The Girl Who Eats the God of Death

Chapter 11 - Absinthe Favors No Tara

At about the same time as the welcoming event "Honorate Commander Next Supreme Commander David" held in the VIP room of Belta Castle:

Schera and his cavalrymen undertook a most important task on behalf of the supreme envoy Belta–flag Third Army of the destroyer emblem which almost caused defeat for the Kingdom. Everything will be removed and replaced with the victory flag of the Fourth Army... That's orders from the superiors.

In the simplest terms, it was an insult from the Fourth Army on Schera. According to the officer, "You are indeed in accordance with these kinds of strange works." This kind of treatment was not only imposed on Schera, but on everyone from the Third Army as well.

It is impossible for the combination of the foreign soldiers coming from the northern areas and the soldiers defending Belta and Antigua to go well. They hate each other, and fights happen everywhere because of trivial matters. Thus, even when they removed unnecessary flags, ridicule and insults could be heard all around. Seeing the flags of the Third Army stacked up like a mountain, Vander complained curiously.

"......Should I be a craftsman, a flag embroider?...I definitely fold the flag."

He removed the flag from his pole, and then replaced it with a new one. He was fed up with it, to the point that he was about to faint.

"Grow your hands, not your mouth. There are still a few hundred more as you can see."

"Yes.... About 1,000 I guess..."

"Ahh-, I'm hungry. It's really healthy to be in this bright sun. Does anyone have lunch?"

"Nothing, Major. I think General David's place has food. The food was piled high like a mountain. They must have had a delicious dish."

"Second Lieutenant Vander, are you going there to get me some food?"

"I'm sorry, I can't follow that order. Personally, I don't want to be thrown in jail, and I can't escape like you do, Major."

When Vander joked, Katarina threw the war flag she was holding on Vander.

"Woy, didn't I tell you to do the job? We won't finish today if this is how it is!"

"Yes yes. I understand, Second Lieutenant Quarantine is amazing. .....Major, we'll do the rest. A commanding officer doing such trivial tasks would endanger our dignity."

"As he said, Major Schera. There's no need for the Major to do this kind of thing!"

Katarina raised her voice. This is not a job for a hero. However, Schera nonchalantly continued the work.

"I don't know what dignity you mean, but just give it to the dog. I have some free time, so I don't mind. Besides, look. The guys from my unit are doing something interesting."

At the place where Schera pointed, a group of soldiers carrying paint was making a fuss for some reason. It seems they are repainting the Third Army flag. A warrior who seemed to have artistic skills was holding a brush and carefully moving his hands.

".....What the fuck are they doing there? Looks like they wrote something."

When Vander focused his eyes, they had already finished drawing it black seemingly. They turned it into a flag suitable for Schera.

"They say they use unused ingredients with effective use. Let's just say it's garbage, so nobody cares, I give them permission. Those items can still be used, and it would be useless if they were thrown away."

".....If they acted like that themselves, they would be scolded again. Looks like they've been watched."

Katarina warns, but Schera does not listen.

"I don't really care. If you're just being watched, it's no effect."

Muttering that he did not care, Schera continued her work. Many members of the cavalry group, saying that it was perfect, cheered happily. They tied him to a stick and roared him. A white bird emblem was drawn flying on a black background.

".....What do you think it was? A bird, right?"

"She said a white crow. He said that in his hometown, it was a sacred bird that governed life and death, and he thought it suited me and I really wanted to make it. I don't think the results are really good."

"Does such a crow really exist?"

"If there is, I want to eat it. I wonder what it's like."

A white crow is also known as a good omen for people. The bird does not really exist. The soldiers, thinking of Schera as the God of Death, thought it was an appropriate symbol. When the Schera name is widely spread, this flag will have a special meaning. Just looking at it would make the person facing it tremble in fear. Just by holding it, it would make one's blood boil and no longer fear death.

Everything was because these people, filled with anticipation, were doing their own duties for the sake of their superior officers which aroused a sense of awe.

"Fixed, isn't a black flag unpleasant? And not only that, just making a flag with a symbol is something that is forbidden."

"It won't happen because I'm already a noble. There won't be a problem if I say it's the new emblem of the Zade family. Well, if it's still a problem, we just say we don't know anything about it. ......More importantly, is there anything to eat?"

“—Ah, I have candy. Do you want to?"

Catherine took out a small jar from her pocket. It seems that he deliberately brought it in for his superior officer. He thought sweets were still more acceptable than eating bread in the middle of important conversations. According to what Katarina heard, rumors say that Schera ate nuts at the time of the previous war meeting. Katarina, who guessed that this was not a rumor but more like the real truth, had given up on making sure of it. Of course he didn't want to ask something like, "Did you eat beans at a war meeting?"

"Thank you much. Where do I want to."

"Please."

Unconcerned about the soldiers rushing towards her, she began to taste the hard candy Katarina offered. It just tastes sweet without any other taste. Resisting the urge to bite her, she savored the sweet taste of the candy with her tongue.

"We've finished it, Major Schera! What do you think of this symbol!?"

"Ah, yes. Very good I guess. It's fantastic."

"Thank you very much! We'll make this flag the flag of our unit, the Schera Cavalry!"

"certainly certainly. Very good I guess. Great thinking."

At the soldier who asked excitedly whether the flag for the Schera unit was good or not, Schera nodded and agreed. He doesn't care about the flag. There is no problem because it is different between friends and opponents. But what he was thinking was unknown to the man. The man's face blushed in delight as he was praised by his valiant and admirable commander. He waved the flag over his head, flaunting it. The white crow flew while shining from the sunlight. Shortly after his satisfaction, he turned 180 degrees and faced his comrades.

And then, "We'll paint all the flags over there!" With that frightening statement, he once again began to set his job. He may have slowly been affected by the personality of his commander.

".....Their morale is quite high. There was a huge difference when compared to the soldiers from the other units. I think their trust in you is more than enough proof."

Katarina said, and pushed the end of her glasses. This is not a compliment or a lick. Actually, just try to hear their conversation: "Schera congratulated me! You may think I'm exaggerating, but I see it with my own eyes!" he said out loud.

"We've been together a long time, haven't we? Since Antigua fell I guess. Their commander also lost and died in a one-on-one fight."

Everyone who used to be on top of it was mostly dead or in misfortune, Schera thought casually. Maybe that means that Yalder, who is still alive, will be considered happy. For a moment, Schera thought that he might be the bearer of misfortune, but instead, there were people he saved as well, so he readjusted his thoughts.

Being an omen that governed life and death, Schera stared at the white bird carved on the black armor he was wearing. He didn't think of anything. Oh yeah, he hasn't eaten bird meat in a long time.

".....I heard that Major Schera took temporary command afterwards. You kill the enemy commander and complete your mission. The cavalrymen were proud to talk about it. They say you command like a veteran officer."

"Although I find it strange. Faster than I could think, my mouth and body moved on their own. Well, we survived and were able to eat food again, it was definitely something to be grateful for. Most of them made it back."

Schera bit the hard candy. Exactly, he couldn't resist. He couldn't help it, and completely******** the candy with his molar.

He thought about taking another candy bar, but it seemed that the flow of his conversation was not appropriate. Schera held him back, and he kept hearing their talk. He held on, but a white round food figure flashed across him. He probably attributed this to the meat of the previous bird.

"Maybe our help is not needed. Actual combat experience is hundreds of times more useful than empty theory."

"certainly. It is said that one experience is better than one hundred knowledge."

Katarina agreed with Vander's comments. They had experience in subduing bandits, but had no experience participating in actual battles. They certainly had knowledge, but whether they could utilize it or not, depended on their decisions on the battlefield. That means Schera has the ability as a commander, that's what they think.

A fool should not survive.

—But, thought Katarina,

What if that fool had enough courage to destroy that belief?

Might as well...

Brave enough to be called the God of Death, what was the scene like. He turned to look at Schera, but his hand stopped and he looked at the sky in a doldrums.

"—Keep that aside. I think I want to eat eggs. Decompose the egg."

Schera said haphazardly.

"W-What?"

“Mayor Schera?”

"You know, an egg! Immediately eating is much more important than theory. All I learned in actual combat was a lot of food needed for the battle. —And therefore, I leave the rest to the two of you. I have to get back to my own job."

"Good," Schera said as she stood up and hurriedly walked over to the barracks. They both followed him, and there they found Schera peeling an egg cheerfully.

The Royal Forces and the Royal Capital Liberation Army are competing for dominance over the Central Border Zone. The reason why this location was so valuable would be seen if one looked at the map of the continent. The territory controlled by the Yuze Kingdom divided the continent from northwest to southeast. The western part was the Keyland Empire, and the eastern area was the Dolebacks Union. The Central Border Zone was the only area belonging to the Kingdom that restricted the other two countries. Of course, many people passed by here, and naturally, the region prospered. Growing trade. The area is currently under embargo, but the area has done nothing to check people in and out. If people come in and out, then it's clear the goods will also flow.

In addition, the region had vast plains and the Alucia River as its source of water, and fertile soil. One could expect a harvest from the warm climate, and it could even send items through the water by using the river. Naturally, the cities in the region were extremely prosperous and heavily populated. The Empire and Union territories were also controlled. In this area which is the border of the three countries, there is a metropolis that is the center of the continent of Mundo Novo.

It was the Holy Land of the Three Star Order, the main religion in the continent (and currently divided due to factional disputes), and the Academy City of Arte, the main religion in the continent, who has a Labyrinth known as the nesting place of the demons. It was formerly called the Labyrinth City of Arte.

It was a neutral metropolis that was not part of a country, but it was defended domestically and internationally by armed forces to protect it from invading the Order. If the Order issues hostile acts, it is certain that followers in every country will take up arms.

This Diera, it's all to protect their neutral, temporary peace.

In the northern region of the Central Border Zone, where it could generate substantial gains, rebel forces emerged to seize those gains. The government cannot ignore this. The Empire clearly intervened, and as a result, the Kingdom had to crush the rebellion in their early stages.

The result was that they suffered heavy losses with the fall of Antigua, a base of the southern Border Zone.

Currently, the situation is that Salvador and Antigua in the west face Belta in the east with the Alucia River separating them. Losing Belta meant losing their control of the Central Border Zone, and the impact, the road to the Royal Capital would be wide open. It must be prevented by all means.

Therefore, Sharov, the Supreme Commander of the Royal Army, gave a strict order not to let the rebels cross the Alucia River. Although the Liberation Army might be expanding, there was still a limit on how much they could support. If they devoted themselves to protecting the Alucia River, it was possible to act as a vanguard, Sharov had calculated. And as they were annihilated by the Rebel Army, Sharov thought of deploying the First Army, and pinning down the Rebel Forces from the North and East using a large army.

—Although unfortunate, the plan was rejected.

If this plan is used, the Liberation Army will definitely be in crisis.

Although they were Liberation Army, they also considered that they were unwilling to incur any more debt to the Imperial Forces that helped them. The Liberation Army did not aim to expand the Empire's power. They rose to overthrow the current kingdom.

Coincidentally, it was very simple why the Union in the South had not moved. They just observe the situation, send things, and earn money. There is no need to participate and lose military power. Moreover, the country gathered various small groups of cities, and thus, it took a long time to make up its mind. A leader is elected by election, but whenever a decision has to be made, it will be taken by the most votes, many civil meetings that last a very long time.

In this status quo where they have become completely independent of the Kingdom, all cities lead to an agreement, assuming that expansion of policy beyond this is futile. Everyone understands that, in a situation where they get a new country, there will be great chaos over who will rule. Disputes will be fiercer than those between two different countries, and the amount of bloodshed will be enormous. Therefore, they will not fight. It will take money, people will die, and when cities become ruins, it will not be profitable.

To what extent other countries are at war, there is certainly no need to worry. They'll party, sell weapons and supplies. Trading on the war. Their trading partners were the Empire, and later the Royal Capital Liberation Army. As for their opponent, the Kingdom side, a trade embargo would have left him devastated.

Then for smuggling, they will slam prices and buy cheap, put up discounts and sell in large quantities. Gold in abundance and items were the strongest weapons. That's the Union's current course of action.

Report from the Armed Spy.

—About the movement of each country.

yuze Kingdom: Reinforcements from the northwest to the Central Border Zone. General Yalder has been demoted. The new one is General David.

- Dolebacks Union: Maintaining observations. No sign of military movement.

the Keyland Empire: In the process of concentrating forces in the northwest.

—Custom issues.

about General David. About the reinforcements.

the rumored "God of Death" in the Liberation Army.

reports from spies. The enemy is still in process. About the acquisition of goods.

Reporting endless detailed reports results in undisclosed information.

After taking a quick look, he thanked the spy for his hard work.

"......Goody. Continue your work."

"86-"

"Make sure that it is not known to the Empire's spies. It would be dangerous if the Empire knew."

"As I have informed you. Leave it to me."

The Liberation Army Tactician, Diener, pondered as he stared at the report. The spy came out of the room. Diener has invested his own private property and trained the abilities of competent people. There were also skilled Archers recruited from the Labyrinth City.

The Armed Intelligence Unit he personally organized was a secret unit that was even kept secret from Altura, let alone the people from the Liberation Army. They acted as if they were ordinary soldiers, but they were like actors who did not show their true faces. One person bears the dirty work, that is the duty of the Tactician. In order to keep his Highness Princess pure, one had to do so.

Material is needed for struggle–who collects the materials? Where collect? Where did all the resources for the development of the Liberation Army come from? Was the Empire that easy to provide them with item support at all times?

—No. The effects of a bad harvest were also experienced by the Empire, and the necessary items were unable to adequately supply them.

There was no support from the Union at the beginning. The Liberation Army's finances are actually very thin.

Where did they get those things from? Why aren't they bankrupt? Answer's simple. They will "collect" quite a lot from certain places. In enemy territory but still within range, there were many "warehouses" that could be looted, those warehouses were "unawakened" and "already neglected". All the evil will be borne by the Royal Army. Actually, the Kingdom did too, so no one is wiser here.

The realization of a dream requires the necessary compensation.

Altura doesn't need to know. If he doesn't stay pure, people won't follow him. It is this heroic girl figure that all men give up dreaming of getting her, will be seen as the most shining.

Altura has said that he is a resolution. In this case, Diener would make Altura a symbol of the Royal Capital Liberation Army forever.

Diener has decided. For the sake of Altura's ideals, he would make any effort, and bear all the habits alone.

"......But, still not enough. Very few people are determined. Need another push."

He closed his eyes and began to refine the plan for the future. His Free Army colleagues had to do it without coercion, otherwise it would be useless. They will win their right to live with their own hands. Their spirit is lacking. They have the ability, and he has to prepare his way. All that was left was fuel to make them last until the end. In order for this hell-like Kingdom to change its current state, it must be razed to the ground.

An incompetent King. The soldiers are only for self-protection. The corruption government officer. Nobles enjoy endless luxuries through the money of the people. Taxes increased many times. War spending increased. Decreased population. Starve and suffocate. Oil is needed to burn the Royal Capital. A demonic liquid condensed like black mud.

That is what is called "Devil in a Bottle", and it will surely burn people's souls into a fierce blaze.

Sacrificing one person after another hundred. Whether this is right or wrong, it may be answered in the future. If they win, tens of thousands of lives could be saved under Altura.

(A Saviour who liberates cruel oppression, or a ruthless rebel army. —What will we be like?)

He asked himself, even though there was no one around. If he carries out this plan, it will give an indelible mark. Is he ready for that? Does he have the heart to do it? Diener slowly opened her eyes, and she burned reports that she was not allowed to remain using the flame from the candle.

—There is no turning back. If so, he decided to move forward. It doesn't matter though that he has to get up on the ground.

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Translator Note :

Absinthe: an alcoholic beverage known as Devil in a Bottle. The Japanese call it Devil's Liquor.