The Girl Who Eats the God of Death

Chapter 30 - A Fun Fortress Life

"The Royal forces have been defeated in the Bertusburg Plain."

"Canaan has fallen, and the Liberation Army is beginning to move towards the Royal Capital."

Sensational news was spread everywhere by the Liberation Army, and it even reached Madros in the northern region of the Kingdom.

Army V leader Kerry urged the gathering of military officers to discuss their future policies.

Everyone's faces were extremely grim, and they couldn't hide their anxiety. With his hands crossed, Kerry's eyes closed.

".......Commandant. Now that Canaan had fallen and the First Army which was the keeper of the Kingdom had been defeated, the fate of the Kingdom was at an end. You have to make a decision."

Said an officer staff full of determination. Determination for something everyone understands: to leave the Kingdom and side with the rebel forces. This is the only way to ensure the safety of Madros.

"So it's finally here...."

"Old man! Isn't that what it should be!? Yalder and his group risk their lives and fight to save Madros! Isn't it now our turn to save them!?"

Kerry's second son, Captain Darus Madros, kicked off the table and stood up. He would not normally be allowed to participate in war meetings because of his rank, but he did as his son Kerry. Because, one day she will help her brother and protect Madros. He needs experience.

The older brother, Denim Madros, commanded the army in the front row of the fort. If he dies, Darus must continue him. That was the fate of the people born in the Madros family.

"Mr Darus. What you said has a point. As a soldier, that is true. But, you failed as a politician."

Reproach the officer staff in charge of education Darus.

"Frag what! Despite wasting our pride, why should we join the rebel forces!? What justice do they have!? They were carelessly lighting the fires of war. So who here is torturing people!?"

"Then, Darus, tell me what solid plan do you have? If you have one, try saying it. You don't have to hold back, tell us your great idea to save the Kingdom while protecting Madros. At present. There's not much time left."

Press Kerry in a calm tone. Darus hesitates. There's no good plan.

"......To buy time, send troops. Although it's a little bit of a problem. Support Army I until they can recover and fight back! There's an effect Troop V shows itself–we can show them that we're not leaving them!"

"Our V forces are in charge of holding the Empire. We can't intervene with the threat behind us. If you plan to save the Kingdom, you must also think of Madros, and that is an impossible action for me. My mission is to protect Madros territory and society. It was an absolute mission that no– could leave behind"

"You're going to throw away your pride and honor for that!?"

"Exactly. Whether it's honor, or self-respect, you think you can survive with something useless like that? Every person on earth, if they saw an opportunity, would be an animal that would steal for their own benefit. Even if I have to drink mud, eat insects, or smear myself with sin, I will protect Madros. I met a Liberation Army strategist once. The man plans to use us. We might not be treated badly."

".........Shit–"

Darus kicked his chair and left. He also views himself as a man from the Madros family. But, is it really okay to act so far? Didn't Yalder save them from the invasion of the Empire? And didn't Schera break through danger, step into the heart of the enemy, and save Madros? When those people are in a difficult situation, why should they turn and point their weapons at those who are meritorious to them? Darus can't accept that.

"Well, whether you agree or not, my decision won't change. If you don't like it, then go to the Royal Capital yourself. I'm not gonna stop you. Troop V will side with the Liberation Army, however, on the condition that we do not take part in the invasion of the Royal Capital."

"Oh I'll do it, you old man scum-!! I'm different from you and my brother, I'm just a fool!!"

"Do as you please. But don't call yourself Madros. It's not just me, you're going to trouble everyone who lives in Madros. You will live as Darus alone, and you will die as Darus alone. You were cut from the heir. Don't show yourself in front of me again."

"Well, you don't have to tell me, you piece of trash! I'll show you my spirit!"

He kicked the door and came out with emotion. Kerry sent a signal with his eyes, and a senior bodyguard followed him. Perhaps this is called the last sign of parental love.

"....Now that the idiot is gone, let's restart the discussion. See the Princess of the Liberation Army immediately. Tell him we'll release the prisoner. Bring the fastest horse. The sooner we act, the better the impression we give."

"Ready-rush!"

"But tell him that we can't take part in the attack on the Royal Capital. We will not give up that far. If he refuses, threaten him that we will fight him. If this area became the Empire's territory, it would also be their loss. There is no use for us to humble ourselves to that extent."

If they sent soldiers to the Capital and Madros empty, the Imperial Army would approach again. The Liberation Army may not want the territory occupied by the Empire.

"Understand!"

"Discussion over. Everything back to your duty!"

Kerry said, and the civil and military officers saluted and stood up and left. Kerry remained seated and stared at the ceiling with a tired face.

"God, I didn't think they would lose. If you win in Canaan, Yalder, we can meet again. You're really bad luck...."

While clucking his tongue, the face of the heroic warrior and idiot flashed through his mind.

(I have to protect Madros. Just like you have unwavering self-esteem, I have Madros. I can't let people suffer from yalder selfishness, sorry, but I can't come to help you.)

"............If only, I was a little younger."

Kerry suppressed his own desires and held him back. The Liberation Army has momentum. He can't bet now. Yalder would fight to the point of the final blood, and then she would probably die. That man is a person of that nature. With his pride as a soldier in his chest, he would sacrifice himself for the sake of the Kingdom.

For Madros' sake, Kerry had resignedly let his comrades and companions die.

* * * *

The strategist Diener of the Liberation Army went to the neutral city of Arte to attend the meeting.

An empty house with no residents on the outskirts of town.

Disguise activities from around. Why they chose such a place, was because both parties were in a position where they had to disguise themselves.

Besides Diener is Vander who is his subordinate. He was promoted to Major for his performance in previous battles. The young man who treads the path to success may also be called Diener's right hand. His knowledge, connections, spying skills, and his strategies and tactics are so reliable that he is so well trained that he can work as Diener's assistant.

Answering the expectations placed on him, Vander obtained extraordinary results.

"........Looks like they've arrived."

"I get. Keep courtesy. The person we met was a man with a 'position' that was different from us."

Mumbled Diener with a sarcastic feeling. A person appeared from behind the door while wearing a black hood and his body was covered.

The man's name is Farzam, Prime Minister of the Kingdom. So he was able to negotiate with the Liberation Army which should be his mortal enemy, he directly visited this place. He traveled under false pretenses observing the vanguard of the Kingdom.

Several people in black clothes stood behind Farzam. They are the intelligence unit of the Prime Minister.

"......The Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Mr Farzam, is it true?"

"You're right. I'm Prime Minister Farzam. And you're Mr. Diener, right?"

"Indeed right. Have seat. I'm sorry I can't prepare a banquet in a place like this."

Said Diener, and Farzam sat alerted. If he flicked his finger, it was an instruction to immediately finish off Diener.

Sensing the hostility, Vander placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and prepared to fight. There's a soldier hiding above the ceiling. This situation is only natural because they are hostile to each other.

"By the way, is Princess Altura healthy?"

".....I never thought I'd hear that from your mouth, Mr. Prime Minister. Aren't you the one who framed the lady's father and got her killed?"

Diener asked in amazement at Farzam's self-conscious comments. The Prime Minister did not display any anger at all when he denied the remarks.

"What an unpleasant misunderstanding. What I did was nothing more than investigate the situation. The one who doubted and exiled him was the present king. I didn't do anything. It makes me feel bad that you've misunderstood."

"Fufu, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom is shrewd, your tongue is very slippery. How many people have you killed with your tongue?"

"I just do my job obediently. I never committed treason. I swear on the stars. No man is as pure and clean as I am."

Silat eloquent tongue. How dare you babble like that, Diener almost wanted to explode, but she held him back. A monkey mask is necessary even in a kayak gini, and he has to make the monkey dance for him as long as possible. Diener continued the conversation.

"Well, let's end the bases. Our greeting has deepened our friendship so far, so now let's talk about the main topic."

"It looks like Mr. Strategist of the Liberation Army is very busy. It's very different from people whose momentum is below theirs."

"Haha, it's all thanks to you. My work is like a mountain, for the man who should have done it you do not know. I don't even have time to sleep. It's very troublesome."

While emitting killing intent, the two of them both smirked. It's a duel of words.

“No need to beat around the bush. No need to talk too boring. We the Yuze Kingdom would like to propose peace talks with the Capital Liberation Army."

“.......Oh?”

“Your Majesty Kristoff wants to hand over the throne to Princess Altura within the next half year. After that, he wanted to retire in the north. His Majesty doesn't want a useless battle "

Farzam held out a letter with the seal of the King on it. Of course, it's a fake. There's no way Kristoff would accept such a plan.

But Farzam intended to observe it. He could save the King's life and could also maintain political power. It was still possible for him to regain his authority if he waited for an opportunity to do so. If he did, it would be possible. Farzam has confidence. He could not hold a spear, but he managed to reach the peak using his brain and speech.

"Hm. But, there's no way I'm accepting this. The Royal Capital is in front of our eyes. We don't need to give half a year's extension. The only thing you can do now is to surrender yourself unconditionally. Hand over the Royal Capital obediently and make a decision like a man, how?"

Diener threw out the letter. He cannot show weakness in negotiations. Moreover, the Liberation Army was in a very favorable position. There is no reason to accept such a foolish policy.

If so, why did Diener come to this pointless negotiating table?

"I get. Surely, your opinion makes sense. But, if you do not accept this proposal, we will continue to fight in the Royal Capital until the last bloodline. The blood of the people will flow, the Royal Capital will be destroyed, and who wants that outcome? Think this through."

Indeed indeed. The problem is the Royal Capital. It was the target of their liberation, they could not destroy it. The Royal Capital being the place of the final battle will also make this war worse. They must not intentionally destroy the largest metropolis of the Kingdom that will later become their residence.

Moreover, they would not be able to avoid causing casualties among the residents of the Royal Capital. It would be terrible if the hatred of the people turned to the Liberation Army. For the "justification" of the Liberation Army, they currently cannot allow innocent people to be hurt.

If they were to affect the current government, the ones who would benefit might be the Empire and the Union. Especially the Empire, which was happily waiting for an opportunity to create a puppet regime. Under the pretext of assistance, they might deploy an army to the Blanca Capital.

“You give a punch in the area that hurts. This humble Diener had mistaken Mr. Prime Minister. I'm sorry for my insolence."

“What, I also care about the citizens of the Kingdom. This humble Farzam will lay down his life for the Kingdom."

Farzam showed a small smile.

“Thank you Mr. Prime Minister for his kindness. Well, then, how about we negotiate?"

“Those are the words I most want to hear. Let me hear your proposal."

In response to him, Diener proposes the unexpected by Farzam.

“I don't understand what you're saying. Whatchu mean? We should talk about peace. Why should I commit extreme acts of disloyalty, why–"

Farzam was confused, completely clueless. Diener shrugged, and turned her story indifferently to persuade her.

“This is a simple matter. I want Mr. Prime Minister to be a patriot hero. If you make a bloodless surrender to save the people of the Royal Capital, everyone will praise you, Mr. Prime Minister. And, if you persuade the King and he abdicates, your fame will no doubt. To such an honorable person, we will prepare a suitable rank."

“.............”

Although he covered it with beautiful words, behind him was the intent of betrayal. He said it was to freeze the military as they attacked the fortress, to make the King abdicate, and immediately give up the Royal Capital. Move parties, and I will prepare the equivalent rank and fame for you, Diener said.

“Daughter Altura who will inherit the throne and her fiance Prince Alan will one day produce a prince. He would become a star of hope, bearing the burden of the next Kingdom era. The guardian, is you, Mr. Farzam. I'm asking you. You, the one who unites good and evil, can definitely guide him."

Diener took out a letter with Altura's seal on it. It's all just empty promises now, but these letters have value that will one day bear fruit.

“......And you have a guarantee that you'll keep that promise?”

“First of all, we have prepared money that covers everything. Use as needed, and try to avoid wasted bloodshed. Also, please take this.”

Vander opened a wooden box, and the box contained a large amount of gold coins. Money for the plan. Diener offered it to the Prime Minister.

And one more thing. An object that can be called an ace. Packed carefully, it is:

“I-ini-!”

"really. One of the sacred relics passed down from the royal family, the Mirror, may only be held by members of the Unicafe lineage. I present this as a substitute for evidence. I think you understand that Princess Altura has the same intentions."

There are two sacred relics of the Yuze Kingdom. The sword belongs to the Unimat Kristoff family, and the other is the Mirror of the Unicafe Altura family. Its value cannot be measured in gold, and both are national treasures.

The air came out of Farzam's lungs. It's not a fake. He could tell just by looking at the characters engraved. Farzam was a man who had come into contact with many high-end items and was well versed in appraisals.

"I get. I will drain my body and try to avoid useless battles. For the people."

For the sake of the people – those words did not fit him at all. For his own profit, how many thousands, how many tens of thousands of peasants had he killed?

Vander had a hard time resisting his desire to kill. If he's off guard, it looks like he's going to slash Farzam.

“I'm amazed, Prime Minister. Very generous assessment. ......However, dispatch troops from the Royal Capital to reinforce the fortress, this conversation seemed to have never happened. Please, I hope you understand."

"I know. But, it will take at least a month."

"I certainly understand that. We will make a very slow attack. Please take your time to persuade everyone."

Negotiations over. Farzam would ignore the fort for his own protection. He had absolutely no intention of committing double suicide with that stupid Kristoff. If he could become a guard, there would be plenty of opportunities to recover himself.

Deciding to leave the current Kingdom, Farzam would use his skills and attempt to take over the military and civilian officials. Even now he is doing it, and it will be very easy.

Farzam left the house. Inside the house are Diener and Vander, who seem to disagree.

“Mr Diener. Why did you make such a promise? Not only that, you even gave me Princess's heirloom, the Mirror."

"It's just a mirror. We can make as many as we want later. If we could get the Royal Capital with just that gold and mirror, I would call it phenomenal. Not a bad deal."

“While so, you will use parasites. That man is the devil, the ringleader behind the destruction of the country."

“.......Vander, do you think I would forgive someone like that? Brutal people who are even more stupid than dogs? I'm gonna make that moron act like a clown until the Kingdom collapses. He's gonna dance crazy for us. And then, in the end—"

Diener made a move, cutting her own throat with her finger. Vander reflexively shuddered.

Diener intends to impose all responsibility on King Kristoff and Prime Minister Farzam. And then, he would kill them before they could say something that should not be said. He'll probably kill them after they're no longer useful. It was like a noose was already on their necks, only the people in question were unaware of it.

“......You're a scary guy.”

“Vander, you are also one of them. One dirty person, ten dead, and thousands saved– it was the best course of action. No need to doubt. We have to take the initiative."

They will rebuild the Kingdom and save thousands of people. For that reason, they will sacrifice many. There's no harm, right?

While saving the country, Diener will carry out his own revenge. He himself had previously been banished. He wanted them to feel hell.

Diener smiled inwardly. He used the name Diener, stood as a Liberation Army Strategist, and led them to victory. Using his connections in an intelligence unit that he used to be a member of, he destroys Farzam's information network and takes control. The Prime Minister had abused them until they were killed, never giving his agents 'carrots.' No one swears allegiance to the Prime Minister, and it is very easy to break them down.

“It started. It all starts now. Vander, we're going together. We will do a clean sweep and build a new era for the Kingdom. We're gonna be the cornerstone, we gotta show you the way."

"Ready, please use my strength as you please."

Diener stood up, but she stopped moving. He remembered an unpleasant worry.

“......I just remembered. Where did the rumored God of Death go?"

"Ready, according to reports from the scouts, he's headed for Fort Cyrus."

"I get. I owe that girl from Belta. I'm gonna let him know how heavy his sins are."

With a cruel smile on his face, he thought of the execution for the Death God.

“As soon as we return, send soldiers to Cyrus and Sayeh. Send an envoy and give a full report to Princess Altura. Sayeh Fort will collapse by force. As for Fort Cyrus..”.

Diener stopped her speech, and walked out of the house. Vander is confused, chasing him. The moron king, the clown Prime Minister, and the unconscious chick. He's gonna kill them all. Diener will make sure that all who stand in the way of the Liberation Army he builds will die.

She could not help but smile, and she covered her lips with her hands. Glory approached before his eyes. It was so close that he could reach it if he extended a hand.

* * * *

Fort Cyrus, Mess Room.

The soldiers who were preparing for battle, after finishing the first stage, were resting.

Katarina was in a noisy corner of the cafeteria, doing her daily routine. It was a job he did spontaneously, and it became a habit from then on. Her feelings, her thoughts, pleasant things, sad things– she wrote it all down.

She heard people call this a diary, but Katarina didn't think so. He's inscribed evidence of his existence.

Katarina wasn't afraid of death, but she was afraid of being forgotten. Hence, he carved out his existence in this white page book.

After she dies, someone will see this, and find out that there was once someone known as Katarina.

As soon as she thought of that "someone", Katarina's face shriveled. He could not control his emotions raging with love and hatred.

He pushed his glasses and held something overflowing. Her step-sister, the necromancer who called her back to this hell, and her innocent-looking stepmother who raised her, yet was also her father's killer– they were both special to Katarina. They were targets he had to hate, as well as humans he had to be grateful for.

And then, last he thought, the one who had become an existence greater than the two of them, was his Master, Schera, whom he had to serve. Of course, he doesn't hate Schera. He is deeply captivated by Schera's very violent way of life. And if Schera dies, it would be nice if he could be on Schera's side. He not only wanted to see his way of life, but also his way of death. Adored as a Hero, feared as the God of Death– how will Schera face his final moments? Was he angry for thinking that?

He exhaled, sighed, and looked up, and there was Schera staring at him, looking very interested.

Katarina involuntarily jumped. He did not feel his presence at all.

“K-K-Colonel!?”

"Do you have a habit of shaking in the cafeteria? Or is it a ritual before eating. Very interesting."

"N-It's not so! This, anu, that...."

"Nyantai. What you want before you eat is up to you. So, what exactly are you doing?"

".....S-Ready. I'm, uh, writing a diary."

It wasn't a diary, but as he explained, he couldn't even mention it was a diary.

Katarina rang the book so it wouldn't be seen. If Schera wanted to see the contents, it would be very bad in many ways. He touched his glasses, trying to lie to Schera.

But Schera did not ask any further.

"So that. I am bego nulis diari. It's hard, and it's also–"

"..........And also?"

Katarina urges Schera, who very rarely talks about herself.

"I don't like thinking about the past. So is the future. I'm just thinking now. Or maybe I could just think about the present. That's why I'm talking about the diary."

Schera answered while eating the nuts of the late Konrad. Her face was flat, and Katarina could not read her emotions.

“…….Colonel, it—”

Katarina confusedly continued her words. He doesn't know what to say.

"Well, I'm going to the field. Call me if something happens."

"In-understandable!"

Interrupting Katarina's greeting, Schera waved lightly and left the dining room.

Although they had fought together to this extent, Katarina barely understood Schera. He didn't know why Schera had fought so far. He said it was for food and revenge.

Then why is he so strong? What drove Schera that far? It seemed like she would not be told even if she asked, but Katarina wanted to know one day, she thought.

“.......The seeds grow from day to day. I never get tired of seeing it, and if I take care of it, she says the flowers will bloom. Ah, I'm really looking forward to it."

What flowers will bloom? He said the flowers were small white, but was that right?

While watering it, Schera treated her yam with a good mood.

The fever hasn't come down since that day for some reason. The nausea is not reduced. It felt like something was trying to escape from the core of his body. Like that's what it feels like. And, her biggest problem was that her appetite was chaotic, even though she felt her stomach was empty.

Although it could satisfy itself with Konrad's well water and nuts, its loss of appetite was a big deal. He tried to ruffle his brain, but since he couldn't think of anything good, he decided to let it go by itself. He can't do anything at all.

And also, he was busy with various things. Visiting the stables, observing the soldiers, paying attention to the fields, Schera very much enjoyed his life in the Citadel of Cyrus, his home.