Published: July 3, 2025
King Abel's Southern Army left the royal capital four days after the conclusion of the "Liberation Festival."
The number and composition of combatants remained almost unchanged since the Battle of Gold Hill.
In fact, the only addition was Marquis Winston Elliott Austin leading three hundred knights from his territory, alongside adventurers affiliated with the royal capital joining the ranks.
This choice to advance as the Southern Army without taking time for reorganization was made because there was no time to spare.
After liberating the royal capital, the nobles who offered support to King Abel were proposed to cooperate not by sending troops but by supplying various materials and contributing to the defensive forces of the royal capital itself.
For the nobles, this was actually a welcome arrangement, and whether it was by design or coincidence, King Abel's reputation soared as a result.
As the Southern Army departed from the royal capital, the Imperial Army also set out from Wingston, heading towards the city of Stone Lake in the west.
Both armies began to move along the Kingdom's Second Avenue, which stretched from the royal capital to Stone Lake, Wingston, and the Eastern Kingdom border at Redpost. They approached from the east and west.
"The battlefield will likely be in the Bissy Plains, north of Stone Lake," Phelps speculated based on information from the Heinlein family.
The journey from the royal capital to Stone Lake would take about two days at a relaxed pace.
There was no need to rush, and the distance posed no concerns regarding supplies.
"There seems to be a decline in the rebellion within the Empire," Phelps reported.
"Here too, we can't afford to take too much time," Abel replied with a nod to Phelps's report.
Even if Duke Morgrund's rebellion within the Empire came to an end, if a large number of Imperial soldiers remained within the Kingdom, who could say what those emperors would plan next?
That being said, even comparing the current military strength, the Imperial Army still held the advantage.
After finishing his report, Phelps left the tent, and Abel let out a small sigh.
In the corner of the tent, four people were watching Abel.
It was the three of the red sword and Rhea.
In their hands, they held portable cakes called "choux cream," which they were regularly bringing to their mouths.
"Being a king seems tough," Rhea commented while eating choux cream and reaching for the coffee placed on the icy table in front of her.
"The high priest of the Central Sanctuary sometimes looks incredibly strained too...it must be difficult for those in high positions," Rhea added, nodding repeatedly while munching on her choux cream.
"Well, if you don't get a lot of rewards, you can't keep going," Lin said while holding choux creams in both hands.
Beside her, Warren nodded gravely.
This abundant supply of choux cream was thanks to the materials transported from the south, which the pastry shops in the royal capital worked hard to produce, though not to full capacity.
As part of the Southern Army's welfare, sweets were being supplied.
Of course, for those who disliked sweets, it seemed that spicy foods were provided instead...
Fortunately, both the three of the red sword and Rhea loved sweets, so an impromptu choux cream party was being held in Abel's tent.
And in the tent, the master was watching the four with narrowed eyes.
"Hey... couldn't we eat somewhere else?" Abel asked.
"Abel is saying something strange again. We, who are tirelessly guarding you, should at least be appreciated," Rhea replied.
"Those in high positions are often too busy to remember to thank those around them...the high priest often says we must be careful," Lin added.
"I think sweets help relieve stress, so Abel should eat some too," Rhea suggested.
In response to Abel's resentful words, Rhea countered, Rhea added, and Lin invited Abel... of course, Warren nodded in agreement.
"...Fine. I get it; I'll eat too," Abel said as he sat down on a chair near the four.
"But we didn't bring any for you," Rhea said.