MrJazsohanisharma

I Don’t Need a Guillotine for My Revolution Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Revolution Era - Foreword (1)

In the northeastern region of the Francia Republic, at the revolutionary army’s base in Reims.

Raphael Ballian, the commander of the Republic’s northern army, greeted the commanders of the southern army with a smile spread across his face.

“It’s an honor to meet you. Welcome, General Mirbo! I’ve heard much about your renowned reputation!”

“Hmm, hmm. Pleased to meet you, General Ballian. Might I ask you to address me as Count Mirbo?”

Though Ballian’s smile stiffened instantly upon hearing Damien’s words.

A brief silence ensued.

‘Damn it, was I too arrogant?’

Just as cold sweat began to trickle down Damien’s spine, Ballian cracked a smile again and spoke.

“...Haha, indeed. Once again, it’s a pleasure, Count Mirbo. Please, come inside.”

“Let’s do that.”

Inside the tent to which the southern army’s officers were led, there was a table spread with operational maps.

Though the table was not small, it became completely surrounded as commanders from both the northern and southern forces took their places.

A man, upon receiving a gesture from Ballian, bowed slightly to Damien and then spoke.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Alexandre Werther, serving as the chief of staff for the northern army. I will brief you on the current situation.”

Werther picked up a pointer next to the map and continued.

“A week ago, a force of 10,000 from the Northern Union Kingdom arrived in the territory of Duke Lorraine.”

“So, the fact that there was no offensive until the reinforcements from the Northern Union Kingdom arrived suggests they plan to launch their campaign in the spring?”

“Yes, that’s also the northern army’s assessment.”

Werther pointed to the area marked ‘Lorraine’ with his pointer.

“In Duke Lorraine's territory, there are 6,000 Royal Army troops under the command of King Louis and Duke Lorraine, and 10,000 Imperial Germanian Army troops led by Duke Henry. And If we include the Northern Union Kingdom, that’s a total force of 26,000.”

Murmurs and sighs filled the room. They were aware of the enemy’s overwhelming numbers, but this was more than they had anticipated.

Werther then pointed to another area on the map, labeled ‘Alsace’.

“In the Alsace borderlands, 20,000 Imperial Germanian Army troops are stationed under the command of Archduke Leopold. Though their numbers are fewer, this man is hailed as a hero of the Empire for his significant contributions during the war against the Krafte Kingdom, demanding our utmost caution.”

As Werther stepped back, Ballian took the floor.

“Our current forces stand at 13,000 in the northern army and 12,000 in the southern, totaling 25,000 against their 46,000. We are significantly outnumbered.”

“Hmm....”

Damien swallowed dryly.

He had been filled with thoughts of seizing an opportunity until he received command, but upon arrival, he wondered if not losing was already an achievement, rather than seeking glory.

He deeply regretted that Duke Lafayette had taken 1,000 troops to the south.

“Our military objective is to hold out and buy time until the conscripted reinforcements from the Republic are fully trained and Duke Lafayette joins us.”

“Hmm....”

“Both forces are formidable, but the most threatening is undoubtedly the 20,000 troops under Archduke Leopold stationed in Alsace.”

Damien de Mirbo stared at the word ‘Alsace’ on the map with a deep sense of unease.

Archduke Leopold. Even he had heard that name.

Wasn’t he the only Imperial General who had managed to stand his ground against the ‘Great King’ of the Krafte Kingdom?

Already feeling outmatched by Duke Lafayette, whom he had been thrashed by despite his own abilities, Damien was not eager to face an even more capable foe.

Especially when their forces were nearly double in size...

“If we take charge of Lorrain...”

“I have no doubt, Count, that you will lead the southern forces and take on the enemy in Alsace!”

“Eh, what?”

“Your renown, Count Damien de Mirbo, precedes you! Despite being the second son, you’ve been appointed as the regent of the Mirbo County, proving your capabilities!”

“Well, yes....”

Damien was slightly flustered, but Ballian began to speak fervently, like a machine gun.

“Moreover, having competed with Duke Lafayette, who emerged like a comet in this civil war, and being trusted by a former adversary to such an extent that he would entrust you with command!”

By now, Damien’s spirits were starting to lift.

He remembered the times when he was once considered a promising successor to the eldest son, only to face defeat at the hands of that Damn Duke, enduring scorn and humiliation.

How long had it been since someone had recognized his abilities and praised him like this?

“Moreover, speaking of the southern army, it’s a force of veterans among veterans! Having experienced the civil war and served noble commanders for a long time, it is a well-united and formidable force!”

Ballian, having exclaimed this, subtly moved closer to Damien and whispered.

“Though our forces might be slightly fewer than the northern army, in my view, they are incomparable to the hastily conscripted rabble of the Republic’s northern army. Frankly, I’m envious.”

“Ah, ahem, ahem. This fellow knows how to assess people, huh? Hahaha!”

“If one fails to recognize the greatness of a hero like yourself, they hardly deserve to command, right? Hahaha!”

With a mutual laugh, Ballian bowed deeply to Damien.

“As embarrassing as it is to admit, I believe you and the southern army are better suited to face that aged hero than I. Please lend us your strength. There’s no need to overreach for a victory; just focusing on defense would suffice for you.”

Damien, who had been displeased with a mere mercenary assuming command, felt a pang of conscience as Ballian went to such lengths.

It was just about holding the defense, not a total repulsion. Despite the lack of fortune to make a name for himself so far, just holding off against that old general could elevate his name.

Besides, they were also planning to face an enemy with greater numbers, and Pierre had told him to respect Ballian....

“If you put it that way, then leave it to me. I, Damien de Mirbo, will splendidly hold off that old hero!”

“Ah, truly a master strategist recognized by Duke Lafayette himself! To your victory!”

“To victory! Hahaha!”

To an observer, the atmosphere might have seemed more akin to a banquet than a strategy meeting. After some further discussion, Damien and the commanders of the southern army departed.

“Goodness, that was cringeworthy.”

As Ballian vigorously shook his hands, his chief of staff, Werther, approached him cautiously and spoke up.

“It’s a relief that Duke Lafayette isn’t here to complicate things, but are you sure this is okay? Can that man really hold off Archduke Leopold with just 12,000 men...?”

Ballian snorted in response.

“Are you kidding? While the command on the Lorraine side is divided among three, giving us an opportunity to exploit, facing off against twice our number under the sole command of Archduke Leopold? Even I would find that daunting.”

“Um... So, what now? Shouldn’t we reinforce them, even just a little?”

“Our own front is already facing twice the enemy forces. We’re hardly in a position to spare any. Aren’t we looking to make a name for ourselves and climb the ranks, Chief of Staff?”

“That’s true, but...”

Ballian looked at Werther and smirked.

“The Germanian Empire isn’t too keen on this war. There’s no reason for them to hand over a perfectly intact Francia to King Louis. So, let’s hope Archduke Leopold isn’t too enthusiastic.”

“...And if Archduke Leopold is motivated?”

“Well, then...”

Ballian made a gesture as if bringing his hands together in prayer.

“We’ll just have to hope the southern army doesn’t get beaten too badly.”

***

After our triumph in the National Assembly, time swiftly passed.

As winter finally yielded to the approach of spring, I led a detachment of 1,000 troops from the southern army to subdue Count Lionel.

By the time we arrived in the south, following the road through the march, winter had fully receded.

En route, we were joined by an additional force of 1,000 soldiers led by Eris and Sir Beaumont, freshly conscripted from the western regions.

With Eris having somewhat quelled the discontent among the populace, and the revocation of the religious oppression edict along with the restitution of the confiscated church properties, the people of the west eventually agreed to support the Republic after much deliberation.

Thus, they joined the campaign under my command, whom they somewhat trusted within the Republic, to subdue Count Lionel, identified as a key instigator.

Although the Republic still regards these new recruits with a degree of suspicion, and they harbor some residual bitterness towards the Republic, fighting alongside each other might bridge the gap between us, even if just slightly.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace!”

Eris, mounted on her horse, waved enthusiastically, her face hidden behind a veil but her excitement unmistakable.

It had been over a month since I had left her in charge of calming the public sentiment and departed for the capital.

As I guided my horse closer to her, Sir Beaumont, trailing behind, offered a courteous bow.

“Your efforts are appreciated, Saintess. And yours as well, Sir Beaumont.”

“Ah, hearing it like that gives me the chills.”

I chuckled softly, leaning in to whisper to Eris.

“If this unsettles you, how will you cope later on? Your Majesty, the future queen.”

“Ugh...!”

Eris hugged her shoulders with her gauntleted hands, shivering for a moment, but then fixed her gaze on my chest.

Huh? Oh.

“Hmph-”

At Eris’s snort, I subtly turned my face away.

“Let’s reorganize and resupply the troops before we set out.”

“Duke~”

“Ensure the soldiers have something to eat.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Your Grace.”

After the adjutant scurried off with my orders, leaving me with no one else to address, I turned my narrowed eyes towards Eris.

“...What?”

“Did you receive that brooch as a gift?”

Eris pointed at the black rose-shaped brooch I wore on my chest, asking with a hint of curiosity.

Though her face was veiled, I could almost see the smirking expression hidden behind it.

“It’s an artifact. It’s enchanted with protective magic.”

“So, Countess Aquitaine gave it to you?”

“...Yes.”

Suddenly, I recalled Christine approaching me before the departure, attaching the brooch herself, and felt my cheeks warming up.

“How sweet~”

“...Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not what you think.”

“The two of you aren’t officially in any relationship at the moment, are you?”

“Yes, which is why any unnecessary misunderstandings...”

“But both of you are rejecting all proposals while frequently seen together, stirring up rumors all over the capital.”

“...Well.”

Recalling Christine’s profound, abyss-like dark eyes, I unconsciously furrowed my brow.

Before anything else, she was the person I trusted most, having been by my side for so long. To say there were no feelings would be a lie.

Yet, it was I who forced upon her the cruel truth that endangered her family, compelling her to live on with such a burdened gaze.

Considering that marrying her would significantly worsen her brother Louis’s situation, coveting affection from someone who has no intention of marrying would only be shameless.

“Hmm-”

Eris seemed to scrutinize my expression, then straightened up and began speaking in a melodious voice, as if about to sing.

“I am forever indebted to you, beyond repayment. The Duke's name shall be honored in this land for all time.”

“...What?”

“These are the words Bishop John asked me to convey to you.”

“Ah, I see.”

A laugh finally escaped me, and Eris playfully punched my shoulder before leaning in to whisper.

“Well done, Duke Lafayette. As a princess of this nation, I extend my deepest gratitude for your efforts.”

A genuine smile formed on my lips.

“...Thank you, Your Highness.”

As if nothing had happened, Eris stepped back, stretched, and then energetically exclaimed, “Let’s go!”

“But, are you sure?”

“About what?”

“About going to battle. I thought you were averse to it. The enemies we’re about to face include people you are familiar with.”

“Ah.”

Eris let out a sigh-like sound, but after a brief silence, she spoke again.

“It’s alright. The local people followed us here, trusting in my name as a saint and in you, Duke. To pretend to be virtuous now would make me no different from the hypocritical priests in the Holy Church.”

Hearing Eris’s response, I chuckled softly. That’s exactly the kind of princess I should serve.

“Right. Then let’s go together.”

I turned my head, gazing towards the horizon.

The Lionel Count’s estate.

-‘I wish you luck, Duke.’

I recalled the conversation with the eldest son, Gilles de Lionel.

-‘I am thankful for the help Lionel has provided. Should the situation change and you reconsider, I am willing to help, so please feel free to reach out at any time.’

It wasn’t just an empty promise.

-‘I appreciate your words and will remember them.’

But perhaps, he already knew.

From the moment we parted ways that day, that eventually, we would come to clash with Lionel in this manner.

I shifted my gaze, looking up at the fluttering flag of the Francia Republic.

I don’t possess the same kind of unshakeable conviction as Zidor, who argued for necessary sacrifices under firm beliefs.

Yet, standing still won’t change anything.

All I can do is keep moving forward, striving for a slightly better future with those under my care, without stopping.


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