The Girl Who Eats the God of Death
Chapter 22 - Wealth Potatoes Make Satisfaction, Enjoy the Taste

At the Imperial Army Campground, lit by a bonfire, a war meeting was held to discuss their plan to capture Madros. The most skilled specialists in every field deployed their full capabilities to the commander of the First Army, the first prince of the Empire, Alexander Keyland.

Alexander was dressed in luxurious battle attire, and a sword decorated with excessive ornamentation was tucked into his waist. She also has golden hair, a symbol of the Keyland family, which she inherited from her father. The Keyland family held the golden color in high regard, almost fanatical. If anything goes wrong and the child is born silver-haired, his right to the throne will likely be revoked, even though he is the eldest son.

If Alexander inherited the imperial throne, these assigned elite officers would probably become his advisers. They were all without exception personally chosen by Alexander, and they were people who excelled in ingenuity and courage.

But right now, everyone was putting on a heavy face, which made anyone feel a miserable situation.

"What happened to the supply?"

Alexander asked gently, knocking his finger on the table.

"Ready, all his fields had been burned to ashes, and the houses in the agricultural villages were completely empty. The wells have also been poisoned. Those people were meticulous in their scorched earth tactics."

"So it's very difficult to increase the supply locally. We have to get supplies from our home country."

“Unit-command units of the Royal Forces have repeatedly ambushed the dispatch of the Forces. If we split the army to head off their defenses, it might hamper our supply train."

Their supply lines had stretched throughout their invasion of the Kingdom territory. Kerry's Fifth Army had turned to guerrilla warfare and meticulously disrupted their supply lines repeatedly. Currently, the amount of supply that could get to the front line safely was not even up to 50%. At this rate, there may be a severe shortage of supplies.

".......Your Honour. We have taken the First Fort. What if we wait here until spring? The transportation of goods will increase, and the speed of our movement will also increase. We don't have to rush any further."

A general proposed to stop the movement. It was an opinion that was accompanied by reason, and Alexander inwardly also thought that it was the best course of action.

But he was in a situation where he couldn't stop. He has been given the command: "Possess Madros by all means."

It was an order from his father, and at the same time the Emperor, Alf Keyland. As he grew older, he became increasingly unable to think flexibly. Even so, until he ascends the throne, Alexander must not make his father unhappy.

"If I could, I wouldn't have made a move this season from the start. His Majesty ordered that we make Madros fall as soon as possible. Right now we have to focus on how we break through the enemy's lines of defense and seize Madros. Gentlemen, let's think of a solution."

Alexander said in a strong tone. In response to him, Lieutenant General Gustav, commander of the Seventh Corps, commented.

"Mobilizing an army of 100,000 even further is a suicide. We must put ordinary soldiers on the defense of the First Fort and escort the supply delivery. The 50,000 elite soldiers of the First and Seventh Corps would launch concentrated attacks at one point of the defensive line, break through, and make Madros Castle fall in one fell swoop. I'm sure this is the best."

A slender and paranoid man, Gustav was the ruler of the Wealth Region as well as the commander of the Seventh Corps. He had been at odds with Kerry who ruled Madros many times in petty battles.

He was very suspicious, and a man who exemplified wisdom and serenity. Basically he did not care about strangers, but the soldiers born in Wealth upheld his pride. He continued to fight and live only to protect and develop Wealth.

The soldiers with the least amount of training would be alerted, and even though they were in subjugation, they would continue to move with the required amount only. In this situation where supplies are far from enough, Gustav's opinion is correct.

The Fifth Kingdom's forces had roughly the same number on the defensive line of their strongholds, but they had to divide their defenses.

The Imperial Army had the advantage in terms of being able to choose their path of movement. Where are their goals? That question will determine the fate of Madros.

"What a pragmatic plan. Without food, we can't fight, and we can't just move forward. Next, all we can do is pray for good fortune. Luckily, I am a faithful follower of the Star Church. We'll definitely get heaven's protection."

Alexander laughed cynically, sarcastically, and finished his drink. He does not believe in the so-called religion. But if it is too blunt to admit it will be considered blasphemy (religion), so he is silent. By believing in religion can get rank, money, and power. If you can confidently get everything, it has no art. That's why he's after the throne that has everything. He made use of the luck that he was born the eldest son to the fullest, and he devoted himself to studying without rest until he was near death.

It has been recognized, and now it is one step away from its prize, the throne. He can't fail here. There are many people who are seeking the throne.

The only person he didn't need to be aware of was his younger brother, Alan, who had already retreated from the competition for the throne and exited the Imperial Capital to join the Liberation Army. Once Alexander gained the throne, he intended to call Alan back and give him an important stewardship position.

Now that the basic plan had been decided, they turned to deliberating how to seize their most important target, then a messenger walked into the room. The guards wearing armor crossed their long spears, blocking the way of the messenger. Alexander ordered them to let him through. The messenger realized that he was disrespectful but he kept coming in. Perhaps it was an urgent report, Alexander predicted.

"We're in a war meeting. What's up?"

"Siap–, a cavalry unit from the Royal Army came to surrender. There are 2,000 riders. Her commanding officer is a female officer, and she came here to see His Majesty."

"Hohhhhh? Isn't that good news. What do you think, Gustav?"

Attracted, Alexander's lips smiled, and he questioned Gustav. He knew that Gustav had stronger feelings than hatred for the Madros. He wanted to test what reaction Gustav would show.

Gustav cringing. The Madros will never submit to the Empire. If they were just allowed to face, it might be dangerous for Alexander.

"........Is the female commander you mentioned Madros?"

"No, he said he was from the Central Border Zone. And also, he brought in someone who had a relationship with the enemy commander, Darus Madros."

"Should you say? Isn't he Kerry's obnoxious son!?"

"It's not polite to make them wait too long? How about we meet them soon? A female officer leading the Royal Army cavalry huh. That's so funny."

"......Take their weapons. Just bring in the female officers, and tighten the surveillance. We must put on full vigilance so that nothing can happen to His Majesty. Don't pay attention to their behavior."

Gustav gave very strict orders to the guards. They saluted and began to follow his orders. If they let the Prince get hurt, their lives would be lost.

"You are very worried, Gustav. You won't be able to live that long."

"Thanks to this personality, I've been able to live this long. If he turns out to be suspicious, I won't give him any mercy. Treat him as an enemy when you meet him, Your Majesty. Behind his smile could have hidden a sword."

"You don't have to tell me, I know. This kind of thing pisses me off."

Alexander nodded expressionlessly. Behind the smile is desire and deceit. He had been dealing with such dirty feelings since childhood. He had faith in his ability to sniff out the bad sense.

Surrounded by multi-layered armed guards, Schera was taken to the tent where Alexander was. The tip of the spear was directed at him, and if he made any suspicious movements, he would be instantly slaughtered. Staring at them without interest, Schera walked with her scythe perched on her shoulders.

In front of the tent, he was stopped by two bodyguards wearing luxurious armor. It was very unrealistic to be allowed inside while carrying a weapon.

"Stop. In front of us is a tent for high class people. You're not allowed to enter while carrying such dangerous objects."

"So I have to give this to you?"

Schera patted the scythe on his shoulder. A bodyguard nodded with an unhappy expression.

"......That scabby I'm holding. Don't pretend to be stupid."

The bodyguard approached and roughly picked up the scythe, but because of the absurd weight of the scythe, he accidentally dropped it. That huge scythe was much heavier than it seemed. He could not believe that the tiny figure of the girl in front of him could take him. The girl easily put it on her shoulders.

"Fufu-, are you okay? Your hands are shaking. Don't push yourself too much. You'll be miserable."

"–K-Your worries are unnecessary. Come here, you need to get in. Your Majesty is waiting."

When Schera entered the tent, in the middle of the tent was a golden-haired young man sitting on a chair. Beside him stood 10 people, all of them had striking medals. Then, in the surrounding area was surrounded by tense bodyguards with glittering eyes. Of course, they were also placed behind Schera. Schera boldly walked in and respectfully knelt at a place some distance away from the young man.

"You're the one who wants to join our Imperial Forces? I can't believe you're this young."

"Ready, I'm Schera Zade. The rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Kingdom. I command the cavalry. I came here in hopes of becoming a member of the Imperial Army."

Alexander looked at Schera. At first glance, she looked like a normal girl wearing armor. But, there was no way such a person would command 2,000 cavalry. Moreover, despite coming to this place, which was basically enemy territory, he did not show the slightest agitation. It seems like he has great mental strength.

"Although a woman, you earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at such a young age. Looks like you're pretty good. I want you to tell me what makes you dissatisfied with the Kingdom. I want to hear your reasons for giving up."

"My actions are not well judged, and also, the Kingdom has no future. The inside had already rotted, and the higher-ups were only thinking about themselves. They're not worth fighting for by risking my life. I also led 2,000 soldiers. I just want to avoid dying in vain."

Schera criticized the Kingdom all-out. Then, he put his hand in his breast pouch and took out a letter sealed with a candle. He handed it to a bodyguard standing next to him.

Alexander received the letter and asked.

".......What is this letter?"

"From my superior officer, Yalder. He was currently acting as the defense commander for the Second Fortress. If his rank and position were guaranteed, he would vacate the fort and surrender. The flames from the Second Fort acted as proof."

The generals became boisterous. If that's true, it's a very good opportunity. Alexander unsealed it and read the letter.

[I have received an insult like a no-one who has no merit, even though I have served with loyalty, and therefore, I want to give up. If you can guarantee my position and the lives of the troops in the fortress, I promise to open the gates of the Second Fort without a fight.

In an eastern location the fort is some distance away hidden the food storage warehouse belonging to the Kingdom. Attacking there simultaneously at Madros Castle would inflict enormous damage.]

That's what it says on the letter. A detailed map is also included. Alexander handed the letter to the generals, and inside the tent was immediately filled with excitement.

"Hold first! It's too early to think this is real. There are things we need to make sure about this officer. Warrior messenger! Take Darus and some prisoners from the Royal Force–!"

"Ready-rush!"

Shouted Gustav at the generals who were cheering. It's too early to think this is real. If this is a false surrender, they will fall into a predicament.

Gustav did not trust Schera at all. There is no emotion in the words of this girl. It's not strange that the girl will attack them any minute. Indeed, Gustav could not feel humanity in Schera. Even as he stared at Schera with a gaze filled with killing intent, Schera calmly ignored him.

It was not something that a young female warrior could ignore. Gustav carefully.

Alexander silently watched the chain of events that occurred. The time is right to ensure his sincerity, he thought.

"Colonel, I'm sorry for this irreverence, but there's something I'd like to check first. In you, are there any animal tattoo images?"

Ask Gustavo to Schera. There is no more false proof of this about the Madros. If it turns out there is a tattoo on him, no further conversation is needed. He's gonna kill Schera.

Schera silently removed her chest plate and slowly showed her chest. No injuries on her tiny body, let alone a tattoo.

"Is this enough? If you want, I don't mind taking off everything I'm wearing."

The generals turned their eyes away from Schera's body. Regardless, keep staring will violate the norms of chivalry.

"......I'm sorry for Gustav's irreverence, Lieutenant Colonel. I understand you're not Madros. Gustav, do you agree?"

"Ready-I, Gustav, have thought too much about it. Lieutenant Colonel, forgive my disbelief."

When Alexander apologized, Schera said nothing and expressionlessly tidied up his clothes. He showed no shame or anger.

Shortly after, Darus, who was tied to a mine and gagged, and several prisoners of war were brought into the tent.

As the bodyguards removed his gag, Darus turned his head and said dirty words to Schera. He was in the Second Fortress, but Schera attacked him out of nowhere, and in the end, he was captured.

"Schera! What does this mean -!!? Did you betray the Kingdom that had promoted you from an ordinary soldier to Lieutenant Colonel!!? Basic traitor! Since *****does not know yourself like you, we are in this predicament-!!"

"You are in front of His Majesty. Watch your mouth, asshole."

"Be quiet you Wealth pig! My father will exterminate your family -, in fact, he will slaughter all Wealth-men!"

"Be quiet! You Madros-dog !!"

Gustav kicked Darus in the face with all his strength, and Darus fell down while coughing up blood. He got up and started cursing Alexander this time, so he was gagged again. The other prisoners were also forced to kneel, and their heads were pushed to the ground.

"–Yang noble. How about handing this execution over to Lieutenant Colonel Schera? We can take this opportunity for him to show his loyalty to the Empire. Lieutenant Colonel, of course you wouldn't say no, would you?"

"Good thoughts Gustav. Lieutenant Colonel Schera, this is your first mission. Execution of this pest. They are shameless people who once gave up and then conspired to betray again. I need you to execute them immediately. I don't mind if you do it here, right now. Of course, you can do it, right?"

Alexander smiled sinisterly as he ordered Schera. Then he exchanged looks with his bodyguards and made them prepare for battle. It's a precaution if Schera says no.

"understandable. My weapon was confiscated, so is it okay if I ask for my weapon to be returned?"

Schera agreed without the slightest hesitation and stood up. When Alexander ordered his weapons to be returned, two bodyguards appeared, carrying his large scythe, and with a breath of space, they handed it over to Schera.

After moving her scythe like a dance, Schera placed the tip of her scythe on Darus' neck. Its curved blade was exposed to the light from the brazier, and it emitted a frightening radiance. After smiling sadistically, he uttered the death sentence.

"Captain Darus. No one is against you. But you don't have to worry. I will do it quickly and painlessly. I'm used to it enough."

Darus screamed, begging him to stop.

Alexander, judging that Schera was serious, reconsidered this action. This man, Darus, was the son of the enemy commander, and he still had value that could be utilized. He could be used as a bargaining chip. Even if they would execute it, it would be more effective to do so in front of the enemy. Killing him here would be a waste. Alexander came to a conclusion.

"Wait, Lieutenant Colonel Schera. We're delaying the execution of this man for a while. I forgot that there were still things I wanted to ask him. Execution of other prisoners. I don't mind. Don't worry about cleaning. Just do what you want with them."

Alexander made a gesture of cutting his own neck and emphasizing their execution. He does not like to see blood.

"Understand."

"H-Stop."

"Punish me!"

The prisoners prostrated themselves and begged for mercy. Schera shook her head slowly.

"sorry. But, humans must accept their fate."

After walking away from Darus, he decapitated five heads with a flowing motion. The lives of the prisoners were snatched away without having time to scream. The direction to the entrance of the tent was covered in splashes of red blood. Darus was silent as he watched it.

If Alexander hadn't stopped him, Darus' head would have been separated from his body.

Looking at Schera's responses and actions so far, Alexander more or less already understood Schera's nature. This girl was the type of human she called a mercenary. They are manageable human beings if someone values their performance appropriately, or if someone gives them what they are looking for. There is no room for ideology or honor. As long as they are paid, they will not be betrayed. They could easily ignore their hometown and kill their society.

From Alexander's point of view, they were good people, very easy to handle and easy to use. And looking at the way Schera used the scythe, it seemed like she also had great power. It was even enough to make his guards pale to look at him.

And what interests Alexander the most above all is the form and expression of Schera when killing. She was far from beautiful, but, she left a stronger impression on Alexander than any woman in the Imperial Palace.

"Gustavo. I believe he has already shown his loyalty to the Empire, but, what do you think?"

"......Ready, he already showed it. He'll be a reliable ally of ours in the future."

Gustav nodded with a gloomy expression. He did not fully agree, but there were no more suspicions to prove. He killed the Royal soldiers as ordered. If he was someone who still had an attachment to the Kingdom, he would definitely show a hint of doubt. But he didn't show it at all.

"Your place now reeks of fresh blood, but we give you a heartfelt welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Schera. I'll give you instructions later, so rest today. If you need food, you can visit our supply train."

"Siap–, thank you very much. I swear an unchanging loyalty. Then I'll step down."

Schera saluted, and left the tent. A red liquid dripped from the scythe in his hand.

"A pretty interesting woman. He seems pretty good too. Depending on his actions, he might be very useful. There's a part of him that's not human, but he'll be a good piece if we handle him."

".....Your Honour. That woman is dangerous. Please don't get too involved with him. I can't understand what he's thinking."

"Not sure as usual, huh, Gustav. As long as we give him money, status, and workplace, everything will be fine. That's the kind of person he is. I'm not sure you can understand that."

"......I'm just making sure. We have to break up the cavalry of Lieutenant Colonel Schera and divide them into other forces."

He would break up 2,000 cavalry units into four groups and merge them into the Imperial cavalry. Even if they were planning something, with less amount then the damage would be smaller, and most importantly, they might not be able to get together with each other. He also did not forget to order the spy unit to observe.

"Just do as you please, I don't mind. However, make sure not to spoil the mood of Lieutenant Colonel. Oh yes, give him a reward for giving him valuable information and carrying the heads of the Royal soldiers. I don't want him to believe that our sincerity is half-hearted."

Alexander gave the order, and a staff officer nodded.

"understood. I'll arrange it soon."

"Good, then let's concentrate on the operation again. From here on, it's very likely that the expansion will change."

At Alexander's insistence, the generals once again contributed their opinions while staring at the map that Schera had brought. The situation is different from before their–moral has improved greatly.

(...... I don't doubt Your Majesty's eyes, but that woman is definitely unbelievable.)

Gustav decided to keep an eye on Schera. To this extent this had never happened before, but as he had expected, he could not shake off this feeling of anxiety. He assigns Letda Karl to Schera and orders her to report if there is any suspicious movement.

This Karl was not known for his cleverness, but he was reliable in carrying out the orders he received. This kind of task was perfect for him.

(TL note: finally finished this session, very tired of translating using formal language.).

Imperial Army Campgrounds.

The soldiers rested their bodies, and everyone comforted themselves with chatter and food. The atmosphere was extremely cold, and there were many flames placed throughout the campsite for warmth.

The lack of food and the unbearable coldness of these two things eroded the morale of the Imperial soldiers. They are still not getting to the breaking point, but the situation is very serious.

Schera walked quickly to the camp where his cavalry was located. If he doesn't hurry, he won't miss the food. Not long after, he saw Katarina, who was beside the campfire studying their surroundings. I think Katarina also saw Schera, and she walked towards Schera

"Is everything going well? Lieutenant Colonel."

"Yes. There's no problem. More importantly, what do you eat?"

He directed his gaze at the soldiers who were eating. It was a potato, and they put something on it and ate it. The light from the campfire illuminated him, and it looked very delicious. Schera gulps.

"......The distributed ration. Tonight is bread and potatoes."

Katarina furrowed her brows and replied. Why didn't he put on a happy expression, the reason was simple. These potatoes are not good.

"What my rations are. I'm gonna starve to death."

"I'll take it right away. Just a minute."

Just as Katarina was about to go to the supply train, a young man called them– while holding bread and potatoes in both hands.

“It's not necessary. I've brought the Lieutenant Colonel's share. Please, ndan."

With a friendly smile, he handed the bread and potatoes to Schera. With a doubtful expression, Katarina questioned the young man.

"You who?"

"I'm sorry for my late introduction. I'm Karl. Letda. I received orders from General Gustav to be placed in your unit. If there's anything you need, whatever it is, just tell me. I'm ready to serve."

He faced Schera and saluted.

"Oh. Well then, greetings know. Now I want to eat first, so tell me later."

He immediately bit his bread, and stuck his potatoes on a stick and started roasting them on the fire. Savory aroma tickles Schera's nose. It slowly began to scorch, and the heat seeped inward.

"It would be better to apply cheese or butter when eating it. Let me introduce you. The specialty of our Wealth, this Wealth potato has many nutrients and can be harvested in large quantities, despite its mediocre taste. Nothing is perfect in this world."

Wealth potatoes are resistant to disease and insects, these potatoes have high nutritional value, and can offer great results. In addition to winter, this potato can be cultivated in any location. They brought him in large quantities as supplies for this expedition. The supplies transported here were also mostly these potatoes. These potatoes are easy to store and very cheap.

However, this potato is not very popular among soldiers. The texture is ugly, besides, it tastes bitter. Not only that, they eat these potatoes every day. This is also one of the reasons that demoralize. Their superiors, completely indifferent to the concerns of the soldiers, planned to plant even more in the controlled area. In the near future, they might be able to see the potato fields in terrible numbers.

"As long as it's edible, I won't complain. It doesn't taste so good."

"Indeed. I hope the other soldiers hear those words."

"Call is a testament to luxury. When cornered, they wouldn't say such a thing."

"What a wise word. I, Karl, am amazed. .....Well then, today until here first, I resigned. I'm sorry, but there are preparations to be made. I'll start working with you from tomorrow."

He saluted and left Schera.

Karl was smiling, but his eyes couldn't hide his curiosity. At first glance it was clear that he was here to watch over them. ‘I'm watching you guys, so don't try to do something weird.’ that's what his vigilance means, Katarina thought. They'll have to deal with Karl later.

Noticing him leaving without any interest, Schera held the matenged potato. While holding back the heat, he split it in half, and the steam billowed. Catherine put butter on the potato for him, like a mother spoiling her child.

Schera opened his mouth wide and devoured the potato along with his skin. There is a texture, and the taste of the butter mixes with the bitter taste, creating a flavor that is difficult to describe. People who say it's not good have damaged their nerves. This is a pretty good category.

Everyone from the Schera unit watched the scene happily. They never get tired of watching their superior officers enjoy eating them.

"Hows it? I think the bitter taste is too strong."

"Lumayan tasty. And also, this is still better than grass. There is nothing better than grass. I guess I still can't eat grass even if I smear it with butter."

"......When you talk about eating grass, I start to wonder if you're a Lieutenant Colonel or a horse."

"Humans will eat anything when they are hungry. Whether it's grass or rotten meat. No one can win against hunger. Still, the only thing I don't want to eat is a human. Never will be. Katarina, do you know why?"

".....I'm not sure enough."

After thinking for a while, Katarina answered honestly. He never thought about eating human flesh. He did not feel guilty when manipulating corpses, but just thinking about eating human flesh made him hesitate. Even though he's starving, he probably won't.

"That's because I'm human. That's the reason."

Schera replied as she chewed, her eyes looking rather empty.

Katarina nodded, then changed the subject. He swallowed back the question he almost asked. "Are you... truly human?", it must be very disrespectful.

".....How do you feel about the Imperial generals?"

"They are smarter than the generals of the Kingdom. His Eminence Alexander was also a quite interesting human being. He could be a great emperor. Even if it has nothing to do with me."

Licking the butter in his hand, Schera replied indifferently.

The bread and potatoes did not make him full. He still wants to eat again, whatever doesn't matter as long as it's not grass.

"......I, no, we, will accompany you to the end, Lieutenant Colonel. Whatever path you take."

Katarina murmured, lowering her voice. His words were filled with a deep implied meaning. If Schera wanted to, they were willing to join the Imperial Army, that was what Catherine said.

Everyone from that cavalry unit also had the same determination. Their oath of allegiance was not to the Kingdom, but to Schera.

"Thank you. I'm very happy. Well then, I'll tell you something good."

Schera approached Katarina with a sweet smile. Then, he whispered in his ear.

"There are three reasons why I fight. First to eat. The second one is to kill as many rebel forces as I want. The last one. I can satisfy all those reasons by fighting on the side of the Kingdom."

He fights for the sake of satisfying his appetite. He swung his scythe to avenge him and to get food and money.

There's nowhere else to work as good as here. Moreover, he already had a companion to eat with. With this double profit, Schera was satisfied.

One day, his third wish might come true. It seems like it will happen soon.

Katarina was very curious about her final reason, but she did not ask. Even if he asks, he will not get an answer. The day he will understand it will come, so he just needs to be patient.

"......So, what about the Empire?"

"Fufu-, I don't need to say you might already know, Katarina. I wonder who's supporting the rebel forces from behind the shadows? To me, it makes no difference. Yeah, that's it."

He moved away from Katarina and smiled. The cavalry observing the appearance of their commander had accurately predicted his intentions.

Silence enveloped the surroundings for a moment, there was only the sound of the sparkling of the campfire heard. Schera ate his bread and enjoyed it.

Suddenly, something cold landed on Schera's cheek. The soldiers from the other units also looked up to the night sky and let out a long sigh.

"Finally it's coming down too."

"Ahh, it's cold. Forgive me!"

"Get me some booze! And a blanket too!"

"Take yourself there, bego!"

"–Bangke. I'm not here to make it through winter in a place like this!"

Ignoring the noise around, Schera enjoyed the snow.

The cavalry covered themselves with cloth to protect their bodies from the cold. Catherine also took out her robe, and she enveloped Schera.

".....Snow, huh?"

"I think it's gonna be heavy."

"But, it'll be fun. It's white and pretty. That would really make red more attractive."

The white scene spread out, with red droplets scattering here and there, while imagining that, Schera stuffed the last piece of bread into her mouth.