Book 13: Prologue
-Algrand Empires Capital-
In the palace, there existed a special room reserved for the Emperors of each generation.
Entry into this room was restricted to a select few, and it housed a throne larger than the one in the main hall.
Bagrada, the reigning Emperor, took great pleasure in occupying this throne and was in the midst of gently caressing its handrest with his right hand.
The Prime Minister, who was one of the few who was permitted entry into this room, harbored mixed feelings regarding the throne.
(Successive generations of Emperors have favored this throne, but theres no mistaking the ominous aura surrounding it.)
The luxurious throne was adorned with numerous treasures, and it was connected to the floor, making it one with the room.
One could even argue that the entire room was an extension of the throne.
Bearing the eerie atmosphere, the Prime Minister reported the state of the war to Bagrada.
Your Majesty, the subjugation force is in a dire situation.
Yes, I heard. Do you think Cleo can turn the tide?
-It seems unlikely. Shall we dispatch reinforcements, or shall we have them retreat?
The Algrand Empire had deemed the Banfield Family to harbor traitorous intent and had dispatched a subjugation force to capture their planet.
Victory shouldve been assured, but the news that reached the Capital clearly indicated that the subjugation force was facing difficulties.
Bagrada was likely aware of this, but he didnt seem fazed at all.
He simply gazed up at the ceiling, his attention fixed on a large glass chalice that was already a third of the way full due to a black, blood-like liquid dripping down from above.
Bagradas eyes curved like a bow, seemingly feeling pleased.
His attitude suggested that he considered the situation with the subjugation force to be of trivial importance.
(The Emperors that came before him behaved as if they were captivated by the black liquid. Never did I think His Majesty Bagrada would walk down the same path.)
When Bagrada was still the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister had conversed with him on several occasions.
At the time, Bagrada was a wise, young prince.
As a member of the imperial family, he was involved in a fair share of sketchy affairs, but he showed genuine interest in improving the state of the Algrand Empire.
However, such concerns had long since vanished into thin air.
Your Majesty, at this rate, the Imperial Army would suffer defeat at the hands of the Banfield Family. Of course, considering the military might of the Empire, theres no need to be concerned over a single defeat. However, the fact that our army was repelled by a vassal lord might pose some issues.
It didnt matter that their opponent was Duke Banfield.
The Empire was supposed to be a superpower, and it wouldnt benefit them if word spread that they lost to a feudal lord.
The Prime Minister tried to explain how matters were worsening with each passing second.
There has been a lot of buzz from surrounding countries. The Kingdom of Dominion, which was supposed to have sworn its allegiance to the Empire, has bared its fangs at us and is attacking our borders.
It wasnt only the Banfield Family they had to worry about.
The Prime Minister was desperate, and he hoped Bagrada could point them the way.
Whether to seek peace with the Banfield Family or continue fighting. Everything rested on Bagradas decision.
Perhaps his desperation had reached the Emperor. Soon enough, Bagrada let out a small sigh and replied while looking slightly exasperated.
So, you're concerned that the neighboring countries would perceive the Empire as weakening, prompting them to launch serious attacks if we were to let the Banfield Family win.
Yes, Your Majesty, that is exactly what Im saying.
The Prime Minister felt relieved knowing that the Emperor understood their current predicament.
However, he soon realized that he had celebrated too early.
Bagradas lips curled upwards, revealing a smile.
Isnt that quite fine?
Y-Your Majesty?
Bagrada reached out his right hand to the glass chalice and said,
Duke Banfield is like a radiant star, the ray of hope that everyones been waiting for. Dont you agree?
R-ray of hope? Your Majesty, I believe its inappropriate to refer to an enemy of the state in that manner.
The Prime Minister broke out in a cold sweat.
Bagrada, the Emperor, had essentially acknowledged that the Empire was on the side of evil.
While staring at the glass chalice floating in the air, Bagrada foresaw Liams future.
However, a strong light is bound to attract immeasurable darkness. Since a battle of such magnitude has occurred, those monsters should soon appear, drawn by the immense resentments left behind.
Monsters? Your Majesty, what might you be referring to?
Bagrada turned to face the Prime Minister, who was having a difficult time keeping up with the conversation.
He stared at the Prime Minister with cloudy eyes that had lost their light.
Entities that have surpassed the realm of humanity. Ive always looked forward to meeting them. Im sure someone like Duke Banfield would be able to attract them over.
Bagrada seemed to be anticipating the emergence of beings beyond human comprehension.
He soon gave another laugh.
Cleos done a great job. Despite her incompetence, shes worked hard to set up the perfect stage, wouldnt you agree, Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister wasnt able to mask his agitation.
Your Majesty, did you foresee the Crown Prince failing from the very beginning?
A war of such magnitude would never have occurred otherwise.
T-thats
The Empire had waged this war to uphold its prestige, but Bagrada seemed to have his own agenda.
The Prime Minister had little to go off of regarding these entities beyond human understanding, but he knew that the Algrand Empire was on the verge of instability.
In fact, the Banfield Familys victory over the subjugation force was already having a widespread effect.
As time passed, the Algrand Empire would no doubt be invaded by neighboring countries. At the same time, they would have to keep an eye out for domestic problems.
While the Prime Minister felt dizzy thinking about the Empires future, Bagrada was filled with anticipation for what was to come.
Entities beyond human comprehension I wonder what theyre like.
Is it my fate to never win?
On the deck of a battleship fleeing from the Banfield Familys fleet, the Guide was on all fours, crying.
In the vacuum of outer space, his tears turned into spheres and froze the moment they left his eyes, scattering in the surroundings.
The Guide expressed his hatred for Liam, shedding tears which was mixed with blood.
Why cant I beat Liam? Ive provided so much support for Cleo! How the hell did Liam manage to win in that situation? Is he even human!?
Including the ships that tagged along for logistic support, the subjugation force that the Empire dispatched numbered over 10 million ships.
Despite facing an attack from a fleet of such magnitude, the Banfield Family had managed to hold down their fortress.
Now, the subjugation force had started to retreat, and the Banfield Familys fleets were pursuing them on several fronts.
Even as the Guide was wallowing in despair, imperial ships were being destroyed left and right.
What more am I supposed to do? Damn it, my stomachs begun to ache again.
Perhaps he was under too much stress dealing with Liam. The Guide began experiencing stomach pain.
His expression contorted as he endured the unpleasant feeling coming from his stomach.
This is all your fault, Liam! Ill never forgive you!!
Right around that time
Kill them all!!
On the bridge of a super-dreadnought class battleship, Marie was taking command as if to vent her pent-up frustration.
News of Cleos defeat had reached the battlefield, and Maries fleet, which had remained holed up in the fortress throughout the course of the war, was now on the offensive.
Opposing them was a fleet composed of private armies from numerous lords and aristocrats.
Although superior in numbers, they had chosen to retreat after learning about the main armys defeat, judging that it would be dangerous to remain in enemy territory.
However, Marie wasnt about to let them go easily.
A dine-and-dash? Not on my watch!
With bloodshot eyes, Marie issued ruthless orders to her allies, abandoning her ladylike facade.
Enemy ships that ran out of fuel raised white flags of surrender, but the Banfield Family made quick work of them.
They showed no mercy to the enemies that surrendered, but there was a reason for that.
Just to confirm, Maries adjutant asked what they should do with an enemy fleet that offered to surrender.
Your Excellency, another fleet has expressed their desire to surrender.
The adjutant shrugged as she spoke, and the response she got was as expected.
Ignore them. They mustve had a blast rampaging through our territory and burning it down. Theres no need to show them any mercy.
The subjugation forces modus operandi was to plunder anything that they could before burning down the planet to prevent it from being used again.
They were clearly aiming to thoroughly destroy the Banfield Family. Hence, Marie had no sympathy for them.
Whats more
(The people gathered here are all talented nobles who support the imperial family. Viscount Moss, whos in charge of the fleet, is also capable in his own right. I must make sure they dont escape from the battlefield alive.)
If she allowed the enemies to flee, theyd come back to threaten the Banfield Family again.
Considering the future, they had to weaken the Empire as much as they could, which meant leaving none alive.
You went against Lord Liam and attacked the planet where Lady Rosetta resides. Dont even think of returning home safely.
Marie fought with the intent to sink every ship in sight as the enemies retreated.
Exterminate the pirates!!!
Tia, who commanded a different battlefield, was also pursuing the enemy fleet.
Marquis Hampson and his army far outnumbered them, but they had virtually no supplies left.
It was impossible to carry on with the battle, so he had issued orders to retreat, but just like Marie, Tia wasnt one to miss such an opportunity.
In fact
Youve plundered Lord Liams territory and burned down several planets. You must be space pirates! Theres no point in arguing otherwise. Im the judge, jury, and executioner here!
After unilaterally recognizing them as space pirates, Tia began launching ruthless attacks on the enemy fleet.
Even though she knew itd be pointless to ask, Tias adjutant informed her superior about a message that they had received.
Lady Tia, there appear to be some enemies that are willing to surrender. What shall we do?
While maintaining her smile, Tia gave the imperial army the death sentence.
We dont accept surrender from space pirates.
Understood.
Just like always, she went about destroying the ships of enemies that had surrendered.
Then, she had a map of the entire battlefield projected before her in the air to strategize their next move.
Will they keep running away like this, or will they meet up somewhere? Where should we go to cause maximum damage?
The Imperial Army had begun retreating. She had to think calmly about where to strike so that they could effectively reduce the number of enemies.
The thought of exterminating space pirates filled her with excitement, but she didnt let it interfere with her judgment. This was one of her strengths.
Her adjutant soon pointed out a problem.
Our morale is high, but many of our troops are exhausted from the defensive battle. Whats more, even as they retreat, our enemies outnumber us. We shouldnt chase them too far, or we might suffer from a counterattack.
True, I wouldnt want to place a burden on my allies who have stood strong against the enemys onslaught. Order our troops to maintain a reasonable distance. Have you contacted our main planet?
I have, and weve received permission.
Very well. Now, let us continue with our fun chase.
*****
Brian (;;): The Emperors a dastardly bastard, its painful. That being said, Im happy to see everyone back now that a new volume is here.
Wakagi-chan (*`): A fresh start, meaning more advertisements! Well be promoting lots of work today!
Wakagi-chan (): In fact, this might be a little too much. First of all, let me introduce two works that are scheduled to drop on December 25th.
Brian (): Volume 6 of Im the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire! and Volume 1 of Im the Heroic Knight of an Intergalactic Empire!
Wakagi-chan (*): What!? The Marie route was adapted into a light novel!? From Mob Seka, we have Volume 11 of The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs and Volume 1 of That World of Otome Games is Tough for Us! Were accepting pre-orders right now, so please make your reservations at a store or on an online shopping site!
Brian (`): Wow, that really is a lot of new works.
Wakagi-chan (): Yeah
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