Chapter 145

Pirate King’s question left Napoleona engulfed in thought.

In fact, the decision regarding this matter lay not with her, but with Pirate King Ezra Drake.

After all, she had relinquished all her rights to the Pirate King.

Still, this man was offering her an opportunity to choose.

Would she continue to live as a general of the Kingdom of Frantz?

Or would she embrace the life of a pirate as a member of the crew?

Honestly, had it been her old self, she might have pondered a bit, but ultimately she would have had no choice but to choose the former.

Living freely had its allure, yet she couldn’t simply forsake her country and duties for such a choice.

However, now that she had spent months alongside the Pirate King, things had shifted a bit.

He was more reliable and stronger than any man she had ever seen, and at the same time, he was caring.

Watching him, Napoleona had already been swept away by her feelings for this man.

The fierce desire to stay by his side had blossomed within her heart.

‘In that sense, I tried to bind the Pirate King to this country somehow, but… things have gone awry…’

In reality, her plan had seen some success.

They had achieved monumental feats in driving out the Holy Empire, and now Napoleona figured that during the impending ceremony and victory feast, it was only natural to bestow that achievement upon the Pirate King.

Of course, it was a fact that the Pirate King had set the table while Napoleona had merely added the spoon, but still, the nominal Commander leading the army was Napoleona.

If she announced the Pirate King’s achievement in front of everyone, his popularity, already showcased throughout the revolution, would soar dramatically.

Riding that momentum, she could send off Robes Fiora, who had been more of a hindrance than help, and declare the Pirate King as the new leader of the Revolutionary Army and the Supreme Leader governing this land—thus providing justification to keep the Pirate King bound to this land.

However…

Her plans were essentially derailed by the rotten fish fry brats of the Brittania Empire.

‘That bastard Robes Fiora may be keeping quiet, but surely they’ve caught wind of this situation. In circumstances like these, ceremonies and victory feasts are clearly out of the question…’

With new enemies preparing to invade and openly declaring war, it was impossible to propose a change of leadership haphazardly.

Above all, the justification that the Brittania Empire had brought forth was precisely the collusion between pirates and the Kingdom of Frantz, which had already led the Pirate King to resolve to leave this place.

In the end, the best option she had desired…

Napoleona’s modest (?) dream of living harmoniously while working for this country alongside the Pirate King had essentially drifted away.

Now facing this situation,

Whether to choose national pride and duty, or a free life with the man she loved…

After repeated contemplation, Napoleona finally found her answer.

“…Pirate King… I…”

*

The Holy Empire Army was returning in shambles, having been utterly defeated.

Not long ago, they had marched with a grand army of around 100,000.

However, due to a complete loss in Arden, over 20,000 soldiers were lost from the start, with another 10,000 fallen in battle against Rafael.

Another 10,000 had perished when their main base was engulfed in flames due to Napoleona’s schemes.

Additionally, around 20,000 soldiers suffered losses when their advance on Pare, accompanied by pillaging, ultimately failed.

In the end, only about 40,000 troops out of the original 100,000 would make it back in one piece.

At least not all 60,000 missing were permanently gone; many had scattered and fled. If they could regroup, there was a chance for some recovery, but they had no time to spare for that.

Thus, the Holy Empire Army, now looking no different from a defeated army, moved alongside their Commander Wallenstein.

Just a few months ago, their faces had been filled with the anticipation of victory, but now, only despair, frustration, and fear remained.

However…

Despite the bleak atmosphere…

At this moment, she was…

Chancellor Senel of the Kingdom of Roycen.

With a gentle smile on her lips, she walked confidently.

Seeing her like this, Commander Wallenstein felt a question bubbling up.

“…You seem rather cheerful. Is there something good happening?”

“…What are you talking about? A good thing? There’s no way such a thing exists while we’re on our way back from a defeat.”

Senel’s expression turned stiff as if to say “When have I ever said that?”

To be honest, aside from the last scenario, she had been actively participating in the war, so Wallenstein believed she would continue to advocate for war until the end. However, unexpectedly, that was not the case.

Instead, despite trying to hide it, she now looked somewhat relieved.

Nevertheless, Wallenstein had no time to contemplate Senel’s feelings any further.

‘Once we return… there will be a lot to take care of…’

While handling matters after a victory was unavoidable, the problems that needed resolving after a defeat were exponentially greater.

Since their campaign had received Imperial support, they must take on responsibility for it, and managing the lords beneath them and comforting their allied lords would also need to be undertaken.

During that process, the inevitable weakening of power and influence would occur.

With a heavy heart, Wallenstein lamented his inability to live up to his predecessors’ standards and mentally prepared for the hardships ahead.

Meanwhile…

In stark contrast to Wallenstein’s seemingly endless woes following the wild rollercoaster from excitement to utter despair,

There was an individual who had participated in the war fueled by rage and hatred…

Within Senel’s heart, despite the faint expression of anger and hatred still lingering on her face, there existed a newfound sense of comfort and joy, completely different from a few months ago.

Unlike Wallenstein, who had lost so much,

She had accomplished everything she could achieve during this war…

No, she had even exceeded her goals.

‘Honestly… I was shocked… I never thought things would unfold this way…’

*

A sharp shock fell upon her head.

It was rare for a Grade 12 Grand Witch like her to experience such pain.

Not long ago, fighting against the Pirate King, also a Grade 12, was quite the worthwhile experience, but…

The shock brought by the current pain was leagues beyond that.

The presence of the person standing before her…

Was more than enough to justify it.

“…Wh-What…? H-How… how are you…”

“You shouldn’t… Even if it’s been a while, don’t call me so grotesquely.”

Standing before her was a woman.

With red eyes and shimmering silver hair, as she looked at Senel,

Senel stuttered, still reeling from the shock.

“U-Um… S-Sister? I… is it really… really you, Elio… Elioooos?!”

“Yes, it’s me, you silly sister.”

With her signature bright smile, she responded.

Seeing this, Senel could no longer suppress the torrent of emotions surging within her.

“Sister!!!!”

In a moment, she dashed into the arms of that woman… her sister.

With a familiar sensation, her sister embraced Senel, gently patting her back for a moment.

She had come here for a mission, but the long-awaited reunion with her sister undeniably stirred deep emotions in her.

Feeling tears welling in her eyes, the two embraced and indulged in the joy and longing of their reunion for a moment.

They regained their composure not long after that.

“…How could you… Regardless, it’s too much. You didn’t send a single letter all this time!”

“I’m sorry, but I needed some time to recover. A lot happened during that time.”

“Still, you could have at least written a letter to me or mom. What on earth happened?”

“…Haha.”

At Senel’s question, Elio’s expression momentarily turned grave.

It was the first time Senel had seen her sister wear such a troubled expression.

Though not as much as Senel herself, her sister was usually quite the positive one.

Considering their mental resilience, Elio had always been a step above Senel, making her sister’s current demeanor even more shocking to her.

And then, facing Senel, Elio fiddled with the silver cross she held, replying in a calm voice.

“Piracy. It’s far more fun than I thought… so much that it helps me forget about that job…”