Chapter 545
Near the Northern Border.
The small vanguard, which had set out ahead during the coronation, was steadily making its way across the vast open land.
Most of them had lived their entire lives in the central regions. The endless, empty landscape made it painfully clear that they had left behind their familiar homes.
Yet, there was also a thrill in the air. The path they were treading seemed to symbolize the dawn of a new era.
“Hey.”
A middle-aged soldier, who had been walking silently, spoke to his companion.
“You’re Eirin, right?”
“Yes, and this is Tobo.”
“‘Sir,’ huh? We’re all just soldiers here. Is that okay?”
Eirin was carrying a military pack nearly as big as herself, if not more. But she just smiled confidently and nodded.
“I’m fine. This is just the beginning.”
“See that dark zone over there? Just before the rocky mountain?”
“Yes, I see it.”
Unlike the fresh, vibrant fields they were crossing, that blackened area seemed soaked in death. Eirin wiped the sweat dripping from her chin with a careless swipe.
“We’ll probably rest around there. It’s right before the rift zone, so we’ll need to regroup. There’s even a barrier where the imperial mages used to be stationed until recently. It’s a perfect spot to take a break.”
“You seem to know your way around. Do you come here often?”
“I’m from the north originally, but I came to the center and joined the imperial army. That was a long time ago—probably before you were even born, Eirin.”
They began to see signs of habitation, though the few buildings were dilapidated, made of wooden planks barely holding together. Calling it a village was generous.
The vanguard soon entered the settlement and scanned the area. No one was around except for a faint presence coming from a building marked ‘Tavern.’
“Oh my, you must be from the center.”
“Running a business here with no one around?”
“It’s not really a business. Just holding down the fort.”
As the soldiers passed, the young woman inside smiled slyly, resting her chin on her hand. Occasionally, she waved and took a long, satisfying sip of cold beer, as if to show off.
“Keeping all the good stuff to yourself!”
“What else does a tavern owner have for fun? Want me to deliver some drinks across the border for you?”
“Enough! No drinking on a campaign—that’s against military law!”
“Ah, what a shame.”
While the soldiers joked and relaxed, Tobo’s expression grew uneasy as they neared the tavern. After passing it, he even glanced back, scrutinizing the building.
Eirin noticed his discomfort and tapped his shoulder.
“What’s wrong?”
“Hmm, nothing really. I’ve been here before, but the owner seemed different back then—so chatty and restless, I couldn’t even get a drink. It left an impression I can’t forget.”
“Could it be her daughter?”
“Doesn’t look like it. They seem about the same age.”
Tobo shrugged it off, but Eirin couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling.
How could someone make a living here with no customers? Had she taken over the tavern? If it were family, that’d be different, but something felt off.
Eirin glanced back once more, locking the tavern in her sight, but that was all. The vanguard gradually put distance between themselves and the tavern.
Suddenly—
“Stop!”
“Stop!”
A flag was raised high at the front. The marching soldiers halted, peering ahead to see what was wrong, but their view was blocked.
“What’s going on? Is there a problem?”
“Ah, this is a good chance to sit down!”
“Have a drink at the tavern! Ha ha!”
“Are we on a picnic? What nonsense.”
The soldiers chuckled and whispered, but Eirin kept her gaze fixed forward. Then, just as the flag began to tilt to the right—
“Monsters! They’re here!”
A sudden warning sounded, followed by the bellowing of water buffalo horns. Panic spread as the soldiers scrambled, and from the front, dark red blood spurted into the air. Eirin sensed the formation was about to break.
“Wh-what’s happening?”
“Stay alert! Everyone, battle formation!”
“Battle formation!”
“Ahhh!”
They had been focused on the front, but screams came from behind as well.
More blood shot into the air, splattering under the clear sky before dripping onto Eirin’s cheek. Unconsciously, her pupils dilated as she instinctively gripped the hilt of her sword.
“T-there! Over there!”
“Don’t get close! Spearmen, spear squad, to the front!”
“Damn it, push forward!”
What was going on? Had the enemy set a trap for the vanguard? Or was this some rift-related problem that arose in the absence of the mages?
Eirin charged toward the nearest rear with the soldiers, soon spotting the tavern woman drenched in blood.
‘Oh no.’
Was she injured? They needed to protect her first—
But to Eirin’s surprise, the woman was smiling through the blood, holding the severed head of a Bariel soldier.
The possibilities were few.
A mage, a magic swordsman, or…
‘A monster.’
Meanwhile, the emperor’s regular army, having left the center, was steadily advancing north toward Mount Raja.
Their numbers reached into the tens of thousands, and their supplies piled high, so there was a significant gap between them and the vanguard ahead.
“Ugh, I’m exhausted!”
“Don’t start whining on the first day.”
“Can’t I even say I’m tired? I just want a good meal! How many more days until Burgos?”
“I wish the mages would lend a hand right about now.”
“Yeah. They said we could get to Burgos quickly through that black moon or whatever it is, but why haven’t they?”
“Do you think that’s some easy magic? And the higher-ups have their reasons! I believe that.”
“Bah, you’re just tired and babbling nonsense.”
The sun was setting.
The soldiers, weary from the long march, settled down to rest, while tents were pitched amid the bustle.
Among them was Chloe, sighing deeply.
“Ugh.”
After riding all day, her back and thighs ached so badly she could barely stand.
As she staggered and sat down, the soldiers around her quieted and gave her space. Being a noblewoman from a prestigious family, no one quite understood why she was here, and it made them uneasy.
Chloe narrowed her eyes and spotted a familiar figure approaching in the distance.
“Sir Xiaoshi!”
“…Lady Chloe.”
“Where is His Majesty?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I’m worried about His Majesty’s condition after such a grueling schedule. Please allow me a moment to speak with him.”
Xiaoshi looked down at Chloe. Her tied-back hair and simple clothes showed some resolve, but her made-up face and red lips betrayed her true intentions.
“I’m sorry. Conversations with His Majesty are only permitted when he wishes it.”
“Don’t be so cold.”
“Lady, if I may offer some advice—”
With a swift motion, Xiaoshi plucked a hair ornament from Chloe’s head and shook it lightly.
“If you don’t intend to use it as a weapon, don’t wear any accessories on the battlefield. They’ll only put you in danger.”
Chloe narrowed her eyes sharply, snatched the ornament back without a word, and stalked off. What a pain!
Click-clack.
Xiaoshi watched her retreating figure for a moment before climbing the hill where Jin was resting.
Though soldiers surrounded him tightly, Jin stared straight ahead as if entranced.
More precisely, he was looking out over the landscape below.
“Your Majesty, are you not weary?”
Xiaoshi asked cautiously, but Jin didn’t turn.
“Not yet. We haven’t even left Bariel.”
“Then, is something troubling you?”
“…I’m amazed. It’s incredible to think this is all Bariel—my country.”
He had spent most of his life in the imperial palace, occasionally venturing into the city, but never beyond the center.
So the endless mountain ranges fascinated him, the farmhouses with straw roofs were charming, and the fields where livestock roamed freely were a pleasant sight.
All of this is my Bariel, Jin thought, overwhelmed with a feeling close to awe, unable to look away.
“Is the meeting room ready?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Good. Let’s proceed.”
Though he knew why Xiaoshi had summoned him, Jin found it hard to tear himself away. Gathering his resolve, he entered the tent that served as both the meeting room and the emperor’s quarters.
“Have you arrived?”
“Yes. Everyone, please be seated.”
Hasha, Ian, Maxim Tweller, Jarrett, and finally Pim of the Dera tribe—all the key leaders were present.
As Jin took his seat, Ian spoke first.
“We expect to reach the vicinity of Mount Raja by tomorrow afternoon, Your Majesty.”
Ian spread out a map centered on Mount Raja.
“Some of the Dera tribe will return to their homeland near Raja to establish a mid-point supply base. This will serve as a bridge connecting the Bariel forces in Burgos with the central army.”
“I heard the terrain is rough. Will that be a problem?”
“The route is underground, so it shouldn’t pose major issues. The central army’s base will be on the plains beside Mount Raja. However, there is one concern—the presence of a unique species called the ‘Dryads.’”
“Dryads?”
“They’re dryads—tree spirits—but they’re aggressive. Before setting up our garrison, it would be wise to conduct a purge of the dryads. We don’t need to deploy a large force; I suggest forming a small task force alongside the Dera tribe. Dryad wood burns for a long time, so it will surely prove invaluable in the war effort.”
“Agreed. Though the weather’s heating up, firewood remains an essential supply. Make sure the procurement continues uninterrupted, Lord Tweller.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will see to it personally.”
Pim nodded in agreement, indicating no issues on his end.
Since this was just the beginning, everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly without any major problems. Just as the meeting was about to continue, a sound came from outside.
“Apologies for the intrusion. This is Zaira from the Magic Department.”
“Zaira?”
Jin glanced at Ian, silently asking what was going on, but Ian looked just as puzzled.
“Show her in.”
“Excuse me.”
“You weren’t asleep, were you, Zaira?” Ian asked.
Zaira shook her head lightly. Ever since leaving the central hall, the entire Magic Department had collapsed into a deep sleep, stacked in their carriages. They had each taken a sip of Akorella’s restorative potion and then passed out, utterly exhausted from the magic that had been sustained throughout the coronation. They had all reached their limits.
Sliding her glasses up her nose, Zaira spoke.
“Do you remember the report I submitted earlier? The one from Clifford? I mentioned there might be another rift near the Raja Mountains.”
“Of course, I remember.”
Ian’s first awakening near the Raja Mountains was probably connected to that very rift.
“I remeasured the magical anomaly near the Raja Mountains. The results were unexpected.”
“In what way?”
“The readings are normal. Not just normal—they’re far below what we anticipated.”
“Isn’t that good news?” Maxim Tweller asked, puzzled.
Zaira shrugged.
“Maybe. Or maybe not. The rift itself is close to being inactive, but the process is what matters. The most likely explanation is that another rift has become active elsewhere, making this area relatively safe.”
“Another rift? Where?”
“Could be one of two places, but I’m not sure.”
Calmly, Zaira adjusted her glasses.
“Either the northern region or Clifford.”