Fate II

CCXLI

The news of Lucy's pregnancy spread fast through the battlefield once it became known to Sinbad, who only became aware once he returned from the battlefront, pushing the Empire's soldiers further back toward their base. In three months, the war had raged across the continent on both land and sea as both sides spared no effort in gaining a victory. Blood was shed and each day was a living hell. But, in terms of losses, the Kou Empire suffered far more for their metal vessel users were no match for Lucy's Retainers. The only reason why they hadn't suffered a complete defeat was because of Ren Kouha. But, with the news of Lucy's pregnancy, the morale of the Sindrian troops was raised all the higher for with the support of the Seven Seas Alliance and the Heartfilia Conglomerate, they were practically unstoppable.

Meanwhile, the morale of the Empire's troops remained stagnant with most of their respect being towards their Supreme Commander rather than their Emperor. After all, as much as they wish for Lucy to return to her rightful position, they were not so despicable that they would force a woman who was pregnant with another man's child to be their wife.

"You're utterly despicable," Hakuei glared at him with disgust.

Kouen sat there in silence, the sound of explosives and battle cries ringing loudly in the air. The air was pungent with the smell of blood and even then, he remained indifferent. His eyes burned with only one goal and he lowered his gaze, holding the Phoenix Bangle that she had always worn back when he gifted it to her the day she became his Imperial Noble Consort. Regardless of what others said and regardless of the current situation, his intentions remained the same. He wanted her back by his side. He wanted to hold her, kiss her, and embrace her again. He wanted to return back to those times when they had laughed so happily underneath the bright, midday sun with their eyes holding affection for no one else but each other.

Lucy...he furrowed his brows and held the bangle to his lips.

"Y-Your Imperial Majesty!" a soldier suddenly barged in.

"The insolence!" Koumei shouted.

"F-Forgive me!" they immediately knelt down. "But right now, there-!"

Explosions sounded in the distance and with it, the sound of screams and shouts could be heard throughout the tents. Kouen narrowed his eyes. Standing up, Koumei and Hakuei followed behind him and exited the tent. They widened their eyes upon seeing the barrier being continuously bombarded with explosive magic. If it weren't for the high-level barrier that had been placed, their base would've been nothing more than a pile of dust.

"This is..." Koumei stared before narrowing his eyes and opening up several magic circles, transferring the magic elsewhere.

"I see that the Kou Empire's Imperial Prime Minister has not lost their touch."

They glanced up only to widen their eyes in shock. Trumpets blared and drums pounded loudly in the gray skies above as hundreds if not thousands of soldiers descended on winged horses, a signature mark of the Kingdom of Sindria and more specifically, the Queen's Royal Guards led by none other than Masrur. Situated by his side as he sat on a floating cloud was none other than Wu Kong, who had accompanied them as an extra escort to the last person they thought they would see on this battlefield.

"Lucy...sama," Koumei made out.

"Announcing the arrival of Her Royal Majesty the Queen, Lucy Heartfilia-sama!" one of the guards announced.

Glancing down at their base, she held up a finger and drew an arrow. An arrow appeared in the sky above next to her, shining with the brilliant radiance of the sun, and realizing what it was, Koumei immediately yelled out.