kscans

Chapter 39 - The Largest Allied Army in History and the King's Stomach

◆The King◆

"Finally."

As I gazed upon the assembled army, I felt not a sense of profound emotion, but one of exasperation. 'Finally,' was all I could think.

"What was all that talk about a 'race against time'? It feels more like we've given the enemy time."

After the grand defeat of the allied army of kingdom nobles who challenged the Vampire ruling Fenesia Town, I had decided to involve neighboring countries and form a multi-national coalition. All for the sake of subjugating the daughter of that dreadful Great Duke of the Cursed Sea.

The name of the Great Duke of the Cursed Sea is unavoidable when speaking of our kingdom's history. Many nations have risen and fallen on the western part of the continent, which includes our own territory. But far more of them have been destroyed not by invasion or civil war, but by retribution. The cause was always the same: they challenged and were defeated by the vampire noble who ruled the Great Cursed Sea that spreads across the western continent, the Great Duke of the Cursed Sea, Voylard Chromshell. A single Vampire and his subordinates had destroyed countless nations. According to the history books, a country far larger than our own was once annihilated.

"And that is precisely why we have been so careful not to touch the Great Cursed Sea..."

The Great Duke of the Cursed Sea never leaves his domain. That was our only saving grace. To think that he had a daughter...

"Still, we cannot allow the Vampire's tyranny to continue any longer. Even if it means owing favors to other countries, we must do this!"

Fortunately, we had a pact among the nations to cooperate in the event of a disaster caused by the Great Duke. However, the target this time was not the Duke himself, but his daughter, which complicated negotiations. Since it wasn't him, they argued, she must be weaker. And so, the other countries took this as an opportunity to take advantage of our kingdom.

"Ah, just remembering it is infuriating."

And it gave me a terrible stomachache.

They used every trick in the book to delay negotiations and extract concessions from us. All the while, the enemy was steadily building up her forces. Thanks to that, my stomach has been steadily building up more pain.

I understand their reasoning. They're likely thinking that the Duke's daughter might define the extent of her territory. Her father hasn't shown any inclination to expand his domain for hundreds of years. So they're hoping that his daughter won't expand her territory beyond what she has currently conquered. If that happens, only our kingdom loses, while for the other countries, their ally—and nominal rival—is weakened, making us an easier target for them to invade.

"How many times did I have to tell them that this is not an opponent to have such hopes for!"

At my wit's end, I requested the Church's cooperation and mediation as well. The Church does not recognize the existence of the undead, who continue to move even after death. Therefore, when a powerful undead appears, they usually take the lead in subjugating it, but...

"The moment they learned she was related to the Great Duke of the Cursed Sea, they began to balk."

When they first heard the story, they were all fired up, boasting that they would display the glory of God against any undead. But the moment they heard the opponent was the Duke's daughter, they became hesitant.

In the end, by threatening to report their cowardice to the Church's headquarters—a process that would take time and money—the local churches reluctantly agreed to act.

"And yet, the ones participating in the allied army are all young priests and holy knights."

The absence of veteran priests makes it clear they only wish to make a show of cooperation.

"And so, after almost a year, our forces have finally gathered."

Once again, I gazed upon the assembled army. A grand operation involving our three allied nations, the Church's forces, and two more allied nations coming from the opposite side of the country, for a total of five nations plus one faction.

"This is the maximum force we can currently muster. Though it seems only our own army will follow orders properly."

The other nations' armies maintained that they would only obey the orders of their own commanders.

"I can only hope they don't attack our soldiers under the guise of 'stray arrows'...."

Hah, but I suppose it's better than having no one. Everything is for the sake of defeating the daughter of the Great Duke of the Cursed Sea, the White Serpent Duchess!!

"Right, give the order for the entire army to advance!"

"Yes, sire!"

I gave the order to the knight at my side, and the sound of large instruments echoed from the army below.

""""Victory to His Majesty the King!!""""

With the reliable roar of the knights, the army began to move. Along with them, the allied knight orders and the Church's holy knight order also began to advance.

Then, small units of knights broke away from the allied knight orders and began riding their horses in a completely different direction.

"What is that?!"

Why aren't they heading towards Fenesia Town?! At first, I thought it was a scout or a messenger, but there were too many of them, and they were clearly moving away from the main army.

"What is the meaning of this?! I want an explanation!"

Are they betraying us at this crucial moment and planning to invade our country?! I waited for the report, filled with dread. Soon, the knight I had sent as a messenger returned.

"Your Majesty, I have inquired about the reason for the allied forces' departure."

"Yes, and what was it?"

"Sire, it seems the territories of the lords participating in the army are being attacked by a horde of undead, and they have hastily retreated to defend their lands."

"...Pardon?"

The allied nations' territories are under attack?! This was the beginning of the most disastrous incident in the kingdom's history. Ah, my stomach is starting to hurt again...