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Chapter 268: The Sleeping Bird
Chapter 268: The Sleeping Bird
Chapter 268: The Sleeping Bird
William still doesnt choose to withdraw. That is certainly unnatural.
The Rainbow Celestial Jewel they obtained was a fake and since Gordon was lured outside the castle, it should be difficult for them to maintain the Imperial Capital.
Even if they continue to fight at the middle layer, their chance of winning is slim.
With that being the case, it should be better for them to withdraw and regroup.
The generals in the Imperial Capital are not the only ones who support Gordon. If he can withdraw from this place, Gordon should be able to group up a sizable army.
From the perspective of the United Kingdom, the Dominion, and the Kingdom, they would prefer Gordons rebellion to be successful. However, even if it fails, as long as Gordon is alive, that should be a minimum success for them.
If the Empire is divided into two, the three countries would support Gordons side and mobilize their army through Gordons sphere of influence.
The strategic value of that alone is immeasurable.
William should understand that well. If he decides to keep the Imperial Capital and Gordon were to lose his life here, he will not be able to utilize this plan.
Yet William still doesnt withdraw.
So he still sees the chance for victory huh.
I transferred from the inn to the sky above the Imperial Capital
The place I transferred to was even higher than where Leo was.
I move above the cloud and activate the detection barrier.
Several forces were caught in the barrier.
Three forces are heading toward the Imperial Capital.
The first one is from the northwest. This one is the closest. The Imperial Capital should be within their sight soon.
The other two are clashing with each other at the northeast. One is probably the army the Prime Minister prepared. They are crushing the enemy with overwhelming power. However, since they are still being delayed, they will never arrive ahead of the army in the northwest.
A faction from the central and the northern army, so thats Gordons faction huh.
Gordon was relegated to the Northern Border Defense Force.
I dont think that the general at the northern fort would betray us but it is probably different from the garrisoned forces stationed at various areas of the north.
They were not assigned to the front-line at the border defense army and stationed far away from the central command.
Their career path shouldnt be so rosy. The more rural place it is, the more authority the local nobles will have over the Imperial army after all.
Since the knights serving the local nobles will solve most of the territorys problems, the role of the army is almost non-existent.
It is quite possible for those who were dissatisfied with such treatment to join Gordons side.
In that case, the Northern Border is in danger.
The Dominion and the Kingdom should have already started their movement in response to Gordons rebellion. The Kingdom will use Leticias case as their official reason for their invasion but because of how the Dominion is, they do not have to use any reason to justify their invasion.
It wouldnt be strange if they have already started invading the northern border.
If the northern border fell, the Empire would have to take it back. However, the Imperial Capital is the center of the Empire. Without the central command, the nobles and the Imperial Army will not be able to consolidate.
Even if the Emperor survives, there is still enough merit to secure the Imperial Capital.
And Williams last hope. That is the reinforcement approaching us from the northwest.
Their number is 8,000 to 10,000. If they arrive, that would be a fatal development for us.
After abandoning the Imperial Capital. Father would join up with the army prepared by the Prime Minister and retake the Imperial Capital.
Given the strength of the army, capturing the city back would be possible. However, the Imperial Capital will be engulfed in the chaos of war. That wouldnt be good both for the citizens and the strategic value of the capital itself.
It would be bad for an SS-rank adventurer to interfere in a big way too.
I dont care about the guilds petty words but I would like to refrain from participating in a civil war for no good reason.
SS-rank adventurers are guardians of the people. Because we appeared that way, we are allowed to exist.
There wont be any problem if I move at my own discretion if I keep it to the minimum.
Do not get involved in national issues. In other words, we are being told to stay neutral.
This is also the result of consideration for the peoples acceptance.
A force that exists for everyone on the continent. That is the image the guild headquarters created for us SS-rank adventurers.
What if one of them joins up with your opponent? That thought can make people afraid of the SS-rank adventurers.
We SS-rank adventurers are out of standard existents on this continent.
We do not fit in the scope of normalcy.
We do not pledge our allegiance to the Emperor like the Brave house.
We are something close to wild beasts. If we are judged to be harmful, we will end up as a target for subjugation.
It is certainly hard to interact with them too.
SS-rank adventurers are SS-rank adventurers.
No matter who comes for my head, it will still be the worst.
Even if I destroy the army and minimize the damage here, there is no doubt that further damage will occur in the battle between me and the other SS-rank adventurers.
So it seems I cant make a move openly after all huh.
Muttering so, I opened the transfer gate again.
If I rely on others, the number of sacrifices will increase. If I move alone, the damage can be reduced.
Thats a big dilemma for me.
I do not know what is the right thing to do.
The only thing I know for sure is that [They] are waiting. It must be frustrating knowing their nation is in crisis without being able to do anything.
No, the national crisis is probably only a secondary concern huh.
Their important young lady is in danger after all.
I passed through the transfer gate.
My destination is the Dukedom of Kleinert.
I transferred to the sky above the central territory and found the knights camping a little away from the duchy capital.
Their number is about 5,000.
Fully equipped knights were lined up inside the camp.
After I slowly descended to the campsite, I entered the largest tent while being looked at by the surrounding knights.
Inside, Duke Kleinert is waiting for me in his armor.
He is probably ready to head out at any time.
So youve come. Silver.
Yes, I didnt want to though.
Me too. I did not want you to come either. Your arrival means that a rebellion did occur inside the Imperial Capital after all. No parent would not worry about their daughter.
There is no problem in that regard. Miss Finne is safe. But there is an army approaching the Imperial Capital. The battle inside the Imperial Capital is being dominated by the Imperial faction but their dominance can be overturned by the enemy reinforcement.
If its you, you can blow them all away right?
I would if I could. But even if we appear free, we SS-rank adventurers do not have so much freedom.
Hmm..it was a joke. I understand your position. Its already a gray zone with you being here for us. Even so, you still came. Thank you.
Saying so, Duke Kleinert smiled and extended his right hand for me.
Realizing that he wanted to shake hands, I also offered mine.
The Duke then smiles and firmly grabs it.
Your hand is surprisingly small huh.
I am a human too after all.
Right. No, even if you are not one, my gratitude will not change. Youve saved my territory and supported the prince my daughter believes in. You even informed us of our nations crisis and came to create a path for us. So you dont have to worry about it. Even if we die in this battle, it is not your fault. It is the duty of us nobles to protect the country. The reason why we can enjoy luxuries in time of peace is so that we can give our lives in times like this. I can not say for other nobles but that is the Duke of Kleinerts teaching. To be a noble, it is our duty to act like one.
Saying so, Duke Kleinert puts on his helmet that he places on the side.
After hanging the sword at his waist, he started to slowly walk out of the tent.
After he left the tent, he issued his order at the knights who were preparing for departure.
Get the horses! We are departing!
..I will transfer you to a forest near the Imperial Capital. The enemy will probably attack from the north side. No one is aware of the existence of this army yet. You should be able to take them by surprise.
Understood. Dont worry. Even like this, I frequented the battlefield when I was young. I will not be outmaneuvered by the army that idle in time of peace.
Thats probably the truth.
The army is cooperating with Gordon in order to create military achievements in the first place.
The Empire has not experienced a major battle recently but that is different in the past.
When my father was young, he frequently fought with other countries. Given Duke Kleinerts age, he might have been on the battlefield together with Father.
Thinking so, I prepare multiple huge transfer gates for them.
It would take this much to transfer the whole army.
Meanwhile, the Duke gathered up his knights.
Peace is built with blood. Those who are dissatisfied with it are those who have never shed blood for it or those who are drunk with blood. This chain never stops.
Duke Kleinert addresses the knights in front of him.
His hand is holding the flag bearing the sigil of house Kleinert.
It is a sigil that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The blue and white flag depicted a picture of a bird with closed wings.
A bird that doesnt take flight unless it is necessary. The sleeping bird.
That would be perfect for Duke Kleinert.
BUT! Even if that chain never stops, it doesnt mean that we have to stop fighting! If the peace is broken, we only have to rebuild it again! We will bleed together! Finne is already there! Do not let her be alone! For we of the Dukedom of Kleinert are one!!
The duke handed the flag to the young man at his side.
It was the gatekeeper I met when I first visited Duke Kleinert, his eldest son and Finnes elder brother.
I thought that he would stay behind but it seems he will be heading out too.
He looked scared but he still didnt run away.
Let us go! To the Imperial Capital!!
With that said, Duke Kleinert pulled out his sword and led his men through the transfer gate.
The knights follow after him.
After confirming that everyone had passed through, I returned to the Imperial Capital.
Gordons reinforcement that approached the capital from the northwest finally came within sight.