Blahar looked out across the Kirkla Plain, a dry, cracked earth dotted with bushes and rocks.
Here, the Kirkla Plains, was the place where the Baluar Empire and the Heglatan Empire clashed once during the Hundred Years' War. At that time, Heglatan achieved an unprecedented victory over Baluar. Of course, after that, things went downhill and they eventually met defeat.
But this time it's different.
Blahar was confident. He thought he could lead better than the foolish previous Emperor. He had prepared for war for a long time, analyzing the reasons for Heglatan's defeat. And now, Blahar started the war solely to win.
“Your Majesty, Targayel’s forces are gathering on the plains. They are expected to form a front in two or three days. And Lord Kamysh has sent you a letter.”
Blahar nodded and held out his hand at the adjutant's report. The adjutant politely handed him the letter and continued speaking.
“Also, the meeting preparations are complete. Everyone is waiting.”
“Just read this and go straight away. Stay back.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The letter was from Serev, who was heading to Mapel Territory. Blahar read the encrypted letter through. Then he muttered, one corner of his mouth curling up.
“I guess it was a failure.”
The rebellion of Mapel was something Blahar had tried once. It was a rebellion that he had started with the idea that if it succeeded, it would be good, but if not, he could not do it, but he had gained something. Even though the rebellion failed, Serev had obtained what Blahar had instructed. That alone was enough for now.
“...It’s a shame I couldn’t convince Elze.”
Blahar thrust the letter into the torch, watching it burn black in the flames before heading to the barracks where the meeting was taking place.
Those who had been exchanging opinions fiercely inside the barracks stopped everything as soon as Blahar arrived and stood up politely to greet him.
“Welcome, Your Majesty.”
Blahar waved his hand as a signal for everyone to sit down. Everyone took their seats, and the meeting officially began.
“The occupation of Mapel Territory failed. However, the original purpose was achieved.”
“...!”
“We have obtained what we wanted and have slowed down the gathering of Targayel’s forces. However, their response has been quick, and it looks like they will be gathering at Kirkla in two or three days.”
Blahar looked down at the map spread out on the conference table. On top of the map were small pieces of wood, each marking a point where a battle would be fought.
“We cannot afford to confront Targayel head-on. They have a vastly superior force, but...”
Blahar quickly scanned the pieces of wood with his eyes. He tapped his finger on the spot where the Kirkla Plain was marked.
“The battle that Shan Cirxus and Elijah fought was virtually impossible to win.”
"...”
A heavy atmosphere fell over the conference room at Blahar's assertion. Blahar looked around the room carefully and spoke.
“But they only add up to five. In the end, they can’t handle everything.”
One of those sitting in the conference room asked cautiously.
“That being said...”
“Extend the wire.”
Everyone in the room widened their eyes at Blahar's declaration.
Blahar picked up a piece of wood from the map and fiddled with it. Then he shook the pieces apart and began rearranging them. The pieces of wood that had been clumped together on the Kirkla Plain now stretched out horizontally across the plain. Blahar slowly opened his mouth.
“Our goal is to fight as many battles as possible. And...”
He said with his bloodshot eyes shining.
“Winning every battle that Shan Cirxus and Elijah were unable to participate in.”
Hayden, who was locked in the mansion, was easy to find. He was locked in the top room. However, Hayden's condition was not good. While he was held captive by Heglatan, he was not only not properly fed, but he also seemed to have been tortured.
There were no wounds on his body. It was because he had not been beaten. The torture he had suffered was that he had been deprived of sleep. It would have been better to be beaten, but not being deprived of sleep was the worst torture.
When Elze found Hayden, he was already half-conscious. However, he held on to his last bit of consciousness and reported to Elze.
“The Heglatans... were looking for something at Count Mapel’s residence. What it was...”
Hayden, who had finished his report intermittently, his body seemingly ready to collapse at any moment, spoke to Elze with a face that looked like he was about to cry.
“I am ashamed to meet you, Lady Elze... I am sorry. I was unable to protect the Maphel Territory because of my shortcomings...”
Elze shook her head quietly.
“You did your best.”
And then he put his hand on Hayden's shoulder and spoke softly.
“You can rest now, Count Mapel.”
Hayden fell into a deep sleep as soon as Elze finished speaking. After telling a few soldiers to take care of him, Elze went outside to fight the suppression.
With Elze at the forefront, the knights of Targayel lined up on both sides in front of the mansion. As soon as Elze gave the signal, the knights immediately gave orders. And soon after, a small explosion occurred next to the mansion with a bang.
The sound of an explosion shook the quiet night and reverberated throughout the territory. Then, a bright red flame rose up. In the black darkness, the flames burned so brightly that they could be seen clearly from a great distance.
The militiamen, still unaware of the situation, were startled by the sound of explosions and flames and began to run towards Count Mapel.
The knights of Targayel stood in formation in front of the mansion, waiting for them. None moved an inch until Elze gave the signal.
The militiamen who had been running without even properly carrying their weapons felt something was wrong as they got closer to Count Mapel. They gradually slowed down their running speed, and eventually even walked. One of the militiamen muttered in confusion.
“What, what is that...”
At first, they thought they were knights of Heglatan. However, they were not carrying Heglatan’s flag, but the flag of Targayel. As the night wind coolly swept across their back, the black flag of Targayel with the crow on it fluttered loudly.
The militiamen gulped. The sight of the knights lined up in a long line was oppressive in itself.
Elze stood at the very front and center of the line.
The advancing militia soon stopped walking at some distance. Elze slowly looked at them and spoke expressionlessly.
“Who is the boss?”
The militiamen were in disarray. They all looked visibly confused. It was understandable. The sudden explosion was surprising, but Targayel's knights were standing in line. And the knight of Heglatan, who had been leading them, had disappeared without a trace.
Elze waited patiently for them. Then a man stepped forward from among the militia. He looked at Elze and said.
“I am the captain.”
It seemed as if he had not yet lost his arrogant attitude. Elze looked at him and spoke in a somewhat dry voice.
“I am Erzenes Targayel. The rebels of Mapel Territory must lay down their arms and surrender.”
“...!!”
The faces of all the militiamen who heard Elze's name hardened. Elze spoke as if doing a favor.
“If you surrender obediently, I will spare your life.”
The militia leader paused for a moment, then immediately shouted:
“Don’t be fooled! Look at the numbers! There must be at least several times more of us!!”
His words were not a lie. All the militiamen of the border had gathered in the Mapel territory. The number was certainly large enough to overwhelm the knights of Targayel. It seemed that the captain's words had given them confidence. The men below began to murmur and shout.
“Yeah! If we push forward with numbers, it’s not like we can’t win!!”
Elze chuckled at the sight of them joking around among themselves.
“Do you think so?”
At Elze's words, the militia fell silent for a moment. Elze asked them, who seemed to be silent, as if explaining something to them in a low voice.
“Hasn’t Heglatan, who was watching over you, already fled like a swindler a long time ago?”
“...”
No one answered Elze's question, but no one backed down.
If Elze were killed or captured here, the battlefield would be shaken. And those who performed the deed would be given an enormous reward. Because of that greed, they could not easily give up the hope that they might win.
Elze slowly drew her sword in front of them. She held a rapier and a mangosh in each hand. Elze took an elegant stance and spoke.
“Those who think they can win, come at me.”
When she said that, no one rushed in. Everyone was just looking at each other, but there was one person who bravely stepped forward.
“You cheeky bitch!”
It was the captain of the militia. His face turned bright red, and he shouted loudly.
“If it weren’t for you, the war wouldn’t have happened! Shaking your butt and stirring up Heglatan and Targayel!!”
The knights of Targayel all gaped in surprise. Then they quickly looked at Elze’s face, worried that she might be hurt.
But Elijah and his men were rather calm as if it was nothing. Rapine shook his head, and Tarkun looked at the militia captain with pitiful eyes.
It is understandable, because even during the Hundred Years' War, such teasing was often directed at Elze. At that time, Elze was dressed as a man, but she was still pretty, and the enemy often made fun of her appearance.
And each time, the result was the same. Everyone was severely punished and regretted their words. Tarkun muttered in an admiring tone.
“Oh my, that’s just some life-threatening nonsense.”
Rapine listened to what was being said from the side.
“That’s right. It’s a good thing Ivanna isn’t here.”
If Ivanna had been there, that guy's mouth would have melted the moment he uttered his first word.
But even without Ivanna, the militia captain had already crossed the river of no return. He drew his sword and shouted.
“Where are you, a lowly whore, holding a sword! Cut off your head and give it to Shan Cirxus...!”
But he couldn't finish his words. The moment the name Shan Cirxus came out, Elze couldn't hold back any longer and started to move.
“!!”
Everything happened in the blink of an eye. The captain of the militia, who had been shouting loudly, suddenly felt a burning pain. He stopped and looked down at his chest. There were two large sword wounds on his upper body. The moment he realized it, blood gushed out.
“Ahhhhhhh!!”
Elze was in front of him as he fell to the ground screaming. It was a quick attack that he didn't even know when she came and swung her sword.
"Ha..."
Elze exhaled and lowered her rapier and mangosh. Blood dripped down the thin blade.
Everyone was silent as if they were dead and looked at Elze. But Elze didn't get angry or scream. She just shook her sword once, shook off the blood, and spoke plainly.
"Next."
The battle to suppress the Mapel Territory, which was like gambling, ended in Targayel's victory.
The success of the suppression operation that everyone thought was impossible was largely due to Elze's role. She pushed Serev back with psychological warfare, and in the battle with the militia, she stood at the forefront and swung her sword more than anyone else.
If it were normal, Elze would have just hit and run and focused on commanding. But this suppression battle was different. Elze went wild like a mercenary.
The sight of Elze crossing the battlefield, holding a rapier and a mangosh in both hands, was spectacular.
She leaped long and slashed in midair, then sank to the ground and stabbed. She quickly followed up with her rapier and mangosh. There was no gap in the flow of attacks, which were as natural as flowing water. In addition to her quick attacks, she occasionally mixed in a reckless kick when necessary.
The militiaman who had rushed at her, aiming for her lower body, kicked Elze's face with his foot. Elze dropped her sword and fell, but she immediately cut him down with her rapier, and stabbed the one who was attacking her from behind with her mangosh.
She wasn't even afraid of rolling on the dirt floor. She used her entire body to wield her sword without any hesitation. For knights who had only learned classical swordsmanship, this was truly jaw-dropping.
The knights chasing after Elze kept muttering exclamations of admiration without realizing it every time Elze swung her sword.
"...oh my god."
“That’s possible...”
The knights of Targayel were busy swinging their swords and occasionally looking at Elze.
And the militiamen were quite shocked and lost their minds at Elze's swordsmanship. In fact, they had heard of Elze's name. Shan and Elze's reputation was something that anyone who could wield a sword could not help but know.
They would hear endlessly about how great their swordsmanship was and how they excelled in the Hundred Years' War.
But they had only heard about it diligently, and this was their first time seeing it in person. And no one knew that Elze was so good at melee combat.
It was a melee, but in reality, it was a dogfight. However, Elze was flying around like a fish in water. A circle had formed around Elze. This was because no one, not even the allies, wanted to approach her.
Of course, as always, there was one brave soul. As Elze was quickly defeating the militia, one of the militiamen charged at her, shouting in anger.
“This bitch!!”
Elze replied with a crooked smile.
“You talk a lot.”
Of course, he didn't just respond with words, but he even threw his sword at her. He was shouting at Elze, but he couldn't even struggle for a bit before he rolled around on the floor.
After a frenzied rush, the battle had already entered a lull. Elze shook off her sword, which was now stained with blood and flesh.
“Phew.”
And then he turned his shoulder lightly and said.
“It feels like I’ve finally relaxed a bit.”
Behind Elze, there were only fallen militiamen. Elze looked around and realized that there was no one around her.
The knights of Targayel all stood a few meters away from Elze, fearing that they might be caught in the wrath of the sword. Tarkun was the only one standing close to Elze, assisting her. Tarkun called out to Elze.
“Um... Hey, captain?”
When Elze turned to Tarkun, Tarkun looked at her and asked cautiously.
“Are you angry?”
"Me?"
Am I angry? After hearing Tarkun's words, Elze thought seriously for a moment and then answered.
“I think so. The Hayden thing too...”
As soon as Elze saw Hayden, who had been locked in the mansion, lying in a miserable state due to torture, her mind went cold.
It was probably from that point that she started to feel a little angry. The one who set fire to Elze, who was on the verge of boiling over, was the leader of the militia.
“There was that militia captain earlier. The moment he mentioned Shan’s name, my head started spinning.”
The teasing directed at her was now familiar enough to laugh at, but she could not stand the insults directed at Shan. Elze spoke to Tarkun with an angry expression.
“I don’t know why he touches other people’s husbands. Right?”
Tarkun gave Elze his consent with a somewhat hesitant look on his face.
"I know..."
And he slowly walked over to Rapine, who was standing next to him. Tarkun whispered to Rapine.
“Now let’s not swear at Cirxus in front of the captain. I think I should tell Ivanna about this, too.”
“Well, definitely.”
Rapine muttered with a slightly dazed expression as he looked at the rebels scattered around Elze.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the captain like this.”
“So. I told you I had nothing to do?”
"Me too..."
Tarkun and Rapine nodded to each other, forming a deep bond of sympathy.
After the battle, Ivanna grumbled about her lack of activity. Ivanna was responsible for blocking the militia's escape route during the battle. She did not participate actively in the battle.
If Ivanna had joined the fight, the battle wouldn't have dragged on for long. But Elze reserved Ivanna as a talisman to be used only at really important moments.
There was a reason why Elze kept her. If she were to be active, the land of Mapel Territory might become unusable.
Even now, a corner of the mansion has already been destroyed by a bomb. If Ivanna were allowed to use her powers to her fullest, she could end up with a bigger belly than her stomach.
In any case, the battle to suppress the Mapel Territory ended in a smooth victory for Targayel.
The company led by Elze, including the Knights of Elijah, succeeded in suppressing the rebels in Mapel Territory without significant troop losses.
After leaving one platoon behind to clear out the Mapel Territory, Elze led the remaining soldiers and returned straight to the main camp.
It was the Kirkla Plain where Shan was waiting.
While Elze was fighting to suppress the Mapel Territory, Shan was rallying the imperial forces on the Kirkla Plains.
Originally, there was a sequence to large-scale battles. First, the two sides would reorganize their formations and guard their positions, while the central army would completely form its camp.
Then, a representative of each side steps forward and begins a war of words against the other side. After raising morale and creating a battle atmosphere, a full-scale battle begins with the order to advance.
It was a rule that might seem ridiculous at first glance. However, it was necessary. Since both sides had such a large number of troops, if they were not careful, the front lines could become tangled and they wouldn't even be able to fight a proper battle.
And according to the unspoken rules of the battlefield, Targayel and Heglatan were also now steadily establishing their camps.
“...”
Shan looked across the plains as the wind carried the faint scent of dry earth. There, Heglatan's camp was.
The Kirkla Plains were divided between the armies of Targayel and Heglatan. And today, the battle would finally begin in earnest.
Just thinking about seeing that bastard Blahar's face made his head spin.
Shan was at the very front of the Targayel camp. To Shan's right was Liv. And opposite was Heglatan's camp, and in front of them was Blahar.
After the camps had been somewhat formed, Shan and Blahar, the representatives of each camp, stepped forward at an unspoken signal.
The two men looked in stark contrast. Shan, clad in black armor and mounted on a black steed, and Blahar, clad in silver armor and mounted on a white steed.
Even their appearances were polar opposites. Unlike Shan, who had copper-colored skin and a sharp and dangerous air, Blahar had a cheerful air about him that made his white skin seem to sparkle.
Shan, who faced Blahar with his back to the cloud-like troops, felt a strange sense of foreboding. It seemed that Blahar felt the same way. Blahar was the first to smile and call Shan.
“Duke Cirxus!”
Blahar patted his trotting steed and spoke to Shan in a friendly manner.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
His red eyes were shining unusually brightly today. Blahar slowly looked Shan up and down as he spoke slowly.
“We’ve met like this before...”
But the two weren't close enough to reminisce, Shan said with a crooked smile.
“You must have had a hard time walking home.”
“...It was you after all.”
Blahar gritted his teeth as he glared at Shan. He looked at Shan with an expression that made him want to tear him to pieces.
“I thought I was going to die walking.”
Blahar muttered softly. It was in Heglatan, so he couldn't understand, but it wasn't hard to guess that he was spitting out curses.
Shan slowly laughed at Blahar's insults. That was enough of a conversation between the two of them. Shan raised his voice and spoke.
“I tell you again and again, Your Majesty, you cannot defeat me.”
Shan continued, his voice clear enough for both camps to hear.
“Haven’t you already experienced it? Do I really need to teach you again today?”
Shan's words caused a loud burst of laughter from the Targayel camp. On the other hand, the atmosphere in the Heglatan camp became a little gloomy.
The fact that Blahar had fought and been defeated by Shan Cirxus in the banquet hall was also known to Heglatan. It was also known that the fight between the two had ended in a single fight.
But Blahar was proud. He straightened his back and smiled. Then he answered softly.
“I know.”
“...?”
Shan frowned slightly at the confident admission. He wondered what on earth he was thinking when he said that. Blahar let out a long sigh and spoke softly.
“We will lose the battle today, too.”
Blahar, who had been speaking quietly so that only Shan could hear, raised his voice.
“But do you know that, Cirxus?”
His voice spread widely across the plains. His charming voice attracted people's attention.
“The process doesn’t matter. The result matters.”
Both sides' eyes were focused on Blahar. Blahar closed his eyes for a moment. It seemed as if he was enjoying the attention he was receiving. At first glance, it seemed arrogant, but it suited Blahar perfectly. Blahar opened his eyes, smiled, and opened his mouth.
“I started this war to win.”
He declared in a clear voice, stretching out one arm.
“In the end, the final victory will go to Heglatan!”
Blahar's declaration erupted into a thunderous roar from Heglatan. Their morale was sky-high as they waved their flags and shouted.
“...”
Shan was dumbfounded. Heglatans were quite the rascals. He knew Blahar was popular, but he didn't expect such a heated reaction to such nonsense. Shan frowned for a moment, then chuckled and called Blahar.
"Your Majesty."
Blahar looked at Shan with a grin. His expression seemed to say, “Say something.” Then Shan spoke calmly.
“Imagination is freedom.”
Shan nodded, grinning haughtily just like Blahar had done.
“So just shut up and stop attacking me.”
The first battle on the Kirkla Plains was a Targayel victory. Under the command of Shan Cirxus, the Targayel Empire's forces overwhelmed Heglatan.
One thing that was a bit odd was that Heglatan didn't seem too bothered by their defeat. They acted as if they had foreseen their defeat.
Heglatan was not very active in battle either. They simply exchanged attacks at a moderate level and retreated immediately after suffering some losses. The same thing happened again in several battles, so Targayel could not help but feel puzzled by Heglatan’s actions.
But a victory was a victory. The Targayel Empire's forces rejoiced in their victory before their eyes.
With the successive victories on the Kirkla Plains, news of victory also arrived from Mapel Territory. The special unit led by Elze had finally succeeded in suppressing the rebels.
Praise was pouring in for the Knights of Elijah, who had triumphed over an impossible battle, and Targayel's morale was sky-high. From the start, the war seemed to be tilted completely in Targayel's favor.
But Shan was not off guard. He clearly guessed that Blahar had some kind of plan. As expected, Blahar was pretending to be defeated in front, but was plotting something else behind the scenes.
“Extend the front line...”
Shan frowned as he read the information from the spy he had planted in Heglatan. Liv, who was sitting next to Shan, sighed and chattered.
“Don’t you think that guy really has a knack for using his brain? Sometimes I really admire him.”
“...”
Shan listened to Liv's words with one ear and looked down at the map spread out on the table. On the map, the current battle line was marked with small flags and pieces of wood. All the pieces were gathered in the kerkla.
If the front line gathered on the Kirkla Plains were to be extended, it would certainly be disadvantageous to Targayel in many ways. Targayel was currently inferior to Heglatan in terms of manpower. Only a force led by Shan or a force led by all of Elijah could guarantee a certain victory.
However, there were limitations to relying on the Knights of Shan and Elijah for all battles. First of all, the Elijahs could not be separated from each other. They had to be sent out to battle unconditionally.
They didn't want to be separated, and they were at their most powerful when they were together with Elze. It was better not to touch her, because if they separated her carelessly, the result would be worse than not doing anything at all.
In the end, if battles occur simultaneously, there will inevitably be cases of defeat, except for battles in which Shan and Elijah participate.
Heglatan's forces had already begun to move, and the front line was getting longer. A solution had to be found.
“It’s definitely a headache.”
“Is that so, Lord Cirxus?”
Liv said, pointing to the left side of the Kirkla Plain with his finger.
“We’re already being easily defeated by Heglatan. Fighting in an unfavorable environment is something we always do... but this time, Blahar is really good at thinking.”
“Hmm.”
Shan was looking down at the map with Liv, lost in thought, when he heard light footsteps outside. The sound of them walking like jogging was familiar and yet missed, so Shan got up from his seat without realizing it.
At the same time, the door to the barracks where Shan was was opened with a loud bang. A bright voice was heard.
“Shan!”
She was Elze, who came in with the light pouring into the dark barracks. The moment he looked into her blue eyes, everything he had been worried about just a moment ago melted away like snow. Shan ran to her with a big smile and hugged her.
“Elze!”
Shan didn't know he was laughing. It was only after he had Elze in his arms that he realized he was laughing like an idiot. Shan hugged Elze and gave her a small kiss on her cheek and lips.
“Ah, I’m dirty...!"
Elze squirmed and pushed away, but Shan wouldn't let go. They had been apart for too long.
“Do you know how worried I was?”
Elze smiled brightly at Shan's harsh words and lightly kissed him on the lips.
“But I came back safely.”
“...”
Shan paused for a moment. He paused because he didn't know what to do. His heart was pounding so hard. His chest was trembling so much that his hands were shaking.
With a smile that kept blooming, Shan kissed Elze once more. At the continuous kissing sounds, Liv, who had just been in a military meeting with Shan, moved to a corner of his own accord.
Elze put her arms around Shan's neck. Then she tilted her head to one side with a bright smile and asked,
“Are you fighting hard? Did you hear the news of my victory?”
"Of course."
Shan kissed Elze's forehead loudly, even though she was told not to and said.
“Everyone in the home country was amazed by the news of your victory. It was a victory that will be remembered in history.”
Elze finally burst into laughter. Shan, hearing Elze's clear laughter, couldn't help but have a face that looked like it couldn't be helped. He hugged Elze tightly and continued to praise her for how great she was.
“...”
At the sight of Shan like that, Liv, who was sitting in the corner, made an awkward face. At this point, it would have been possible to get used to Lady Cirxus's appearance, but it felt strange every time he saw her. The temperature difference between when Madam was there and when she wasn’t was so stark that it seemed like he couldn’t get used to it anymore.
Still, his heart was filled with joy as he watched them being so in love with each other that they didn't know what to do.
Love changes even Cirxus...
Liv waited patiently for the couple's love affair to end, realizing the great power of love.
Here, the Kirkla Plains, was the place where the Baluar Empire and the Heglatan Empire clashed once during the Hundred Years' War. At that time, Heglatan achieved an unprecedented victory over Baluar. Of course, after that, things went downhill and they eventually met defeat.
But this time it's different.
Blahar was confident. He thought he could lead better than the foolish previous Emperor. He had prepared for war for a long time, analyzing the reasons for Heglatan's defeat. And now, Blahar started the war solely to win.
“Your Majesty, Targayel’s forces are gathering on the plains. They are expected to form a front in two or three days. And Lord Kamysh has sent you a letter.”
Blahar nodded and held out his hand at the adjutant's report. The adjutant politely handed him the letter and continued speaking.
“Also, the meeting preparations are complete. Everyone is waiting.”
“Just read this and go straight away. Stay back.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The letter was from Serev, who was heading to Mapel Territory. Blahar read the encrypted letter through. Then he muttered, one corner of his mouth curling up.
“I guess it was a failure.”
The rebellion of Mapel was something Blahar had tried once. It was a rebellion that he had started with the idea that if it succeeded, it would be good, but if not, he could not do it, but he had gained something. Even though the rebellion failed, Serev had obtained what Blahar had instructed. That alone was enough for now.
“...It’s a shame I couldn’t convince Elze.”
Blahar thrust the letter into the torch, watching it burn black in the flames before heading to the barracks where the meeting was taking place.
Those who had been exchanging opinions fiercely inside the barracks stopped everything as soon as Blahar arrived and stood up politely to greet him.
“Welcome, Your Majesty.”
Blahar waved his hand as a signal for everyone to sit down. Everyone took their seats, and the meeting officially began.
“The occupation of Mapel Territory failed. However, the original purpose was achieved.”
“...!”
“We have obtained what we wanted and have slowed down the gathering of Targayel’s forces. However, their response has been quick, and it looks like they will be gathering at Kirkla in two or three days.”
Blahar looked down at the map spread out on the conference table. On top of the map were small pieces of wood, each marking a point where a battle would be fought.
“We cannot afford to confront Targayel head-on. They have a vastly superior force, but...”
Blahar quickly scanned the pieces of wood with his eyes. He tapped his finger on the spot where the Kirkla Plain was marked.
“The battle that Shan Cirxus and Elijah fought was virtually impossible to win.”
"...”
A heavy atmosphere fell over the conference room at Blahar's assertion. Blahar looked around the room carefully and spoke.
“But they only add up to five. In the end, they can’t handle everything.”
One of those sitting in the conference room asked cautiously.
“That being said...”
“Extend the wire.”
Everyone in the room widened their eyes at Blahar's declaration.
Blahar picked up a piece of wood from the map and fiddled with it. Then he shook the pieces apart and began rearranging them. The pieces of wood that had been clumped together on the Kirkla Plain now stretched out horizontally across the plain. Blahar slowly opened his mouth.
“Our goal is to fight as many battles as possible. And...”
He said with his bloodshot eyes shining.
“Winning every battle that Shan Cirxus and Elijah were unable to participate in.”
***
Hayden, who was locked in the mansion, was easy to find. He was locked in the top room. However, Hayden's condition was not good. While he was held captive by Heglatan, he was not only not properly fed, but he also seemed to have been tortured.
There were no wounds on his body. It was because he had not been beaten. The torture he had suffered was that he had been deprived of sleep. It would have been better to be beaten, but not being deprived of sleep was the worst torture.
When Elze found Hayden, he was already half-conscious. However, he held on to his last bit of consciousness and reported to Elze.
“The Heglatans... were looking for something at Count Mapel’s residence. What it was...”
Hayden, who had finished his report intermittently, his body seemingly ready to collapse at any moment, spoke to Elze with a face that looked like he was about to cry.
“I am ashamed to meet you, Lady Elze... I am sorry. I was unable to protect the Maphel Territory because of my shortcomings...”
Elze shook her head quietly.
“You did your best.”
And then he put his hand on Hayden's shoulder and spoke softly.
“You can rest now, Count Mapel.”
Hayden fell into a deep sleep as soon as Elze finished speaking. After telling a few soldiers to take care of him, Elze went outside to fight the suppression.
With Elze at the forefront, the knights of Targayel lined up on both sides in front of the mansion. As soon as Elze gave the signal, the knights immediately gave orders. And soon after, a small explosion occurred next to the mansion with a bang.
The sound of an explosion shook the quiet night and reverberated throughout the territory. Then, a bright red flame rose up. In the black darkness, the flames burned so brightly that they could be seen clearly from a great distance.
The militiamen, still unaware of the situation, were startled by the sound of explosions and flames and began to run towards Count Mapel.
The knights of Targayel stood in formation in front of the mansion, waiting for them. None moved an inch until Elze gave the signal.
The militiamen who had been running without even properly carrying their weapons felt something was wrong as they got closer to Count Mapel. They gradually slowed down their running speed, and eventually even walked. One of the militiamen muttered in confusion.
“What, what is that...”
At first, they thought they were knights of Heglatan. However, they were not carrying Heglatan’s flag, but the flag of Targayel. As the night wind coolly swept across their back, the black flag of Targayel with the crow on it fluttered loudly.
The militiamen gulped. The sight of the knights lined up in a long line was oppressive in itself.
Elze stood at the very front and center of the line.
The advancing militia soon stopped walking at some distance. Elze slowly looked at them and spoke expressionlessly.
“Who is the boss?”
The militiamen were in disarray. They all looked visibly confused. It was understandable. The sudden explosion was surprising, but Targayel's knights were standing in line. And the knight of Heglatan, who had been leading them, had disappeared without a trace.
Elze waited patiently for them. Then a man stepped forward from among the militia. He looked at Elze and said.
“I am the captain.”
It seemed as if he had not yet lost his arrogant attitude. Elze looked at him and spoke in a somewhat dry voice.
“I am Erzenes Targayel. The rebels of Mapel Territory must lay down their arms and surrender.”
“...!!”
The faces of all the militiamen who heard Elze's name hardened. Elze spoke as if doing a favor.
“If you surrender obediently, I will spare your life.”
The militia leader paused for a moment, then immediately shouted:
“Don’t be fooled! Look at the numbers! There must be at least several times more of us!!”
His words were not a lie. All the militiamen of the border had gathered in the Mapel territory. The number was certainly large enough to overwhelm the knights of Targayel. It seemed that the captain's words had given them confidence. The men below began to murmur and shout.
“Yeah! If we push forward with numbers, it’s not like we can’t win!!”
Elze chuckled at the sight of them joking around among themselves.
“Do you think so?”
At Elze's words, the militia fell silent for a moment. Elze asked them, who seemed to be silent, as if explaining something to them in a low voice.
“Hasn’t Heglatan, who was watching over you, already fled like a swindler a long time ago?”
“...”
No one answered Elze's question, but no one backed down.
If Elze were killed or captured here, the battlefield would be shaken. And those who performed the deed would be given an enormous reward. Because of that greed, they could not easily give up the hope that they might win.
Elze slowly drew her sword in front of them. She held a rapier and a mangosh in each hand. Elze took an elegant stance and spoke.
“Those who think they can win, come at me.”
When she said that, no one rushed in. Everyone was just looking at each other, but there was one person who bravely stepped forward.
“You cheeky bitch!”
It was the captain of the militia. His face turned bright red, and he shouted loudly.
“If it weren’t for you, the war wouldn’t have happened! Shaking your butt and stirring up Heglatan and Targayel!!”
The knights of Targayel all gaped in surprise. Then they quickly looked at Elze’s face, worried that she might be hurt.
But Elijah and his men were rather calm as if it was nothing. Rapine shook his head, and Tarkun looked at the militia captain with pitiful eyes.
It is understandable, because even during the Hundred Years' War, such teasing was often directed at Elze. At that time, Elze was dressed as a man, but she was still pretty, and the enemy often made fun of her appearance.
And each time, the result was the same. Everyone was severely punished and regretted their words. Tarkun muttered in an admiring tone.
“Oh my, that’s just some life-threatening nonsense.”
Rapine listened to what was being said from the side.
“That’s right. It’s a good thing Ivanna isn’t here.”
If Ivanna had been there, that guy's mouth would have melted the moment he uttered his first word.
But even without Ivanna, the militia captain had already crossed the river of no return. He drew his sword and shouted.
“Where are you, a lowly whore, holding a sword! Cut off your head and give it to Shan Cirxus...!”
But he couldn't finish his words. The moment the name Shan Cirxus came out, Elze couldn't hold back any longer and started to move.
“!!”
Everything happened in the blink of an eye. The captain of the militia, who had been shouting loudly, suddenly felt a burning pain. He stopped and looked down at his chest. There were two large sword wounds on his upper body. The moment he realized it, blood gushed out.
“Ahhhhhhh!!”
Elze was in front of him as he fell to the ground screaming. It was a quick attack that he didn't even know when she came and swung her sword.
"Ha..."
Elze exhaled and lowered her rapier and mangosh. Blood dripped down the thin blade.
Everyone was silent as if they were dead and looked at Elze. But Elze didn't get angry or scream. She just shook her sword once, shook off the blood, and spoke plainly.
"Next."
***
The battle to suppress the Mapel Territory, which was like gambling, ended in Targayel's victory.
The success of the suppression operation that everyone thought was impossible was largely due to Elze's role. She pushed Serev back with psychological warfare, and in the battle with the militia, she stood at the forefront and swung her sword more than anyone else.
If it were normal, Elze would have just hit and run and focused on commanding. But this suppression battle was different. Elze went wild like a mercenary.
The sight of Elze crossing the battlefield, holding a rapier and a mangosh in both hands, was spectacular.
She leaped long and slashed in midair, then sank to the ground and stabbed. She quickly followed up with her rapier and mangosh. There was no gap in the flow of attacks, which were as natural as flowing water. In addition to her quick attacks, she occasionally mixed in a reckless kick when necessary.
The militiaman who had rushed at her, aiming for her lower body, kicked Elze's face with his foot. Elze dropped her sword and fell, but she immediately cut him down with her rapier, and stabbed the one who was attacking her from behind with her mangosh.
She wasn't even afraid of rolling on the dirt floor. She used her entire body to wield her sword without any hesitation. For knights who had only learned classical swordsmanship, this was truly jaw-dropping.
The knights chasing after Elze kept muttering exclamations of admiration without realizing it every time Elze swung her sword.
"...oh my god."
“That’s possible...”
The knights of Targayel were busy swinging their swords and occasionally looking at Elze.
And the militiamen were quite shocked and lost their minds at Elze's swordsmanship. In fact, they had heard of Elze's name. Shan and Elze's reputation was something that anyone who could wield a sword could not help but know.
They would hear endlessly about how great their swordsmanship was and how they excelled in the Hundred Years' War.
But they had only heard about it diligently, and this was their first time seeing it in person. And no one knew that Elze was so good at melee combat.
It was a melee, but in reality, it was a dogfight. However, Elze was flying around like a fish in water. A circle had formed around Elze. This was because no one, not even the allies, wanted to approach her.
Of course, as always, there was one brave soul. As Elze was quickly defeating the militia, one of the militiamen charged at her, shouting in anger.
“This bitch!!”
Elze replied with a crooked smile.
“You talk a lot.”
Of course, he didn't just respond with words, but he even threw his sword at her. He was shouting at Elze, but he couldn't even struggle for a bit before he rolled around on the floor.
After a frenzied rush, the battle had already entered a lull. Elze shook off her sword, which was now stained with blood and flesh.
“Phew.”
And then he turned his shoulder lightly and said.
“It feels like I’ve finally relaxed a bit.”
Behind Elze, there were only fallen militiamen. Elze looked around and realized that there was no one around her.
The knights of Targayel all stood a few meters away from Elze, fearing that they might be caught in the wrath of the sword. Tarkun was the only one standing close to Elze, assisting her. Tarkun called out to Elze.
“Um... Hey, captain?”
When Elze turned to Tarkun, Tarkun looked at her and asked cautiously.
“Are you angry?”
"Me?"
Am I angry? After hearing Tarkun's words, Elze thought seriously for a moment and then answered.
“I think so. The Hayden thing too...”
As soon as Elze saw Hayden, who had been locked in the mansion, lying in a miserable state due to torture, her mind went cold.
It was probably from that point that she started to feel a little angry. The one who set fire to Elze, who was on the verge of boiling over, was the leader of the militia.
“There was that militia captain earlier. The moment he mentioned Shan’s name, my head started spinning.”
The teasing directed at her was now familiar enough to laugh at, but she could not stand the insults directed at Shan. Elze spoke to Tarkun with an angry expression.
“I don’t know why he touches other people’s husbands. Right?”
Tarkun gave Elze his consent with a somewhat hesitant look on his face.
"I know..."
And he slowly walked over to Rapine, who was standing next to him. Tarkun whispered to Rapine.
“Now let’s not swear at Cirxus in front of the captain. I think I should tell Ivanna about this, too.”
“Well, definitely.”
Rapine muttered with a slightly dazed expression as he looked at the rebels scattered around Elze.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the captain like this.”
“So. I told you I had nothing to do?”
"Me too..."
Tarkun and Rapine nodded to each other, forming a deep bond of sympathy.
After the battle, Ivanna grumbled about her lack of activity. Ivanna was responsible for blocking the militia's escape route during the battle. She did not participate actively in the battle.
If Ivanna had joined the fight, the battle wouldn't have dragged on for long. But Elze reserved Ivanna as a talisman to be used only at really important moments.
There was a reason why Elze kept her. If she were to be active, the land of Mapel Territory might become unusable.
Even now, a corner of the mansion has already been destroyed by a bomb. If Ivanna were allowed to use her powers to her fullest, she could end up with a bigger belly than her stomach.
In any case, the battle to suppress the Mapel Territory ended in a smooth victory for Targayel.
The company led by Elze, including the Knights of Elijah, succeeded in suppressing the rebels in Mapel Territory without significant troop losses.
After leaving one platoon behind to clear out the Mapel Territory, Elze led the remaining soldiers and returned straight to the main camp.
It was the Kirkla Plain where Shan was waiting.
***
While Elze was fighting to suppress the Mapel Territory, Shan was rallying the imperial forces on the Kirkla Plains.
Originally, there was a sequence to large-scale battles. First, the two sides would reorganize their formations and guard their positions, while the central army would completely form its camp.
Then, a representative of each side steps forward and begins a war of words against the other side. After raising morale and creating a battle atmosphere, a full-scale battle begins with the order to advance.
It was a rule that might seem ridiculous at first glance. However, it was necessary. Since both sides had such a large number of troops, if they were not careful, the front lines could become tangled and they wouldn't even be able to fight a proper battle.
And according to the unspoken rules of the battlefield, Targayel and Heglatan were also now steadily establishing their camps.
“...”
Shan looked across the plains as the wind carried the faint scent of dry earth. There, Heglatan's camp was.
The Kirkla Plains were divided between the armies of Targayel and Heglatan. And today, the battle would finally begin in earnest.
Just thinking about seeing that bastard Blahar's face made his head spin.
Shan was at the very front of the Targayel camp. To Shan's right was Liv. And opposite was Heglatan's camp, and in front of them was Blahar.
After the camps had been somewhat formed, Shan and Blahar, the representatives of each camp, stepped forward at an unspoken signal.
The two men looked in stark contrast. Shan, clad in black armor and mounted on a black steed, and Blahar, clad in silver armor and mounted on a white steed.
Even their appearances were polar opposites. Unlike Shan, who had copper-colored skin and a sharp and dangerous air, Blahar had a cheerful air about him that made his white skin seem to sparkle.
Shan, who faced Blahar with his back to the cloud-like troops, felt a strange sense of foreboding. It seemed that Blahar felt the same way. Blahar was the first to smile and call Shan.
“Duke Cirxus!”
Blahar patted his trotting steed and spoke to Shan in a friendly manner.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
His red eyes were shining unusually brightly today. Blahar slowly looked Shan up and down as he spoke slowly.
“We’ve met like this before...”
But the two weren't close enough to reminisce, Shan said with a crooked smile.
“You must have had a hard time walking home.”
“...It was you after all.”
Blahar gritted his teeth as he glared at Shan. He looked at Shan with an expression that made him want to tear him to pieces.
“I thought I was going to die walking.”
Blahar muttered softly. It was in Heglatan, so he couldn't understand, but it wasn't hard to guess that he was spitting out curses.
Shan slowly laughed at Blahar's insults. That was enough of a conversation between the two of them. Shan raised his voice and spoke.
“I tell you again and again, Your Majesty, you cannot defeat me.”
Shan continued, his voice clear enough for both camps to hear.
“Haven’t you already experienced it? Do I really need to teach you again today?”
Shan's words caused a loud burst of laughter from the Targayel camp. On the other hand, the atmosphere in the Heglatan camp became a little gloomy.
The fact that Blahar had fought and been defeated by Shan Cirxus in the banquet hall was also known to Heglatan. It was also known that the fight between the two had ended in a single fight.
But Blahar was proud. He straightened his back and smiled. Then he answered softly.
“I know.”
“...?”
Shan frowned slightly at the confident admission. He wondered what on earth he was thinking when he said that. Blahar let out a long sigh and spoke softly.
“We will lose the battle today, too.”
Blahar, who had been speaking quietly so that only Shan could hear, raised his voice.
“But do you know that, Cirxus?”
His voice spread widely across the plains. His charming voice attracted people's attention.
“The process doesn’t matter. The result matters.”
Both sides' eyes were focused on Blahar. Blahar closed his eyes for a moment. It seemed as if he was enjoying the attention he was receiving. At first glance, it seemed arrogant, but it suited Blahar perfectly. Blahar opened his eyes, smiled, and opened his mouth.
“I started this war to win.”
He declared in a clear voice, stretching out one arm.
“In the end, the final victory will go to Heglatan!”
Blahar's declaration erupted into a thunderous roar from Heglatan. Their morale was sky-high as they waved their flags and shouted.
“...”
Shan was dumbfounded. Heglatans were quite the rascals. He knew Blahar was popular, but he didn't expect such a heated reaction to such nonsense. Shan frowned for a moment, then chuckled and called Blahar.
"Your Majesty."
Blahar looked at Shan with a grin. His expression seemed to say, “Say something.” Then Shan spoke calmly.
“Imagination is freedom.”
Shan nodded, grinning haughtily just like Blahar had done.
“So just shut up and stop attacking me.”
***
The first battle on the Kirkla Plains was a Targayel victory. Under the command of Shan Cirxus, the Targayel Empire's forces overwhelmed Heglatan.
One thing that was a bit odd was that Heglatan didn't seem too bothered by their defeat. They acted as if they had foreseen their defeat.
Heglatan was not very active in battle either. They simply exchanged attacks at a moderate level and retreated immediately after suffering some losses. The same thing happened again in several battles, so Targayel could not help but feel puzzled by Heglatan’s actions.
But a victory was a victory. The Targayel Empire's forces rejoiced in their victory before their eyes.
With the successive victories on the Kirkla Plains, news of victory also arrived from Mapel Territory. The special unit led by Elze had finally succeeded in suppressing the rebels.
Praise was pouring in for the Knights of Elijah, who had triumphed over an impossible battle, and Targayel's morale was sky-high. From the start, the war seemed to be tilted completely in Targayel's favor.
But Shan was not off guard. He clearly guessed that Blahar had some kind of plan. As expected, Blahar was pretending to be defeated in front, but was plotting something else behind the scenes.
“Extend the front line...”
Shan frowned as he read the information from the spy he had planted in Heglatan. Liv, who was sitting next to Shan, sighed and chattered.
“Don’t you think that guy really has a knack for using his brain? Sometimes I really admire him.”
“...”
Shan listened to Liv's words with one ear and looked down at the map spread out on the table. On the map, the current battle line was marked with small flags and pieces of wood. All the pieces were gathered in the kerkla.
If the front line gathered on the Kirkla Plains were to be extended, it would certainly be disadvantageous to Targayel in many ways. Targayel was currently inferior to Heglatan in terms of manpower. Only a force led by Shan or a force led by all of Elijah could guarantee a certain victory.
However, there were limitations to relying on the Knights of Shan and Elijah for all battles. First of all, the Elijahs could not be separated from each other. They had to be sent out to battle unconditionally.
They didn't want to be separated, and they were at their most powerful when they were together with Elze. It was better not to touch her, because if they separated her carelessly, the result would be worse than not doing anything at all.
In the end, if battles occur simultaneously, there will inevitably be cases of defeat, except for battles in which Shan and Elijah participate.
Heglatan's forces had already begun to move, and the front line was getting longer. A solution had to be found.
“It’s definitely a headache.”
“Is that so, Lord Cirxus?”
Liv said, pointing to the left side of the Kirkla Plain with his finger.
“We’re already being easily defeated by Heglatan. Fighting in an unfavorable environment is something we always do... but this time, Blahar is really good at thinking.”
“Hmm.”
Shan was looking down at the map with Liv, lost in thought, when he heard light footsteps outside. The sound of them walking like jogging was familiar and yet missed, so Shan got up from his seat without realizing it.
At the same time, the door to the barracks where Shan was was opened with a loud bang. A bright voice was heard.
“Shan!”
She was Elze, who came in with the light pouring into the dark barracks. The moment he looked into her blue eyes, everything he had been worried about just a moment ago melted away like snow. Shan ran to her with a big smile and hugged her.
“Elze!”
Shan didn't know he was laughing. It was only after he had Elze in his arms that he realized he was laughing like an idiot. Shan hugged Elze and gave her a small kiss on her cheek and lips.
“Ah, I’m dirty...!"
Elze squirmed and pushed away, but Shan wouldn't let go. They had been apart for too long.
“Do you know how worried I was?”
Elze smiled brightly at Shan's harsh words and lightly kissed him on the lips.
“But I came back safely.”
“...”
Shan paused for a moment. He paused because he didn't know what to do. His heart was pounding so hard. His chest was trembling so much that his hands were shaking.
With a smile that kept blooming, Shan kissed Elze once more. At the continuous kissing sounds, Liv, who had just been in a military meeting with Shan, moved to a corner of his own accord.
Elze put her arms around Shan's neck. Then she tilted her head to one side with a bright smile and asked,
“Are you fighting hard? Did you hear the news of my victory?”
"Of course."
Shan kissed Elze's forehead loudly, even though she was told not to and said.
“Everyone in the home country was amazed by the news of your victory. It was a victory that will be remembered in history.”
Elze finally burst into laughter. Shan, hearing Elze's clear laughter, couldn't help but have a face that looked like it couldn't be helped. He hugged Elze tightly and continued to praise her for how great she was.
“...”
At the sight of Shan like that, Liv, who was sitting in the corner, made an awkward face. At this point, it would have been possible to get used to Lady Cirxus's appearance, but it felt strange every time he saw her. The temperature difference between when Madam was there and when she wasn’t was so stark that it seemed like he couldn’t get used to it anymore.
Still, his heart was filled with joy as he watched them being so in love with each other that they didn't know what to do.
Love changes even Cirxus...
Liv waited patiently for the couple's love affair to end, realizing the great power of love.
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