Book 11: Chapter 8: Competition

Book 11: Chapter 8: Competition

Tia, who had conquered an important stronghold of the High Kingdom, watched from the spaceport as her allies' defeated forces gathered one after another.

The huge fortress, which was made by connecting three asteroids that had been mined, was equipped with almost everything from weapons development and production to living quarters and military facilities.

A huge fortress capable of operating a fleet of tens of thousands of ships.

The fortress, which was the core of the surrounding space region, would have been one of the most important bases for the High Kingdoms' army.

Tia was the one who brought down this important base.

Tia was watching her allied fleet from a passageway connecting two asteroids.

The cylindrical corridor was an autowalk, so she could move around without having to walk.

In such a place, Tia gave a cold stare at the allied ships and muttered spitefully.

"The disgrace of the Banfield family!"

The many fleets that were gathering one after another at the fortress they had captured were a painful sight. If these had been victorious despite their struggles, Tia would have welcomed them with open arms, praising their hard-fought battles.

But many of them were defeated.

It is hard to believe that these are words for a defeated ally, but the Banfield family had prepared ample rewards for their army.

They are provided with an adequate environment and equipment and are not inferior to the regular army of the empire.

In fact, they are treated better than most regular forces.

If they were defeated in an actual battle under such circumstances, one would be tempted to say, "What are you doing, huh?"

The second-in-command at Tia's side similarly looks down on the defeated army and shows contempt for them.

"Most of us have dealt with fleeing pirates. There's a fragility about them, as equals, or even competitors."

The Banfield family has no mercy for pirates.

Many of the rapidly increased fleet have dealt with fleeing pirates who were afraid of the Banfield family.

The downside of this is that it makes them vulnerable to their equals.

Many of the soldiers are perplexed by the real, actual battle, which training cannot compensate for.

When the adjutant turns his body to Tia, he confirms his future plans.

" The reorganizatio has been entrusted to us, the Third Army, how do you intend to handle it? Our fleet is being replenished by Liam-sama's SS, so there is no need to forcefully absorb them."

The number of naval vessels has been reduced more than expected in order to capture important bases.

An elite force had been sent around to replenish the fleet by Liam, who had evaluated the Third Army.

Many of Liam's SS are highly qualified.

They have supported the Banfield family from the early days when Liam became the head of the family and have experienced many fierce battles.

For Tia, this is the most exciting news.

After all, Liam had devoted his own elite to the project.

That's how much he recognizes their value.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

"If it's Liam-sama's SS, there's no problem. But giving a chance to those who were defeated is a bit too kind."

Tia would have been removed immediately.

In some cases, she would have resorted to a court-martial.

The deputy shrugs.

"If it's the last chance, they're going to get serious."

"--the incompetents."

"What about those who did better than the losers?"

The tempered glass in front of them displays the data of the generals and knights who have played an active role in the war.

They are the ones who are surely making a difference in an elite and fragile army.

Tia had spotted them.

"Keep recruiting those who have done well. Don't let Klaus or Marie draw them out."

Even though it was the Banfield family's army, Tia had her own subordinates to lead.

She wanted to draw out the most capable men and form a stronger fleet.

In particular - she can't lose to Klaus.

The second-in-command eyes become sharper.

"Of course. I was defeated by Klaus-dono this time as well. We can't afford to lose any more ground."

Tia's expression disappears.

"I will be back in the first place! I will surely return to the position of top leader!"

The competition within the Banfield family was also fierce.

At the time, Marie, leading the Fourth Army's ranger fleet, was having a rough time of it.

She kicked and destroyed the commander's seat on the bridge of the flagship, and glared at the commanders and chiefs of staff of the fleet she had rescued with blood in her eyes.

Other subordinates also talk about the rumor of Klaus.

"There are also rumors spreading that he did not shake his head even though he was solicited by the Prime Minister of the empire. He is said to be the best knight with unparalleled ability and loyalty."

"This is the first I've heard of any of that, though."

(No, it's impossible. It's impossible for me to work up to the expectations of the Prime Minister of the Empire, so I refused! Why does everyone overestimate me?)

The bridge is filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

"We, the Second Army, are very proud of you."

"Christiana-sama and Marie-sama are great, but when it comes to the Banfield family, it's His Excellency Klaus."

"For some time now, I have heard that many of the children born to the Banfield territory are named after Klaus-sama. His Excellency is very popular."

In contrast to the cheerful atmosphere around them, a cold sweat broke out.

Klaus was not amused at all.

"I'm highly overrated. I am not that kind of person."

"Liam-sama appreciated you for your modesty. You are truly a great knight, Klaus-sama!"

Klaus was at a loss as to what to say that was not getting through to them.

(Why is that?!)

Then, a communication comes in from Liam on the bridge.

The conduct that ignored the possibility of being intercepted in enemy territory told of the urgency of the situation.

"Sir, Liam-sama has an urgent message for you!"

The First Army had joined the second fleet that had come from the Banfield family.

The number of ships was 300,000.

The fleet that had been reorganized on the planet Augur was also joining the fleet, but it seemed that there was still not enough time.

In the conference room of the flagship Argos, the commanders and chiefs of the second group were blaming those involved in the First Army.

"Why did you attack!"

"Liam-sama's orders."

"It's the job of the commander and chief of staff to stop them!"

"I did! But..."

The commanders and general staff of the First Army glanced at me.

I sit back in my chair and smile at the second group.

"I'd rather go on the offensive than defend."

"I wonder if they understand that we are in a very dangerous situation?"

The men are disgruntled, but they can't go against me, the head of the army.

"Of course. You have millions of enemies behind you and 300,000 in front of you, don't you?"

The Banfield family now numbers what, seven hundred thousand?

"We'll hit the 300,000 enemies first and then intercept the fleet that has invaded Imperial territory. We have already contacted Klaus, so he will join us soon."

The second group reported about the commander-in-chief of the High Kingdom.

"The invading fleet will be led by Her Highness Aluna, who has assumed the position of crown prince."

"Aluna?"

I remember the party to commemorate the cease-fire with the High Kingdom.

Qq

I remember the woman who said to me at that party, "Give me your genes!" I

I don't like her.

"That woman--I don't like her."

I meant that I didn't like her at all.

And yet, my subordinates misunderstood me.

They seemed to think that I was wary of Aluna's ability.

"When you become the crown prince of the High Kingdoms, your ability is certain. In the past, Liam-sama defeated His Highness Izel, but that was an event that coincided with good fortune. I don't think the next time will be the same."

Izel - the fool who challenged me, but he was certainly strong.

Personally I won, but the empire lost as a result.

Even in death, he was a nasty piece of work.

If the High Kingdoms value strength, the crown prince has proven to be very strong.

It is no wonder my subordinates are worried.

"If I can't overcome this level, how will I be able to fight in the future? Besides, I want to get back to my territory as soon as possible. You guys should be prepared for that."