After unifying the south, the Goblin King left the former Elrain Kingdom and went north. His destination was Germion Kingdom. It was a march that brought along Gi Gu Verbena’s Felduk that ended the Pena War, as well as his cavalry and Gi Ga Rax the rule of the south’s Aransain.

After reorganizing the army at the Western Region again, they planned to swarm Germion Kingdom. Pale advised the king that the best time to attack was after the harvest. One reason behind this was the logistics of the now bigger goblin army. Humans had control of the region at Germion Kingdom just like in Pena, so there were no giant monsters to feed on. If they ignored this issue and just attacked like this, they would have to pillage for food.

The Goblin King did not wish for that.

To avoid that, they needed to wait until after the harvest to have enough time to import food from Fatina and prepare the necessary portable food to support the entire army.

The Goblin King started toward the north for the battle that would take place 2 months later, but just because the battle was still 2 months away did not mean that the Goblin King was free. Pale didn’t even have to point it out. The Goblin King moved his army to the Western Region, where the monsters were rampant, to secure food that could be preserved. Another reason he came to the Western Region was to reorganize his offensive forces.

Just as Pale had planned, the Goblin King was going to be attacking from three directions, but the question of who would attack where still needed to be answered.

Moreover, on top of examining the regions that would be left to these three generals – Gi Gu Verbena, Ra Gilmi Fishiga, Gi Ga Rax – they also needed to decide the forces they would be leading.

There was also the question of if they should move the goblins that specialized in fighting individually like Rashka and Gi Zu Ruo. After all, there were places that couldn’t be protected without such goblins.

“My king. I hear you summoned me.”

Gi Go Amatsuki the Sword King appeared before the Goblin King within the camp. He knelt and prostrated himself on the ground.

Gi Go Amatsuki was a goblin swordsman and a powerful individual that boasted of being a Baron Class.

“Umu. Gi Go. When the time comes to attack Germion Kingdom, the northern path will be left to you.”

“…It is an honor, Your Highness.”

Gi Go who had his curved sword by his waist, prostrated his head even further as he responded to the king.

“How many soldiers will you be needing? There’s no need to be reserved. Just say it.”

“30 soldiers and the Yugushiva tribe. That will be enough.”

“Is that enough?”

“Of course.”

The Goblin King happily nodded when he heard that.

“Your Majesty, I have just one question.”

“What?”

“Would it be alright if I took the head of the enemy general and put it on display?”

“Lili the Scarlet Maiden. Supposedly, a holy knight that uses a magic sword.”

Pale read aloud the information and the Goblin King hesitated a little.

“…No. There’s something I want to ask her. Keep her alive if you can.”

“As you will.”

Gi Go stood up and the Goblin King saw him off.

The Goblin King still needed to think about who to assign the other paths to. With Pale’s advice, they gradually filled up their roster.

Attacking from the south would be Gi Ga Rax’s Aransain. An army that prioritized speed was necessary in order to suppress Sivara’s army by the south.

Attacking from the west would be Gi Gu Verbena’s Felduk. Felduk was an army made up of only goblins. Gi Jii Yubu’s army was also added to their forces.

Siege weapons would be necessary in order to overcome the 8 fortress along the western path. At the previous battle, several of the Kushain Believers’ siege weapon were lent and the goblins were also taught how to use them.

The Goblin King also believed that Felduk was better suited for a battlefield that was not tight-fisted with time.

“In order to suppress the enemy holy knights, we also need individuals that excel in fighting alone,” Pale advised.

The Goblin King agreed with her and placed various special units here and there to prepare for the Holy Knights.

To the west was Rashka of Gaidga.

From the south was Gi Za Zakuend and the elf, Felbi.

The Goblin King made sure to tell them to avoid a one on one confrontation and placed them in the western and southern armies.

“Now then. The last one is me.”

“In regards to that, please wait for a while.”

Pale usually always gave a clear answer, so when she said that, the Goblin King raised his brows.

“There’s one problem presently facing us. That is how to deal with the enemy’s large army should they decide to attack the western region.”

“They’ve only been defending until now. Are you saying they’re planning to attack now?”

“From the intelligence network I’ve established, the crown prince of Germion Kingdom himself is planning to appear and lead an attack.”

“The crown prince… The successor, huh.”

The Goblin King groaned as he folded his thick arms.

“We must kill that person in the Western Region.”

“We could also capture him and use him in negotiations.”

“Does Your Majesty intend to annex their country?”

“Yes.”

“But no matter how deep the king’s love runs for the crown prince, it won’t be enough to swallow the country. The enemy is the Majestic King.”

The Goblin King sighed and became thoughtful.

“If that crown prince surrenders to our army, then—”

“Your Highness, I understand this displeases you, but still, I must say it. If you have decided to acquire their country, then the royal family must be killed. The children, the princesses, and even the elderly. Unless you kill them all, the people protecting the country will not accept it. Only when they are all dead will the people acknowledge their defeat. Mercy unto the royal family is unnecessary.”

Pale’s advice was correct. The Goblin King himself knew this.

The race known as goblins would never be accepted by the humans. Because of that blood needed to be spilled.

The reason the Goblin King was hesitating was because he did not find this battle all that dangerous. After becoming stronger from the southern war, although it was still dangerous to leave Germion Kingdom alone, the Goblin King had already half-assumed their victory.

Ever since they were able to secure the bountiful southern lands, they became able to support a significantly bigger army. Now that they held the advantage, the softness of the Goblin King was beginning to show.

“…You are correct. Forgive me for being unable to see that.”

“No. Your subjects can all feel your gentleness. But while that may be a virtue as an individual, it is not so for rulers. Please forgive me for me speaking out of line.”

The Goblin King nodded and resolutely spoke.

“In that case, we have to kill them. Any and all who invade my land, they will not be forgiven.”

“Yes. To that end, I will exercise my abilities to its limits.”

Pale bowed her head deeply.

On that day, the Goblin King sent a messenger to Ra Gilmi Fishiga, who was standing on the frontlines.

’Lure the enemy to the Western Region and kill them. Any and all who invade my land, bring down the hammer of justice upon them.’

Gilmi could see the wrath of the king from the harsh words written upon the letter.

“Is… Is His Highness angry?”

Gilmi asked Shumea while drawing cold sweat.

“I don’t think he’s that sort of king.”

“But he has never used such strong words before. If we lose, won’t the king get mad at me?”

“Hmm? Isn’t it fine, though?”

“What?”

“We racked our heads to come up with a plan. There’s no better plan than what we have right now, so there’s nothing we can do even if become flustered because of the king’s words.”

“…You’re right.”

Gilmi opened his eyes wide when he heard Shumea’s words, then he wryly smiled and chuckled at Shumea.

“As expected, you are suitable to be a general.”

“Please stop. It doesn’t suit me.”

As Shumea laughed loudly she once again confirmed their strategy.

“We’ve sent out scouts, but if the enemies show no signs of moving, then we’ll have to lure them. This hasn’t changed.”

“Of course. We’ll lure them while fighting and then wipe them out.”

“Alright. In that case, I will go and train my soldiers.”

As Shumea walked away, Gilmi quietly thanked her.

◆◇◆

The clan leader of the Red Moon Clan, Vine the Mad Blade, looked over the letter she was given. As the corners of her mouth lifted, she happily laughed.

“Hey, hey. Now, you’re saying there’s going to be a war? Ku ha ha ha. This little girl just keeps giving me one good time after another!”

Vine the Mad Blade spoke to herself and imagined the sensation of cutting people down without even talking to the earth elf (gnome) Berk Alsen, who was quietly performing maintenance on his weapons beside her.

“I’m fine with it as long as there’s money.”

Berk didn’t even look at her as he said that.

“You got that right. As long as I can cut people, it’s all good.”

When it comes to an abhorrent like her, if you’re surprised by something at this level, then you won’t last. Alse knew that, so he didn’t bother reacting to her.

“So, where and who are we fighting? Are we fighting the remnants of the Red King?”

“Nope. It seems we’re picking a fight with Germion Kingdom this time.”

Kihihihi, Vine happily laughed. As expected, this time, Berk couldn’t help but ask.

“…We’re picking a fight with a country?”

“Yeah! Awesome, ain’t it?”

Berk was making a difficult face as he thought about this, while Vine was drinking sake and making merry as usual.

“Hah? What’s the problem, Berk-chan? You’re not scared now, are ya?”

“No, but show me that letter.”

“Hmm? Here.”

After looking over the contents, Berk turned to Vine.

“I’ve been wondering about this for a while now, but it seems the person behind Pale is the Goblin King.”

“Goblin? You mean those little green men?”

“No. The Goblin King is probably a considerably higher variant. I heard he was wreaking havoc at the south… So, it seems Pale teamed up with him.”

“Oh~…”

Vine drowsily glanced at Berk as she drank anothe mouthful of liquor and spoke.

“Berk. This isn’t the first time that the girl’s been fishy. If you keep making a fuss, I’ll kill you.”

Vine threatened Berk, but the latter just shook his head.

“The Goblin King alone isn’t the problem. As long as the client is paying, I’m willing to work for anyone. Morality be damned. But this is a problem that might concern the rise and fall of us earth elves (gnome).”

“Huh? You mean your place?”

“Yes. I should probably get in contact with the elders first.”

“Hmm… Well, if you think so, then go ahead. I also don’t want to lose a big investment.”

“Alright. I’ll contact them then… If there’s anything you want to say, I’ll tell them too.”

“…I’ve got nothing to talking to them about.”

Vine said in a seemingly pouting manner.

“Alright. I’ll send them your regards then.”

“T-That’s uncalled for! Idiot!”

It was a rare sight for Vine to be panicking, but Berk just left her alone. After that an unhappy Rue and Shurei and entered. When Vine saw them, her eyes dazzled like that of a predator eyeing its prey.

“Oh! Rejoice, brats! Your beloved Pale-oneechan has sent a letter.”

When Vine saw their eyes twinkling, she smiled mischievously and said.

“This time we’re going to war! Kill lots, okay? Ahaha!”

Immediately after that, the two children screamed.

On that day, at a room within Germion Kingdom, was a party held to celebrate the conquest of the Western Region. The supreme commander was Ishtar Do Germion and his aide was the Holy Knight, Valdor. The name of the holy knight, Jize, also appeared. Because of the departure of the crown prince, the soldiers usually stationed around the capital, two platoons under the Holy Knights, and the mage soldiers under the direct control of the kingdom were all mobilized. Their numbers summed up to 4,000 soldiers.

“Oh, Valdor-dono. It’s been a while.

“Lord Bedoru.”

The middle-aged knight looked like he was trying to make that stiff expression of his forcefully smile as he softened his sharp gaze and responded to Bedoru.

“I hear you will be bringing the best of your soldiers from the east in this expedition.”

“It is to ensure the safety of his highness.”

“Ha ha ha. As humble as ever. You won’t lose as long as you keep that heart with you.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Anyway, about this expedition… Could you add a few more noble children?”

“…Are these noble children loyal to the crown prince?”

“Well, it’s that sort of thing. After all, the crown prince prince who is to succeed His Majesty has been too busy with his training at the east and never had the time to come back to the capital. He is said to be a mysterious person to young flowers. But even without such rumors, from the perspective of the young and ambitious second eldest male of the noble families, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“…The battlefield is a place where one is always risking his life. Do these people understand this?”

“I did tell them that many times, but they just don’t seem to be able to understand.”

As Valdor touched his chin and looked down a little, he became thoughtful. A little later, he decided to accept Bedoru’s request while proposing this.

“I’ll teach them the basics first.”

“Ohh, so you’ll do it? My stupid son will be coming along too, so please do coach them.”

“Victor is coming too?”

The last he’d met him, Victor was still a young boy who couldn’t even reach past his waist, so it couldn’t be helped that he was confused.

“He’s 16 this year… Good grief. He must be at a rebellious phase. He just won’t listen to his parents anymore.”

I give, Bedoru said with a bitter laugh, but even then, there was still an implication that he adored this son of his.

“Some unexpected people came too it seems.”

The two talked idly for a while, but then Valdor seemed to realize something and spoke to Valdor about it.

“Hmm? Oh, if it isn’t the Imperial Court Priest.”

Germion Kingdom has employed many magicians for its army. It has been decided to adopt a policy that prioritized growing adventurers, people who lived in the towns, and those that owned a part of the town as a part of the army. The one spearheading that initiative was none other than the old woman the two of them were looking at.

“‘Doll User’ Falmia… But wasn’t she the sort of person to hate wars like this one?”

Although the person did not hear Bedoru’s remarks, she, who was known as the Doll User, quietly walked to where they were.

“How are you, Minister of the Military?”

“I am doing well thanks to you, Imperial Court Priest.”

“You too, Twin Swords Knight.”

“Yes.”

“I hear we will be fighting monsters in this war.”

“We are. The goblins have been getting impudent lately. As such, the objective of this war is to discipline them.”

“I see…”

Faintly, Falmia seemed to make an expression that looked like she was enduring some kind of pain, but very quickly, she went back to smiling.

“Are you worried? So long as Valdor the Twin Swords is with us, we could not possibly lose to the goblins. Right?” Bedoru said.

“I will do my best,” Valdor said.

“Ha ha ha. Sometimes humility is a troubling trait, isn’t it? Even 100 or 200 goblins shouldn’t be a problem for you,” Bedoru said.

“That would be true on the battlefield,” Valdor said.

“…Well then, if you may excuse me,” Falmia excused herself.

As the two wordlessly thanked her, Falmia muttered in a quiet voice.

“Even though the goblins are also living…”

Although Bedoru couldn’t hear that quiet mutter, Valdor was able to pick it up. Still, all he did was raise his brows and he did not respond any further as he quietly saw her off.

“What’s the matter, Valdor-dono?”

“It must be my imagination.”

After that the Twin Swords Knight no longer mentioned her.

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