The Girl Who Eats the God of Death
Chapter 26 - The Cake Capital is So Delicious
The 3,000-strong Schera cavalry that departed from Fort Cyrus retained their fervor in Canaan City for the imminent final battle.
The order has not yet come down, but there are rumors spreading throughout the army that troops are slowly being deployed to capture Belta.
No matter how stupid someone is, if they see 50,000 elite troops deployed from the Capital and supplies are also expanded, they will inevitably realize it. Moreover, Barbora, the commander of the First Army, declared the destruction of the rebel forces more than usual.
While the entire First Army Corps was rushing in, Schera was summoned by Yalder, and he came to the castle lazily.
Today, he does not wear the black armor he usually wears, but wears a uniform reserved for high-ranking officers of the Royal Army. On the left chest of his white military uniform, all the medals he had obtained so far were plastered prominently.
Schera repeatedly complained that it was not necessary, but Katarina insisted on persuading him, saying that "formality is very important", so he while ogah-ogahan put up the stupid medals.
The castle guards who passed by him, upon seeing the many medals and insignia of his rank, immediately saluted.
A short female officer. Medals, evidence of impressive military achievements. And with the badge of the rank of Colonel, no doubt. This was the rumored god of death that even the children in the village knew.
The number of enemy generals he killed could not be counted. He was a monster that could kill thousands of people alone. The cavalry under his flag were tough people who were not afraid of death. Being disrespectful to him will then be haunted, deesbe.
The rumors spread, and he was feared as a symbol of awe and terror by the princes.
Expressionless, he smiled stiffly at them and headed to Yalder's room. Not long after, he stood before his destination door, knocked on the door stiffly, and said his arrival in a firm voice.
"It's Schera. Please permit."
"Get in" is the only word heard from the inside. It was the voice of the officer staff who was reliable in giving long lectures.
While thinking the voice felt nostalgic, Schera immediately entered the room. There was General Yalder smiling merrily, and Officer Sidamo's staff frowning.
"Over time, Colonel Schera. I've heard about your lunge. It could catch up to me so quickly, my God, you're a terrible woman."
Sidamo's official rank was Colonel, and just a year after Belta fell, Schera was already one rank with Sidamo.
"Ready, thank you very much. Your words are very encouraging. From now on, I'll try my best, too bad."
"Enter more emotion in your speech. And also, that's not the way to use the word, "Honey". Use your head."
"Ready. I'm sorry."
`Duh, he will definitely start the lecture at length again nih`, Schera thought while frowning her forehead, but she will be troubled if the lecture is long, so she immediately apologized.
"There is always this constant feeling of discomfort when you speak formally because your words are not in line with your expression. As an officer, you must have the appropriate attitude and actions. Especially since you're a Colonel now."
"I'm sorry, I'll be more careful!"
Schera said in a loud voice, but it was clear that it was a fussy child's rebuttal. Having been able to read Schera's feelings better than before, Sidamo let out a long sigh.
What the girl now thinks in front of her eyes is very simple. ––`It ngebosenin. I'm tired. Laper`.
Sidamo pinched a frown between his eyebrows and was willing to let out a storm of criticism in a row, but Yalder interrupted with a laugh.
"Hahaha–, oh come on. He did, and I think that's good. It's okay to let that disrespect continue. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility!"
"Thank you very much, General!"
"General, you must not be gentle with him. We could have heard the slander against the General from this fool."
"I don't really care. A trivial mistake was already covered up by the Colonel's actions. And also, we called the Colonel here today not to teach him courtesy. Understand right? Officer Staff Sidamo."
"Siap–"
Yalder tapped his desk a few times with his finger, and Sidamo took out two packets. He placed it slowly on the table in front of Schera, and returned to his boss' side.
"Colonel, the package left was sent from Your Majesty to you. Open it."
"-Ready-! Excuse me!"
Urged on by Yalder, Schera began opening the small package to the left. "I hope it's a delicious meal", he thought.
Carefully and gently unfolded the package, what entered Schera's gaze was a gold medal that was thick, glittering and more magnificent than the medals he already had. Schera did not hide her disappointed and heartbroken expression, and in silence put the lid on her box, closing it.
"Colonel Schera, is there anything you're complaining about? This is indeed surprising, but it is a medal presented by the King. A little cheer."
"Nothing I complain about. It's a great honor."
His speech was inversely proportional to his attitude. A gloomy feeling enveloped his body.
"Then, set up the medal. If you march around us wearing that Star of the Patriot Knight, everyone will acknowledge your prowess. It was an incredible medal fit for a hero. To be honest, this is a special event."
The people's assessment of Schera probably won't change much despite his growing number of medals. No matter how many medals he had, he didn't have anything special. Schera put the little box gently into the vegetable bag on her waist and decided she saw nothing.
The vegetables had already been eaten, so the bag was nothing more than an empty bag.
“............”
"Excite, Colonel Schera. Sidamo, you have a terrible personality. Since when did that happen to you?"
Yalder asked with a sarcastic smile, and Sidamo flatly replied,
"Since I worked under you, General, I've been like this all of a sudden."
"Oh, so so. Well sorry for bothering you. Improve your evil personality again. I don't need an innocent officer. I want you to, Officer Sidamo."
"Thank you very much, General."
"Your. Well now, Colonel. Open the other box. The thing you want should be there. I specifically summoned a chef from the Capital to make it. That's a special order from me."
"–Siap!-!"
Schera opened the big box in the middle of the table. Inside, there is a cake that looks very delicious, decorated with many colorful fruits. As she opened the lid, a sour-sweet aroma tickled Schera's nose and stimulated her hunger. Clad in hardened liquid sugar, this round cake exudes a charming sparkle, its appearance makes one want to devour it immediately.
It's like someone carelessly put various types of fruit on the basis of a cake. This special order cake from Yalder has a strange appearance, but the satisfaction provided is no rival.
Schera carefully poked it with her finger, and then licked the syrup attached to her finger. It tastes sweet and very delicious. It cannot be described with words. He can't hold it much longer. He grabbed that "Yalser Pie" with the clutches of an eagle, then, he grabbed it,
"–Colonel Schera. Do you realize where you are?"
“ah......
Schera was petrified as her hands were in the box. Sidamo repeated his question.
"Colonel. I'm asking you, do you realize where you are?"
"..........Sorry for my discourtesy."
Disappointed, Schera pulled his hand. Seeing Schera's despair, Yalder desperately held back his laughter.
He felt like he was somewhere else and was watching two unruly brothers fighting.
"good. Now close the box, and give the exact words you have to say to the General. Now." Now."
Schera held the lid as it was said, and with a lethargy never seen before, she closed the box. Then, with his seemingly very clear lashing attitude, he faced Yalder and saluted.
"........Thanks very much. Generals."
"Your. You'll enjoy it later. I don't mind myself, but there's a Staff Officer who's being held by our side. Sorry, but just be patient."
"It's so annoying called a baffle. You can't be gentle with him. This bego is a girl who even had time to eat in the middle of a war meeting. It's a good opportunity, so we have to train him strictly here."
Schera wanted to say that he did eat at the war meeting in Belta, but he immediately put it away. Because he felt that his business would get worse. While calming Sidamo who was starting to babble, Yalder faced Schera.
"Colonel, our business is done. Perhaps in a moment, the order to move will come. I didn't exaggerate when I said the next battle would decide the fate of the Kingdom. Give me everything you have. Of course, we will also fight to the death. I expect more greatness from you."
"Ready, leave it to me! I will definitely annihilate the rebel forces!"
"alright. After we win, I will invite you to my residence in the Capital. I've hired a lot of great chefs, so you'll definitely be satisfied."
"Thank you very much, General!"
Schera had never actually entered the capital. Anywhere too, he has to win the battle–he wants to get delicious food.
These chefs were employed by a high ranking general. No doubt, there must be food that he had never seen before. Just imagining it makes his mouth flood.
".............Colonel, just imagine a fancy meal after we win. Before you drool, make war preparations first."
"Understanding-!"
Schera cheerfully responded to the exasperated Sidamo, hugged the big box containing the cake inside, and left with hasty steps. He planned to eat it as soon as he returned to his room. This is a problem that should come first. Yalder watched him leave with a warm expression. Sidamo cleared his throat, and spoke to Yalder.
"General. Actually, there's a pretty serious formal matter that I need to talk to you about."
"What, suddenly it gets serious. Don't tell me, you fell in love with Schera and want to do a formal wedding interview!? I'm sorry, but it's not gonna work. I will marry Colonel Schera to my Gael family. I'm sorry, but hold yourself for me."
Yalder said in a tone that made one would not suspect that he was joking, and Sidamo scowled at him with an expression as if to say, "What empty mouth are you saying?"
He cleared his throat louder than before, and continued speaking in a displeased manner.
"No need to worry. I won't fall for him, no matter what."
"I get it, I'm pahan! That's a relief. .....Then, what's the problem?"
"Ready, actually, I've been getting strange information from people returning from the north. The rebel forces have taken large numbers of Cologne cattle from the north."
Said Sidamo, and Yalder rubbed his chin, interested.
"Talking about Cologne cows, they are livestock that are famous for their delicious meat taste. But they have one more strange trait...."
"Yes. Cows have a violent and brutal personality, and if they get angry, their tendency will make them continue to pursue the target. If a large number of cows were put into battle...."
"So so. That would be troublesome. The soldiers who know nothing may be in disarray if they are suddenly attacked by a herd of cows. .....All right, tell Barbora that I want her to tell the soldiers this. He may not like it, but it's better than losing. If he says he doesn't, I'll arrange it."
"Thank you very much, General. .....And also, about the objects used in the battle of Alucia–"
".......Ahh, magic mines, right? Without you even telling me I already know. Even now, I still have nightmares about that defeat. If only I were wiser. I can't express how much regret I feel."
Yalder's gaze dropped, and Sidamo was a bit worried, but Yalder smiled wryly, saying that he didn't need to worry.
"........Generals."
".........We should also warn them about it. We cannot repeat the same mistake. Send spies and have them observe the plains constantly. We're not gonna fall into the same hole again!"
Exasperated, Yalder hits the table. Sidamo lowered his head and left the room. He had already prepared the steps for the situations he could foresee. He suggested a counter-plan for the magic mines, and he suggested being careful of Cologne's cow plans.
But, he had a bad feeling. It was as if he had ignored something. Such an unease was stirring Sidamo's mind.
"......I need to hold my mind once more. There's not much time left until we move towards the front row, but we have to prepare perfectly. We can't allow another defeat."
The following week, Barboora, Commander of the First Army Corps, gave orders to all the soldiers gathered in Canaan.
"Repropriate Belta, and destroy all rebel forces" he said loud and majestic. Leaving 20,000 men to guard Canaan and Roshanak, an army of 150,000 set out for Belta.
The Supreme Commander of the Royal Army is General Barbora. Yalder's United Legion was incorporated into the First Army, and Yalder was placed under the command of Barbora, who was younger than him.
Yalder himself was once a Commander of the Army Corps, but victory at all matters far more than his own worth being useless, so he obediently followed orders. It sounded beautiful as it came out of his mouth, but his face was blushing, and veins appeared, said Sidamo who was waiting beside him.
Leading the other divisions were Octavio and Borbon, Barbora's trusted generals. And there was also Major General Larus who displayed great talent under Sharov's command.
Using wisdom, Larus opposed this movement to the end. Sharov's words to Larus were "never to leave Canaan. Strengthen the defense thoroughly and wait for the enemy to self-destruct."
Attacking aggressively before, Barbora rejected the policy and relentlessly said her own terms at the war meeting.
Since they had now won the war against the Empire, retaking Belta was tantamount to deciding the outcome of the war. If they don't attack now, when will they?
That opinion was supported by the officers' staff and the generals, but even so, Larus showed his disapproval, and in the end he was silenced by a royal decree.
Yalder did not say his own opinion and followed the plan of the war meeting. Although they persevered and followed Sharov's advice, it was difficult to assume their prospects would change better. But carrying out a major offensive to retake Belta also comes with the risk of not being able to recover if they lose.
If they win, no problem. But if they lose, it's all over. If Canaan falls, the Liberation Army will slowly reach the Capital. Therefore, the feudal lords who decided to keep quiet and watch would definitely side with the rebel forces.
".......This is a battle we cannot lose. We have to win at any cost. I, Yalder Gael, will risk my life, and clean up my previous disgrace!"
Yalder strengthened his resolve, and tightly held the Third Army flag that was dirty with blood and mud. He would once again gain glory from victory, and this flag would flutter for his late subordinates. This was a task he had to carry out, as he shamelessly lived as a defeated general, Yalder thought.
* * *
"......Who's yah? I feel like I've met you somewhere."
"Congratulations on your promotion, Colonel Schera."
The man casually held out a small pouch at Schera. As he received it and looked at the contents, the pouch was full of roasted beans.
This is a strange-tasting nut that is characteristic of Belta. Schera's memory began to clear slowly.
"Ahh, I remember. You, you're Major Konrad in Belta right? So your wound is healed. I thought you were seriously injured enough that you couldn't move."
"Yes, Colonel Schera. Thanks to the Colonel's hard struggle, this life was saved. In this battle, in order to repay that debt, I intend to fight with determination to fight to the point of the ultimate blood-out-!"
Konrad spoke carefully as if paying attention to his every utterance.
"......Formal language is not suitable for you. Can you talk like you normally would without having to step up?"
With a satisfied face, Schera said the words spoken to her earlier.
Konrad shook his head, saying that he couldn't follow Schera's advice.
"rank is absolute in unity. Please forgive me, but, I can't do that!"
"I get. No problem for me. Well, you're finally safe, so don't push yourself too hard. This time, you might die. It's just my intuition."
Konrad was openly informed of his death, but he responded to Schera without any change in his expression.
If he was afraid of death, he would not ignore the doctor who was holding him back and participate in this battle.
Konrad had something he had to do, even though his life was his payoff.
"In this battle, I must kill the enemy of General David. If I can do it, this life is worth the stake."
His superior officer was killed in Belta. He was a noble who valued him despite his poor socialist ability. David's reputation in other people's eyes is bad, but for Konrad, David is a man he owes him.
He alone will clear David's remorse. With that persistence, Konrad managed to recover from a very serious injury where he could not move.
"......I-i understand. Then I can't stop you. I expect great things from you in this battle. For the victory of the Kingdom, let us put all our strength together."
"Ready, understandable-!"
The conversation between the two of them which both are not suitable to use formal language, ended briefly.
Konrad once again saluted from on his horse, and he returned to his own unit. Schera expressionlessly watched him leave, took the beans out of the pouch, and stuffed them into his mouth.
"........Pedes."
The seasoning on the beans was so spicy that Schera frowned.
* * *
The Liberation Army received the news that"150,000 Royal Troops were moving towards Belta." Since they had already obtained the information that the troops had gathered in Canaan before, their war preparations were already finished.
The same goes for the Liberation Army–they cannot lose this battle. Since the Empire now could not act, they had to show the world that the Liberation Army could take control of the Royal Capital alone. For the sake of things, they also had to win the battle at any cost.
The commander of the Liberation Army, Altura, gave orders to his fellow Liberation Army comrades who had gathered.
"This battle will determine the fate of the Liberation War. Even today as we do this, innocent people are starving and suffering. We can't fail. We must overthrow the current ruler, put an end to his cruel tyrant, no matter what. For that sake, a lot of blood might be spilled, and many of our comrades might lose their lives. I will bear all those sins, and then, we will definitely kill Kristoff, the source of this corrupt government, I swear to you. To build a world where no one will suffer, where everyone can live with a smile, please, I want you to lend me your strength!!"
Altura unsheathed his sword and gracefully raised his sword towards the sky. The cheers sounded like an explosion, and the scorching "Live Liberation Army" echoed.
Staring at them with a graceful expression, Altura answered their cheers.
The soldiers from the Liberation Army are not fools. They do not think they can live in harmony as depicted by the Princess. But even so, the hatred and anger towards the current Kingdom that tormented them was already unstoppable. The way out for their simmering anger that turns them into excuses is Altura and the Liberation Army.
General Behrouz received a signal from Altura, and with a shout that was out of his age, he gave orders to the soldiers who were marching.
"WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE, AND REGAIN OUR PROSPEROUS LIFE IN THE KINGDOM! FOR THE SAKE OF IT, WE HAVE TO MAKE CANAAN FALL ANYWAY! FIGHT TO THE POINT OF BLOOD LOSS! JUSTICE IS ON OUR SIDE! START MOVING-!!"
"START MOVING-! TARGET, THE BERTUSBURG PLAIN!"
The Liberation Army, numbering 130,000, set out from Belta to intercept the Royal Army. They planned to annihilate the approaching enemy forces, and soon seize the soldier-strapped Canaan. If this goes well, they might be able to end this war.
The two armies will fight in the Bertusburg Plain, between Belta and Canaan. The great armies of the Royal and Liberation Forces will fight in this battle. The plains had good visibility and a rather sloping terrain.
Characteristically, there was a high place called the Carnas Plateau, and from there it could see in all directions.
Diener, the Strategist of the Liberation Army, had successfully deployed a rapid formation on the plateau. They built a base there, and a division led by Ghamzeh was deployed to guard it. Ghamzeh is also a general who is possessed by a desire for revenge. He had already stepped out of his position as a staff officer and was now leading a unit of troops.
Also, 2,000 Cologne cows prepared by Vander from the north had been bound, hidden, and placed in the rear of the army. Half of the cows pulled the closed carriage.
–In these trains there is something.
On the other hand, the Royal Army also deployed their troops and confronted the rebel forces from the front. Having a superior advantage in numbers, the Royal Army planned to harness its momentum and suppress the enemy with a frontal attack.
At the same time, an operation was conducted to capture the Carnas Plateau.
Barbora and the main army are in the middle wing. The left wing was the Borbon Division, and the right wing was the Legion belonging to Yalder stationed at the back. The Schera cavalry served as the front guard of the central wing.
So the front row will inevitably see a ferocious battle. Surely the victims will be many, but it is also an honorable task to start the battle.
Schera was given the task of breaking the middle and left wings of the enemy. Acknowledging Schera's power, Barbora gave Schera this important task and ignored the opposition of the confident Octavio.
Assigned as his backers were Major Konrad who was formerly of the Fourth Army, who had recently recovered from his injuries, and Octavio who was opposed to the end.
Barbora's main force and Borbon's division will be deployed to deal with the middle ranks, and the main task lies with the right wing led by Yalder. Desiring experience and profit, Barbora chose Yalder for whom their relationship was like tom and jerry" for this task. Since now his desire for promotion was gone, he intended to do whatever he could for the sake of victory. He also had reason for doubts about the leadership abilities of Octavio and his other men.
Once they had divided and isolated the Carnas Plateau, the right-wing Yalder led would spin around, targeting the flanks with thin defences, and annihilate them, which would take the operation to its final stage. After gaining control of the plateau, they would use that momentum and storm the enemy headquarters. This is the operation designed by Barbora.
"General Barbora! Why did you let General Yalder command the right-wing!? Not only that, I can't believe you're handing over the role of a breaker to that little girl! Please entrust such an important role to the senior generals of the First Army!"
Knowing the details of his operation, Octavio protested at Barbora. Why was Yalder given a right-wing assignment which seemed to have the greatest reward opportunity? In addition, he could not accept that he who had served a long time as the back row of a little girl who had not been a Colonel for a long time.
If this operation is successful, Schera will get the achievement of successfully dividing the enemy, and will be promoted to Major General, the same rank as Octavio, even though his background is only a rakjat jelata. Octavio couldn't even laugh. Just imagining it makes him dizzy.
"Octavio's. Either way we have to win this battle. Colonel Schera's terrifying strength is not only known to our allies but also known to the enemy. I judged that she was the most suitable for the role of splitting the enemy ranks, and, you were the most suitable to be her support."
Barbora stated firmly. Octavio still insists, but Barbora doesn't care about him.
"General!!"
"Racote! Everything is arranged! We can't make a change now! Obey my orders without much bacot-!"
"–...... In-understandable."
Barbora was emotional, and Octavio was instantly scared. Normally, she was very brave, but at crucial moments, she had a timid side, and that was already understood by Barbora.
Octavio left the bridge, and took his adjutant who was waiting outside back to his own camp.
Barbora rubbed her temples. Now he finally realized the problem Sharov was facing. He always complains as much as he wants precisely because there is Sharov as a place of complaint. Now that Barbora was burdened with the entire life of the First Army, she would not allow such behavior.
"........Shit–"
"Mr Octavio. Can you accept this?"
The adjutant who listened, questioned Octavio whose face was red. "Is it really okay to get the role of rear guard from a little girl?", he reminded. Octavio's promotion is in line with his promotion.
"Hmphs. War, is something that once started, the assessment of the situation is a top priority. The commanders who can adapt to the situation we need are our generals. In addition, Colonel Schera seems to be working too hard, too rushed to pursue services, is a situation that we can consider. If that happens, then there's nothing else we can do."
".......I-i understand. What can I do if it happens. It is common for a person to fall in battle, too impatient to make themselves famous and too greedy for promotion."
The adjutant smiled cynically. Octavio continued saying.
"In fact, it might be better to ignore the girl, and when the enemy is off guard, we can finish them off. Steady– if he had the rumored strength, he would probably survive. There is no need to support him. I will win this battle, and the disturbance will vanish."
It was clear that Schera who rose through the ranks at a frightening speed was included in the disturbance.
The nail that sticks out must be hit. He must immediately deal with this dangerous bud which most likely threatens his position, and he will eliminate it.
It is this kind of useless political dispute that damages the Royal Army, but its own people do not care at all.
* * *
Leading his cavalry and standing in the front row, Schera took out a box he had placed on his horse and ate the last piece of Yalder Pie.
A mixture of fruit juices flooded his mouth, and Schera smiled happily beaming. Can enjoy the taste of various fruits in just one cake– maybe Yalder who thinks this blend is a genius.
Schera's impression of Yalder is getting better.
The soldiers around him watched him happily. There was a riveting "gap" feeling about the Death God that everyone who was stuffing their mouths with cookies was like an ordinary country girl.
"Colonel, did you save General Yalder's present for today? I thought you'd spent it. You seem to be so fascinated by that cake."
Katarina asked, and Schera nodded her head while chewing slowly.
"Today is a special day. I'll be able to kill as much rebel trash as my heart. That's why, you know, I was thinking of eating something good before an important battle."
Schera prepared the most delicious meal she could, and that meal was this Yalder Pie.
If he could go to the Capital, he intended to use all the money he had and have fun.
The cake from Yalder, this delicious food, he thought he was going to the capital right now, but he held back.
Eating is important, but dealing with these junk is equally important.
"So I get it now."
"In fact, I want to share with you, but I've eaten everything and there's nothing left. Excuse me. If we go to the capital, I'll treat you. Just wait."
"No need! Your intentions are enough for me."
Katarina politely refused. To be honest, he doesn't really like sweet foods.
"Oh?" said Schera. He licked the tips of his fingers and stretched his body.
"......Ahh, the dogs of the rebel forces as far as the eye can see. Annoying rubbish swarming. The extreme crowd. Isn't that right, Katarina?"
The obnoxious rebel army lay before them, and their green flag that irritated him just by looking at him, fluttered.
Completely unhappy, Schera squinted her eyes and grimaced. His happy feeling instantly turned into something dark.
As Katarina gave him candy, she put it in her mouth without saying anything and crushed it viciously.
A powerful killing intent began to radiate from his tiny body, and his expression turned into something wild.
"–Colonel Schera, please give the order."
"Kill everything that's in your reach. Don't ignore a single piece of rebel scum. Kill them all, be it a civilian or a young soldier. No exceptions, kill them."
"Combat the rebel forces! The Colonel's orders are absolute, you must work on them!! If you understand, let's hear Colonel-!"
Katarina shouted, and all the cavalry raised their spears and shouted,
"THE BANDAI OF THE REBEL FORCES! VICTORY FOR COLONEL-!!"
"REBELLANT TRASH! JAYA THE SCHERA CAVALRY!!"
"VICTORY TO COLONEL SCHERA!! JAYA COLONEL SCHERA!!"
They chanted praise for Schera, not loyalty to the Kingdom. The soldiers who were not part of the Schera Cavalry were stunned and amazed by their spirit.
Schera smiled satisfied at his cavalry, then looked at the herd of prey in front of his eyes, and licked his lips.
"Well, let's go crazy."
Schera turned her scythe over her head and began to dart with all her might, leading the army. His cavalry, carrying their black flag, followed behind him, scattering thick dust.
––The Battle of Bertusburg, the decisive battle of the Royal Forces and Liberation Army, begins.