Chapter 280

Chapter 280Previous

Side Story 4 Liloas Chapter 2: Mortus Castle

Count Arthur was the enemys supreme commander in the Pontenbach War.

This was Liloas first time meeting him, as he had been away for several months possibly due to political issues. He had become his troops symbol as he led the long war such that during his absence, the morale of the Federal army had declined noticeably. Thanks to that, the Imperial army gained the upper hand, but that only lasted for a while now the count had returned. In other words, the situation has become more difficult for the empire again.

After everyone was seated, Arthur asked.

And you are?

I am Liloa of Obernyu.

The Archdukes daughter?

Count Arthur, leaning against the backrest, laughed out loud. The officers next to him chuckled as well.

I thought the only women on the battlefield were prostitutes

He looked at her and tilted his head. His all-too-familiar gaze scanned Liloas whole body, while his eyebrows twitched unpleasantly.

Perhaps, by any chance?

How rude!

As several imperial officers stood up from their seats

Hahahaha, it was just a joke, so please take your seats.

Arthur remained calm and waved his hand.

I guess the Empire is pretty desperate, seeing how theyre sending a girl to the battlefield.

The negotiation, in which neither side had any intention of reaching an agreement, naturally broke down. Since then, some of the officers grew uncomfortable with Liloas outer appearance.

Along with that, Liloa began to hear curses that she didnt deserve to hear. In fact, after Liloa showed up at the negotiation table, the imperial army was given the nickname the Witchs Army or the Prostitutes Army, with the latter being mentioned more often, perhaps to inflict greater insult.

They have an insanely limited view.

Witches and prostitutes, it seems like there hasnt been any progress in womens history for a thousand years.

Liloa had no idea that she would become the witch she only read about in historical fairy tales.

Whereas the imperial officers felt humiliated and were at a loss, Liloa held her head up high, prompting Robero to similarly step forward to reprimand her. She was ordered to recuse herself because her presence had tainted the reputation of the imperial army. The emperors noble army was suddenly reduced to an army of a prostitute, and as expected there were no officers who opposed Robero.

I am not a prostitute, so what is the problem?

She was the only person still standing on her two feet in the barrack as the rest of the uninjured officers appeared to have gone out already. Sensing an acrid smell coming from somewhere, Liloa instinctively covered her nose and mouth and escaped the burning barrack.

The barracks were in chaos. Lancers charged through the camp and swung their heavy spears downward. They might have their faces covered with hoods, but there was no one who didnt know that they belonged to the Federation. Even civilian villagers, who had come into the military camp to cook and help out with the distribution of dinner, were struck one by one. No one was spared. Unable to even put on their shoes properly, soldiers rushed into defence, but they were still exhausted from the night march. To make matters worse, animalistic screams pierced the sky as if a fire had been set where the horses were tied up.

Night raids rarely ended successfully. And even if something was achieved, the losses to the troops would always be severe enough that their position could be compromised. Still, in this situation it was reasonable for the federal army to push through and think they could deal a significant blow, especially knowing that the Imperial army just came back from its long and tiring march.

Liloa quickly looked around.

The officers who had been in the barrack with her were already on horseback and confronting the enemy. Without time to think, Liloa ran toward her barrack before she felt a hot sensation on the top of her head. A lit fire arrow barely missed her.

Liloa quickly fired her gun at the cavalry charging from the side. His horse fell over after being struck in the neck and the soldier tumbled down with it.

When she arrived, Koud Bhan was already running rampant in front of her barrack. Liloa quickly cut the rope of the stake with her dagger and climbed on top of her horse. With hasty coaxing and snatching of the reins, her faithful horse eventually swerved.

As the flames surrounding the camp grew stronger, Liloa rushed through the screams and deaths.

When she pulled the reins and lowered her posture, Koud Bhan jumped over a burning object. In the middle of the continuing confrontation, the northern horn suddenly rang for a long time, prompting the attacking lancers wielding swords and spears to turn their warhorses in unison.

Retreat!

Catch up to them!

Archers! Take aim!

Karabinae! Where is 11th Platoon!

The second infantry!

Although the battle lines werent organised, the soldiers who could still afford to fight rushed out to chase the enemy, with Liloa at the helm. The distance was still close, so she swung her long sword, aiming for the horses hips and sides. Three or four had already fallen, but she didnt have the time nor luxury to count them all.

Koud Bhan jumped over the fallen beasts right in front of them.

The wind blowing from the mountain range hit Liloas face sharply. Noticing the rest of the Karabinae surrounding her, rifles opened fire from both sides, piercing the lancers or their war horses. Liloa didnt miss the timing and pulled the trigger as well. Her bullet had an accurate trajectory, but she missed because her target instantaneously tilted his body. It was amazing for someone to instinctively avoid an attack from behind so quickly, but it seemed like the bullet had at least grazed her targets ear judging from the blood that splattered around the edge of his hood.

The rider pulled down his hood and looked back. His shapely black eyes glared at Liloa as if they were devouring her.

Liloa recognised him even in the dim moonlit darkness.

The sound of Count Arthur grinding his teeth was surprisingly audible

TN:

For clearance, during this whole war arc, Liloa has already finished her education at LeBrun. So for example, the library scene with Ed has already happened.

If youre enjoying the story, please rate us on Novel Updates, we highly appreciate it. Love, P&F