Chapter 53: Revolution Era - The Oath
At the Germanian Empire’s military position.
Wilhelmina von Weinfeldt’s grand magic was activated, and the guard mages
assisting her had collapsed on the spot, completely drained of all their
magical power.
Some were so overexerted that they ended up vomiting and lying on the ground
like corpses.
“Ahahaha, how splendid. A true masterpiece, indeed a masterpiece. To think
that I would live to see this day with my own eyes! I’d love to show this to
those blockheaded fools in the Magic Kingdom as well!”
Wilhelmina herself looked pallid, but she kept puffing out tobacco smoke from
her pipe, busy admiring the natural disaster she had caused.
The commander-in-chief, Archduke Leopold, was utterly dumbfounded.
“The enemy was clearly retreating, was there really a need to reveal such
crucial magic?”
To Archduke Leopold, this had transcended the realm of what could be called
magic.
It was more akin to a miracle than magic.
A hidden card among hidden cards, a surefire path to victory if the opponent
is unaware and caught off guard, was it really necessary to use it against an
enemy already in retreat with dwindling forces?
Even the archduke was amazed when he saw the saint of Francia block all of the
magicians’ spells, but it was clear there were limits once the enemy began to
retreat.
Moreover, the pursuit became difficult due to the old witch turning the area
into a deluge with her rainstorm.
From a tactical standpoint, the archduke could not fathom the old witch’s
eccentric actions.
However, Wilhelmina, leisurely blowing out smoke, scoffed at the archduke
instead.
“Your grace, the archduke. Do you know how many magic amplification crystals
were used to perform this spell?”
What does it matter to him, someone who is not even a magician, to know such
things?
The Archduke’s expression spoke volumes, and Wilhelmina, unable to contain her
amusement, burst into laughter before speaking.
“The cost of those crystals might well exceed the annual tax revenue of the
entire Germanian Empire.”
At this, Archduke Leopold’s mouth fell open in shock.
“Ah, your expression is priceless! Ahahaha!”
Amidst the Archduke’s visibly displeased expression, the old witch cackled
with delight.
“I hadn’t expected them to flee so quickly, but I couldn’t just squander the
fortune I’ve amassed over a lifetime into thin air, could I? Once a magician
starts a spell, they must see it through to the end.”
“Frau von Weinfeldt, about those mana amplification crystals you mentioned,
how many do you have left?”
“We have enough for one more use. My subordinates and I will need to rest for
a few days, though.”
This was incredibly frustrating for the Archduke.
“Then you should have consulted with me before using such a trump card that
costs as much as the empire’s annual revenue!”
Of course, Wilhelmina didn’t care about that.
“You’re mistaken, Your Grace. I am not your subordinate but contracted with
the empire. The empire agreed to provide me with satisfactory research funds
and a battlefield to enhance my reputation. How I choose to make my mark is my
business, isn’t it?”
Wilhelmina smirked at the Archduke, who was at a loss for words.
“If I use them all up and the empire truly needs my power, then you’ll have to
purchase more with the empire’s finances.”
Having said her piece, Wilhelmina turned her gaze back to the scene of the
natural disaster she had caused and casually lit a cigarette.
Instead of flaunting power to those who lack the blessing of magic and wasting
time, one should pursue the truth.
The high-ranking magicians of the Magic Kingdom follow such outdated
teachings, aging while clinging to the power they’ve accumulated without
putting it to proper use, obsessed only with their research into the truth.
What’s the use of all the great magic accumulated by the Magic Kingdom if it’s
all spent buried in research for a lifetime?
It’s because they are unaware of such power, ignorant of magic, that these
uncivilized fools dare to spout the presumptuous nonsense that all humans are
equal.
To those fools who do not understand the depths of magic, the overwhelming
difference in class, showing them once is faster than telling them a hundred
times.
Regardless of the outcome of the war, the grand magic she unleashed today will
ensure her name is etched in history for a long time to come.
Seeing this, even the Magic Kingdom, with its wise men and women prattling on
about noble neutrality and chasing after mundane truths, will produce
successors whose perspectives have been altered.
For Wilhelmina, that was satisfaction enough for her decision to leave the
Magic Kingdom and join the Empire.
Of course, that was only true for Wilhelmina.
'These magicians...'
The Archduke clicked his tongue and turned away, only to be confronted by
unexpected guests.
“Ah, truly, the power of the Germanian Empire is remarkable. I am genuinely
impressed! With such might, victory against the rebels is not a dream!”
“The Empire’s hero and sage indeed! Absolutely astonishing!”
Faced with the approaching King Louis and Duke Lorraine, brimming with
excitement, the Archduke massaged his throbbing forehead.
Naturally, Wilhelmina, too preoccupied with admiring her own magic, left the
Archduke to deal with the two entirely.
***
In the heart of the Francia Republic, within the revolutionary base at
Langres, the atmosphere among the retreating revolutionaries was bleak beyond
words.
The casualties were roughly around 1,000.
Considering that the imperial forces also suffered significant damage from the
scouts’ gunfire and artillery, it wasn’t a complete rout in terms of combat
losses, even though territory was lost.
Ironically, the feared pursuit by the enemy’s light cavalry was averted,
thanks to the lands turned into mud by the torrential downpour summoned by the
storm witch.
However, the army’s morale couldn’t be lower due to the grand magic that the
storm witch demonstrated, which appeared nothing short of a natural disaster.
Amidst the gloomy atmosphere, the Chief of Staff of the Northern Army,
Alexandre Werther, spoke up.
“Let’s start by organizing the facts that have been confirmed.”
Werther raised his index finger as he began to lay out the facts.
“Firstly, it’s estimated that casting the grand magic used by the Storm Witch
requires exceedingly expensive materials.”
When the Storm Witch began her incantation, everyone who utilized mana, be it
knights, magicians, or even Eris herself, felt their own magical energy stand
on end.
According to what Christine confirmed with the Magic Kingdom, this phenomenon
could occur when multiple mana amplification crystals are used in one area.
And indeed, the cost of these mana amplification crystals was confirmed to be
astonishingly high.
“Therefore, it’s presumed that such grand magic cannot be used
indiscriminately. However, this is merely an optimistic assumption. The fact
that there are clear signs before its casting is, at least, a silver lining.”
Werther then extended his middle finger to indicate the second point.
“Secondly, from the beginning of the Storm Witch’s incantation to the full
manifestation of the magic, it took approximately three hours. Considering the
construction of the magic circle and the assistance from other magicians, it’s
reasonable to assume that she cannot move during the casting.”
Lastly, Werther showed his ring finger.
“Thirdly, based on consultations with Duke Lafayette, a knight, and other
magicians, it’s assumed that an archmage of the Storm Witch’s caliber could
potentially use mana to protect her while she constructing the spell. Of
course, this would delay the construction of the magic, making it difficult to
counter with long-range bombardment alone.”
In summary.
Despite the clear signs and the immense cost involved in casting such grand
magic over three hours, the hope of thwarting it with a lucky long-range
bombardment is slim.
“Once activated, a torrential storm of lightning and rain is unleashed. The
initial downpour alone would render all our gunpowder unusable, so even
without the lightning, activation almost certainly means defeat.”
Murmurs of dismay filled the room.
“Damn it, how are we supposed to counter something like that?”
Jerome Morel, ever impetuous.
“Give the order. My troops will undertake any mission!”
Even amidst this, Nicolas remains unnecessarily passionate.
“The morale of the soldiers is concerning. After witnessing such a
spectacle...”
The more cautious Louis Dezy, and Gaston, who maintains a grave silence by his
side.
“...They won’t agree to a truce, will they?”
Damien de Mirbo, the last to speak, shrinks under the collective gaze and
droops his shoulders.
In the ensuing silence, Ballian speaks up.
“Damn it. Resorting to magic in what should be a sacred battlefield of tactics
and skill.”
Even Ballian, renowned as a great tactician, expresses nothing but anger.
How do we counter this?
After some thought, only one idea comes to mind.
“If we could somehow deal with the Storm Witch by launching a surprise attack
when she begins casting her grand magic...”
But Ballian shakes his head.
“The opponent is Archduke Leopold. With the hussars acting as scouts, any
half-baked attempt at a surprise could lead to annihilation. You’re well aware
of how the general has dealt with anticipated charges by knights, aren’t you?”
I couldn’t help but smirk bitterly, recalling how I had dealt with the Duke of
Brittany and his knights with grapeshot.
If I could do it, there’s no way Archduke Leopold couldn’t.
As silence once again filled the council room, Ballian raised his head.
“...But in the end, the only way seems to be for the knights to break through
and deal with that witch.”
“Is that even feasible, General?”
At Chief of Staff Werther’s question, Ballian sighs softly before responding.
“It won’t be easy, but we have no choice but to retreat. If we retreat from
here, the capital Lumière is just within reach. What will we do if they use
that magic at Lumière? Are we to abandon the capital and flee?”
“But didn’t you say that a surprise attack by knights would likely fail?”
Ballian pondered my question in silence for a moment.
After a lengthy pause, he finally looked at me and spoke.
“A frontal assault is possible. They cannot bombard their own troops who are
engaged with us.”
“A frontal assault, you say. The enemy isn’t foolish; they’ll be guarding that
witch closely within their ranks. And you’re suggesting we break through an
equal number of troops under Archduke Leopold’s command within 3 hours to
reach her. Is that even feasible?”
There was a time when the Blue Knight did something like that on his own, but
that was because he was the Blue Knight, and the enemy, King Louis, was
incompetent.
“...I do have a plan. I hate to rely on this as a tactician, but we have an
ace up our sleeve that they can’t counter. If we can just open a path, we can
lead with our knights and then launch a full offensive with all our forces.”
The ace he referred to must be our superior knights and the medium cavalry who
had learned a bit of magic handling...
...And perhaps Eris.
“Regardless of how many reserves we keep at the back or what we hold back, the
moment the Storm Witch uses her grand magic, it’s defeat for us. Our only
option here is to go all in.”
Dezy, who had been listening silently, finally spoke up.
“That’s all well and good, but will the soldiers, having witnessed such
calamity, follow such a reckless gamble?”
Honestly, that was my concern too. To charge head-on into the enemy lines,
knowing full well that at the moment the magic is cast, it could all be over?
Even the knights present here seemed reluctant, and we’d be lucky if there
wasn’t outright mutiny.
Ballian, with a grave expression, then turned to me and said,
“That’s why we need someone to set an example and lead the charge into the
enemy lines. Someone everyone knows, who has enough strength and symbolism.”
***
Inside a tent, where the sunlight from outside was completely blocked.
The interior, which should have been dark, was illuminated by the light
emanating from Eris.
I watched as Eris, with her eyes closed, consecrated an arrow placed between
her hands.
The joker card used when shooting and killing Stephan d’Artagnan, the captain
of King Louis’s royal guard who had killed the Blue Knight.
An arrow imbued with holy power over several days by the saint, to which my
own magic was added, could easily penetrate any magical barrier.
But I’m still not certain about this operation.
- Honestly, General, I wouldn’t blame you or your knights if you refused this
plan. I’d like to join you, but someone needs to command from the rear, and my
presence there would only be a hindrance.
My subordinates, including Damien, protested that Ballian seemed intent on
sending us straight into the jaws of hell. His response still echoes in my
ears.
- But if we lose, it’s over for us anyway. It might sound irresponsible, but
whether we die here or get executed by King Louis later, it’s all the same,
isn’t it?
He’s not wrong.
But is it truly worth sending myself and everyone else to certain doom for the
sake of this country?
“Duke.”
Eris turned to me and spoke.
“Yes?”
“Are you still pondering?”
“Yes.”
Until this battle, my choices were clear.
Being completely at odds with King Louis, siding with foreign powers would
only lead to purges, and the reason to defend this country was evident.
To survive with my people and secure a better future.
But what if that was never possible to begin with?
Could Francia, after my execution, survive in the face of such overwhelming
calamity?
If the country’s downfall is inevitable, wouldn’t it be better to flee
overseas with Christine?
We all have enough money. Escaping to the Holy Kingdom or somewhere similar
would put us beyond the reach of King Louis and the Empire.
...But I can’t save everyone.
I looked into the violet eyes gazing back at me, enveloped in the gentle light
of holy power.
Eris, who became a saint trusting in me, would never choose to abandon the
people and flee Francia.
Even if I give up on this country, loyalists like Baron Dumont and those from
Toulouse would likely remain, much like Count Lionel who refused to abandon
his domain until the end, knowing well that death was the only outcome.
Having compelled my people to make sacrifices to protect this republic, can I
now give up on them and flee when things seem bleak?
My teeth grind involuntarily.
- If Your Grace cannot do it, then I intend to make it so that when people
hear the name Lafayette, they think of me, not the ‘Blue Knight’.
The words I used to provoke the Blue Knight into his final charge have become
shackles upon myself.
Yet, I can’t shake the image of Christine, bloodied and beaten.
What would she say if she heard I was leading the charge into enemy lines,
risking all our lives?
Should I really gamble all our lives here?
Clenching my teeth, I slowly approached Eris.
“Eris. No, my lord.”
Eris flinched slightly but nodded in response.
“Is it worth it for me and my people to risk our lives to protect this
country?”
When I declared that I would no longer fight for this country after Christine
was attacked, Eris looked sorrowful.
Now, she appears weighed down.
“I don’t know. I’m not a queen now, nothing at all. To me, this country and
its people were always just something naturally worth protecting. But...”
Eris hesitated, then bowed her head to me.
“Still, I beseech you. Please lend your strength to protect the people of this
land. I’ll do whatever I can, too.”
“Anything?”
“Yes, anything.”
The reply of a girl who dislikes hurting others and wishes only to extend pure
kindness.
Yet here I am, urging even the saint to stain her hands with blood for the
sake of Christine and my people.
“Answer carefully, Your Highness. What we’re about to do might not be an act
to save everyone but a desperate struggle to avoid certain doom, leading us
all to death. And I am asking you, as a saint, to lead them into that very
death.”
Eris clenched her eyes shut and bit her lip.
After a moment, her violet eyes reopened, calm and steady.
“Do you remember? After you commanded me not to save everyone in Lionel, what
you said to me.”
- It’s not wrong for a saint to want to save people. The ones who decide who
to save and who to kill are the real problem. So, leave the responsibility to
me.
I nodded, remembering my own words.
“Yes.”
“Back then, your words were a great comfort. But later, I felt pathetic.”
Eris smiled faintly.
“I’ve always spoken of saving people and doing what’s right for this country,
but I’ve never really taken responsibility. I’ve always asked you for help,
and when you said I should become queen for the sake of the country, I thought
it must be the right thing.”
It was I who prepared Eris as a pawn and demanded she make a choice.
“But it shouldn’t be this way. The country is in this state because those who
should ascend the throne have not taken appropriate responsibility. I relied
on you too easily, believing you’d always lead me down the right path, even as
you grew weary and disillusioned with this country.”
Eris’ faint smile faded, replaced by a firm and resolute tone.
“If we capitulate here, our people and all of us will face greater humiliation
and oppression than ever before.”
A determined light ignited in her violet eyes.
“As a princess of this country, I trust in its people, in you, Duke, and stake
my all. Please fight, whatever the cost may be. Even if my body shatters, I
will lead you all to victory.”
That such unwavering resolve would come from a princess of obscure lineage,
overlooked by the country’s elite, filled me with both disillusionment and
respect.
“Duke Lafayette, if you cannot trust in this country, then please trust in
me.”
Before the pleading Eris, I knelt on one knee.
Then, taking her hand, I gently kissed the back of it.
The girl who took upon herself the decision I couldn’t make, under the guise
of being my master.
“If that is your wish, I too will gladly stand with you on the battlefield.”
To the saint willing to stain her hands with blood for this country, I too
pledge my loyalty and our fate.
“Upon my sword, I vow to deliver victory.”
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