AN: War. War never change.
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At the end of summer break, the military operation to invade Albion was announced. Because the army lacked officers, aristocrates students could be assigned as officers. Osman was against it but he couldn't go against the queen and the generals. So I told him I would give him a hand by screening the students. All those who wished to be officers would have to fight me in front of the other students.
They had to fight in group of 3. At first, the students were outraged by that. I dealt with the first group in 15s and the second group in 10s, then said loudly that any group unable to last more than 30s against an unarmed commoner like me didn't have the qualification to be an officer in a war, on the land of the enemy. I told them that more than courage, they needed to be able to analyse the enemy and come up with an efficient method of attack. I told them the people of the first 2 groups didn't use their heads, that they would lead their men to a useless death and weaken our own forces.
After that, the complaints stopped and they got more carefull. I also often changed my fighting style and tactics. I told them that those who couldn't adapt to changes on the battlefield would lose. After 2 hours of continuous battle, I told them to think and train when they had the time, and confront each other.
I told them I wouldn't decide who would become officers, I told them they had to evaluate their own ability themselves and not get overconfident, because a single weak link can cause a strong chain to snap. Those who aknowledged their weakness wouldn't go on the battlefield and threaten the lives of others. When I left, it didn't matter if they were thankful or angry, there was undenyiable respect for me in their eyes.
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I had made preparations for the invasion of Albion after making my base with the underground laboratory. I had constructed an airship, it could even be called a gunship. It was an ovale helium filled ballon in a thick 'shell' of the same shape. The 'shell' housed the crew, equipment, supplies and engines rooms. It had a cruciform tail, and 6 ducted fans, 2 on the sides and 4 at the rear, that made it able to move at 100km/h. It had a cargo bay that could hold 3 Zero Fighters, with cranes to move the cargo, and a cargo door big enough for my Zero.
It had 20 anti-air machine-guns turrets that covered all angles, with 5 rounds burst fire. It also had 14 cannons that could fire 1 round per 5s over a distance of 7km. They were inspired from the “French 75”, considered the first canon to contain all modern features, but bigger. The amnutions were explosives shells and chemicals shells that would release gases upon breaking. It was mostly made of aluminium, and needed a minimum crew of 60 people. It was painted in dark grey and black, and called Black Bird
I had recalled 75 of my subordinates, 60 for the ship, and 15 to protect the academy. I knew that they would be attacked by Colbert former subordinate. I had met with Henrietta and Agnes, and told them that I wanted Agnes and 10 other members of the musketers to be stationed at the academy.
I told them that the enemy would try to get hostages once the army left, and that I had prepared a few people for that. I also told Agnes she would find the source of her hatred there, but that she should be understanding, that death could be a cheap way to attone for a mistake.
I used suggestion to make her listen to me and not lose to her killing desire, and that if she did so I would be happy. I made her think that it was fine to make me happy. I warned them though, that they had to remain hidden, because the enemy would probably send infiltration specialists and the visible sentries would be easy targets. I told her to use criminals as decoy sentries, and that I would leave weapons with instructions for her 10 teammates in Louise room under the bed.
Louise had chosen to participate in the battle (and I obviously agreed) and reported it to her parents. They sent a letter to forbid her from participating but she ignored it, so her elder sister, the blond with an annoying personnality, Eleonore, came to get her. Louise couldn't defy her and I didn't help her. Of course, as her familiar I would go as well, along with Siesta since she was arbitrary caugh by the blond bitch. Louise and Eleonore got on their carriage while Siesta and I got our own. Eleonore wasn't about to travel in the same carriage as a commoner.
So, in our carriage, Siesta really enjoyed her trip with me. She was all over me. She missed me a lot during the summer holidays, so on our first evening at the academy, when we were bathing, she kissed me. And we didn't stop there, since her kiss made me hard, so I just spread her legs and rubed against her crotch while using my energy to get her wet, then I entered her. I learned my lesson from that time with Henrietta, so it was rather smooth.
Afterward, I told her that she shouldn't have done that as she was already aware that there were several women after me. But she told me she didn't mind if I had other women, as long as she could be with me. So, like with the queen, on the second round I took her from behind like an animal. She wasn't as tight as Henrietta but she did last longer and made better use of her waist. Now, in the carriage, we kept cuddling each other while Louise was suffering with her sister.
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After 2 day of travel, at noon we reached the Vallière's estate, and told we would reach the mansion late at night. It meant that their courtyard was as big as a city. Another detail I forgot about the original. We took a break at an inn, and the villagers there took care of us. They treated me like a noble, even though I told them I was a commoner.
Louise and Eleonore sat at a table, and I naturally sat there. Eleonore glared at me, so I just told her that she didn't know me and shouldn't treat me like she treats the rest of the commoners. The pressure I lightly released kept her from trying to punish me or even talk back, so she chose to ignore me.
Later, the door was open, and our (Louise and me) favorite, gorgeous, pink haired big sister came in and embrassed Louise. Of course Louise was very happy to see Cattleya. When Cattleya saw me, she approched, stroked my cheek and asked if I was Louise lover.
I instantly denied with a bright smile, which disappointed her a little. Everyone got onto Cattleya's carriage for the rest of the trip. I had some fun with all the other animals in the carriage, it was like a small zoo. Though the appearance of the snake made Siesta faint. Late at night, we finally reached the castle.
Then an owl came and landed on my head, greeting the 3 sisters, and seeing this Siesta fainted again. Louise mother was waiting for us in the dinning room, but her father wasn't back yet. After reaching the dinning room, Siesta went to the servants quarter, I joined the 4 women at the table. Louise mother and Cattleya were surprised but didn't pursue the matter. I was releasing a very strong pressure ever since we entered the castle. A pressure strong enough to make Louise mother uneasy. And I knew she was the former leader of the Manticorre corps, Karin The Heavy Wind.
“Welcome to our humble residence. I am duchess Karin Vallière. May I know who you are?”
“Hiraga Saito, Hiraga being my family name. I am the familiar your daughter summoned. My circumstances are very particular, so it would be better to pursue that conversation once the master has returned, and in a more privte environment” I said as I gazed at the servants around the room.
“... Is that so. I understand, please be at ease.”
After greeting their mother, the girls sat down and I did the same, and the diner started. After some time, Louise called out her mother and Eleonore interrupted her to tell her mother to talk Louise out of going to war. Louise stood up and argued that she was no fool, As they were about to continue arging back and forth I stopped them by releasing a bit more pressure.
“Enough you 2. This matter will be discussed once the head of the family has come. Else, with your personnalities, you'll end up saying hurtfull things to each other. And that won't be good for miss Cattleya's health to see her sisters hurt each other.”
My words surprised them since nobody told me that Cattleya had poor health, and that calmed them down. I was given a guest room for the night, and later Siesta came in after asking where I was to other servants. She was worried, not only about my possible relationship with Louise, but also about my participation in the coming war. She had stolen a bottle of wine and was already starting to get drunk. So we drank together as I told her stories from my world.
Though, at some point, Louise came in while Siesta sitting between my legs with her top of, while holding my hands on her breasts. After seeing us like that, she stood frozen there for an instant, before excusing herself and leaving. I didnt go after her though. I wanted her to be the one to come and confess to me. I wanted her to be the one asking to stay by my side as a lover.
The next day, Siesta woke up with a slight hangover. And around the same time I heard maids rushing in the corridor to get some cleaning tools because the master was coming. After dressing myself up I left while Siesta went to help the maids.
Duke Vallière was a blond mand above 50yo with clothes suitable for a king and a monocle. He was visibly in a bad mood as he was eating breakfast with his family on a sunlit balcony.
“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”
“What is the matter?”
“After calling me all the way to Tristainia, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... 'Organize one army corps,' he said! Don’t joke around with me!”
“Did you agree?”
“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”
“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now, the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the La Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well.”
“That won't happen since Louise's participation in the war will be more than enough. La Vallière will be even more respected than before” I said.
My word brough silence to the table, as I suddenly showed myself at the balcony. The Duke glared at me and was about to have an outburst but the Duchess put a hand on his shoulder and I released enough pressure to make him think twice before speaking. I asked the servants to leave, which, they did promptly, and took a seat at the table.
“Now, for the explanations. Reconquista is an organisation of nobles from all countries that wish to reunite the lands like at the time of the Founder. But it's not for the sake of the people, it's out of pure greed and misplaced arrogance. All the treacherous actions of Albion's rebels are proof of that. They massacred a royal family that didn't oppress its people, used the formal fleet salute as an excuse to decimate Tristain's fleet, they are not honorable people.
And since you don't know about that because it was a secret, I will tell you the other things you should know about the situation. They used the famous Ring of Andvari to bring false life to the body of the prince Wales to try and kidnap the queen... That's right, the first instance when the Queen was kidnaped was because they dared to even use the corpse of royalty in their schemes.”
This visibly made all of them shiver. To use the dead was an incredibly vicious act, and that was something they definitly could not tolerate.
“And they are already preparing something in Gallia as well. No matter what, you can't escape war. Do not think that blocading Albion will do anything. We either strike them when they make their preparations, or react when they start to invade and kill the people, like they did in La Rochelle and Tarbes. They aren't doing that because they are righteous, duke Vallière. They are doing that because they are powerfull and think they can get away with anything.
Louise here is a void magic user, and is the one that annihilated Albion's fleet at Tarbes. The reason she was called a zero and couldn't cast spells was because she had never used a proper spell of her own affinity, void. It turns out that it was a fitting nickname, Zero, the void. And because I've been training her, she is gradually become stronger and more skillfull. She is one of the few with the ability to stop them.”
This came as another shock for the Vallière family as they turned surprised and incredulous gazes toward Louise, who had trouble endure the weight of the attention on her, but couldn't hide her joy at finally being released from her “failure” status.
“Me, I'm the legendary void user's familiar, the Gandalfr. My power as a familiar increase greatly my knowledge and skills with any and all weapons, and the sword I have here is a sentient sword that can absorb magic. That makes me a powerfull warrior and a mage killer, a perfect guardian for your daughter, proven several times already.”
As I said that, I picked a knife on the table and showed them how my familiar mark glowed. The members of Louise family had their mouth opens and stared at me with wide eyes. Those things from legends were right in front of their eyes.
“Furtheremore, I'm not from this world. I'm not the same as the mages, or commoners from here, so don't make the mistake of treating me like one.”
I added a bit more pressure with the second sentence, too make sure they understood I'm not to be looked down upon.
“I have wisdom beyond what most nobles my age have in this world. I have knowledge, technical and battle ability beyond what you think. But if you're still that worried about your daughter safety and my ability to protect her in the coming military compaign, we can have a mock battle, me alone against the 10 best mages present here, including your square wind mage wife who is even stronger than Wardes.”
As I said that, I released my battle aura, which made the duke and duchess flinch, and the daughters tremble with cold sweat. Cattleya almost lost her balance, so after a quick glance at her I retracted my aura.
“You win if you can make me put a knee on the ground or make a serious injury on any part of my body. And I won't be using my magic absorbing sword. You lose once I've hit each of my opponents, because they will be knocked out, I apologise in advance for that, duchess. Well, that is a lot of informations to absorb at once, so take your time to think about it.
However, remember this. Wardes' treason, Albion's invasion, the queen's attempted abduction. Without Louise, and without me, your beautiful country would be burning in the flames of war, and you, as a powerful and loyal noble family, would have been one of the main target of the enemy.
You don't like war? Nobody asked you to like it. But war won't just turn around and leave you alone because you don't like it. I'll be at the lake if you're looking for me.”
And with that, I left them by using a high speed movement that made it look like I disappeared. Once I arrived at the lake, I went into the boat and decided to have a nap. Louise's family could no longer see her as a weak child, and with the pressure I released, my highspeed movement and the duke and duchess own ability to recognise strong individual, they wouldn't take my words about my strenght as a joke. And the rest of my words told them I was neither naïve nor ignorant.
Shortly after noon, a servant came to get me, because the duke and duchess wanted to see me.
They had guessed that if I had agreed to go to war with Louise, I would have made preparations to ensure her safety. I told them that when I was in Albion, Wales had entrusted me with a large sum of money, and a used it to make some preparations against not only Albion, but Gallia as well.
“Reconquista is a borderless organisation of nobles. Germania approve of commoners becoming nobles if they show ability, which is something you traditional nobles disapprove. Because of that, Reconquista has limited influence there. But that's not the case with Gallia. That was why Germania accepted the alliance and Gallia chose to remain neutral.
When I was in Albion, I received a large amount of money from prince Wales, so when I returned, I gathered some thieves and prostitues, and trained them to use them as agents. Why them? Because they observe and know the people well, commoners or nobles, which mean they can easily single out the shaddy and suspicious ones. And they are already good at blending in the masses, making it harder to recognise them as spies.
I sent them to La Rochelle, Tristania, Albion and Gallia after the attack on Tarbes. Their jobs were to identify enemy agents and traitors, and neutralise and rob them before they could flee. I don't know if you heard the rumors that some nobles had died and been robbed during the time where the queen was doing her fox and rat hunt. That was my work, their money is in my hands and the remaining agents and traitor have almost halted their activities.”
I waited a little to let the information sink in their minds.
“I made a ship, a single ship, but it's a ship that is a match for more than a dozen, made using the technical knowledge of my world and my own abilities. If I wasn't there, you would be right in thinking that invading Albion was a bad idea, but Albion would still fall.
Despite not giving a hand at the beginning, Gallia has its own agenda, because there, Reconquista probably doesn't have a significant influence on its ruler. Gallia would probably attack Albion when Tristain and Germania would be forced to retreat. But then again, I'm here, and with me and my ship, Tristain and Germania won't retreat.
Finally, the church may have had a hand in those events, so I wouldn't completely trust them. One of the things that history should have taugh you, it's that corruption always make its way into organisations as time pass.
The people of the church are humans, and no matter what, there will always be some weak to temptation and desires. Even if its a holy organisation, it isn't immune to corruption. I know too little about them, but enough to be wary of them. Well, at the very least, I don't think they mean harm to Tristain.
But because there are still a lot of things I don't know. I'm always prepared so that if I make mistakes, the consequences wouldn't be too serious. For now, all that matter is that you don't need to send soldiers to the war. Just send your daughter, I'll be with her. Your family won't lose its reputation, we will take care of the threat there, and she will come back safe and sound, with achievment she can be proud of after all this time being treated as a failure.”
I told them I expected them to keep all the informations I gave them to themselves, and even used suggestion to make them listen to me. I also made them think that they could leave Louise in my hands. I even suggested them that I may be able to handle Eleonore as other men can't stand her, and that maybe I could do something for Cattleya in the future. While doing that, I though I should capture the other 2 sisters.
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In the evening, the mood in the dinning room wasn't bad. The duke had officially allowed Louise to participate in the war, which made her very happy. Cattleya was happy as well to see her little sister so happpy. However, the duke and duchess looked a bit reluctant, though they were still happy to see that Louise wasgrowing well. But Eleonore looked dissatisfied.
I used suggestion to get Eleonore to come and confront right before sleeping time in my room, and I suggested Cattleya to come and see me in my room way past sleeping time. To avoid being disturbed, I suggested Louise to go to her room to make preparations and sleep early. We would be going back to the academy the next morning after breakfast anyway.
As expected, after diner, while I was in my room, Eleonore came. From the moment she came in the room, I used energy. She didn't like the idea that I would be taking her cute little sister on the battlefield. I argued that she had a bad personnality and was too stiff for Louise.
As we were talking, I used suggestion to make her enjoy it when I scolded her, to make her want to irritate me so that I would scold her or even punish her. Along with that, each time I scolded her, I used energy to give her a slight burst of pleasure to her breasts, anus and pussy.
When I told her that she didn't have a husband because of her personnality, she got hurt, but at the same time I gave her the suggestion that I would probably be the only one who could accept her, and that she could be scolded and punished by me. I gave her the idea that if she had time, she would use the excuse to visit Louise to be abused by me, and use the occasion to try and seduce me at the same time.
She left the room with a red face and a rough breath, and barely able to contain a smirk of satisfaction and anticipation. Later, Cattleya came to my room to thank me for taking care of Louise. I used energy when I helped her to sit down on the bed next to me. I told her it was a shame a wonderfull woman like her didn't find a loving husband, and that the other men were idiots.
I suggested her that, like I took care of her useless sister, I would take care of her despite her body's condition. That I would cherish her despite the little time it seemed she had. I suggested her it would be fne to be with a capable man like me even if I had other women, and that she should invite me once in a while. At those time she would try to entice me and become mine.
The next day, the whole family was gathere to send us of. Before leaving, I gave the duke an enveloppe. It contained blueprints to make a few more efficient tools that would help the commoners of his land with their work and slightly raise their overall productivity. Just to score more points with the family.
I promised Cattleya I would send her a book she would greatly enjoy as well. I just told Eleonore to be more careful with a dubious gaze, she just turned her head away while slightly blushing. I didn't forget to use suggestion and energy on those 2 with my words. I noticed them shiver in pleasure and anticipation.
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Back at the academy, I spent some time upgrading my underground laboratory and training people. First was Louise, and ever since coming back from her home I no longer need to punish her to fuck her ass, she was the one to tempt me. Next was Siesta, I trained her in using knives and hand gun, for her self defense, and almost every night in the bath I would fuck her silly.
Third the crew of the Black Bird, so they could properly operate it. Fourth, I got more spies to replace those assigned to the Black Bird. Fifth, I got 4 more prostitutes, and trained 2 knights and 2 kunoichis that would be the protectors of my women. Sixth, I trained my own team of 30 soldiers, carefully selected.
There were 5 sharpshooters with precision rifles, 5 artillery men with mortars, 5 supporters carrying amnutions and relaying orders, 5 shooters with combat rifles and 5 guardians with sword or spear, shotgun and tower shield. They operated in group of 5, one of each type. There would be 2 groups always guarding Louise, 3 would be led in battle by me and the last one would be resting. There would be team rotation to ensure they remained fresh.
Seventh were Kirche and Tabitha. I gave Kirche some pointers concerning fire and temperature, and taugh her a bit of hapkido. We would always flirt a bit when practicing pining techniques. As for Tabitha, she was already very capable in wind and water magic, so I trained her in the use of the staff. We would then have sparring matchs, both of them agains me.
Aside from that, I asked Tabitha to teach me how to read. And the lessons would proceed with her sitting on my lap. Since I used energy, she naturally enjoyed being there a lot. Because of her loli stature, I didn't have trouble to see or write. And the learning speed was smoother than I anticipated, maybe thanks to the world energy.
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Tristain army was split in 3 branches. The Royal Army where nobles generals and officers were in charge of mercenaries. The National Army, where greater nobles that received land would follow their pledge and recruited soldiers from their lands. Then there was The Sky Navy, the branch that operated the ships.
At La Rochelle, on the day when Albion was closest to the rest of the continent, the combined fleet of Germania and Tristain, carrying an army of 60 000 soldiers, sailed of. Among the many ships of the fleet, there was a particular one. Black and dark grey, with lean features and 6 big fans. It was a special airship that brough the Queen to La Rochelle for the departure of the fleet.
The general De Poitiers, the commander of the invasion force, as well as the others commanders of the allied army, were told that they wouldn't have direct control on that airship. They could give orders, but it was up to the capitain of the ship to choose wether to accept the order or not. It could act on its own, but no matter what, had strict orders to help the invading army.
Before leaving the academy, I went to see Colbert to take the gasolin and say goodbye. I told him I knew he was against war and seeing students go to war, but that I would help keep as many students alive as possible. I also told him it was a good thing he stayed at the academy. I warned him about the possibility of the enemy trying to take the students hostages and told him I had arranged for 2 trusted groups to protect the academy, but to still remain vigilant.
I also warned Kirche and Tabitha of the possibility of the enemy infiltrating the academy to take hostages. I told them that I had made preparations for that with 2 teams that would be hiding in the darkness, but that they still should be careful. I pated Tabitha's head and caressed Kirche's cheeks when I said that.
Kirche jumped on me and kissed me, saying she was happy I worried about her and tried to protect her. I let her enjoy herself, because I enjoyed it too. She cuddled against me for a while, not wishing to leave me, so I told her I would bring her something nice after the war. I decided that I would screw her after the war, I held myself back too much with her.
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After the departure of the fleet, I left the Black Bird with Louise to go on the Varsenda, a big warship made to carry dragoons, and the flag ship of the fleet. The Black Bird placed itself just above the Varsenda, and I jumped with Louise, softening the landing with levitaton. Then we were led to the command center, with all the high ranked officers and generals gathered there. After entering the room, all gaze fell on us.
“Welcome to Albion Invasion Command Headquarters, Miss Void.”
“Ok. The lady has a proper name, commander De Poitiers. She is the third daughter of Duke de Vallière, Louise Francoise de Vallière. By the way, I am the commander of the black airship, Chevalier Hiraga Saito, and my ship is called Black Bird. Also, I am the young lady's familiar.”
As I said that, I released some pressure. It was clear that this guy intended to use Louise as tool for his own gain, so I used that moment to make them understand that they'd better not look down on any of us. The lady was a void user, the familiar was strong youth that had a ship which wasn't under their complete control. They wouldn't dare to mess with us. After that, he introduced the other people present.
Then the war council started. The first problem was to choose a place where to land for 60 000 people. There were 2 possible places, but it was necessary to avoid the enemy fleet. They asked if Louise could do something about it, and she readily confirmed it, which made them all surprised.
During the 2 months we had to prepare, I had told Louise that to defeat Albion's forces with our own, we needed either high power or exquisite deception. Since she already knew “explosion”, I had her look for something that could deceive the enemy, and she found the 'illuson” spell.
She told them that she could make an illusion of the fleet, draw the enemy fleet until they got far enough from the landing point, then retreat. I added that we would leave with the machine we used at Tarbes, we would reach our target fast and be able to come back quickly after the mission. It was decided we would bait the enemy fleet at Dartanes, and until then all that was left was to reach the optimum distance to start the mission.
Early in the morning, enemy ships were sighted, so the Supreme Commander De Poitiers ordered the start of the mission Dartanes. Louise and me were on the Black Bird at that time, and I ordered the airship to be moved closer to the frontline with the enemy ships. I wanted to display the power and accuracy of my ship's cannons, but I didn't want them to know the true range, so we got closer than necessary but far enough to impress.
Just as the enemy ships were getting in their range, the Black Bird fired 3 ot its “French 75” cannons toward them, and small explosions could be seen on their decks and sides. They received more than 20 hits before the got close enough to engage. Only after that did they start to counter attack. I left the deck with Louise, and we got in the cargo bay and boarded the Zero.
I started the engine as the gate on the floor opened. I just advanced full power and let the plane fall, using gravity to gain enough air speed to fly. A team of dragon knight soon came to us, to escort and lead us to the target.
As we were moving, the enemy sent 3 fire boat toward the Varsenda, but the Black Bird focused all available cannons on them, and neutralised them before they could inflict significant damage on the fleet. As we left the battling fleets behind, I coul see that the Black Bird was being a nightmare to the enemy ships, and when they got in range, he moved with uncanny speed for an airship out of range and continued to pummel them down.
When the cloud cover broke and revealed Albion, we were spotted by warning ravens. Since they were familiars, the information was instantly transmitted to their masters. So I picked up the speed. Soon, 10 dragons knights spotted us and moved toward us on a head-on collision course, so I suddenly gained some altittude and speed to pass over my leading escort, and fired a barrage of bullets to the approaching enemies, killing and wounding most of them and breaking their formation. Then we passed through, leaving them behind as they couldn't threaten us anymore.
Ahead of us was a flock of dragon riders numbering more than 100. The Zero could fly at 500km/h, so I had Louise write on the black board “fall back” to the escorts, and raised the speed to the maximum while firing both machine guns and cannons to the flocks of dragoons while doing evasive manoeuvres.
The escort tried to stay with us to protect us, but the speed at which we were moving was too much even for the wind dragons. Even the spells weren't fast enough, and all those who found themselves on my travel path were either severely wounded or killed. Mostly killed. And as if that wasn't enough for them, I fired 6 rockets at them. They were a combination of frag and flashbang warhead, harming all those nearby and confusing the others.
It didn't take long to cross the fleet of enemy dragoons, and I sped away from them as they still tried to pursue us. After shacking them off, we flew for a while before a port town got into our view, so I ordered Louise to cast the illusion spell, a mirage, a mirror image of the true invasion fleet that was a long distance away. I could imagine the panic of the people, suddenly seeing an enemy fleet approaching their town.
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After the succes of the mission, we met up with the allied fleet as they made their way toward the port town of Rosais. Returning the plane to the cargo bay required the Black Bird to move at the minimum flying speed of the Zero, which was 2/3 of the maximum speed of the Black Bird, then the cranes would secure the plane as our speed were matched and bring it in.
The fleet had few losses from its encounter with the enemy, mainly thanks to the Black Bird. Its performance greatly boosted the morale of the invasion army. However, 2 of my dragoons escorts fell when we passed the enemy dragoon flock.
A week has passed. On the ground, I shared a tent with Louise. The tent was separated in 2, the public area and the private area, with sound absorbing enchants, allowing sounds from outside in, but blocking sounds from inside to leak. This way we were able to have some sexy time without problem. In a circle around our tent were the 6 tents of my 30 soldiers.
My soldiers were called the Storm Troops, with dark blue-green uniforms, dark grey armors and helmets, and black cloaks. I had a similar attire, but my armor was a bright silver brigandine. The armors were made of aluminized steel, and the cloaks, tower shields and armors were enchanted to resist direct magic attacks.
I used the free time to go and see Guiche. He was the leader of a unit that looked like it was made of useless guys, but I knew they were in fact good soldiers. I went there to give Guiche the equipment I had prepared for him. With me altering some things in the storyline, I could possibly be the reason of his death.
I had made a special armor for him. It was made of steel and kevlar, halfway between a cuirass and a brigandine. I had made a sword halfway between a rapier and a katana for him. He was a guy who liked elegance, so I trained him in a sword style that used mainly speed and flexibility, and was a bit reminescent of a dance.
I trained him to use his sword with one hand and his wand in the other, ready to cast support spells to mess with the footing of his enemy or hinder him any other way. He wasn't suited for direct damage magic. I made a thick arm guard for his wand hand, so he could use it as a shield. Finally, I gave him a spartan helmet, telling him that a stray spell, arrow or bullet to the head would be a pitiful way to die and leave Montmorency behind. I used a bit of suggestion just in case.
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A wind dragon landed outside my tent, making the Storms guarding the tent go into full alert, their weapons raised toward the intruder. I had almost forgotten about them. In the original, the dragoons that escorted Saito were supposed to have died, but were in fact saved by Tiffania, the busty elf. This time, only 2 of them fell. Before the mission I had gotten to know them when we met De Poitiers, and after the mission I mourned the 2 losses with the others. It was indeed nice to see them.
After reuniting with them, we had a nice drink. Since the 2 survivors had lost their dragons, I decided to take them with me to the battlefield, as I didn't have any spellcaster with me. After 3 days, they were asked to tell the story of their survival to a higher up, and all they could say was that a fairy saved them.
As they described the fairy, the pretty boy working for the pope made his appearance, Julio Cesar. After reporting to the officer, he turned toward us.
I praised the beauty of his eyes. After all, I always found heterochromia to be nice. He was just as courteous as I remembered, also, as far as I had read the novel, although I didn't like everything he did, I didn't dislike him. When he kissed Louise hand, I teased her for blushing. However, the guy was quite the talker, better than Guiche.
After he left, I led Louise to see the Supreme Commander. It was time to get a bit more achievements before the big battle of Saxe-Gotha.
“Why are we still here? Did you lead 60 000 soldiers here just to wait for the enemy to come and waste supplies? If all you wanted to do was wait for the enemy to come to you, we could have done the same thing in Tristain with home field advantage!! Were you that certain that the enemy would rush to attack you when they were on their ground with proper supplies while ours were limited?
Did you perhaps think that my master would do everything for you with void magic? Don't you know anything about the willpower cost for large spells? You didn't make any back-up plan? That's incompetence for leaders to not think of back-up plans and worst case scenarios! You'd better think of the next move quickly!”
As I said that, I released a tremendous amount of pressure in the room, making the generals and commanders shiver. With that said, I left the room with Louise. As we went back to our tent, I told her that she should always plan for the worst case scenario, so she won't get stuck like an idiot if something doesn't work.
The next day, we boarded the Black Bird and went ahead of the army. I knew that the next target of the army would be the touristic city of Saxe-Gotha, so I went and attacked the fort that stood between the capital and the city. The Black Bird attacked from the sky, while I, Louise, the Storm Troops and the 2 dragonless knights attacked from the ground. The sharpshooters took care of the mages and officers while I broke through the enemy lines. The others followed carefully behind, taking care of those attacking my sides.
The machine-guns and cannons of the Black Bird destroyed the morale of the troops stationed there, and after a while, they surrendered. I had them take out the supplies from the fort and transport them back to the invasion army, under the surveillance and protection of the Black Bird.
It was a small victory, but not an insignificant one. I knew the enemy commanders would order to take the food away from Saxe-Gotha so I decided to strike the surroundings forts and take their supplies. That would also mean less manpower for the enemy to use to take the food away from the city.
I spent 2 days to strike 2 forts that were near Saxe-Gotha and on the way leading to the capital. When I returned to the allied army with the supplies and prisoners, everyone was overjoyed. Though De Poitiers was not that happy. I had accumulated prestiges, not only for plundering the enemy forts, but also for destroying a large number of enemy ships. Of course, all my men would receive recompenses fitting their achievements. And I made sure to remind De Poitiers about that.
On the day they attacked Saxe-Gotha, my men and Louise were resting, while I participated in the offensive with the 2 dragonless dragon knights. This time, I displayed more of my power for all to see as I broke through the points where the allied army was having trouble piercing the enemy lines.
On the second day, my men and Louise were well rested, so we joined the battle again, with the support of the Black Bird. We took care of the biggest part of the enemy forces. On the third day we all rested, and at the beginning of the fourth, the city was taken. In the original, it took a week to conquert the city, but thanks to me it only took half of that time. After taking the city, I went to see the commanders and generals and warned them to make water reserve as soon as possible. I told them that I was weary of the enemy poisoning the water in the future.
On the fifth and sixth days, I went to nearby towns with the Black Bird to have them send supplies to Saxe-Gotha in exchange for not being attacked. Of course, I also paid for the supplies and they complied. At the end of the week, my achievements were unrivaled. We were stuck in Saxe-Gotha because we had to share supplies with the citizen, but at the very least we weren't in a difficult situation thanks to my earlier actions. I was already a hero for the soldiers and the citizens.
Since I was one of the key elements to the liberation of Saxe-Gotha, they couldn't deny me the right to participate in decision making, even if I wasn't an official member of the ruling organisation. Saxe-Gotha was a major city in Albion, and I wanted it under my control. I didn't hesitate to use a bit of suggestion to have the citizens think that I would be a suitable ruler for them.
At the end of the war, the supervision of the city would surely fall in my hands one way or the other. And with that, miss Longueville, formerly known as Mathilda Saxe-Gotha, would join my side.
I had given the army enough time to receive some supplies from the continent, and a large part of the ressources I had gathered with the Night Hawk were given to Henrietta to lighten the financial load of the war. Furthermore, my agents worked with Agnes and the musketer corps to deal with nasty bandits groups. And all the loot was used for the war effort.
Because the musketer of the queen were doing a good job of maintaining public security despite the war, the queen was still appreciated, especially since the expenditures weren't to severe. I even had her be a bit more strict with the more wealthy nobles, as it was their duty to help the crown. I even warned her not to decline the request of truce the enemy would make. I told her that I had a way to make use of the enemy scheme for that period of time.
So, one week after the capture of Saxe-Gotha, a 2 week truce was announced. I sent the Black Bird back to Tristain to ressupply at the base. I had made an automated factory underground, with the members of the Night Hawk supplying it with some cheap and low quality materials. The alchemy and automated process would take care of the rest. I produced high quality tools, jewels and liquors, and had my men sell them or auctionned them in Germania and Gallia. 2 third of the money gained was sent to Henrietta. There was also another surprise being prepared for her.
During the first day of the truce, along with Louise, I looked for the people that had unexpectedly come, the members of the consolation corps, Siesta, Scarron, Jessica and the other members of the Charming Fairies. The consolation corps were sent to distract people from the lack of food. Both Siesta and Jessica were happy to see me as they jumped in my arms, and of course I caugh them both and kissed them on the cheeks. Scarron and Jessica were also happy to see Louise again.
I warned them to not drink the water from the city under any circumstances because I feared water poisoning and Albion could use the excuse that it was a natural phenomenon. Siesta told me about the attack on the academy. Everything ended just fne. Nobody died, Agnes forgave Colbert, and he gained the respect of all the teachers and students there for his efforts to attone for his past sin. However, the school was still closed until the end of the war.
I invited the crew of the Charming Fairies, the dragons knights that escorted me, and Guiche and his troops on a small tour of the Black Bird. Of course I didn't show them the critical areas. After that, we all went to the tent that the Charming Fairies had set in the middle of the town. There, we enjoyed some quality time together.
I would go to the Charming Fairies each evening for the following 2 days. I would enjoy Siesta and Jessica's company. It was a shame we couldn't enjoy a more private time together since they were quite busy. I had to settle for a bit of skinship here and there, and Louise's asshole in our tent to make up for not being able to fuck the 2 cousins.
The night before the end of the truce, it finally happened. I had made a formation in the underground waterways that supplied the city with drinking water. It was to detect and collect magical water.
Of course it could collect only a limited amount. That water was compressed by the formation and crystalised, then transported to a certain well in the city. There I was, alerted by the activation of the formation. I recovered the crystal and sealed it in a special container.
I could have prevented the mass manipulation tactic Reconquista used, but I wanted to do the big rearguard fight against the enemy army. It was such an epic moment of the story, 1 man against an entire army, and being wounded was the perfect excuse to spend some time with Tiffania.
Besides, I need to have the King of Gallia get what he wanted so that the next part of the story in Gallia could take place without too many changes. It was necessary for Tabitha's route and learning more about Romalia's secrets.
I hastly left for the plaza to send the people of the Charming Fairies to the Black Bird. I had left a 3 groups of Storm Troops there for that night. Both for the Charming Fairies, and for the leading officers of the invasion army and the original officials of the city. Thanks to their presence, the troubles hadn't spread there yet, and the leaders could safely move out.
I had ordered my men to shoot to neutralize, not to kill, because the city was full of civilians I didn't remember if the people from the original regained their sanity. In the middle of the panic, I gave orders to the sane soldiers. I had them pass the order to aim for the arms and legs of the hostiles because they were being controled, and then slowly fall back.
On the way, I helped neutralise controlled people and lead the civilians toward a safer area of the town. The enemy was after the soldiers, there was no need to have the citizen evacuate the town. All we had to do was leave. In the morning, all the sane soldiers had retreated outside of the city, and the army now numbered only 45 000.
Thanks to me warning about drinking the city water and swiftly reacting to the sudden revolt, we lost less men than in the original. We then received a report that the enemy army had left the capital and marched toward us. So I made the plan to fake retreating toward Rosais. I told them that I would stall the enemy with the Black Bird and the Storm Troopers.
With the enemy focused on me, they would circle around the enemy, 30 000 striking from behind and 15000 going straight to the capital. I told them that with the range and fire power of the Black Bird I could have the enemy pined long enough for that.
A confused army of 50 000 men would take a serious beating from a coordinated army of 30 000. Louise would stay with the army, protected by the dragon knights, so she could help the army just in case. Thus, the plan was approved.
The allied army waited until the enemy was a day away before starting to retreat. Once we reached Rosais, I turned back with the Black Bird after leaving the extra passengers. I told the crew not to wait for me once I got on the ground. Their jobs was to keep the enemy pined in place while I went on a rampage from the front and the Storm Troops used hit and run tactics to harass the sides.
The artillery men even had specials shells, incendiary shells and chemical shells releasing anesthetic gases. The Black Bird would use some of those shells as well. Once the 30 000 soldiers came to strike from behind, they would lightly support them. After that, their job would be to escort Louise and bring her back to Tristain. There, they would load some of the products I prepared and sell them in Saxe-Gotha.
With Derf in hand, I rushed straight at the enemy of 55 000 soldiers, and released a terrifying battle aura. I went on a crazy rampage. No, it was a slaughter. Every seconds, at least 5 men would fall by my hands. For the Albion army, I had become a living nightmare. And as if that wasn't enough, the Black Bird was causing chaos within the ranks of the army from the sky, raining death upon them or killing the enemy dragon knights in the air. I had told them to avoid striking the center where their general was, because I knew he was a honorable man.
Within around 2 hours, I had killed nearly 15 000 men, and the Black Bird had killed around that much concentrating on the sides and the rear of the enemy army. I had taken a beating, but was still fully operational. I didn't know about my men, but I assumed they were safe as they could strike the enemy from 200m with the rifles.
At that time, I noticed the attack from the allied army, it was time for me to retreat. I had purposefully received critical injuries for the sake of being healed by Tiffania, so I left as if I went back to Rosais, and once out of sight I went into the forest. I had an idea of the direction to take. Once there, I sat against a tree and put myself into an apparent coma.
END OF THE FIRST PART
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AN: Next update... In a while.