Dungeon Defense (WN)

* * *

The Marquis is dead. Word travels fast.

Treason, treason, royal insolence, blasphemy…… all the crimes humans can commit against the same human being have been punished for their crimes. Is this the end of loyalty? That's a terrible joke.

In addition, the Royal Sardinia carried out a dramatic sentence to make sure she was not satisfied with ordinary executions.

As you can see from Jeremiah Daisy, the world has developed into a perverted form of drama and torture. The monk's skin is peeled off, and his entire bloodline and muscles are chopped off, and his bones are shattered and thrown into the dogs.

According to the announcement, the Marquis is in common with our Empire. The late Duke of Milan and the late Duke of Florence have been secretly acquiring their operations and informing us that the late Duke and the late Duke had cheated the royal family into spreading gold coins to us. It was a well-written story. It was a well-made scapegoat.

I knew who the culprit was.

Immediately before walking into the limb, the monarch hurriedly sent me a letter. In the letter it was written:

‘Send my loyalty to my beloved palace white man. I am pleased to be able to fulfill my demands. As you know, the mountain ranges that we had to cross were double layered, and we crossed the first mountain range in Venice with less effort than we thought. Now I want to climb the last mountain. ’

‘The reason I'm writing is because I hope you'll recognize my efforts. I know that palace white men are strict in their promises. But sometimes the boundary between strictness and cruelty is ambiguous. Crossing that boundary is the only thing that is sacrificed because of the promise that two people make... ’

‘Put my ring on this letter. It symbolizes my family and position. ’

"Your Majesty, please go. My pride and blood are concentrated on this little thing. Of course, the palace white man would not prefer such abstractions, so I will tell you that this ring is the only way to open the safe in our family. It's a real asset. Don't you have a little faith now? I'm joking. ’

"The palace. Please wait three days. Only three days.No innocent weaklings can be sacrificed, much less others, by our promise. I will climb the second mountain range and visit the White Palace to get my ring back……. Ascanio Juno de Rhodes. ’

There was definitely a gold ring on the letter.

It was a dull, worn ring. Whether it was made of pure gold or bronze, the colors seemed to be intertwined. Perhaps the barn of the Marquis family doesn't have anything expensive in it.

I grinned the ring with a smile.

“Wrong, Marquis. I love abstractions……. ”

Once again, I knew who the culprit was. I was the culprit.

I didn't want Elizabeth stuck in Venice. However, the Republic troops have always been foreign mercenaries. They needed the right excuse to move freely. The Marquis was perfect for it.

I knew the erl would go to Elizabeth. Even Elizabeth will recognize the value of the Marquis... In other words, Elizabeth was not the one who put the erl to death. It was me.

“My lord. I have information that Republican forces have moved from Venice. ”

Laura is in the barracks. I sweated to make sure I practiced my sword lightly.

“The troops are said to be between 12,000 and 15,000. The Grand Duke of Florence has summoned his mercenaries again and raised them to 15,000, bringing them together to 30,000 troops. We have to move quickly before they join us.... ”

“How much time do you have? ”

“Hmm."

Laura takes off her cloak and breastplate. The maids cling to Laura. After soaking a hot towel in the hot water, three maids wiped Laura's body thoroughly. Those maids were all dumb and deaf, so they could rest easy.

“The faster we move, the better. But, yeah. I can spare up to four days. ”

“Do you mind if I wait two more days? ”

“ ……. ”

Laura glanced at my face quietly.

“It's personal, considering you're not in command. ”

“Yes, it's personal. It's very personal. ”

“Good. We move in two days. ”

Laura nods favorably. I did not ask why he asked me not to move for two days.

For two days of idle garrison, the Habsburg Empire denounced the Republic's intervention.

It became difficult for surrounding countries to keep their mouths shut as the situation flowed like this. The surrounding countries have been deliberately silent so far. However, the Republic freely intervened in foreign wars, and that was also a very private cause called the "Duke Family Lottery."

No one saw too much. There were many criticisms in the surrounding countries. Frank, Tuton, Polytunia, and Kalmar issued their own statement to the Republic of Batavia. It was said to stop interference with foreign countries immediately.

Emperor Rudolf has made his final recommendation.

─ A final warning for the rebellious party in Sardinia and the republic. Jim has given you many chances to shake his hand instead of Carl. The burden will no longer retreat or compromise, but only to be informed.

─ The Duke of Milan, the Duke of Piacencha-Parma, is included in the territory of the Parnese family. In addition, the Kingdom of Sardinia and the rebellious party immediately cease all human and material exchanges. If this offer is not accepted, you will learn that man cannot be arrogant before death.

Two days passed soon after diplomatic workshops like this.

Since the time had passed, Laura's army has moved on. With only a small number of defensive forces left in Piacenza-Parma, our empire has begun its descent into central Sardinia. The target was the great city of Florence, ruled by the Grand Duke of Florence.

“Three days. I've been waiting for sure. ”

Up to 25,000 troops marched in a long march. I watched the scene from the hill. In my left hand was a gold ring left by the Marquis.

“I kept my promise. ”

There was no truce.

A quiet war resumed nearly a month ago.

* * *

The Royal Army of Sardinia currently has three Commanders. These included Duke Florence, Duke Milan and President Elizabeth.

The Deputy General of the King, Grand Duke Florence, had to seize power. However, the Duke of Milan did not follow the Grand Duke lightly, and he was the ruler of a nation at all until the time of Elizabeth. Either way, he was not a great man enough to obey orders.

“ ……. ”

The Grand Duke has his right hand on his forehead. The Duke has suffered from gastritis almost every day after being so stressed out recently. Three commandos for an army? I could laugh if I were joking, but I couldn't even tell the truth.

The three of them were now meeting through the crystal sphere. In fact, it was not a meeting. “Greetings." “Greetings.” My reputation precedes me. ”There were only three words after the meeting started. The Grand Duke's insides boil.

Then the deputy entered the conference room.

“Grand Duke. The Empire has moved on.”

“Finally……. ”

The Duke sighs recklessly. The duc and the president also glanced at the deputy.

“Where are you going? ”

“It is south along the Tarus River. Your Majesty.”

“Tarus……. I see. Coming to Xenova? ”

The Grand Duke frowned. You need to march along the Tarus River to leave Parma and come to Xenova. And then there was the Grand Duke in Genoa. The Imperial Army's next target was the Grand Duke himself…….

“It could be La Spezia. ”

Duke Milan opens his mouth slowly, consistent with a silent answer. Every time the duc moves his lips, his white beard grows and grows.

“Follow the Tarus River and head west to Genoa. But if we turn the horseman to the east, we'll find La Spezia. There's no guarantee we'll make it to Xenova. ”

“La Spezia? What's in it for the Empire?" ”

The Duke objected to his opinions, but did not tolerate them. In fact, I was touched by just opening the word. This naturally led to the Grand Duke's role as chairman in the meeting.

“Marquis Rhodes... Excuse me. Ascarnio, the traitor, wasn't he La Spezia? ”

“…… I see. Ascanio was famous for its selection. Obviously, the colonists were very fond of them. ”

The Grand Duke nods slowly.

“The colonists would be furious at Ascanio's execution for treason by now. ”

“Indeed. If the Imperial Army marches, it is likely that the colonists will rally to his cause. No, perhaps there is already talk between the Empire and La Spezia. ”

“Is it bloodless……. ”

This time Duke Milan nods. Be vigilant and resentful of each other, but acknowledge each other's skills. It was that atmosphere.

“Then perhaps we should defend ourselves to La Spezia? ”

“That's what I think of this old man. But if the Grand Duke leaves Xenova, the Imperial Army may change their minds and march on Xenova at any time. I won't deny you the power of gambling. ”

“Hmm.”

Is it Genoa, or is it La Spezia?

It was also a way to confront them in the field before they chose either. The problem was that there were only 13,000 troops under the Grand Duke of Florence. Whereas the Imperial Army is about 30,000.

In the Battle of Trebbia, even more troops were defeated than the Empire. It was now half as strong as the enemy, rather than more troops. I didn't think I could defeat him in the field...

Duke Milan sighs.

“...... I shouldn't have killed Ascarnio so quickly. ”

“Duke!”

The Grand Duke of Florence cries out in surprise. The Grand Duke has officially become a counteroffender. The same was true of treason for those who plotted against the Marquis. It was dangerous.

“Grand Duke. Don't shut me up. A wise old man gets bold in the face of death. ”

“ ……. ”

“I wanted a political compromise. I didn't want the Marquis to carry everything and be sacrificed. The Marquis was dedicated to this country and the royal family. The Grand Duke knows very well. ”

The Grand Duke of Florence cares for words.

The Duke and the Duke knew. Marquis Rhodes is not one to plot treason. As long as their world was a harsh political plate, the three nobles occasionally opposed each other and reconciled. But the three of them were dedicated to Sardinia according to their beliefs.

The duc sighs again.

“Ascanio was communicating to me the day before his execution. ”

“To the duc?”

“He asked me to give up the duc of Milan." I will hand over my territory for you, so will you release the duc for the peace of Sardinia? ”

It was the first I had heard of it. The Grand Duke asked me carefully.

“Did you agree?”

“Of course I refused. Milan is not my property. It contains the history of our family. I thought it was a rude request, and I yelled," Get lost! "Then the next day Ascanio was taken for treason... ”

“ ……. ”

“I don't know where it went wrong. Where to start……. ”

From where it went wrong, even the Grand Duke couldn't be confident.

Since the disagreement with the Duke of Milan. Ever since I was tricked by the Empire and marched into the Trebbia River. Maybe since you destroyed the Parnese family and sold a girl to a slaver...

It felt like the ghost of the past was clinging to me. You feel like there's a swamp that's hard to get out of once you're on your feet. The heavy silence in the conference room sank....