When Duanmu Huai and his group arrived before the city gates, the city finally opened its gates, hoisted white flags, and announced its surrender.
"You are…?"
"I am Krim, deputy commander of Herman's Fourth Legion."
Standing before Duanmu Huai, the blonde woman clad in black armor looked deathly pale, yet she still maintained a soldier's dignity.
"It was you who ordered the surrender?"
"Yes."
Krim lowered her head.
"We know we are no match for the Inquisition. Although, given my position, I perhaps shouldn't say this, but… I ask that you show mercy and spare the people of this city. They are innocent."
"Hmm…"
Seated in his chair and staring at Krim, Duanmu Huai pondered for a moment.
"Why did you choose to surrender instead of running away? Aren't you the deputy of the Fourth Legion? Finding a scapegoat and saving your own life wouldn't have been a bad option either."
"Perhaps that's true…"
Hearing Duanmu Huai's question, Krim revealed a bitter smile.
"As you say. But no matter what, I did not wish to see my subordinates die for orders that made no sense. And I also know very clearly that our Fourth Legion has no strength to oppose the Inquisition."
"Very good."
Hearing Krim's answer, Duanmu Huai nodded in satisfaction.
"It's clear you're a sensible person, so I won't beat around the bush. Do you want to cooperate with our Inquisition?"
"…Cooperate?"
It had to be said—upon hearing Duanmu Huai's question, Krim was completely stunned.
"Sorry, I don't understand what you mean…"
"You should understand why the Inquisition came here. The AL Church colluded with Herman to declare war on the Inquisition. Since they think we're easy to bully, we'll show them that we are not. However, the Inquisition does not intend to annex Herman. Therefore, we hope to cooperate with you."
"…You mean…"
Hearing this, Krim couldn't help but freeze. She had originally thought that since the Inquisition had captured this place, annexation was inevitable. After all, that had always been the case in wars. Yet Duanmu Huai was saying the Inquisition did not plan to occupy Herman's territory?
"The Inquisition's enemies are Oz, the bishop of the AL Church, and Chancellor Stisser, who dared to collude with Oz, act recklessly, and challenge the authority of the Inquisition. I've heard that Chancellor Stisser currently holds real power in Herman, correct?"
"That is indeed the case…"
Krim did not deny it. In fact, almost all of Herman's high-ranking officials knew this. The newly enthroned Emperor Shira was nothing more than a puppet; even state affairs were handled by Chancellor Stisser. There were even rumors that this chancellor had some sort of improper relationship with Emperor Shira's mother, the Queen Mother of Herman… Of course, such family scandals were not spoken of openly.
"I also know a bit about Herman's current situation. You don't seem like someone blindly loyal to the point of stupidity, so let me ask you—do you want to change Herman together with us?"
"..."
"The Inquisition's goal is very simple: completely eliminate Oz, who dares to oppose us, and Stisser and his remaining faction. Coincidentally, isn't present-day Herman being tormented miserably by these parasites? There are resistance forces everywhere, aren't there? Do you want to join them as well?"
"Do you mean… you want me to join forces with the Inquisition, eliminate Stisser's faction, and assist the Emperor?"
"Whether or not you assist the Emperor is your own affair. The Inquisition is only here to do what it must do. As long as you don't provoke the Inquisition, how you change this country is entirely your business. It's that simple."
Duanmu Huai stared at Krim, whose expression now showed hesitation.
"B-but… we are, after all, the Fourth Legion loyal to the Empire. To rebel rashly…"
"Rebel?"
Hearing this, Duanmu Huai chuckled.
"No, Miss Krim, this isn't rebellion. This is purging the traitors at the Emperor's side!"
"…Purging the traitors at the Emperor's side??"
"That's right. Chancellor Stisser spreads deceitful words, monopolizes state power, brings chaos to the nation, and imprisons the Emperor—his crimes are unforgivable. You, as soldiers loyal to the nation and the Emperor, raise troops and march to the royal capital to purge the traitors, protect imperial authority—what crime is there in that?"
"...…???"
It had to be said—upon hearing this, Krim was completely dumbfounded. This normally stern, composed woman even lost her decorum and gaped openly.
Rebellion… can it be put that way?
And moreover… why does it sound so damn reasonable?!
"B-but, in such a situation, as long as the Emperor comes forward to explain…"
"Would that be useful?"
Duanmu Huai sneered and looked at Krim.
"Everyone knows the Emperor is a puppet. Even if she comes out to explain, who would believe she truly means it, rather than saying it under the Chancellor's coercion? If you want to prove that isn't the case, it's very simple—have the Emperor order Stisser beheaded, dissolve the Council, and send those Council lackeys back to their hometowns. Only then would it prove the point, wouldn't it?"
"...…!"
Hearing this, Krim's body trembled, and the girls beside her looked at Duanmu Huai in astonishment.
What a vicious move!
Indeed, just as Krim had said, Chancellor Stisser held power, and Emperor Shira was merely his puppet. Even if they truly raised this banner, the other side could simply have the Emperor say a few words, and their cause would instantly lose its legitimacy.
But adding a precondition changed everything!
It's not enough for the Emperor to just talk. If you want to prove it, then behead Stisser. After all, the slogan explicitly states that Stisser monopolizes state power, wreaks havoc on the nation, and manipulates the Emperor. If the Emperor wants to prove that's not the case, then cut off Stisser's head and dissolve the Council… Would Stisser agree to that?
Of course he wouldn't!
If the Emperor truly had power, she'd have chopped him long ago.
Thus, it became a deadlock. Unless Stisser changed his name, assumed a new identity, and fled Herman, there was only one path left—fight it out to the end!
Not only that, this also gave them a legitimate cause!
On this continent, rebellions were not unheard of. But those rebellions either sought independence from the state or aimed to overthrow the king and seize the throne. Such rebellions, at the very least, were morally indefensible. But once Duanmu Huai's slogan of "purge the traitors, execute the treacherous minister, protect imperial authority" was raised, it elevated the rebellion to an entirely new level!
It could stabilize the majority of the populace, and might even draw in many troops loyal to the nation to join them!
After all, if it were simple rebellion, out of a desire to protect their country, many armies would have no choice but to grit their teeth and defend the state even if they despised the rulers' actions.
But if the target was focused on a few specific individuals, that was a different story!
We are not betraying the country—we are correcting chaos, protecting imperial authority, and rebuilding the nation!
Just listen to that. Once this is said, all righteousness shifts to the rebels' side. If you claim to be loyal to the Emperor and love the country, then not rebelling would be indefensible!
Of course, this also depended on the country. In a place like Seth, even if you said this, no one would believe it—after all, King Gandhi's fists were that big. Anyone who tried would just get smashed to death.
Naturally, to give them a legitimate cause, Duanmu Huai also made several demands of Krim.
First, this legion would act in the name of "supporting the Emperor," not rebellion.
Second, to maintain legitimacy, wherever they went, they must obey the law, strictly restrain their soldiers, and forbid looting, abuse, or harassment of civilians. Once discovered, regardless of status or rank, the offender would be executed publicly.
Krim naturally did not object. As a woman, she disliked soldiers running rampant, looting and abusing civilians after battles anyway. Of course, this would cost them a significant number of troops. But fortunately, with the Inquisition at their side, the least of their worries was the front-line battlefield.
However, Krim also had her own concerns.
"But if that's the case, then regarding military funding…"
"That's even simpler."
In response to Krim's worry, Duanmu Huai appeared very calm.
"People like Stisser who monopolize the state—there must be no shortage of lackeys under them, right?"
"Of course."
"Are there Stisser's lackeys and followers in this city?"
Krim nodded.
"Then it's simple. Round them up and confiscate their property. Distribute the grain and such to the civilians, and use the rest as military funds. As for those lackeys—those guilty of serious crimes are to be executed publicly; the others can be imprisoned or exiled. Of course, remember to target the big ones and spare the small fry—don't wipe them all out in one stroke."
Duanmu Huai calmly gave his answer.
"Hiss…"
Although Duanmu Huai himself appeared calm, everyone else around him couldn't help but suck in a cold breath upon hearing this. This move was truly pulling the rug out from under them—dark to the core.
Just as Duanmu Huai said, for Stisser's faction to stir up trouble in Herman, there must be many lackeys beneath them, and they surely amassed considerable wealth by relying on Stisser. Rather than squeezing the civilians and arousing popular resentment, it was better to directly target these big fish. Moreover, this approach didn't conflict at all with their slogan of supporting the Emperor—after all, their goal was to strike at these traitors who brought chaos to the nation. Targeting Stisser's lackeys was only natural!
Calculated this way, the army gained funds, gained popular support, and stabilized morale. The only ones who lost were Stisser and his lackeys…
A bloody profit with no loss!
"I understand."
For someone so young to reach the position of deputy commander, Krim was naturally sharp-minded. After turning it over in her head and listening to Duanmu Huai's words, she made her decision.
"I will act according to your instructions."
"Good, then I'll leave it to you. Oh, and…"
As he spoke, Duanmu Huai made a gesture. Soon, an Dark Night Guard walked over, holding a man with an ashen face like he was carrying a chick. Upon seeing that face, Krim's expression changed slightly—naturally, for her, this face was all too familiar.
"This guy tried to flee on horseback. We caught him. I'll leave him to you to deal with."
Duanmu Huai chuckled. The Dark Night Guard then tossed the man onto the ground. The man lifted his head, saw Krim, and instantly flew into a rage.
"Krim, what is the meaning of this?! Didn't I order you to defend the city to the death? You actually dared to surrender! You are the disgrace of soldiers! I'll execute you on the spot!"
As he spoke, Nero scrambled up from the ground, roaring as he lunged at Krim. Facing the charging General Nero, Krim's expression did not change. She simply stood there calmly. Then, the moment Nero rushed in, she clenched her fist and smashed it into his face. Seizing his outstretched arm, she followed through with a shoulder throw, slamming him heavily into the ground!
"Bang!!"
Nero collapsed on the ground, eyes rolling back as he passed out. Duanmu Huai looked at him with amusement.
"What do you plan to do with him?"
"According to military law, fleeing in battle is treated as treason. He will be beheaded and displayed publicly."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
"…Yes, sir."
Hearing this, Krim lowered her head and once again bowed to Duanmu Huai. Then she grabbed the unconscious Nero like a dead dog and turned to leave.
(End of Chapter)