Chapter 46: Revolutionary Period - The Seed

Chapter 46: Revolutionary Period - The Seed

Translated by Mara Sov

Revolutionary Period The Seed

A month had passed since the Grand Duke withdrew his troops, so I had the chance to link my forces with Damiens army and reorganize the Southern Army.

I headed towards Bahua, the headquarters of the Northern Army.

Once upon a time, this place was under the Duke of Lorenne, but now, the flag of the Republic was taking its place.

Unlike Damien, who had opted for a completely defensive approach, Valliant took the offensive and actively targeted the Duke of Lorennes territory.

Naturally, the Duke of Lorenne defended his lands, but the forces of Duke Heinrich from the Germania Empire and Duke Gunhild from the Northern Alliance barely provided any sort of support.

Eventually, they were overwhelmed by Valliants guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks, and after a defeat, they retreated, giving up Bahua.

As I rode my horse through the Northern Armys camp, those soldiers who recognized me offered their respects, as I finally faced him after some time.

Welcome, General Lafayette! It warms my heart to see you here!

Seeing Valliants smiling face somehow soured my mood.

This bastard, hes very cheerful for someone who handed over the task of holding the Grand Duke Leopold to my army.

I wish to congratulate your victory as well, General Valliant. The Duke of Lorenne and the King must have been quite surprisedAs was the Southern Army when we faced the Grand Duke.

Hahaha-. But of course! Our victories were only possible because the Southern Army, and you, General Lafayette, held back the Grand Duke. News of your valiant confrontation has even reached my ears!

With a grin, Valliant invited me inside the commanding center.

Shall we go inside then? It seems we need to have a serious conversation, and I find it more comfortable to do that when Im relaxed.

A serious conversation, huh? Yes, thats about right.

After dismissing my escorts, Valliant led me into his command center.

You seem to be quite at ease with your subordinates?

Recalling the casual demeanor that both Valliant and his officers had, I couldnt help but ask him.

Heh-. Well, theres no need for those bothersome formalities when competent people already have the respect of others.

Hes very sure of himself

As the corners of my mouth twitched a little, Valliant clasped his hands and bowed.

I offer you my sincere apologies, General.

Apologies?

Valliant eased his posture and gave me a knowing smile.

Is he messing with me?

My apologies for putting the Southern Army against the Grand Duke Leopold without any support.

Really now?

A sharp smile crept onto my face.

So you are aware that you did somethingproblematic.

The Southern Army could have suffered a devastating defeat.

Although this didnt happen, it was only because the soldiers performed beyond my wildest expectations.

Yes, I am. Of course, I was willing to provide support if necessary. But it would have been odd for me to offer support without even a request from Count Millbeau, wouldnt it?

That idiot.

No, that bastard.

In my mind, I continued to curse Damien, who wasnt present.

That cunt must have fallen for Valliants sweet talk, proclaiming he would handle it all.

Though he tried to hide it, the testimonies from the other officers present in the strategy meeting matched my suspicions.

Had his performance in battle been lacking, I would have had his head, but since he managed to pull off such an outstanding defense, his neck is still attached to the rest of his body. For now.

As I said earlier, the Northern Armys victory was only possible because the Southern Army delayed the Grand Duke.

Valliant cleared his throat as he smiled.

So, the Northern Army is in debt to the Southern Army. Thats why we shall provide any sort of help you might need, in order to pay what we owe.

This guy, he pulled my leg, got something out of it, and now he wants to wash his hands clean of it?

What is worse, I cannot allow myself to make an enemy out of him just yet, our ambiguous relationship will be of great help in the future.

As I glared at his irritating face, I said.

Fine. The Southern Army accepts your offer. However, I have one question.

Aha! Of course, General! Ask away! hehehe-.

If the Southern Army had suffered a major defeat against the Grand Duke, the Northern Armys offensive would have crumbled as well. Then, we would lose the entire eastern front and would be forced to retreat, turning the Capital Lumiere into the frontlines. Had this happened, did you have a plan for the worst-case scenario?

His cheerful smile faded.

That was a very possible scenario.

There was no point in trying to condemn Valliant in the National Assembly since he was already a rising hero for the Republic. However, what would he gain from trying to deliberately provoke me?

Valliant then nodded his head after observing me for a few seconds.

Indeed. Thats why I hold you in such a high regard, Marquis. Although we are rivals by the nature of our positions, I would like to have a positive relationship with you, if possible. That is why Im telling you all of this.

What is his angle?

Marquis, the Nation Assembly, and the Republic are just that, a government. They dont care about your sacrifices, nor how much you dedicate yourself for the cause, they are simply an entity that holds you back.

Valliants words struck a chord within me.

Did I never consider this before? No thats not the case.

There have been countless moments when I doubted whether I should continue with them after such a great cost. Numerous times I have doubted myself, wondering if this path was the correct one.

They dont understand your motives, Marquis. Your loyalty and dedication are too valuable to be offered to those who are blinded by their own ideology and are deluded from reality.

Im not loyal to them. I am loyal to this Nation, My loyalty lies with Francia itself-

Really? Is that truly the case?

Valliant immediately cut me off.

As a noble, do you throw away everything you have, including your titles and lands, just for something soshallow as patriotism? Then you are truly a Hero of this land. But you see, there are parasites feeding off your dedication. Tell me Marquis, what sort of compensation is there for the sacrifices you and your followers have made to get where you are?

Sacrifices.

The Vassals who gave up their domains, following my lead, even while they shed tears from what they lost.

The Blood of Count Lionel, who pleaded for the honor and valor of his ancestors even when he was dying.

AndChristine who continued to punish herself, working to the point of exhaustion, because of what I made her do to her own flesh and blood.

I once thought I rewarded them enough, for all they had done. But in hindsight, I perhaps didnt reward them materially enough.

Heh-. Was there even an appropriate reward for them? No, is it even possible to give them something back for all they have done?

So you see. Has your cause even achieved anything, Marquis?

At Valliants question, I clenched my fists.

I will never forget the misery I suffered within that dungeon, the shame I faced within the court, the denial of everything I thought I stood for..The Guillotine.

-Look at this hypocritical noble! Isnt it clear that even he, who claims to not be corrupt, sees us not as people, but as mere livestock!

The accusations hurled at me during that sham of a trial. Those words made me realize how hypocritical I was, thinking that I was different from the corrupt nobility, I will never be able to forget them.

But this time, I managed to save people who were about to be slaughtered in vain.

Christine and the other nobles are still active in the National Assembly, and thanks to the army Ive carefully nurtured, we managed to hold off against a legendary General such as Grand Duke Leopold.

Even though it might not be the best result, Ive made the most of my future knowledge, and the dividends paid off.

At least, I believe that this time, when I die, I wont despair thinking that everything I did was in vain.

The results are there. It may not be much for you, General Valliant. But for me, it was certainly worth it.

If you think so, Marquis.

Valliant took a step back and bowed to me.

I apologize for my words, Marquis, that was presumptuous of me.

I shall forget I even heard them.

Even then, some of the things he said didnt leave my mind.

This conversation has gone on for long enough. Ill take my leave now.

I see. I take it youre returning to Lumiere then?

Yes. My men suffered some serious damage in this last battle, and I will need some time to regroup and reorganize the troops. With our actions we have bought some time for the Republic to reinforce our army, so I must oversee some matters in the National Assembly for now.

Valliant smiled.

I kinda envy you, you know? I always had an interest in politics, but I dont have the pedigree necessary for it, hahaha-. Still, I trust that you, the Marquis, wont skimp on some support for the Northern Army?

This is quite shameless, even for you.

Hahaha-. Isnt that one of my charms? Oh, wait, is Count Millbeau still the acting commander of the Southern Army?

He is, but Ive placed a proper aide by his side now, so I would be thankful if you dont try anything funny while Im away.

Hahahahaha.

Louis Desaix. That fellow from the Royal Guards should be at least able to perform his duties in my absence while keeping an eye on Damien.

Then, I shall see you later, General Valliant.

Haha-. I hope all your work bears some fruit, Marquis Lafayette.

After shaking hands, I turned away.

Well, I sure hope it does.

While his faint voice was carried by the wind, I exited the command center without looking back.

TL: Its official lads.

WE HATE VALLIANT!

/genesisforsaken