The Prince Wants to Retire

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The Crown Prince Wants to Retire

53. Protect the Supply Line!

Under Kariel’s command, letters were sent to the nations of the East Continent, excluding Roman.

“Ignit will focus on commanding the Demon Army.”

This meant the allied nations would have to deal with stopping Roman themselves. Naturally, the allies could only curse Ignit in response.

Initially, the allied nations were displeased with this decision, but the following messages left them speechless.

“It seems the summoning of the Demon King is imminent. The minimum strength of the Demon King is presumed to be at least that of a Grand Master.”

The legendary Grand Master.

A being like that would be summoned?

At that moment, this war seemed utterly hopeless.

Thus, despite their grievances, the allied nations could do nothing but endure Ignit’s orders.

They had witnessed their genuine intent to expel the demons from this land.

“The Giant’s Fortress has finally fallen. Ignit’s next target is not Roman’s Capital but the Demon Gate.”

“Ignit’s forces have crossed 70% beyond the East Continent.”

“Ignit’s Minister of Military: He intends to leave minimal troops for the defense of the homeland and dispatch all remaining forces to Roman’s northern region.”

In essence, most of the forces Ignit could operate were concentrated on sweeping away the demons.

Consequently, the dark mages and the Demon Army, who were trying to slow down the Empire’s advance, also retreated north.

There, they were preparing for the final stand.

“What’s the situation?”

“There are no major issues.”

Kariel nodded slightly at Talion’s report.

“Now what’s left is the supply line?”

Muttering this, Kariel was handed a report by Talion.

“This is the result from the south.”

Immediately examining the report handed over by Talion, Kariel noted its content.

“It has been confirmed that Divine Power is effective. However, the effectiveness of the priests, excluding the Fire Priests, is minimal.”

A smile crept across Kariel’s lips upon seeing this report.

“Effectiveness is confirmed.”

“Yes.”

Having confirmed that Divine Power was indeed effective against the entities of Hell, it was time to execute the planned operations waiting to bear fruit.

“Deploy the Demon Hunters to the supply line as planned.”

“Yes.”

“Gather all the Fire Priests dispatched to the north and direct them to the supply line. Handling the demons will be entrusted to the other priests.”

“Understood.”

The prearranged plans began to unfold one by one.

Most of the Shadows were deployed to protect the supply line, and to enhance their effectiveness, many Demon Hunters and Fire Priests were significantly deployed as well.

However, Kariel had no intention of stopping there.

“Let’s also pull some knights from the Capital Defense Force and send them in.”

“Your Majesty.”

Seeing Kariel do this despite his lack of faith in them, Talion spoke firmly.

“We can manage with just the Demon Hunters and Fire Priests.”

“I know. Still, the damage must be minimized.”

At Kariel’s words, Talion bit his lip.

Knowing the strength of the Black Moon, Kariel had dispatched additional central military forces alongside the basic supply line troops in preparation for any emergencies.

And now, he was also sending some knights from the Capital Defense Force.

This meant that to thwart the Black Moon’s raid, the Shadows, Demon Hunters, Fire Priests, Central Army, and the Capital Defense Knight Order would all join forces.

“It’s not that I don’t trust the Shadows.”

“…I understand.”

Everyone, including Talion, knew how much Kariel cherished the Shadows.

The Shadows, who always toiled in the background, had been integrated into the Intelligence Department to ensure they received their rightful due. Although they could not disclose individual identities, their documented presence would help ensure they received fair treatment.

Moreover, they received the utmost support across all special forces, from weaponry to welfare.

Thus, the loyalty of the Shadows towards Kariel was immense.

Such beings were striving to protect themselves.

Faced with the harsh reality that shattered their pride, all the Shadows gritted their teeth, including Talion, who hailed from their ranks.

“Your Majesty.”

“Yes?”

“Please send me too.”

Looking into Talion’s determined eyes, Kariel realized he had no choice but to grant permission.

“…Alright. Go show them the strength of the Shadows.”

“I will obey your command.”

To restore the pride of the Shadows that had been tarnished, Talion set out himself.

With that alone, the morale of the Shadows reached its peak.

They swore to defeat Roman’s Black Moon and become the strongest special forces.

*

As soon as Talion departed, the entire group of Shadows headed east, and Ignit’s army began to advance northward, using the Giant’s Fortress as their base.

The main forces gradually began their march north, gradually establishing a supply line centered around the Giant’s Fortress.

“It’s peaceful.”

“Roman must realize that stopping us is no easy task.”

At the words of the Sun Blade, Duke Cletta chimed in.

Initially, they had approached the war with a sense of humiliation. But by now, that feeling had somewhat dissipated.

With dark mages, demons, and creatures from Hell entering the fray, there was no time to worry about past grievances.

If there was any hope for the resurrection of the homeland, that would be different, but it seemed they had long lost that. The citizens of the Southern Kingdoms were now celebrating their self-proclaimed status as true “Empire Citizens.”

“There are only seven Masters. If they’re not foolish, they shouldn’t recklessly attack against this army.”

At Duke Pires’s words, the nearby Masters nodded in agreement.

The issue lay with the supply line.

To resolve this, a detached unit comprised of two Masters was to be formed.

However, Kariel unexpectedly ordered the main forces to charge north more quickly. If two Masters were missing, they would risk being bogged down by the forces led by the Demon Legion Commander, dark mages, and demons.

Thus, Duke Devir and Marquis Sicario held back any possible assault from Roman while the rest pressed north swiftly.

Glen also set up a detached unit to prepare for the dark mages’ attacks.

Perhaps due to this, Ignit’s main forces swiftly advanced toward the points where the gates would open without facing any restrictions.

“Captured three of Roman’s fortresses!”

“Arrived in Roman’s northern region in a fortnight. Now joining forces with the Empire’s Northern Army.”

“Moving toward the region where the Demon Gate is located. The Union of Nomadic Tribes is expected to join as well.”

Finally, Ignit’s army reached the northern region of Roman.

Just then, the Demon Army, which had been hiding so far, revealed its presence. Simultaneously, Roman appeared with some of his main forces led by Ivan’s brothers to strike from behind.

And then, Duke Devir and Marquis Sicario stood in their way.

Thus, Ignit’s main forces halted their advance, caught between the Roman and Demon armies.

At that moment, the Union of Nomadic Tribes aimed for the rear of the Demon Army, taking advantage of the standoff situation where neither side wished to expose their flank.

An unusual tactical stalemate ensued, during which the dark mages attempted to ambush the Northern Army.

“The Empire’s Divine Power repels the dark mages!”

The grandeur of Glen spread throughout the continent.

As if waiting for the dark mages to move, Glen’s detached unit appeared before the Northern Army and literally swept them away.

Thus, the situation began to tilt slightly in Ignit’s favor.

However, a full-blown battle did not immediately commence.

It was almost as if both Roman and Ignit were waiting for something, resulting in a vague standoff situation.

“Now what’s left is the supply line?”

Glen muttered, glancing southward from near the Giant Mountain Range.

A long supply line.

The main forces of Ignit would only begin to move after confirming the safety of the supply line.

‘Fighting a war in an unstable supply situation would spell certain defeat.’

Knowing this, all commanders awaited the outcome of the battles concerning the supply lines.

After installing key strongholds and completing the linkage process, considerable supplies began to be transported from the Giant’s Fortress to the north.

“Is it starting now?”

Kariel sighed upon receiving reports of supplies moving from the capital.

“We must hold this line….”

With fingers interlocked, Kariel glanced out the window with an anxious expression.

At that moment, the attendant opened the door and entered.

“…Your Majesty, the orders you gave have been implemented.”

Kariel nodded slightly at the attendant’s words.

“There will be trouble with the supply of magical items for a while.”

“Regarding that, the Interior Minister and the Minister of Finance are already addressing it. They promised to report by today.”

“Very well.”

In response to the attendant’s report, Kariel stared silently out the window.

For some reason, today felt suffocating.

Seeing this expression, the attendant bowed and said, “For your safety, you must remain within the Emperor’s Palace for the time being.”

“…Understood.”

At Kariel’s reply, the attendant glanced one last time with sharp eyes before stepping outside.

Because of his actions, leaving the building was now but a distant dream for a while.

Yet, despite this, Kariel felt somewhat relieved.

Although half of the knights in the palace had been reduced, following an increase in the action radius and many mages were conscripted, causing disruptions in the production of magical items, it was still better than waiting nervously.

“I’ve done all I can.”

In effect, Kariel had accomplished nearly everything he could do at present.

Now, all that remained was to await the results.

“If only the demons are handled, I should be able to move myself.”

—Yeah. I don’t have to scare myself anymore.

Hearing Kariel’s muttering, Surth laughed.

The ministers continued to treat Kariel as a frail being and overprotected him, but objectively, Kariel was indeed strong.

—The leader of the dark mages? Even if that fellow appears, killing you won’t be an easy task.

“Right. With this level of power, I might even achieve meaningful results against the beings of Hell.”

At Kariel’s words, Surth smirked and replied.

There was a reason why the obstinate top knight of the palace bent his will to follow Kariel’s command.

Kariel had demonstrated the full extent of his power.

—But you know, right? You’re still far from being acknowledged by Garum.

At Surth’s words, Kariel nodded slightly.

*

Just as they were secretly sending forces to prevent a potential issue in the capital, black-masked figures finally emerged from the supply line.

“Blow everything up.”

“Yes.”

At the command of the black-masked figure, all nearby individuals bowed their heads and rushed toward the supplies piled at the temporary base.

Just at that moment, arrows and spells came flying toward them.

Ka-gak-gak!

“……Shadows?”

As Ignit’s Shadows appeared, the leader of the Black Moon, who had ordered the ambush, drew his sword.

“Unable to win through skill, you turn to numbers….”

“If you’re mad, then bring even more of your lot.”

At the Shadows’ words, the man from the Black Moon chuckled.

“Actually, that’s just what I was planning to do.”

The moment he spoke, the eyes inside the mask glowed red, and a gray aura began to ripple around him.

“Devour them.”

Monstrous creatures named ‘Mountain Maw,’ each with dozens of mouths, rushed toward the Shadows in unison.

Just then, a red barrier blocked the Mountain Maws.

The Sacred Flame appeared, and all at once, red arrows flew toward the Black Moon.

Sizz-sizz!

“Divine Power? Are these arrows from Demon Hunters?”

Muttering this, the man from the Black Moon gritted his teeth. Contrary to expectations, it seemed this ambush operation against the supply line wouldn’t be easy after all.