-M29. 671. Falmart. A Certain Tavern-
Pina Co Lada, the third child of Emperor Molt. She is the daughter of a concubine, Countess Neil. Thus, she did not receive a significant reputation among the noble elites.
Yet, she was a daughter of the Emperor made them respect her to a certain degree.
When she heard about the retaliation of two expedition forces, Pina demanded to take the mission to check this case on her own. Despite the fact that she has her father's permission, she lacks the resources to conduct a massive-scale investigation.
"It will cost much of our time. Furthermore, we don't have anything to support us, yet there is no clue about our attackers." Norma said before taking a sip from his mug.
"I've heard that the Alliance Forces survive the battle of Alnus Hills. Yet, from the Zalvus. There was nothing." Grey said bitterly.
"What do you think, Princess?" Hamilton asked the red-haired woman beside her, and the said Princess only stared down at her food.
"Did we discover the surviving member of the Alliance?" Pina asked Norma.
"I can't say for sure, but was it worth visiting, milady?" The blonde knight sighed in slowly.
"If we can make contact with the remaining force, our intel can grow significantly. We can't let this chance pass." the red-haired Princess declared with affirmation.
The knights nodded their heads, obeying their lady's order and commitment. Then, laughter burst from another side of the tavern.
"A giant? Killing a Fire Dragon? Are you mad?!" The man laughs again, completely ignoring his surrounding. The uncontrollable chortles followed by the others, drunk fueling their amusement.
"But that was true! The five giants killed the Fire Dragon effortlessly and asked us to join them. To live with them, live in their country." The waiter said with a proud smile.
"Then why were you here? Why did you not go with them?" The customer asked; alcohol clearly smelled from his mouth.
"I have to decline because I think I was unworthy to receive such a gift. They showed me the entire glory of humanity, their Imperium of Man. It was... Beyond anything I've ever felt, and with that, I was unworthy." The demeanor changed drastically as she lowered her head in shame, smiling wistfully.
"Then it's just bullshit!" He barked, looking at the waiters with a ludicrous look.
"It wasn't bullshit!" A man shouted in anger across the drunk man's table.
"Oi! What do you mean by that?!" The drunk man still persisted.
"If you've never seen them, shut your mouth up!" The man shouted, glaring with unconditional rage, causing the drunk lad to be taken aback.
"Those giants were real. As I also came from Coda Village," He continued. "They tear the Fire Dragon with their light weapon, beams of indescribable power shoved the red scale like paper, rendering the once mighty creature into a bubbling mass of meat. They are hailed from the Imperium of Man. Using their magic, we can feel what kind of Imperium is. A place of wonders, riches, and glories. The Imperium shelters all. That was all I've felt from that giant."
The explanation was delivered with a firm tone and complete seriousness, rendering the atmosphere chilling. From his tone, it was a genuine expression from an honest statement. The room is silent, continuing after a few moments.
"Excuse me, miss and mister." Pina stood up, approaching the people who claimed to have witnessed the giants.
"Yes?" The female waiters said with a smile. "My apologies. You must hear that."
"No. It's fine." Pina replied, waving her hand in dismissal. "I just want to know more about these giants and Imperium of Man."
For a moment, the woman only touched her chin as she pondered. From her eyes, she recollected memories that somehow, slightly brought tears to the waiter's eyes.
"They are a being that is somehow holy but does not resemble anything like the Apostle. They are human like us, fighting with power beyond our comprehension. With that power, they killed the fire dragon." the waiter stopped, closing her eyes to remember that event without any flaws.
"A light that tore the land apart, a green beam that crushed the dragon's wing, and a fire capable of instantaneously vaporizing the dragon's leg. And a lightning sword that cut the Fire Dragon's head. They are Solar Guardians, came from the Imperium of Man."
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Pina was still clouded with the waiter's words. If those giants were real, Empire could easily be destroyed if there were more than five of them.
"Don't let that take your concentration away, milady." Norma snapped Pina from her stupor.
"I-I'm sorry. It was just distressing when it was backed by another person." Pina admitted with a sigh.
"They can outright lie to you, Your Highness," Hamilton said with approval.
"But what if that was the truth?" The question made Pina's escort hang their heads, thinking about the correct answer to Pina's question.
As the hours pass, they arrive at the location of what is supposed to be King Duran's hideout. Pina leaves her horse and nods to her escort. She cautiously approached the door, opening it, and she could see a king of Elbe lying on his bead without his hand or leg.
"Your Majesty," Pina greeted the King of Elbe with respect.
"Ah, Princess." the King replied weakly.
"Your Highness. I want information about our enemy on Alnus Hills, and if possible, I want information about our enemy on Zalvus Hills." Pina's voice sounded calm, but King Duran, the Princess, was distressed.
"So you've never heard the full story, huh?" The King said sourly.
"I've heard they never come back, so... I think the answer was clear, yet I want to seek the genuine one." The Princess said, slightly lowering her gaze.
"Alliance's armies were utterly destroyed by our enemy at the Alnus Hills. Some miraculously survive." The King replied with a sign of bitterness in his mouth.
"What kind of enemy were you facing, Your Majesty?" Pin asked again, walking closer to the bed.
Instead, the King only snorted. "You know nothing, Princess. Let me guess this, the main Imperial forces were obliterated first, am I correct?"
Pina stayed silent and tried to do not to answer. Her lips pursed, giving Duran the answer he sought.
"Thus, the Emperor must send us to our own retaliation. With that, the threats would be decreased. I think I know who our true enemy is!" The King shouted in satisfaction.
"W-What does that mean, Your Highness?" Pina tried to suppress her trembling hand.
"The Empire is our enemy! They want to destroy us by using the Alnus Hills as friendly conquest!" Duran shouted, glaring dagger at the Princess with burning eyes.
"Please, Your Majesty. If your words were indeed the truth. Tell me, what kind of enemy we were facing!" Pina was desperate, clinging to the King's body as she shouted with dismay.
"If you want to know the truth. You must come to Alnus Hills!" The King said with anger clearly emanating from his voice.
"Then, what about the Zalvus Hills?!" At this question, King Duran snapped. He did not react violently, only staring with a thoughtful look.
"Because Imperial and Alliance's forces were severely depleted, many borders had been plundered by bandits and Beastmen. There sprang rumors about giants. Metal giants protect them from those vile creatures. They said those giants bring them salvation and a safe heaven." The King shrugged. "It's just rumors. So I can't say more."
Nodding her head, Pina left the room in disappointment. Her head hung low as her mind was plagued with the King's words.
"Anything, Princess?" Hamilton asked, feeling cautious because of Pina's expression.
"We must go to Alnus and Zalvus if we want our answers. Norma, what is the nearest city to those hills?" The red-haired Princess asked the blonde knight.
"It would be Italica, milady," Norma replied.
"Then that is our next destination," Pina mounted her horse. "Let's move."
Thus, their horses run through the forest.
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Upon witnessing the state of Italica, Pina could feel her skin crawl with fear and anxiety. "Open the gate! I, Pinca Co Lada, in honor of the Emperor and Rose Knight. I request an audience with Lord of Italica!"
With that booming declaration, the gate opened. There, she witnessed the devastation of the city. Some of them were burned by barrages of fire arrows that managed to surpass the defense wall.
As she advanced deeper into the city, Pina only saw wounded people. They had brave enough to defend this city. She closed her eyes in admiration and pride.
As she arrived at the County's manor, she was greeted by demi-human maids. It was unusual that demi-human could directly serve in land lord's house.
"Princess Pina," An old lady greeted her. "My name is Kain, serving as head maid of Formal House."
Pina nodded her head in affirmation. "I am Princess Pina Co Lada. I request a meeting with the Head of Formal House."
"Please, follow me," Kain answered professionally, leading the Princess and her escort to the main room. Countess Myui is sitting on her throne. Her innocent face made Pina only clench her fist.
She is very green and pure and does not even taste any single battle or blood. Something utterly useless at this time.
"Lady Formal." Pina greeted honorably.
"Princess Pina, I welcomed you in Italica. But your visit, unfortunately, happened at a dire time." Myui said neutrally, but shackled emotion could clearly see in her eyes.
"I'm aware of that. With that, I offer you my forces and commander, Lady Myui. If Italica fell, Empire would be in a very unfavorable situation. Also, Italica is part of the Empire, and thus I must guard its people with all of my power." Pina proclaimed firmly, directly staring with passion at the young Countess.
"I would be more than glad to accept your help, Princess." The Countess of Italica smiled.
"Then let's head down to the siege preparation," Pina said bluntly.
There was no time to spare. Another attack is imminent based on the scale of the bandits. Quickly making her way to the command room with Myui's permission, Pina and her present Rose Order's knight.
With all of the peasant army at her disposal, Pina could not calm her nerves. Though the number might be able to rival the enemy, their experience and morals will be no match for ex-armies men.
"This is the worst," Pina muttered.
'What should we do, Your Highness?" Grey asked.
"We must prepare the defensive siege platform. Furthermore, we must predict where the enemy will conduct their offensive." Pina held her chin while her brain ran faster to find the enemy's weakness flawlessly.
"From their prior attacks. It seems they will attack from the north gate. It seems they want to exhaust our army's morale by seemingly attacking us blindly and spreading terror. Damn it!" Pina cursed.
"Calm yourself, Your Highness. Panic won't help this situation." Norma sternly told the Princess, causing Pina to suck breath deeper to fortify her mental state.
"Yeah, you were correct." Pina smiled, looking back at the strategy table.
Using all of her intellect when she was learning under the Imperial Scholars, Pina devised plans that she hoped would be able to hold the invaders at bay.
Setting various archers and guards, keeping the garrison soldiers to patrols on the different sections of the wall. As the plan has been fully completed, Pina commands her commanders to bring the order to manifest her plan.
Hours passed since the plan had been executed, the fortify had been built, and everything was just waiting.
Then the onslaught began. Arrows after arrows are showered from the sky, blackening the blue carpet with the rain of death.
Fire and shouts of war came to the defenders' ears. The bandit came to besiege the city.
"Men! Raise your swords. Let loose your arrows!' Pina shouted.
The counter-attacks had been launched. It was other soaring arrows to kill the bandits, hot-boiling oil to burn them.
Both sides began to take causalities, bodies and drops of blood scattered across the land. Pina's polished armor and sword turned red. This war would be a long siege as the enemy's numbers exceeded the defender by a large margin.
Gray and Norma act as commanders on the field. They are experienced knights, thus providing the Italican armies with a good phase of attacking and defending.
"Haaa!" Pina roared, stabbing bandit after bandit before her. Even though she is a woman, physically weaker than men, she manages to overpower her enemies with her skill.
Deflecting blows and immediately delivering a killing blow, it was her training meant about.
"This will be enough. At least for now." Pina muttered. This was according to the plan as the Italican armies managed to hold back the invaders.
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Pina could finally have time to rest, her back laid on the solid-brick stone wall. The siege had been won, yet the enemies remained.
Now she is returning to the manor, accompanied by Hamilton. Gray and Norma still reorganized the armies for the subsequent siege.
Arriving at the manor, she began to clean herself, receiving some help from the maids. It was delightful, bringing her some room to exhale a breath. The war is not over yet. A long day awaits her.
"Princess, your food is ready," Kain said from behind the door.
"Just hang out for seconds," Pina replied, tidying her cloth.
She opened the door as the head maid greeted her. On the table lay food and soup for her. Smiling slightly, she rested her back on the sofa. She can finally feel her backbone again resting after the weight that burdens her shoulders loosened.
"This is worsened," Pina said, sighing in somnolence.
"Maybe we must open the gate and speak with their leader, Princess," Bartholomew said to Pina. The man was old, but because of that, Pina looked at him ludicrously. This man was inexperienced with warfare.
"And let the men beheaded. After that, let the women be raped?" Pina said as her eyes locked on the ceiling.
"B-But." The old man wants to reply, only stopped by Pina's sigh.
"Don't negotiate with bandits." Pina's words were firm.
Pina resumed her lunch while her head filled with various worst-case scenarios that slowly haunted her. Her father's words only made it even worse.
"The food," She muttered. "It's cumbersome, and the portion is tiny."
"You must not eat a lot portion of food in wartime, Princess. It won't be good for your body." Kain said professionally.
"I see. Wake me up if the next wave comes." Pina stands, making her way to her room.
"If necessary, I will splash you with some water," Kain stated with a slight smile on her face.
"Where did you come, Kain? That culture must come from a particular place." Pina remarked.
"I came from the City of Rosa. Well, that city currently became Empire's territory."
"I see. Very well then, wake me up when the time comes," Pina said, closing the door behind her.
When she rested her body on the bed, tiredness quickly enveloped her mind. Pina could feel her consciousness begin to erode, but the lingering sentiment was still there.
"So this is my first battle. Why... Why." She muttered.
Sleep has taken herm Dream began to materialize within her dreamscape. It was her dream to be a knight. After witnessing the show about the Rose Knight, she wanted to become like her. A brave female knight that fights for her country. For that reason, she founded The Rose Order Knight, consisting of various daughters from multiple noble houses. She gives them hope to stand at the same height as men. And yet, her father did not approve of this endeavor. Even after her order had been founded, it only became an honorary army.
As the dream continued, cold water came to her skin.
"Whoa!" Pina screamed. "Did the enemy attack us?!"
"I... I can't say for sure. But you must see this." Grey said nervously.
Pina started with a questioning look.
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Pina immediately wore her armor, putting her sword on her waist. Anything that was waiting for her that was capable made Grey's expression turn severe; it must be alarm.
"Let me see," Pina said, causing the soldiers to give her a path.
On the door, there is a peeking hole which Pina used to look at what is beyond the wall. She saw a green metal carriage, yet she did not see any horse pulling it.
"Horseless carriage. How?" She asked.
"We don't know. But those carriages must be made of metal." Gray replied.
"I know what. But who are those people?" Pina still could not believe what those carriages were. She needs to know.
"Someone came out from it!" Hamilton exclaimed.
"A mage?! This isn't good. A mage and potential enemies... Could this situation become even worse?" Pina said to herself, though her escorts could hear her.
Then, another one comes out.
"Elf?!" Hamilton shrieked.
"Elf and magician. They would be a deadly combination if they were together." Pina claimed, watching with sweat began to form on her forehead.
"Hey, look," Grey said to the Princess.
Pina focused her eyes back on the horseless carriages. She saw a black gothic woman with an enormous halberd. She recognized that person, causing her eyes to widen in shock.
"I-Impossible! Rory Mercury!" Pina screamed.
"So that was really the grim reaper, Rory Mercury," Gray said with a sign of dread in his tone.
"How did you know it was her, Your Highness?" Hamilton asked.
"I once saw her back at the Capital. Priest of God Emroy." Pina shuddered.
"What will do, my lady?" Gray asked sternly.
"For now, we must welcome them. Showing them our hospitality. Yeah, that would be correct." Pina braced herself, taking a deep breath.
She slammed the door open and did not feel any peculiarity from it.
"I welcome you, Your Holiness!" She exclaimed.
But to her surprise, a green man is led to the ground unconscious. Slowly, Pina collected the moment she opened the door. Suddenly she realized something.
"This is my fault, right?" She asked awkwardly.
"Definitely." They said simultaneously.
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"Geez. You must be careful when you open a door. Someone could be hurt." Tuka scolded the red-haired Princess while she was using Itami's water canteen to wake him up.
"Ugh," Itami grunted, slowly opening his eyes.
"Ah, you were awake," Rory remarked.
"Leader, are you okay?" The radio said to Itami.
"I'm okay. Ceasefire." Itami said calmly.
"Hmmm. Who is going to explain all of this?" the JSDF said to anyone around him
"Eh? Me?!" Pina shrieked.
"This an insult! You've been talking to Her Majesty. Third Princess of the Empire, Pina Co Lafa!" Hamilton proclaimed.
Everything went silent; none of them spoke because of their shock. Pina only mentally sighed, restraining her emotion to grunt.
"So you are the Imperial Princess." A booming voice shocked her and the entire Italican defenders. Pina saw a giant metal stand beside the elf. This thing is enormous, twice the size of her.
"Protect the Princess!" Grey shouted as the soldiers began to encircle the said giant.
"I mean no harm, Princess." The giant calmly responded.
"How can I trust you with that?" Pina said, narrowing her eyes with hostility.
"If I want to kill all of you, I will do that when you made me enter this place." He replied with a neutrality that bordered emotionless.
"Is that a threat?" Grey said to the giant
"It wasn't a threat. It was the actuality."
Pina only started deep into the giant's head, calculating the entire possibility. Sighing to herself, Pina raised her hand.
"Stand down," Pina ordered.
"But, milady!" Grey interjected.
"Please, stand down." She begged. Thus, the armies withdraw their weapons.
"What is your purpose here?" Rather than ask, Pina demanded an answer.
"I am Raias Seloce, Captain of the 5th Recon Team. We are Solar Guardians, hailed from the Imperium of Man. We are here to meet with the Countess." Raias' proclamation brings Pina to her edge. The tone, the intonation, and even the persona this giant used were unthinkable. A voice of flawless Falmartian that could only be mastered by a diplomat who had an entire life's worth of experience.
"W-why you want to meet the Countess?" Pina asked, trembling.
"I want to inform her about Count Colt Formal. He is still alive within our care." Raias said firmly.
"What do you mean by that?" The Saderan Princess narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"I will tell you more when we meet the Countess. Before that, let the rest of the JSDF and my team enter."
Pina did not have any choice. Slightly clenching her hand in desperation, she opens her mouth.
"Open the gate!"