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Chapter 134: Promising Prospects of a Great Victory
On a rainy day, a man appeared before Count Saracenian.
“It’s pouring rain. Thanks to that, my clothes are soaked.”
“First, let me hear your business.”
Count Saracenian, with a distinguished beard and a stern expression, further tightened his face. Perhaps sensing the atmosphere, the man smiled slyly and spoke.
“His Majesty, the Emperor of the Kingdom of Lamaron, has placed an order to save your life.”
“What do you mean?”
“His Majesty has commanded that the Juka Kingdom
 or is it Agarta now? Should be invaded again.”
“
”
Count Saracenian glared at the man.
“Basically, we don’t intend to let Agarta people live. No, even if the Empire allows it, the people of the world won’t. After all, they never took any measures or launched any crusades against the Great Demon King.”
“Since the collapse of the capital of Juka, the Great Demon King has not been seen. Its very existence is suspicious.”
“Is that so? Recently, after we captured the capital of Juka, a member of our army reported that the Great Demon King appeared and the army was annihilated. And that person went mad. Just think about it. To hear that 3,000 troops were killed overnight, unheard of. If it had been surrounded by 100,000 troops, it would be different, but there was no trace of such a large army. We, the Lamaron Empire, see this as the emergence of the Great Demon King and have decided to send troops again.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Your name has reached our empire. His Majesty believes that someone like you would never join forces with the Great Demon King. If that’s not the case, His Majesty is willing to welcome you as a noble of the Empire.”
“A noble of the Lamaron Empire
”
“Yes. This country has been plagued by a long civil war. His Majesty has noticed your remarkable skill in defending and expanding your territory and managing your domain. The reason we did not attack you during the previous expedition was because of that. If you can ally with the Empire, we will guarantee your current status and territory.”
The man leaned forward and muttered in a low voice.
“However, if you choose to be our enemy, we will wipe you out, just like last time.”
Count Saracenian’s eyes wandered.
“Well, I believe that won’t be the case. If you ally with us, we will lend you as many soldiers as you need. You are free to defeat the Great Demon King’s minions and expand your territory. In return, during the harvest season, we would like you to pay tribute to the Empire by giving a portion of the harvest as taxes. I believe you have
 wheat, right? In that case, we would like you to pay tribute twice a year, in summer and autumn. The Empire only asks for 20% of the harvest, nothing more.”
“Fine. Give me some time to think.”
“Yes, yes. We believe that Count Saracenian is someone who values himself, so we will trust you and wait.”
The man chuckled and trembled with excitement.
“I see. So up to seven have accepted my invitation! Nihahaha!”
The one unable to contain his laughter and bursting with joy was General Jizeu, the Lamaron Empire’s military commander.
“Now, most of the lords in Agarta near the border will join us.”
“But, Commander, we can’t expect much harvest from these territories
”
“What are you saying? Are your eyes full of holes? The harvest from these territories is sufficient to sustain our empire’s people!”
“That’s considering the total harvest. They will only contribute this 20% to the empire.”
“You’re an idiot. It’s because you’re so stupidly honest that you won’t get promoted.”
The subordinate made an obvious displeased face.
“Are you suggesting that we break our promise and collect more?”
“I wouldn’t do such a thing. The empire knows, and I know, that I’m a man who keeps his promises.”
“Then
”
“You fool! What the empire demands from them is 20% of the harvest. There’s no mistake.”
“I fail to understand the meaning of the Commander’s words.”
“Well, I suppose you wouldn’t understand. Fine, just leave. I’m going out now.”
Jizeu waved his hand dismissively, urging his subordinate to leave. And once again, he chuckled to himself, Nihahaha.
“
10,000? What do you need such a large force for?”
Staring directly at Jizeu’s face was General Carius, the supreme commander of the empire’s military.
“Juka
 no, Agarta now, right? We need them to march there.”
“Agarta? What are we going there for?”
“To collect the tribute, of course.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Explain.”
Jizeu sighed and wore a look of annoyance before speaking.
“I have convinced the lords of Agarta on the Lamaron border to join us. We are soon approaching the harvest of wheat sown in winter and summer vegetables. We are going to collect the tribute.”
“What? Convinced them? I haven’t heard about this. But why do we need a force of 10,000 soldiers to collect the tribute?”
“I received the report just now, so I’m reporting it to you, General. We have convinced seven houses, including Count Saracenian, to join us. It will require a force of that size to collect the tribute from them. Would you like me to break down the numbers? Each house will have 1,000 soldiers assigned for tribute collection, and 3,000 soldiers will be stationed for defense.”
“But there are logistical issues. This is something I need to discuss with Prime Minister Madrin
”
“No, I have already received permission from Her Majesty the Empress.”
“What?”
Responding to Jizeu’s proud answer, General Carius directed an angry voice towards him.
“Her Majesty the Empress was extraordinarily delighted. Jizeu, she said that as long as you lead, the future of the imperial army is in good hands. Such wasteful words.”
“Don’t get carried away. You’re good at commanding defensive forces, but weak in offensive operations. At least, as a deputy
”
“That won’t be necessary!”
“Jizeu!”
“Is that all right now? The harvest will start soon, and I must hurry. I have preparations to make, so if you’ll excuse me.”
With that, Jizeu left General Carius’ room.
Three days later, Commander Jizeu was bestowed the title of “Commander-in-Chief of the Agarta Expeditionary Army” and departed the imperial capital with great enthusiasm. Until just before the departure, he negotiated the logistics with Prime Minister Madlin, but he adamantly refused. In the end, they were only able to secure supplies for two days.
It takes three days to travel from the capital to the border. With simple calculations, they would embark with supplies that wouldn’t even last for a one-way journey. That’s why, the day before departure, Jizeu ordered the soldiers to bring an extra day’s worth of rations to accompany them.
Commander Jizeu set off, bid farewell by the people of the capital, in a cheerful mood. Prime Minister Madlin and General Carius watched him with indescribable expressions.
“I’m sorry, General. I couldn’t do any more.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m actually grateful for the Prime Minister’s efforts.”
General Carius replied, slowly shaking his head.
“Her Majesty the Empress instructed us to use the stockpiles in the palace, but that’s our last line of defense. It’s the final supply of food that will be given out when the people are on the brink of starvation.”
“I understand that as well. But that Jizeu, ordering the soldiers to bring their own rations
 It’s as if he’s going on a pleasure trip.”
“If things go well
”
“Indeed. I can only pray that my concerns are unfounded.”
“What concerns, General?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just trivial worries. I’m becoming more anxious as I grow older.”
General Carius let out a chuckle. However, that smile seemed to Madlin, the Prime Minister, like a smile of resignation.