Alice Tale in Phantasmagoria Vol 2 Chapter 48

Interlude: The Princess Knight's Order

―― Strange.

Due to the riot within the castle, we took off late to the frontlines on the first day of the month.

Nevertheless, the scheduled arrangements for the battle formation at the first site was made.

Was this due to the other party's march being late?

Three days after the departure from the royal capital, during that morning 8000 troops expanded before the Arsène Wetlands district.

To head towards Ostia from the royal capital, there is no other choice.

Though the bridge is maintained, going on such a narrow-spaced bridge is a gamble. 

The platoon lined up.

Self-deprecating thoughts continued.

"...Why..on earth."

War is one of many means used in 'roundabout politics'.

We will win thanks to the enemy's non-existent defense force so anything other than absolute winning is impossible.

Strategic preparations were made.

The pride of our strongest offensive power was the fire crystal held for the Pitching-corps. 

Heavy cavalry for a light cavalryman.

For example at a numerical disadvantage, geography, company provisioning, equipment, supply train, minimizing mistakes, is what it comes down to.

In the worst-case scenario, [A hand that beats is a hand beaten]
There's nothing to worry, supposedly.

―― No worries …… but telling yourself that is unsightly, Klancesca Wilmington.

I self-depreciated at myself.

Next is to maintain the military strategy, and crush the enemy.

―― If the strategy had Tilbell Ainshura... ... or something, and I would have been at ease.

Even though this is war, soldiers die.

Given that, why must genuine warriors bear the full brunt of it?

Can I expect the wandering elf to be strict after all.
On the otherhand, that disciple-ko for our using was suppose to be used here but......

―― I haven't yet talked enough with Alice-wa.

Defeat the stupid terrorists quickly, have black tea, then fun girl talk with that Alice-ko.

When it's Alice, no matter the reasons, Wilmington is bound with you.
―― That and more, myself cold-heartedly orchestrated that -ko to be with us, I guess you could say.

"Even if you could say that, things that I want, I want-wa!"

For the gloominess before the war, a chat with Alice blows it away lik

e a tonic.

"―― Enemy forces, confirmed."

From a scout, a report entered through a magic stone.

"......OK! Side-by-side Line Formation!! Archers shoot to the front! Exhaust long-range to dissipate the enemy!"

Similarly I notify each and every military unit to commence operations.

Before the marshes, how exhausted will we be.

If they slip past the volley, the opposition will draw close, the Pitching-Corps will launch all at once causing multiplied damage.

When the assault divides the opposition, comes a crushing concentrated attack.

―― All right, it will surely go well-wa!

With a pathetic and shaky hand trembling with excitement, or what I convinced myself, I grasped the rapier.

It is a battle began ――――

When did I start hating my own politics?

No, that still hasn't changed.

The grandfather, that begged the prime minister of the kingdom to pass responsibility, and the former king placed heavy confidence in our pride. 

Managing necessary taxation and their limits was also given, flood control and agricultural administration also given, and a great effort was put forth for the people and the Wilmingtons duly created said, paradise, yet the result was large amounts of refugees were decidedly invited in.

The crowding of people contributed to this effect.

This, perhaps was consequence from Ostia's wrath.

The labour union of workers, so called, expanded military forces as if coerced.

The numerous mines of Ostia unilaterally pronounced export restrictions, disarmament of all weapons, affecting everyday life for farming and created all sorts of hindrances.

Excessive violence erupted, and under the pretext of a conference between king and council members, in the midst journeying to the royal capital.

―― Father and mother were murdered.

An assassination.

However, the murder was simple to see and understand after looking.

The people of my country did not hold discrimination.

..That was what I thought, but, at that time, inside me the spontaneous emotions were clear.

Republic, monarchy, Ostia dukedom, Sacramento dukedom, Wilmington dukedom.

The thought simply turned into anger as I thought about it.

At the persuasion of my grandfather, the objective of the nation was to pass management to me, I was hesitant.

―― Therefore Maria is your "pal" for the time and is your bounded attendant.

Maria was a someone we found collapsed in the streets and let in.

Because she was a chaperon candidate for the castle that I invited, mum and dad were supposed to be open minded with lifted eyes.
From that time, I still remember the words that were thrown.

―― Every person's life, is made equal.

And then after that, what is it that I feel after 8 years have passed?
Can the person that I am now, repeat those same words?

―― Such sentiment was lost by the cutting roar of the battlefield.

From the hill I could comprehend the bodies around me.

A mysterious jewel. 

The explosion of the fire crystal, even, the heat was blown away like a breeze.

Our plan, single-handedly smashed to pieces by a hidden card!

"That is ... a white dragon? Never have I heard of this -wa!"

Is it a fire dragon?a

a ground dragon?

It's different from all of those!

In addition, why does a dragon appear in such a place?

Public appearances in front of people, more rare.

My initial vision was that our gathering of troops and equipment would be enough to deal with this.

―― Now, nothing is on the table.

The dragon tore apart the formation, and the accompanying assault army came at us.

To stop that, I must take matters to myself!

No, it won't make much of a difference.

Serious damage will be taken even if we withdraw.

From that alone――！

"―― I am heading to the front -wa! I, shall hold it back!" 

I grasped the cursed blade that was a family treasure, and rose with a reassuring cry.
 

Chapter end