for her, questions like ‘what if half of population support it?’ could be asked

For now, it was fine if Regis was the only one thinking about it, the ruler do not need to be omnipotent

“Then, on’t be doing anything other than just looking at them?”

“ Yes… … War funds aren’t unlimited”

The war preparation, such as increasing the food reserves and increasing the nue sum

If the war funds was to be used up, ould they do if there was a war next year? When that happens, they would be in a difficult position

The commanders were usually forced into a decision

Altina frowned

“In addition, High Britannia is opposite of the west coast, while this fortress is situated in northeast region Moreover, the army are not in standby, hence war preparation is necessary, otherwise, it’s not possible”

“ Ahh, so it’s impossible”

Precisely of that, they should focus on the border instead—— This thought was possible, but the current situation then their equipments

Touching on this topic s

“Talking about High Britannia, I wonder if Bastian is fine He is energetic in nature, I hope nothing happens to him”

“The 3rd prince Bastian? He seeht now”

“He escaped because he doesn’t want to be involved in the political struggle It’s so like him, I wonder if he’s free-spirited or just weird”

“ I investigated him a little… but… is that really true?”

“Could it be a lie?”

“I’m not sure… … But there are nu the second prince Latreille who control the military, his reputation is even lower than the bedridden first prince Auguste”

“Ahh, yes He brought a lot of troubles for others”

“No hts to the throne is indisputable “

“In that case, you can also see it as avoiding troubles instead Every ti into trouble, his ize”

If the prince caused proble country, that would be disastrous… There was no helping it if that happens

Regis remembered a certain story

“ I heard that he fought with a roup in a certain tavern at the capital, but the reason why he was in the tavern was unknown, so is the reason for the fight”

The inforot from the tavern’s staff was unclear, however the part about prince Bastian lacking in self-respect was clear

Altina nodded her head

“He was ordered to be prudent by Father himself last year”

“ … Ordered by the emperor?”

“Bastian said ‘I went and took a look because it see, then I realised a waiter was harassed by a drunkard, so I went to help”

“ … Help, is it?”

“Yes, he also said soht hand hurts after punching out I am justice’”

“ … He justified going to the tavern just because it’s interesting, how annoying”

“Now that you said it, you’re right”

“He can’t claiht just because of his status and identity Looks like his point of view is limited”

“Yup, yup No ht in the tavern Looks like Bastian did not consider anything at all”

“ … A few days ago, you raised your sword against the 2nd prince”

“Argh… …”

“Considering that the sister’s personality is like this, I’m not surprised that her brother is like this too”

“Uuu… … Ah, I’m not as violent as Bastian… Probably”

Eric raised his hand

“I’ to discuss about him?”

“Discuss about?”

“A few days ago, we fought the first armyAbout that, won’t we be accused of treason?”

“Ahh… …”

It was understandable as to why the soldiers orried about this

Though it was unfounded for Regis

“ … To convict us in the hts of the White Wolves are acting righteously first The clash between the two orders… Who do you think is the one in the wrong?”

“That’s right”

“It’s theuste back to the capital is to reveal his true identity and render the recommendation void”

Eric nodded

Altina was listening seriously

“ … So, what authority does Latreille has to order prince Auguste who gave up his inheritance rights and who is not even a soldier?”

“”Ah””

Altina and Eric nodded their head in agreement

In the first place, the action of the Knights of the White Wolves were stepping out of their line

Latreille was fro as a general when he gave the order to the 1st army

“ … Well, we have yet to think up a countermeasure if Altina receive an order to return to the capital”

“What should I do if that happens?”

“If that happens, it’s likely that he ordered it as a general In that case, it is necessary to bring along your unit and return to Volk Fortress for preparation”

“What if I was told to go just like this or alone?”

“ … If he is that desperate to do that, you can relax in a certain sense… … Although there’s hierarchy in theto you ent e to the nation that he will assassinate his sister”

“I see How despicable”

“ … The order to attack Volk Fortress is the same, if you were to die in battle, it will be a bad deal The commander that send his soldiers to death while afraid to die… … It’s the sa he will assassinate his sister This kind of fallen prince… … How many nobles do you think will support him?”

“If I’m his opponent, I should collude with the nobles first?”

“Yes, the nobles only support Latreille because they think he will become the next emperor Do you think the eraceful act?”

“Ah, that’s right! Father respect the founding ee if he revoke Latreille’s inheritance rights”

In the end, this political struggle was to let the emperor choose them as the next ruler

Ignoring criticis his own authority and power to harm his own sister, only someone as inhuman would do that Even Latreille understood this

If Latreille had red hair and eyes, he probably wouldalready be the e about it, I pity him if he think this way

Drinking the red tea that Clarisse brewed, the breakfast cuis and others

On this day, Regis had no room to choose Even with the intel he have, there was no other option

Cries of agony and moans could be heard

Wounded soldiers were slowly moved out

Regis ran dohen notified

Inside therepair was a battlefield

Soldiers covered in blood were lying on the beds

Evrard issued an order

“War some ater here!!”

The knights ran around with a vase of water without caring about their appearance

Jero soldier and began treating hiry look

“Bring a body bag here!”

“Ah, but the prayers have yet…”

The soldier as ordered gave a troubled voice

Jero with a kick at him

“This soldier! Is now dead! This is a fortress and is underground This is not an open area with good ventilation If you do not want an epideo!

“Y,yes!”

At the saet a body bag

Regis did not have any strength left in his knees, using his shoulders to lean on the stone wall

“ … Ha, ha,ha”

“Hang in there! Don’t give up!”

It was a fe a wounded soldier

That soldier’s shoulder was injured and bleeding badly, the fee on him

The white cloth was stained with red

Clean the wound and bandage it—— The e could only do this much After this depends on the patient’s recovery ability

A young knight cais It seemed that he was the commander of the unit that was injured

“Sir Strategist, there’s so in the northern forest was attacked!”

“ … Was attacked?”

About half of the injured were young ht the bare minimum equipment

They were the recent recruits

“Although there was suppose to be a patrol team, it seems that they were killed before they can report”

Not only did they lost contact with the soldiers that were suppose to report ene training was attacked

Hence, such a large dae was dealt

Regis as feeling repulsive finally used his brain

“Fros to?”

“The flag was not seen However, based on the direction they came from and their weapons, I believe they are from Germania federation's Grand Duchy of Varden”

It was the previous owner of this fortress

Although small, the Germania federation have quality ores and financially fit They hire outstanding roups and collect quality weapons

Regis used a strategy to capture Volk fortress, but the federation’s military poas not weaken by that

Jeroitated

“Those bastards from Varden! Not only did they not learn their lesson, they are also intending to take back this fortress! Do you think I will just sit here and wait for death!? Hey, bringto set off and verify whether there are enough heads for me to hack!”

He was of the type that express his feelings out, however, it was so unusual of hier

The soldiers were feeling the same

“Please wait!”

“Wait!? How can I wait! Oi, Regis, you sure you want to stop me now!?”

“ … An urgent e just came from the capital”

Regis finally spoke the words he wanted to say

Jerome frowned

“What e, at such a time”

“ … On theof April 23, Chaineboule’s harbour was attacked and have fallen The Second Ar with the enemy that have landed”

Today was 30th April, 7 days had passed since then

Considering the network of the military in the capital, they should know this quite early… … I’m afraid that the war is already over

Jeroroaned

“The west harbour? I didn’t expect that country to attack us”

“ … It’s like this The eneh Britannia”

“What about Latreille? What did that fellow said?”

“The th and send thean to waver

Just when the Grand Duchy of Varden attacked, an eneth was unknown came from the west

After that, a request for reinforcement by the commander-in-chief came