Chapter 61. The Dragon's True Heart (1)

After finishing all the tasks that needed to be done in Saint-Toire, including organizing the temporary garrison for the Brotan Kingdom, returning prisoners, and implementing the agreement.

The 1st Provisional Corps, 10th Corps, and Friedrich with part of the staff from the 8th Corps began moving towards Rainesberg.

It's safe to say that no one likes marching, which is like a soldier's daily routine, boring, and physically demanding.

"Just wait until we get to the drinking parties, seriously."

"I think I have more to say about that than you do."

"What are you talking about?"

Because they weren't going to die, but to receive rewards for surviving, the soldiers' morale was at its best, and their steps were light.

"We must make sure to receive the share for the soldiers who worked hard."

"Don't worry. Everyone knows the 8th Corps' contribution was significant."

Even Friedrich, who was moving as a representative for the 8th Corps soldiers who couldn't move because they were assigned to the temporary garrison, was beaming despite his words.

Although it's a terrible era of war where the weak are despised if they stay still, and the empire is still engaged in several wars.

At least, it seems like we've completely buttoned up the first button.

***

"The city walls are visible!"

Moving along several rivers including the Bildorne River, we arrived in Rainesberg in no time, even though we set a very leisurely marching pace.

We marched wearing armor that we had polished diligently.

"...This is serious."

As I looked at the mini-map, I could see that a large crowd had gathered around the city gates.

"Hmm?"

"It seems they've prepared a triumphal entry. Many people are gathered in front of the city gates."

I told Gerhart and Friedrich, who were walking with me.

"A triumphal entry? I'm already feeling excited."

"It's not strange to hold a triumphal entry after overwhelmingly defeating the Brotan Kingdom, with whom we've been in long-standing opposition."

Gerhart, having experienced such events often, reacted much more calmly than Friedrich.

"What about you, Deputy Commander Viktor? This is your first triumphal entry too, isn't it?"

"...Come to think of it."

The two who had been conversing turned their arrows towards me, who had been walking quietly beside them.

"It's my first time."

"First time? That's interesting. Aren't you nervous?"

"It's a place to recognize all of our achievements, what's there for me to be particularly nervous about?"

"Hahaha! I like that attitude."

Although it was Friedrich who asked me the question, it was Gerhart who burst into laughter.

I had felt it before, but he seemed to quite like 'Viktor'.

"You'll experience countless such events in the future. It's not bad to get used to it in advance."

"...Thank you."

I expressed my gratitude, ignoring how the words "you'll experience countless such events" sounded a bit different.

I had been prepared for this since entering the military academy.

"I wish they'd call me too. It seems like just following Corps Commander Viktor would shower me with merits."

"Haha..."

I feel a bit sorry for Friedrich, but with the fall of the Brotan Kingdom, which was the only country in the east that could fight against the empire, I don't think I'll be going back to the east again.

I won't be needed in the first place.

The Ildmar Kingdom, which lost its partner before it could properly act, and the Caen Kingdom, which hasn't been able to recover from the crushing defeat it suffered from the Brotan Kingdom, are no match for the empire.

As long as Friedrich doesn't show any weaknesses, they won't be a threatening opponent even if they unite.

"Ildmar and Caen aren't as threatening as the Brotan Kingdom. As long as we don't move hastily, the integration of the east shouldn't be difficult."

"According to the Deputy Commander's words, does this mean Friedrich will become the Governor-General of Eastern Integration? That's also amazing."

"Oh my, Governor-General. I'm not suitable for such a position."

As we walked while talking with Friedrich, who was waving his hands saying administrative positions other than being a general were burdensome, we soon reached a distance where we could distinguish the faces of those gathered in front of the city gates.

"...Huh."

Gerhart, who hadn't been nervous at all until now, let out a dry laugh when he saw those who had come to greet us.

"That carriage is..."

"...Is Her Majesty personally coming out now?"

"It seems so."

A splendid carriage decorated with purple dye symbolizing the empire, gold, and rubies symbolizing the imperial family was standing at the head of the group.

The carriage pulled by four horses had no cover at all, as if made for the triumphal entry, so we could also see the Empress sitting in it.

The Empress personally coming out to greet the triumphant generals is something that can be interpreted politically in many ways.

It was a very active move for an Empress who had shown no interest in state affairs until now.

This is a good sign.

"Don't tell me all those soldiers came out just to watch?"

"They've filled up even the top of the city walls."

"Hah... Since Her Majesty has come out personally. Has this happened before?"

"In my memory... I don't think it has, almost never."

My curiosity was resolved by Friedrich asking Gerhart first, so I maintained a calm attitude as I approached the Empress' carriage.

"Long live the triumphant general, Gerhart!"

"Waaaaaaah!"

As we got closer to the city gates, we could feel the cheers of the crowd with our whole bodies.

Soldiers unfamiliar with cheers scratched their helmets and lowered their heads, while veterans who had experienced many battles rather enjoyed the cheers and waved their hands.

After we arrived in front of her carriage.

"I, Gerhart Weissilt, have returned after completing the mission according to the order of Her Majesty Louise Zainburg the Great."

Gerhart reported while kneeling on one knee, and Friedrich and I also knelt behind him.

The soldiers, except for those in the rear ranks where the wounded were gathered, also knelt in neat rows and columns.

"We greet Your Imperial Majesty!"

"We greet Your Imperial Majesty!"

"Waaaaaaah!"

Cheers starting from me and Friedrich echoed once, followed by endless ovations.

"Victory! Victory for the empire!"

"Long live Empress Louise! Long live General Gerhart!"

"..."

The cheers that had continued for a long time suddenly stopped at some point.

-Tap. Tap. Tap.

A moment later, the sound of shoes hitting the ground was heard, and,

"It's not right to have those who have achieved such great merits kneeling like this. You may all rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

As we raised our heads at Louise's voice heard from nearby.

"...!"

We could see her standing in front of Gerhart, having descended from the carriage.

I briefly gazed at her appearance, wearing a splendid golden crown decorated with rubies, and a purple-tinged red off-shoulder dress embroidered with golden thread.

If it were someone with ambiguous looks, they wouldn't have been able to pull it off, but Louise's charismatic yet superhuman beauty was not obscured by just a few decorations.

"Duke Gerhart Weissilt, Commander of the Eastern Brotan Front of the Dragonian Empire and Corps Commander of the 10th Corps. Your leadership and command led to victory in this war. Your name will remain in the history of the empire and be remembered by all."

"It's all thanks to Your Majesty's grace."

Louise praised Gerhart first, and Gerhart, whose support for the Empress was firm, humbly replied.

She smiled and approached me,

"Viktor, Deputy Commander of the Brotan Front and Corps Commander of the 1st Provisional Corps."

She called my name with a deep smile.

"Your name was never missing from Duke Weissilt's reports. The achievements of your corps are beyond words like 'impressive', and your loyalty and ability are beyond doubt."

"I will do my best, Your Majesty."

I bowed my head and answered.

"Viscount Friedrich Gunter, Corps Commander of the 8th Corps. Your bravery in not missing the enemy's weaknesses created this great result. You were the empire's sturdy shield and sharp sword."

"I am honored by Your Majesty's excessive praise."

After finishing praising Friedrich, who couldn't hold back the corners of his mouth from rising,

"Loyal soldiers of the empire! This victory was created by your courage and dedication! Raise your heads, all of you! You are part of a proud moment that will remain in the history of the empire!"

"...!"

"Waaaaaaah!"

"Long live Empress Louise!"

"Long live the Dragonian Empire!"

She didn't miss even the soldiers standing behind the officers.

The crowd cheered again, and she nodded and raised her hand to calm them.

I don't know what happened while we were away on the expedition, but there was no sign of lethargy or languor in her.

She was acting thoroughly in a way to captivate the soldiers and the crowd.

"Today, our triumphal entry will become a symbol of the strength and unity of the Dragonian Empire."

Louise turned gracefully and walked towards the carriage, then looked back at Gerhart.

"This carriage was prepared for you, the protagonists of this victory. Won't you also ride in this carriage?"

After pondering for a moment at her suggestion, Gerhart,

"Your Majesty. It might be a rude request, but please allow us to walk together with the soldiers. Without them, there would have been no victory, so I want to walk in step with them."

He knelt again and pleaded with her.

"I too want to enjoy this glorious moment with my comrades! Please allow it!"

I also knelt behind him and bowed my head, and so did Friedrich.

Louise, who had been pondering this,

"...I'm delighted. I wonder if there could be a more joyous refusal. Your intentions are so admirable, how could I force you?"

"Your Majesty...!"

She smiled as if satisfied.

"But I don't want to give up sharing the joy of victory together either. So."

But as her words weren't finished yet, I swallowed and waited for her answer.

"I too will walk with you to move to the imperial palace."

"...!"

At Louise's declaration, murmurs arose among the crowd.

"Waaaaaaah!"

"Long live Empress Louise!"

"Long live!"

Especially for the soldiers, the fact of having a triumphal march with the Empress was a great honor.

The soldiers shouted cheers and praised her.

There was no noble brave enough to step forward and remonstrate through this atmosphere.

They just hardened their faces and averted their gaze, or whispered quietly among themselves.

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty! I, Gerhart, am deeply moved! If Your Majesty joins us, there could be no greater honor!"

Gerhart's shout drove in the final nail.

"The empire moves by everyone's strength. And."

Louise uttered words that seemed to contain political rhetoric, and briefly turned her gaze towards me.

It was such an intense gaze that it felt almost tangible.

"I really want to share this joy with you all. Now, let's go."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Without time to interpret her intention, she moved her steps with Gerhart.

"..."

Coming out to greet us personally, saying she'll march together with the triumphant generals to share the joy.

No matter how I think about it, it seems like a move where she's decided to strengthen her authority and power.

I pondered what her intention might be as I hurried to follow behind Gerhart.

"...?"

I thought I saw her wink at me before she moved her feet.

Was it just my imagination?