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As the conflict between the Kien Empire and the Magic Realm entered its fifth year, the International Allied Forces were formed.

Of course, it’s not like a truly international “military” was established.

The primary battlefield is the northern territories of the Empire. Since the conflict takes place on its own soil, the main military force is none other than the Kien Empire’s army.

Officially, the Empire’s Ministry of Defense states that the magical battalions and Knights Orders of the cult are the only specialized groups in this matter, while foreign armies are relegated to a support role.

So, essentially…

“I’ve been reduced to a mere side dish, huh? No magic, no healing.”

“What can someone without abilities do in the north?”

“Since I can’t do anything, I might as well grab some popcorn. Camila.”

—

Episode 11 – No Issues on the Northern Front

Troops being dispatched to the northern conflict areas have arrived in Petrogard, the capital of the Empire.

“The Order of Saint Evaristo and the Order of Saint John the Almoner have arrived at the archway.”

The cult has sent two additional knight orders.

These newly deployed knights marched into the square of Petrogard, crossing beside the arch.

Considering that one order, which was actively operating in the battlefield for the last four years under Veronica’s persuasion (specifically under the control of the Imperial Guard HQ), certainly had noteworthy power, the knights, though few in number, were practically walking weapons of war.

They were dispatched with the intention of definitively suppressing the demonkin ravaging the north and easing the burden of the Order of Saint Andrew, which had been fighting for four years.

However, according to the testimony of ‘Mr. Bemo,’ who was well-informed about the cult’s news, these knights did not come to the Empire with purely noble intentions.

“Camila, do you know that until last year, the cult stubbornly refused any additional deployments?”

“Really?”

Originally, the cult had no intention of sending more knight orders.

Killing the demonkin, who are cult followers, is a mission to the fundamentalists, but practically speaking, it brings no profit.

Why would the Pope send valuable knights into a conflict happening on foreign territory?

The cult decided to send the Order of Saint Andrew to the Empire not only because Saint Veronica stepped forward, but also mainly due to promises of significant benefits from the Empire. Terms like love, peace, and crusades were merely a facade.

Thus, for the past few years, the cult has been implicitly opposed to sending new knight orders.

With all this explained, Camila tilted her head.

“Then why are they sending them now?”

“Because the circumstances have changed recently.”

The influence the Kien Empire was exercising over the Mauritania Continent has diminished due to the ramifications of the northern conflict. The cult is seeking new avenues, beyond religious interests.

Countries on the Mauritania Continent are currently being obliterated in real-time.

Just as South Vietnam collapsed the moment the US withdrew, countries began their slow decline after the Kien and Abas aid cut off. The cult has extended its hand to them.

I’ve heard that some governments have abandoned the Empire and shifted to the cult.

Kings who had received the Empire’s aid for decades betrayed the Emperor. And the situation with Abas isn’t much different.

Of course, Kien and Abas protested, but the cult insisted that “improving relations with foreign governments is an internal matter, so please do not interfere,” and proceeded accordingly.

“So that’s why they sent two knight orders.”

“To appease discontent?”

“That’s part of it, but really, it’s a ‘take a bite of this and drop dead’ kind of message. Why interfere in someone else’s house when you can’t even manage your own?”

As a result, the faces of the Empire’s government officials attending the welcoming ceremony weren’t particularly bright. Foreign diplomats who didn’t take kindly to the cult’s foreign policy towards Mauritania shared similar sentiments.

Of course, whether the cult pursued religious harmony on the Mauritania continent, launched a crusade, or whatever else—it wasn’t my concern, so I opted to remain silent.

Starting with the cult’s knight orders, numerous troops began arriving in the Empire.

“The Empusa Battalion and Manticore Battalion from the Magic Tower are here.”

Like the cult, the Magic Tower also deployed two additional magical battalions.

Since three out of the nine Oracle committee members are closely tied to the Empire, and since these religious types see losing to them as dishonorable, they sent equal numbers.

“Empusa and Manticore… What are those units?”

“They’re elite forces.”

I’ve heard of the Empusa and Manticore battalions before. To be precise, I’ve seen them in the textbooks during my military history major at university.

Magicians value inheriting the legacies of their predecessors as an important virtue. They have preserved magic and knowledge intact while avoiding the Inquisition.

Preserving the legacies of past magicians is a tradition in magical society. And that includes not just knowledge, but achievements as well.

“The Empusa and Manticore are monsters of this region. They’re incredibly strong beasts that the regular army can’t easily hunt. But those guys managed to capture such creatures with just a platoon-sized force.”

The Empusa Battalion and Manticore Battalion were each founded in honor of the monsters they once hunted.

Although the first successful hunt happened nearly a hundred years ago, the two battalions continuously seek out and hunt Empusa and Manticore to honor the achievements of their predecessors.

Following the cult and the Magic Tower, foreign troops dispatched from dictatorial countries with pro-Empire inclinations entered the square. Honestly, it didn’t seem like they would be much help.

Noticing the forces surrounding the arch, I nudged Camila beside me, who was watching the scene.

“See the flag of the Order of Saint John the Almoner over there?”

“Yes.”

“You’re going to be meeting those people often from now on, so try to get familiar with them as quickly as possible.”

Camila seemed puzzled at my order to get acquainted.

“Are they special people? There are many other knights…”

“They’re the units that will be moving with Lucia.”

“Under Lucia’s command?”

I subtly nodded.

“Surely, Saint Lucia will be wandering around the north, helping people. And the Almoner Order will be active alongside Lucia.”

Just hearing that name means you can already make a guess, right? ‘Almoner’ Order.

Unlike the combat-oriented Order of Saint Andrew or the Order of Saint Evaristo, the Order of Saint John the Almoner specializes in medical duties.

Their main tasks involve treating the injured and rescuing the stranded. They align perfectly with Lucia, who values relief work and medical volunteering.

By the way, they were deployed at Veronica’s request.

Watching Lucia, who was greeting the knights in front of me, I clicked my tongue slightly.

“Lucia is already a saint, yet people still think she’s a child…”

Camila turned to me.

“What? What did you just say?”

“Nothing. Don’t mind me.”

—

The square at the archway in Petrogard was packed with a sea of people. It was so crowded that I worried there might even be an accident.

Despite the icy winter winds blowing harshly, the atmosphere was hot, and the cheers hovered somewhere between joy and madness, resonating throughout.

It seemed like all the likely attendees had already arrived, as no new troops were coming in.

As previously agreed upon, while Camila, Lucia, and Francesca made their way into the square, I stepped back to chat with the people.

Each person dispatched to the north was significant, and given the location, each country’s government sent personnel to accompany them.

First, from the cult.

“Oh my—who is this? Is that you, Priest Rebecca?”

“It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you again.”

The cult sent a delegation led by Priest Rebecca.

To accompany Lucia on her long trip, the Cult National Affairs Council mainly sent familiar faces. These were the people who had supported Lucia from her initial visit to Abas up until her time at the Magic Tower.

Which means…

Most of Lucia’s entourage was recruited from the Inquisition.

“There are quite a few familiar faces here. Have the priests been doing well?”

“Yes. Thank you for your concern, Colonel.”

“You must have had a tough time coming this far from the south… It’s just unfortunate you’ll have to go north without even unloading.”

“This is nothing compared to the hardships we go through. Don’t worry about it. Haha.”

Having experienced hardship while following Lucia in recent months, I warmly greeted the Inquisition’s staff as we exchanged pleasantries.

While catching up, I began to notice something odd. Most of them were familiar faces, but there were also some I hadn’t seen before.

“But those people…?”

One of the information officers from the Inquisition chuckled awkwardly and kindly replied.

“Oh, these are the people who will assist the Saint. It seems we can’t manage everything delicately on our end….”

“Ah.”

It meant they were the attendants.

No matter how capable the Inquisition was, they lacked the ability to handle details like makeup, so it seems they selected a few people and dispatched them anew. Upon closer inspection, I noticed some of the people who had helped Lucia with her adornment on the airship were part of the group.

To keep a record, I greeted the attendants and slipped away from the gathering.

Unlike the cult, the Magic Tower had sent fewer personnel than expected.

Unlike Lucia, who had the status of a Saint, Francesca held the position of a civil servant, so there wasn’t a justification for sending a large number of people.

However, that didn’t mean they sent just anyone.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Colonel. I am Juan Pablo Martinez.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Martinez. Did you come from the Magic Tower?”

“I am the head of the Secretariat’s dispatched team.”

The Magic Tower had assigned personnel from the Secretariat to Francesca.

Considering that the Secretariat was the department connecting the Oracle and the government agencies, they were quite high-ranking personnel.

But why in the world were they following us to a conflict area? The Magic Battalion had plenty of combat personnel.

“Since Lady Raniere has a significant role, we are here to assist her from the North. I look forward to working together, Colonel.”

After introducing himself as the head of the dispatched team, Juan Martinez offered a slight bow as a show of respect.

It was vague whether he was a watcher or an aide.

At times like this, the best course of action was just to smile silently, so I plastered a smile on my face.

Having met almost everyone I needed to, I decided to slip away before getting entangled in unnecessary problems since the religious and magical folk were now gathered in one place. After all, I had gotten what I needed.

As I quietly slipped away—

“Huh?”

I stumbled upon some familiar faces.

“Colonel!”

“Manager!”

“Hey, it’s been a while!”

Pippin and Jake.

They had finally arrived in the Empire.

*

The history I shared with Pippin and Jake was quite long. I had met them when I was working undercover for the Military Intelligence Agency Headquarters, which meant I had been sticking around with them for nearly three years.

“Wait, wasn’t it four years now?”

“That’s right. The new year is just a few weeks away.”

“Time really flies.”

Pippin and Jake were clad in military formal attire. Usually, military officers wore suits, but since today was an event related to diplomacy and defense, it seemed they were dressed accordingly.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the insignias on their shoulders.

“With four years under your belt, don’t you think you’re about to be promoted to Captain?”

Jake grinned and shook his head.

“How can one get promoted to Captain in this company? You know how hard it is.”

“But come on, you guys should be able to make it to Captain. Getting to Major is the real challenge.”

In response to my promotion talk, Pippin pointed to my insignia.

“Are you saying that because you’ve already been promoted to Colonel?”

“Well, if you’re envious, why don’t you both get promoted to Colonel too.”

“Oh, you’re just too much!”

After a long time, we found ourselves sitting in the back area of the event venue, chatting away.

Anyway, the Empire’s broadcasting cameras would only be filming Camila, Lucia, and Francesca. I just needed to return to my seat on time. There was no need to wait around in the square.

I plopped down in a chair and looked at Pippin and Jake.

“Hey, you both look good? Life seems to be treating you well.”

“Coming back from vacation definitely feels refreshing.”

“While some are here grinding away… ah well….”

“Just say you’re envious.”

“I am envious.”

Pippin and Jake burst into laughter, teasing me about my wrinkles from not being seen for a while.

What little rascals they were.

I felt like giving them a punch, but since it had been a while, I decided to hold back.

“So, how have you been? Anything exciting on your vacation?”

Pippin and Jake nodded in response.

The ones who had gone on vacation later than I did shared brief snippets of what they did.

“Looks like you had fun. How’s everything at the company?”

“Don’t even get me started. The atmosphere at the company is absolutely chaotic right now.”

“Why?”

Jake, removing his hat to fix his hair, continued.

“They’re suddenly reorganizing everything, and it’s absolute mayhem. I was in the office trying to work, and there’s drilling noise next door, and I even tripped over some materials while moving paperwork….”

“… Ah.”

According to government orders, all intelligence agencies in Abas were undergoing reorganization.

The Military Intelligence Agency was also in the process, much like any other intelligence agency. The chaotic atmosphere I noticed during my last visit to Headquarters seemed to have continued.

From the perspective of the employees, it was understandably baffling. Who wouldn’t be shaken up by sudden changes to a smoothly operating company?

But where there’s a process, there’s an outcome, and conversely, where there’s an outcome, there’s a cause. Thus, those who knew in advance that the Military Intelligence Agency would undergo reorganization remained unperturbed.

Of course, I was one of those people as well.

“Oh right….”

Thinking back, I realized the first place I encountered that news was the committee.

A task force was established under the committee’s orders, and I was part of it, yet I had no idea what happened to Pippin and Jake.

“Hey, have you heard anything about changes in your assignments or locations?”

“No. Why would they suddenly change our posts?”

“Nothing except being assigned to the Empire?”

“…….”

It seemed they were unaware of the situation.

For now, I decided to refrain from mentioning anything related to the committee, even in front of Pippin and Jake.

I melted my cold, rigid expression with my hands and redirected the conversation.

“I requested some equipment to be sent to Headquarters a few days ago. Did you guys bring it?”

“Oh, the equipment?”

I had to head North within this week. Of course, I wasn’t going alone; Camila, Lucia, and Francesca were also going north, but I had to be especially cautious.

Especially since I was a foreign military officer.

In a conflict area, various military bases and equipment would be gathered, naturally involving the Empire’s military secrets. But to send a foreign military officer to such an important location? If the Counterintelligence Department found out, it would be chaos.

Luckily, the Imperial Ministry of Defense did not raise issues regarding my identity.

They only requested that I be a bit more careful in my actions and cooperate with the controls in the hazardous area. They didn’t ask for anything beyond that.

Of course, whether those fellows would truly limit themselves to just controlling matters or if they would resort to eavesdropping was another story.

So I needed to prepare.

“Yeah.”

“We have it right below. Do you want to check it out?”

“Let’s go.”

I led Pippin and Jake towards the parked vehicle.

A black SUV sent by the Ministry of Defense of Abas. It looked like a civilian vehicle, but it was an off-roader designed for rough terrain. It was a model often seen in military use.

I opened the trunk and visually inspected the items loaded inside. All the requested equipment was properly packed.

“Looks good. Thanks for bringing it.”

I checked the watch Veronica had gifted me, realizing I needed to return to my seat soon. Considering the distance, I’d probably have to run.

In my rush to close the trunk, just as I was about to slam it shut—

-Thunk!

“Yikes…!”

Something in the driver’s seat suddenly jumped up and made a strange noise.

“…….”

“… Who dares to close the door so rudely without manners…! It is indeed a most Nymph-hating action… oh?”

“…….”

The one who had just been sleeping advertised their presence with disheveled hair sticking up on their cheeks.

Gazing silently at the individual, I turned to Pippin and Jake and asked.

“Why on earth did we bring that?”

 

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