Published: July 5, 2025
"Why do you invade the territory of Darwei?"
"Everything belongs to the Chououchi Empire. The rightful ruler has merely returned."
"Don't babble nonsense. Chououchi is not even mentioned in historical records."
"I will inform the ignorant people of Darwei about the return of their true ruler."
As the Darwei Army and the Chououchi Empire Army faced each other, each envoy asserted their legitimacy and condemned the other's injustices.
They were not merely exchanging insults.
In the Eastern Nations, such exchanges occasionally take place before clashes on the battlefield.
The Chououchi Empire had secured Shuntai Castle on the northern riverbank.
The Darwei Army advanced north to intercept the Chououchi Empire Army, which remained stationary.
The battlefield was naturally set in the Puyurai Plain, sprawling south of Shuntai Castle.
The Chououchi Empire Army was positioned on the northern side of the Puyurai Plain.
The Darwei Army was positioned on the southern side.
Both armies were led by their respective emperors.
"As expected, the emperors themselves don’t step forward to argue with each other."
"Well, that would be unlikely. If that happened, it would be troublesome for Darwei, wouldn't it?"
"Is that so? Our emperor is certainly not dull. His concern for the people is genuine. He mentioned that he was dazed after the Crown Prince's death, but now he seems to have regained his former self. He should not lose in debate!"
"Yeah, that's not the issue. We are dealing with humans, while our opponent is a phantom being. If they were to attack, it would be decided instantly."
"Ah..."
Ryo was left speechless by Abel's point.
Indeed, it was not impossible.
"Ah, later I might suggest to the emperor to wear the [ice armor mist]."
"No, that exchange seems to have concluded formally."
The envoys, who had been asserting their legitimacy, returned to their respective camps.
Naturally, the outcome of asserting 'legitimacy' would not be determined in such a manner.
The two were in a corner of the Darwei main camp.
They were near the staff of Prince Lyun.
Prince Lyun himself was attending to Emperor Tsuin, while Chief Chamberlain Rinshun, Chamberlain Wenshu, and Captain Ruyao were nearby.
There seemed to be several large packages, and occasionally Captain Ruyao or the members of the magic cannon firing squad led by her were seen adjusting them, which appeared to be alchemy tools.
Of course, Ryo was curious, but he refrained from interrupting and only stole glances.
Abel observed this and shook his head slightly, but that remained a secret.
"The enemy has moved!"
A soldier on lookout duty who had been using a telescope shouted.
"As expected, they started with monsters."
"Just as we predicted, goblins."
"To think goblins would advance so orderly."
Captain Ruyao and Chief Chamberlain Rinshun nodded in agreement, while Chamberlain Wenshu was surprised by the goblins’ unusually orderly march.
"I've seen orcs with pig heads advance in an orderly fashion. But goblins are usually so haphazard, aren’t they?"
"Haphazard... Well, I understand what Ryo is saying. Orcs are said to have higher intelligence, but goblins aren’t known for their smarts. It’s unthinkable for them to advance in an orderly manner."
"In other words, the phantoms can completely control the monsters. They can give instructions like ‘walk’, ‘attack’, and so on, not just random commands."
"That's correct."
Previously, the two and Prince Lyun had faced orcs in the Green Villa Plain.
The monsters led by General Yun were orcs.
Although they were somewhat surprised because orcs are known to have relatively high intelligence and can organize themselves in the wild, it was nothing compared to the shock they felt this time.
Goblins were different, they simply were.
"However, seeing Captain Ruyao and Chief Chamberlain Rinshun’s reactions, it seems this is somewhat within expectations, so the military leadership shouldn't panic."
"I see."
Abel pointed this out, and Ryo nodded.
Even if it was more than they expected, as long as it didn’t surpass their assumptions drastically, it wouldn’t be a problem.