Half a month later…
Just when the Erdtree Kingdom was enjoying the flourishing peace, a piece of bad news broke everyone's peaceful daily life, reminding everyone that the shadow of war has never left.
"My utmost apologies, Your Majesty! I deserve death for my mistake. It was my dereliction of duty that caused Your Majesty's losses. Your Majesty, please deal with me as you wish!"
Kenneth knelt down in front of Marika's throne and apologized with tears streaming down his face.
"...That's enough, Sir Kenneth, raise yourself. This matter cannot be considered your fault."
Marika frowned and waved to Kenneth to get up with a troubled expression.
Why is this happening now? It all started in the morning. Marika routinely listened to everyone's pleas in the court, but unexpectedly, as soon as Kenneth came up, he knelt on the ground and cried bitterly to plead guilty, leaving everyone in the court confused. After Kenneth's tearful explanation of the whole situation, everyone realized that it was the Inrud Kingdom that was causing trouble again.
The Fort Height area that Kenneth ruled was close to the border river of the Inrudian Eastern Territory, so he was naturally appointed to be responsible for external trade. This river is of great importance, because if the Golden Dynasty wants to sell a large amount of its products to the outside world, then the Dona River, which extends in all directions, is crucial. The Kingdom of Inrud used to rely on this river to conduct large-scale trade with other countries on the continent. But now, of course, it belongs to the Erdtree kingdom.
And just when the Golden Dynasty's trade was beginning to flourish, Inrud came in by the clock to disrupt the situation. At the mouth of the river on the border of the Eastern Territory, the Golden Dynasty's fishing and waterway trade routes were blocked by the Kingdom. The fishermen of the Golden Dynasty and the merchants who came with them were all attacked, killed and robbed by the Inrudian army, and all entrances to the river were completely blockaded by them as well.
"But Your Majesty, I—"
"That's enough, Sir Kenneth. We did have some losses, but they are still under control. And Sir Kenneth, you have also done your duty well enough to protect our country's waterways. So I will not blame you for this loss. But you will remember today's setback and make meritorious service to compensate. Now, stand down."
Marika interrupted Kenneth's self-blame and said soothingly.
"Your Majesty—! I—I thank you for your magnanimity!"
When Kenneth heard that he had been pardoned, he was so grateful that he burst into tears and stood up obediently and retreated into the crowd of ministers. During these attacks, Kenneth dutifully dispatched the local garrison to resist the attacks of the British Kingdom. Although there were losses, they were controlled by no more than three small fleets that were attacked throughout the month. And the fact that this river has hundreds of boats come in and out every day! Moreover, the local garrison successfully repelled the enemy every time. Although there was a small loss of goods and manpower, the result was already satisfactory enough.
Marika looked at the whispering ministers and sighed in annoyance.
Marika was quite furious and surprised by the suicidal behavior of the Inrud Kingdom. Part of it was because of the innocent businessmen and fishermen who were killed. The surprise of it was due to the kingdom's folly. They knew full well that they had just suffered a humiliating defeat more than two months ago, and they started causing trouble again before they could recover completely.
Enacting a commercial blockade at the river channel at the border of the Eastern Territory did have some effect on the Golden Dynasty's commerce, but it would undoubtedly provoke war between the two countries. In addition to threatening the interests of the Golden Dynasty, their actions also threatened the interests of other kingdoms. This river was blocked by the Inrud Kingdom, which meant that no one else could use it. Without this important trade node, countries would not be able to trade normally. Although there are some small rivers that can be used as semi-replacement, transporting a large amount of goods would be out of the question without Dona River.
As the saying goes, cutting off a person's path to wealth is like cutting off his life. Right now, the Inrud Kingdom is making it impossible for everyone to profit. Then when Marika leads her troops to attack the Inrud Kingdom, no one will be willing to send troops to help them. Moreover, the Falkari Empire and the Elson Kingdom were both very eager for Nicholas IV's death. It was a miracle they hadn't wanted to join forces with the Golden Dynasty, or do some covert troubles for Nicholas VI. In the end, the Inrud Kingdom was blinded by the strife and hatred in front of them, shooting themselves in the foot.
If it weren't that doing so would kill many civilians, Marika would have wanted to transform into Ghidorah and burn the Pope and King of Inrud and their capital to ashes.
"Mission trigger: The host's waterway business is being maliciously destroyed by the Eastern lord of the Inrud Kingdom. The host is asked to conquer the Eastern territory to avoid future troubles. Mission difficulty: medium. Mission reward: Unlock the Raya Lucaria Academy city complex, "Full Moon Queen" Renalla, Elden Ring Gacha pull x1"
"Renalla?! So soon!"
As soon as she heard this familiar name, Marika's heart suddenly shook, and her violent thoughts were immediately dispersed. Renalla, the Full Moon Queen of Caria, the dean of Raya Lucaria Academy, these are the names of this legendary female mage. But most importantly, she is Radagon's abandoned wife before he married Marika.
If Renalla appears in front of MaRika, then Renalla will definitely wake up from her dysfunctional state, and Comet Azur Marika to high heavens for having Radagon leave her. However, Marika only had a single Glintstone sorcerer around her, Professor Sellen. And her apprentices were also making slow progress. Apart from simple magic such as Glintstone Pebble, they made little improvement. So it would be a great boon to have the most powerful mage to help her now. However, it's also a big problem to ensure that she doesn't want to burn her to ashes with magic immediately and to cooperate with her.
"Host, although the summoned Rennalla will still remember her grudge against you, she probably won't attack you, probably..."
The system said, but just by listening to his tone, she knew that he was not sure.
"Sure… Really convincing there."
Marika complained sarcastically to the system in her mind.
'But in short, let's complete the mission first! If the river problem is not solved, businessmen and fishermen will suffer another day. '
Turning her focus back to helping the suffering people, Marika spoke to the ministers in front of her:
"My ministers, what do you think about the direct conquest of the eastern territories?"
As soon as Marika came out, the ministers started a heated discussion with each other. Marika silently watched the ministers in discussion.
There are now twice as many ministers in Marika's court as before, and these new ministers are all nobles from the southern territories of this world. The original team summoned by Marika has not yet had any new members join, but as Marika's most trusted ministers, they have more say than these nobles. So there is no need to worry about the local nobles controlling the court. Moreover, most of the ministers summoned by Marika are well and true warriors, while most of the local nobles are civil servants. Therefore, if these nobles dare to get clever with her, Marika does not even have to do it herself. Her trusted warrior ministers would crush these nobles first. .
At this time, Achilles, now the commander of the heavy cavalry corps, took the lead in speaking.
"Master, I think we should take the lead and attack the Inrud Kingdom now and seize the Eastern Territory! Since these idiots want to die so much, then we will give them a helping hand!"
At this time Artorius also echoed:
"I seconded the proposal. As long as your majesty gives the order, I will go and bring you the head of the Eastern Great Lord!"
As the representatives of the military ministers, the two generals, Achilles and Artrius, spoke in agreement, the remaining military ministers also began to agree with them.
'In the end, violence is still the only answer, huh? '
Marika sighed inwardly. Different from the mission world, this world is still in the Warring States Period, where wars were chaotic and lords were vying for hegemony. Here, unless someone can unify the countries, peace will be difficult to achieve. But the problem is that the king of every country wants to be the emperor who unifies all countries, so the current situation of warring states fighting for hegemony has emerged.
Unlike the peaceful society in the mission world, this world has completely fallen into the quagmire of war. The mission world at least has peace on the surface. As long as those mushas don't cause trouble, the world will be generally peaceful. But here, every country can have a full-scale war because of a small disagreement. This is the real survival of the fittest.
Marika does not particularly enjoy fighting, but she will not allow her people to be bullied by other countries, especially the Kingdom of Inrud.
Finding her determination, Marika asked Siduri:
"Siduri, what do you think about the odds of this expedition?"
Everyone looked at Siduri one by one as their king asked. Siduri now has a prime minister-like status in the court, and all ministers will respect her opinions.
"My Goddess, the southern territory has been completely integrated into our country, so there is no need to worry about food and military strength. My humble self has also conducted divination and confirmed that the weather is just right for marching. So I think that your majesty only needs to gather the army and choose a good time to depart. If the day is auspicious, it will be most prime to embark."
After hearing Siduri's answer, Marika put aside her last doubt. She stood up from the throne and announced to everyone in a formal tone:
"Now that all the ministers have agreed, I hereby announce it! In view of the aggression of the Kingdom of Inrud against our subjects and territory, as well as the disruption of peaceful trade between the countries, I have decided to personally lead my troops to attack Inrudians again! This time, 100,000 troops shall be dispatched. And our objective, the eastern territory of the Inrud Kingdom!"
As Marika finished declaring her decision, the courtiers gave loud applause and cheers. Everyone agreed to directly conquer the entire eastern territory to avoid future troubles. The military ministers were particularly excited. In addition to making great achievements on the battlefield, their respected queen would once again lead a military expedition. In this Warring States period, the easiest way for a monarch to gain the support of his ministers was to go into battle in person and prove his bravery. Marika has proven herself well in the last war, so she is especially popular among the generals.
At the end of the court meeting, the number of people going out for this expedition was determined to be: a mixed army of 100,000 men, her now 500 men strong royal guards, ten golem guards, and two Tree Sentinels. The accompanying generals were Bedivere, Artorius, Achilles, Jin Sakai, and some local nobles.
Because the number of people on this expedition was dozens of times larger than before, it took the entire army a week to prepare.
The candidate to supervise the country is still Morgott, her current oldest and most experienced of her children. The flying dragon Agheel would be left near the capital as a defensive trump card for Morgoyt. The dragon can be regarded as a symbol of the Inrud Kingdom. If it is discovered that besides Marika's own dragon form, they can control dragons too, then it will only stimulate the hostility of other countries.
The Kingdom of Inrud has been able to compete or even suppress the empire and other countries on the battlefield because of their contract with the dragon for many years. But this has always caused them to be a major concern for other countries. If the Erdtree Kingdom is discovered to have the same ability, it will undoubtedly be like putting a target on its own back.
Especially since Marika only has one giant dragon, Agheel. If Aqheel is gone, Marika will have to take the role alone. But using her dragon form is undoubtedly as destructive as using a strategic nuclear bomb, causing countless casualties. Once it is used, Marika will have no land to seize from the Inrud Kingdom nor the civilians to help.
While busy with the preparation, on the night before the expedition, Marika and Bedivere were in the military conference room, looking at a flag bearing a standard in Bedivere's hand.
"As expected of Mr. Bok, his craftsmanship is as excellent as ever!"
Bedivere looked at the flag in his hand with admiration and said.
"Indeed. By the way, Bedivere, how is the replacement of the Royal Guards' standard?"
Marika asked as she also admired the flag.
"Sir Artorius reported that all the new standards have been installed and will be ready for use tomorrow morning."
"That's good to hear. I'm really looking forward to showing everyone my newly designed Royal standard."
Marika felt satisfied when she heard Bedivere's answer.
At this time, Bedivere turned to look at her and asked curiously:
"Master, I don't understand why you would want to change the standard of the Royal Guard to a unicorn pattern? Does this pattern have any special meaning?"
On the standard in his hand is a white background with a simplified unicorn design. If a passing Gundam fan sees this flag, they will recognize that the pattern on it is the logo of Amuro Ray, the NewType ace pilot of the UC era.
Marika chose this pattern to express her gratitude to Amuro for helping her overcome difficulties in the mission world, but it also has a deeper meaning.
"Bedivere, do you know the meaning of the unicorn?"
Marika said mysteriously.
"Unicorn? If I remember correctly...it seems to be a sacred animal that symbolizes purity? It is said that only holy virgins can ride upon the beast's back."
Bedivere touched his chin with his prosthetic hand and replied thoughtfully.
"Well, it does have that meaning. But the unicorn actually has another symbolic meaning."
Marika said.
"Another meaning?"
Bedivere tilted his head and asked. This was the first time he heard such a statement.
"Well! The unicorn has another title, and that is the Beast of Possibility!"
"The beast of possibility?"
"That's right! It represents a symbol of hope, a miraculous beast that turns impossible dreams into reality! I hope that when people see this standard, they will not be afraid, but know that the possibility of peace has emerged."
There was a certain excitement in Marika's eyes, as if she could see some kind of scenery that ordinary people couldn't see.
"Turning dreams of peace into a reality? If it is you, Master, it may be possible.
"As long as you pray sincerely, the possibility of a miracle will be born", I understand now… Then, as your loyal knight, I will defend this possibility with my life, Master."
After hearing Marika's answer, Bedivere's eyes became firm and he spoke solemnly to Marika. He held the flag in his hand tightly with both hands, as if it was his most precious treasure.
[Author's recommended BGM: Mobile Suit Gundam UC Unicorn OST-Gundam (second part)]
The next day…
An army of 100,000 men lined up majestically outside the city gate, with red unicorn-patterned standards flying among the Royal guards, waiting for their king to come to the military parade.
At this time, a loud horn attracted everyone's attention. It turned out that Artorius blew a horn made of bull horns. Then Artorius announced in a rarely loud voice:
"Her Majesty has arrived!"
Following his announcement, Marika gradually appeared in front of everyone, wearing silver armor and a golden crown, accompanied by her silver-armed knight and riding her mighty spectral steed.
Marika's eyes swept across the army in front of her, and a heavy sense of responsibility fell on her heart. This time, one hundred thousand people will trust her with their lives.
Marika calmed down her excitement, took a deep breath, then pulled out the Holy Sword of Stars from her waist, held it high, and used voice amplification magecraft to deliver her pre-war speech to everyone.
"Everyone, listen to your orders! This time our army will go to the eastern territories of the Kingdom of Inrud to attack these enemies who attack our people and destroy the commerce of various countries. This operation will be an invasive campaign against another country. I hope you all can be mentally prepared. This battle will be recorded in history. Whether our actions are just or not, I myself cannot judge. It is not us who can decide this matter, but it is the young children who are alive now, and the children who are not yet born! But even if we have to entrust the judgment to them, we must come back alive. While protecting our home, we must look at ourselves to ensure that we can leave a legacy for our children. The next future to be proud of. As a king, a warrior, and an adult, I look forward to your hard work! Long live our kingdom!"