What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 44

“I see… we failed. Ah, we’ve lost such a valuable asset.”

Hugo, the foreign minister of Liberitoa received the report from the spy and leaned his weight against the backrest of the chair he was sitting on.

He was the only one in the tightly sealed room, free from unnecessary disturbances, suitable for summarizing the situation.

Intelligence agents skilled in providing information and carrying out assassination missions are precious. Their training starts from childhood, incurring substantial costs. And now, they lost one as if it were a mere pawn in the operation—a truly sorrowful loss.

The recapture operation led by Craist failed early on, and the poisoning attempt from Ferrius, and even the assassination ordered by Hugo had failed.

“The bastions, the fortress, the Highserk soldiers, the «Ignis Fatuus» user, Gerald, and now even the Three Heroes… With all these combined, it seems we are going to lose this battle.”

The forces of the Four Nations Alliance, which had exceeded 60,000, had now dwindled to 32,000. While numerically superior to the Highserk Empire’s army, the Four Nations Alliance couldn’t even breach the front yard of the Highserk forces; they were being overwhelmed.

If they could capture even just the bastions, they had a chance to win the war. Black water gushes out in the desert where powerful monsters such as the Fire Scorpion roam in Hugo’s homeland, the Liberitoa Commercial Federation.

To intermittently burn down the Sarajevo Fortress, a sufficient amount was transported from the homeland, and large-scale throwing machines were installed in the captured bastions. However, all of it was ruined by a surprise attack initiated by the «Ignis Fatuus» user, leading to a full-scale assault.

“In a straightforward battle, we can’t match them. In that case—there’s no choice but the demon territory.”

Facing the Highserk Empire forces holding the Sarajevo Fortress with conventional military strength offered no chance of success. Hugo shifted his gaze away from the Sarajevo Fortress and pointed his finger towards the largest and most powerful demonic territory located at the center of the continent.

While the large throwing machines were lost, the flames of Liberitoa were safely being transported across Lake Celta by ship. There was no reason not to use this.

Being the largest and strongest demon territory on the continent, just transporting barrels containing the black water would cause damage to the troops. However, when weighed against brute force, the answer was clear.

There was a sufficient amount to burn down the forests of the demon territory. All that remained was to stimulate the vengeful spirit of King Ferrius, burning to avenge is brother’s death, and whisper a sweet invitation to Craist, who is in a panic because of the Three Heroes and the hit to their main force; surely they would take him up on his offer.

Nevertheless, execution was essential; otherwise, it would remain a theoretical plan on paper. In Hugo’s mind, the image of the girl who succeeded her father and became the Queen of Myard surfaced.

An inexperienced but patriotic individual concerned for the country. Myard might not agree, but with three against one, Hugo chuckled, confident that Myard’s remnants would be helpless.

All that remained was to go with the flow. Fortunately, the losses of the Liberitoa forces were lower compared to Ferrius and Craist, and in terms of numbers, they had the largest force.

Whether successful or not, it would still deal a significant blow to the Highserk Empire.

Having organized his thoughts, Hugo called for his attendants and gave instructions. There was never an option for Hugo to return home without achieving anything.

————-

“Are you seriously planning to burn the demon territory on the outskirts of Myard?”

Rita Myard’s angry voice echoed in the heavily guarded tent. With only the Celta territory, the smallest mobilized force among the Four Nations Alliance, and being the youngest, Rita’s influence was limited. However, she was still a representative figure for her country. Knowing that her homeland would be ravaged, Rita couldn’t stay silent.

“Even if you say that, is there any other way to move the Highserk Empire forces entrenched in the Sarajevo Fortress? If we burn the demon territory, the displaced monsters will attack the Highserk soldiers. Of course, there will be some sacrifices among Myard’s people, but they are necessary sacrifices.”

Rita harbored increasing resentment towards the self-centered remarks of the Foreign Minister of the Liberitoa Commercial Federation. She needed to calm down; otherwise, she would fall into the cunning old fox’s trap.

“Even if it’s a strategy that sacrifices the people of the allied nations, do the other two countries agree?”

In the tent, the King of Ferrius and the Commander of the Craist Knights were present. In response to Rita’s inquiry, the Knight Commander of Craist answered.

“Sacrifices are inevitable in war. Our Craist soldiers have paid significant sacrifices, despite being uninvited to this country. Isn’t it Myard that needs to show sincerity?”

Following this, King Ferrius made his statement.

“Ferrius has made significant contributions, both military and civilian. To bring the Highserk Empire down to hell, there’s no other way. If we burn Myard’s demon territory, sacrifices will also occur in the Kingdom of Ferrius. Be prepared!!”

Seeing madness in those eyes, Rita realized that the death of Ferrius’ beloved younger brother was influencing him. Rita herself had lost her father and homeland in the Battle of Aidenburg. She understood the tempting allure of revenge. Still, as a ruler of a nation, she couldn’t condone it.

“However–!!”

Raising her voice, Rita was interrupted by Hugo, who made a wry expression with his burnt face.

“If we allow Highserk to leap here, one country after another will be attacked. The Highserk Empire cannot help but annex an opponent once they have clashed swords. That country, under the guise of a defensive war, is extremely aggressive, and if we don’t break through the Sarajevo Fortress, the Highserk Empire will recover its strength and mobilize troops from its controlled territories. I hate to say this, but Myard will be the first to sink.”

Showing concern about Myard while shamelessly advocating for burning Myard’s demon territory. The Foreign Minister of Liberitoa stated this calmly.

Rita’s persuasion continues, but it leads to the situation she feared the most.

“According to the prior agreement, the direction of the war is determined by majority vote. There is no doubt about it.”

King Ferrius, rushed to a conclusion and presented the proposal that Rita least wanted to hear.

“In the alliance documents, we have undoubtedly agreed on that.”

“If that’s the case, let’s take a majority vote. The Kingdom of Craist will cast an approving vote to burn down the demon territory,” said the Knight Commander of Craist.

“…Ugh, the Myard Principality votes against it,” Rita reluctantly expressed.

“The Kingdom of Ferrius votes in favor,” declared the King of Ferrius.

“The Liberitoa Commercial Federation votes in favor.”

“It’s decided, 3 to 1. We will burn down the demon territory on the outskirts of Myard.”

“That land is a formidable demon territory, untouched even by the three major nations. Its danger level is different from other demon territories. It’s something humans shouldn’t meddle with!”

It’s a box that should not be opened, housing magical creatures classified as S and A types. Rita finds herself involved in unlocking that box, exposing her own people to danger.

“We will employ adventurers to burn down the demon territory. Adventurers who have been shut out of their homelands have agreed to cooperate. How devoted the people of Myard are. Let’s pray for success,” declared the Liberitoa’s Foreign Minister.

Everything unfolded according to the Liberitoa Foreign Minister’s calculations, and Rita clenches her fist. A powerless nation always has limited choices. Rita gazes at the sky in frustration, but all she sees is the interior of the tent.