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Chapter 2: Proposal

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A briefing.

In a large room, a large map was stretched out for all to see, with crystals hovering around as lights.

Krone was standing guard.

He was guarding the one giving the briefing, Great General of Kharlussia, Sir Shurran Algate. In front of him, two hundred commanders of Kharlussia.

Dark circles around their eyes, they all seemed tired.

Yet they paid attention. An air of maturity and sharp sense came from each of them. These were seasoned commanders, veterans of a great empire.

Kharlussian Empire, the largest empire in the world.

It was an empire which encompassed the East and West, partly covering three continents. Along with such a large territory, was her large population of over three hundred million.

As the empire was a superpower, it was natural to have many enemies.

Currently, the empire was in war.

A war against the leading superpower, The Union of Lords, or ‘The Union’ for short.

It was the 20th Year.

Kharlussia had lost a lot of territory, and her casualties alone were great. To make matters worse, the existence of dimensional beasts kept pressuring the army and people.

It was harsh times, difficult for all.

However, behind hardship, there was fortune.

Indeed, after hardship, there was prosperity.

The beasts which continued to invade, became their source of food and provisions. Just as important, they became their source of strength; their cores.

Much to the chagrin of their enemy.

“The information proved reliable. This Grand Rift must be destroyed. Immediately.”

Shurran’s voice reverberated through the room.

He continued to explain the battle plan, issuing tasks to the most important commanders there. Soon, his deputy took over. He sat down, sighing as he did.

His eyes were weary, his face was wrinkled.

Krone observed him, almost telling him to just rest.

He however, knew it would be futile. The old man had principles. He would not rest as long as his commanders were not clear of the operation as a whole.

Looking at his tired face, Krone recalled their retreat from the burning Imperial Capital. Several Grand Beasts were still alive, running amok.

A large Wraith, an Earth Dragon and a Troll King.

These were among those clearly imprinted in his memory. Each towered over buildings and castles, responsible for so much destruction and loss of life.

He and his team wanted to get rid of them, yet he was ordered to retreat. It came directly from this man, so he did not complain.

He did not wish to.

He knew how painful a decision it was, so he shut up.

Four years had passed since.

In the central region of Kharlussia, General Shurran had taken command of all Kharlussian forces.

Back then, with the loss of their Supreme Guardian and also the Prime Minister, this former Minister of Defense took control of the situation. With him, over a million soldiers and militia came to the central region.

The central region was not a place for pussies.

With such high altitude and extreme coldness, people had to be strong to live. This was a good condition in the eyes of the old general.

There was no need to persuade the populace long to practice The Dawn Meditation, and the Knight’s special breathing method.

At first, the foremost concern was the lack of provisions.

These were especially so for food, weapons and energy. Fortunately, packs of otherworldly beasts coming from the rift delivered the solution. They ensured continuous supply of food, weapons and core.

With the beast’s core, soldiers and mages continued to be strengthened. With core, energy source was no more a problem. The snowy region also guaranteed them of water supply.

Thus, the remains of the great Kharlussian army could operate indefinitely.

The central region was also an industrial centre.

It was the base of Kharlussian Air Fleet, factories, research centres and one of the four Imperial Academy, specialized in air magic engineering. Thus, it was important for war.

In addition, the location was strategic enough.

It was neighbouring Luminaria Republic, the only other world's major power not against them. With their help, Kharlussia managed to stall the Union’s seemingly imminent victory.

One way of helping; Luminaria had refused the Union’s request.

They wished to use Luminaria’s territory to open another front in the south, offering so much in exchange.

So much so, that their offer was enticing.

Yet Luminaria was not so foolish to accept.

Having the central region of Kharlussia would open the Union up for all the vast resource of Kharlussian Empire, as well as ease of movement in the central continent.

That was no brainer, Luminaria rejected it out right.

Should the Union win, Luminaria would have the Union’s powerful army right on their backyard. Being the sole major power still denying their influence in its soil, it’s only rational to lend a helping hand to Kharlussia.

Of course, there were some politicians who thought otherwise.

Even still, for four years, the Union’s offensives into the central region were broken one after another.

Controlling many cities and over ten million populace in this mountainous region, Shurran continued to deny the Union’s offer of surrender. He would accept nothing else than a peace offer.

This resulted in extreme frustration among the Union’s High Command.

They hated Shurran so much there was even a ridiculous bounty on his head, well-known among the underworld community.

Not only him, for those around him as well.

Krone had one too.

His was a mere twentieth from the old man, but it was already over ten million, in gold coins. A bounty in gold instead of paper money made it all the more valuable.

That made him smile ear to ear.

Contrary to their hatred, the Union praised Shurran to the sky.

They called him a genius once in a hundred years. These praises, all to cover their shame of not being able to prevent years of stalemate, despite the obvious advantages they possessed.

Their citizens all came to know the man’s name, hatred and admiration mixed in. They failed to understand why the man refused their generous offer of surrender.

Yet many, could not help admiring his resolve.

…

Thankfully, the briefing did not take too much time.

“General?”

“Ah, yes. Everyone, thank you for your good work. Rest well.”

“Sir, yes Sir!”

The commanders saluted him, right hand slanted on their chest.

…

In his office, he pondered his next steps.

He was accompanied by Krone and his trusted aide, a young lady.

The situation was even direr than he had expected, and it seemed this rift was special in a way. Grand Beasts continuously came out from it. In a day, over a dozen of these giants emerged.

Current intel informed him their movement. They were marching their way towards a city under him.

“Juanna, announce a general briefing for all of First and Second Army Commanders, 0900 tomorrow.”

“Sir! First and Second Army Commanders, 0900 tomorrow. If you’ll excuse me,”

She saluted and went on her way, leaving only Krone and the old man in his office.

The quietness was eerie, almost awkward. The room was an antiquated one, with wooden floors, table and bookshelf. On the table and walls, mana stones lighted the room.

Shurran took off his glasses, pinching in between his eyes. It was nighttime, and since the passing of winter, he had not had a good rest.

He sighed.

A rather long sigh.

“Krone, how many years have you followed me?”

“Sir, I believe it’s already been ten years.”

“Ten, huh? You’re like a son to me. You’re Sheqa’s son, afterall. It’s fine if you’re a bit informal right now.”

“Sir, I understand.”

He smiled. He had always followed regulations around him, only relaxing himself when permitted to. Shurran ushered him to take a seat, and over tea, they had a nice, cordial chat.

“…You know, I don’t mind being a middle man for you and Juanna.”

“Sir, what?”

“Hohoho. Both of you are too hesitating, it’s a torture. To see you young ones being so close, yet so restraining. Krone, in order to grasp victory, you have to be bold at times.”

“We’re both officers, so,”

“Scrap that stupid rule. You think I can’t differentiate biased judgement?”

“Hah. Well, if you say so, I guess I’ll, after the operation?”

“You fool! Don’t say that, it’s a bad omen!”

He laughed heartily.

He never believed such superstition, so he made fun of it. For the old man, it was a luxury to have such seemingly normal chat in times like these. If any outsider could see this, they would think it was a family get-together.

As if it was a father, giving his son life counseling.

==

Morning.

The 1st and 2nd Army’s briefing had ended. Over two hundred commanders were about to exit the briefing room, yet a certain awkward situation piqued their interest.

It was Krone, acting all awkward.

By the table for Shurran’s aides, he was standing beside Juanna, currently busy with paperwork. They could see General Shurran clenching his fist from afar, punching the air.

It was obvious he was giving him a push.

Witnessing this, the others were puzzled.

The hell?

What’s Krone up to this time?

He’s not planning to infuriate her again, right?

Well, knowing it’s him…

“Juanna.”

“Hm? I’m busy right now, Sir Krone. Can’t entertain you.”

“It’s rather important, so would you mind giving me time?”

“No.”

“It’s important, just hear me out. It won’t take long.”

“Argh, fine, this better be good. What is it?”

“You see, I had been thinking about this, for so long.”

“What? What is it? You’re not pulling a prank on me now, right?”

“Well no, I was just wondering…”

He knelt, eyes on her, locked. He took out a ring, shining gold.

Knowing him, she almost jumped. Looking around, she pondered if he was going to tease her again.

“Sir Krone, now not the time for a joke, everybody’s looking!”

“I didn’t say anything yet?”

“Well, knowing you… Stop this at once!”

“Only after you answer me, seriously. Juanna, will you marry me?”

“See? There you go at it again, eeh?”

For awhile, she blanked out.

Even for a prank, this was just too much. She looked around, still unsure whether or not he was serious. Gaze finally landing on the old general, she witnessed him nodding.

That was the sign.

A sign that it was not a joke. General Shurran would not be so childish, as to be involved in this crime.

For a while, she stood there, silence.

The room, filled with knights and veteran commanders, all held in their breath.

Time passed, Krone broke in cold sweat.

“Err, Ju? I think you’re taking too long to respond?”

“Krone, you’re serious, right?”

“Of course I am.”

“You mind me killing you if you’re kidding?”

“Eh? No, I don’t mind. Kill me if I lie!”

“…Hmph.”

Hearing him said so, she smiled.

No, a smirk, somewhat!

Cheeks reddened, she nodded.

“Eh? Is that a yes?”

“…What would a nod be, if not yes, you fool?”

“A yes?”

“Yes, a yes! You want me take it back, huh?”

“A yes? It’s a yes!”

He turned to the others, joyful tears was in his eyes.

General Shurran walked to him, patting his shoulder.

Following his lead, commanders of First and Second Army patted him on his back. He got two hundred pats that day, some were filled with much force.

Some even had traces of mana, those fuckers!

“Whatever, they can be jealous of me, for all I care, hmph!”

“Ah, hey! Krone, what are you doing?!”

“Announcing this to the city, what else?”

“What, the city? Put me down, hey!”

That day, he took Juanna out for a princess carry. He carried her all around the city, parading her as his.

In return, he got a pinch on his stomach, red for many hours.

“Well, it was well worth it.”

His hearty laughter echoed throughout the city. Beside him, a tender face rested on his chest.

Slumbering.

A smile was on, no, it was a smirk.

A lady, smirking while sleeping.

==== Chapter Two End ====