The Girl Who Eats the God of Death

Chapter 15 - Even Foul Fruits From A Far Look Delicious

One of the causes of the decline of the Kingdom could be said to be due to heavy taxation. The rich lived luxuriously, but the majority of the citizens of the Kingdom were made up of extremely oppressed peasants. Cruel tax collectors often do their best and take on existing property. Punishment will be given to those who do not pay the amount set. The same is true if they refuse to be conscripted. The farmers are fed up with it.

Nevertheless, the people who rebelled were very few, because they were used to being suppressed. Despite the deadly toil, though everyone will starve and die, they will not kill. But, when the danger to one's life is really approaching, anyone will take up arms.

Humans are not creatures who will just give up their necks. They won't be victims.

What turned the lament of these people into anger was one incident.

–It was a Quiet Rebellion.

(Tl note: "Quiet" is not the Indonesian translation, but it is called "Tenang Rebellion")

After winning the battle a few days ago, the Royal Capital Liberation Army moved the headquarters from Fort Salvador to Antigua Branch Castle. They did that because there was an appeal about slowly approaching to the royal capital. They also have control of the Great Bridge of Sulawesi. Right now, they were seizing every fort and town in the Belta area. Then, if the Belta Castle where David was exiled also fell, the Central Border Zone would be completely controlled by the Liberation Army. It would strengthen their footing, and it was also increasingly possible to launch an attack towards the Royal Capital.

As the Liberation Army continued to win in succession, the strength of their officers and men would become stronger. Although the fallen victims were not few, for the sake of the oppressed citizens, they would voluntarily enter into battle. Everyone carried the hopes and dreams of their young symbols. Princess Altura.

–Antigua Branch Castle Meeting Room. Military officers and civilian officers gathered.

Here, topics related to military matters, financial matters, government and diplomacy are debated, and where Altura will give his verdict. Since they were currently expanding their sphere of influence, there were countless obstacles. What they are discussing now is regarding the aftermath of the battle of the Alucia River.

"–In the previous battle, was there really a lot of civilian casualties ? Why did Borjek have to die?"

Altura asked. Colonel Borjek served long before he made an army and was a very meritorious man, always taking care of him. Borjek excelled in leadership and was a soldier Altura could trust. Altura wanted to fight with him. Altura wanted Borjek to take notice of him.

The generals present at the time also put up grim majah. On that issue, Diener the Tactician reported that it was "The Truth".

"Yes. The unarmed civilians who were in a safe place in the back were attacked by the Royal cavalry. Making a surprise attack, the group from the Kingdom began to storm them, slaughtering the citizens. Deciding to stop this atrocity, Colonel Borjek came forward, and though he valiantly resisted, he was killed in the battle. However, thanks to his noble sacrifice, he managed to save many citizens. Colonel Borjek did not die in vain."

At Diener's words, the military officers displayed expressions of anger. Those people are a disgrace to the military. Has the kingdom rotted to this extent? thought they. One group of people certainly realized that the "Truth" had changed when it was reported. But they did not raise their voices. They thought it was not entirely a lie.

“....Diener. You said there would be no injuries to the people. That's why I approved your fake soldier plan. Then, how can we end up with such results?”

“I did not expect that an officer from the Kingdom would take the initiative and target the citizens only. They hunt the weak, and they enjoy the slaughter as they please. It's like animal behavior. They might not have the pride of being knights. It was entirely my fault.”

Of course, he had expected the possibility that there would be casualties among civilians. If his plans go smoothly, he will treat the citizens as heroes. If they were caught in battle and became victims, he would call it a tragedy. It would boost morale, and he would use it as material to spread baseless rumors, he thought.

It is indeed the truth that they, the unarmed citizens and citizens of the kingdom, were killed. He will use that "truth" while exaggerating, and spreading it, further spreading the bad reputation of the Kingdom. He had already given a secret order and sent his agents to the Belta area. Sooner or later the fruits of his hard work will be seen.

“Give the families of the victims allowance. They help our dreams and lose their precious lives. We must honor their sacrifice and realize our ideal. Diener, help us.”

“Siap-leave it to me. I'll give the grief family a decent allowance.”

“.....Next report.”

Hearing the words of Princess Altura, a civil officer read the document aloud.

“A request for help came from a village under the control of the Liberation Army. It was a request that said they wanted goods and supplies because they were in poverty. ....There are still many like this.”

Many letters about the unfortunate condition were addressed to Altura.

“Diener. Do we have surplus goods?”

His views led to Diener the Tactician, who responded without a change in expression.

“We may not have that much surplus, but we must not ignore them. In any case, the biggest cause we face is to bring down the current monarchy and save the citizens of the Kingdom who are suffering. That future will not come to those who do not care about the people below.”

“Then, give them a donation. Show them the morality of our Liberation Army. As soon as possible, we must remove the incompetent Kristoff from the throne.”

“I understand. Leave the goods problem to me. We have received long support from Empire– as a result of the Princess never faltering and betraying her faith.”

Many civil officers directed their gazes at Diener with gazes asking, "what are you saying?", but, Altura showed no sign of being aware of their attitude. If someone talks about civil officers, they all know they have no surplus in their finances at the moment. Since they wanted to take control of Belta, their tax revenues were not very high. It still took a while until the chaos subsided and they set up a system of government.

Diener ignored the gazes from the group of civil officers.

“I beg of you, Diener. I will emphasize hard work on you.”

“Those words alone are enough for me, Diener.”

Diener closed her eyes and lowered her head. Seeing that, Altura nodded.

“Is there any other reports?”

“………..”

“Then, we end here today. If anything happens, tell me.” immediately

“—-Ready-, 86.”

As Altura left her seat, the generals saluted and followed her. The remaining ones were Diener, still sitting in the meeting room, and the deputy commander of the Liberation Army, Prince Alan.

Alan approached Diener's side, and spoke in a soft voice.

“....Diener. You, are you planning on doing that again? Do you really think this is true? You don't know when Altura will find out.”

Alan learns of Diener's activities from an Imperial agent. It was not something that could be expressed, and there was a strict condition on the people who participated. The spy agencies were Alan's friends, so he could trust them. Of course he did not tell his hometown, the Empire, because in the future, it could be a weakness.

But, if that's intolerable, he's planning on throwing Diener away. Alan can't let him be the cause of the Liberation Army's destruction.

“Surely, I was very careful that I would not be caught. I only allow my own mercenaries to do so. As long as they are paid with big money, they will not open their mouths. In fact they enjoy doing it.”

He had no idea how many hamlets they were attacking. They would loot while disguised as Royal soldiers. From the beginning they were the ones who robbed. They are happy to do their job. It only led to looting, they had been given instructions not to kill if possible.

Because in the end, these citizens will be under the control of the Liberation Army. Their labor is valuable. If his mercenaries became so brash and uncontrollable, all he needed to do was to get rid of them and hire another mercenary. That's a very simple thing. The mercenaries were not Liberation Army comrades, only disposable pawns.

“………..”

Alan listened in silence.

Diener continued his words indifferently.

“More, I can't just pop things up. The world is not that good. No matter what method I use, I will definitely get it. For the sake of our growing Liberation Army, and for the sake of supporting citizens entering our jurisdiction. To bring peace requires investment. These are emergency measures until we can expect stable tax revenue. ....Nevertheless, this should be the last.”

Quietly but quickly Diener explained. The Central Border Zone was the beginning of a fertile region. If they raise the morale of the peasants and create a suitable government, it will surely become rich. They can also expect trade with each country's borders. They would fix excessive tax rates, clean up the property of government officers and feudal lords, and conduct a thorough renewal.

The Liberation Army had lured them, secured their social positions, revoked their political interference, and stolen their ability to resist. When they realize that they have been deceived, things may come to an end. The Royal Capital Liberation Army had taken drastic steps in their task to remove the thorns in the flesh.

However, in order to achieve it, they needed great support from the citizens, otherwise, it would end up as a mere dream.

A push was needed to turn the resentment of the citizens towards the Kingdom into support for the Liberation Army.

“This time is last? What do you mean Diener?”

“If we master the Central Border Zone, there is no need to use this troublesome thing anymore. Also, this last "Commodity Procurement Operation" would be the final blow to Belta Castle. After suffering a heartbreaking defeat, this time was the best chance to remove the Kingdom's authority over this region.”

Diener opened the map on the table and pointed at Belta Castle. Behind it is the town of Calm with a red mark on the map. It was a place that was not included in their mastery plan.

“We have taken control of the fortresses in the front line of Belta. What else are you planning? Didn't wait for the right time and besiege Belta's main castle?”

“—-not enough. Still not enough. Definitely not enough. For the sake of our resurrection, it must be a fire strong enough to burn the whole Kingdom to the ground.... Commander David may no longer be able to move. He was terrified and only strengthened the defenses, the Kingdom soldiers were in a state of chaos, the citizens were filled with dissatisfaction, and the spread of ugliness. After that, just need to turn on the fire.”

“......You, what the fuck are you thinking?”

As Alan looked at him with a worried look, Diener replied indifferently with a calm expression.

“Of course, just a victory for the Liberation Army, and dethroned the current ruler. My life's purpose is just this. The Royal Capital Liberation Army is everything to me.”

“What does Altura's idealist really have in you? Isn't this too reckless? The most misleading of Altura's idealists, Diener, isn't that you?”

“Clean warfare does not exist in this world, His Highness Prince Alan. It was because, only a cruel reality made one want to turn their eyes away... But there are also things to know. Princess Altura is as noble as she should be. People see their aspirations in the Princess. So does a man covered in sin like myself.”

He stood up from his chair, faced Prince Alan, and looked into his eyes.

"....Prince Alan. Cooperation needed. I want you to carry this dirty work with me. I want you to dirty yourself with enough disgrace to stain your soul and blood. We will cover ourselves with sin. After this war is over, I will bear all my sins alone."

Diener placed a bet. He already knew that this man had personal feelings for Altura. Diener also realized that these emotions far outweighed her affection for her hometown. He'll take advantage of that and pull Alan to his side. He's gonna tie Alan up so he can't come back. This man could be expected to play the role of negotiator with the Empire. Diener wants to lure him in every way.

“………..”

“………..”

Alan did not answer immediately. It takes determination and determination to accept this offer. He has to make sure he has it. To immediately stop the selfish motives he might have, his hand reached for his sword.

“………..Is this really for Altura's sake?”

“Thus the ideal belongs to Princess Altura will remain pure. Someone has to protect him from this dirty mud. We will be a shield. I want you to assume that role on the Princess' side.”

“………..I-i understand. I'll listen. Do as you want.”

After a long silence, Alan agreed.

Diener spoke slowly. Altura would definitely be wrathful if she heard this plan. This is the opposite of Altura's idealism. It was sacrificing some people in order to save more people. It wouldn't be strange if Altura executed him in such a situation. The other officers in charge probably won't stay silent either. Actually, hearing this matter, Alan himself was also emotional, and he grabbed Diener's collar.

–For the sake of victory for the Royal Capital Liberation Army, Diener sold his soul.

* * * * *

In a place located in the east some distance from Belta Castle is a city called Calm. Protected by short fortresses, it is an ordinary and simple village with no striking features.

In that village, the farmers of the neighboring villages suddenly gathered and shouted furiously. Each of the men held a perfunctory weapon and filled with anger, they walked closer to the feudal lord's residence. It was a city with no solid defenses other than its fortresses. The soldiers who tried to block them were pushed back and beaten all out. The townspeople were shocked and did not leave their homes. They don't want to get involved.

“““We already paid our taxes as we already said. We have complied with repeated demands. But why did you kill us? Do you intend to steal our souls?”””, they said.

The feudal lords did not understand what they were saying. Indeed, he put up high taxes. He also requested goods due to orders from the Kingdom and funded the war.

But there is no order that mentions murder. They are part of a valuable army of workers belonging to the kingdom not without reason. The farmers are squeezed to dry, to the point that enough daily is already heavy. If not, they will have no tax revenue. That's why they won't be killed.

"I don't understand what you're saying. But what you did is unforgivable. Get out and get back to your work. Further action would be considered treason against the Kingdom, and everyone would be arrested." the ruler's response.

The farmers don't care. The massacre is currently taking place in a neighboring plantation village. Survivors are very few. And also, everyone had seen the figure of the Royal soldiers. How could they trust the words of someone who always pressured them?

Although he was a feudal lord, it was difficult for him to force the peasants to retire. The soldiers had lost the battle earlier, and the city guards were few in number, the farmers came in number far exceeding the guards. When he thought about how to deceive and calm them.

From his building an arrow shot. The arrow stuck to the chest of a woman holding a baby in the crowd.The feudal lord gave no order to attack. But an arrow was fired.

Silence enveloped the surroundings, now filled with bloodlust. Then, it immediately exploded.

"Kill him, kill him!" the order was handed down, and the peasants stormed into the feudal lord's residence.

The bodies of the soldiers were stabbed by farming equipment, and they died. Luxurious items and all artwork were destroyed. The ruler and his family were dragged out and burned alive. His residence was burned, and the town of Calm was completely overrun by peasants. The weak ones who gained victory over their misfortune with their own hands cried out in joy. As someone shouted "Horeeeee!", everyone followed and shouted repeatedly.

–At the end, the flag that was hoisted aloft was the flag of the Royal Capital Liberation Army.

* * * * *

David was in a state of panic, hearing that they had lost the calm that was behind the city. Moreover, a feudal lord was killed by the peasants and made a city of the Kingdom fall.

He panicked because their retreat had been cut off, "It is absurd that the peasants could kill the feudal lord. Kill them all", he issued an arbitrary order, and immediately sent 2,000 infantry to Calm. The peasants fought back, but in the end, they were just ordinary people who had never received training. Within hours, the gate was broken and the city was attacked. All those who took part in the revolt were slaughtered, it was indiscriminate slaughter, be it young or old, male or female. There are also towns in it. All suspicious people were killed.

News of the "Squiet Uprising" and "Squiet Turmoil" spread throughout the Belta region, and many feudal lords trembled in fear of receiving hatred from the peasants. Many feudal lords, anxious that they would be killed as well, expressed support for the Liberation Army. The soldiers guarding the fortresses also lost their fighting spirit, and they threw away their swords and opened the gates. Most of them were peasants who were conscripted from a farming village in the Belta region.

In less than half a month, the Liberation Army had taken control of the towns and fortresses of the Belta region, and all that remained was Belta Castle. The kingdom had lost power in the Central Border Zone to that extent. The Fourth Army had been greatly weakened due to a series of defection and surrender, and now there was only an army of 10,000 who had to defend the castle.

David sends a request for emergency reinforcements to the Royal Capital, but the response is "Defend Belta to the last point of blood." As the Empire in the Northwest increased their movements, no idle troops could be sent as aid.

Commander Sharov suggested the First Army should be dispatched, but Chief Minister Farzam rejected it, saying it was unnecessary. What should be considered was the defense of the Royal Capital, and it would not agree to anything that would weaken those defenses.

After considering it, Sharov decided to send 5,000 of his troops as rear guards. They made an expedition to the Roshanak Fortress, which was interpreted as an outer wall for the Royal Capital area. After Belta fell, it could be that the Liberation Army went straight to the Royal Capital. To buy time, they had to hold the Liberation Army there for a while.

Roshanak is a fortress that is just a name. The walls are low, and are in the lowlands. General Yalder was appointed as his commander. "Don't act rashly and avoid excessive cravings" he was given strict orders. There were no voices of opposition from the generals. They consider him a disposable stone.

On the other side of the map, David who was in a disadvantageous state had rounded up his resolve. He won't approve the evacuation until the last blood. The goods continued to be brought to Belta Castle, and they strengthened their preparations for the invasion. It would be a battle of raiding without reinforcements. Before the battle, morale continued to decline.

* * * * *

As for Schera, he used all the money provided for the raid and bought a large amount of food.

Reports that the Liberation Army was on an expedition and was slowly approaching Belta Castle had entered. Of course, they could not buy from the neighboring cities, because they were no longer under the rule of the Kingdom. Since there was no other way, they called the merchants from the Alucia River, and bought from the merchants who came from the Union. They're being exploited all this time. The men sold cheaply to their partner, the Liberation Army, and raised the price against their rival, the Royal Army. So that their prospective customers will think well of them, of course they will. They will cover their deficit from their trading partner, the Kingdom.

The price jumped to five times the normal price. If you don't like it, don't buy it. That's what they say.

Schera's office space is filled with bags of dried food and wheat. Everything piled up to the point that someone could not pass, even Katarina was surprised to see it.

"With this much. Even though the castle supplies run out, we can last for a month. We ran out of money because of this. It's refreshing."

Schera said as she patted the satisfied grain bag, as if to say, "Look at this."

Katarina pushed her glasses and looked around. That was a good save, he thought.

–But.

"Major Schera. Although Major can isolate himself, we don't have that much stock."

If it was Schera, suppose the castle fell, he would lock himself in his office alone and would definitely show the will to fight. As long as there was food, he could fight. Katarina had a hope: she wanted to be in such a situation if possible.

How did Schera welcome her last moments? What kind of face is on his dead body? It was brazen, but he couldn't say that he wasn't interested. Although it was likely that he would also die afterwards, he would be careful not to die until then, Katarina thought. Will he be famous? Or will he be destroyed? What will happen is unclear. All he could do was support his superior officers with everything he had. Katarina strengthened her resolve.

"You don't have to worry. I'll give you food rations too. Food tastes better when eaten together. But, if my cavalrymen come to eat, this number will probably run out soon."

When he's not hungry, Schera has good humor.

"Thank you for the Major's kindness. However, we–"

"Well, we think later after the food's gone, because I feel hungry when I think. Oh yeah, what happened to Second Lieutenant Vander?"

"Ready, he locked himself in his room. He doesn't even show himself. I heard his physical condition is bad."

"Oh. Then it's okay. I'll go to Officer Sidamo's Staff after this. Just do what you think is right. Rest your body so you don't fall at crucial times."

"Understand!"

* * * * *

Schera headed to Sidamo's room and knocked on the door. Sidamo had been demoted from the post of Chief of Staff Officer and transferred to the officer's staff office. He was given the task of arranging materials by David.

"I'm Major Schera. You called sir?"

"Lake in."

"Excuse me!"

After raising his voice, he opened the door, and there was Sidamo with a grim face. Compared to the first time Schera met him, his face was chaotic. Sidamo might be worried. Schera did not ask because she did not care. Today he did not bring bread as a gift. He had eaten it before.

"Next time, Major Schera. As usual, I've heard about your fighting style. You might as well have protected General Yalder's honor recommending you.... It seems pointless to give you an adjutant."

"No, they're very helpful."

"Well good. I understand now that you are an existence that will not be killed easily. Your ugliness has also spread. The God of Death of the Kingdom, Major Schera Zade. A vile female commander who had slaughtered many officers, soldiers, and civilians. Isn't it like you were made an enemy by the Rebel Army?"

Black flag pictured white bird–In the previous Battle of Alucia Crossing, the name Schera immediately spread widely. Right now, he's the one who killed the commander of the Liberation Army the most. People from the Liberation Army no longer know about him. He was known as the worst enemy to be eliminated.

"Every sir, I kill people from the Rebel Army. Is there a problem, sir?"

"Nothing. Badness is a necessary part of a hero. If we win, the bad will turn into the opposite. You must behave as you have done until now."

Sidamo laughed cynically, then again put on a serious expression.

"Ready 86."

"Continue to the main problem, unfortunately, this Belta Castle might fall. No sign of reinforcements. And if the enemy encircles us, we can't stop them. From an objective point of view. We only have a month. There are a lot of irregularities. What I'm worried about is that there will be a huge surge in rebellion. Only God knows how long we can last."

Sidamo flatly said the fall from the castle. If his words were heard by the military police, he would definitely be detained. But lying doesn't change anything, so he's telling the truth.

The important thing for the raid battle was: the items, the morale of the soldiers, and the reinforcements that could be expected. No matter how high the defense of a castle is, it will be useless if the inside is rotten. In circumstances where there is less than one, it can be said that the fall is only a matter of time.

Schera listened quietly. No surprise in sight. His face showed that he really didn't care. Sidamo slowly began to feel irritated.

"When the push is heavy, take the soldiers and go to Roshanak Fort. It would be futile and foolish to let the cavalry die inside the castle. The time spent training them, the money, and the maintenance costs–all of it will be for naught. If you want to die, die outside the castle."

“Any pack-I will try my best to die outside the castle!”

Worried that Schera might not understand, Sidamo restated in a way that even this girl could understand.

"....In simple terms, do not consider the fate of this castle as your fate. Come on, fight to the end. Consult with your adjutants in detail. That's the point they're assigned to you."

“86-, I, Major Schera get it!”

"good. You can go!"

"Excuse me!"

Sidamo saw Schera walking away. As usual, he did not know if Schera was paying attention to someone who was talking, but he felt the unique impulse that brave soldiers had with long military service. If he saw Schera's fearsome fighting style, he considered it natural. If they lose this battle, Schera won't get a promotion, but either way, he deserves a medal. David's unit was able to escape thanks to Schera's attack from Sulawesi's Great Bridge.

Speaking of David, he fell down after losing the battle, and seems to be no longer able to rise. His glory has been extinguished, and the ugliness that he was the perpetrator of the atrocities has been widespread. His tarnished name will surely be passed down to posterity. History is written by the winner.

Sidamo guesses that David was planning to die here. If he wanted to leave, he would have run away a long time ago.

He would probably fight with pride to the end like a noble, and then die with satisfaction in the absence of any regrets.

Sidamo thought it was none of his business. His body has decreased. He was comfortable with that fact. But, he had no intention of dying in a place like this. It would be a futile death. He'll crawl up again anyhow.

He planned to survive Belta by all means.

(I can't die yet. There's still something I have to do.)

* * * * *

–Vander, shut himself in his office.

Since morning, he had been staring at the letter.

He's upset. It will affect the rest of his life. He should think about this. He exerted energy on his hand that was holding a brush, and slowly wrote a reply. After her stamp dried, after she looked around, she left her room.

"....With this, I can't go back anymore huh. Who smiles at me later, will it be a Goddess, or a God of Death?"

Vander muttered to himself, and he remembered the figure of his superior officer. He took a deep breath, and with his eyes fixed on a certain place within the castle, he started walking.