Chapter 81: What Comes Along With the Crawling Despair

Eluga and Grunmeld remained to process of the prisoners, and only Krische together with the Black Century hurried to the northeast.

They went through the forest to the Dragon's jaw----and to Nozan's tent in the southern part.

"... as expected. To think Krische-sama has arrived already."

Nozan said sincerely, looking at Krische who had arrived

He ruffled his red hair and looked at the bag carried by one of the Century's members.

"Yeah, it's not a difficult opponent, it was easy. Though the finishing touch went a bit poorly."

"...The finishing touch did?"

Unzipping the bag, and the emaciated Aurugorn was inside.

His right arm is missing, tightly bandaged at his shoulder base, his body was clothed only in clothing.

"Of all things he resisted after surrendering. One member of Krische Century died, and Bald Eagle... ah, Centurion Dagra, was also stabbed and is seriously injured."

"...I see"

Nozan frowned.

Aurugorn was gagged, tied up, and weak.

The situation was akin to being abused prisoner of war (POW), but he could guess the reason.

The fact that no bruises were visible on his body was probably out of mercy.

Though the Holy Spirit Covenant restricted military command and action, many other parts were left to individual conscience.

It was common for captured prisoners of war to be killed by private execution and reported as emaciation or suicide.

"It's a clear violation of the Holy Spirit Covenant. Krische thought it would be fine just to show him, but Krische changed her mind. Tomorrow, Krische is going to execute him as an example."

"... I understand how Krische-sama feels. But I can't really agree with it."

He understood the words she said.

The violation of the Holy Spirit Covenant is punishable by death, but even so, if the general was to be executed by their one-sided arguments, it will hurt their reputation.

On the contrary, it may invite desperate resistance on the enemy's side.

"It's after Krische considered the merit and demerit. ...The other day, the soldier that was in the Dragon's maw seemed to remember vividly the delaying action that Krische had taken."

There was no anger visible on her face.

The girl occasionally turned into an inorganic doll, like something without emotion.

Nozan put his hand to his chin and frowned.

"Reinforcements from the Dragon's Maw in Marcellus' army... The opponents were soldiers who are frightened by Krische and some even run away from being captives. It's convenient if they become frightened by Krische. Krische thinks it would be good to make them thoroughly scared of Krische... until the enemy soldiers are no longer willing to resist Krische."

Her smile was accompanied by a chilly atmosphere.

"Therefore, Krische decided to use this man. Since he violated the Holy Spirit Covenant while holding the position of the Kingdom's General, he will be executed anyway. If one violates the Holy Spirit Covenant while in the position of Commander, the punishment is dismemberment by horse------Krische wants to show that to the enemy soldiers."

"I understand, but... nevertheless, when I think about the future, I think it's better not to do it. Krische-sama is the one who will protect the Kingdom in a long time to come------if we do that it will damage Krische-sama reputation."

"Even with that in mind. Krische is hated anyway, so Krische thinks this is a better role for Krische."

"...Role?"

'Yes', Krische nodded and looked at Aurugorn.

He was gagged and on his back, but he could still hear everything that was being said.

"The reason for his rebellion was that he underestimated Krische. He made the foolish mistake of thinking that he could kill Krische, and this wounded Krische's important important subordinates. In Krische's opinion, this is a serious situation. Considering the purpose of the military."

"...The military purpose, Krische-sama is saying some difficult topic again."

"No, it's simple. An army should be something that makes the enemy fearful, preventing them from causing unnecessary conflicts----It's something that forces the opponent to obey with fear with the threat of violence."

'----That's the nature of the military, isn't it?'

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Aurugorn.

As if she's just seeing bugs or rocks, and not a person.

"The battle could have ended well, but we failed to do so, and that's what gave birth to idiots like this one. That's why we should think about it again."

Nozan put his hand on his chin with a difficult face and thinks.

Certainly, she was not wrong.

Avoid needless warfare by establishing and holding dominance with great violence.

Make your enemy fearful and hesitant.

There was some truth to Krische's words.

"Kill him mercilessly in front of the enemies, make an example of him, and urge them to surrender. As a result, unnecessary bloodshed can be suppressed, and Krische can dispose of the enemies with minimal danger. The resistance of surrendered POWs will be suppressed to some extent. That is the direction Krische intends to take from now on."

"From now on?"

"If Krische can frighten them that way, Krische will feel much more relieved about Selene than now. The more the enemy thinks that Krische is very scary, the more we can avoid unnecessary fights and finish the battles without any damage. Krische doesn't care what they think, and Krische herself won't need to do anything unnecessary. It's all merit."

Kill the enemies with brutal means and make them surrender before they could fight through sheer terror.

There have been many such figures in the past.

Until the Holy Spirit Covenant, said to have been made under the dragon in ancient times, brought order to warfare.

Not bad if you look at it.

In fact, she was already feared.

And if the fighting continues, either way, her unusual power, and character will no doubt increase the numbers.

The problem would be treason, but while there may be those who disliked her, not many would be foolish enough to think of becoming her enemy. Even if there were, he didn't think they could kill her.

"What about Corps Commander Faren?"

"He was a little hesitant, but if that's what Krische thinks then, is what he said."

"...I see."

The daughter of the esteemed Bogan.

There was some hesitation in him, propping her up that way.

And he didn't think Selene would be happy either.

But either way, it would be difficult for her to become a great general who would win the respect of others in the military organization.

'She loves cooking and housework, loves peace, and Cliché is a kind girl. But as you know, she's a little different as a person...she is too good as military personnel. I'm not worried about letting Selene succeed me, but I am a little concerned about letting Krische stand in the public eye.'

Bogan's decision to send her on to train the General Staff, which he was in the process of establishing, was based in part on her personality.

A distorted ingenuity that was clearly different from humans----There is something that makes people unconsciously afraid of her.

Even if he stopped her here, if the war continues on and she's in there, eventually it will be inevitable.

Weighing emotions against logic, Nozan sighs and nodded.

Now that Bogan is gone, this was not the time for whitewashing.

Considering future battles, they would want to reduce thei losses as much as possible.

Northern responded, putting logic first.

"Understood. ...But thinking about what Selene-sama would say, my stomach hurts."

"...Krische will properly talk to her later. But Krische thinks this is the best way to do it. Krische wants this all to be over as soon as possible."

Even if everything goes well, there will be a lot of commotion around the kingdom for the next few years, or even a decade or so, as the kingdom will be exhausted from the civil war.

That is why it was necessary to settle the matter as soon as possible and put the kingdom in order.

"...Then, let's talk about the current situation. Originally, I was thinking of a strategy that coincided with Krische-sama arrival, but..."

"What are they planning..."

Gertz Wiring, the veteran general who was defending the Dragon's Jaw, played with his long white beard and murmured at the mountaintop fortress.

At the time of Krische's 'show', he was just on his way to inspect the North----the Christand side, so he only know the story roughly.

But he could tell that his men were showing great fear.

Since then, they had ceased their attacks and remained in an eerie silence.

That added to the fear of the soldiers.

In the heat of battle, the fear of imminent death and the excitement it generates would suppress these emotions.

The silence, however, it's slowly eating away the soldier's heart.

He had already understood the abnormality of Krische Christand.

The cool-headedness to not hesitate to even burn mountains for victory. And her overwhelming power.

Among the victims of the mountain hunt, there was a battalion commander whom Gertz trusted.

He was a warrior who, even if not a match for a thousand, deserved to be considered a match for a hundred.

A battalion commander who was accustomed to the mountains and deeply trusted by the soldiers he entrusted him with the mountain hunting----but according to the story, he was beheaded and killed by the Cursed Child Krische without even a fight.

It was not normal.

After that, he used human wave tactics, but it only resulted in sending military force one by one against about 100 men at the most, resulting in a situation in which they were defeated one by one.

She and the black-coated soldiers under her command showed tremendous strength in the mountain terrain.

Reports of their appearance here added to Gertz's anguish.

------Surrender.

Those words crossed his mind.

Aurugorn Hilikntos was easily defeated by the Cursed Child.

The veteran General Gertz didn't think that he was incompetent.

Each of the generals defending the four corners of the kingdom was a monster in his eyes.

They were certainly not incompetent.

Gertz was not exceptionally gifted, but he learned a lot from his experience.

War was more than a battle between soldiers, it was a comparison of the intelligence and self-discipline of the generals.

Sometimes they held the responsibility of tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of lives in one hand and had to make decisions under extreme pressure.

And they're the ones who have won countless victories in it.

They are therefore entrusted with the four corners of the kingdom.

Gertz, who always questioned his abilities, knew more than anyone else of their abnormalities.

And Krische's abnormality, who could easily defeat them.

He had noticed it.

They were fighting an even battlefield------but only because they had been led to believe so.

Selene Christand in the north, Nozan Verreich in the south.

The two enemy generals were just waiting for Krische Christand to arrive.

They did not doubt her victory against Aurugorn Hilkintos, and that's why they didn't go on the offensive and exhausted us, just buying time.

What kind of a monster is Krische Chrishtand that they can trust her that much?

He didn't think he can measure her with his own diminutive ability.

If His Royal Highness had failed to defeat the hero Bogan, they would have lost the battle that day.

The Black Lion and the Thunderbolt------the foreign element that intervened in the even battle between the two monsters would easily upset the balance.

"...... give them a light meal of meat before the night. I'm worried about the morale of the troops. We've been cutting back so far, but I don't mind giving them a little extravagance."

"Yes sir!"

"...General Wiring."

A messenger ran, and the brown-haired young adjutant opened his mouth fearfully.

He may be young, but he is quick-witted, and although his experience is limited, he will make a good general in the future.

The adjutant Rubens looked lost and his gaze wandered.

Gertz laughed.

"Just say it. The adjutant is allowed to say anything. The adjutant sometimes reprimanded the general, sometimes inspired him, and is required to become the general's sword and arm."

He said in the kindest tone possible.

Gertz did not approve of putting on air to his subordinates.

"...Yes sir. The current situation------besieged, with no reinforcements, the morale of the troops no longer in a state to continue the siege. At this rate, defeat will be inevitable. I believe...we should surrender."

"...hmmm"

It was a reasonable opinion.

The majority here would agree with him.

The messenger and the squire at his side both had a look of tension on their faces.

"That's what your role is, Rubens-kun. The adjutant needs to stop the superior officer's recklessness and calls for rational judgment... What do you think about the option of trying to break out?"

"...South would be the most suitable. Even if we escape to the north, we'll just be drowned out and die. If we want even a little bit of hope, south------at sunset, to the royal capital and His Royal Highness. If the enemy is thinking of a surprise attack, the possibility of getting through the gap exists."

"... A wonderful decision. However, the enemy is General Verreich. Naturally, in this situation, we assume that we will break through. Impossible."

He was asked for an opinion and was denied.

Rubens looked at Gertz with confusion.

Gertz laughed.

"Let me tell you something good for the future. Unless you're dealing with barbarians, the premise is that both allies and enemies know the basic tactics. If you're going to break through with a surprise blow, you must exceed your opponent's imagination. Otherwise, the only way it will work is if the enemy is incompetent. And it's foolish to act with the believe of the enemy's incompetence."

"...Yes"

"Soldier, sake."

Gerz added, 'ahh', as if it had just occurred to him.

"Give everyone here a drink."

With that, he sat down in his chair and indicated for Rubens to sit down.

Rubens nodded with a meek look on his face and sat down.

On the table were two sake cups, each filled with sake.

"Always imagine the smallest move that you can make over your opponent. It may be a movement to exploit an opponent's weakness, or it may be a tactic not written in the books. ...understand?"

"Yes."

Gertz lifted his cup and Rubens follows suit.

"The battle the other day------I turned my attention to the left wing led by Selene Christand, and Krische-Christand jumped down from the cliff top with the elite. This was a move I would never have imagined. As a result, the enemy light infantry joined up with the strong second corps------if we had gone on like that, that would have been enough to win the battle. A man who leads an army must always think of method outside the enemy's awareness."

'------Though my ability wasn't enough', he smiles sadly.

"If you have military superiority, you can win the battle by pushing with a single stroke, but that is usually not the case. Even if that is so, it is natural to assume that if they choose to fight a decisive battle, your opponent will have a plan to win against your superior forces. Train your eyes to make such observations through various viewpoints. You are still young and talented. You have time ahead of you. I am sure you will become a better commander than I am."

"... General Wiring is a man worthy of my respect and is the most splendid general that I should aim for. Please don't say such things."

"...Thank you. It's an honor to have an adjutant like you."

Tears welled up in Rubens' thin eyes.

He understood why they were having this kind of conversation now.

"I think they're going to settle this tonight. Defeat is inevitable. But if I surrender without a fight, I will not be able to face the soldiers who have died so far. There must always be someone to take responsibility. Do you understand?"

Rubens could not answer.

Gertz laughed softly.

"I will go forward. I entrust you with full authority of the center. ...When you see me fall, surrender. If they had wanted to attack us, the enemy could have chosen to do so at any time. However, the reason they waited until now was that they feared the loss of military strength. Even the demonstration was also made in the hope that we would surrender.... no matter what, they will treat you too badly."

"......but"

"I hope you understand. Do I have to order you this, hmm?"

Rubens hesitated for a moment but puffed out his chest and put his right hand over his heart, hitting it.

It was a heartfelt salute.

Gertz laughed with satisfaction and returned the salute.

His face was radiant.

----That evening, the south side of Mirskronia.

At the foot of the mountain, the partition screen was in flames, and smoke billows up.

All the trees were cut and carried in Bernaichwere for the smoke screen.

The watery branches and leaves created a large amount of smoke in the fire.

It crawled slowly over the surface of Mirskronia Mountain.

"Well then, shall we go?"

And then the Dragon's Maw----the narrow central part.

Krische moved to the spot closest to the fortress and announced to her Century.

The smoke rising from the foot of the mountain would have the enemy's attention completely focused on the south.

"It should be much easier than going down the cliff. Follow me as you see fit. Mia."

"Yes ma'am. From 1st Squad. Captain Corinth, It's a lot of luggage, but please."

"Yes ma'am. Don't drop it, you guys."

Some soldiers carried jars of oil on their backs.

Climb up the cliff and burn down the mountain ridge fortress.

The north----that was enough for the soldiers against the Christand army that Selene led.

"The objective is to temporarily take the fort and plant the flag."

Krische glances at the flag.

It was a flag with a crescent moon and skull.

Like a sickle that reaps the ears of rice, the sharp crescent represents Krische.

And a severed neck----a hollow skull profile that indicates death.

Krische smiled, being reminded of Eluga.

The banner was recently completed and delivered from Serene to Krische via Nozan.

The soldiers of Mirskronia were shown this banner at the demonstration, so when they see it at the fort, they will know at a glance who has taken the fort.

"If you encounter a general or someone who looks strong, make sure you fight with two or more squad. If you can escape, do so. Krische will do something about it. Please don't get seriously injured like Bald Eagle."

"Yes. Take care of our life, right."

"That's right. You have to take care of your life. It's hard to recruit new soldiers after all."

"Fufu, yes. Understood."

Mia answered a little happily. This has been Krische's habit since Dagra was injured.

Her words were soft and simple, which was why they are so true.

At least they were more fortunate than anything else to have been chosen as her special subordinate.

They saluted without anyone saying anything, and Krische accepted their salute.

"This time Krische (we) are few, we don't have to worry about the Holy Spirit Covenant. No matter how much advantage you have, ensuring safety is the top priority, and we won't take prisoners at the fort, so don't worry about it. Even if the enemy doesn't show any resistance, as long as they don't run away, kill them."

Her usual tone------but somehow cold.

"If you kill everyone like that, it will be a relief."

Krische smiled at them.