CH 436

C436: The Enemy Within

“Marquis Deer Grafful is being protected by the Elysian Imperial Army…….”

The information from my aunt’s friend was outrageous. Marquis Deer Grafful had betrayed not only Ludawan, but also the neighboring nations that had been cooperating with him militarily and joined the Elysian Empire.

If that was true Farma wouldn’t be able to take revenge so easily since the Elysian Empire would interfere.

“It seems that Marquis Deer Grafful has set a big trap for the Western Allied Forces, in which the Ludawan army also participated, and dealt them a heavy blow. Now the allied forces are retreating, and the traitorous Marquis Deer Grafful has joined the Elysian Imperial Army along with his own private army, is that correct?”

“So that’s why there were no troops on the border…….Everyone was called up to join that battle.”

As Farma said, we had not seen the Ludawan army since we came to this country. That’s probably why we’ve been able to move around freely without having to fight.

“I can’t believe we’re going to fight not only Marquis Deer Grafful, but also the Elysian Empire…….After all, you should leave this country without doing anything. They are not the right people to be fighting with.”

“Auntie, don’t worry, Yuta and I have fought the Elysian Empire several times.”

Farma’s words surprised her to the core. That news was so out of the blue that she could not believe it even though it was the words of her niece whom she trusted.

“Auntie, do you know where the retreating coalition forces are?”

I asked, as a thought occurred to me.

“What are you going to do when you find out?”

‘We are mercenaries. If we are hired by the Allied Forces, we will have a reason to fight, and we won’t be fighting on our own. If that happens, it will alleviate some of your aunt’s concerns.”

After thinking about it for a moment, she replied,

“I agree with you. It seems useless to stop them, and she might feel safer if we at least work together with the Allied Forces. I’ll check on it right away.”

It was soon clear where the retreating coalition forces were. They were retreating in the mountainous area of a country called Mebarol in the northern part of Ludawan, while hiding.

Farma seemed to know the country, and she told me it was the area where we had had a mock battle on the way to Kirks before, but I couldn’t quite remember.

After thanking her aunt, Farma and I decided to head for the place. She watched Garuda and Arleo-2 as they took off.

While on the move, we informed Nanami and Emina, who were on their way here, of the situation. They were pleased that Farma was safe, but were stunned by what followed.

“Are you trying to get into trouble with the Elysian Empire again?”

Emina says this in dismay, and I immediately contradict her.

“No, I don’t mean to rub it in, but I just mean that we’re going to have to fight as a result.”

“What’s the difference……Well, from what I’ve heard, it sounds like it can’t be helped, but even if Nanami and I join you over there, there are only four of us. The most important thing to remember is that the Elysian army in the west is quite large, so you might want to contact Alana or Jean and ask them to send reinforcements.”

I’d love to, but there’s a lot going on over there in Meltaria, and I don’t think we’ll be able to get reinforcements in time if they send them now. When they arrive there is a possibility that the Elysian Empire will have overrun this area.”

“Ummm………that’s true.”

“Well, in the meantime, let me let you know what we’re doing.”

When I told Jean that we might engage in a battle with the Elysian Empire, he was, as I expected, quite angry. However, when I told him about the situation, he showed some understanding. He reminded me not to take any chances and agreed to this action.