Chapter 429
by post_apiChapter 429: Dark Clouds Over the City
“The imperial army approaches menacingly… The simultaneous alliance of both the Duchy of Donelas and the Principality of Reba with the empire suggests this was premeditated.”
Magic Rainbow stood by the window in the third-floor corridor of the palace’s main castle, gazing into the distance, her eyes shimmering.
The streets were sparsely populated, and the air felt oppressively still. She lifted her gaze to the sky, where gathering clouds steadily obscured the sun… a clear sign of impending rain.
“Teacher… what should we do? Our kingdom’s military strength already pales before the empire’s, and now with two duchies joining them…”
Behind her, the Third Princess—now Queen Silvia—frowned, her hands repeatedly clenching and unclenching, heart brimming with unease.
Quelling domestic rebellions alone had been arduous enough. Now, with internal conflicts barely resolved, an even graver external threat loomed… The kingdom’s forces remained insufficient to withstand the combined might of two duchies and the empire.
This was undeniably the kingdom’s moment of life or death.
“Beyond the Duchy of Donelas and the Principality of Reba, I previously dispatched envoys to the third duchy, the Duchy of Ma’ika. Duke Ma’ika refrained from rebelling alongside the others, yet he refuses to send troops to aid the kingdom.”
“Though the Adventurer’s Guild wields considerable influence, they remain neutral in wars between nations—they won’t openly champion any side. Nevertheless, I’ve commissioned support tasks for the kingdom across their guilds, backed by substantial rewards.”
“Some adventurers may accept our contracts, yet against such overwhelming forces, their contribution might prove but a drop in the bucket.”
“We’ve mobilized every available resource within the kingdom, but even united… it falls short.”
With each word from Magic Rainbow, Silvia’s complexion grew paler.
“Then… does this mean we’re…”
The girl’s lips trembled as she stared at the figure before her, eyes reddening.
Just then.
“Silvia—no—Your Majesty, do you trust me?”
The white-haired woman turned abruptly, her gaze earnest as it met the young queen’s.
“Please call me Silvia, as always… And trust? Need you even ask? Without you, I’d have perished by that traitor Merleau’s hand. Our recent rebellion was swiftly quelled only through your guidance. You alone hold my complete faith.”
The girl nodded fervently.
“Do you have a plan, Teacher?”
“One exists, though it carries risks.”
“Risks? Speak plainly, Teacher.”
“Very well. I know someone who might help us crush—or even annihilate—most enemy forces. Seizing this chance to invade both duchies and reclaim them isn’t beyond reach.”
“Truly? Is this true?!”
Silvia’s eyes widened, a mix of shock and hope in her voice.
“Who is this person?”
“A reincarnator named White Feather. She has contacted me repeatedly, seeking to collaborate with the kingdom through me. As you know, reincarnators in this land possess extraordinary powers. Yet her abilities are not only formidable but perilous—hence my repeated refusals.”
Magic Rainbow delivered her rehearsed explanation, then paused before adding:
“The late King knew of this. He, too, feared her power.”
“Father knew? What ability could it be…?”
“The power to control monsters.”
“Control… monsters?!”
“Exactly, he can control monsters and turn them into his fighting puppets, with the capacity to command vast numbers—including mid to high-tier monsters.”
“Controlling monsters… no wonder Teacher said his ability is formidable and perilous. If those numerous monsters broke free during combat, it would spell catastrophe…”
After the initial shock, the girl murmured as if to herself.
Then, as if struck by realization, she lifted her gaze to Magic Rainbow again.
“Could Teacher mean—”
“Precisely. By deploying his controlled monsters into the war, he could likely shatter the allied forces of the two Grand Duchies and the Empire.”
“But… employing monsters to attack the human race’s armies…”
“Indeed. Not only would the Deta Empire react, but the Southern Kingdoms would also be provoked into action. Furthermore, the kingdom would face condemnation from the Church. We must also consider his potential unreliability—should the controlled monsters run amok… an out-of-control horde would worsen the situation catastrophically…”
Observing Silvia’s conflicted expression, Magic Rainbow shook her head.
“Best to abandon this plan. Involving monsters is far too perilous.”
“Then, Teacher… does Teacher have any other solutions?”
Silvia clung to her last shred of hope.
Magic Rainbow shook her head once more.
“The only external aid I can conceive is that reincarnator.”
“This…”
As Silvia wrestled with indecision, the sky finally darkened with clouds, and rain began pattering down.
Plink…
Plink… plink-plonk…
Patter-patter-patter…
Beyond the rain’s rhythm, both women caught the sound of urgent footsteps.
“…Your Majesty!”
When the footsteps reached the castle’s third floor, a rain-drenched soldier appeared before them, his face etched with panic as he half-knelt in armor.
“What transpires? Why such alarm?”
Beside her, Magic Rainbow’s expression shifted slightly as she inquired.
“Lord Magic Rainbow, they’re here… the enemy’s army is here!!”
“What?”
“The allied forces of the two Grand Duchies and the Empire have launched their assault on the royal capital!”
“How could they advance so swiftly? They should’ve needed to capture several cities before reaching the capital.”
“I know not—only that a massive army materialized abruptly before the southern gate!”
“Could they have employed large-scale teleportation magic…”
Magic Rainbow’s brow furrowed faintly.
Could the Empire truly possess mages capable of such spells? No… magical artifacts might also achieve this.
“Enemy numbers?”
“Twenty to thirty thousand, at least.”
“And our kingdom’s forces?”
“The generals have mobilized troops to defend the gates.”
“Very well. You may withdraw.”
Once the soldier departed, Magic Rainbow turned to the pale-faced girl beside her.
“The combined might of two Grand Duchies and the Empire exceeds this number. Twenty or thirty thousand is merely their vanguard—reinforcements will follow… What is Your Majesty’s decision?”
“Even if we agreed to collaborate with that reincarnator now… wouldn’t it be too late?”
Silvia bit her lower lip, questioning.
“Not yet. The allied forces need time to besiege the city. Within that window, through my space magic…”