Volume 1 Chapter 63-2 Genderbend Female Knight, Choosing The Prey
"We're slowly wearing them down, but timing is key. Too early, and we'll take damage. Too late, and we gain nothing."
With Suno's forces combined, they outnumber the enemy. The battlefield is slowly shifting into Loriengita's territory.
The tide has turned. Now, it's about whether they can ride this wave or not.
"We've come this far. All that's left is to keep going."
* * *
At that time, within Loriengita's territory, 8 knights paid homage to Emperor Raimont, who had rushed back to Parisses. They were the remaining Twelve Sacred Blades.
With Godefroy, the strongest in martial valor, dead, and 3 lower-ranked members also fallen, the balance had shifted significantly.
The question now was whether to stay loyal to the emperor or flatter the next in line.
Or maybe, to risk everything for personal ambition.
"Unfortunately, barbarians are closing in on Parisses. Netoriaus, Kenranf, and Nyubtarl have fallen."
The 8 knights waited silently, hearing Emperor Raimont's anxious words. They wondered what each was thinking.
"Though they lost many soldiers at Ashreach, they've recovered through conscription, from both rural and urban areas. Each of you will lead troops to defend Parisses."
"Your Majesty, Parisses is a fortress city. It can't be taken by Tyria's rural kingdom or the northern barbarians. Rest assured."
Guillaume de Slaine, leader of the Twelve Sacred Blades and skilled in strategy, responded.
Raimont tried to accept the answer, but unease lingered in his heart.
Can a small force stop a large army, or will they give up at the walls?
Won't the Suno people, like swarming locusts, climb over corpses to advance?
Raimont felt the great empire, once thought eternal, trembling at its core.
Could its end come during his reign?
Parisses being besieged is an unforgivable stain on history!
"Never let Parisses be stained. Show that the imperial capital is inviolable."
"Understood."
"Lord Guillaume, what's your plan?"
"It's best to wait for supplies while holed up, but given Your Majesty's demeanor, that won't be accepted. We'll have to strike out, dividing troops to ambush the Ashreach barbarians with arrows."
"I've heard their commander is skilled."
"Defense and offense strategies differ. An attacking army needs three times the preparation of a defending one, but no matter how hard they try, they have fewer troops than us."
Guillaume explained this clearly to his remaining colleagues from the Twelve Sacred Blades and began planning troop deployments.
"Godefroy's death was unexpected. Despite his flaws, he was capable."
"The biggest loss is Juán's sisters. Losing strategic sorcerers is tough."
When the two older members said this, the others agreed.
"Lord Guillaume, let me lead the cavalry."
"...Is that you, Lord Georges?"
A rugged-faced knight, nearly 30, made this request. He was Georges de Ronclin, the only lower noble in the Twelve Sacred Blades.
"I'll handle reconnaissance and flank pressure. I'll show I can manage anything."
"Or is it because there's no other chance for promotion?"
Despite being sneered at by the older members, Georges stared at Guillaume.
"Very well, it's yours, Lord Georges. Do as you wish."
"Thank you. I'll take my leave."
As Georges left, the others snorted.
"He's getting cocky just because he's capable."
"He should be satisfied with the princess's favor and leave it at that."
(These fools are satisfied with their status and have been overtaken by a young man.)
Guillaume clicked his tongue inwardly, still believing himself elite, and continued planning on the map.
(Finally, I can elevate my rank.)
On the other hand, Georges felt a thrill at the sudden war but kept it hidden.
Among the Twelve Sacred Blades, while others were from Count families, he alone was from a Baron family.
Because of that, he was an outsider, burdened by family expectations, looked down upon by the others, and had his seat taken by higher nobles.
"As long as I achieve merit, it's all mine."
Georges murmured, placing his hand on his chest.
In his pocket was a letter from Elodia, Loriengita's second princess.
"if I present the Juán sisters' heads, Lord Godefroy's, Lord Robin's, no one will complain."
In the imperial castle's corridor, this man thought of love.
To marry the princess, he needed significant military achievements.
"Hurry up and become a battlefield."
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