After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 55
Chapter 55: The War Has Begun
“At the imperial border, around twenty thousand infantrymen have gathered. Furthermore, reinforcements of about thirty thousand have departed from the capital. Many wagons carrying provisions suggest they are preparing for a prolonged conflict,” Ayaka-san succinctly conveyed the information from the Dark Clan.
“Yes, this aligns with our expectations,” nodded Queen Elizabeth in response to Ayaka-san’s report. The Ayaka clan routinely dispatched intelligence operatives to neighboring countries, embedding them as ordinary citizens. Thanks to this network, they could swiftly obtain vital information when needed.
Immediately after expelling the envoy, the Lyublyana Empire issued a protest statement along with a declaration of war. Their timing was remarkably prompt, suggesting they had anticipated the kingdom’s rejection of the marriage proposal and had been preparing for it.
“We have no choice. Send the First and Second Infantry Corps to the border. If Hilda and I join them, we should be able to easily repel conventional forces. This will also be an opportunity for Beato to experience the battlefield. You’re coming with us, Beato,” Queen Elizabeth instructed.
“What about Lutz?”
“Lutz and Gretel are minors, so they are not obligated to accompany the army. You two have the freedom to choose. Will you come with us?”
“Of course, we’ll protect Princess Beato!”
“We’ll go.”
While Gretel seemed enthusiastic, I, knowing I wouldn’t be of much use, relaxed my shoulders. Nevertheless, both of them answered without hesitation.
—
The anticipated imperial invasion turned out to be surprisingly delayed. As the ill-prepared kingdom scrambled to organize its forces to confront them, the enemy had only advanced about a dozen kilometers beyond the border, occupying just three large villages.
“There must be a plan behind this delay. What do you think, Hilda?” Queen Elizabeth asked.
“I’m not sure. They should understand that the empire, which lacks quality magic users, would be at a disadvantage if they delayed until we appeared on the front lines,” Hilda responded.
Both the queen and Hilda, the kingdom’s top military mages, were skeptical of the empire’s actions. Indeed, their unstoppable combination of earth magic from the queen to immobilize the enemy and merciless widespread fire magic from Hilda had decimated the imperial army twenty years ago. The kingdom’s territory hadn’t expanded much since then due to Queen Elizabeth’s reluctance to engage in foreign conflicts.
However, their doubts were soon dispelled. An urgent message from Ayaka arrived on the battlefield.
“The forces of the Duchy of Liege have left their capital. Their target is the Belzenbruck capital.”
—
“This has become troublesome. Was this their aim from the beginning?” Queen Elizabeth wore a bitter expression. Indeed, despite the formidable strength of Mother’s magic, if attacked simultaneously by two countries, one would inevitably be left unguarded. Moreover, the Belzenbruck army’s strength lay primarily in its heavily armored infantry, which was clearly inferior to the forces boasted by both neighboring nations. It seemed that the enemy had exploited this weakness.
The Duchy of Liege in the west had strong ties with the empire. Were they coerced into sending troops or were they seizing the opportunity to profit while the Belzenbruck main forces were occupied in the north?
The Kingdom of Poznan in the east had long been allied with Belzenbruck through marriage policies but had weak military power. It would be cruel to ask for reinforcements, and more importantly, they might not arrive in time.
With her fingers steepled on her forehead, Queen Elizabeth closed her eyes in contemplation. Surprisingly, her expression, once filled with worry, now transformed into a bright and cheerful one.
“Beato.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“You will lead one-third of the regular army as my proxy and transfer to the Liege border. Drive away those impudent thieves and return here. Hilda and I will focus on protecting the current front line until then.”
“But I’m an earth attribute… not suited for war.”
“That’s right. So, I won’t skimp on assigning a young S-class mage to accompany you. Anneliese!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
For some reason, Anneliese, who was standing in the corner of the room, responded in a rigid upright posture. That sister of mine had truly become a military woman.
“Lead the Second and Third Magic Corps under Beato’s command. The time has come to demonstrate your power to the entire kingdom.”
“As you wish!”
Even though Liese, the water attribute with S-class magical power, was considered unsuitable for combat, she chose to join the engineering corps when she entered the military. However, after I gave her some advice, her talent suddenly blossomed, or rather, she became able to fight. Upon learning this, Queen Elizabeth forcefully transferred her to the combat unit, despite Liese’s hesitation… that was three months ago. And now, at the young age of eighteen, she is suddenly entrusted with commanding the magic unit. While it is said that magic users are judged by their abilities, this significant promotion… Queen Elizabeth’s bold personnel decisions are truly surprising.
“And Gretel, although you have no obligation to accompany the army, I want you to assist Beato. We are at a disadvantage in close combat this time… with Gretel, hailed as the ‘reincarnation of a hero,’ I hope to carve out a path forward with her power.”
“Of course, I will go! Please, give me your orders!”
“Thank you… then, I command Margarete, the daughter of the Duke of Hanover. Lead the vanguard and bring victory to our country!”
“I humbly accept! I will surely defeat the enemy commander!”
Her strawberry blonde hair swelled with magical power, and her eyes sparkled brightly. My beloved, unruly childhood friend was so dignified and beautiful.