Vol. 21 Chapter 10.5: Gott Mit Uns
The news of the ‘strange army’s’ incursion to the north of Chersea spread like wildfire across the kingdoms of human realm. However, contrary to their rulers’ expectations, the attitudes of the human populations towards it were rather relaxed, if not downright, confident. For one, everyone knew they were protected by the Lord Kuro of Maverny, the Rock of Chersea, and the Favored of the Saints. And second, the humans were not standing alone this time; the demons also fighting on their side, and their equipment bolstered the armies of the human kingdoms.
However, Kuro himself wouldn’t take chances.
“…”
With the unexpected ‘first strike’ of the Seductress, he was forced to disperse half of their assembled armies meant to invade Cherflammen. A third was sent to Cherwind, while another third was sent to Cherwoods, in a bid to strengthen the forces resisting the Seductress there. However, it wasn’t enough, thus, he had to rely on the dwarves for help.
And it is a good thing that Seirna caused deep religious fervor within the dwarves; their faith is enough to muster their forces to support Chersea, Cherwind and Cherwoods.
But Kuro would always make sure to increase his chances of victory, so he contracted every mercenary company to bolster his forces, including old friends from the ‘Band of the Oak.’ Ashren and his ‘people,’ along with Lady Martelle’s group from Cherhom, under Albrecht, were the first ones to respond.
“So, you just wanted us to watch the borders?” the dwarf asked, still surprised at Kuro’s request to him. “And here I thought we’ll be used as an army to kill your enemies.”
“I don’t think your dwarves can take on those monsters,” Kuro replied. “For those creatures, a fully-trained army is required. You, however, will be sent to watch the borders; effectively closing them to traffic.”
“Aye, sure. It can be done,” Albrecht assured him.
“And you can always be sure we’ll answer to your summons,” Ashren entered the conversation. “We are forever under your command, milord.”
“Thanks for that, but still, I won’t wish to risk your lives without compensating you properly,” the Duke reiterated. “At least, please accept my money.”
The mercenary bowed, and said nothing further. As he and Albrecht were leaving, the Lord Tenguri and Lady Baraquiel came to Kuro.
“We were so glad you are on our side,” the couple greeted. “And the Goblin Legion has high morale, thanks to your leadership.”
“You give too much credits to me, milord,” the human countered. “Even when the Seductress got ahead of me.”
“It’s natural,” the Orc lady chuckled. “In military matters, it’s common that we commit mistakes, some of which can be lethal and costly. But, it’s also where we learn, so we still throw our full support for you.”
Kuro could feel his cheeks blush. Yet, he still never wished to lower his guard, so he sent letters to everyone whom he could think of, to support their cause. And seeing the humans and demons’ overwhelming response was heartening to him.
From eleven tragic wars, now these two embittered races are fighting side by side…
“Everyone on their launching spots!”
“!!!” Kuro’s deep thoughts vanished when he heard the officers’ orders to their respective military units. Together with the goblin couple, they observed the movements of the raiding groups, about to charge into the ‘military cordon’ and wreak havoc to the enemy lines. The tanks and infantry were ready, and as soon as the first cannon was fired…
“Chaaaargggee!!!”
A number of whistles echoed through the air, as the soldiers and armored regiments began their attack. While the shadow children were ‘shocked’ by the strike, the joint armies of the Children of Ava and Sons of Hanno consolidated their gains quickly.
“Milord.”
Kuro was symbolically given the reins of one of the griffins, piloted by one of the members of Calabrian Griffin Knights Corps. The hero of the five races would join the battle, not only as an observer, but also as its ‘support.’ And they were to give aerial cover to the attacking forces. Before him, the leaders of the former bitter racial rivals: the Goblin and Orc clan leaders, the vassal of the Biornos, the Emperor of Chersea, and the King of Nerfes, all looked at Kuro with silent admiration.
The Duke of Maverny gave a nod, and the knights, under Sir Dane Bellingstein, were soon flying. From there, they rained destruction and chaos to their enemies, while shielding off the attackers from the ‘jet planes’ with magic and barriers.
タイトルについて...
Gott Mit Uns は、ヨーロッパで長く受け継がれている「モット」の 1 つで、「神は我々と共にある」という意味です。1631 年のブライテンフェルトの戦い (30 年戦争) で、スウェーデン王グスタフ アドルフ率いるプロテスタント軍の「識別」として使用されました。
