The United Front Strikes Back
The Tarbut Plains in the territory of the former United Kingdom of Mercenary. The United Front army took up position around a slightly elevated hill near the center of the plains.
The main position in the center was occupied by approximately 60,000 troops of the Luine Kingdom. On the left flank was the Lemberg Empire's army of 45,000 troops. And on the right flank, the combined forces of the Izrimg Magic Kingdom and other small countries numbered approximately 60,000. Included in the 60,000 are 20,000 members of the Black Iron Cavalry of the Luine Kingdom. In addition, about 35,000 troops are deployed in the rear to guard supply depots and supply routes.
Against them were not only the Nord army, but the Northern Alliance as well, totaling 40,000. They are deploying their forces around a fortress at the foot of a mountain on the northern edge of the Tarbut Plains.
This is the last strategic point leading to the royal capital of the former United Kingdom of Mercenary. Both sides of the road leading to the capital are flanked by mountains, and the fortress built at its entrance is quite solid as the last fortress protecting the capital. Even with an army of 200,000 troops, it would not fall so easily.
It was only natural that they chose this place for the decisive battle.
Although they had deployed their forces, the United Front forces had not yet begun their attack. The military discussions were repeated over and over again.
"It's the same report, but there are no suspicious places such as trenches around the fortress. It's the same in front of it."
The information from the scouts was reported by Platinum Knights Commander Harrisman at the war council. It is a report that has been repeated many times.
"...Is there really nothing?"
"We've had them look into it quite carefully. There is nothing, at least as far as the eye can see."
"I see……"
They hear the same thing over and over again. Still, King Luine is not convinced by the content of the report. The reason why King Luine is skeptical is because it is too obvious that they chose this place for the decisive battle. He was gripped by such doubts as to whether Ren would really make such a natural choice.
"Continue. Regarding the western fortress, it seems to have been built in a hurry. I wonder if the robustness is comparable to the eastern fortress."
"Where is the Nord Emperor?"
"As far as the military flag is concerned, it is west."
"...West?"
"Your Majesty. This is not so strange. There is no doubt that the Nord army is the strongest in the Northern Alliance. Even I would consider defending an inferior army with a strong position."
Because King Luine continues to worry so much, Harrisman, the commander of the Platinum Knights, dared to talk about common sense like this. Even King Luine knows that.
"Do you know why the Nord army is not moving?"
There were still other doubts.
"I have information about that."
"What is it?"
"Rumors are circulating that the Nord Emperor is unwell."
"That is……"
If it's true, it should be something to be happy about, but there's also a good chance that it's a trick. The new information further troubled King Luine.
"He insists that it is not a trick."
"Did he do it himself?"
"Yes"
This is a conversation that only people in the Luine Kingdom understand.
"King Luine. Isn't it about time you pass the information to us?"
Heinz complains softly without delay.
"...That's right. Then we'll talk."
"By all means."
"Let me introduce you first. Both of you, step forward."
After receiving the order from King Luine, the two who came out in front were dressed as attendants. The two of them had actually shown up at the war council so far, and were acting like servants.
"These men were specially hired by our country for this battle."
"Naturally, not as an attendant."
"Yes. One of them is a sorcerer."
"Huh?"
"That's what he said. Originally, I thought I had bought his ability as a necromancer like the Nord Emperor."
"I see. Is it for espionage?"
"As expected, you knew about this?"
"The Nord emperor’s ability to collect information was unusual, so we were analyzing it in our country as well."
"That's right. But in our country, it's more about counterintelligence than espionage. To prevent Nord emperor's espionage, don't let the spirits get close. Only the same necromancer can do that."
"But one of them was a sorcerer. What did this sorcerer do?"
"As the word goes, it seems to curse a person. Using the power of a spirit."
"No way, the Nord emperor is unwell due to that?"
"He seems to say so..."
It is not something that even King Luine can honestly believe. He doesn't want to get close to shady entities such as sorcerers.
"It is an undeniable fact."
The sorcerer interrupted, as if he didn't want to be doubted. His words were polite, but his attitude was somewhat irreverent and disagreeable. This is one of the reasons why King Luine dislikes him.
"How can you be so sure?"
Heinz asked the sorcerer.
"By the report of the spirit I'm using."
"That's something only you know."
"Even the guy next to me knows."
"Next to you?"
"He's a necromancer. He understands spirits."
King Luine introduced the two people. Another man stands next to the sorcerer.
"...Is it the same as the Nord emperor?"
"There is no such thing as the same. Compared to His Majesty the Nord Emperor, I am not even worthy to be called a necromancer."
The other was the opposite, speaking politely and with an air of condescension.
"As for the curse."
"It certainly seems to work. Unbecoming of a necromancer, I find it hard to believe."
If you thought he was a lowly man, he will speak like a different person. He is a man who is hard for Jin to understand, including the meaning of the words he is saying.
"...It's a little hard to understand"
"That is rude. Spirits don't lie. It's said that the spirit is cursing His Majesty the Nord Emperor, so it must be true. But if it is His Majesty the Nord Emperor, he should be able to repel this level of sorcery with ease.
"This level!? You dare to mock my techniques!?"
The sorcerer yells at the necromancer's words. The man's pride is evident in his reaction.
"It is true. You are only subduing the spirits. But His Majesty the Nord Emperor is familiar with the spirits. It is clear which of the two they would listen to."
"But the Nord Emperor is actually suffering from my curse."
"Yes, that's because His Majesty the Nord Emperor doesn't want to repel them. You don't know that either."
"What did you say!?"
"Be quiet! You know where you are!"
At the exchange between the two, the commander of the Platinum Knights Harrisman raises an angry voice this time. The reason why it stays at this level is because the two of them have utility value. Starting a fight in the presence of the king, if you are just a servant, you can't complain even if you are cut off on the spot.
"Anyway, is it true that the Nord emperor is under a curse and is unwell?"
"Well"
The necromancer replied with words of affirmation while looking a little sulky at Harrisman's words.
"That's what you're talking about, though?"
"May I ask you something that has nothing to do with this?"
"……Please"
"I want to ask the necromancer."
"Darren"
Same with Harrisman and Heinz. In other words, the necromancer Darren only respects Ren. That bothered Heinz.
"...I want to ask Darren. If you respect the Nord emperor so much, why are you cooperating with the Luine Kingdom?"
"Don't you know if you don't ask? Because if I didn't, they would kill me."
Without muddying his words at all, Darren answered straight.
"...I see. Then next question. Can't you find out if the Nord Emperor is really sick?"
"I've already looked into it. I should have told you that spirits don't lie."
"Yes, but..."
He was also a difficult person. He is the type that Heinz is not good at, but he can't say that.
"Then can't we obtain other information?"
"Impossible. Spirits will not betray His Majesty the Nord Emperor. They will not leak information."
"But the spirits are being used to curse him."
"The spirits used in the curse are not in a normal state. They do not know what they are doing. What are those spirits going to do when they find out the truth......"
Darren is trembling on his own. Why is he behaving this way? Heinz was becoming more and more confused.
"Is the Nord Emperor that special to spirits?"
"He's special. It's said to be a necromancer's ability, but I don't think so. I can't explain what it is. I just know that it is different."
"...I see. Understood."
"Was it useful? It doesn't help, does it? There's no point in listening to ordinary people."
"No, I want even the tiniest bit of information about the Nord Emperor. There are just too many mysteries."
"I guess so."
Daren still knew something. His words made him think so, but he could also tell that he would never talk about it. Maybe he will talk if they threaten to kill him, but if they didn't, they will lose a valuable collaborator.
This is not something that Heinz can do at his discretion. And King Luine, who could make such a decision, did not ask any questions.
Heinz turned his attention to King Luine.
"If the Nord Emperor is unwell, it's a great opportunity to attack, right?"
"...That's right, but I also have the idea of drawing him out into the field."
"There is still a plan"
"It's nothing like a curse."
"Is that so? Then, can you tell us about that plan?"
"Partly."
"Is it part of the plan?"
"A plan is a plan if it is kept secret. If it is leaked, it is no longer a plan."
"Well, yes. Now let's hear some of it."
"...Harrisman"
"Ha. Allow me to introduce you to our collaborators on the united front."
"Collaborator?"
"...Baat-dono. Please come this way."
Harrisman called out to the back of the tent. In response to his call, a man with silver hair and translucent skin came out. He was a beautiful man with a mysterious atmosphere that was somehow bewitching even though he was a man.
"Nice to meet you, everyone. I am Baat, the first servant of the demon king-sama Sed Vlad Drunkel. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"A demon king!?"
"Call him Demon King-sama! You inferior race!"
The man who introduced himself as Baat, to the point where he wondered what his amiability was at the beginning, changed his attitude in an instant. He's a different troublesome guy than Darren.
"…Are you also a demon?"
"Call us vampires. We are a special race. We are not like the rest of the demons."
"Cooperating with the demons..."
"Like I said, we're vampires."
Heinz is not the only one upset. Heinz is the only one who is calm enough to speak up.
Prince Charles is so surprised that he seems to have fainted. The same goes for General Burks from Izrim. The only person who can be said to be calm in the Izrim Magic kingdom is Commander Tenniel. He is not exactly calm. He is staring at the research subject who appears with curious and happy eyes.
And among those from the Lemberg Empire other than Heinz, Mei is radiating with mana that she was about to start chanting at any moment.
"Everyone, calm down. As I said earlier, he is a collaborator. Not only him, but the Demon King and all his subordinate demons will fight together on the united front."
King Luine opened his mouth to control the disturbing atmosphere of the place.
"Why are you cooperating with the demons?"
"It was not a unilateral request on our part. It was brought to us by the Demon King."
"...Are you plotting something?"
Regardless of what Baat is listening to, Heinz asks an unreserved question.
"There is a convincing reason."
"What is that?"
"The Demon King-sama doesn't like the fact that the Nord Emperor has demons following him. He can't tolerate the Nord Emperor acting as a Demon King when he is not one."
"I've never heard that the Nord emperor called himself a demon king."
"Don't say that"
"I mean, is that it? Even if he call himself a demon king, you can't defeat the Nord Emperor alone. That's why you asked for your cooperation."
"You! Are you trying to make fun of the Demon King-sama?"
As expected, Baat could not listen to this silently. A disturbing atmosphere fills the war council again.
"Then why did you ask for help?"
"In order for all demons to understand that Demon King-sama is the true Demon King, the one who kills the Nord Emperor must be Demon King-sama."
"…I see. I'm not sure I understand that. We can't let you beat us to it, can we?"
"The Nord Emperor could easily be killed by us. He's just good at creating a false image."
"False image……"
Heinz is well aware that Ren is constantly creating a false image of himself. But Ren's false images are always made to look smaller than they really are.
If he really doesn't understand that, then the Demon King is just bluffing. Heinz thought so.
"So, where is that Demon King?"
"He's heading this way, leading our subordinates."
"How many?"
"Thousand"
"...No way, is that all you have?"
"How would that be? I'm talking about the best of the best."
"I see... when will they arrive?"
"In a few days. By then, think about how to drag out the Nord Emperor."
"Alright. That's all I have to ask. Good work, you can go now."
"For what?"
"There's no point in participating in a war council without a king, right? You should just step back and rest."
"That's right. Excuse me then."
It was clearly an excuse to kick him out, but Baat didn't notice, and left the place without complaining. Even if he is aware, he may not be interested in the war council.
Anyway, when the obstacle is gone, Heinz now asks King Luine a question.
"Is it okay?"
"Which matter?"
"If we defeat the Nord Emperor, won't all demons gather under the Demon King?"
"I thought about that possibility. That's why I hesitated to use them."
"Then why?"
"The demons led by the Nord emperor and the demons led by the demon king. Which is more terrifying to you, Ruben-dono?"
"......I see. I don't know what the Demon King is like, but I think he's the best of them all."
"That's right."
"Then what about the criticism of fighting together with the demons?"
"Who's going to criticize? Most countries on the continent are participating in this battle. And both armies are cooperating with demons."
"Both armies have demons... In other words, it's not going to be a composition of humans versus demons."
"……Don't tell me you ever suspected it was a ruse?"
"If I were the Nord Emperor, I would fear this confrontation more than anything else. It would be Nord versus all other nations."
"And that's not going to change."
"……I see"
Now Heinz finally understands what King Luine is saying. Even if it is not limited to everything, there is no doubt that it affects the way they fight.
"Even if it's a plan, it will only make 5,000 to 6,000. It won't affect many people."
"Then how do you use it?"
"I will have the Demon King hit them head on just as he wants. If the Nord Emperor can be defeated with that, good, but even if not, the Nord army will not remain unscathed."
"Then we have to get the Nord Emperor to come out."
"That's right"
"But he's unwell, right?"
"You fool... stop the curse immediately!"
In response to King Luine's angry shout, even the sorcerer is trembling. But the words that came out of his mouth were not what King Luine wanted.
"I can't do it."
"What!?"
"Once a curse is cast, it cannot be lifted until the other party dies."
"Then will it stop if I kill you?"
"...It won't stop"
"Don't lie to me."
"It's true! It really doesn't stop!"
"...Darren"
"I'm not an expert of magic. All I can say is that this man is only of this level. He's just driving the spirits crazy, not making them obey or listen to what he says."
"I see. If that's the case, I can understand why it doesn't stop."
King Luine spoke words of satisfaction to Darren's explanation. He was just insulting him, but it seems he ended up saving the sorcerer's life.
"In that case, we have to create a situation where he has no choice but to come out even if he's not feeling well."
"It will."
"...Isn't that difficult?"
"Is it?"
"If they start to look defeated, he will surely come out. That's all there is to it."
"In the end, are you going to attack from the front?”
"That's what a siege is. Or do you want to do a food raid? No matter how much they stockpile, they'll starve after half a year."
"But won't we starve before that?"
"Only if they interfere with our supply."
"First of all, they will definitely get in the way. In other words, we can only use force."
"Isn't it good? There are demons here too. Let them show us how strong they are."
"Yes. Then, as soon as the demons arrive, we will launch an all-out attack."
"Yes, let's go with that."
With this, the war council was finally settled. From here on out, it will be a full-scale offensive in the truest sense of the word, using all of its power and tactics. The counterattack of the United Front Army, which had been repeatedly made to suffer by the Nord Army, began.
◇◇◇
"These humans. I just hope he's in good shape now."
Baat, who was supposed to be away from the war council, muttered hatefully behind the tent. Being a vampire, he is good at espionage. Because there is no way to prevent this, the major powers are being played by Ren, who is also using a vampire as a spy.
"I didn't hear much about. But the Nord Emperor is in ill health. Now, should I tell him this?"
Baat was a little worried, considering the character of the Demon King. He was pleased that Ren was in poor health, but he did not know whether the Demon King would approve of fighting a weakened opponent.
For better or worse, the Demon King has a proud personality.
"Well, isn't it okay? He also has a cruel personality. I'm sure he'll be happy if he can torture him to death."
Baat continues to mutter. He is not muttering to himself. No one who is providing intelligence would do such a thing.
"The Nord Emperor is sick and will come out. That's all."
A presence that could only be felt by Baat moved away. It was the sign of a messenger headed for the demon king. When Baat confirmed this, he also left the scene. The surrounding guards did not notice it.
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