Chapter 32
"J-just what are they doing?"
"Brother, trust me, if I knew, I would tell you.."
Baron Thuland and his brother Micheal were aghast as they watched the newcomers set up strange equipment in the backyard of the small mansion.
"Baron Thuland, we have completed our set-up on the outside. It would be better if we were to have the meeting inside."
"R-right, prepare the meeting room!" Baron Thuland called the nearest servant, who then rushed ahead.
After the preparation was done, Micheal and Baron Thuland were staring into a large monitor. On the monitor was Christina's smiling face.
"Heya Micheal, it seems that you finally got my message."
"Teacher? Is that really you?"
"Yup, that's me. Damm, you really haven't changed in years; by the way, how are Maria and the kids doing?"
"I've sent them as far away as possible from the war. I don't know how far they have gotten, but I have entrusted them with capable acquaintances. But enough of that! How am I speaking to you?!"
"Ahhh, can't tell you without the boss's permission. But he's busy now, so I've been entrusted with talking to you. Ah, wait, where are my manners? Baron Thuland, it is great to finally meet you, though it's unfortunate that it is under these circumstances. Your brother has told me much about you during his adventures in the former Cerenth Empire."
"Lady Christina, worry not. You saved my younger brother, and that is something that our family will never forget. But I must ask, why have you taken the risk to send people over just to check on us?"
"My new master has obtained the loyalty of three former lords of the Cerenth Empire, including me. We have plans to establish ourselves as a new country. It would make things much simpler if we were recognised by another country, such as the Kingdom of Haiumi."
"But why us? I am but a lowly Baron; you would need the Queen..." Baron Thuland began to trail off. "You want me to introduce you to the Queen?"
"As expected that you would figure it out. But think of this as a simple trade. We will help you get rid of this civil war, and all your country would need to do is introduce us as the newcomer.
But this will have to be done with the Queen. For now, we need a reason to move our forces to meet with Her majesty. Since we are not technically affiliated with any countries, we are nothing but a 'Company' that offers unique services. Would you like to hire us for anything?"
"Micheal was right to call you a scheming genius."
"Wait, brother! Don't say that-"
"Hmm, Micheal, did I hear that you were calling me something behind my back?" an evil smile suddenly emerges on Christina's face.
Baron Thuland realises that he had accidentally said something he was not supposed to.
"Eh, I would like to hire your 'Company' to act as guards as I march my army to assist her majesty, the Queen, in stopping the civil war."
"Baron Thuland, your order has been received. Unit 2222, your new orders are to escort Barons Thuland's army. The 24th platoon will relocate the base in this city.
The experimental Cheviler Squad will be deployed; they will join you halfway. They will bring extra supplies and a new item. The relevant data will be sent over; make sure all your units are updated on the plan."
"Orders acknowledged. What about the giants?"
""The giants?"" The brothers shouted in unison.
"Ah yes, the giants. I'm sure you know that your prime minister has recruited the Vikner warriors and enslaved a clan of giants." They both nodded in reply.
"Well, they encountered an army of two hundred and several giants who had sailed down to cause disruption along the supply lines. We have stopped them and captured their leader and several prisoners. Whilst the giants are recovering from their injuries and regaining their strength."
"What do you mean by cause disruption along the supply routes?"
"It is as I say it. You are fighting someone who has insider knowledge of your tactics and weakness. Whilst you are fighting against an army that you have never fought against.
I can confidently say that the main Haiumi Army is losing because all their strategies are compromised. In fact, I bet that there is probably an ambush waiting for you if you were to take the quickest route to the capital."
"What do you suggest we do then?" asks Micheal.
Another smile appears on Christina's face; this time, it was for another reason. Micheal, who remembered this type of smile, abruptly stands up.
"Brother, it's better if I was to leave now for you to strategise. I will coordinate with Gerald in procuring supplies for the journey," he says before exiting the room at speeds never seen before.
"Now, Baron Thuland, it's time for me to explain my elaborate plan...."
Outside the closed doors, Micheal wished his brother good luck before he walked off to complete the excuse he had thought of in time.
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Duke Reinford was a prominent noble of the Haiumi Kingdom, known for being a fair ruler. What bought his downfall was that he was too trusting.
He was convinced to lead a small advance army towards the capital, but he was ambushed and killed. His head rested on a pole, carried by those who ambushed him as they lay siege to the city of Glanis, the city he once ruled.
Isadola Reinford, the daughter of the Duke, was the family's only surviving member. And to prevent her from being in danger or, worst, killed, the knight commander Scarlett placed her in a locked room, which only the knight commander herself was allowed to enter.
But that was until the city began to fall. Soldiers were deserting left and right; equipment would disappear or break but worst of all, no food and water. Supplies had stopped arriving for a while, and nobody knew why.
On the other hand, the invading army was getting stronger and stronger. It was only a matter before the gate was breached, and the enemies swarmed into the city. But that was if everyone in the city had not already starved to death.
Time was running out...