Chapter: 366
Dorgon appeared like a gust of wind, and his departure was an art form in its own right. The problem is that it was the kind of hellish artistry that might fly in the depths of a nightmare. Over ten thousand nomads turning the Sarei front into a living hell was more than sufficient.
Of course, the nomads’ time on the front line was short-lived. But within that brief time, they managed to create utter chaos, leaving the results a mess that would be hard to clean up. Imagine horses trampling soldiers while nomads on top swung swords and fired arrows, ready to join the carnage—they were fully prepared for battle, which made it all the more horrifying.
“We’re pulling back the front line.”
It was serious enough for the Patriarch to make such a call. This wasn’t merely due to the heavy losses on our side; the real issue lay with the terrain, which was not something we could replenish with troops from elsewhere.
Frankly, the majority of the northern region offers little in terms of defensible terrain; however, the Sarei tribe’s territory was particularly bad. The Sarei were not a tribe worried about being attacked; they were the ones delivering the blows! They preferred expanding into favorable terrain rather than fortifying defensive positions.
“There won’t be any more small-scale battles like before. Dorgon’s aggressive push at the forefront will continue.”
The other staff agreed with that assessment. The Empire had been able to slowly extend its front line against the hundreds and thousands of nomads, yet with the Khan leading over ten thousand troops, a defensive stance became necessary. We couldn’t afford to suffer a legion-sized annihilation just because we were playing territorial games like before and end up unable to face the Emperor.
Defending from our position during an expedition feels a tad strange, but in reality, we were fighting mobile forces rather than fortifications. If we at least regroup and aim to hunt down Dorgon and his troops, it can still be seen as a victory for us.
“Let’s use the river to the south as our front line.”
It’s a bitter pill to swallow that we’d turn a river we just crossed into a wall again, but it couldn’t be helped.
It’d be better to cross the river twice than to take a beating from Dorgon in the plains again.
“Inspector.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
I responded quickly to the Patriarch’s sudden call.
“Thanks to you, countless soldiers and I were able to escape the blades of those traitors. As the commander here, I’d like to express my gratitude once again.”
The Patriarch spoke in a formal tone, with other staff members present. However, unlike his stiff words, his voice felt subtly soft.
“Your praises are excessive.”
So, I smiled a bit and bowed my head in reply.
Although this battle yielded no tangible achievements, at least I managed to keep the Patriarch’s life safe. That made my return to the command center feel much lighter.
The conflict on the Sarei front forced the Empire to retreat, and they lost sight of their war objective—the Khan’s head. In terms of outcome, it looked like a one-sided battle with only the Empire taking the hit.
However, in hindsight, it turned out to be a beneficial battle for the Empire.
“All the tribes that maintained neutrality until the end have now surrendered.”
The Vice-Captain nodded at the report from the staff.
Dorgon took the lead in the offensive, which had made it seem like the anti-Empire forces were stabbing the Empire in the gut. However, from another perspective, Dorgon was essentially making a declaration: “This is all my force.”
Tribes that choose to remain hidden during a large-scale offensive led by the Khan? They can no longer claim neutrality. They’re clearly tribes that are on the opposite side of the Khan, which means they are siding with the Empire in the context of war.
“If you want to stay alive, you better stick with us.”
From that day onward, the tribes that had been struggling under the guise of neutrality dropped the act and began their massive exodus. For the Empire, those tribes had nothing detrimental besides a minor inconvenience, but for the Khan, they had surely earned his wrath by failing to side with him.
It might make sense in that light, but…
“Damn it.”
Beyond the obvious, I couldn’t hide my complex feelings about it. Even before these neutral tribes began fleeing, the Kaitan tribe’s peddling and Barandi’s joining gave the nomads plenty of reasons to surrender to the Empire.
Yet they debated until the very end and only now chose to surrender. Was it an inability to bow down to the Empire as nomads or mere indecisiveness at play?
“How unfortunate.”
Of course, it’s unfortunate for the tribes that surrendered last. Their dilemma is what we commonly refer to as joining a ‘less regrettable situation.’
Unlike Kaitan, who had their heads smashed in early in the war, or Barandi’s significant positioning, there’s no need to hold them in high regard. The fact that they surrendered when they had no other options was something the Empire understood well. With no choice left, where else would they go?
The horror of being too late to join is indeed a grim reality for a latecomer.
“They expressed a wish to help us in fighting against evil powers. They believe they can contribute since they’re familiar with activities on the plains—”
Thus, to overcome the harsh reality, the latecomers started pursuing us actively.
The tribes that have surrendered thus far had not engaged directly in battle. It would be clear as day that telling them, “You should fight too,” would cause unrest among them. Also, we felt uneasy about turning our backs on those we previously considered enemies. We’d been putting our emphasis on just reducing the enemy’s numbers.
Yet for the latecomers desperate to prove their worth, such thoughts meant nothing.
“It’s truly courageous of them. I’ll meet with them directly, so prepare a place for us.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
Understanding that, the Vice-Captain summoned the chiefs of the tribes that surrendered last.
With Dorgon rampaging around, securing cavalry forces capable of counteracting him is crucial; refusing this request would send them into panic in a different sense. If my analogy holds true, it might feel like being put on standby after a promotion that never happened.
“I’ll give titles to those who fight well.”
Even if they arrive late, if there’s a precedent of rewarding them based on merit, it could bode well for the Empire too.
*
I wondered how long it had been since I was here. Was this my first visit since the war ended? Nearly three years?
Over those three years, there could have been various opportunities to come here, but I intentionally kept my distance just in case. The Empire must know that this place is special to me. Roaming about and risking being discovered for no good reason would be a hassle.
“So now, I finally greet you.”
I muttered a salute absent from ears nearby. Although Dashan was nearby, he had been acting as if he were blind and deaf since I arrived, so I suppose it’s best to leave him be.
He certainly is far too loyal.
“Was I like that once?”
That thought suddenly crossed my mind. Was I any different to the one observing me—who’d always insist on accompanying the person when they would go off into potential danger? Even when there was no one who could threaten that person across the entire continent.
And yet, when it truly mattered, I couldn’t offer my assistance. I wasn’t there when that person needed someone at their side.
“What a pitiful thing.”
Thanks to that, I often found myself wanting to end my life several times a day. What use is the living heir of a fallen nation who couldn’t protect his lord?
Yet, I continue to live this pitiful life because there are still things I can do at this age. Or perhaps, it’s that I want to think that way.
“At this point, either one goes on without concern.”
I quietly glanced around as I walked. Three years had passed, but signs of battle still lingered in places—the spot where the northern will was broken.
And where that person had breathed their last.
“I found him.”
Kneeling, I caressed the ground. I knew quite well it was a pointless action. Still, thinking this was where that person last stood made it unbearable to remain idle.
“Yet here’s the one who couldn’t kill Talado, Zairug, or Ilai.”
Saying it out loud actually made me laugh. Talado, the vanguard, Zairug, recognized for their unique abilities by that person, and Ilai, the greatest mage of the north—all had either perished by that individual’s hands or met their fateful end due to them. The creature has no equal.
Ironically, I faced such monsters several times and somehow survived each encounter. To that creature, I’m likely seen as a monster too.
“But isn’t it strange? When I learned that creature returned to the north, I felt relief instead of anger or despair.”
If it hadn’t shown up, I might not have felt anger, either.
“It’s been a long enmity. We fought for two years and waited for three. Now we can finally settle the scores that have lingered for so long.”
Again, I couldn’t help but laugh. What a stubborn little brat. What on earth happened between us in a past life? Unless it’s an extraordinary grudge, there’s no way it could have rooted itself so deep across five years of my life.
Still, I don’t harbor resentment. I must have been quite a remarkable figure in that person’s life. With that person and others dead, I’ve become their only rival.
I subtly pulled out the spellbook hidden in my pocket, crafted with the utmost effort by the most exceptional spellcaster aligned with my intention.
“It must end in a way that befits the finale.”
It was created with that purpose in mind. It may seem like stubbornness and petulance, but I truly believe you would like it too.
“Is it because you drank your father’s blood that it turned red?”
“Congratulations. Your father may be dead, but in this sword, his blood remains with me, so this sword is just like your father. It’s a long-awaited family reunion.”
“Oh, when I think about it, since I’m wielding your father’s sword, I could play the role of your grandfather.”
‘Hmm.’
When I recalled what that brat had said, my anger flared up once again.
I thought I’d gotten used to it after two years, but after not hearing it for three more, it seems my immunity has dropped. Such a shame.
“Damn it.”
It’ll surely take time to regain my familiarity.
I truly don’t know if getting used to it will happen before I meet my end.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.