……
The landing force commanded by Sony Chepelin has occupied the Azoff archipelago. This is the first time in 70 years since the establishment of the Okhraine Duchy from the Rus Tsar Empire that lost territory has been reclaimed.
A hasty report from the front lines.
“Yes!”
Orlando Rus III, who had been waiting with his vassals in Fort Morok, abruptly stood up and clenched his fists.
“What did I say? Didn’t I say they would succeed?!”
Facing the bewildered officials, Orlando Rus III spoke. This was the first ‘complete victory’ recorded in the history of the Okhraine Duchy.
Moreover, they completely eradicated the troublesome Azoff People’s Liberation Front.
This should be good news, but at the same time, they felt an inexplicable sense of crisis.
Sony Chepelin and her party were advancing rapidly, sweeping through all their achievements.
There was also a vague fear that their positions might be threatened anytime.
Not to mention, Orlando Rus III was already a monarch who constantly devoted himself to enhancing military power and technological development, unlike his predecessor.
While importing advanced Western culture, he also confronted the Soviev Empire sharply.
He worried that such decisions might awaken the sleeping bear.
Peace, after all, stems from strong national power.
Having lived through an era where the entire continent was peaceful for their whole lives, some officials even thought that Orlando Rus III’s actions were actually undermining peace.
“Minister of State, immediately receive reports on the beneficiaries of this war and prepare a grand celebration!”
“As you wish.”
“Finance Minister Radelf, open the treasury to distribute two bags of grain to each citizen. From this moment on, I, Orlando Rus III, will designate January 18th as the ‘Victory Memorial Day’ of Okhraine!”
“Yes, understood.”
It was a national festival declared directly by the co-ruler.
Although the victorious message should have filled Ukhraia with joy,
there weren’t many people who could rejoice fully.
Conflict.
The unsettling atmosphere that had been slowly rising was gradually engulfing Ukhraia.
…
—
“Thus concludes the funeral ceremony for 832 fallen soldiers. May eternal peace be bestowed upon these brave comrades who brought glory to our homeland, Okhraine.”
After delivering my speech, I descended and placed a white chrysanthemum, wrapped around the flag of Okhraine, on the coffin.
Bum-bum-bum.
Dong. Dong.
A solemn requiem played in a low, monotonous tone, and sobs could be heard from various places.
After the conclusion of the Quernen War, the landing force headquarters announced their first event: a memorial service for those who fell on the front lines.
“Attention… Salute to the heroes!”
Bang!
Bam!
White smoke rose from the 57mm Grizzly howitzer lined up in the corner. A total of 21 rounds.
Though I wasn’t new to attending funerals, the heavy and oppressive atmosphere didn’t seem like something I could get used to no matter how many times I attended.
“If only I had run a little faster…”
“Bella, you completed your mission.”
I comforted Bella Meyer, who was gnawing on her lips in frustration.
Lumina and Roxanna both wore somber expressions. Comrades had died. Surely there were people among them who were close to Lumina and Roxanna.
“War is always like this.”
As I swallowed hard, I watched the coffins leaving the hall.
Only after everything was over did we leave the funeral hall.
“It’s so cold.”
Winter had come, and the biting cold seemed to pierce through my flesh. I never imagined spending New Year’s this way.
At that moment, while clicking my tongue in a bitter mood:
“Colonel Enok Revendale.”
“?”
Someone tapped me on the back. Glancing over, I saw Sony Chepelin’s adjutant.
“The commander wants to see you.”
“Oh.”
“We’ll wait for you first.”
The three of them nodded and returned to the unit first.
Following the adjutant, I entered the temporary headquarters of the landing force in Fort Morok. After all, it wouldn’t make sense to hold a victory memorial ceremony on the Azoff archipelago.
Currently, the only division with a relatively intact force remaining on the islands was the 19th Division.
“You gave a touching eulogy. It moved me.”
“Thank you.”
“…Thanks to you, the sacrifices of those friends won’t be in vain.”
Sony Chepelin spoke in a calm and heavy tone, unlike her usual playful manner.
“Anyway, the war is finally over.”
“That’s true.”
“Three months… It was long, yet short.”
Just when he had returned from the Rhinehardt Empire not long ago,
the sudden invasion by the Azoff People’s Liberation Front shook the country.
Under emergency mobilization orders, they pushed back the invading forces recklessly occupying the country from Maniopol to Fort Morok.
Moreover, initiating a campaign to reclaim the islands, they eliminated the strongest opposition within the country and reclaimed the territory.
In just a few months, they achieved remarkable results.
Looking at it now, it really is impressive.
“So the co-ruler plans to organize a parade. Initially, it was suggested to start from the Azoff archipelago and move towards the capital, Kaieff…”
“That’s too far.”
“Right? So I submitted a counter-proposal, and ultimately, we compromised to start from Maniopol and end in Kaieff. And the vanguard of the parade will be the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit.”
Hearing Sony Chepelin’s words, I realized that what was coming had finally arrived.
—
[Historic Victory. Glory to the perfected Okhraine!]
[Grand Mage Sony Chepelin proves herself once more!]
[The greatest contributor to the war is the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit. The sharpest blade of Sony Chepelin.]
[Co-Ruler Orlando Rus III designates January 18th as the Victory Memorial Day of Okhraine!]
[Is Enok Revendale a god?]
“Extra! Extra!!”
“We’ve won! We’ve reclaimed the Azoff archipelago after the war is over!!”
“Anyone got newspapers left?! I’ll pay extra to buy one right away!”
As soon as today’s newspaper was posted, Sara Ronald, the head of the Wilson Times branch in Okhraine (pronounced as “R”), smiled contentedly watching citizens rush to buy it like undead.
The sole newspaper in Okhraine, Wilson Times, went into full operation immediately after receiving official news of the victory.
With preparations made by acquiring local newspapers, there wouldn’t be a shortage of supply as there was last time.
Wilson Times had sold like hotcakes ever since the reporting restrictions were lifted.
As Enok Revendale said, the newspaper, which didn’t sell hundreds of copies a day when it only covered foreign news, began selling tens of thousands of copies a day once it started covering the Quernen War.
Merchants even came from outside Kaieff with bundles of money to buy newspapers.
Sara Ronald’s smile never faded from her face for a single day.
“Editor-in-Chief!”
“Why? If someone wants to order newspapers, tell them we’re already fully contracted.”
“That’s not it. It’s from the Wilson Times… Head Office.”
Head Office?
Hearing this word, Sara Ronald immediately stood up.
“Sara Ronald, long time no see.”
“Deputy Director Jesson!”
The second-in-command of Wilson Times personally visiting Okhraine?
Sara Ronald was certain that the long-awaited moment was near.
Deputy Director Jesson shook hands lightly with her before sitting down on the sofa in the editor-in-chief’s office.
“Being in a remote country is indeed nice. Too noisy in ‘New Yorktown’. Your face is clearly visible here.”
“Haha, it’s not just the environment though.”
“Today seems particularly noisy. Seems like they’re making a big announcement about Okhraine’s victory?”
“Yeah.”
Seeing Sara Ronald smile, Deputy Director Jesson pulled out a letter from his pocket.
Stamped with the Wilson Times seal, it bore the scribbled name ‘Wilson’ at the bottom.
“This…”
“The director has decided to upgrade the Okhraine branch to ‘Clear’ status.”
“Really!?”
“It seems the recent articles pleased the director. Plus, regarding that friend Enok Revendale… It looks like the director took something under his wing.”
The founder of Wilson Times, Director Wilson, was known for his extraordinary intuition.
His reason for dispatching Sara Ronald specifically to the small nation of Okhraine amidst the Empire Alliance and Free Union was based on his intuition.
“Director intends for you to stick closely to him and bring back profitable news stories, Sara Ronald, Chief of Clear.”
Chief.
How eagerly she had awaited this day. Beyond just being a nominal branch manager, she was now a chief.
“Wilson Times Okhraine Branch. Let’s nurture it well.”
“……!!! I’ll work hard!!”
Sara Ronald jumped up, bowing repeatedly.
