Outbreak II

I still remember the voice of the people who asked for help to the Duke of Almeria, abandoning everything they once had and the territory where they used to live because of the famine.

Their screams heard from the checkpoints when being inspected are still clinging to my head.

As that memory came to mind, I felt that I heard a voice in my head calling for help from the Eastern people…

…I will protect you, do not be afraid.

At this time as well, there are people who seek help.

When I stop listening to the voices of my people and stop thinking of them, it is them who will suffer.

“…Lyle. Leave a minimum of guards in the north and the south, gather all the other guards and dispatch them to the east! Move your men alongside the command of Dida, you both must get rid of the enemies. Tanya, tell Dida to urgently inform us of any change in the situation. “

They silently nodded at my words.

I gently breathe out and try to keep my composure before speaking again.

“The greatest obligation of the lord is to protect the lives of the people … If our citizens are in crisis, we must shelter them from the enemy by using any kind of method.”

I said those words as if speaking from my deepest thoughts while still slightly trembling.

At my words, the three of them who were beginning to move stopped for a moment.

“If there are still those who persist to disturb the peace of our people, I allow you to thoroughly eliminate those to their roots, it’s my entire responsibility what happens after it. This incompetent body, is not at the same level as you nights, running on the battlefield will not come true anytime soon… but… Still, my heart is always with you, I will carry all the blame on behalf of the Lord and you.”

The three stretched their spine.

“Yes, Our lady.”

And when they uttered those words, they start moving immediately.

“Then, Sebas, please send me two or three people from each department, I will set up an urgent committee team, so that everything concerning the eastern part will be brought to me.”

“Yes, lady!”

Sebas seems to have moved soon afterwards.

We distributed the personnel in a few moments and the selection team for this time was lined up immediately under me.

“…… Milady, communication channels have been built to the security guards in the east, so we will begin moving to the east.”

“Do not forget to cooperate with Tanya’s men who are in charge of transmission.”

“Yes”

“Sebas, take the confirmation to the medical guild, arrange for a medical unit to be prepared to be dispatched at once, then request cooperation of the commercial guild. Please also say “If you do not want an important port to be crushed, please help. “

“Okay”

“And what is the aid we will provide to the victims?”

“It has already been made possible the aid team to depart at any time… “

“That’s good news.” The responsible person of transportation has coordinated with Lyle, so he can join the guard early, and be able to carry out the goods as well “

“Nice.”

In a corner of the mansion, a lot of people are moving around busily.

“This is serious!”

An officer from the outside the mansion came crying out.

Now what is she …

“Suddenly an unknown ship landed into the eastern port … armed groups just started to occupy the harbor”

“… What ??”

The room immediately fell into complete silence.

My voice, lower than I thought, sounded terribly.

“Is it a matter of time before the eastern city is taken …?”

As my words continued, everybody had terribly expressions.

“What they’re after may be the same, they may be planning to aim the attack when the eastern part is in a state of confusion … Also, the enemies have already taken care of the officers and guards, so there is no one to direct nor protect that place. “

At Lyle’s words, I nod.

“Just to be sure, Tanya send a subordinate, to report the details of the characteristics of that armed group”

“Yes, milady”

…… At her okay, I was out breath for a moment.

At any time, we should have dealt with it when we found a suspicious ship.

But at the office where we should issue the instructions, the current situation is one where we can not do anything at all.

Therefore, it couldn’t do anything even when we detected it.

“The Twil’s country and the Acacia kingdom may be holding hands for this war”

At my speculation, everyone’s face paled.

…… I, that’s right.

I did not even imagine that the Kingdom of Acacia would be attacking the Duke of Almeria.

Although there is no definite evidence … … If this is correct, it’s the worst situation possible.

The Kingdom of Acacia is a powerful country.

“… Well, what do you want me to do …… Milady”

Everyone in this place sees me as if to ask.

Though I was prepared for it …. It is really a heavy responsibility.

It is harder than I ever thought to take decisions where the life and death of my people is hanging.

However, such sentiments are known by my people, so I devote myself to think of a plan.

To be honest, I want time to think.

…… But, if I take enough time to think of a strategy, the eastern part could be in real danger.

Although I would like to investigate what is behind this attack, there’s no time to wait for the report.

“… Lyle”

“Yes”

“Take your knight’s with you and join Dida”

“but…”

It was rare for Lyle, to have an expression of worry exposed on the face.

“Lyle, the fighting power of my one person is regrettable. I can’t protect my people. But if you led them, the knight’s team will show its best strength”

“But Milady! … how are you going to protect yourself?”

“If I don’t go out, there’ll be enough security in this mansion even if an enemy enters. In case there is danger, there’s Tanya too,”

At the name of Tanya, Lyle seemed to be convinced.

However, there is still some doubt in his eyes.

“…Lyle, you told me before, -I will protect you and all dear to you.-“

As I told him that, he lifted his head quickly.

“I am sorry, I was at a loss and didn’t remember the oath of that day …Tanya, please protect the lady”

At his words, Tanya nodded powerfully.

“… There is still some time. I will depart early in the morning, so I will excuse myself. Is there any additional instructions? “

“No. I will transfer all the authority on the field to you, and since everyone that accompanies you will follow, move as you wish to move with confidence.”

“Okay, I’ll move according to your trust, so I will excuse myself from this.”

While saying that, he bowed and went away from this place.

I pray for myself to get martial arts soon so I can help protect my people while looking at his back.

“Oh, young lady … … Lyle, are you okay?”

Reim asked with teary eyes.

She has lived with us since she was young … So seeing us like this, she’s pretty worried.

“We’re okay Reim, we should just make the most of what we can do.”

“but……”

“Reim.”

She asked more questions than what was necessary, but she would not withdraw.

“… … if that’s the case, please let me go with him!”

At her proposal, I am stunned for a moment.

“In my case, I can understand the language of Acacia Kingdom, and I also know information of that country as I read everything about it from books. I can negotiate with the armed group, I am sure you will find it useful.”

“… It’s a very attractive proposal, Reim, you’re dismissed.”

I refused her proposal, yet without hesitation.

“Well, why are you….”

Pop pop, she shed tears one after another.

“You will not be able to protect yourself. Even if you have such knowledge, you’re a lady, you’ll only be at their feet and mercy … Please understand, Reim”

I can’t let her go even if I have to use a tough tone.

“I am sorry ….”

Although we were staring at each other momentarily as a battle of conviction, Reim eventually lost.

“I am sorry, Reim”

If it is me, I also want to go directly if I could.

I want to go and grasp the situation in real time on the spot and give instructions.

…… It is regrettable that us, ladies, can not do it.

But, there is something that only I can do ….

“… … I will make a request for assistance to the Army soon”

“Yes milady.”

“And then, Reim please write a letter to the Kingdom of Acacia”

“But, lady, although the involvement of the Acacia Kingdom is not yet proved …”

“Of course, their answer is not to be taken seriously but if only a small sign of what is behind this can be seen … And it’s not strange that I am writing a letter to him, considering that he proposed to me.”

However, when writing a letter, it’s important to pay attention so that your emotions do not leak … My people suffering is for me to engrave in my heart.

If I write with the mental state I have right now, it will be filled with words that clog my opponent.

“That is right, but …”

“And Tanya … It is an unreasonable wish … but can your men find information about Acacia inner political situation?”

“Well, actually, ……”

At my question, Tanya doubted a little.

After all, it was so sudden and an unreasonable wish to begin with…

At that moment, bitter thoughts spread in my mind…

“We already have subordinates in the Kingdom of Acacia and are searching for information.”

At such a nice answer, my mind got blank for a moment.

“… It is quite prepared, is not it?”

“Although I never moved without your instructions… Because there were a lot of problems in our territory recently. When someone told me about your marriage proposal, I already sent some people to the Kingdom of Acacia, and I am waiting for information to come”

That story of that engagement falls like this.

…… Even so, Tanya’s decision is wonderful.

“When you get information, report to me right away.”

“of course”

“… …. Milady, the request for support to the armed forces has been sent, but is it possible to secure the staff to dispatch here in this battlefield?”

The question of Sebas was my biggest concern. …… However, the only way is to try.

Because it is overwhelmingly disadvantageous in terms of fighting power as it is.

Even if you catch the straw when you are drowning, you will only drown.

…… Think about it. Think about it.

I desperately keep pressuring my head. A variety of plans that can not be called a solution…

Because of my impatience, my head can’t find a solution.

It seemed as if I were straying into a maze of thoughts like “How to do …” “What to do ……”

For a moment I breathed slowly while closing my eyes, trying to empty my head.

After that, let’s try to think again.

This time I will not get lost, while firmly organizing the problems and objectives so as not to get drowned in the situation.

“The Duke of Almeria is far away from the Twil’s country, but … I do not know what will happen at wartime. If there is something like a fiery battle, you surely must call me. “

Suddenly my mother’s words passed through my head.

That’s it …! , That’s the solution!.

“… Lets send a support request to Marquis Anderson through my mother”

The soldiers of Marquis Anderson are the mighty soldiers trained by the grandfather.

I heard that the degree of skill of all members is the best in the country.

“But, milady, the dispatch of soldiers to other territory is prohibited without permission of the king.”

The words from the law officers took me aback.

“You said to send the petition through your mother? It is unavoidable to bring along many escorts to return to this territory if your mother were in danger.”

Still it is a gray zone that is pretty close to black.

“I will report this to the first prince, I will take responsibility if it is said that this is a post consent”

I think that Dean will say nothing about what I decide to do.

…… But, if those around him complained, I should take responsibility.

It is best for me not to trouble him, but here we’re talking about saving my family and territory.

“I am going to write various letters soon, during the meantime everyone please collect information and deal with it! Protecting the people, this will be given priority above anything else.”

“Yes, milady.”

I return to the study as declared and write a letter.

A request for mother and uncle, Marquis Anderson, for support and assistance.

Restraining the fierce feelings to the Kingdom of Acacia, there is no harm writing him a letter… but it must be a letter that will sniff the things that already hold behind this incident.

For military affairs, explain the outlines and ask for assistance.

And finally, letter to Dean.

Suddenly, while writing a letter to Dean, my hand stops.

…. What is he doing?

Thinking that … my heart bursts in emotion … but then at the next moment, self-complain that the question is foolish absorbs me.

He is also fighting, too.

Like me … … no, even more so, he carries more responsibility than me.

After returning to the territory, this is the first time I suddenly repeatedly said “Dean” and my mouth shook while my tears started falling.

It was no longer a habit, that.

He was always by my side when I was in pain or having a hard time.

…… That’s why, I guess.

I wondered how many times I wished to be at his side.

…… Anyhow, our relation has weakened. He has departed from my side already.

And it is pretty incongruous between us now.

Have we not break up at that time that day? We face the same direction, yet we must go on a different path.

So, have you selected it? Which is your path?

….I suppose yes.

If I proceed with my belief, to be comfortable at his side, it is the same as destroying everything that he has suffered to built.

That is why I must escape very far away from him …… I must not allow myself more than anyone else to be near him.

I move my hand that had stopped and write the letter.

I must not use the word “Iris”, but the word “acting as the Duke of Almeria”.