Chapter 453 – General of Terror Iron Mask
Chapter 453 The Iron Mask of the General of Terror
“Are there any survivors?”
Zach replied with an expression completely fed up with the mountain of corpses.
“We captured about 300 people.”
“There is more left than I thought.
This tactic needs reinforcement.
What about Ludvik?”
“I am awake.
Anastasia asked about the general.”
“Let’s have dinner together later.
Bring all the prisoners.”
Somehow, all the surviving captives were dragged away.
“…”
“That bitch was particularly stubborn and had a hard time catching it.
He swung a scythe in front of him to protect the corpses of his comrades.
Her Majesty, Sir Angela, and General Adolf personally captured them.”
Dirty nun clothes.
Peeled eyepatch.
Exposed golden eyes.
A kneeling nun in gray clothes.
“Why are you here?
How did you survive?”
“Kill…”
“Agnès.
Why did you stay?”
“Kill… !”
“Didn’t you go?”
“Are you asking me to live alone?!
You still don’t know me that much!”
“I gave you a chance.”
“Eight! Wow!”
Iron puck.
“Twie, twie!”
“How dare that year… !”
“Done.
Leave it alone.”
Jerk, jerk.
It was a small body, so there was no need to squat down.
“What makes you so angry?”
“What… ?”
“Isn’t it natural to die and die on the battlefield?”
“…”
“I must have been excited when I was dragging the five guardian dragons around.
It must have been fun when the steel bird called from the other world flew in the sky and fired invisible shells.
Because you hit me
How do you feel when you get hit backwards?”
Agnes lowered her head and turned her words away.
“… Is that true?
What you said in your speech.”
The speech at the National Cemetery must have been heard by the soldiers.
“They said that they would kill 10 enemies for every Demon King who died, and 100 humans for every dead people.
Did you really?”
“Okay.”
“It has changed.”
“Everyone changes.
Especially on the battlefield.”
“And all the same.
I wanted
Even if you change, I hope you change for the better.”
The golden eyes contained sincerity.
Sincere hopes and wishes.
“Like I did, I wanted you to change for the better…”
“Agnès.”
“Don’t do that.
Say yes to those who have sinned.
Who were the ones who stayed quiet?
Are you going to kill me for being human?”
“Then.
For those who died because they were demons, for those who were experimented on because they had horns.
I’ll kill you anyway.”
“Then what are you different about!
What’s the difference between them?!”
“Justice defense is different.
If a lot of people die, you’ll be sorry.
Now, when you invade someone else’s country, you will be more careful.
You know that too, right?”
The first word I learned when learning swordsmanship from my master.
“‘Only those who are prepared to be stabbed should draw their swords’.
It’s a famous saying.
They would have made up their minds too.
If you didn’t do it, if you’re that selfish, then you deserve to die.”
“Do not do that!
You can’t be Philip!”
“Philip?
Don’t you dare put me on the same line as that guy.
Hello!
Gag this woman!”
“You must not be ruthless in killing!
Don’t break it!
Town! Ugh!”
“Lock that bitch in my barracks.
There is something to write about.
Double the magic blockade handcuffs, and put a knife around your neck.”
“Yes, General.”
“The bodies of those wearing black cloaks and grotesque masks, cremate them separately.
And bring me some bone meal.”
Moved diligently.
“What about the rest?”
“Choose two from each of those whose hometown is in the east, south, and west.”
Six humans brought before me.
“Put out one eye.
And all the rest gouge out both eyes.”
“”””!!!!!””””
“Yes.”
A scream rang the heavens.
“Aaaaa!!”
Fu-wook!
“Sah, save me!
No!”
Fast deuk… !
“Quaaaaa!!”
Thump, thump!
“I’ll let you lead 50 people each.
East, west, south, return to your hometown.”
Standing in front of them with their hands behind their backs.
“Huh…”
Hehe…”
I dare not even meet my eyes.
Because it has no eyes
Very satisfied.
“And tell me.
The iron mask did this.
If you resist, this will happen.”
“” “Hey… !”””
It’s funny how you pee while shaking.
It must have been very exciting just a few days ago.
“Take some soldiers with you, and pass them through the oak coffin.
So that I can go back to my hometown and spread rumors.”
“Yes.”
“Did Balak and Blücher sortie?”
“Yes.
After completing the formation of the main unit as instructed, we sortied to the east.
It will push them all the way to the Hydas River in an instant.”
Indeed it was.
The minimal forces Marquis John had left were insufficient to defend.
Chara la la la rock!
[Wahhahahaha!!
Ruler of the sky, this body is leaving!!]
Fuhuaaaaa!
“Ouch!”
“B-It’s a black dragon!!”
“Nopo, bring the oldpo!
Aww!”
How comfortable it is to have a dragon, to have control over the air.
Kara Mitt put the resentment he had in the past and melted it away with an acid breath.
Each army split up and marched in three major directions.
A small number of troops took charge of the siege, and the main force marched at once.
“Hwan Empire Hwarangdo stood at the forefront.
They say they ignore the castles and run all the way.”
“There’s a water dragon, so I’ll take care of it.”
“Yes?
No.
Can’t you see the water dragon?”
“What?”
It’s cryptic, but I don’t care if you’re doing well in breaking through.
In order to keep the supply route safe, you must capture the enemy’s forts and castles remaining on your supply route.
We ordered Adolph’s army to advance east, and toured the front line through the dimensional gate.
“What?
Are there any castles that haven’t been captured yet?”
“That, that…
It’s a castle that would be in trouble without air support…”
“That’s stupid.
Are you going to look at the sky?
Can’t do anything without air support?!”
“Sin, sorry!
I will correct it!”
“Tsk.
Bring the tactical map.”
Chin.
“Here.
There is a pig farm.
On my way back, I noticed that the pigs were very chubby.”
“Yes?”
“Should I help more?”
“Sin, sorry!
“Dig a tunnel.”
“Ah, I see!”
They dug a tunnel and set the pig’s body on fire, and it burned well for a very long time.
Kururureung!!!
To the extent that a building with a skeleton of wood could easily collapse.
Wow aaaaa
“When conducting a siege, the first priority is to understand the structure of the building.
As well as understanding topography and geology.
Carefully check the available resources that can be mobilized around you.”
“All right.”
“Balak is refreshingly ahead.
Is that a sign of Balak passing by?”
“Yes.
He is advancing forward, displaying the corpse on the window sill.
You cut off the neck and built a separate tower.”
Hornless, short-eared faces.
They are all human.
“You’re an expert at decapitation.
So, let’s follow the lead.
It reaches the Hydas River before winter, and crosses it when the river freezes in winter.
Let’s go to reclaim the territory of our sacred motherland!”
Jiying—.
Strategic Weapon Stella.
All-weather usability from communication to movement.
Thanks to that, I can patrol each unit on the wide front at the same time.
“That castle is full of humans.
It is said that those who did not participate in the holy war also migrated for occupation.”
“Okay?
Ballack, you can’t get over it yet.
They are very tough.”
“The access road is horizontally narrow and vertically too high.
They seemed to have enough ponds and enough food.
The Giants were vacant.
It is difficult to cross the walls even with ladders or siege towers.”
“Then you have to trick yourself.”
“How?”
Snug.
“Deliver this letter to the castle.”
The content is simple.
[The Demon King’s iron mask general, Kamuda.
Kill the cats and lots in the castle according to the number written below and offer them.
Then I will break the siege and give you freedom.]
“What cat and swallow?
Are you short on troops?”
“Wait.
The main force of the corps should advance or finish.”
After waiting, the tribute arrived sooner than expected.
“Shall I boil the water now?”
“No.
Attach a wad of cotton to the cat and the swallow, and set them on fire to set them free.
All light infantry, prepare ladders.
Support the heavy infantry in the back.”
After a while.
Roaring!
“Aaaaa!!”
“Fire, fire!!!”
A burning castle in the distance.
“General… ?”
“An animal with a regressive instinct will go home if frightened.”
Cats and swallows on fire returned to the castle and carried the fire.
Mobilized for fire extinguishing work, take advantage of the weakened defenses of the walls and cross the walls!
“Any promises?”
Jack’s bewildered expression.
“Didn’t you keep it?
I said we would break the siege, but we didn’t say we wouldn’t attack.”
“Yes?!
Then freedom… ?”
“Freedom?
That’s good
When you die, you are free.”
Puff! Bang!
Wow aaaaa
“The advance party has crossed the walls and planted flags over the gates!”
Awesome—.
“The gates are open!”
“It’s done.
Ballack.
Wipe out everything that makes noise in the castle.
I will go and check it myself.”
“Yes, General!
Hey, bring the axe!”
Wow aaaaa
Awesome!
“Sah, save me… !”
Tuck!
“Aagh!”
Kwajijik!
Indeed, as promised, Balak did not leave behind the sound of children crying, cattle barking, or birds.
Match. Match. Match.
“Excellent.
Indeed, the son of Genocider Khan!
You must be that disciple.”
“That’s too much praise, General!”
Balak who answered boldly,
“””…”””
Stella, Marie and Angela follow me.
“What about Blucher?”
“We have already arrived at the Hidas River and have completed the bridge.”
“Already?!”
Guy.
The desire for promotion is great.
“Yes.
The vanguard has already laid siege to the enemy castle across the river, throwing corpses with catapults.”
“Dead body?”
“Yes.
The corpse has a lot of bubbles, and the ooze comes out.
They put the corpse in a catapult and throw it into the wall.
Along with the carcass of a dead cow.”
“You are special.
It must have been well learned over my shoulder.
That’s what voidness does.”
A siege that requires heavy use of tools and machinery.
It’s not a field battle, so the demon soldiers are ahead of the berserker troops.
“I tried to cross the river when it freezes in winter.
Blucher is fast.”
“I made an ice bridge with water mages supported by Stella.”
“That’s the enemy’s method.”
“Yes.
The days are getting colder, so it seems to have been a little easier.”
Nangbo (朗報) was lined up.
“Hwan Empire Hwarangdo has advanced to the border of Amitie!”
“As expected, they are mounted archers, so they move quickly.”
“About 20 castles surrendered to Brigade Commander Blücher.
The plague on the corpse has spread, and they are unable to enter.”
“Control access well, burn everything.
Transfer it to our army.”
“General Balak also crossed the Hydas River.
It’s momentum to go to the castle of Amitie before winter.
About 30 castles fell at once.”
“Nene is supporting Corps Commander Blücher with the 3rd and 7th corps in rotation.
The enemies on the line of our supply line were eliminated without leaving a single watchtower.”
“Now I don’t have to go out to check the wires.”
“Yes.
Because you joined.
There are quite a few variables, nothing wrong.”
Quite a few variables can cause abnormalities.
“I will report you.
Prince Fernando of Ariandel led his Praetorian Guard across the border between Amitie and Ariandel.
We are going to gather troops recruited from the city-states under Ariandel and join the Templars in the castle in Amity.”
“What about the numbers?”
“The Praetorian Guard and Templars number in the thousands at most, but if you combine the participants in the crusade from all over the world and the troops requisitioned from the city-state coalition, it is estimated that it will be a large force of 100,000.”
“Does not matter.
It’s a misnomer anyway.
The arrangement may not have been done properly.
When is the estimated time to gather?”
“When winter comes, the river freezes over and you can cross it.
It is expected that they will all gather in front of the Amity Castle within two months.”
“You have plenty of time.
We go to the Hydas River and re-float the Floating Fortress.
Stellar.
I’ll give you Light Blinger.
Go to the Hidas River with Angela and set up a floating fortress.
And join me.”
“Okay…”
Anxious eyes.
The variable was also inside.
***
“General!
Rejoice!
The Western Elves tried to move their army, but they retreated near the border!
It seems that news of the annihilation of Marquis John’s army has been delivered!”
“The enemies are scattered and routed helplessly!
Reclaiming the entire Hydas River defense line, crossing the river!
Looks like we’ll be able to push it close to our old borders soon!”
Our army, advancing in three directions, won a great victory.
That would be too,
“The enemies must have thought we were heading south in pursuit of Marquis John.
They must have been slowly preparing for the sit-in, anticipating that they would march eastward in earnest only after this winter had passed.
Rather than repairing the walls or recruiting troops, they would have prepared food production or winter equipment throughout the winter.”
“You must have been taken aback by the soldiers who arrived unexpectedly quickly.”
“Yes.
I was aiming for that from the beginning, and I was maneuvering.”
“Could it be that you sent General Balack and General Blücher first for that purpose?”
“Huh.
Balak’s berserkers are focused on the light infantry, and Blucher’s demons are good at sieges, so I thought the synergy would be good.”
“Actually, we went separately because of the competitive spirit.”
“It just needed to be effective.
Competition is also a good motivator.
Since we recaptured the west side of the Hydas River earlier than expected, there will be plenty of time to establish a defensive line.”
“Ah, then, are you going to build your defenses again on the Hydas River all winter?”
“What?
No.
We’re going to push into our old borders and establish our defenses.
It pushes forward like lightning before the enemy wakes up.”
I conveyed my idea to Adolph, Ballack, Nene, Blücher and others.
The Demon King is spreading out.
To support them, the Stellar army, led by Duke Dupre, hurriedly ran.
“I want Stella to take care of the border defense.
The main force of the Demon King’s army prepares for a quick response inside the border.”
Pay for the rice
We must also prepare for internal rebellion.
“Then, please prepare an air force or cavalry on the inside of the border.
You never know when the enemies will gather and advance north.”
The Duke of Dupre was also concerned about having an army deep in the territory of the Demon King’s army, so he obediently agreed.
That’s how we built up victories.
So fast that it causes problems.
“General, I have a report.
Please decide on the treatment of the prisoners within the borders of the recaptured Demon King Army.”
“What?
When did we take prisoners?”
“Yes?
Oh, that’s…”
According to Jacques’ explanation, the enemy’s forces behind the allies’ advance were too fast, as well as the temple participants, migrants, and non-combat pilgrims.
It is said that a significant number of civilians remained.
He said that he had heard the news of the fall of major castles after seeing our troops besieging every castle before he even prepared for a siege.
They were afraid
And decisively, as soon as they heard the news of the destruction of the main army led by Marquis John, they all surrendered.
“… So they captured all those who surrendered and gathered them in one place.
The number is well over 10,000, and it will continue to grow.”
“Increase?”
“It’s because the units that captured the enemy’s castles and fortresses on the supply route are joining one after another with prisoners.”
When I went outside, I saw a group of disarmed humans.
From young men who can carry weapons to middle-aged men, women, the elderly, and sometimes even children.
“It’s food for the prisoners, and there’s not enough space to keep them locked up, right?
Let’s decide before all the prisoners from other places arrive.”
As the meeting progressed, opinions began to diverge.
The beginning was Ballack.
“Well, let’s kill them all.
As a combat training for the new recruits, you can practice cutting and destroying them.
Then stick his neck through the spear and hang the body.
Putting it on the border would set a good example.”
Adolf quickly agreed.
“That’s right.
The food to feed the prisoners is also food, and we need a lot of people to watch.
Execution also helps boost the morale of the soldiers.”
“So what are you talking about?
Let’s quickly decapitate before everyone gathers!”
As Balak rises vigorously with an axe spear, my Guardian Knight quietly blocks the way.
“What?”
Ballack looking down at Angela, barely over half her height.
“It’s not possible.
The meeting is not over yet.”
“What?”
“Lord.
More than half of them are non-combatants.
Are you sure you want to kill them all?”
“You bastards who came to occupy our land, what have you been watching?
In war, where are the combatants and non-combatants hardened?
If you stand with a stone on top of a castle, that’s the number of combatants.
Move.”
“Master!
It shouldn’t be like this!
It is against chivalry to kill those who do not resist!”
Ballack tries to push Angela away.
Since I have my own child, I can’t hit it, so I hesitate.
Angela holding back.
Marie, who was next to me, jumped out to help.
“The sun god told us to love our neighbors.
If they’ve surrendered, they have no will to resist. Do you really have to kill them?
Among them, there must be those who were instigated by people like Philip and blindly followed, or those who took up their swords because there were family members who were sacrificed by the demon king’s army!
Responsibility for this war should be taken by those who decided the war and massacre!
Not the ones who followed their instructions!”
At that time, a corps commander opened his mouth.
“It’s not like giving prisoners three meals a day, isn’t a handful of rice balls and a glass of water a day enough?
Soon, when the situation is settled, His Majesty will come too.
Please wait a little longer and decide.”
It was Van Dark’s successor Blucher.
Since he was the corps commander with the lowest amount of time, he was cautious about his words.
But the message is clear.
“Let’s hold off?”
“Yes.”
“Gee, he was bold when he marched!
Are you afraid to come into practice?
Yes?”
When Ballack looked back at Blucher, Blucher slightly covered his eyes and avoided them.
But his mouth kept moving.
“Determining the lives of tens of thousands of people deserves careful consideration.
It can be an important human resource, has an impact on public sentiment, and above all, doesn’t it have allies?
Queen Stella and Duke Dupre may have a different opinion.”
“Under!
Should we be paying attention to the humans now?!
If the favor continues, you know it’s a right!
Boil or bake the invaders, that’s up to us!
No, that’s right, Kamyu!”
Now Balak is a general and Nabal, and he just started throwing words while calling his name.
I calmed him down
“… First of all, since it’s a meeting, I’ll listen to all opinions.
Adolf, what do you think?”
“Are you asking for the obvious?
By cutting off their heads, I will avenge Asuf.
I heard you also promised us that in the castle of demons?”
Adolf, who was not there while pursuing Marquis John’s army.
At those words, Balak deeply nodded his head.
The reactions of the other corps commanders were not particularly different.
“As the Great General promised, we need revenge.”
“You have to pay back as much as you received, no more than that!”
“I have to step on it so that it doesn’t come on again!”
However, the reaction of Stella and Duke Dupre, who arrived soon after, was different.
“It’s not possible!
By slaughtering like that, how can you win people’s hearts?
We did not fight in alliances to end this war in revenge!
As the true Queen of Amity, I have come to reclaim her throne and kingdom, and to establish lasting peace!”
At Stella’s words, Duke Dupre helped.
“Exactly. General.
You haven’t forgotten our marriage contract, have you?
Those captives are all people of Amitie.
If it is rumored that everyone will die if they are caught, even if Amitye is conquered, unification will be far off.”
Then Balak reproached.
“Those people are the same human beings, so they wrap themselves around!
Are they not on our side after all?”
Adolf helped.
“In the end, for the sake of their interests, aren’t they supposed to yield to us?
In order to rule Amitie, I don’t want to be criticized by the people.
They didn’t get hurt, so they wouldn’t be interested in revenge.”
“That’s right!
Did those humans even do anything in the war?
Let’s do it our way!
What kind of bastard are you asking for permission?!
Camu!
Hurry up and give the order!”
Stella was furious at Balak’s remarks that crossed the line.
“Yes?!
What are you talking about?!
From the Hydas River Battle, from the Dragon Terror before that, from the Catherine Assassination Operation to the Battle of the Demon Castle… !
You must not have forgotten that my army and I played an active part, right?
Who blocked the otherworldly weapon that Alberic brought?
It’s embarrassing to say it with my mouth, but should I give you more examples?”
Duke Dupre stepped forward.
“I will not deny that I am a stakeholder.
However, as an ally, it is a natural demand.
The reason this alliance was able to come true in the first place was because of these conditions.
The queen has been betrothed since the time the general was an informant.
Now I am pregnant with his child.
… Can you imagine the accusation you will hear from the people of Amitie when you go back?
If you commit a massacre, you will become a rare evil woman who sold out your country by joining hands with an enemy general!”
This is also true.
“Didn’t the general draw a big picture with us?
I will lead my army into the castle of Amitie, establish a royal family half-man, half-horse as the legitimate successor of Amitie, and establish peace!
Even if he wins the hearts of nobles and people and returns to the castle, it is doubtful whether the half-blood prince will be properly treated as royalty!
If we even slaughter here, who will accept us?
When the war turns to victory, are you driving us?!”
“That’s right!
Do you know who is asking for help because they are emotionally pitiful?
Because that’s war!
I know that too!
But tell me if this is really necessary, General Balak!
If it were known that everyone would die if they surrendered, the enemies would resist more!
Are you going to cause even greater sacrifices?”
“Joy!
Who has caught the Demon King’s people and hung them on the street?
See the tentacle monster, who conducted the human experiment as a prisoner?
That’s all karma!
We have royal griffon lighters, black dragons, aerial forts, and floating castles as backup forces!
Air superiority and ground forces, none of which are against us!
What?
Greater sacrifice?
Under!
Why don’t you try it!”
“Yes.
We have already executed about 30,000 enemy prisoners in our retreat from the Hydas River Battle.
If you’re going to turn around, you’ve already turned around.
Isn’t that right, Kamyu?!”
Even Balack and Adolph do not back down.
“Don’t do that, come up with a useful solution.
How about selling the women as maids to raise money for the military, and having the men serve in the navy as rowers?”
Although Blücher comes up with his own compromise,
“Do you think the public sentiment won’t be shaken if you do that?”
“Okay.
How are you going to carry these tens of thousands?
And when so many goods are released to the slave market at once, the price is so low that I can’t even get my price!
Cheonghaejindo is also at war, so it’s hard to sell it otherwise!
If I sell them to human merchants, will they come back with weapons?”
I was attacked from both sides and kept my mouth shut.
“Stop.
Decided.”
“””!!!!”””
When I raised my hand to stop the discussion, attention focused.
“It is as Balak said.
Slit the neck without hesitation
Bet it proudly at the border.”
“Honey!!!!”
Stella’s cry,
“It is military time.
Call me Grand General, my queen.”
“Keugh… !”
Just cut
“First, they are invaders who have remained in our territory.
Not even innocent people.
So the cause is with us.”
Angela closed her eyes tightly.
“Second, I made a promise in the castle of demons.
I did it because I was angry, but it was really necessary.
Didn’t the liberator demon king also say that?
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Alas, don’t try to explain.
I know that it was originally meant to prevent indiscriminate revenge by citing the principle of retaliation against East Asia.
But can there be such a quantifiable measure in the affairs of nations?
At the very least, it should be at a level that is understandable to allied troops and the Demon King’s people.”
Marie opened his mouth and sighed.
“Third, you have to convince the enemy.
The captives ignored the initial invitation to surrender and surrendered after resisting.
If the idea of surrender is widespread, the problem will not be solved.
The advance of our allies is also delayed, and there is confusion on the front line.”
“Lord… !”
“Since when did the shield speak?
Do as you say.”
“Camyu-sama… !”
“… Let’s end this meeting.”
I jumped up and left the barracks.
.
.
.
It is a day full of blood and screams all day long.
A clap, a clap, a throat-cutting sound.
Cries while waiting for your turn.
The laughter of soldiers enjoying their prisoners before cutting their throats.
It was noisy and chaotic everywhere.
“There are no exceptions.
Cut your throat!”
The axes of Balak and the Berserkers moved nonstop.
That night.
“I’m here.”
“…”
Marie didn’t welcome me.
Lying in the same bed with our backs turned, we fell asleep late at night.
***
“Your Majesty, please!”
“General, you have worked hard.
You’ve almost got your territory back!
As expected, he is my father and general!
Is it not?”
“””Yes, Your Majesty.”””
Rumica, accompanied by Ran, the guards, and Deputy Commander Ezio, arrived.
And with the human captives captured from all over the place.
“So, what are you going to do with all these captives?”
Many times more than those killed yesterday.
We had to choose
“… What happened while Jim was gone?”
The demons were standing to the right of Rumika, and the humans to the left of Rumika, staring at each other.
I stood on the right side of the meeting room next to Rumika’s throne.