第１０５３堀：皇帝と皇帝 (Part1)
### Chapter 1053: Emperor and Emperor
**Side: Eupia**
"Show. Yuki-dono has already suppressed those fools. Now, win this battle with peace of mind!"
"Understood! Wyvern squadron, aerial magic corps, both the left and right wings are commencing operations as planned!"
"Acknowledged."
"As you command."
Show issued the orders immediately, and the two generals moved their respective units to assault the Highn Empire army.
The enemy had completely lost their vanguard. If we were to hesitate, there was a risk they might use that opening to retreat. I would not allow them a safe withdrawal. To ensure this became the decisive battle and the final settlement, I deployed my trump card—the aerial units—to begin enveloping the enemy from both flanks.
However, as expected of the Highn Empire. Perhaps the vanguard had been mere fodder from the start; even after losing them, they showed no sign of fleeing. Instead, they deployed their own aerial magic corps to engage our Wyverns and aerial magic units.
"As expected, it won't be that simple. They won't let us take their head so easily."
"Indeed. But that is what makes them the Highn Empire. I never thought it would be an easy victory to begin with."
"Yes. That said, the movements of the enemy's aerial magic corps are not very refined. They likely lack practical combat experience."
I see. Is that why they are being shot down so easily by our forces?
However...
"Even so, while they may be weak soldiers, they are numerous. I would like to hope for a valiant effort from our soldiers, who possess superior training, but..."
Indeed, the Highn Empire's aerial magic corps is vast in number. They truly live up to their reputation for high national power. Because they haven't been in a constant state of war like we have, their numbers are significant. While the individual strength of their aerial units is inferior, if our forces are surrounded by sheer numbers, the balance of power will easily shift, and our soldiers and Wyverns will begin to fall.
"It is the height of folly to have excessive expectations of our soldiers' training when we are at a numerical disadvantage. We shall use the ground forces to take the enemy's main camp while we still can."
"Understood!"
Still, with Aslin’s Wyvern unit hidden within the skies, defeat is unlikely. Show understands this as well, issuing his orders with composure. No, not just Show—Vol and Mirabelle are also carrying out their commands without a shred of doubt regarding our victory.
In contrast, the Highn Empire army, which had managed to push us back at first, soon saw its center collapse—partly because their vanguard had turned against them, and partly due to the damage caused by the monsters of that "Goddess." The wings they had deployed rushed to support the main camp and gathered in the center.
Consequently, our army circled around from the outside, forming an encirclement.
However, the enemy realized they were being surrounded. They immediately formed a dense phalanx and, to my surprise, launched a charge directly toward our main camp.
"No, were we lured in?"
"Yes. That is a possibility. Our encirclement is not yet perfect, and our formations are not fully set. It will take time to recall the units currently spreading out for the siege. But..."
"Hmph. If we can withstand this attack, we win. They’re playing a cunning game... Tell the wings! Prioritize the encirclement above all else. The main force in the center will strike the enemy!"
"Understood!"
Hearing that reply, I reached for my beloved spear.
" " "Your Majesty!?" " "
Seeing this, Show and the other subordinates let out sounds that were almost screams. Under normal circumstances, it is the height of stupidity for a commander to lead the front lines. I am well aware of that.
"I must go. This is not about common sense. It is my duty as 'Emperor.' I will not permit any backtalk. Follow me, my elite soldiers! Step forward and repel the enemy's attack!"
" " "Understood!" " "
My Imperial Guards responded to my command without a hint of hesitation, following in my wake. These are the people who have served me, this young girl, with respect rather than contempt. Their levels are no mere trifles.
As I stepped out with my guards to the front line where the enemy was charging to take my head, Emperor Hans was waiting. He had dismounted his horse, sword in hand, and was rushing toward me.
"Ha! You’re a lively old man!"
"And you are a lively little girl!"
We exchanged those words as we swung our weapons, both aiming to reap the other's life.
*Clang!!*
"Hoh. To think you could deflect my attack."
"That is my line. You didn't come to the front line just for show, did you!"
"Naturally! But you could show a little more consideration for the youth! You old men should leave everything to the young and hurry off to the afterlife!"
"After seeing the fools from earlier, I know better than to leave things to the young!"
"That’s your own fault!"
*Boom! Crash! Bang!*
We exchanged blows with all our might, trading words like a bickering child and an old man. He does not call himself an Emperor for nothing. To be able to take my attacks and even launch counter-strikes... it means he is on the same level as I am.
"Honestly, to think people laughed at this old man for being 'ill'!"
"You’re the one who should be acting like a child and staying quiet in the back!"
"Ha! If I did that, I’d be watching you cut down my precious soldiers like wheat! Coming out here was the right choice!"
Indeed, my decision to come to the front was not a mistake. I never imagined this old man would be this strong. If I hadn't been here, my vanguard would have been literally cut to pieces, and the damage would have been far greater.
Still, the fact that Emperor Hans and I are deadlocked means we are buying time. If we keep this up...
"I won't let you buy time for an encirclement! Wave!"
"Understood! We will charge straight to the enemy's main camp and topple their flag! Let's goooo!"
" " "Oooooohhh!!" " "
What? I thought they would use their entire army to try and take me down, but they chose that path instead!?
"What a ridiculous appearance. Even if I strike you down here, it brings no honor. To onlookers, it would just be a massacre. I have no intention of indulging in that. I will simply have you lose as an army."
"Tch! You old geezer!"
So that was it! He used himself as a decoy to draw me out and create a path to my main camp! Those who don't know my true nature would think we’ve lost the moment the main camp's flag falls. I must avoid that at all costs!
"Show!!"
"Understood! General Wave! I, the Great Imperial Hope, shall be your opponent!"
"I will show no mercy, even to a young woman! Men, trample them and move forward!"
"That is my line! Imperial Guard, show your resolve! Do not let them pass! Defend to the end!"
" " "Oooooohhh!!" " "
Good, Show is successfully stopping the enemy's advance. I won't say "if we can just buy time" anymore.
"Old man, leave your head here!"
"That is my line!"
Neither of us bothered to stall; we went for the kill as quickly as possible. Victory was rolling right before our eyes. It was only natural to aim for it, as taking it meant the end!
I sharpened my spirit, poured strength into my limbs, and swung, thrust, slashed, and struck with my spear—a relentless barrage of attacks. The old man parried them all, weaving in martial arts as he swung his sword.
Truly, to meet an opponent against whom I can give my all in the final hour... Ah, I don't count Yuki-dono and his lot, as they are completely out of my league.