Volume 1 Chapter 63 Genderbend Female Knight, Choosing The Prey
"Looting is strictly forbidden in the villages of Rorch and Avoisa. Cities can be attacked if they don't surrender, but no r*pe or murder allowed. In Loriengita territory, looting and violence are allowed."
"What about taking supplies from rural areas?"
"It's allowed under certain rules: up to half of stored food. You must submit paperwork. After joining Ashreach, next year's taxes will be lowered. This is the plan, Your Highness, what do you think?"
"Approved."
"Yes! I'll tell the whole army!"
As the messenger left at Eleonora's approved message, a knight came with a rough map.
"Your Excellency, about the marching route..."
"Show me."
Eleonora took the map and studied it, thinking about the future. Baron Poniète painted the scene on a large canvas, while nearby soldiers and knights looked annoyed.
Note: The acting marshal is a temporary military leader, not officially appointed by the king. They're chosen by nobles and a royal family member but will be dismissed after the war.
So, Eleonora could decide on looting and surrenders, but requisitioning in annexed areas is political. She proposed it to Prince Arlecchino, who approved.
"I can't believe she's the daughter of a rural knight. Does she have noble blood?"
In the same room, Cesare, Vittoria's brother, asked, but everyone shook their heads.
Eleonora's father Lamberto's background is unclear, so it's possible, but it's like saying mixing soil and water makes pottery.
"She's my daughter's child, born from her pain."
Adalbert's testimony confirms this.
"It's natural talent, huh?"
"Yeah. It's scary. How many nobles would bow to her if she were a man?"
Eleonora said if her brother Amerigo grows up, she'll retire. So, bowing to her now is acceptable.
At least, she's seen as vital in the war against Loriengita for Ashreach's nobles.
"Send a calm person to Saphi city. They're rich, so we want to annex them peacefully and make them pay taxes to Ashreach."
"What if it fails, Laza?"
"If needed, we'll attack. Madalaz region leads to Olympura. We'll use it eventually."
The knights smiled at the idea of attacking; when that happens, the former lord will be removed, and the land will be divided among them.
"Listen, this is a chance to unite Tyria under Ashreach. Perform well, and the royal family will reward you, right, Your Highness?"
"Of course."
The nobles got excited.
Eleonora also spoke to the soldiers.
"Brave soldiers! First, let's save Tyria's people from Loriengita's cruelty! Then, we'll go to Parisess! Defeat anyone in our way! Everything they drop is yours!"
"Long live General Eleonora!"
"Glory to Ashreach!"
"Miss! Miss!"
Eleonora thought she heard a voice and saw young man, John, from the village in leather armor, raising their fists.
"You fools!"
Adalbert swung his spear down with the sheath on, and the youths dodged.
"Village head! You're too energetic!"
"After all, you came here on your own, even though Lady Eleonora exempted you from service! Brainless fools!"
"Helppp! Oh no!"
Eleonora sighed, pushed through the soldiers, and grabbed Adalbert's shoulder.
"Old man, don't embarrass yourself in front of the generals."
"I-I apologize..."
"John, you fool. Why are come to die on your own?"
"No, miss, listen to me. We went to the village to sell our goods, and there was a recruitment drive. The guy said we'd get to fight alongside hero Eleonora. Who else but us should go?"
"But there are plenty of others who could replace you, though."
The young men shouted, "Harsh!" and everyone around burst into laughter.
"Anyway, you probably don't have your own weapons. Someone, give these guys some spears."
Eleonora nodded, and a knight led John and the others to the weapon storage.
"Sigh, momentum is everything in these situations."
Eleonora smoothly drew her sword, held it up to the sun, and let it glint before pointing it horizontally.
Beyond that lay Parisses, the capital of the Empire of Loriengita.
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