Scarlet Fate

23: Escalation

Akari's PoV

Gathering outside the city of Arvel is an army, one that numbered roughly over twenty thousand troops, perhaps the largest army assembled in the kingdom's history.

However it's not enough, too few have come to take up arms against the empire. Twenty thousand will not be enough to defeat the empire's army.

"Threw are three factions fighting for control within the empire, depending on whom we ally ourselves, may decide the fate of the kingdom."

Should I support the warmongering emperor? Perhaps the more talented, calculating and cunning second prince? Or maybe the resistance from Ashwell whom has the people's support.

"Your Majesty, Count Bekken has arrived, he brought along with him around a thousand troops."

Reported the Knight.

"Summon him to my quarters immediately."

"As you wish."

The Knight hastily left the quarters, moments later, Count Bekken arrived with a stern took on his face.

"I'm humbled by her Majesty's presence."

"No need for formalities, be quick to the point."

"Very well."

Count Bekken sat down a chair beside me, his face remained stern as he spoke.

"Massive armies are being amassed within the empire, as if preparing for war, the second Prince has also been gathering weapon in secret, as if preparing for battle."

"It's likely that a civil war might occur within the empire, we must strike while the iron is hot. If we play our cards correctly, we can weaken the empire's military might."

I sighed as I rang a bell, moments later a maid entered, she poured me a cup of tea, I took a sip and continued.

"However the empire has strengthened it's defense, the fortress at their side of the border was heavily fortified, it's garrison is strengthen, roughly around five thousand troops."

"Funds have already been allocated for this campaign, this campaign might last months, years even."

Lord Bekken let's out a sigh.

"If the empire has fortified the fortress, avoiding the fortress completely might cost us time, however it would greatly reduce our casualties."

"Perhaps we can try traversing the mountain ranges?"

"No need, that would take too much time. We'll use the sea, make our way to the north, through resistance controlled territory."

"Are you suggesting we form an alliance with the resistance?"

Count Bekken asked intrigued, however I shook my head.

"It won't be favourable for us to form an alliance with them, their forces I'd barely considered as an army, most of their soldiers are dimply armed peasants, furthermore they'll put additional strain to our supplies."

"It's more unfavorable for us to ally with them, they're forces is barely considered an army, further more they'll put a strain on our supplies."

Surprised with what I said, Count Bekken asked.

"The second prince? Why?"

"In exchange of helping him dethrone his brother, we could form a peace treaty with the empire, or at least a non-aggression pact."

"Which in turn, would allow us to strengthen our kingdom's military."

Count Bekken nodded in agreement, he called for a messenger.

After Count Bekken left, I ordered one of my guards to summon Chiharu to my quarters.

"Your Majesty..."

I clicked my tongue and sighed, looking at Chiharu with a disappointed face.

"No need for formalities, I hate those stuff remember."

"How could I forget, it's nice seeing you well Akane-sama."

I smiled at Chiharu whom had a worried look on her face, I placed my hand atop her shoulder and asked.

"How's my daughter?"

"She's doing fine, I have people that are keeping an eye on her."

I looked at her in the eye, she seems worried about something, noticing the documents within her grasp, I asked.

"You have something to report?"

"Ye-Yes, A bandit group has been terrorizing a village near Elafas forest, I would like to ask permission to mobilize my forces."

"Send a small detachment to subjugate the bandits, I need you and your soldiers to fortify the fortress."

"As you wish your Majesty."

"No formalities, didn't I told you."

Chiharu giggled and smiled.

"Pardon my disobedience."

I sat down my chair, gesturing that Chiharu follow. She sat down obediently.

"Does Akane possess any talents as a soldier?"

"As an individual soldier, her combat prowess is below average, however she seems well versed in tactical warfare."

"Very well, I would like you to dispatch Akane, along her forces to subjugate the bandits."

"Wouldn't that put her at risk?!?"

I smiled and asked a maid to pour me a cup of tea, I turned to Chiharu whom had a conflicted look on her face.

"I have confidence that my daughter can subjugate the bandits without issue, I suggest you believe in her capabilities and focus your attention in your role as garrison commander."

Chiharu clicked her tongue, her face had a bitter expression as she asked.

"Why promote me into a garrison commander, I'm unworthy of such a title."

Doubtful of your talents as always, that's always been one of your characteristics that I hated, Chiharu.

"I won't tell you the reason, find the answer yourself."

"As you wish, I'll place the subjugation group under Akane's command, however she must remain under the supervision of my most trusted subordinates."

"As long as they don't interfere with her task, I'm fine with it."

That's right, as the future queen of this kingdom, she must have the ability to lead her people. This is one of her trails, dangerous yes, however she must overcome it, both for her and Yuni's sake.

Chiharu nodded and summoned a messenger, she wrote something on a parchment and told him.

"Give this to Yuito, as quickly as you can."

"As you wish."

The messenger nodded, and vanished into shadows.