Episode 208 Crusade of the Abyss – Strait Breakthrough (3)
Lumière, the capital of Francia.
I got off the horse and looked at the huge cathedral worthy of the capital.
Since the saintess exercised her divine power 400 years ago to protect her country, Francia has always been a country that reverently serves God.
Although the faith has faded and decayed over a long period of time, and there have been people like Isidor who dismiss the church itself as an outdated legacy, there are still many believers in Franzia.
And today, more people than ever are gathered at Lumiere’s cathedral to offer earnest prayers.
This is because the Revolutionary Kingdom of Franzia has officially declared war on the Abyss Corporation.
They pray before God to protect their husbands in this war and to protect their sons from demons.
As I passed them and entered the interior of the cathedral, Archbishop John greeted me with a silent bow.
I bowed silently to him and walked inside as he pointed with his hand. I could see the queen kneeling in front of the altar and praying.
For some reason I feel a sense of déjà vu.
I was sitting in a shabby church in Bahua, a city filled with gunfire, and Eris came to visit.
In my previous life, I never encountered Eris.
Still, I had a vague thought that Eris would have been doing that on the morning of her final days…
I remained silent and waited for Eris to finish her prayer.
Eventually, Eris slowly stood up, turned to me, and smiled with her purple eyes.
“Marquis de Lafayette.”
“Your Majesty the Queen.”
Eris slowly approached me and said.
“It’s time.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After hearing what I said, Eris slowly tilted her head and smiled.
“I want to ask you to go with me like always…”
“Please be patient this time.”
Eris naturally wanted to participate in the landing operation.
But this war is different from previous ones.
Although the wars Eris has participated in so far have been dangerous, at least there has been a way out.
In the worst case scenario, in a war between human nations, even if Eris were captured, no nation would want to harm the respected queen and saint.
But this time, they have to fight against demons who are stronger enemies than ever before, and there is no way the demons will respect the saint, and once they land, there is no escape.
The National Assembly was desperately opposed to the idea that Eris, who had already become the spiritual leader of the entire nation, would take such a risk, and even the Holy Knights of the Holy Church and the Pope were horrified and said absolutely no way.
The saint from 400 years ago was eventually captured by demons at the end of the war, and no one knows what her fate was. I can only vaguely guess that it can’t be a very good fate.
From the Holy Church’s point of view, they cannot allow Eris, who is recognized by them, performs miracles, and has become a symbol that attracts believers, to go in search of a place to die.
“…is it so. “The reason why it doesn’t work is because I was sick of it and said I wouldn’t fuss anymore.”
Eris answered like that and then added with a wry smile.
“But it doesn’t feel good to feel like I’m being treated specially while others are taking the same risks.”
“Just a blessing from Her Majesty the Queen will be of great help.”
Even though she cannot cross the sea and participate in battle directly, Eris will definitely follow her to the battlefield and protect her people.
“yes yes. “I will do my best and walk as powerfully as possible.”
Eris answered with a bitter smile, was silent for a moment, then looked at me and asked a question.
“Marquis de Lafayette.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Eris asked while smiling slightly.
“Do you thank God now?”
“….”
In response to the saint’s question about whether being alive itself is proof of faith, I turned my attention to the statue of the god that Eris was praying to just a moment ago.
I had doubts.
I saw a republic filled with a lot of blood and chaos.
The Holy Church, who should have been the most pious apostle of God, encouraged Eris to be executed as a witch.
I saw a demonic succubus using divine power comparable to that of Eris.
Even I, who probably returned to my divine power, ultimately drove countless enemies and humans who served the same god to death to protect my people.
“I’m still not sure.”
nevertheless.
Eris, who is said to become stronger the more she uses her divine power when she is with me, has actually transformed from a young wanderer who struggled to save only a few dozen people to a symbol of hope and faith that can save countless people.
I also don’t know if it’s the protection of divine power or what, but I’ve grown amazingly.
At least, I never had this level of strength before returning, and above all, I directly felt the miracle of the divine power that saved me by somehow neutralizing the poison of the devil, which should have killed me just by brushing against it.
“But I know what I have to do.”
If there is any mission for me, who vanished in vain at the hands of the guillotine, to stand here now and lead people.
The most extreme form of bloody revolution caused by the intervention of demons.
As if that wasn’t enough, all the tricks they used to somehow add to the chaos on the continent.
If this path stained with countless sacrifices and blood was ultimately for this destination.
If it was to save the continent that would eventually be destroyed by the devil’s tricks in the future where I was executed and to gain a better future.
If that is my mission.
Then –
“So, whether it is God’s will or not, whatever else is desired.”
Because this path ultimately overlaps with the path I had longed for at the last moment.
“I am willing to do it.”
Eris stood still for a while, looking at me, then turned to the statue, put her hands together, muttered something briefly, and then-
“Okay then. “This time.”
He smiled and held out his hand to me.
“I hope this war ends safely and we can all feel at peace and give sincere thanks to God.”
I smiled lightly and answered by holding her hand and escorting her.
“I hope so too, Your Majesty.”
* * *
While the order to mobilize the revolutionary army was issued in the capital city of Lumiere and the army was being organized, I moved to Brest in advance with only my staff.
Mobilizing the army and establishing a landing plan are important, but Deze can do that as well.
In the end, what really matters is the most core issue.
How will we break through that strait and where will we land?
And one of the people who will decide that is the person I must protect above all else.
“The strength of the French Navy is three 86-gun class battleships and 11 74-gun class battleships. The dual flagship ‘Libre’ is equipped with a Holland-made horsepower engineering engine and can operate with asymmetrical power.”
Christine gives the briefing and Admiral Lee receives it immediately.
“The Hyunmu fleet’s strength is 5 80-gun class ironclad ships, 5 86-gun class ships of the line, 8 74-gun class ships of the line, and 13 62-gun class battleships. Among the auxiliary ships, we also have six rocket ships that can inflict substantial damage on enemy main ships.”
Even though it is indeed the Eastern Empire and has gathered the remaining ships of the Blue Dragon Fleet, its military power is beyond standard.
To be honest, I was skeptical about the Chars and Elves because they were so absurd, but at least their navy is real. Admiral Lee and Admiral Lindsay’s skills in bringing such a large fleet to this point relatively intact are also evident.
“What is an ironclad ship?”
When Admiral Andreas Svensson, who was to command the Northern United Kingdom’s fleet, asked, Admiral Lee answered quite politely.
“It is a battleship with a hull reinforced with iron plates to withstand shell attacks. “The number of guns has been reduced due to space issues, but in a fleet battle, we can expect more capabilities than ordinary ships of the line.”
Our engineers gave it high praise when they saw it.
Can’t I just add an iron plate and that’s it? I was wondering if the hull design ability had to be very good to achieve that while having a long range or a lot of cannons.
“Right. … The Northern United Kingdom has one 74-gun class battleship and three 62-gun class battleships.”
Admiral Svensson’s expression was not very good, perhaps because he thought he was insignificant as he spoke.
Well, anyway, we didn’t call the Northern United Kingdom expecting great naval power. They just have to work hard on the transportation mission.
The other Allied powers couldn’t send a single battleship anyway.
And lastly….
“The Iberica Brotherhood has three 74-gun class ships of the line!”
Crocs, a large, heterogeneous orc alone in this conference hall, shouted proudly.
Coincidentally, Crocs, who was born and raised in Porto Port, had seen and heard about the voyage at least over his shoulder, and most of the king’s henchmen had grown up inland, so King Crocs himself took the role of admiral.
And there is a satisfaction that cannot be hidden on Crocs’ face.
okay. You must be proud, brother.
During the Iberian Unification War, those who did not have a single ship of any kind acquired three proper main-class ships of the line with technical support from Franzia… It was
shocking to learn that even the Holy Church, which had no ships of the line, was possessed by pagan barbarians. Of course, they are putting pressure on us and are building battleships in a hurry.
Everything is fine, but please at least put some clothes on.
It was very burdensome to see Crocs’ muscles dancing and bursting every time he moved or breathed…
Even Lindsay, who saw Crocs for the first time, freaked out and tried to use magic.
“There are differences in ship class, but in total there are 52 ships of the line. Special care will be needed to avoid any problems during operations. In order to reduce confusion among the fleet, auxiliary ships, excluding the rocket ships of the Hyeonmu Fleet, will be used only for detection and reconnaissance of the enemy fleet.”
“That is a reasonable judgment.”
After hearing Christine’s words, Admiral Lee responded kindly. Is this an unavoidable measure, as if we make a mistake, the movement lines of the ships will become tangled.
Nodding lightly to Admiral Lee, Christine quickly took out a new map and spread it out on the conference table.
“Based on a report from the reconnaissance fleet, it has been confirmed that Rassa’s fleet has also gathered in the southern and central parts of the island. “It is not accurate, but the estimated size of the enemy fleet is more than 50 ships of the line.”
“Hmm…”
In fact, there is no such thing as numerical superiority even though they have gathered all the navies of the entire continent.
As expected, Abyss Corporation….
“Assholes.”
Everyone’s attention was focused.
Admiral Lindsay, who received their attention, took a sip of vodka and added one word.
“Let’s beat up all the bastards!”
“….”
Admiral Lindsay was an unconventional elf in many ways.
It is his daily routine to drink vodka openly not only during work hours but also during strategy meetings, and to walk around and ask anyone for a drink, saying that he has nothing to do since Admiral Lee is doing all his work.
How many people would turn down a drink from a beautiful elf with blonde hair and green eyes whom they had never seen before?
Lindsay quickly learned the common language of the Central Continent within a month, causing countless casualties by offering infinite vodka.
The problem is that I learned strangely, focusing on harsh words unique to sailors…
“Haa…”
Oh, this is the first time I’ve seen Admiral Lee sigh.
When Admiral Lee said something in their language, Lindsay responded with a very wide smile.
I don’t know what he’s saying, but seeing as he’s satisfied and drinking vodka, I guess I can stop worrying.
Although he is an uncontrollable elf in many ways, he seems to listen well to Admiral Lee, and it is fortunate that Admiral Lee has a relatively common sense.
When things seemed to have settled down a bit, Christine cleared her throat and opened her mouth again.
“This is something I discussed with Admiral Lee in advance while looking at the reconnaissance and maps, but since there are new people here, I will explain it again. The strait between Franzia and the Abyss Corporation is narrow. So if we can maintain sea control for just one day, that will give us enough time to make landfall.”
If preparation is sufficient, the time required for landing from the time of gaining control of the sea is only about 6 hours. Even if we take into account the confusion that will arise from transporting supplies and making hasty progress, there will be more than enough in one day.
“Therefore, we invite the fleet to enter the strait and engage in a decisive battle. They will respond because preventing the landing is their top priority. “The best is to win, but even if we don’t win, if we can at least push forward with a two-party strategy, we, who have many auxiliary ships in the combined fleet, can seize control of the sea at least temporarily.”
And because of that, even if we tie the score in a naval battle, we have the advantage.
Demons are certainly powerful, but their numbers are smaller than humans. We’ll make up for it with drones, but looking at the number of drones currently attacking the Eastern Empire, the remaining troops at home won’t be overflowing.
If you can somehow land and hold out until the gate is built, you have a chance of winning.
“Umm…”
Admiral Svensson narrowed his eyes and groaned.
The Northern United Kingdom would want to preserve its few ships of the line as much as possible.
“Hahaha, I’m glad it’s hot!”
On the other hand, Lindsay seemed very satisfied with what she heard from Crocs and Admiral Lee.
Honestly, the idea that ship damage would be low while dealing with the Abyss Corporation’s navy makes no sense, right?
In the end, Admiral Svensson also reluctantly nodded.
“I agree with the need for a decisive battle between the fleets. But isn’t the most important thing the strategy? “Our fleet size is not inferior to that of the Abyss Corporation, but it is a joint fleet and our experience would be less than theirs.”
Oh, the Northern United Kingdom may have some flaws in its army, but its navy is still pretty good.
After hearing Admiral Svensson’s words, Christine nodded and shifted her gaze to Admiral Lee.
“I agree with Admiral Svensson’s opinion. Therefore…”
Admiral Lee replied, drawing a line on the map with a quill pen.
“We will fight as befits the underdog.”
