Chapter 145 – Lionsong (1/2)

As first part of the plan Imeraria emphasized her staying in the vanguard together with Nelgal in an open-topped carriage, but receiving vehement opposition from Biron and Sabnak based on the concerns of her guarding, she reluctantly gave up on that.

In the end it was decided that seats would be installed on the large platform wagon for transporting goods brought along by Fokalore and Imeraria and Nelgal would board that wagon together with their guards. The reason is that it’s easy to guard and that it has speed albeit being large.

The knight unit led by Vaiya will serve as vanguard. Behind them will be the guarding knight unit including Imeraria and Sabnak. And after them it continues with Fokalore’s soldiers and then the main forces of Orsongrande’s royal army including the feudal army of Earl Biron.

Fokalore’s soldiers will be led by Alyssa. Origa will take along the beastmen and stay on the platform wagon together with Imeraria.

“Report the current state.” (Imeraria)

“Yes. it seems there are still several parties of soldiers remaining on Horant’s side of the national border, but it looks like their numbers don’t exceed 50.” (Sabnak)

Once Sabnak answered fluently, Imeraria nodded lordly.

“Well then, following the first part of the plan, Origa-san, please go ahead.” (Imeraria)

“Understood.” (Origa)

Origa held an iron wire while smiling.

“Then, commence the march.” (Imeraria)

“Advance!” (Sabnak)

Following Imeraria’s order, Sabnak raises his voice and Vaiya, who is visible at the head, raises one hand in response. The large army starts to go forward slowly.

◆◇◆

Horant’s soldiers, who confirmed the army possessing more than 20 times their own force’s numbers after they arrived in front of the border, were in a state of agitation.

Above them being border guards, they had the duty to deal with the soldiers of the enemy nation who advanced up to the border, but the person in charge thought there are impossible situations at times without voicing it out.

“All members are to stay here. Send a messenger to contact the capital right away. Tell the capital Orsongrande attacked the border with a large army. Wake up those sleeping as well. It will end with us being crushed underfoot if we can’t muster all our strength!”

While giving such directions, he silently glared at the advancing army of Orsongrande and thought Even if we give it our best, will be probably crushed underfoot though.

Suddenly a voice reached his ears.

『Can you hear this voice?』

“… What?”

Once he looks around, it seems that the other soldiers have heard that voice as well. All of them are turning around their heads while looking at the surroundings restlessly.

『My name is Imeraria Torie Orsongrande. I’m the queen of Orsongrande. I’m calling out to you, all of Horant’s soldiers at the border, with magic.』 (Imeraria)

That was Origa’s spell.

She amplifies the voice with wind magic and yet makes it sustain a directionality. It was a spell possible to only Origa who received Hifumi’s guidance regarding sound waves.

“Her voice is delivered by magic, she says? Such a stupid…”

As the soldiers get flustered, the calling out to them continues further.

『Since I’m unfortunately unable to pick up your voices, I will make an one-sided announcement. Currently the next king of Horant, Nelgal-sama, is with us. I believe you can see him him if your eyes are good enough.』 (Imeraria)

Once the knights, who were in front of Imeraria, part to the left and right, Imeraria, who is on top of a platform wagon, and Nelgal, who is sitting next to her, are visible.

As there are also several people among Horant’s guards who know Nelgal’s face, several of them state “There’s no mistake about it.”

『We don’t have come to invade Horant. We came for the sake of delivering Nelgal-sama safely to the capital. But.』 (Imeraria)

The knights once again blocked the way in front of Imeraria and drew their weapons.

The knights’ weapons are originally spears and swords, but in addition there are also those who are wielding kusarigama‘s and swords similar to katana’s.

『If you become an obstacle, please resolve yourselves suitably.』 (Imeraria)

As the queen’s proclamation finishes, the army begins to advance slowly once again.

The border guards of Horant had already no intention to fight.

☺☻☺

“The number of soldiers is more than 1000, you say? Haven’t you made some kind of mistake?” (Kuzemu)

The messenger, who brought the information from the border with a feeling of desperation, was shouted at with an angry voice by Kuzemu just as he finished his report.

“H-However, I did confirm with these eyes that a large army has actually drawn near the national border!”

As if being vexed by getting doubted, the messenger raises his voice.

“With that kind of large army entering our country…” (Kuzemu)

“That’s why I told you, didn’t I?” (Hifumi)

Hifumi, who hung around Kuzemu’s office as usual, laughs.

“It’s odd to believe in them not coming to attack out of fear just because those useless things made their appearance.” (Hifumi)

“Are you saying that there are countermeasures?” (Gaap)

Hifumi shakes his head towards the question of Gaap who visited this place frequently in order to listen to Hifumi.

“It won’t be fun, if I told you that, right? If you might get defeated once you simply show yourself in front of the enemy, consider the way of showing yourself.” (Hifumi)

“I-I see.” (Gaap)

Even that exchange makes Kuzemu irritated.

The state of them begging for instructions while bowing their heads towards Hifumi, who should be their enemy, is continuing endlessly in front of his eyes.

Even the messenger, who doesn’t understand the circumstances, knows that Kuzemu has become displeased in the blink of an eye.

“Well then, it’s the crucial moment!” (Hifumi)

When Hifumi stands up all of a sudden, the looks of everyone inside the room gather on him.

“It was faster than expected, but if it goes according to my prediction, Imeraria and the others are probably aiming to come here directly. If that woman possesses the intelligence to lower her head for the sake of her goal, she will head here in one stretch by getting Fokalore’s help.” (Hifumi)

“It’s what I would have done”, Hifumi grinned at Kuzemu.

“T-Then, won’t their march stop once you come forth? Since we are currently in the process of building a friendship… right, a friendly relationship…”

“What madness are you talking about? I told you, didn’t I? Go to war, I said.” (Hifumi)

Hifumi draws his katana while stepping in front of Kuzemu.