The Girl Who Eats the God of Death
Chapter 20 - Flowers in Paintings Are Not Edible But Look Good

Flags of the Royal Army were hoisted along the main Canaan road. On higher ground on the right and left had been built encampments, and if the Liberation Army attacked, they would suffer great damage.

While looking at their camp using binoculars, Ghamzeh who was at the headquarters nodded–all according to plan. Divided into three divisions, the Liberation Army had chosen to place a spear unit at the front, then an archer, and behind them was the cavalry. The cavalry's role was to spin and attack from the side, but in the current operation, they were not planned to be used as usual. Their main goal is to attract the main enemy forces.

"I thought Canaan would be hard. It was like a natural fortress.it would probably require a large number of soldiers to attack at once to take it down."

The general who was currently acting as the leader said to Ghamzeh. He is a man from the Belta faction and an old friend of Ghamzeh. He is popular and good at leading. What he did not have while still siding with the kingdom was luck and connection to the nobility. Just because of that, his path to promotion was closed, and he was disabled.

"That's right. But under those conditions, enemy supply trains will also be in trouble. In other words, as long as we press down on the main road, they are like trapped rats. Soon, they will starve to death. After all it was almost impossible for them to obtain supplies from the local territory."

If Colonel Hastie's unit takes control of Cyrus, they'll get Canaan. They do take risks, but even so, this is an operation worth trying. For that reason Diener was also not very opposed to it.

"If the surprise attack this time went smoothly, the road leading to the Capital would instantly be wide open. If that happens, Mr. Ghamzeh's position in the Liberation Army will become unshakable. You'll be able to work for Princess Altura even better."

"Haha, no-no, it doesn't matter to me. I fight only for the victory of the Liberation Army."

Ghamzeh said humbly, smiling insincerely. Currently, the two factions are in a fierce competition. In order to gain Altura's trust, she wants to succeed at whatever the risk.

"But, if we don't move like this, they may suspect that we're up to something. I think it's almost time we send the cavalry and provoke them."

The general suggested to send the cavalry. It was not a bad idea to test the enemy's strength and attack them.

"You are forbidden to pursue too far, and if an attack comes, you must immediately retreat. If we can lure the enemy, it will be good. We're gonna beat them."

"Alright, send the messenger to the cavalry unit!"

When Ghamzeh agreed, the general immediately gave instructions to the cavalry to carry out a diversion attack. The messenger nodded, and left the headquarters. As if they were swapping places, another messenger reported.

"Mr Ghamzeh. There was contact from a spy unit that infiltrated the enemy camp. General Yalder has been sentenced for violating military regulations, demoted, and sent back to the Capital. He led the defeated soldiers of Antigua and Belta."

"So General Yalder is also in a tough time huh. His fame he had built was already destroyed right? It was like a lie that he used to be famous for his Steel Division. I hope I don't end up like him."

"It can be said, it's quite helpful to us. Thanks to his indiscretions, we can take Antigua."

A general muttered as if he was sympathetic, and another general laughed at him.

“......Fumu.”

After reading his report, Ghamzeh crossed his arms. The person currently defending Canaan is the Commander-in-Chief Sharov. He is well known for his deep caution and solid leadership. Would a man like him really decide to split the army before the battle survives? A bad feeling was implied in his head. Should he continue his operation? But, the reason was too little to stop him. He thought he was too scared.

"What's up, Officer Staff Ghamzeh?"

".....No, it's nothing. I was just thinking something."

"Hahaha, even if you're worried, since it's Colonel Hastie, he will definitely complete his mission. If it's a matter of fighting on the hill, he's the best in the Liberation Army. Even Colonel Fynn can't beat him."

"Indeed right. No matter what the risk, he had to take control of Fort Cyrus. For the victory of the Liberation Army. And also for the sake of the oppressed citizens."

Ghamzeh nodded firmly, as if dispelling the doubts that haunted his mind. He could have ordered the operation to stop here. But, the time, people, and money invested would be in vain if the large army that had been scattered in front of them were withdrawn. As if this was just a baseless fear, he would throw away the victory that was already in sight. Stopping an operation that is already running is much more difficult than starting it.

(Everything will be fine. It's gonna go well. I can't consider stopping the operation after this far. Wouldn't that be on Diener's terms? I'll show him, I'll make it.)

• • • • •

First Team Camp Main Headquarters.

While watching the enemy soldiers, Sharov stroked his white beard. He was convinced that his own judgment was not wrong. He could not feel the spirit of the enemy that they were going to attack this defense. From his long experience, he could sniff out the various moods within the battlefield. He could not explain it in words, but more or less he could understand it from the atmosphere. It was an illogical sensation. But, Sharov was confident of his own assessment–that they were waiting for something. Likely, somewhere not here they're fighting. Somewhere which if ignored would probably be fatal to this Canaan Region.

"commander. An enemy unit attacked. Are we going to face them?"

"Just ignore them until they enter the range of the arrow. If they approach again, drive them away with spears. Chasing is not necessary. There's no need for a blatant diversion."

"Commander! Silence and survival will affect the morale of the soldier. Give my unit orders to attack. Let me show you that I can destroy them."

Barbora disagrees with Sharov.

His advice is not off the mark. If they ignored the enemy's provocation, the soldiers would start to think that his commander had lost his nerve. Then, this will cause a fear of war and may be the cause of the destruction of the troops. Sometimes, the courage to go on the offensive is necessary to maintain morale.

"......Barbora. Your chance will come soon. Be patient until then."

"Although so, Commander. Among the soldiers there are already rumors spreading that we cannot ignore! We should actively attack here!"

Lately, a rumor started to spread among the soldiers.

Why isn't Commander Sharov actively fighting the Liberation Army? Is there a deep reason behind it? Or is there another reason? They had already heard that Sharov was an old acquaintance of the Behrouz commander of the rebel forces. They also heard that he was repeatedly invited to rebel by Supreme Commander Altura. In the Commander's heart, maybe he's considering it. And so forth.

"It doesn't make sense. Ignore the obscure rumors. If we move and make an attack to dismiss the rumor, it will make the enemy satisfied. If we leave it alone, it will fade away for a long time."

Sharov refuted and once again stared at the enemy encampment.

After sending instructions to the repatriated Yalder to standby, he had sent another order: "In an emergency, move according to your own judgment, don't wait for the order."

Barbora looked at Sharov's back full of unwillingness, agitated. He could not get a good achievement just by holding on. And also, he did not know whether the rumors were true or not. Sharov and Behrouz have a close relationship until they can be called friends is a famous story. In the ongoing conflict, Sharov remained neutral, and Behrouz lost his way.

Behrouz argued that the eldest son should inherit the throne, but after Kristoff won, Behrouz was exiled. Sharov himself also agreed with the eldest son, but he did not want to be involved in the inheritance, so he remained neutral. Therefore, he could sit in his current position. If the winner is reversed, Behrouz will sit in the Supreme Commander's seat.

With an expression that did not hide her ambition, Barbora clenched her hands.

(Whether the rumor is true or not, it doesn't matter to me. Someday, I'll take you out of that chair.)

–In the Middle of the Golbahar Mountains.

While hiding in the dense forest, 3,000 light infantry moved. The fog began to fall, and their field of view narrowed. There are people who are separated from the main group.

The road is ugly, and not a few unlucky people slip up. Although they are trained, it is useless if they cannot see. While carefully treading on the ground, they continued walking, advancing and continuing forward.

Colonel Hastie leading this unit had a strange premonition. They are not on the wrong road. They hire a guide who also nods that they are moving as planned. Time was also part of his plan, so they were not late from the schedule. After they descended the mountains, they would move at full speed towards Cyrus. That's plan.

(What a strange atmosphere this is. It's not because of the fog. It's like–)

Like criminals walking towards the gallows. Such a ridiculous feeling was what was in his mind. This should be the path to success, not the path to destruction. That's what he was told. Silently and carefully he continued to advance in darkness on the mountain road. He felt intimidated.

(I have too many thoughts. I'm a commander, I can't be daunted.)

He wiped the sweat on his forehead, and forced himself to believe. He turned to his subordinates who were following behind him. Their faces bowed, and they walked while stilling their breathing sounds. They were elite soldiers, the chosen ones who could operate in the mountains, yet even so, their faces looked grim. They don't look like a unit that's going to do a surprise attack after this. They are like defeated soldiers. Not only him, they also felt this unpleasant atmosphere. They move forward, like trying to get rid of that feeling. If they stopped, they would not be able to move anymore.

The guide spoke in a soft voice.

".....Rarely are these mountains."

"What do you mean?"

"Huh. Usually, the birds will chirp, and there are also animals such as deer, wild boar, and other small animals. But today I didn't even see one. And also, I don't even hear the sound of insects.... They may be silent because of this strange atmosphere."

Bird chirping, insect sounds, and animal sounds– absolutely not heard. All that could be heard was the sound of the wind, and their own footsteps.

"There are times like this, right? Don't say anything weird."

".....This... It's scary, and it doesn't feel like the same mountains."

The ordinary-looking guide started rubbing both of his arms as if he was cold. This man was hired for a small amount of money. He did not take the side of the Kingdom or the Liberation Army. If there was a greater advantage, he would side with the profitable one. Not only that, there was money in front of his eyes, therefore he accepted to be their guide. But today he regretted it. If he knew he would suffer from this frightening atmosphere, he would have chosen to stay home. He rubbed the nape of his neck with a towel. Cold sweat is disgusting.

".....Colonels. Will this go well for us?"

Seeing the guide frightened, a soldier approached to ask. For this man, who had served long enough in the unit to be considered a veteran, it was rare for him to feel misgivings.

Hastie spontaneously wanted to utter her uneasiness, but she held it in and replied.

"It will depend on our efforts. We will definitely succeed–antusiame that's what it takes."

"A-You're right. Please forgive me."

"I understand your tension before the surprise attack. But you are a veteran. Don't show your anxiety. Fear is contagious."

"Well!"

Hastie patted the veteran's back while encouraging him. If he didn't encourage her, he felt like he would also be anxious. He held his sword tightly. Suppressing agility, the soldiers were armed with swords and javelins. It is not the spear that is carried anymore, because the spear will interfere with movement. Archer units also use shortbows. The rear row accompanying the supply train used their usual weapons, and they would hand them over as soon as they arrived. Due to their luggage, their movement speed was slow, and Hastie's group acting as the vanguard had to seize Cyrus.

"....The night will soon pass. Driver, are we close?"

"Y-Yeah. Another bit. Starting from here will be easier. The ground is harder."

"Good, continue your work until we finish descending the mountains. Everyone, hang on a little more."

Hastie sighed and started walking again.

As the sky began to light up, the 3,000 light infantry finally finished descending the mountains. The fog was very thick covering the entire land. Before the fog was gone, they had to move as far as possible near the Citadel of Cyrus.

Hastie gave a signal with her hand, giving the order to move forward. No noise because if there is a patrol, there is a danger of being caught by the enemy.

They're moving for about an hour. A silhouette appeared in the mist. Human silhouette riding a horse. A black flag fluttered. The silhouette slowly approached them.

Before suspecting him as an enemy, he considered the possibility of the silhouette being an ally. They've contacted Baron Evjen, who runs the area around Cyrus, about their path of movement and when they'll arrive. Maybe he came as reinforcements. Although it did not suit their light infantry, it would be encouraging if they could use cavalry. They would have already been attacked at this distance if the silhouette was an enemy. But just in case, he had his subordinates prepare for battle.

"86."

"Understand."

The infantry drew their swords and put up combat positions.

"We are the Foxes Crossing the Hill. Are you the Waiting Fox?"

They would not call themselves the Liberation Army. Some passwords have been created with Evjen before. It was also to prevent friendly fire after mastering Cyrus. There was no reply from the group riding in front of them. The group is getting closer. His words should have reached them. If his words were ignored, the chances of them being Royal Troops were extremely high. Tension overcame the soldiers. To the distance they could see in the fog, they were getting closer.

As he decided to question her once more, from behind came a shout.

"If you don't respond, we will attack! Are you–"

"Enemy attack! The back of our unit was attacked by enemy cavalry!!"

"A-What!? L-Then these guys are–!!"

As Hastie faced forward again, the figure of a female officer riding on a horse entered her field of view. A woman wearing black armor that did not fit her body, was holding a large scythe. From him was the unpleasant feeling that Hastie had felt since. It was neither bloodlust nor anger. It was a black presence that was hard to describe. Enveloped in a terrifying aura, the woman was right in front of him.

Hastie strengthened her grip on her sword. Cold sweat flooded his back.

(Ah. Bad sensation I feel, it's because of this monster–)

The woman smiled ferociously, and at the same time Hastie swung her sword, her skull being crushed by that terrifying curved blade. The blood immediately splashed within the fog, and a very fantastic sight was created.

The woman who had killed Hastie, silently swung her scythe. With each swing, the souls of the Liberation Army soldiers were snatched away.

The sight of the red fountain gushing out one by one in the mist, was firmly imprinted in the minds of the Liberation Army soldiers. The humans from Hastie's unit who witnessed it would continue to be tormented by this terror forever. There will be people who have mental disorders, and some will even go crazy.

The soldier, decided to leave behind a note of this beautiful tragedy, wildly continued to paint paintings that were only in red and white. He's not dealing with anyone, he's just painting non-stop. Not long after, he finished one painting, and the soldier slit his throat. In his last moments, after he signed with his own blood, he died laughing loudly.

Inside the mysterious fog was a young girl gently picking flowers with her slender hands. The hue of his face looked pale. From the ground gushed a red fountain, soaking the chick's feet. In the red mud was drawn many red flowers and white skulls, making the observers feel a great fear. In the future, the painting will be displayed by someone who considers the painting a pity if discarded, and will be highly rated by the nobility.

–This painting that made Schera from the Royal Army named: funeral flower Schera ZadeSchera Zade's Flower Burial.

–In that fog, unilateral slaughter continues.

Inside, where the viewing ability was very poor, the Schera Cavalry massacred the light infantry. Before their swords could reach the riders, they were stabbed by spears, one by one they fell. Even so, they desperately fought back, and there was even a brave soldier who pulled down a rider to the ground. But, the resistance was in vain, and many spears perforated the veteran's body. The surprise attack unit had lost its commander, now leaderless, deciding to return to the mountains in a state of panic.

The fog slowly faded. An ambush from the Royal Army was waiting.

"HAHAHAHA! ALL MY HATRED, WILL BE CLEAN HERE! KILL THE REBEL FORCES!"

"ALL TROOPS ATTACK! NOW IS THE TIME TO VENT OUR REVENGE FROM BELTA!"

“OU-!”

From the foot of the mountain range came a furious remark from Yalder as they carried out the attack. The generals of the former Fourth Army also raised their swords, their voices trembling. The drums of war roared with their voices.

After learning the path of movement of the rebel forces, Yalder sent the Schera Cavalry forward and put his United Legion on the side as an ambush. The Schera cavalry will come at them, and when the mist is gone, he will pin them down. Hastie's group had walked the path to their deaths.

Hastie's unit was destroyed due to a ferocious attack from four sides. Of the 3,000 troops, 2,000 were killed, and the survivors fled in all directions.

Moreover, Yalder, with his own judgment, decided to move and cross the mountains. Officer Sidamo's staff also suggested that they take advantage of this opportunity. He sent an emissary to Sharov. The Schera cavalry was entrusted with the task of defending Cyrus, and the United Legion began to climb the mountains at full speed.

"WE'RE GOING TO MAKE THEM TASTE LIKE AN ASSAULT FROM THE HILL. SHOW THEM THE ABILITY OF OUR UNITED LEGION! ALL THE DEBTS WE HAVE, WILL BE PAID OFF HERE-!"

"LIVE UNITED LEGION YALDER! LIFE YUZE KINGDOM!"

"ALL ATTACK UNITS! ALL ACHIEVEMENTS BELONG TO YOU! SERBUUUU-U-!"

The 5,000 rearguard of the Liberation Army that received a surprise attack from higher ground fell into chaos. They had no composure to form a formation. Their weapons were indeed capable, but the movement of the supply units accompanying them was extremely slow. Utilizing the momentum of victory, Yalder could not be stopped. Supplies and weaponry were ignored, and everyone escaped.

Yalder's unit bombarded the fleeing soldiers with a fierce rain of arrows and rock avalanches, and they managed to inflict enormous casualties.

The strong general did not stop. Yalder's United Legion went down the mountains while resting, and attacked the Canaan Region from the opposite direction. The confrontation in front of the Canaan main road continues. Yalder showed signs of carrying out an attack on the main Liberation Army force of 30,000 personnel from the side.

After receiving a report from the messenger, Sharov also decided to attack.

"We're going to take advantage of this and make a big attack. Attack the rebel forces."

They came out of their hidden camp, and with the formation of fish scales, they faced the Liberation Army. Both sides fought on the ground.

Initially, the battle seemed to sting in favor of the Liberation Army with higher morale, but the situation turned around when Yalder's United Legion attacked from the side. Opening a gap into their formation, the First Army's vanguard, the Barbora Division, destroyed the enemy infantry units. Together with his elite guards, he also swung his spear, cheering the soldiers on. The Liberation Army infantry were killed one by one.

"THE RUBBISH BANDAGE OF THE REBEL FORCES! DON'T LET ANYONE SURVIVE!! THEY ARE JUST A BUNCH OF FLIES, NOTHING TO FEAR!!"

Ghamzeh of the Liberation Army, thinking more than this would be dangerous, decided to withdraw. A general protested, saying it was too early to surrender. The situation was indeed unfavorable, but they still had not lost. They did receive a ferocious attack, but their three-layer formation was still intact. Since the enemy soldiers had already exited their camp in the mountains, there was also the option of strengthening the ranks and waiting for reinforcements.

Since the soldiers led by Altura standby in Belta, retreating here would be tantamount to defeat for the Liberation Army. Their morale was very high due to the successive victories, and they had already made plans with the feudal lords. This will also greatly affect their strategy in the future. But Ghamzeh calmly assessed the progress of his battle, silenced the general's objections, and ordered him to withdraw.

"A battle more than this is not necessary. Now that our supporters, the units that crossed the mountains, have been destroyed, we better retreat. I'm in charge. I want you to follow my instructions."

Ghamzeh commanded decisively, restraining his boiling anger. Losing 30,000 soldiers here would affect their control of Belta. They just need to prevent the worst from happening. It is the duty of the Staff Officer who decides his strategy. Assigning their rear cavalry as an ambush force, they began to retreat slowly.

Sharov judged that further pursuit would only increase the number of casualties. Despite winning, they backed off while remaining disciplined. If they are lured and send units, there is a fear of being surrounded. Refusing Barbora's opinion to go on an all-out chase, she orders to return to the camp in the mountains.

"Why are we stopping the attack here!? If we inflict major damage here, retaking Belta would be very easy! Fucking Sharov, forget your worries! There's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right in front of your eyes, and you want to throw it away!?"

"However, reports from the spies mentioned that there are troops preparing to ambush–"

"Basic fool-! We just need to defeat the ambushers! The one with the superior power is us! One more step, can't we finish off the main enemy force!?"

Barbora flailed the command staff she was holding. Despite being distressed by the threatening gesture, his aide reported.

"Mr Barbora. Our allies are retreating! If we don't make a move as well, it will probably be seen as a violation of military regulations!"

"Even if I am very disappointed, I have no choice! We're retreating! ......Basic Sharov coward-!"

Not agreeing, Barbora hesitated to retreat, but eventually she returned to the camp. Condemn his superior officers all the time.

If Sharov agreed to Barbora's suggestion and went on the offensive with the rest of the army, surely, there was a possibility that the Royal Army might achieve victory and regain Belta.

Of course their army would be reduced due to the counterattack, large enough to cause Canaan defense anxiety to be chaotic.

Preferring slowly but surely, Sharov chose to survive, and managed to protect Canaan. However, the Royal Army still remained inferior in numbers, as they could not destroy the main forces of the Liberation Army.

Which option is correct is unknown. But looking at the result, this was the victory of the Royal Army, as it had already destroyed the enemy's surprise attack.

After the battle, the Schera Cavalry entered the Citadel of Cyrus as ordered. He rested their war horses and everyone recovered stamina.

While biting the bread, Schera headed for the treatment clinic. Medicine clinics to treat diseases and wounds have been established within the fort. The cavalry wounded in the previous battle welcomed and saluted their superior officers. Among them were also people lying on beds covered in blood while receiving treatment. If they were generals or nobles, they might be able to receive magical treatment. But for them, the ordinary soldiers, painkillers were all they got. A man who suffered a fatal wound, in his blurred consciousness, he was dying. He is on the border between life and death.

Schera approached a nurse soldier wearing a white robe. As the soldier's eyes met Schera's, the soldier shook his head, and walked towards the bed where other patients were waiting. As Schera lowered her gaze, a young man with a pale face whispered something as his body twitched.

Schera smile.

"You fought well. Thanks to everyone's efforts, we were able to obtain an incredible victory. In the future too, fight with me to kill the rebel army. There are still many battles after this."

As Schera stroked the man's cheek, she directed her gaze at Schera. But, his gaze was unfocused, and was like staring at something else. Schera's figure may no longer be visible in his field of view.

"Little...Lieutenant Colonel.... S...Schera. ....A...L'm.... Me"

He vomited blood hard. On the white sheets it spread red stains. He suffered a fatal injury to one of his organs. He was very lucky to be back here. Through the persistence that he could fight alongside his commander until the end, he managed to return the kasini. But, there was nothing that could be done for him in a place like this. No, it might be impossible no matter how good the doctor is. The nurse had already given him a large amount of painkillers, there was no other way to relieve his suffering.

There's only one thing Schera can do. There was only one thing that the God of Death could do. Holding it in his left hand, he held the candy in his right hand.

"Hey, are you hungry? I have sweet and delicious sweets. Letda Katarina always pranks me for this candy. I'm picking it. I'm gonna get you one. Lucky for you."

"Letkol....S...Schera–"

At the mouth of the young man who mentioned Schera's name with empty eyes, Schera inserted the white candy. Then, gently holding her bloodied mouth, Schera did the final treatment with her left hand.

"That red candy. But it's something I've given you, so I'll hold myself back."

Schera closed the eyes of the soldier who was no longer moving, and he smiled lightly. Leaving the red candy that came out of the soldier's mouth and falling beside his face, he slipped the one in his left hand into his waist. Schera waved at the wounded soldiers who were saluting around him, and he left the treatment clinic.

Schera stretched her body and grumbled in annoyance at the stinging sun. As he looked up at the main tower, beside the majestic fluttering Royal flag was a black flag. Someone from that cavalry unit might have deliberately flown it. Tearing the stale bread into small pieces, he put it in his mouth.

A black crow out of nowhere perched beside his feet. As he threw the loaf of bread on the ground, the crow began to jump up and down, pecking at the ground. The crow looked at Schera and wailed as if asking for something.

"I don't have any more food for you crow. Don't be lazy, find your own food. You can fly freely in the sky."

With nothing else to do, Schera turned and left, after eating it all.

The crow looked at him leaving with eyes not liking him. Not long after that the crow lost interest and flew away, heading to the resting place.

–After that, until Katarina came looking for him, Schera spent time sleeping on top of the guard tower. There were many things to do, such as sending a report to Sidamo, but he ignored it, Schera handed it over to his adjutant.

Beside him roamed the stubborn crow who had failed to get food.