Chapter 95 - The War I

"As we discussed earlier. The council members of the Redodel Empire are taking control of their government instead of their Emperor. It's a sudden change in our plans, but personally, for me, it's best if we infiltrate them as soon as possible," said Air.

Henry lowers his guard just because of an accident he caused. It's as if it's his first time seeing blood, but it isn't. When he saw Emelia, bleeding he had thoughts that she was going to die and not make it alive. He fell into shock. 

Being unresponsive and irresponsible with his duties, the council members, who were more corrupted than Henry, took over. They have controls of their military, and there are two traitors from the Vivan Empire who sided with them. 

Sooner or later, Elliot knew this was going to happen. Chief Malazan and Count Fredrik are easy people to read. They are like an open book easy to read. Even a child would know their plans if they knew what the situation is.

"Let's prepare," Elliot stood up. "Let's prepare for the final war," said Elliot and pulled his white gloves down. He looks at Emelia, who nods her head, agreeing with him. This is their only chance to end the Redodel Empire. 

Their first defeat is not enough for them to surrender, and the second time it won't fail. All nobles who sided with Henry will not be forgiven. They will all be beheaded. 

"Send them a letter. No, an ambush is better. Four days from now, we will prepare to ambush them and give them a final blow. The nights might be sleepless but devote it for the world," said Elliot as he turns his back, facing the window as he looks at the town.

The people will suffer from the damages, but then a bigger reward awaits them. As few as possible. A few casualties are the best he can hope that will happen. Elliot shuts his eyes for a while then opens it back. 

"The Vivan Empire declares war."

Four days passed, and the day finally came for their attack. They were all waiting for the sun to set before they infiltrate the castle. It took them two days to set their base. Most of their soldiers were exhausted, but then their eyes were still burning in fury. 

Emelia takes a peek at the thousands of soldiers, standing in a straight line. It's finally time. After this, everything will end, and a new beginning will start. Emelia clenches onto her mother's necklace and turns hers back. 

"Don't worry too much," said Elliot, who was sitting on the chair, looking at the map that was marked with red and white pins. 

"How can I not worry?" asked Emelia as she sat down. "We can't lower our guards just because they are not prepared. They might know that they are going to be ambushed."

"I understand what you're thinking. But then again, our opponents are two people who I'm familiar with. And hasn't the people secretly evacuated already?" Elliot stood up and walked towards her.

During the four days, Emelia and the Priestess were able to keep the whole time quiet about their evacuation. The soldier's in guarding the town in the Redodel Empire don't do their job. And those who are staying in town were mostly trained soldiers from the Vivan Empire. 

They switched positions, and they were lucky that no one dared to share this evacuation. Though those who evacuated were the ones living near the palace. And those who live out of the walls were mostly safe. 

One of the few rules set was not to hurt the civilians. Not to torture or threatened them. The only ones they could attack were their soldiers and the nobles whose names were listed.

"My soldiers know the consequences of not following the orders. If I were you focus on what you're supposed to do," said Elliot as he held Emelia's hand, who smiled. 

"You're right."

Emelia closes her eyes and meditates. Her plan was to meet up with Mrs. Gilda and the Priestess. Along with a few soldiers, she will escort the people who were not able to evacuate safely. It's because their plans were in a rush. But taking risks won't hurt. 

After meeting up with them, Emelia will bring them out of the battle area which is the inner circle of houses that are near the palace. It's a good thing she was able to participate in this war even if her body wasn't physically fit to do so. 

Three days of training isn't enough to bring her old skills back, but then her muscle memory helped her recover. Plus, this time, she isn't going to be alone. Argus and Ayfara will be by her side this time. 

"Your Highness, it's about time," said Argus, who enters their tent and bowed his head. Now there is nothing to hide. Argus didn't wear a mask, and his eyes looked more determined to fight ever since that incident. 

Emelia nodded her hand and pulled the black hood on. Before leaving the tent, she takes a last look at Elliot, who was busy talking to the other generals. There wasn't time for them to say their goodbyes. But then she knew she would be back safe this time. 

"Let's go," orders Emelia as she walked out of the tent. 

Emelia walks towards the horses that were stationed, waiting for her. She looks at the horse she was going to ride on and pats its head gently. The owner of the horse was Elliot and as much as possible, she didn't want this horse to get hurt. 

"We'll get back safely," Emelia mutters, then climbs onto the horse. Emelia raises her voice, "Remember, even if the civilians are our priority, so is our life. I will never forgive one of you if you sacrifice yourselves just for your fellow soldiers. Everyone in this squad will come back alive. Mark my words."

An hour had passed, and nonstop galloping of the horses continued, and it was Elliot's time to start his plan. He stood in front of thousands of soldiers, and all their attention was on him. 

"As usual, I won't be explaining what we need to do. And I only have one rule for you, and that is not to die. Even if you are about to die, continue to fight until your last breath. That is what makes us warriors."

If Elliot wasn't an emperor. He wouldn't have this chance to have thousands or hundreds of soldiers in his hands. Just like how they are humans, they deserve to live even if there are those who think they don't. 

The soldiers and knights raise their swords upon the air, chanting, "For the glory of the Empire!"

"Let us begin!"

When Emelia and her team were close enough to the grand church, they got off their horses and walked into the church using another way. Instead of walking straight into the main entrance, they entered through a hidden bunker that the church used as an emergency escape. 

"Wait, Your Highness. Look," said Argus as he points at the enemy soldiers who were patrolling. 

"Let's leave at least 2 people here. So that in case something happens, one of you can inform us," said Emelia, and the two soldiers selected nodded their heads and hid within the bushes, watching every step the enemy soldiers took. 

Emelia opens the small wooden door and enters it. They walked into the dark tunnel with Argus leading the way while Ayfara staying behind Emelia. 

"It should be around here," said Argus as they took a right turn and when they reached the place where Mrs. Gilda and the priestess were. Argus opens the door with caution, and when they opened the door fully, they see Mrs. Gilda and some priests, sharing their food with the civilians. 

"Mrs. Gilda," called Emelia after seeing Mrs. Gilda taking a drink of water from a wooden cup. 

"Your Highness, thank God you're finally here," Mrs. Gilda said as she walked towards Emelia.

"We should bring them out now," said Emelia, but Mrs. Gilda stops her. 

"Wait," said Mrs. Gilda as she brings Emelia further away from the others. 

"What's wrong?" asked Emelia, seeing the worried expression on Mrs. Gilda. 

"Your Highness, we have a problem here. One of the children is missing when they went to go to the bathroom. The one looking after her forgot about her. She still might be around the bathroom area. As you know, the soldiers knew that the church was forming an alliance with you," said Mrs. Gilda as her voice trembles. Emelia held her hand, assuring that everything will be alright. 

"It's alright, Mrs. Gilda. Tell us a few details about the girl, and we'll go and find her. Don't worry, that is why before the soldiers find this hiding spot, you should escape now," said Emelia, and Mrs. Gilda nods her head. 

There were about fifteen civilians and one missing child in total. It was not much of a number, but then again, they will never know when the enemy will strike. 

"Ayfara, I want you to lead them out safely. While Argus will go with to find that girl. She should still be in the church. If not, then the soldiers patrolling earlier would have found out already.

"I told the children here that if they were to get lost, don't move and stay put. The girl's name is Gina. Please bring her back safely," said Mrs. Gilda as it was her turn to walk back into the tunnel. 

"Don't worry. We'll bring her safe and sound."