My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 311

311. The Fated Battle (2)

The Holy Empire’s army, a million strong, marched towards Ruben.

“The Holy Empire is attacking Ruben?”

“That’s what I’ve heard.”

The news spread rapidly across the continent.

There was no deliberate attempt to announce or disseminate it.

On the contrary, efforts were made to suppress it and deny the rumors.

However, the Pope had been captured previously.

Furthermore, the Holy Empire had secretly invaded Ruben.

“Good heavens… such a thing happened?”

“I didn’t believe it at first, but it seems to be true.”

As these facts slowly emerged, the rumors spread uncontrollably.

In the first place, gathering and moving a massive force of a million soldiers was no small feat.

No matter how hard they tried to conceal it, they couldn’t hide such a monumental undertaking.

“Why on earth is the Holy Empire doing this?”

“Seriously, what’s the reason?”

People couldn’t help but wonder.

The Holy Empire’s actions were utterly incomprehensible.

Of course, there was a justification, of sorts.

“The justification is to punish heretical doctrines…”

“What nonsense is that?”

Everyone knew that justification was merely a pretext.

“Besides, Ruben is part of the Charlotte Empire anyway.”

“Then that means the Holy Empire has illegally invaded the Charlotte Empire’s territory…”

Naturally, the Emperor wouldn’t stand idly by.

She would definitely address the issue.

Therefore, the expected response from the Holy Empire would be:

First, an apology with their heads bowed.

However, the Holy Empire’s response was completely unexpected.

“They’re actually advancing with a million soldiers?”

A hardline stance.

No, it was a move that went beyond a hardline stance, showing a complete disregard for the consequences.

And that hardline stance was causing enormous repercussions.

“Is this… is this really going to be a major problem?”

The war between the Charlotte Empire and the Holy Empire.

The unprecedented war between two continental powers.

If all of this were true.

“Are they thinking of swallowing the entire Charlotte Empire, starting with Ruben…?”

The Holy Empire intended to devour the Charlotte Empire.

Currently, everyone on the continent was aware of Ruben’s strength.

Therefore, if Ruben were to fall, the Charlotte Empire would also falter.

If the faltering Charlotte Empire were to collapse, the entire continent would fall in succession.

It was truly the Holy Empire’s ambition to conquer the entire continent.

The starting point was none other than Ruben.

Whether Ruben falls.

Whether Ruben endures.

The fate of the continent could be said to be determined here.

“W-what is this…”

“How could something like this suddenly happen…?”

The entire continent descended into chaos.

At the same time, all eyes on the continent were focused on Ruben.

Ruben, located in the Forest of Darkness.

“Where are the Holy Empire’s forces located?”

“They are expected to arrive in Ruben’s territory by the end of today at the earliest.”

“Today, you say…”

Elena paused, absorbing Diana’s report.

She had anticipated at least a week.

The speed of their advance was faster than expected.

As expected, Diana also expressed her doubts.

“Considering the size of the force, the speed of their advance is unusually fast. Even if they were pushing forward without considering the soldiers’ stamina, this is…”

The larger the force, the slower the advance.

The soldiers were not just mere numbers.

The logistics of supplying the soldiers with food and water were a significant problem.

Usually, the supply unit is estimated to be three times the size of the main force.

Therefore, gathering a force of one million soldiers meant that there had to be a supply unit of as many as three million.

Naturally, the speed of the advance was bound to be slow.

Nevertheless, the fact that the speed of the advance was so fast meant one thing.

“It seems like they’re advancing without thinking about the consequences.”

It meant that they were advancing without regard for supplies.

It meant that they were advancing without eating or sleeping.

Of course, that couldn’t be entirely possible.

But it was possible for the Holy Empire.

Blind faith in God.

With that alone, they could move an army of a million strong.

The Holy Empire’s army of a million was no different from a group of fanatics.

“But no matter what, if they don’t have the stamina to fight a war…”

“It means they’re going to try to end it quickly. Also, they’ll be able to recover to some extent through divine power.”

And to put it another way.

“If we can just hold out, this war is our victory.”

An advance that disregarded even the basic physiological needs of humans.

There was no way that war could last long.

No matter how much faith they had in God.

They were just mere humans.

Humans who lose strength if they don’t eat.

Humans who lose their minds if they don’t sleep.

“One day.”

They wouldn’t be able to withstand a day of intense war.

Of course, Isabel wouldn’t be unaware of that.

The reason she was doing this was clear.

“It means she’s desperate enough to do this.”

To the point of using the Holy Empire’s army of a million as mere pawns.

“······”

“······”

A heavy silence fell in the conference room at Elena’s words.

It was partly due to Elena’s insightful analysis.

But it was also because they were disgusted by Isabel for going to such extremes.

In a way, Isabel seemed like a demon.

“They’re going to pour everything out in one day.”

Elena looked at the people and spoke.

Whatever the situation, they had to hold out.

They had to withstand the all-out war unleashed by a million fanatics.

There was no way to avoid the coming war.

Elena slowly turned her head.

“Commander Lucas, how is the preparation going?”

“The deployment of Singijeon [Korean rocket artillery] and all Oryonggeo [Korean multi-barrel rocket launchers] has been completed. The soldiers are also in a state of full readiness.”

Lucas replied in a disciplined tone.

Elena didn’t ask any further questions.

The soldiers of Ruben, commanded by Lucas, were the elite of the elite.

They risked their lives fighting against monsters almost every day.

They were veterans who had experienced many wars.

They were truly an unprecedented force on the continent.

What more could she say when they were fully prepared?

“Is everyone else ready as well?”

Elena turned from Lucas and addressed the others.

“I’ve been sharpening my hammer for a while, and it feels brand new.”

“The magic corps is also ready for battle.”

“The beastmen are also baring their claws and waiting.”

They were all ready.

“What about the Branch Managers…?”

-Don’t worry, you little brat. This sister is always ready.

-The Black Lion Knights are also ready.

Leah scoffed and replied.

Kendrick flickered his blue eyes and replied.

Everyone had completed all preparations in their respective positions.

Just then.

The door of the conference room opened, and a man cautiously entered.

Judging from his attire…

He appeared to be an informant from Ruben’s intelligence department.

As expected, the man went straight to Diana.

And whispered something to Diana.

Diana’s face hardened.

Elena looked at Diana.

Everyone else was also looking at Diana.

In the gaze where everyone’s attention was focused.

“The Holy Empire’s forces have just arrived in Ruben,” Diana said with a heavy expression.

#

The scenery of Ruben was visible ahead.

Warriors in pure white armor densely surrounded Ruben.

And in the center of those warriors.

“…There was a reason.”

Isabel muttered quietly as she gazed at Ruben.

This was the first time Isabel had come to Ruben.

She had heard countless reports, but this was the first time she had seen it with her own eyes.

And seeing it with her own eyes, she began to understand.

Why Elantur’s army of 300,000 couldn’t even make a scratch.

Why the Pope’s main force had been captured without even putting up a fight.

Why people were making such a fuss.

“······”

All of those things began to make sense.

Isabel quietly observed the scenery of Ruben and organized her thoughts.

And next to Isabel, who was lost in thought.

“What should we do?”

A woman with hair the color of pure white lilies, Rachel, approached and asked.

Isabel remained thoughtful.

Of course, there was no change in the fact that they had to attack Ruben.

However, there was one factor that prevented her from moving rashly.

“What should we do about His Holiness the Pope?”

That was the fact that the Pope was being held prisoner in Ruben.

Of course, it was none other than Isabel who was currently wielding power in the Holy Empire.

Even if the Pope was being held prisoner, it didn’t significantly alter the situation.

The Holy Empire’s command system was functioning normally.

It was thanks to this that she was able to lead an army of a million strong.

However, the Pope was still the Pope.

He was the most influential figure in the Holy Empire.

She couldn’t recklessly attack a place where the Pope was being held prisoner.

That’s why Isabel hesitated.

And at the same time, she didn’t hesitate.

Isabel slowly moved forward.

She passed the paladins with light steps.

And stood at the very front of the army of a million strong.

“I propose a negotiation.”

Isabel addressed Ruben.

And at the same time.

“That’s unexpected. I thought you would attack right away.”

Along with a clear voice, a woman appeared on Ruben’s ramparts.

A woman with golden hair resembling sunlight.

A beauty with a strange charm that combined splendor and a cold atmosphere.

“What is the Princess doing here?”

Isabel immediately recognized her as the Empire’s Princess, Elena.

“I thought you already knew.”

“I knew. However, I’m just curious about the reason.”

Elena and Isabel.

The distance between them was quite far.

A distance where their voices could never reach each other.

However, Elena used the power of magic.

Isabel used the power of divinity.

The two different forces allowed them to communicate as if they were face to face.

“Are you currently in charge of Ruben?”

Isabel spoke.

Elena frowned slightly.

That was because there was a significant difference in their social standing.

The Empire’s Princess and the Marchioness.

It was obvious which one held a higher position.

Nevertheless, speaking in such a manner was quite rude.

“Somehow, it seems like the Marchioness has forgotten that I am the Empire’s Princess.”

“Do you think it makes sense to bring up such a position when you’ve already committed treason?”

Isabel’s firm response.

Elena was momentarily speechless.

Honestly, she wasn’t wrong.

Isabel chuckled at Elena’s speechless appearance and spoke again.

“I won’t ask for much. Hand over the Pope and Xian. Then I’ll retreat as is.”

“I can understand His Holiness the Pope, but… what is the reason for seeking Count Xian?”

“It’s a mother asking about her child’s well-being. Do you need any other reason?”

“Then you wouldn’t say something like ‘hand him over.’ Also, I don’t think you should say that with an army of a million behind you. More than anything…”

Elena smiled slightly and continued.

“Isn’t it a bit much to ask us to hand over His Holiness the Pope so easily? He’s an invader who invaded our Ruben without permission.”

“Are you going to kill him or something?”

“If necessary.”

“According to international law, prisoners with noble status cannot be executed arbitrarily. I hope the Empire’s Princess is aware of such laws—”

“Then let me correct myself. You know that His Holiness the Pope is being held hostage, right?”

“······”

This time, Isabel was momentarily speechless at Elena’s words.

That was because the meaning of Elena’s words was simple.

The Pope is not a prisoner, but a hostage.

It was an indirect expression that she could kill the Pope if necessary, so don’t act rashly.

Of course, it was impossible to kill a noble, even if he was a hostage.

It was even more impossible to kill the Pope.

However, Elena’s will was firm.

She showed her willingness to do anything to protect Ruben.

As if she understood the true nature of war.

As if she knew that only victory held value in war.

Elena, standing on Ruben’s ramparts, was not naive.

“······ I thought you were a flower in a greenhouse.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Elena responded with a bright smile.

“And I don’t think there’s any point in this negotiation. Neither the Marchioness nor I have any real power here. There’s nothing we can do.”

“What do you mean?”

“Isn’t it the soldiers who cross swords and risk their lives? It’s all thanks to the soldiers that we win the war, not the people behind us like the Marchioness or me.”

In an instant, Isabel’s eyes turned cold.

That was because of Elena’s words.

In the end, Isabel, you’re just running your mouth.

You’re a coward who doesn’t even pick up a sword and risk your life.

“I don’t think the Marchioness understands that very well.”

Elena smiled once again.

“······ Impudent.”

And Isabel finally felt anger.

Crack!

Her fist clenched violently, and Isabel’s calm expression shattered.

There was no point in further negotiations.

Isabel turned around without hesitation.

“Can I take it that the negotiations have broken down?”

“Whatever you want.”

Isabel spat the words at Elena.

In the first place, the negotiations were just a mere formality.

Even if they handed over the Pope and Xian.

Isabel was planning to erase Ruben from this continent.

This wasn’t just a simple game.

It was a war in which an army of a million strong was mobilized.

Killing and being killed was the only way to survive.

A brutal war where only victory held value.

In war, ethics, morality, and laws were meaningless.

Only survival and victory mattered.

Isabel understood the value of such a war better than anyone else.

And Elena also.

She knew too well what the value of war was.

“From this moment on, I will consider the Holy Empire as an invader of Ruben.”

In an instant, Elena’s voice echoed from behind.

She wondered what it was for a moment.

Kiiiiiiiiing─!!

A tremendous surge of magical power erupted from behind.

The entire space trembled.

The skin on her body vibrated weakly from the aftermath of the power.

Isabel slowly turned her head without realizing it.

That’s where she turned her head and looked.

“In war, when the opponent’s commander is right in front of you, there’s no way you’d let them go back safely, right?”

There was Elena’s smiling face.

Pshushushushuk!!

Shushushushuk!!

A rain of arrows flew towards her.

Isabel looked at the rain of arrows that were blackening the sky.

“······!!”

Forgetting about dignity and grace.

Isabel couldn’t help but make a shocked expression.

#

The rain of Singijeon arrows covered the sky as soon as the negotiations ended.

This could be considered a truly cowardly act.

However, only victory held value in war.

The arrows poured down towards Isabel.

The paladins rushed out to shield Isabel.

“Deploy the barrier!”

“Protect the Holy Mother!!”

Fwaaaaaaak!

A huge shield was created with the light of divinity that erupted, blocking Isabel.

Soon, the rain of arrows collided with the shield of light.

Kwakwakwakwakwang!!!!

Kwaaaaaaang!!!

Along with the roar that covered the heavens and the earth.

“Keheok!”

“Kkeuaaak!”

The paladins vomited blood one by one and fell.

The devastated scenery was reflected through the dust and fog that had risen thickly.

The only one standing unharmed was Isabel.

“······!”

Isabel widened her shocked eyes.

It was a divine barrier that even siege weapons couldn’t penetrate.

It was a divine barrier that blocked even the siege magic of most magicians.

But… but it couldn’t withstand it.

It couldn’t withstand a single bombardment.

To be exact, the paladins were all swept away in exchange for blocking the bombardment.

What… what is this supposed to be, if not an arrow?

What on earth is this supposed to be…!

Kiiiiiiiiing─!!

The surge of magical power erupted once again amidst her shocked mind.

She looked up at the sky with a doubtful mind.

Pshushushushuk!!

Shushushushuk!!

Numerous rain of arrows were once again blackening the sky.

“W-what on earth is this…!”

Isabel couldn’t understand the current situation at all.

Of course, she had heard some reports and knew about it to some extent.

However, there was a difference between hearing about it in reports and facing the reality with her own eyes as different as heaven and earth.

“Deploy the barrier!”

“Protect the Holy Mother first and foremost!”

Soon, other paladins rushed out to shield Isabel.

“Everyone advance!”

“Punish the evil heretical group!”

Waaaaaaaah─!!

At the same time, an army of a million strong advanced towards Ruben all at once.

The war between Ruben and the Holy Empire.

“Singijeon arrows, reload! Hold out inside the ramparts until the Singijeon arrows are exhausted!”

“Magic corps, cast the memorized magic!”

“Don’t spare the firepower and pour it all out!!”

Kkwakkwakwang!!

Kwaaaaaaang!!!

The prelude to that war suddenly began.

“Holy Mother, you must evacuate! This way!!”

Isabel retreated to the rear under the protection of the paladins.

To be exact, it was just then that she was about to retreat to the rear.

You’re the stepmother who tormented Xian, right?

A cold voice that seemed to brush against her neck.

At the same time, Isabel’s movements froze.

A voice… rather than a voice, it was a will that was directly embedded in her mind.

Isabel’s head slowly turned back.

And what she saw was… the shape of a woman.

Not a woman, but the shape of a woman.

Isabel couldn’t help but think this when she saw the shape of the woman.

Although it was a war that was prepared in a hurry, she thought that the possibility of winning was sufficient.

No, she thought that even Ruben wouldn’t be able to stand up to this much power.

But when Isabel looked at the woman in front of her.

When she faced her long silver hair and her unfocused gray-white eyes.

-I can’t let you go nicely.

Furthermore, with the will that was heard.

Kiyaaaaaaaaaak!!

When the thoughts began to run wild at the screams that erupted.

Isabel could feel the anxiety deepening in her heart.

Maybe. Really maybe.

The anxiety that she might lose in this war.

A truly ominous premonition that she might die here too.

“Haaheuk···!”

For the first time, Isabel could feel the fear of death.