Chapter 292: New Movements

<Author’s Notes>

We received one new review after the last update. Thank you very much.

This time’s chapter took almost 2 weeks before it was updated, but I would like to somehow continue updating “Failure Frame” without having a space of more than 2 weeks…… is what I was thinking.

[It’s alright.]

The cook seemed to be flustered, trying to move their gaze about for them to turn their attention to, but the Mad Emperor stopped them with a hand.

[We’ll be sitting together with Asagi huh.]

[Since it seems like I’m not supposed to be here, I’ll be leaving here then.]

[No…… At a time like this, I would like you to stay and listen.]

Asagi was about to get up from her seat, but the Mad Emperor stopped her.

The Mad Emperor pulled out a nearby chair and gracefully sat down.

[I’ll tell you the news in order. Movements has been sighted in the north.]

[Oya, has Great Demon Emperor-chin begun to move again?]

“No”, the Great Demon Emperor shook his head.

[The other day, Jonato dispatched their troops and set up a battle formation near the borders of our Mira.]

Hearing his words, Asagi tilted her head.

[Ari? Jonato should have been in tatters from the last battle that they wouldn’t be able to afford those troops, right?]

[That’s right. In fact, according to our scouts, Jonato’s forces stationed near the border are nothing more than a meager gathering of men. Their numbers aren’t enough to be feared.]

[Then, what’s the problem?]

[The White Wolf Knights have joined their ranks.]

[Whoa there, aren’t they Magnar’s main force? However, what about the fortress in the Eastern Magnar that was supposedly being defended by the White Wolf-sans? Aren’t they also the Alion’s cornerstone for the defense against the Great Demon Emperor?]

Pondering about it for a moment, I spoke.

[Something must have happened to turn the tide of the battle then.]

“Umu”, the Mad Emperor nodded his head in agreement.

[In other words, something happened on the Holy Alliance’s side that made it possible for them to assume that “the Great Demon Emperor would not appear for a while”. Incidentally…… I heard that there was some commotion that occurred at Alion’s royal castle the other day.]

[Ahh, that commotion, must be that, eh? ……In other words, it’s something related to the Great Demon Emperor?]

[The information we received was still convuluted, so we can’t be sure…… but we’ve received several reports that Alion’s side seems to have repelled the Great Demon Emperor and his forces that swooped down on them.]

[……So Ayaka’s group and the other S-ranks have finally grown up to that level huh. In this case…… I guess I would have to update my perception of the S-ranks a little bit.]

Sogou and the others defeated the Great Demon Emperor?

That sh*tty Goddess…… with how I heard the Holy Alliance is making movements, guess she didn’t die huh.

As a thought popped within my mind, I asked.

[Was the Great Demon Emperor defeated? Perhaps…… For example, they had been deeply wounded?]

[The Golden Eyes that gathered at Northern Magnar’s Night Wall are still in control. It’s said that when the Root of All Evil is vanquished, the Golden Eyes would visibly lose control. Each one of them would apparently start moving on their own.]

[If that has not been confirmed, then the Great Demon Emperor should still be alive.]

[Perhaps. However, it’s highly likely that the Great Demon Emperor has suffered enough injuries from the recent commotion for Alion to judge that “they would be unable to move for a while”.]

[I see nyow. Well, the Heroes have grown up enough to fight them off, so “Let’s sent the White Wolf Knights that way!” is what Goddess-chan had thought huh. Ari? Perhaps, had Zine-chin came to ask Fly King-chin and his group to defeat the White Wolf Knights?]

[No, Wright already went to deal with those in the border. I’ve also entrusted him the control of the elites of the Graceful Knights and a part of my Brilliant Squadron that I had left behind in the Imperial Capital. The White Wolf Knights are a formidable foe, but they are not so numerous. Since Jonato’s troops are just poor-quality scramble, we have the advantage in numbers. The forces we have sent may have been inferior to those of the White Wolf Knights, but they aren’t low quality soldiers. Considering the difference in numbers, they should be able to fight more than evenly against them.]

But still, as to be expected, against that White Wolf Knights, we can’t rest easy unless we sent out Wright as well———- or so the Mad Emperor added.

Mira’s main force is currently at war with Urza in the eastern part of the country.

The majority of the Brilliant Squadron that make up for Mira’s main force are being deployed there.

And…… the powerful remaining forces that had been preserved have now been sent towards the White Wolf Knights in the north.

[Hmmm? Wait a minute? If Wright-san’s group can deal with the White Wolf-sans in the north, doesn’t that mean there’s no problem?]

Asagi asked.

It seemed to be a question based on the understanding that another plroblem may have happened.

[Wright and his group have set up their battle formation in the Northern Mira…… but in an area roughly halfway between there and here in the Imperial Capital———– We received word that it was brimming with Golden-eyed Monsters.]

With her elbow rested on the table, Asagi propped her chin on her hand.

Her cheeks that’s being supported by her hand was crooked a bit, but I could still make out the smile on her face.

[Heehhh…… They appeared at this timing huh……]

[And along with this information———– came the appearance of a mysterious “White Army”.]

Hearing this, Asagi looked a bit puzzled.

[Huh……? White Army? What’s with that, all of a sudden? Where in the world did they come from? Are they different from the White Wolf Knights? I mean…… Aren’t there suddenly too much new information?]

[They aren’t the White Wolf Knights…… No, in the first place, reports were saying that they may not even be human.]

[Then, are they monsters?]

[It was reported that they had golden eyes.]

[……………………]

White——– with golden eyes.

That’s a combination that certainly reminds me of that sh*tty Goddess……

[This White Army attacked fortresses, cities, forts, and towns, one after another———- They say they are gradually moving south, as if they were trying to get here to Ruva.]

Hearing this though, something popped in my mind.

[It seems like Wright-dono’s army who were headed did not encounter this White Army.]

[Umu. It’s as if they had taken advantage of this opportunity to make their appearance.]

That golden eyes.

Them being a white army.

Their exquisite timing for making their appearance……

Indeed, it was just as the Mad Emperor said.

It was as if they were waiting for Wright’s group to pass through to the north.

……The line-up of Jonato and the White Wolf Knights this time……

It really seems like they were there to lure out Mira’s preserved units.

Perhaps———- all of these movements were interlocked.

[The soldiers in the fortress that was first attacked by the White Army have retreated. The city and townspeople have also been able to evacuate with comparatively little time to spare. Strangely enough, casualties are low.]

[The mysterious army was more ethical and good-natured of a bunch than expected!? Nufufu…… There’s no way that could simply be the case, right?]

[On the contrary…… Your perception may not be entirely off the mark.]

[Hoohhh?]

[The White Army is led by the Drunken Sword Party.]

The Drunken Sword Party.

Their name is brought out at this moment huh.

The Mad Emperor had already mentioned it before, that the Drunken Sword Party is on the Goddess’ side.

“Heehhh……”, Upon those words, Asagi’s eyes narrowed.

[Lili-san, who taught us how to fight as a group, now stands as our enemy huh. Those good, honorable people have…… I see, they certainly wouldn’t massacre people without a second thought. Those are the kind of people they are.]

Come to think of it, the Drunken Sword Party fought in Jonato back in the previous Great Invasion, didn’t they?

It was just by accident, but I had heard about it after the battle at the Anti-Demon White Castle.

[Regarding those people…… If they were to become enemies, they are more troublesome than you think.]

The words Asagi said just now, it doesn’t sound like she’s joking at all.

In other words, they’re competent enough for Ikusaba Asagi to not underestimate them.

“Indeed”, the Mad Emperor took over.

[They captured no prisoners, and the troops were allowed to withdraw…… They would overlook those who doesn’t raise their blades against them, including those who lived in the cities and towns. It’s a behavior that is typical of that Drunken Sword Party.]

[………………….]

However…… What about them then?

Those who have been forced to leave their homes, I mean.

Those who have become refugees……

Deprived of their safe haven one after another———– What was it that would be left?

Where is it that they would be able to ask for help?

Where is it———- that they would end up in?

“However……”, I spoke.

[If this continues…… Won’t all those who escaped rush here towards Ruva?]

[Umu, that’s right. The Drunken Sword Party will not overlook them simply because of conscience. Perhaps, the enemy————]

[No matter which way the battle goes, they’re setting things up for their side to win.]

I spoke, anticipating his answer.

Looking slightly impressed, the Mad Emperor responded.

[Fly King…… You’ve reached to that answer that quickly huh.]

Seemingly not understanding what was going on, Asagi tilted her head.

[Eh? What do you mean? I’m kind of a little lost here……]

The two felt like they were urging me to continue, thus I spoke.

[If the Capital doesn’t accept the refugees, the loyalty of the people to his Majesty will be severely diminished.]

“Ahh, so that’s what you mean”, Asagi said, looking as if she caught on.

[This war against Alion…… is a war that his Majesty has been able to wage because of the fanatical support of his people.]

[The people are also reassured by the fact that they are told that “this is a war to save the Goddess”.]

Ahhh———– I see.

For thosee Anti-Goddess faction, they see the situation not as “The Goddess making use of the nations within the Holy Alliance”, it was that “The nations within the Holy Alliance are using the Goddess”.

Unlike in my world———- there’s no technology that circulates information.

Television.

Internet.

There are no technology that allows people to explain themselves or tell the truth on a global broadcast even when the person in question doesn’t leave where they are.

In order to spread the important truth that corrects falsehoods, one has no choice but to personally appear and tell the truth themselves.

In other words……

Depending on how looks the situation, it would seem like they’re trying to bring the Goddess away from her home country, Alion.

That certainly sounds like it would be easier than defeating the Goddess.

If they thought that far ahead and spread it as “a war for a great cause”, that’s certainly quite a big deal.

Anyhow……

[If Mira loses the support of the people, the country could collapse from within…… It’s because of their absolute trust in his Majesty that this war against Alion is possible.]

[……Ahh, I see, I see. If we don’t help the refugees pouring here into the Capital, Zine-chin may not be able to continue this war…… I guess you’re right. If they perceived him as an Emperor who abandons his people when they are in trouble, it’s possible that many of his people will turn against him.]

[However, if the Capital is overflowing with refugees, it will also be easier for the enemy’s people to blend in and sneak into the Capital.]

Is it the life of the Mad Emperor that they’re after?

Or perhaps, are they after Munin?

That’s right……

The other side is probably acting on the premise that Mira has obtained the Forbidden Race.

[Whether we accept the refugees or not, Mira will be in a difficult situation.]

[What I fear even more is that———]

I started, and they waited for my next words.

[For example, in the case where we chose to leave the Drunken Sword Party and the White Army behind, if perhaps, they stop moving south and start moving north……]

Immediately afterward, the Mad Emperor realized what I was trying to say.

[That would mean…… Wright and the others will be caught in a pincer attack by the White Wolf Knight from the north and the Drunken Sword Party from the south huh. I see———- The other side sure has thought of this well.]

[However, Zine-chin couldn’t have anticipated that White Army, right? No matter what age or world it is, the fact that new forces of the enemy side suddenly got new forces from out of nowhere is just 1000x unfair. There’s no way you could have prepared for it. You can just dismiss it as something unforeseen.]

That’s right.

For example, if it’s only the White Wolf Knights……

If it’s only the need to suppress the sudden appearance of a flock of Golden-eyes.

The Mad Emperor may have been able to cope with the situation with some room to spare.

Those were things one could have expected.

However, the existence of that White Army is just too out of the expectations.

We had too little prior information about them.

However, the enemy’s movements…… With each passing moment, the situation gets worse.

The longer we delay in moving, the more people would need to evacuate.

The support from the rear is also thinning, and the danger behind Wright and his group’s back is increasing.

Yes, the situation is only getting worse.

[There is some good news though.]

The Mad Emperor spoke.

[That White Army…… from the reports, they’re only strong with their numbers, but they aren’t that strong individually. It seems that a well-trained army would be able to handle them. However———– Putting aside the Drunken Sword Party, it seemed like they were an incorrigible group.]

[……Well, yeah. They played an active role in the fierce battle back at Jonato, but not a single one of them died. Asagi-san here thinks that they’re really good when they fight in group battles, you know?]

[According to those who have engaged them in battle, they themselves also seemed to be somewhat desperate. The Drunken Sword Party is probably tackling on this battle with all their might.]

[So…… It seems that the White Army is being mobilized by the Drunken Sword Party, right?]

“In other words……”, I cut in.

[If we can deal with the Drunken Sword Party, even Mira’s soldiers themselves could just deal with that White Army?]

“Currently……”, the Mad Emperor began to organize the situation.

[Wright and his army are stuck in a standoff with the White Wolf Knights in Northern Mira. The main force of the Brilliant Squadron and the three Elected Imperial households have gone towards Eastern Urza. The Prime Minister Kaiser isn’t good at warfare…… which means that the forces that could oppose that Drunken Sword Party right now are———]

(T/N: I’m pretty sure Kaiser used to be named Raiser, but when I checked Chapter 203 raws again, it was also turned into Kaiser. Not gonna change Chapter 203.)

“I see nyow.”, Asagi took over.

[Zine-chin has three options, it’d be either Zine-chin’s private army, the Imperial Guards, our group…… and the Fly King Squadron huh.]

[I could lead the Imperial Guards and face them…… but the Imperial Guards is the last line of defense in the Capital……]

[Most of all, if we lose Zine-chin here, this country will collapse. Then, shall Asagi-san and the others take care of it?]

[No…… If the other party is the Drunken Sword Party, they would not be a good match for you.]

[Well——— indeed. If we end up in a serious group battle against Lili-san and the others…… We have to be prepared for casualties on our sides. I mean, I honestly don’t know if we can win against them. Our group also has its strengths and weaknesses…… They also aren’t compatible opponents for my trump card either.]

It’s too risky for the overall leader, the Mad Emperor, to go out to defeat the Drunken Sword Party.

That’s just unrealistic.

The Mad Emperor wouldn’t want to let Asagi out either.

After all, Ikusaba Asagi is his trump card against the Goddess.

Asagi herself also seems to recognize that she isn’t a good match against the Drunken Sword Party.

They were once their mentors, and even went through a fierce battle together.

She is probably aware of the strength of the Drunken Sword Party.

Moreover, rather than not wanting to go out herself……

It seems like she truly thinks that her changes of winning against them were slim, and she might die or get caught.

Realistically speaking, I get the feeling that’s how she’s analyzing it.

And so————

This is where the story finally returns to the topic brought up in the beginning.

The reason why Hawk…… the Mad Emperor was looking for me.

It was about the Drunken Sword Party.

In other words, we were the one who was chosen as we’re relatively agile and is a capable force to counter them———–

[You want us, the Fly King Squadron———– to do something about the Drunken Sword Party huh.]

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