Chapter 107

The Holy Empire Army camped along the line of the River Rhine.

Before long, the massive army, exceeding 27,000 strong, curled up like beasts waiting for a hunt, creating an unusual atmosphere.

“Soon, 30,000 of the Central Army will arrive from Vienna.”

“From Hameln, 20,000 troops are coming as well. They are expected to arrive in about three days.”

Messengers delivered the news one after another.

While listening to their reports, the man in charge of this war, Duke Wallenstein III, wore a satisfied smile, filled with anticipation for the upcoming battle.

“Excellent! Even if it’s the Emperor’s intention, to have other lords actively participate like this is quite remarkable.”

“Indeed. I never imagined that even the Royce would be so actively involved in this matter.”

“Erh ehr, this is all thanks to the efforts of this man here. Truly grateful, Duke Ocleang.”

“You’ve accomplished quite a feat, Duke Ocleang.”

The prince expressed his gratitude cheerfully… as did Commander Wallenstein and his subordinates.

Duke Ocleang returned their sentiments with a richly joyful expression.

“Haha, not at all! I merely did what I ought to do as a noble of the Kingdom of Frantz and a faithful courtier of Her Majesty the Queen. I have no ulterior motives whatsoever.”

“Is that so? It’s truly a statement worthy of the loyal Duke Ocleang.”

“Indeed… Your unwavering loyalty will surely be remembered for generations to come.”

“Hahaha, knowing that truly delights me. If only the nobles of our Kingdom of Frantz could be half as committed as you…”

The praises exchanged between Wallenstein and the group were received as compliments by Duke Ocleang.

However, observing this, Wallenstein and his men secretly laughed at him.

It was a given that everyone here understood that what Duke Ocleang was doing was practically treasonous.

No matter the situation, enlisting the forces of a foreign army to settle matters was akin to selling out one’s country for personal gain.

While the Holy Empire was indeed beginning the war with a splendid justification at an opportune time, betraying one’s homeland was not something viewed positively from a moral standpoint.

Yet…

Despite this hidden truth, they continued to flatter Duke Ocleang before them, because there was still potential use for him.

As they mocked the foolish man blissfully unaware of their contempt, they maintained a superficial pleasant atmosphere.

“Commander! Commander Wallenstein!”

“Hmm… What is it?”

Every time he heard the title ‘Commander,’ it brought a pleasant feeling.

However, with the next words from his subordinate, the smile that had adorned Wallenstein’s face began to fade.

“A messenger has arrived from the Kingdom of Frantz?”

“Yes! It seems a rather high-ranking general has come personally. What shall we do?”

“Hmm…”

Considering the army was gathered at the border, he somewhat anticipated this situation.

After a moment’s thought, Wallenstein quickly made his decision.

“Let’s meet with him. Guide him to the command chamber.”

“Yes, Commander.”

“Duke Ocleang, please step aside for a moment. Seeing their faces may cause unnecessary annoyance, wouldn’t it?”

“Understood. Then, Commander, I shall see you again later.”

As the Duke exited the room on his subordinates’ advice, Wallenstein turned to his chief with a more serious tone.

“However, they are quicker in response than I expected. I thought it would take some time for news to reach Pare.”

“Given the circumstances, it signifies they’re rather tense. After all, they are still rebels, aren’t they? With the public sentiment wavering in various parts of the country, they can’t help but be on high alert about the border… Especially here in the Loren Region.”

“Anyway, let’s hear what that messenger has to say.”

As he spoke, Wallenstein felt a twinge of excitement.

Despite being a significant prince, it was his first time leading such an army into international war.

As the representative commander of the Holy Empire, the fact that he was meeting a foreign representative was enough to make Wallenstein’s heart race.

While seated in a splendid chair and adopting an arrogant posture to welcome the messenger, he was met not by a burly man, but rather a rather handsome woman.

“Are you the messenger sent from the Kingdom of Frantz?”

“Yes. I am General Napoleona Bonaparte from the Kingdom of Frantz.”

Though the name rang a bell, Wallenstein couldn’t immediately recall where he had heard it.

Not concerned with the details, Commander Wallenstein responded in an exceedingly arrogant manner.

“If you have a letter, it means you’ve come to deliver a message. If you have something to say, then speak.”

“…”

Instead of replying, Napoleona presented a letter from her possession.

“This is a letter sent by Queen Louis. Her Majesty expresses concern regarding the movements of the Imperial troops gathered here and wishes to ascertain the exact cause.”

“Queen Louis… you say?”

Upon bringing up the name he had anticipated, Wallenstein took the letter and verified its contents.

A warning inquiring why the Holy Empire’s army was assembling at the border, and… a request to hand over Duke Ocleang, if he were present, as he was deemed a traitor to the royal family and his homeland.

Given the distinct handwriting and the clearly stamped royal seal, it was certain the letter had indeed been written personally by Queen Louis.

However.

“Tsk.”

“…”

With a light click of his tongue, Wallenstein tossed the letter aside.

Immediately, he shot a cold glare at Napoleona and spoke sharply.

“What audacity… do you persist in these insolent acts!”

“…What do you mean?”

“Did you think we were unaware of what has transpired in the Kingdom of Frantz? The Emperor knows everything that has happened as easily as flipping a palm! To dare imprison Queen Louis and then send such a letter! How can you still claim to be a vassal of a nation!”

“Threatening? This is a misunderstanding. I’m merely here to convey Her Majesty’s will and instruction.”

“Will you cease your insolence? How dare you attempt to shield the heavens with your palm! You may have coerced the Queen with your cunning words and threats, but you will never escape the divine retribution from God! Wait humbly! According to the will of his greatness, Emperor Karl, I shall throw all of you into hell soon!”

“…For a declaration of war, it’s rather grand. Well… I suppose I shall convey that to Her Majesty.”

With those final words, Napoleona turned around.

Even in this situation confirming the Holy Empire’s declaration of war, she exhibited not a trace of wavering as she exited the room.

Watching her leave, Commander Wallenstein furrowed his brow slightly.

‘She’s far more unshaken than I expected… after all, unless they’re a complete fool, they must have anticipated this much. There’s simply no way to avert war at this point…’

*

Having confirmed the expected reaction, Napoleona stepped outside.

Immediately accompanying her were two individuals dressed in the uniforms of the Holy Empire’s army… her previously parted subordinates, Janglan and Myura, rejoined her.

“What happened?”

“Yes, it seems the enemy forces here number just under 30,000.”

“However, I’ve heard reinforcements will be arriving soon. It seems they’ll exceed double the numbers of the forces here at the least.”

“Well… even I would do the same if I were the Emperor. It wouldn’t be easy to find such an opportunity again.”

This meant that the enemy’s forces poised to invade the Kingdom of Frantz would number at least 70,000.

Considering the number of revolutionary forces currently occupying Pare was less than 10,000, the enemy’s strength already outweighed theirs significantly.

Of course, General Rafael was gathering troops, but amidst the chaos, it remained uncertain how smoothly that would proceed.

Nevertheless, beyond these worries.

Napoleona, with another concern in mind, questioned Janglan.

“The scale of the enemy appears to be about that much… but what about what I asked you to look into?”

“I’m sorry, but that part has yet to be confirmed.”

“There were no signs of their banners anywhere in the camp. Also, I hadn’t heard a whisper of how many troops they planned to send.”

“Really?… Well then, that’s a relief, but…”

With the troop mobilization still incomplete, certainties were elusive.

Yet the absence of immediate worst-case scenarios was at least some good news for Napoleona.

“Anyway, thank you for your hard work. Now let’s hurry back.”

“Yes, General.”

Now that they had gauged the enemy’s scale and received a declaration of war, time was truly of the essence.

Thus, Napoleona and her subordinates swiftly mounted their horses.