Chapter 317: A Brief Interlude (Piata Empire 2)
“So, what brings you here…?”
Inside the tent where she was invited, the furnishings were well arranged, complete with a table and chairs that seemed intended for receiving guests.
To begin, she was offered fragrant tea and sweets. Both were in remarkably good condition.
“Well, well. There’s no need to rush, Your Highness. You’ve endured quite a lot until now. Why not take your time and relax here today?”
“I see…”
Princess Niata Piata, the Imperial Elder Sister, had retreated to this fortress to protect the young Second Prince and the Emperor’s daughter, all while safeguarding the bloodline of the Imperial Family.
The Emperor had remained until the very end of the defense of the Imperial Capital, where he was presumed to have fallen in battle. The First Prince had gone missing after being dispatched to the initial border defense, and within the Imperial Family, he was also considered dead.
Now, the Imperial Guard led by the Princess had taken position at this fortress, establishing it as the frontline resistance stronghold of the Piata Empire.
Due to supply issues, they could not retreat any further.
Originally, this unit had been composed of several hundred Imperial Guardsmen, but repeated retreats had reduced their numbers, leaving just over a hundred now.
They had steeled themselves for a determined fight to the last, and it was at this moment that reinforcements had arrived.
“However, the speed of the monk soldiers from the Prava Divine Nation is beyond our expectations. They may attack this fortress as soon as tomorrow…”
“Rest assured, Princess Niata. The Prava Divine Nation has completely halted their advance for the past month. They are positioned approximately 40 Talfar… about 13 miles from here, and there has been no sign of them moving forward. The reconnaissance unit of the Kingdom of Repuitari has confirmed this.”
“Is that so…!”
Niata’s eyes widened at this information.
“However, just recently, we received word that the western Trayu Fortress has fallen…”
“Ah…”
At those words, the man across from her lowered his gaze.
“Trayu Fortress has, unfortunately, fallen to bandits.”
It was then that a young soldier, who had been quietly enjoying the sweets beside the man, answered the Princess’s question.
No.
Given her presence here, she likely held a rank of some sort. Though it was their first meeting, Niata could make such deductions.
“It was likely an attack by deserters or remnants of defeated soldiers. The order within the Empire has collapsed. You must gather your domestic forces and restore public order, including addressing this issue.”
“We of the Kingdom of Repuitari shall supply the necessary resources for that. However, we can discuss the more complicated matters tomorrow. For now, please take a rest. If you do not allow your body to recuperate, you won’t be able to think clearly.”
As the eldest member of the Imperial Family present, Niata bore a heavy burden of responsibility. She could not place such a weight on the young prince. Nor could she entrust it to her niece, who had just reached adulthood after being raised in luxury.
With little sleep and dwindling forces, the domestic situation was dire, and securing supplies was a challenge. It was only because they were elite soldiers, well-trained Imperial Guardsmen, that they had managed to reach this point without rebellion.
“At the very least, you can leave the maintenance of public order in this area to us. I understand you have many concerns, but first and foremost, you must rest. The Imperial Guardsmen should also take a moment to relax tonight. We have managed to stabilize the town below with the supplies we brought. While many decisions lie ahead, you need not worry about compensation for support until tomorrow. Please, rest easy.”
This declaration implied that they would seek compensation for future support, but it was still far more reassuring than being told they would help without any strings attached.
Finally, the remaining forces of the Piata Imperial Family could settle down.
Currently, the rightful heir was the First Prince. Here, they would formally declare the recovery of their homeland, demonstrating the unwavering authority of the Imperial Family that had resisted until the end.
“What?! The surviving members of the Imperial Family… and the Second Prince has been found?”
This urgent news arrived just before the declaration of the advance of the Territory Recovery Army. A wave of agitation swept through the Belerforesti Nation, which was preparing to mobilize its forces under the pretext of a request from the exiled government.
“I had heard that the Imperial Family was completely wiped out! If that is the case, it would tarnish the legitimacy of our army!”
“We will confirm this immediately! However, this report was officially conveyed by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Repuitari! If we advance without verifying the facts, it could lead to significant issues later on!”
“I understand! Damn it, if only we had one more day…!”
The timing could not have been worse. The declaration of the recovery of the territory was scheduled to be officially announced in just a few hours, and now information that could cast doubt on its legitimacy had arrived.
Naturally, the Kingdom of Repuitari would have recorded the exact time of the report. There would be no excuse for claiming ignorance.
While the Belerforesti Nation was among the higher-ranking nations in the region, it lacked the strength to openly defy the southern superpower, the Kingdom of Repuitari. Moreover, the recovery army was being formed with the expectation of support supplies from the Kingdom of Repuitari. If that support were to be cut off, the damage to the domestic economy would be incalculable.
“…Halt the declaration. We need to hold a meeting with the Kingdom of Repuitari immediately!”
Subsequently, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Repuitari announced the cessation of support to the exiled government of the Piata Empire, demanding their integration with the domestic Imperial Family.
Naturally, the command of the assembled recovery army was requested to be handed over to the Piata Imperial Family. It was unacceptable to allow a military without command authority to cross borders and operate freely within the country.
They sought a compromise for a joint operation as allied forces, but the Kingdom of Repuitari refused outright. They were well aware of the Belerforesti Nation’s intentions.
That said, the territory of the Piata Empire was vast. Regaining control over an area that had become a lawless zone was no small task. The Kingdom of Repuitari was also searching for a way to utilize the troops of the Belerforesti Nation, which would likely have some degree of control.
“…To maintain order in the liberated areas?”
“Yes, indeed. The Piata Empire is unwilling to relinquish governing authority. However, there is a shortage of personnel for maintaining order. Someone must take on that responsibility. The Piata Empire seems to be considering winning over local influential figures, but that may not go as smoothly as they hope.”
The affairs within the Empire should be resolved by its citizens. This was necessary for the legitimacy of future governance. However, in reality, achieving that in the current situation was extremely difficult.
Many residents had scattered, turned to banditry, and refugees displaced from their homes were settling everywhere. Naturally, it was impossible to know who was living where at this moment. In such circumstances, it was unfeasible to operate a cohesive security organization with substantial military strength.
The Belerforesti Nation’s army would take on that role, using it as a stepping stone to gain influence, and the Kingdom of Repuitari declared it would turn a blind eye to this action.
“Of course, if they engage in unlawful acts, they will face scrutiny from other nations. However, if they focus on maintaining order, adequately assist the residents, and earn their trust, it will be clear where the sentiments of the populace will lie.”
“I see… There is merit in considering this. I shall take this proposal back for further examination.”
“Make your conclusion swiftly. The longer you wait, the smaller the reasons for inviting you will become.”
Human desires are insatiable, and nations are at odds. The seeds of war are never-ending, and grudges accumulate without limit. The desires of the superior intelligence entities are also swelling… they are doing as they please. Deterrence? Eve-chan? She watches with a smile.
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★ The first draft of Volume 3 has been completed! E-books are available on platforms like Amazon and BOOK☆WALKER.
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