NOVEL NEXT Episode 3: The Outbreak of War
Episode 3: The Outbreak of War
As the end of the year approached, I was summoned under the pretext of a discussion with the border count . I thought it might be about returning to Ortya, but his expression seemed a bit tense, so there must have been something else.
“When the new year comes, I’m going back to Ortya. Alt will stay in the capital because of the academy, but Aina and Thor are also planning to return with me.”
“Oh? What about the young lady?”
“She’s currently pondering that. Personally, I’d like Liela to come back to Ortya with us, but considering her magical training, it might be better for her to stay in the capital. I plan to decide after hearing Liela’s wishes soon.”
Indeed, there are already two specialists in light magic, Sasha-san and Lumina, in the capital… The border count seems to want Liela to stay with them until she enters the academy.
“I’d like you to think about what you and Seira will do. You can continue your work at the academy or work in Ortya. Either way, it would be helpful for us, so you don’t need to worry about us.”
“Understood. Thank you. I’ll discuss it with Seira.”
This consideration is much appreciated. Now, which option would be better for Seira? Considering Liela’s situation, it might be better for her to stay in the capital for her magic training. This way, there are also people from Belgard.
—
“Now, to the main topic. About two weeks ago, Miltia invaded the Mishinela Federation.”
“Wow…”
“However, it’s not entirely unexpected. If we miss this opportunity, we won’t be able to move for a while.”
“Is it before Hartelia can move freely?”
“Yeah. Originally, they planned to expand their influence using Hartelia and Almira as a cover, but now our influence here is negligible. They probably want to build up enough strength to counter us and Alteria while we’re having a hard time moving.”
The Mishinela Federation is a city-state union located north of Miltia. It seems that the current form was created when cities in the south, concerned about Miltia’s expansion, called for cooperation. Decision-making as a nation is made through the Federal Assembly.
However, there seem to be various internal issues due to their origins as separate powers. Well, it’s natural that there’s a difference in attitude between the southern cities, which are constantly harassed by Miltia, and the northern cities far away from Miltia. There are also cities that are openly trying to cozy up to Miltia, making the situation quite messy.
Taking advantage of these gaps, Miltia had been gradually eroding Mishinela, but it seems that a full-scale offensive has finally begun. Hartelia is still in the process of rebuilding the country internally. They probably want to attack before we are fully prepared. The religious nation is a pain.
“Can Mishinela win?”
“It’ll be tough on their own. Besides, it’s uncertain whether they can even unite as one. It won’t be long before they request reinforcements from Alteria, but…”
“Will they make it in time?”
“Yeah. Miltia-leaning leaders will probably move to delay the decision, and even if they decide, there’s a possibility they’ll work to delay the arrival of reinforcements. By the time reinforcements arrive, many of the southern cities will probably have fallen.”
“Wow…”
Without a request for reinforcements, Alteria can’t move either. A nation that can’t make decisions in a top-down manner tends to be on the defensive in times like these. Well, considering the formation of the federation, it’s unavoidable, but if someone like the former king of Hartelia takes the lead, you can’t just say it’s all bad.
But what is Miltia’s goal? Do they simply want to strengthen their power and influence, or do they have another goal?
At least in the range I played, it was like “Miltia, chosen by God, will rule this continent,” but I don’t know if it’s the same in other routes. I hope they don’t start talking about demon kings or the end of the world now.
“What does Miltia want by expanding its influence?”
“Hmm… We don’t know for sure. However, they’ve been working behind the scenes so much. It can’t be anything good.”
That’s for sure. So far, all they’ve done is brainwashing, manipulating from behind the scenes, eliminating inconvenient opponents, underground experiments, and so on. They’ve also caused a Stampede incident in the original story. If they’re preparing for a demon king or disaster, there are more peaceful ways to gain allies. The people they captured so far only said things like “We are the chosen ones of God,” it seems.
—
I’ll consult with Seira about the future since I can’t figure out the situation with the Theocracy. After all, she’s much more important to me.
“Serah, which do you think is better, the capital or Ortya?”
“Which one do you prefer, big brother?”
“Hmm, maybe the capital… Both the janitorial work and the fireworks are enjoyable.”
Even without considering Seira, for now, I think the capital is better. I’m satisfied with my current life here. Plus, it seems like information comes faster in the capital. Ortya should be fine with the border count, Fenfield, and Henrick around.
“In that case, I want to stay in the capital too!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah!”
I embrace Seira as she clings to me and pat her head.
“Hehe.”
[[[Grrr]]]
What a cute creature. An angel, perhaps? Wait, aren’t angels those terrifying ones who trampled a large army? Come to think of it, is there only one angel like Sancrucel?
Anyway, instead of sulking, the “spirits” should just join in.
[[[Was that your hand!?]]]
—
“The Sword Saint?”
“Yeah, he’s heading to Mishinela as reinforcements.”
When I went to inform the border count that I would stay in the capital, new information about Miltia and Mishinela came in. They move so fast. It’s only been about half a month since we heard about the invasion, right?
“That’s fast, isn’t it?”
“It seems that several cities sent requests for aid without going through the Federal Assembly.”
“Huh? Is it okay to do that?”
The Miltia-leaning cities strongly criticized them, but they couldn’t cancel it now that the “Sword Saint” had already started moving… So, they settled by accepting penalties later.
The Arlight family has always loved fighting, so their movements in times like these are incredibly fast. Even this time, they were preparing for the expedition as soon as they heard about the Miltia invasion. How hot-blooded can they be?
“He’s probably already close to the front lines. He probably hasn’t joined the fight yet, but he’s an Arlight.”
“Fast… Hey, won’t they be obstructed on the way?”
“Because it’s the ‘Sword Saint.’ There wouldn’t be any reckless people trying to stop him.”
“Is that so?”
“Members of that family are known for being hot-blooded. Even minor hindrances become life-threatening. Some of the former heads of the family have killed nobles from other countries over trivial disputes.”
“Really… Is it okay to do such things?”
“Normally, it would be a problem, but their military exploits are exceptional. A few things may have been overlooked.”
“A few things…”
“Well, there have been fewer stories like that lately, but they’re still Arlight. There shouldn’t be anyone willing to oppose them for Miltia. Alteria probably sent the ‘Sword Saint’ with that in mind.”
So, the former Arlight family is that dangerous, huh… That’s scary. But in the original story, Cain was like that at first too. Proud and quick to fight. He became much more reasonable after various events with the protagonist and his fiancée, and the fall of Arania in the original story, though.
Miltia will get what’s coming to them when they come up against Arlight. Both sides should lose.
…Huh? If the “Sword Saint” is absent, isn’t this a chance for Mine-kun’s mom’s grave visit? I promised to go there a long time ago but still haven’t been. It’s the perfect time to do it while the cat’s away.
“How long do you think this battle will last?”
“Let’s see… It depends on Miltia, but it’ll probably take at least a month.”
“In that case, can I go to Arania for a bit?”
“…Arania?”
“Yeah. I thought I’d visit my mother’s grave.”
You can get there in about a week if you run. Sorry, Seira, but I’ll have to ask you to stay home. There’s no decent person in that house.
—
“Go!”
“Huh…”
“Go!”
[[[Yay! It’s a trip!!]]]
“Yay!”
[[[Let’s go!!]]
“[[Oooh–!]]”
“…Well, whatever.”
My wish to stay in the royal capital was granted. Seira hasn’t traveled far apart from going back and forth between the royal capital and Ortya, so it might be nice for her to take a leisurely trip every once in a while.
As long as I hold her hand, I can protect Serah with [Magic Cloak] too. It might be tough against the “Sword Saint,” but it should be fine against anyone else.