After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 68
Chapter 68: Unrivaled Mother
With Gretel in high spirits leading the way, we ventured further into the forest. Having defeated the patrol soldiers, time was now of the essence. If they didn’t return on schedule, the base personnel would become suspicious and raise their alert level.
Thus, after walking hastily for about seven to eight kilometers, we found what we were looking for. Visible through the gaps in the trees was a massive base surrounded by double-layered wooden barricades, constructed by flattening a wheat field. Inside, there were countless soldiers… Substantial barracks and granaries had already been built, and supply wagons were arriving one after another from the imperial side.
“What an impressive scale. I didn’t expect such a frontline base to be built on our kingdom’s territory.”
“Inside, there are 25,000 soldiers waiting to march out. And enough provisions to sustain 50,000 soldiers for six months have been transported.”
A man from the Dark Clan who had quietly joined us knelt down and reported to BBeatrice. For about ten years, he had been sent by the clan chief to infiltrate as an imperial citizen and gather information. He volunteered for this battle, gathered information on the enemy base, and hurried back to report. People like him who perform such tasks are invaluable… I’ll ask Ayaka-san to give him adequate rewards.
“The Lurian Empire is serious about establishing a stronghold and trampling over the kingdom.”
“Yes, they are not aiming for temporary plunder but rather territorial expansion.”
That seems to be the case. With about 20,000 troops facing off against Queen Her Majesty and Lady Lisa on the frontlines, and an additional 25,000 stationed at this base to back them up… The empire has redirected more than half of its military power to this front. If reinforcements come to the frontlines, the Belzenbruck army, unable to use magic due to the “human shield” tactic, will undoubtedly be pushed back. We need to finish them off quickly.
“BBeatrice, let’s strike before the base’s soldiers march out.”
“Lutz is right. It’s your turn now, Lady Hildegarde, please.”
“Yes!”
Mother, looking as eager as ever, begins chanting her spell as if it were her time to shine. Her vivid red hair fitting for a fire attribute sways in the wind, and her hazel eyes gleam with determination. Well, for the past two weeks, she’s been frustrated by the empire’s “human shield” tactic, unable to use her magic even though she wanted to. Mother’s accumulated frustration must be quite something.
“I, who am blessed by the fire spirits and serve as their apostle… Primitive flames, heed my call… Embrace my sinful enemies in your arms and devour them…”
I can’t help feeling a little embarrassed by the somewhat chuunibyou-like string of words, but Mother’s magic style is always like this. While continuously spewing out words that she herself thinks are cool, she increases her concentration. BBeatrice and Lady Lisa also chant spells, but it seems that only Mother needs such a long and embarrassing incantation.
However, without feeling embarrassed at all, Mother earnestly finishes the chant.
“…O flames of divine will, reduce those to ashes!”
As she shouts this, the moment Mother directs her right palm towards the imperial base, the entire plain is dyed crimson. I don’t know what is fueling the flames. But the land is definitely burning… Flames erupt from the ground, aiming to burn everything in sight.
And of course, the makeshift enemy base, despite its large scale, is engulfed in flames. Well, everything is made of wood, after all. And the soldiers, numbering over 25,000, some are crushed under collapsing wooden structures, some are enveloped in smoke… And many are burned directly by the relentless flames, turning into ashes without leaving a trace.
While feeling somewhat sorry for the lower-ranked soldiers who were likely driven to the battlefield without being told anything by the upper echelons of the empire, as a group, what they are doing is invasion, slaughter, and looting. If we don’t do this, the kingdom’s people will be killed, plundered, and oppressed… Thinking so, there’s nothing to do but suppress the simmering unease.
“This is my first time seeing it, but the magic of a ‘hero’ is truly terrifying. I can understand why the empire didn’t want to resort to such despicable means.”
“Yeah, Mom’s magic is amazing. But I prefer BBeatrice’s gentle magic.”
Yes, Mother’s magic is one of a kind. There is probably only her on the continent who can annihilate enemies on such a scale. But to be honest, Mother’s magic has only one unique application – to burn down opponents, allies, and enemies alike without discrimination… That’s all. The people might be thrilled by Mother’s flashy heroism, but I… if she were to give me words like this at such a time, I would end up liking her even more.
The flames burning across the plain reflect on Beatrice’s fair cheeks, turning them red. Somehow, I feel like I’m experiencing youthfulness that’s out of character for me. Truth be told, I’m already over sixty in reality.
“Both Beatrice and Saya… trying to flirt with women in the midst of battle, Lutz is truly hopeless. There’s no sense of tension.”
Suddenly realizing it, my childhood friend is there, looking astonished.
“S-Sorry.”
“It’s fine. I’ve come to accept that this is who Lutz is lately.”
Gretel sighs heavily, dropping her shoulders dramatically. Hmm, am I really such a bad guy?